Month: March 2021

10 pieces that will add a little spring to your step.

At long last, spring is here. And with it comes the opportunity to shed our puffy coats and salt-damaged boots and elevate our style game with fresh spring 2021 fashion. Sure, given the ongoing pandemic we’ll probably spend most of the season wearing what we have for the past year (i.e. our comfiest, slouchiest sweats), but we can dream right? Here, we’ve rounded up some of the sweetest new items from Canadian designers that are sure to spark joy. Whether worn on a socially distanced walk or on your couch for the latest round of Zoom trivia, these pretty pieces — including pastel hues, playful patterns and sheer details — are sure to fulfill all your spring style fantasies.

The beloved series earned an impressive 22 nominations, plus more on the other 2021 nominees.

Schitt’s Creek icon Moira Rose once said that awards season is her favourite season — and it seems there was a good reason.

Once again, the beloved Canadian sitcom earned the most nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards, which were announced on March 30. The final season of the series earned an impressive 22 nominations, appearing in just about every category you can imagine. Schitt’s Creek is up for best comedy series and best writing (Dan Levy, for the finale), while Eugene and Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire and Noah Reid all received acting nods — just to name a few.

At this point, the cast and creative team behind Schitt’s Creek are no strangers to accolades. The series swept the comedy categories at last year’s Emmys, winning a record-setting total of nine awards. They even picked up a couple of awards at the Golden Globes earlier this year: O’Hara virtually accepted the best actress statuette and the show was also crowned best comedy series.

Elsewhere on the TV side of the Canadian Screen Awards noms, CBC sitcoms Workin’ Moms and Kim’s Convenience (which is currently in its final season) both received 11 nods each. The two series will also be competing against Baroness Von Sketch Show and Crave hit Letterkenny for best comedy.

In the drama categories, CTV crime drama Cardinal and CBC’s Trickster each earned 15 nominations. Following controversy surrounding director/co-writer Michelle Latimer’s claim to Indigenous identity, the latter was not considered in the best drama category. Instead, Cardinal will be vying for the top prize against CBC legal series Burden of Truth, CTV medical drama Transplant, Global’s suspense series Departure and historical fantasy Vikings.

Over on the movie side of the nominations, Indigenous-led horror film Blood Quantum leads the pack with 10 nods — though it wasn’t represented in the best picture or best director categories. Following closely behind are Deepa Mehta’s drama Funny Boy, which earned nine noms, and Charles Officer’s TIFF-favourite Akilla’s Escape.

The full list of both the 2021 TV and film nominees can be found here. The ninth annual Canadian Screen Awards will take place virtually over seven days, from May 17 to 20, culminating in a live stream presenting some of the event’s biggest awards on May 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

For the first time, the public can cast a vote.

“This year, the public becomes an Expert of the LVMH Prize” – that’s what the prominent accolade’s press release promised this morning with its announcement of the 20 brands vying for a €300,000 endowment (plus a one-year mentorship program provided by a dedicated LVMH team). In addition to consumers having their say on who will go on to receive the top honour, several new industry names have joined the Committee of Experts for deliberations including Bella Hadid and Vogue China’s newly minted Editor-in-Chief, Margaret Zhang.

And who will we choose from? An eclectic mix of creatives is tapped this year, many boasting a genderless approach to design. Christopher John Rogers – the New York-based talent who took home the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2019 – is in the running, as is French designer Charles de Vilmorin, London’s Saul Nash and Shanghai’s Shuting Qiu.

This year’s LVMH Prize also gives a nod to names-to-know like Cynthia Merhej, who designs under the brand Renaissance Renaissance and is based in Lebanon, and Kika Vargas from Bogota, Colombia. Lukhanyo Mdingi’s eponymous label reps Cape Town, and Nigeria’s Adeju Thompson has made the cut for their line, Lagos Space Programme. The roundup of semi-finalists, who are also competing for the Karl Lagerfeld/Special Jury Prize of €150,000 and a mentorship program, was pulled from a list of candidates from over 110 countries.

2021 also sees the return of the Prize, as last year’s competition was transformed into the creation of a fund to benefit a range of young fashion designers feeling the effects of the emerging pandemic (including Montreal-based Lecavalier, a finalist for the Prize in 2019).

COVID-19 restrictions are cited as the reason for why this 8^th edition of the Prize will run as a digital platform from April 6^th to April 11^th, and the selection of semi-finalists speaks to another prominent issue that continues to affect the fashion world – sustainability. All of the competing brands have an ethos that manifests in the use of recycled/upcycled textiles, artisanal craft techniques, and local production. A worthy lot, no matter who emerges as a winner.

Keen to have your say on who should win this year? Here’s a full list of semi-finalists:
AGR
BIANCA SAUNDERS
CHARLES DE VILMORIN
CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS
CONNER IVES
FEDERICO CINA
KIDSUPER
KIKA VARGAS
LAGOS SPACE PROGRAMME
LUKHANYO MDINGI
MIDORIKAWA
NENSI DOJAKA
POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF)
RENAISSANCE RENAISSANCE
RIER
RUI
SAUL NASH
SHUTING QIU
TAAKK
WED

“I want to make good products that people like, and enjoy doing it.”

With over ten years of experience creating bags for a variety of mass market brands, Montreal-based creative Linsey Myriam Bain decided to forge her own path forward with the launch of her eponymous label in 2019. She learned a lot during her tenure as an accessory expert, traveling to factories and gaining insight into consumer expectations; and she’s channeled this knowledge into the creation of unisex pieces that suit all needs and are made with intention.

“I’ve been in the industry for so long,” she says, noting that she started by working in various retail roles, which afforded her the ability to “understand how people relate to product.” While studying fashion design in post-secondary school (she studied art history before that), she also modelled briefly. But in addition to the historically problematic expectations within that aspect of the industry — “At one point, I didn’t know if I was skinny or not,” she recalls — she says the randomness of client meetings didn’t “align with my studies. [And] I saw a greater future for myself with design.”

This epiphany has been to our benefit. Bain’s bags are made in small quantities with fabrics sourced from Canadian suppliers, and feature organic and overstock materials. “I want to make sure that I keep a very small supply chain,” she notes, and says that moving forward she’d love to craft her pieces on-demand as her customer base expands. She’s also tapped into the exciting potential of new textiles, saying that she “would like to work with cactus leather [in the future]. It’s about growing and improving with every collection. I want to make good products that people like, and enjoy doing it.”

Given her expertise in the fashion industry, Bain identifies a core issue with sustainable design — it’s affordability — as a point that needs continual addressing and improvement by not only independent makers like herself, but the large-scale businesses that reach consumers at a mass level. “I’m thankful for Stella McCartney, but how many people can actually get clothing that’s made ethically, from the way people are treated to the waste at the factory and [creation of] excess product? How do we make sure that the big retailers — that we still need because there are people who need to shop for inexpensive products — are becoming sustainable?”

In addition to her thoughtful approach for making bags, Bain has committed to locally producing the non-medical face masks her brand began offering last Spring; a new mask drop will come later this week, boasting new colours like khaki and chocolate brown. “The masks were a natural addition,” she says, going on to reveal that making them also gave her the opportunity to be productive and proactive at a time when pushing product didn’t seem altogether important.

“It was a saving grace. Bags that last, like mine, will always be in a certain price range and I didn’t feel comfortable coming out with new products at the time. It didn’t feel right. At least by making masks, I was doing something useful for me, and for everybody. And it allowed me to be creative.” She shot the initial array of masks in her loft-style living space with local photographer Mallory Lowe, using non-agency models and playing with wigs to emphasize the collection’s range of eye-catching hues. “It’s allowed me to work with people in my community,” she says. Give-back is crucial to her business, and Bain has donated product to organization raffles like that of the Black Theatre Workshop and provided a portion of proceeds from the brand’s sales to initiatives like Hoodstock, an activism-centric group with a seven-point mandate that includes support of the arts and social justice actions.

“There’s so much talent in Montreal, it’s almost ridiculous,” Bain laughs. And the city’s notoriously creative denizens are counted in her circle, including DJ KidCrayola and textile designer Damien Ajavon, who recently appeared on the brand’s feed modelling its bright blue nylon Flat tote — one of the five core styles Bain currently offers.

The assortment also includes a petit crossbody and backpack, as well as a pouch designed with three options for wearing (waist, crossbody or with an evening-style chain). “I’m most proud of this piece,” she says, adding that new styles will appear once she knows if she’s received any award or grant money that she’s applied for this season. “New bags are designed, but I have to see if anything comes from that before moving forward,” she notes.

But Bain has attuned her fan base to the idea that good things come to those who wait, and she’s determined to only augment this sensibility as her label increases in presence — just don’t expect to see more product because there’s more demand. “I would never do four collections in a year,” she says. “That’s one thing I’ve learned about the industry — the pace is too much. I started this brand to have a legacy; to have something that represents my values and my views.” And we’ll be watching for what comes next.

From Issa Rae in Prada to Tracee Ellis Ross in Schiaparelli, the virtual red carpet did not disappoint.

No red carpet? No problem. The 2021 NAACP Image Awards were a five-night celebration of outstanding work by people of colour in the entertainment industry, which culminated in a star-studded awards ceremony over the weekend of March 27-28. And even though the show was forced to go virtual this year, celebrities did not hold back from sporting red-carpet worthy looks. Here are some of the best.

Regina King

The One Night in Miami director donned a custom Oscar de la Renta taffeta gown with a statement-making bow on the back. She paired the dress with Stuart Weitzman shoes.

Issa Rae

To pick up her Outstanding Actress in a Comedy trophy, Insecure mastermind Issa Rae opted for a glam white Prada dress.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross pulled double duty at the ceremony, starting the night with a bold Schiaparelli look before changing into a ’90s-inspired look by Alberta Ferretti which she accented with Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti jewellery.

Viola Davis

To accept her two (!) awards at the event (one for Best Actress in a Drama Series for the final season of How to Get Away with Murder, and one for her Oscar-nominated turn in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Viola Davis sported a pretty floral frock Duro Olowu.

Janelle Monáe

Nominee Janelle Monáe wore an elegant Christian Siriano gown with chunky gold jewellery by Jennifer Fisher.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo stunned in a sparkly netted Lanvin dress.

Jurnee Smollett

Lovecraft Country star Jurnee Smollett was more than happy to celebrate losing to her “queen” Viola Davis while wearing a black and green gown by Alexandre Vauthier.

Yara Shahidi

Growni-sh star Yara Shahidi went for casual elegance in luxe monogrammed pyjamas by Dior.

Angela Bassett

The iconic Angela Bassett opted a long black dress by London-based designer Graham Cruz.

Marsai Martin

Black-ish star and award winner Marsai Martin dressed for the occasion in a feathery Christian Siriano look.

If you love good food, good causes and a good run, you’ll want to join Neigum and Michael Ng for ASRC’s virtual marathon.

Just about every industry has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in Canada, one of the hardest hit has been food. On December 16, Restaurants Canada reported that since March 2020, 10,000 restaurants closed across Canada, while nearly 50 percent expect to permanently close if things don’t change. So, how to support Toronto restaurants while things remain locked down?

The fashion industry, too, has taken a toll, with many retailers closing, like Addition Elle, or facing bankruptcy, like Frank And Oak. For Toronto-based designer Sid Neigum, who cancelled his resort collection ahead of the fall, “it’s been rough.” But, he adds, “I’ve pivoted, as many restaurants have, by starting an online shop and selling direct-to-consumer. Now, this month, our revenue is higher for direct-to-consumer (D2C) than business-to-business (B2B), which is a first. It’s [about] rethinking how you have to work and adapt.”

Neigum brought that sensibility to his second love — food — when Michael Ng, founder of Anti Social Running Club (ASRC), asked if he’d wanted to partner and co-host the first Dine & Dash Virtual Race in Toronto in support of local restaurants. The ASRC was founded during lockdown, and virtually connects runners on an app allowing everyone to check in on each other as they go, creating a socially-distanced network that encourages exercise at a time when many of us are spending most of our days indoors and at home.

Ng first orchestrated a Dine & Dash Virtual Race in Edmonton in February, which Neigum had taken part in from Toronto and loved, so he jumped at the chance for the two to work together and make a change.

“I wanted to reach out to Sid and see if he’d be interested in doing a Toronto edition after the success that we had in Edmonton,” says Ng. “Our biggest focus is to support local business, specifically in the restaurant industry. It’s been hit so hard during COVID, especially with no dine-in in Ontario yet. I really wanted to see if there was an opportunity for Toronto to do what we did and help in the way we know how.”

The race will take place from April 19 to 25. Registered runners can choose their distance — 10 km, half marathon or full marathon — and can run anywhere or any time within the timeframe, while using any type of tracking device or app. Afterwards, they can claim a meal at the participating restaurant of their choice from April 23 to 25. In other words, run your ass off and then reward it with some of the city’s best meals.

While there won’t be any winners in this race, dog-eat-dog types have the choice of submitting their times. Throughout the week, Ng and Neigum will update a leaderboard in hopes of satisfying their competitive streaks.

Registration is $55 for individuals, $110 for pairs, and includes a meal, a t-shirt (designed by Neigum, naturally), and entry into the race. Those outside of the city can also run, though a donation will be made to a local food bank in lieu of the meal.

Those restaurants participating in the event are a diverse bunch that could satisfy any appetite, and include 416 Snack Bar, Donna’s, Le Phenix, Hello 123, Imanishi, Tutti Matti and Alma, with one more yet to be confirmed.

“It’s all really delicious food that would be great to eat after a marathon,” concludes Neigum, while Ng adds with a laugh, “Food is why I run. Guilt-free meals after running for a few hours? Sign me up.”

Sign us up, too.

Registration begins on March 29 and closes on April 18. Click here for more details. 

Make room in your ring stack.

The Goop and Mejuri collaboration is here

Goop and Mejuri have launched a collaboration of handmade, ethically sourced jewellery. The four-piece collection launched earlier this week and is available exclusively online at mejuri.com, goop.com and a selection of Goop retail locations. The collection is comprised of pavé diamond hoops, a pavé diamond ring, woven hoops and a chain necklace. The elevated staples will mix perfectly into existing ear parties and ring stacks.

Altuzarra launches sustainable knitwear

Altuzarra has announced a new product offering made from upcycled materials. The one-of-a-kind chunky knits are made using pieces from past and archival collections. The fabric recovered from these collection are recut and woven together to give the pieces a fashionable new life.

Tommy Hilfiger’s Spring 2021 adaptive collection is here

The latest campaign for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive has been released and it stars a diverse cast, including Olympic cyclist Kristina Vogel and Paralympian Rheed McCraken. Tommy Hilfiger first launched its adaptive collection in 2017, with the line delivering the brand’s preppy style to a range of abilities with modified fit, enhanced mobility, easy closures, seat-wear solutions and accommodations for prosthetics. According to Tommy Hilfiger, “Getting dressed should be a joy — an experience that empowers you to look good and feel good in what you are wearing. Our adaptive collections have revolutionized everyday dressing for people with disabilities, giving them the independence and confidence to express their individuality through style.” The Spring 2021 collection is available online at tommy.com.

Boss and Russell Athletic collaborate on a collection

Go ahead and get comfortable in the new collection from Boss x Russell Athletic. The relaxed unisex capsule launched this week with a star studded video featuring the likes of Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid, Precious Lee, Lucky Blue Smith and Keith Powers. With a mix of retro-inspired athletic styles and classic tailoring, this collection checks all the boxes for the ideal WFH OOTD.

Plus a cult favourite body cream gets a new fragrance addition.

Sol de Janeiro launches Bom Dia Bright Cream, just in time for spring

Sol de Janeiro, the brand behind the cult favourite Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and its highly addictive scent (a combo of vanilla, pistachio and salted caramel), has just launched a new addition to its lineup — and a new scent. Meet Bom Dia Bright Cream. Bom Dia, which means “good day” in Portuguese, launched earlier this week and is a deeply nourishing body cream that also gently exfoliates skin with natural fruit AHAs and provides a brightening boost thanks to the addition of vitamin C. The best part? Dom Dia bright Cream also introduces a new scent to the Sol de Janeiro family: Cheirosa ‘40. A blend of gourmand notes like crushed black amber plum, sweet creme de cassis, warm vanilla woods and fresh jasmine blooms, this fresh yet sultry fragrance is perfect for spring.

Dermalogica’s new PowerBright Dark Spot Serum is here to fade dark spots — fast

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are common skin concerns and can be caused by anything from UV exposure to skin injury, hormone changes, pollution and even breakouts. But just because dark spots are normal doesn’t mean you can’t treat them. Enter: Dermalogica’s latest launch, PowerBright Dark Spot Serum. Formulated with high-tech ingredients including niacinamide and hexylresorcinol, the serum promises to fade the appearance of dark spots in just a few days (!!!) and continues working over time even out and smooth skin tone.

The new Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint provides the lightweight coverage you’ve been looking for

If swapping your full-coverage foundation for a lightweight tinted moisturizer is part of your spring makeup bag overhaul, listen up: the new Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint has arrived just in time. The sheer-to-medium coverage tint is available in 25 flexible, buildable shades and instantly blurs your skin while providing hydration and a more even skin tone faster than you can say “no-makeup makeup.”

LASPA Naturals is now available at The Detox Market

Canadian clean beauty brand LASPA Naturals has just launched at The Detox Market with a lineup that includes tinted foundation, sunscreens and an overnight glycolic acid treatment. “We are truly excited about this new partnership with The Detox Market as less than 2% of all products vigorously reviewed by their team are accepted for their store. LASPA’s philosophy is to formulate the cleanest products possible made from natural and organic sources — which means better for your health and better for the environment,” says Susan Mey, president and founder of LASPA Naturals.

Kōki is the newest global face of Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder recently announced Japanese model and songwriter, Kōki, as the new global face of the powerhouse brand. Kōki is the brand’s first Japanese Global Spokesmodel and she will be featured in print, digital and in-store campaigns, starting in Asia this month. By Fall 2021, she will appear in global digital campaigns for the brand’s makeup and skincare launch campaigns. Kōki brings a fresh energy to the Estée Lauder brand,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, Estée Lauder Global Brand President. “We are excited to amplify her rising star power to connect our brand with a new generation of consumers in Japan and around the world, while continuing the brand’s legacy of celebrating women across all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities.”