Fashionistas are saying with conviction that less is more and are now looking to minimize, organize, and create a sense of personal space in order to appreciate what is beautiful. A new aesthetic based on the principles of simplicity, minimalism and practicality are new to the runways for 2012 and are now applicable to every aspect of design.

At the forefront of what’s trendy are the latest condo developments that resonate the new fashion principles of minimizing the space we occupy, creating a personal environment by reintroducing old concepts.
Architectural change is coming to condos in Toronto, and it is a perfect cultivation of art, modernity and simplicity making these new high rise homes an inimitable culture of what trendy urbanites with an eye for high fashion want. The truly inspiring, ultra-modern looks of both Monarch’s Lagos Condominiums as well as Theatre Park Condos are both fabulous examples of the new innovations taking place in architecture and both have a nostalgic style that have us relating to the past.
Lagos, designed by Graziani & Corazza Architects which recently launched sales, is a 49 story artistic masterpiece overlooking Humber Bay and the Toronto Skyline. Coloured glass in red, blue, and yellow with black steel window panes make up the exterior of the building. The windows combine straight lines, squares and rectangles asymmetrically, looking like the largest reproduction of a Piet Mondrian ever produced. This style shows a recurring trend in the International style, a form of architecture developed in the 1920’s and 30’s that set the tone for “what is modernism”. The most distinct characteristic of the International style seen in the architectural design of Lagos is the lack of symmetry which creates a harmonious balance and a feeling of nostalgia.
Alternatively, on King Street West construction has commence

d for Theatre Park condos designed by architects Alliance, which also shows a trend for simplicity through abstraction and modernism. This towering 47 story work of art pushes architectural design conventions, with intersecting white steel beams overlapping the side of the building like slashes on an artist’s canvas. The building is uniform in every other respect creating a sense of calm outside of a chaotic outer shell, conveying an avant-garde cubist aesthetic.
It seems architecture has adapted to a changing environment and economy, and has thrown historical conventions away in order to create a design methodology that we can all embrace. So if you are in the market for a condo in the vibrant metropolis that is Toronto, Lagos and Theatre Park are two fabulous options that have put the art back in architecture!

Having spent most of his adolescence in Saudi Arabia, Farhan Zaidi was always taught to build a legacy. Developing an interest in theatre at a young age, Zaidi took part in several satellite commercials, where he familiarized himself with the workings of the talent industry. However it wasn’t acting that took his heart. Zaidi found a niche in the talent industry, which was to fill the shortfalls he was noticing in the market in terms of how the majority of agencies were running their businesses. After pursuing to earn his university degree, Zaidi quickly realized that it was not the way he wanted to launch his career. Soon after, he moved to Canada, and began to build his legacy in the talent industry. Zaidi is currently living in Toronto, where he is the owner of 10-year-old MoroTalents, an agency in the city’s fashion district. He and his wife Sakina, launched Fashion Weekly two years ago, and recently made additions to their family with two children. Recently, we had a chance to catch up with the busy business man, husband and father for an interview.

AG: What was it about the fashion and entertainment industry that captivated you?

FZ: Once upon a time I used to do theatre. I got lucky and did some satellite commercials, and for me I realized that there’s a niche in the market in terms of what 98% of the industry is up to. I realized whatever short falls they had, picked up on them, and wanted to make a niche where representation would become something of a real service rather than what it is at the moment. I had to go out of the box. I’ve always been taught to have a legacy or to have something that makes you stand out, and so I pursued to make a change.

AG: What advice would you give to beginners entering the talent industry?

FZ: To stay out of the box. There’s a commercial print side to modeling and the talent side of acting. What do they want? Girls over five foot and eight inches, a certain weight, shape of the eye, hair, and a lot of other characteristics. I would tell people you know what, understand and look at yourself in the mirror. We’re not trying to put your ambition down. We all know this is not a short term industry. If you speak to some of the biggest talents, they’ll tell you it took them many years to get their foot in the door. But then there`s commercial print modeling that opens up the door because you can be the girl next door, the TD bank girl, gorgeous or average. Sometimes we need to take the time and say hold on, I need to grow, hold I need to take a break, and smart people will do it at the right time.

FZ: Personality, people skills, customer service skills and outgoing people. I do not tend to go for people over size twelve. This is what we want? Is this person workable? Can I have a relationship where I can trust them over a long-term, rather than a short-term?

AG: What are some of your future goals?

FZ: For us to become the number one talent management company in Canada. We want to beat all the traditions out there, and at the same time represent some big names. In the last five years, I’ve focused more on clientele, and my next goal is to expand and get 300 – 400 talents (the company currently has 107).

AG: What inspires you?

FZ: My culture, my history and being known as an underdog inspires me to become number one. When people say no to me, I say why not. When people say listen, this isn’t possible, I say everything is possible if you try. I believe there is a way of doing things without negotiating your morals. I run a socially conscious company where it is about custom made representation.

AG: What do you predict as the future of this industry after the credit crunch of the last two years?

FZ: The credit crunch actually gives us a positive change because people stop purchasing the big tickets and start spending on small tickets, and therefore we get more ticket sales, more marketing and more jobs. The Canadian market in the last five years has developed a lot. Now we have 20-30 Canadian productions like Falcon Beach, The Fringe, The Border and other big shows.

AG: What has been your best experience during the last 10 years at Moro Talents?

FZ: My best experience has been to see that I’m able to support, represent, and get some of the biggest clients out there without having to follow these undemocratic rules and regulations put up by bogus associations. That’s what made me smile and that’s what gave me the hope to see potential for the industry to change.

AG: How would you say fashion influences people?

FZ: When I’m dressed up in my suits, I feel a little more confident and good about myself. Fashion now is the way we eat, talk and walk. Fashion gives me an up boost. I want the Canadian fashion industry to grow and for the government to provide funding for our artists, designers, and industry people, but sadly that’s not the case. Its beginning but slow and steady.

After a heated discussion about the industry, Zaidi wanted to leave readers with a message.

“I feel that Sakina and I can conquer the world and take on any project and make it work. I’m very proud and happy in seeing where Fashion Weekly has come to. Watch out for Fashion weekly and Moro Talents.”

In an effort to mark the 50th year of the Chanel handbag, the French Luxury Goods Company recently created an exhibit, “Chanel Mobile Art.” This was a futuristic pavilion created by the architect Zaha Hadid. The Show features the work of 20 International Artists with the original Chanel 2.55 bag as their inspiration, in sculptures, photographs and videos. The artists include Yoko Ono, Stephen Shore, Pierre & Gilles, and Nobuyoshi Araki, among others. According to the official website the artists work is inspired by the elements that give the quilted 2.55 bag its identity. “Their unique visions, unexpected interpretations […] reveal the multiple facets or this emblematic bag in all the artistic expressions.”

Architecture’s inspiration is not only limited to Clothing lines. Renowned architect Frank Gehry collaborated Tiffany & Co. a couple of years ago to launch a jewelry collection featuring
earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. The upscale line has a contemporary edge. From clean, elegant, and modern Torque bangle to simple and modern earrings.

Saturday, April 24, 2010 The Elle Canada Fashion and Beauty Event started with a runway show by Canadian designers Wayne Clark, Lida Baday, David Dixon, VAWK by Sunny Fong, Jessica Biffi, LOVAS Wesley Badanjak and Andrew Majtenyi, followed by a French Connection Seminar.

After cocktail hour, the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels® Competition and
Fashion Show Fundraiser evening began, hosted by CBC News Now anchor Anne-Marie Mediwake. The five finalists: House of Groves, Diepo, Birds of North America, Paris Li, and Anastasia Lomonova presented their collections before a very glamorous crowd of 400 guests in the Carlu concert hall. Each of them showed 12 outfits, including three Barbie-inspired little black dresses. “Our partnership with the Toronto Fashion Incubator further solidifies Barbie’s place in fashion,” said Adriana Gut, Barbie brand manager with Mattel Canada. “Her role within the program will celebrate the launch of Barbie Basics, a new line of dolls that invite girls of all ages to customize, personalize, and play based on the timeless fashion classic, the little black dress.”

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Judges included Derick Chetty of the Toronto Star, fashion designer David Dixon, Elle Canada editor
Noreen Flanagan, Mattel Canada’s Adriana Gut, Holt Renfrew’s Jason Morikawa, and fashion stylist Peter Papapetrou. They declared Anastasia Lomonova the winner of this year’s competition. The promising designer took home a prize package valued at over $35,000
including $10,000 cash generously offered by Barbie®

Is it Spring Time Yet?

Thomas Sabo’s “It Girl” Watch collection is just the perfect accessory for Spring. The colourful palette is an added bonus to the design meets function concept. Poppy colours like fuschia, orange and aqua make the watches a hit and a must-have for this season! Add a few chain bracelets a big chunky ring and your look is complete!

Joe-Fresh
Feel Fresh This Spring!

Here at FW we love Joe Fresh. Nothing says spring like the bright colour palette of Joe Fresh Style and their Beauty products. One must have for the new weather is the Tinted Lip Balm –Tulip shade- it’s smooth, moist and the perfect touch of colour to add to a clean look. Don’t forget to check out the editorial fashion spread in this issue. We have some fun pieces by Joe Fresh Style featured in them!

Men Zone
With a Cause

Always thinking of the perfect gift- well why not try a fabulous tie and cufflink package for your man or loved one. Not only do you get a matching set, but its classy, stylish and proceeds go to a great cause. They have teamed up with the CURE Foundation and a chunk of the sales go to breast cancer research. This is a win-win situation, feel good for helping out in any way you and give a great present that will definitely have the wow factor!

www.myfashionsource.com

Shop Till You Drop!

Spring kicks around and shoppers are rejuvenated after the hibernating winter months. FW highly recommends hitting Winners to find the latest Spring trends that are to die for! Metallic styles are big trend on the runways and Winners has it for you. These ruffle leather sandals are sexy and trendy. Another great piece are the lightweight tops that have look great with a pair of skinny jeans.

By: Souzan Michael, FW Writer

Jessica Stam

Also known simply as “Stam”, this Canadian beauty was born in Kincardine, Ontario and raised on a farm with her six brothers. She was discovered in a Tim Hortons
coffee shop in Barrie by an agent from International Model Management, a local modeling agency. Stam won the Los Angeles Model Look Search in 2002 and soon after, photographer Steven Meisel cast her in all of his campaigns, jump-starting her career. Since then, she has appeared in advertisements for Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Valentino, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Holt Renfrew, Dior, Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, H&M and DKNY.

Daria Werbowy

Born in Poland, Daria moved to Mississauga, Ontario, when she was 3 years old. At the age of 14, she won a national modeling contest, but was unsatisfied
with her current agency. After switching to Elite Models, she was met with considerable success in Canada, but was still internationally unknown. When Elmer Olsen, Elite Canada’s head scout, started his own agency, Werbowy followed him and her career
flourished. Within a few years, and under the guidance of International Management Group (IMG), Daria experienced the success she wanted. She has worked with international powerhouses like Lancôme, David Yurman, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Pepe Jeans, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Hermès, Valentino,
Missoni, Versace, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Daria also holds the record for opening and closing an astounding
twelve shows in 2005, the highest number held by any model in one season.

When we hear the term “top model”, we often think of international supermodels like Tyra Banks, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bu?ndchen. Canadian models can sometimes be overlooked, but that is all about to change. In fact, internationally-acclaimed model Linda Evangelista was raised in St. Catharines, Ontario and Chanel runway favourite Shalom Harlow was born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario. Over the years, they have become two of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry. Now, a new generation of Canadian models are taking the fashion world by storm. Here’s a look at Canada’s top models and how they got their start.

Coco Rocha

Coco Rocha was born in Toronto, but moved to Richmond, British Columbia at a young age. She was discovered at age 14 during an Irish dance competition.
In 2006, she walked the runway for Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui during New York Fashion Week, where supermodel Naomi Campbell claimed Rocha was her favourite new model. During Paris Fashion Week that same year, she walked for Stella McCartney, Christian Lacroix, and Emanuel Ungaro, and was chosen specifically by Marc Jacobs to open and close the Louis Vuitton show. Rocha is perhaps most well-known for Irish dancing down the runway for Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Fall/Winter 2007 show, which American Vogue called the “Coco Moment”.

Irina Lazareanu

Irina Lazareanu was born in Romania and moved to Saint-Hubert, Quebec at the age of 5. She moved to London, England at the age of 15 to study ballet, until a broken knee abruptly ended her dreams. There she met Pete Doherty and the two were briefly engaged. At age 17, Lazareanu attended an open call and signed with Giovanni Modeling Agency in Montreal. However, it wasn’t until she was chosen by Kate Moss to model for Vogue Paris that her career began. Since then, she has modelled for Chanel, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Lanvin, Versace, and many other top designers. In 2007, Kate Moss chose Irina to model for her Topshop clothing line.

Photos from
www.Makeupbeat.com
images.nymag.com
uneidecommeca.com
spe.fotolog.com

By: Souzan Michael and Vanessa Manno

On Thursday, February 11th the fashion world suffered a tremendous loss when British designer Lee Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London apartment. McQueen took his life a day before his mother’s scheduled funeral and his untimely death has shocked his fans, family and colleagues. Known for his provocative designs and runway shows, the ‘bad boy of British fashion’ once claimed that “[i]t’s good to leave the audience in bewilderment”, which he undoubtedly succeeded in doing throughout his career. In 1996, McQueen was appointed as head designer of Givenchy, following John Galliano, and stayed with the brand until 2001. He has won the British Fashion Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003, along with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and was named International Designer of the Year at the CFDA Awards. McQueen was also the first designer to partake in MAC’s promotion of cosmetics by fashion designers. His trend-setting and often controversial designs have awed fans and critics alike and his death has left the fashion world truly heartbroken.

“Celebrities and designers from all over the world shared their memories and admiration of Alexander McQueen, showcasing that he was not only a brilliant designer, but a great friend to many.”

Kate Moss: “Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” (Kate Moss’ spokesperson)

Sarah Jessica Parker: “I am shocked and overcome with grief upon learning about the untimely death of the quiet genius Alexander McQueen. My heart goes out to his family and all those who worked for and with him. Every single inspired, original, lofty, whimsical, stunning, brilliant and jaw dropping detail was Alexander McQueen. There has never been anyone like him. And there simply never will be. What is more devastating is that despite all his success thus far, creatively, critically and commercially, his greatest achievements lay ahead of him. The future would be whatever he hoped to make of it. God speed Lee. It has been a privilege for all of us to know you. You will be indescribably missed.”

Rachel Zoe tweeteed: “I can’t describe the tragic loss of such a brilliant man and designer Alexander McQueen..R.I.P xo RZ”

Marc Jacobs: “He is such a great guy and such an amazing talent that it is so devastating to know he is gone. We have a lot of mutual friends and some of them are working here, and everybody is walking around crying today, so it’s been a little sad. I will miss him, and I will certainly miss the beauty that he created, and his vision and his world.”

Karl Lagerfeld: “It’s a loss for the fashion industry. His story was one of success and talent, but that may not be enough to keep you alive.”

Anna Wintour, Vogue Editor-in-Chief: McQueen was “one of the greatest talents of his generation … In such a short career, [his] influence was
astonishing – from street style, to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

McQueen told the February issue of Love magazine “I’m 40 now, but I want this to be a company that lives way beyond me, and I believe that customers are more important in making that happen than press. When I’m dead, hopefully this house will still be going. On a spaceship. Hopping up and down above earth.”

Spring 1998 – One of McQueen’s draw dropping collections showed during the spring of ’98. Not only were the tailored clothing, which McQueen was so famous for, breathtaking but McQueen unleashed rain on the runway. Following this show with the torrential downpour were collections with caged wolves and life size chess games, McQueen was a magician and created magic on the runway.

Spring 1999 – McQueen fuses mad science and fashion at his S/S 1999 show. Placing infamous model Shalom Harlow on a revolving platform in a strapless while dress, two robotic arms splashed the garment in yellow and black spray paint. McQueen’s creative genius was captured once again through the art of the runway.

Fall 2006 – Alexander McQueen closes his F/W 2006 show with a haunting hologram of Kate Moss and takes his bow at his S/S 2006 show donning a t-shirt that reads “We Love You Kate“. Kate was McQueen`s muse and close friend. It has been said that after Moss’ drug scandal, it was McQueen who revived the model‘s career. The two were not mere colleges but genuine friends.

17 March – 11 February 2010

No stranger to the Red Carpet, McQueen dressed many of Hollywood’s starlets in ball gowns at events from movie premiers to charity
balls. Here, along side friend SJP at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York City, May 2006.
Others include Cameron Diaz (Shrek 3 Premiere, Tokyo, May 2007), Rihanna (Inglourious Basterds Premiere, London, July 2009) and Anna Paquin (Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, Los Angeles, January 2010).

(Picture courtesy of@ LadyGaga, Twitter.com) – With no words to describe the loss of such a close friend, Lady Gaga posted this picture of McQueen and herself via twitter. Known as one of McQueen’s recent muses, Lady Gaga and McQueen joined creative forces to send the fashion and music world on a whirlwind adventure this past year.
Moments before the S/S 2010 show, Lady Gaga announced she would be performing her new single, ‘Bad Romance’ on McQueen’s runway. Soon after, Lady Gaga’s video for the single was released, where each ensemble was designed and styled by McQueen.

But as Bob Dylan would say, “ the times, they are
a-changin’.”

It’s no secret that the economy’s sudden downturn
has significantly affected the spending habits of many
fashion-loving individuals. So, it’s no surprise that this
year’s fashion weeks in the bigger cities attracted a
weary crowd- all appreciative of the art of excess, but
understandably hesitant to shell out the money to buy it.
With runway rooms that are filled with retail buyers, it’s
hard to pinpoint what exactly they were looking for to
cater to their suddenly frugal consumers.

While there is no arguing
that the economic troubles we
are currently facing have no
doubt given birth to consumer
frugality, it has perhaps in
turn, provided a new dynamic
to the fashion industry as a
whole.

The industry is notorious
for praising the wellestablished
designers and
almost certainly investing in
pieces that they offer through their collections. But while
consumers’ grips on their money have begun to tighten,
so have their willingness to shell out funds for a piece
that they may or may not need. This opens the floor
for competitiveness between designers for you to pay
attention to them and in the end, spend your dough on
their creations.

Many new designers showed this year at fashion
week in New York, despite the dire situation with the
U.S. economy. To revel in Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler
and Vera Wang almost seemed insensitive, but to young
fledgling designers the economic low could result in a
high for their bustling businesses. While people may not
be ready to spend money on the bigger names, smaller
up-and-coming designers can effectively make the
impression they need to make their name as common as
Donna Karan’s.

Essentially, fashion week this season was a playing
field: which designer could attract buyers and consumers
to spend what few dollars they were willing to let go of.

But let’s be real. The economic crisis sucks too
– big time. Especially for Canadians. It’s opened our
eyes to the impact bigger corporations have and at
the moment any real glimmer of hope we had for our
talented crop of new designers is somewhat marred by
the recent news that one of our biggest designers to date,
Arthur Mendonça, is closing up shop. Mendonça is,
undoubtedly, one of Canada’s most successful fashion
designers, with a bevy of celeb fans and a show spot on
New York’s runway schedule. But once again, due to
the sudden turn in the economy, Mendonça is unable
to compete with the bigger companies that are not only
generating more buzz, but also are attracting buyers.

Bring the focus now to Canada. While Mendonça’s
success outside of Toronto is seemingly modest, what
does this sudden news mean for designers who have yet
to make the same impact and garner the same respect
that Mendonça has in as many years? Only time will tell,
I suppose. Well, maybe economic activity might be telling
as well.

So, while the fashion industry doesn’t seem to
be suffering too harsh of a blow, you can’t help but
recognize a changing trend when fashion magazines,
including Vogue, often considered the beacon of excess
for fashion lovers worldwide, begin to offer tips on how
to stop shopping and save your money.

Times are a-changin’, indeed

Montreal Fashion Week once again
collaborated with P&G Beauty for the
7th time in a row and put on a fantastic
spectacle of Canadian design. Even
though well known names such as Denis
Gagnon, Evan Biddell and Andy-The Anh
feature their collections on the Toronto
runways, there is no doubt a surge on the
new and emerging Montreal-based talent.
With buyers and the public streaming
the shows, Montreal Fashion Week is a
landmark of the Canadian fashion map.
With a contrast and some repeats to that
of L’Oreal Fashion Week held in Toronto,
the MFW offers something more cultural
and with a sense of European flare.

The MFW also be collaborated
with the WHO’S NEXT fashion trade
show for the second time, showcasing
Canadian French designers latest
work and really opening the Canadian
apparel and fashion industry to a more
international level.

Lets face it- your weekly fitness regimen
can get pretty bland after a while. Half an hour
of cardio on the treadmill, followed by reps of
weights and sit-ups isn’t always the most exciting
thing to look forward to. Aradia Fitness helps
women to put some spice into their workouts by
offering classes that include pole dancing, lap
dancing, and steamy mat sessions that
are sure to get your heart pumping.

Shannon Crane, who also teaches
most of the classes, operates Aradia’s
Toronto studios. She started her
career by taking a class and loved it
so much that 6 months later she had
her Aradia’s owner certification and
opened her first studio in July of 2006.

The studio that I visited is located
in Queen West (721 Queen St. West)
and is the larger of the two in the
Toronto area (The other is at 115
Danforth Ave). I wasn’t quite sure what to expect
from my teaser class, and certainly was pleased
to see how much of a work out these sessions
actually provide- be warned, you will feel it the
next day.

The class was an intimate size of 8, which
is usually the case as Aradia boasts a high level
of customer intimacy. If the class exceeds the
number of poles, it is split in two sections and
another instructor will be present to make sure
that everyone gets the attention they need. Also
notable is that these classes are filled with women
of all different ages, shapes, and sizes. The studio
is a great environment that welcomes anyone who
is willing to give it a try.

The class started with a sexy warm
up and was followed by some mat
work focusing on arms and strength.
Afterwards, it was to the poles. My
first attempt at the “fireman” spin
was mortifying to say the least, but
Shannon made sure to work with me
until I got the swing of it. We ended
the class with a routine made up of all
the moves we had learned throughout
the class.

I have to say, my session at Aradia
was the most fun workout I’ve ever had and I
would definitely consider rounding up a group of
my girlfriends and heading over. If you are feeling
a little saucy, you can take a teaser class for $25,
and if you like it there are a number of options
available. The standard one includes 4 week
pole dancing & sensual movement classes (level 1-10) for $99,

but the studio is pretty flexible and willing to accommodate

the type of fitness schedule you are looking for.

Also- the new Toronto East studio (115
Danforth Avenue, Toronto ON, 416.901.2848)
is officially launching on Sunday, November 2
(12:30pm – 3:30pm). There will be free, sample
classes and workshops as well as demonstrations
performed by Aradia instructors. Prizes will be
rewarded and (light) snacks will be offered at the
event, which is ladies-only! Brazen hussies can
RSVP to toronto@aradiafitness.com or by calling
416.901.2848.