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KENZO x H&M Collaboration to Launch in November 2016!

25 May, 2016 Nelia

KENZO x H&M Collaboration was announced this morning, and I am so excited!!! I love the playful aesthetic of this Parisian fashion house, and paired with H&M, this collab is definitely a match made in fashion heaven. I expect to see a lot of vibrant colours, fun prints, and cool cuts. H&M interviewed KENZO’s Creative Directors Carol Lim and Humberto Leon and here’s what they had to say about the upcoming KENZO x H&M collection:

Humberto Leon: ”We like to make sure each piece [in the collection] has its own value and feels special, but at the same time that the collection as a whole feels really united. That means people should be as excited to own a t-shirt as they are to own a dress. Each piece should feel deliberate.”

Carol Lim: ”Yes, and, overall, it’s always about realising strengths and weaknesses. We know what we’re good at and what we can bring. We know what the team at Kenzo is good at and what they can do. We try to give everyone that space to be creative. And then it becomes about letting there be a dialogue between those perspectives. Sometimes, it’s really easy. And sometimes, it’s hard because there are multiple points of view involved. But that’s good! Ultimately, you work it out.”

KENZO x H&M will be available in over 250 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online, from November 3rd, 2016. More details to come!

Photo Credits: H&M

Shopping: COS To Open Canadian Stores in Toronto and Montreal in Fall 2015!

20 April, 2015 Nelia

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After a few days of speculation it’s been finally confirmed – COS (Collection of Style) is set to open 2 stores in Canada this fall, one in Toronto and one in Montreal. And while initially, I was 99% sure the Toronto store was going to be at Yorkdale like all the other new arrivals to Canada, it seems Toronto’s mink mile has won this round. Slated to spread out across three floors at 85 Bloor St W (formerly a Tiffany and Co location), COS will be in good company with neighbours like CHANEL, Dolce and Gabbana, and J.Crew in the vicinity. In Montreal, the store will find a new home at 1310 Saint Catherine West, with a one level boutique.

Oftentimes referred to as H&M’s more upscale sibling, I am pretty sure COS will find its niche here in Canada, what with their stylish, yet timeless wares, and a cult-following in Europe and North America.

How do you feel about the news? Share in the comments!

Photo Credits: COS

Shopping: Longchamp to Open First Canadian Location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre!

2 December, 2014 Nelia

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Longchamp lovers, rejoice! It’s just been announced that the iconic French luxury brand is opening its first Canadian store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2015! The new 1,600 square foot flagship store is going to be open to the public in late spring, and will be opening in the expansion wing, rubbing elbows with the likes of Holt Renfrew, Ted Baker London, and Hugo Boss.

“We are delighted to welcome Longchamp to Canada. Longchamp’s international reputation and must-have bags are already leading fashion items in this market.” said Claire Santamaria, Yorkdale Shopping Centre General Manager. “No other Canadian shopping centre has the proven track record that Yorkdale does in terms of helping launch international retailers in this country.”

What she said. Yet another retailer chooses Yorkdale as their first point of entry into the Canadian market. Not at all surprising. So if you’ve been dying to add an iconic bag to your wardrobe, now you’ll actually have plenty of selection to choose from. Who’s excited?!

More after the jump!
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Saks Fifth Avenue is Finally Coming to Canada!

29 July, 2013 Nelia

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Last night, Retail Insider broke the news that The Hudson’s Bay Company has just purchased Saks Fifth Avenue, bringing the Canadian shopaholics’ dreams of shopping at Saks stores (on Canadian soil) one step closer! Last year, we reported about the potential Bloomingdales acquisition by HBC, but that deal (unfortunately) fell through, which brings us back to Saks. Not only are we rumoured to be getting the “regular” Saks stores, but the discount chain Off 5th will be making its way north of the border as well. I don’t know about you, but waking up to news like this is my definition of BEST MONDAY EVER!

Are you as excited as I am about this new development? Share in the comments!

CONFIRMED!!! Nordstrom to Open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto!

8 April, 2013 Nelia

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HUGE NEWS, lovelies!!! I am excited to confirm that after months of rumours, it’s been finally confirmed that Nordstrom will be coming to Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in fall 2016!!! 3 years definitely seems like forever right now, but at least it’s a done deal, and we will be getting our very own Nordstrom store at Yorkdale after all. Bring out the champagne!

“We are thrilled to bring a store to Yorkdale Shopping Centre and view this as a tremendous opportunity to serve Toronto,” said Karen McKibbin, President of Nordstrom Canada. “Yorkdale is clearly a premier fashion destination, home to an impressive mix of retailers and we’re excited to be part of the centre. Ever since we announced that we’re coming to Canada, we have been humbled by the response from customers, and we can’t wait to get to work on earning their business.”

So tell me, are you thrilled about these amazing news? Doesn’t it make you wonder what else Yorkdale has up its sleeve? I am pretty sure the surprises will just keep on coming. Share your opinions in the comments!

Brace Yourselves, Zara Online Shopping is Coming to Canada!

1 March, 2013 Nelia

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Get ready to freeze your credit cards, folks, because everyone’s favourite Spanish fast-fashion retailer Zara is finally going to offer Canadians a chance to shop their trendy clothes online! March 6th is when the magic will happen, and to be honest with you, I am going to relish not having to go to the store to buy whatever it is my heart desires. I will no longer have to wistfully look at the clothes online, only to find out that they have yet to arrive in stores. I will seize the day, and snag everything I want from the comfort of my couch! Actually…that sounds pretty dangerous, doesn’t it?

Now, if only Zara’s sister brand Uterqüe offered a Canadian shopping option, I’d be the happiest girl ever.

Are you excited to be able to finally shop Zara online? Share in the comments!

Photo Credits: Zara

(Yves) Saint Laurent Paris – New Logo Released

24 July, 2012 Nelia

When I first heard about Yves Saint Laurent being renamed to Saint Laurent Paris, I bristled. Actually, I might’ve dramatically exclaimed something like “Blasphemy!” and “Nah-uh!”. Just like thousands of YSL fans out there, I was not happy (to say the least).

But, unfortunately, the brand, the logo, and the decision are not mine to make, so…here it is – the new logo of Saint Laurent Paris – simple and minimalistic – going back to the brand’s RTW Saint Laurent rive gauche roots. Do I like it? I guess it’s ok…But I honestly don’t think that it’s even half as good as the amazingness that was the original YSL monogram.

What do you think of this switcheroo and the new logo? Are you sad that the brand’s ready-to-wear will no longer be adorned with the now iconic YSL monogram? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Saint Laurent Paris Facebook

Nordstrom to Open in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa?!

19 July, 2012 Nelia

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A few weeks ago, while chatting with Yorkdale’s GM, I was trying to figure out whether major US department stores would soon be making their way to Canada…and looks like my fashion dreams are about to come true! Globe and Mail reports that US retailer Nordstrom is indeed slated to open four brand spanking new storefronts in Toronto (Sherway Gardens), Vancouver (Pacific Centre), Calgary (Chinook Centre), and Ottawa (Rideau Centre)!

“Nordstrom is still awaiting approval from its board of directors for the four new Canadian locations as well as final documents, industry sources said.

It is believed the retailer also wants to open a store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, one of the country’s top malls with average sales of about $1,300 per square foot. The centre’s owner, Oxford Properties, was prepared to put aside a 165,000-square-foot space for Nordstrom near the mall’s subway entrance, sources said.

Nordstrom is also believed to covet the Sears flagship store site at the Toronto Eaton Centre, but Sears chief executive officer Calvin McDonald said recently he is not looking to unload that lease, which is believed to cost Sears only about $1 per square foot in rent. Sears runs its head office on the top floors of the site.”

And though the news are still not 100% confirmed, I am already doing a happy dance in my living room, while le bf is frantically hiding/cutting up my credit cards. First Nordstrom, then Saks, and then…we’ll take over the world! Muahahaha! Ok…maybe not, but it’s definitely a huge step towards more fashionable options for Canadians, don’t you think?

Share you reactions in the comments!

Photo Credits: Purse Blog

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Collaboration!

11 June, 2012 Nelia

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Rumour has it…H&M is all set to collaborate with Maison Martin Margiela. And as interesting as this collab would be, I wonder if we’d just get dilluted versions of Margiela’s classic designs at affordable prices. Would you buy H&M versions of Margiela’s crazy avant-garde designs? And more importantly…would you line up for them?

As for me, I am definitely curious to see what this potential collab would look like…so I guess we’ll just have to wait for the official confirmation. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: YES! It’s been confirmed by H&M that Maison Martin Margiela for H collection is coming to 230 stores worldwide on November 15, 2012! Mark that date on your calendars, ladies and gents. Fall just got a lot more exciting.

“We are very happy to present MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA pieces with H&M, to offer a new interpretation of our vision. The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further. We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise everyone.” MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

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Photo Credits: TFS, H

Bloomingdales is Coming to Canada?!

1 May, 2012 Nelia

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Just read on my bulding’s elevator news that HBC MAY BE BRINGING BLOOMINGDALES TO CANADA!!! See, elevator ads are actually effective!

But seriously, folks. This is excellent news. The Globe and Mail also confirmed that “The move to provide space to Bloomingdale’s as a “store within a store” would represent a pre-emptive strike on the part of HBC chief executive officer Richard Baker, who is aiming to grab a bigger piece of the high-end fashion retail market before other foreign players arrive, industry sources said.”

At this time, The Bay is considering putting Bloomingdale’s shops within its Toronto store on Bloor Street West as well as inside one store in Vancouver and Calgary, according to G&M. Bloomingdale’s could begin rolling out in-store boutiques in Canada as early as the fall of this year! As in…FALL 2012, people! Bloomies. In. Canada.

This is happening. I think. Are you excited about this? Share in the comments!

Photo Credits: Bloomingdales, HBC