August, 2006
ELLE CANADA
The fashion creme de la creme gathered for the show-down of the season - Toronto Fashion Incubator's Fall 2006 New Labels Competition, an event presented by ELLE Canada that gives industry exposure to up-and-coming designers. Over 800 people mingled at Hazelton Lanes in Toronto, sampling fragrance by Calvin Klein and a plethora of fine wines by Vin de Pays d'Oc and appetizers by The Amazing Food Service. The winner, Desperately Different by Katya Revenko, set the runway ablaze and the fashion treands for this fall.
Similar to her fall 2006 collection, which is inspired by iconic women in history, Ukrainian-born, Revenko [left], exudes confidence: "I want to prove that I am not only a designer, but that I can be the best." In 2004, Revenko, launched the Toronto-based clothing-line Desperately Different. By contrasting classical shapes with edgy adornments, Revenko creates a fashion mirage. "I want to trigger deja vu. My designs resemble the past, but you can't tell from what period."
Las Valentias - Erin Keatch
Erin Keatch's clothing-line is inspired by vintage pieces and her Canadian roots. "Canadians are stereotyped as being reserved, but you can work that," says Keatch. Her designs are made with natural fabrics like silk and linen. Custom embroidery and gold clasps add panache to this chocolate brown wool jacket, worn with a turquoise satin tank and sexy fingerless black lace gloves. [right]
Fragrance
Euphoria [left], the latest addition to Calvin Klein's extensive selection of fragrances, harmonized flawlessly with the 2006 New Labels event. "The feeling of Euphoria is delicious and sexy. It is about freeing yourself, taking a journey without limits, and living a dream," says Julie Kehoe, Public Relations Consultant for Calvin Klein Cosmetics. The main ingredients in this addictive oriental fragrance are pomegranate and persimmon in the top, black orchid in the mid notes, and black violet and mahogany wood notes in the bottom. Lotus blossom, champacca flower, liquid amber, and cream accord to help create a contrast between exotic fruits and seductive florals. Designed to be a signature scent, Euphoria is perfect for day or night. "A woman should wear Euphoria when she wants to feel sexy and feminine," says Kehoe. Guests at the event received a 15 ml bottle of Euphoria in their ELLE Canada gift bags. Euphoria men and cK one electric, a new fragrance for men and women from Calvin Klein, will be available this fall.
Wine
Wine is making a hip new comeback. "Wine is now more fashionable. It is influenced by trends and pop culture," says Amandine Ody for Pays d'Oc, the wines of the South of France. Pays d'Oc has developed fun labels that appeal to younger consumers, such as Lou Black Shiraz. French Rabbit Chardonnay comes in tetra packs and is great for parties or casual dinners. The major fall trend is wine and food pairing. Try coupling goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc. For heavier dishes, like stews and roasts, opt for a fuller bodied red wine, like Robert Skalli Merlot. Although, the world of wine can be overwhelming and confusing, Ody explains, "A wine is good if you like. There are no rules." So lift your glass and enjoy!
Food
Attendants at the New Labels event savored scrumptious appetizers, including Duck Prosciuto with Fresh Figs on Fecille, prepared by Toronto-based catering company, The Amazing Food Service. President, Andrew Zimbel, says food and fashion are very similar because both take in many senses; therefore it is important to consider the colours that will end up on the plate or the hors d'oeuvres when planning a menu. He suggests colour coordinating meals this fall. "Use the colours of the serving pieces, table dressing or flowers to create an atmosphere for an event," says Zimbel.
Fashion Psychology - Beryl Bacchus and Patrick Larrivee
In 2004, Beryl Bacchus and Patrick Larrivee started Fashion Psychology, a luxury clothing-line for women. The designs are an eclectic mix of sex appeal and rock n' roll flair. "It's a strong line for strong personalities," says Bacchus. Their fall 2006 collection is inspired by Mary Queen of Scots and features gold and burgundy brocade blazers and gaucho-style pants detailed with corsetry, ribbon, lace and Swarovski crystals. "Corsets make you stand straight and accentuate all the best assets," says Larrivee.
Karamea - Michelle Turpin
Michelle Turpin's fall 2006 collection, Silk Roads, includes both Asian and European influences. "It's similar to a journey through all these different places and times," says the native-New Zealander. She juxtaposes delicate fabrics like chiffon, silk and satin with dramatic colours like gold, black, and red. Cream silk charmeuse inserts add fine-detail to this stunning black burnout silk halter gown.
