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The post 30 Canadian Jewellery Brands You Need to Know appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

For the uninitiated, La Patiala is a go-to resource and encyclopedia of all things luxury, from how to shuck an oyster, which bottle of champagne to give as a gift, where to travel in Napa Valley, and, yes, how to buy a watch. The Watch Encyclopedia is a collection of 50 articles debunking every watch brand myth out there, with instructions for where to spend your money, what mistakes to avoid when making your first big purchase, and everything in between.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Shirley is indeed a trusted source of knowledge for the complicated world of watches, which are not only a utilitarian purchase—they’re investment pieces that stand the test of trends and time (no pun intended). Ahead of the holiday season, we spoke with Shirley about the Watch Encyclopedia, her dream timepiece, and the styles she thinks you should gift (or ask for) this year.

Why do watches make the best gift?

Watches have been a traditional gift for special occasions and memorable moments for decades—and for good reason. Watch design hasn’t changed significantly—a classic dress watch from the 1950s has a similar look to a contemporary dress watch. So even though watches can be expensive, you know you’re giving them a gift that will last a long time and will remain stylish, no matter what the fashion trends are. People also wear their watches a lot and look at them frequently throughout the day, so they will be reminded of you every time they check the time.

What’s your favorite watch that you own? You must own a lot of them.

My favorite is my Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas watch. As a former fashion editor, I am drawn to its distinctive design. It really does look like a snake wrapping around your wrist, and it’s so fabulous. It stops people in their tracks when they see it, and you don’t see a lot of people wearing one, so you stand out from the crowd. I have the double wrap, which makes a really strong statement.

What’s the number one watch on your wish list?

Honestly, there are too many to count! I’ve always loved Dior’s Grand Bal watches. Automatic watches usually have a rotor (a semi-circular weight) on the back of the watch movement that winds the watch as you wear it. Dior took the unusual approach of putting the rotor on the front of the watch and decorating it using different métiers d’art, including feathers, diamonds, and engraved gold. I love how it twirls above the dial as you move. My favorite is the Dior Grand Bal Plume with brilliantly covered feathers. It’s the perfect combination of style and high horology.

What prompted you to launch La Patiala and the Watch Encyclopedia?

I started my career as a fashion assistant at ELLE, and by the time I left, I had an encyclopedic knowledge of fashion designers. In my next job, I started to cover more categories, and I was astounded by how difficult it was to earn about watches. They were so technical, and there wasn’t a resource that could teach me everything I needed to know. Most of the websites focused on watch news and were geared towards enthusiasts and collectors who already knew a lot about watches. I had to learn the hard way—asking a million questions and doing copious amounts of research.

After close to a decade covering watches, I wanted to share the knowledge I had accumulated and make watches accessible to those who appreciate craftsmanship and design. After all, watches can be extremely stylish. The Watch Encyclopedia includes everything from a glossary of watch terms to movement basics and a breakdown of the main types of watches and complications.

I know women who collect jewelry and handbags, but are scared of timepieces. I wanted to strip away all the fear and intimidation surrounding learning about watches and make it approachable to everyone. And even if you’re not interested in watches but spend a lot of time with someone who is, you can quickly learn the basics and know what they’re talking about.

Shop Kristen Shirley’s Favorite Luxury Watches

Open Gallery

The post La Patiala’s Kristen Shirley Shares Her Favorite Luxury Watches appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

From Jodie Turner-Smith’s gauzy Gucci to Elsa Hosk’s sequined co-ord, the fashion was so much fun.

Oscars, schmoscars — turns out, celebrities have the most fun with their outfits at slightly more low-key awards shows. Case in point: the 2022 Governor’s Awards in November and the British Fashion Awards that look place in London on December 5, where top models, designers, muses and celebrities gathered to celebrate all things fashion. Notable names in attendance included legends like Naomi Campbell and Tilda Swinton, model (and newly minted designer) Elsa Hosk and actor Florence Pugh.

And, no surprise here, the British Fashion Awards red carpet looks didn’t disappoint. There was longtime British style muse Alexa Chung in prim Prada, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley in a hooded, crystal-covered 16Arlington creation and TV host Tan France playing with proportions in shorts, knee socks and a long coat. The ceremony was hosted by style star Jodie Turner-Smith who put her fashion chops on display in multiple outfit changes, including the vibrant Gucci gown pictured in the gallery below.

Here, we round up some of the most fun and fearless looks from the 2022 British Fashion Awards red carpet.

The post All Things Sheer and Sparkly Ruled the British Fashion Awards Red Carpet appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

But Larroudé might not have come to life in quite the same way had it not been for some unfortunate circumstances. One month after the start of the pandemic, its eponymous founder, Marina Larroudé, and her husband, Ricardo, both lost their jobs. As they found themselves in lockdown with their kids trying to figure out their next move, Marina, a fashion industry veteran who had previously held positions at Barneys, Teen Vogue, and Style.com, channeled her focus into launching a shoe line. It was something that had been on her mind for years. “Honestly, I remember reading a story about Tory Burch and how she started [her line] right after she had twins. She was home, and that was when she had that aha moment of creating her own brand and bringing it to market. It was when she wasn’t ‘in it’ that she could see it,” Marina explains over Zoom, from Larroudé’s office in Midtown Manhattan.

Marina finally felt like it was her time. She initially thought of designing private label shoes for Barneys, since she had done that at her last job, but some advice from her ex-colleagues to “start your own brand instead of trying to revive something” stuck with her. By December 2020, Larroudé had officially launched, with Marina and Ricardo as co-founders—the former the CCO, and the latter the CEO. “We did everything within a six-month period,” she recalls. The team, which began with five people, now has a headcount of 26, with an additional office in Brazil. Plus, Larroudé has a factory opening there next month.

Marina Larroudé.

Despite launching Larroudé during the pandemic, the designs weren’t exactly fit for the languishing, end-of-the-world vibes at the time. “We had few slides, but we didn’t develop a collection for the COVID era, or for lockdown,” she admits. “We created a brand for the long term.” The Larroudés wanted to introduce “a whimsical brand” that pedaled high-quality products. Marina’s rationale for the timing was simple: during the 2008 recession, retail was in shambles, but by 2010, “it was the best year ever.” That gave her hope. The less-than-ideal timing was, in fact, her sly advantage. While everyone was scaling back, she was able to subtly garner a slew of press and attention. “After the vaccine, [customers] came to us for those whimsical pieces. People wanted to have that joyful moment in their lives. It wasn’t planned, but it really helped us,” Marina says.

Comfort, for Marina, was also key. What makes Larroudé’s shoes special is just that: The landing for the top of your foot is five millimeters wider than any other shoe in the market. The width of where you are landing your feet is considerably wider, even in the high heel. “We put a memory foam inside the entire shoe that we call ‘the Larroudé cloud,’” she says. Having worked in luxury fashion, Marina saw a gap in the market for these kinds of shoes that were high-quality, with a price point that wasn’t too extreme. “I honestly saw it as a blank space, and I think that’s why we are still growing,” she adds.

Larroudé launched with just a few product lines: the Kate, a chic and sleek knee-high boot; the Miso, a chunky, retro flatform; the Colette, a mule with a slim heel; and the Lee, a pointed-toe ballet flat. It wasn’t long until it added several more styles, including its top-seller, the Dolly, a party-ready platform sandal. Larroudé has also expanded on the designs that have become hallmarks of their brand—the Miso, for instance, is now a clog and a boot, too. Many of the items are emblazoned with funky prints that include daisies, strawberries, gingham, and polka dots.

The Miso Platform Clog.

Marina’s upbringing in Brazil heavily influenced both the shoes’ playful sensibility and timelessness: “I am Brazilian, and I love my summer wardrobe,” she says. “I’ve had my wardrobe for 20 years. When I was thinking about the collection, I thought, I want something that’s collectible, that you can buy and wear and add into your life. Not something trendy you buy one season and are over the next.”

Much of the brand’s popularity and success can be credited to influencers and celebrities. “I knew a lot of people in the industry, so I was able to send them a pair and ask what they think,” she shares. But because Larroudé is a self-funded company, she didn’t have a huge budget. “It was very a mouth-to-mouth brand that we were building up,” Marina adds. After her fashion friends had tested out the goods, Marina began making inroads in Hollywood. Fans of Larroudé now include Amy Schumer, Drew Barrymore, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige. As the brand has gained steam, it’s expanded into handbags and clutches—one which First Lady Jill Biden famously carried (and was subsequently sold out on Larroudé’s website).

Within a 12-month period, Larroudé has also had no less than eight high-profile collaborations, including Oscar de la Renta, Barbie, LoveShackFancy, and Melissa. The range of partnerships is a reflection of Marina’s personality—her affinity for both high-fashion and emerging designers. “I always worked in the fashion industry, but I never took myself too seriously,” she says. Larroudé’s latest collection with jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher launched December 1. “[Jennifer] is someone who loves fashion so much, and she was like, ‘We need to do a boot.’ So we thought, ‘Okay, what do women like us want that we cannot find at our price point in quality and comfort?’ That was when the collection came together,” she says of working with Fisher.

The Larroudé x Jennifer Fisher collection.

More brand partnerships are indeed on the horizon, but Marina is remaining tight-lipped about them for now. However, she has some dream collaborations in mind—a sneaker with Nike or something with Uggs since they’re “so cute and fuzzy” and are “having a moment” themselves. She also hopes to expand Larroudé into a full-fledged ready-to-wear brand. “We view Larroudé as a Vince Camuto—a bigger company that can host other brands,” Marina says. “That’s where we see ourselves in the future: growing beyond our own name into a multifaceted type of group.”

Ilana Kaplan is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn. She covers music, culture and entertainment and has written for Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, GQ and more.

The post How Larroudé Became the It-Girl Shoe Brand of Instagram appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

Thanks to Matthew Gallagher, our holiday wish list just got bigger!

For Matthew Gallagher, the pandemic has been a time of reflection — and rethinking the shirt dress. After falling in love with a Parisian and moving outside of Toronto, the Nova Scotia-born designer found himself re-evaluating his namesake brand. “I felt like my voice had altered from when I first started in fashion,” he shares via email. “I was starting to fall out of love with the work and was feeling a bit lost. That was my cue to take a step back and figure things out.”

Before 2022, Gallagher was known predominantly as an eveningwear designer. He launched his label in 2013 after studying at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni and Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan and Gallagher quickly became a fixture at Toronto fashion shows and events.

But nearly ten years after founding the House of Gallagher, he knew something had to change. “I had always planned on relaunching; I just didn’t know how I wanted to do it,” he reveals. “I wanted my brand to be more approachable and for my pieces to be worn on more than just fancy occasions.”

Enter Season One, his new collection that features streamlined silhouettes combined with an effortless edge and feminine accents. Blending the past with the present, the assortment of dresses and separates has notable mod touches (made more evident by the Jackie O-inspired styling) but stays current with cutouts and bold colours (hello, Barbiecore shirt dress!).

FASHION chatted with Gallagher about his time in the industry, why he loves bows and his current obsession with the shirt dress.

After all these years, how would you describe your relationship with the fashion industry?

My personal relationship with the fashion industry is better now that I feel more true to who I am. I used to feel like I had to go to every event or party, but that isn’t who I am. At my core, I am a more introverted person. Now that I really understand and accept that, I no longer place as much pressure on myself when it comes to the social aspect of the industry. I now understand my value as a designer doesn’t have anything to do with where I am seen.

How would you describe the style of your brand now vs. when you first launched in 2013?

When I first launched, the core values of what I saw for my brand were there: historical references with clean, modern lines. After a few seasons, I began to lose sight of my vision and started designing for what I thought people wanted rather than what was true to me. This next chapter allows me to continue my original idea for the brand.

What are the benefits of doing drops instead of following a traditional seasonal schedule?

As students, we were told that a fashion show was the end goal, but financially, it can be nearly impossible to achieve when you first start. The world has changed so much since I was in school, and it is great that designers can create a community via Instagram. I like the idea of drops over the traditional seasonal schedule because I can pivot quickly based on my client’s wants and needs.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration everywhere. I am a sponge for visuals, saving anything and everything that makes me happy or intrigued. I often pull from a feeling I get from a beautiful movie or a style of architecture.

What’s one piece that is especially meaningful to you from your new collection and why?

There is something so timelessly classic yet still modern about my shirt dress from this season, and that brings me a lot of happiness. It is an item that feels easy, seasonless and simply chic. I love the idea that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.

What do you think is the eternal appeal of bows?

Bows can often be seen as childish, but there is something very timeless and elegant about them. I love how they are often seen as decorative, feminine and delicate but can be used in a functional way. Pretty and practical are a beautiful combination.

What is your favourite and least favourite trend this season?

I really like the preppy trend. There is something so polished yet cool about how people do it — it isn’t uptight and stuffy.

I am ready to never see athleisure ever again. I understand people want comfort, but I cannot wrap my head around why people are seemingly always wearing clothes fit for a yoga class when they aren’t doing a yoga class.

How would you describe Toronto’s style?

I see Toronto’s style as eclectic. There are so many cultures and people from all different cities and countries melded together. It is a revolving door of different aesthetics, which I find inspiring.

What are you watching or reading right now?

I am a big TV and movie person, so the list is embarrassingly long. Currently, my notable top five are The White Lotus, Master, Suspiria, Euphoria and Fleabag.

What are five items that are bringing you joy right now?

The post This Canadian Designer Reinvented the Shirt Dress appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

Her wardrobe transforms as she questions her marriage — and her own intuition.

Each episode of The White Lotus is more tense, uneasy, and anxiety-ridden than the last, and no one brings this intensity quite like Aubrey Plaza’s Harper Spiller.

The hit HBO series, written and directed by Mike White, has become known for its clever critiques of wealth gaps, privilege and power dynamics, using all-inclusive resorts as a backdrop. The second season once again follows the twisting storylines of wealthy Americans in a foreign location, this time set in Sicily, Italy. Throughout the show, flashy vacation wear, carefully selected by costume designer Alex Bovaird, is juxtaposed with the dark mood, eerie music and impending knowledge of a fatal ending. Employment lawyer Harper — who undergoes a drastic change in style throughout the season — arguably embodies this foreboding arc the most.

Episode one opens with Harper and her husband, newly minted tech millionaire Ethan (Will Sharpe), beginning their double date vacation with an out-of-touch couple: Ethan’s former college roommate, the conceited finance bro Cameron (Theo James) and his bubbly wife Daphne (Meghann Fahy). Right away, Harper sticks out in the group. Her conservative, sharp, structured ensembles stand in contrast to Daphne’s light, breezy, floral looks — and this is no coincidence.

While Harper’s style is chic and fashion-forward, it portrays her unsubtle anxiety about the trip: she’s uncomfortable with her husband’s newfound extreme wealth, she’s grappling with the lack of passion in her relationship and she’s on edge about the motives of the couple they’re with.

Daphne and Cameron are in a comfortable bubble of privilege: they don’t care about politics, world issues or anyone below their tax bracket. This sense of divide in the group is further felt by the opposing romantic dynamics: Daphne and Cameron have an affectionate, PDA-filled relationship while Harper and Ethan seem to be merely tolerant of one another.

Right off the bat, Harper suspects that something is off about their travel companions — especially Cameron. In the first episode, while borrowing a pair of Ethan’s swim trunks, he strips down naked within strategic eyeshot of Harper. She wonders if this suggestive move was intentional, but when she brings these concerns up to Ethan, he writes them off as cynical and negative, asking her to be less judgemental.

At the request of her husband, Harper makes an effort to be agreeable in episode three. Her attitude switches alongside her style, as she wears a light green dress with her hair pulled back in a silk headband and sticks to surface-level pleasantries. In this preppy, girlish ensemble, she’s suppressing her apprehensive gut feelings. Almost immediately, Daphne compliments Harper on this new look — which is, in fact, not really her.

But as the trip continues, she ventures further from her buttoned-up first impression and continues to dress more feminine and playful. It’s no coincidence that this evolution takes place as she spends more time with Daphne while growing distant from Ethan. During a girls’ trip off the resort, the pair bond and Harper even lets her new friend buy her a beach-y, bohemian dress.

On this outing, however, Daphne divulges that she and Cameron aren’t as perfect as they appear. She says they play psychological “games” with one another, implying that they both have extra-marital affairs. Notably, while this conversation is happening, Cameron and Ethan are back at the resort hanging out with prostitutes, whom Cameron proceeds to sleep with.

But despite Cameron’s cheating, Ethan won’t tell Harper the full truth about it when asked, leading her sense of worry to spiral. From Daphne and Cameron’s misleading honeymoon-phase marriage to Ethan’s inability to communicate, Harper notices the laissez-faire dynamics of this moneyed group are built on artificiality — so that’s what she starts to give.

Harper begins to put forth a manufactured cheery attitude in the group setting. As such, she goes from being the antithesis of Daphne to almost matching her. This is shown the most when the couples visit a vineyard in episode five, where Bovaird purposely put Daphne and Harper in coordinating high-waisted pants and fitted cropped tanks. Despite carefree appearances, Harper’s suspicion towards the men is still top of mind.

It becomes clear to Harper that the unwritten rules within this wealthy circle are to play along with the illusion that everything is perfect. Case in point: at the end of the episode, Cameron brazenly feels Harper’s thigh under the dinner table with both their spouses present — confirming her initial suspicion about him that was dismissed by her husband.

As she develops an alliance with Daphne while feeling both isolated from Ethan and preyed on by Cameron, Harper’s main conflict is the sense of mistrust about the men around her. This culminates in episode six when she and Ethan are more distant than ever. In her first scene, she confronts him about their non-existent sex life. She says, “You’re not attracted to me,” a statement that he never denies. She asks, “Do you even want me?” prompting him to dance around the question by saying he loves her.

Style-wise, she spends the majority of the episode in a bikini and pink beach cover-up. This stripped-back, sexier side emulates Daphne and further demonstrates her disconnect from Ethan. And as she and Ethan struggle to communicate, she spends the day talking with Cameron. In one crucial scene, they even leave the beach together to go back to their adjoining rooms, forcing Ethan to wonder if she cheated on him with his frenemy, even going into his own spiral of worry.

The truth? Viewers may never know, and that’s the point. As her skepticism evolves, Harper’s style continues to deliver the unexpected. By trading conservative matching sets for ultra-feminine frocks, her manufactured ensembles add to the sense of worry in The White Lotus. What will Harper wear next? We’ll be watching the season finale on December 11 to find out.

The post How Harper’s Changing Style Signifies Suspicion In The White Lotus appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

Don’t be afraid to bust out those favorite summer pieces in your closets. We’ll show you how to winterize those shorts and sandals to keep you feeling and looking hot in the colder temperatures. We often feel the chilly months mean we have to hide our fashion-forward sides under our puffer coats and thick ankle boots for the snow. Nevertheless, incorporating these statement styles will make sure you don’t miss a beat when it comes to your street style.

Scroll on for 10 cute winter outfit ideas that will serve as inspiration throughout the chilly months ahead.

Platform Boots

Platforms are back with a vengeance and are making no plans to leave again. This time around the 2022 shoe trend has taken on the iconic Y2K Ugg boot. Step out in this redesigned classic to take your winter wardrobe to new heights.

UGG Classic Mini Platform Boot

Express Ultra Soft Balloon Sleeve Duster

Now 73% Off

Express High Waisted Ruched Side Midi Skirt

Now 56% Off

Moto Jackets

The best moto jackets have proven themselves a timeless staple. The zipper details, ribbed padding, and shoulder pads give you that extra power to take on these city streets. Be a babe and a total badass!

Veronica Beard Jylan Leather Moto Jacket

Rumored Union Cargo Pants

Steve Madden Fink Studded Knee Boots

Bermuda Shorts

Remember those Bermuda shorts we wore in middle school (that we also had in a million different colors and prints)? Well, the plaids may be gone, but the Bermuda shorts are becoming a must-have for a chic schoolboy look. Pair them with tights, knee socks, or knee-high boots to beat any wind chills.

Banana Republic Twill Shirt Jacket

Now 60% Off

Nili Lotan Dillon Bermuda Short

Now 40% Off

Isabel Marant Cener Knee Boot

Fur Bucket Hats

It’s ugly and outdated until Rihanna says it’s not. This furry accessory is impractical, weird, and just what you need to slay the day. Who cares about practicality when you’re turning heads? Added bonus if you get your favorite color in faux fur.

Tyler Lambert Faux Fur Bucket Hat

Khaite Birdie Denim Shirt in Kirk

Binge Knitting Island Mini Bowl Bag

Bold Color

Monochromatic outfits are the easiest choice for the cold months ahead, and black and neutrals are usually what come to mind. Think outside the box this season and flaunt neon from head to toe. After all, the ’80s called, and they want their colors back, but they won’t be getting them anytime soon.

Karen Millen Italian Wool Double-Breasted Coat

Now 20% Off

Jeffrey Campbell Edie Satin Platforms

Agnelle Moor Leather Gloves

Puffer Coats

One of the biggest dilemmas for winter dressing is finding something that feels warm, lightweight, and breathable—the solution: a puffer coat. This winter closet staple is a must-have for anyone who plans on surviving this winter season.

Ultra Puffer

Artizia The Super Puff Long

Extreme Cashmere No.188 Happy Roll-Neck Stretch-Cashmere Sweater

Bevza Balaclava Knit Hooded Turtleneck

Socks with Sandals

Socks and sandals are the most interesting solution to spicing up your footwear game in the winter. Give your heels another life by pairing them with bright-colored socks made in cashmere or wool for maximum warmth. Your outfits will still feel and look like your own personal style, just with more personality.

Socks with Sandals

BHLDN Leila Satin Charmeuse Dress

The Row Bare Satin Asymmetrical Slingback Sandals

Falke Cashmere & Wool-Blend Cozy Socks

Now 25% Off

Animal Print Mania

Animal prints were once a bold fashion choice, but lately, we have been spotting this trend down the runway—and even on our sidewalks. If you aren’t ready to rock a head-to-toe look à la Shania Twain, search for the right animal print for you and start with one clothing item. You’ll soon discover that this is just what you need to take your outfits to the next level.

Statement Sweaters

If you’re looking to cure your winter blues, a statement sweater is just what you need. Pick a sweater that will fill you with joy whenever you read it because sometimes a cheesy saying is just what we need to lift our mood. Pair your eye-catching knit with trousers and bold-colored shoes for a head-turning outfit.

Statement Sweaters

Rowing Blazers x Gyles & George Gyles & George Women’s “I’m a Luxury” Sweater

Nili Lotan Dillon Virgin Wool Wide Leg Pants

Now 56% Off

CamperLab Yellow Traktori Loafers

Now 50% Off

The post 10 Winter Outfits to Keep You Looking Cool All Season appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

A baby announcement that includes a classic Max Mara coat *and* a crop top? We love to see it! 

Keke Palmer is expecting a baby! And the way she revealed the news — on TV, in a fabulous outfit, and with pure joy written all over her face — reminded us of another stylish on-air pregnancy announcement more than a decade ago.

The Nope actor announced the happy news while hosting Saturday Night Live, revealing her growing baby bump during her opening monologue. Palmer jumped right into it, addressing buzz that she’s expecting her first child with her fitness instructor boyfriend Darius Jackson. “There’s some rumours going around, people have been in my comments saying, ‘Keke’s having a baby, Keke’s pregnant,’” said Palmer during the skit. “And I wanna set the record straight — I am!” The ever-stylish Palmer, clad in a monochromatic head-to-toe look, then unbuttoned her cocoa brown Max Mara coat, exposing a tonal crop top sitting above her baby bump. A baby announcement that includes Max Mara *and* a crop top? Immediately yes.

Palmer, 29, went on to say that while it’s bad enough when people on the internet spread rumours about you, it’s “even worse when they’re correct.”

It’s worth noting that crop tops and baby bumps aren’t always celebrated. Jodie Turner-Smith faced harsh treatment from some members of the British press and anonymous online trolls after appearing on The Graham Norton Show in 2020 wearing a crop top while heavily pregnant. In a since-deleted tweet, the Queen & Slim actor responded to the criticism, writing: “Gives zero f*cks about your disdain for pregnant women’s bodies on British television.” That’s quite succinct but it bears repeating that people can and should wear whatever they want to, pregnant or not.

Palmer’s cheeky baby announcement harkened back to one Beyoncé Knowles’ own bump reveal at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2011. Queen Bey famously opened her Dolce & Gabbana blazer to show off a pregnant belly underneath, confirming the pregnancy reports that had been rabidly rumoured in the press.

The post Keke Palmer’s SNL Pregnancy Reveal Had Major Beyoncé Energy appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

Take your self-care game to the next level at these luxe locales.

Toronto is big on beauty, health and wellness. Wherever you go throughout the city, chances are that you’re a stone’s throw from a chic hair salon, trendy fitness studio, cool nail salon or buzzy juice bar. The same goes for spas, which are peppered, well, everywhere. Here, we’ve narrowed down our selects of the best Toronto spas to visit now. Unplug, unwind and let these luxurious enclaves transport you to a tranquil setting, despite being in Canada’s most fast-paced metropolis.

Formula Fig

Toronto’s popular Ossington Avenue has a new bar, but it’s not what you’re picturing. Hailing from Vancouver (the two B.C. locations are well known among Canadian political figures plus A-listers visiting Hollywood North for film projects), Formula Fig, which opened in Toronto this summer, is a science-forward beauty bar unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Inside the funky all-green space (inspired by a London subway station), a glowing white menu lists various services, including a range of 30-minute technology-driven facials, “stingers” (wrinkle-relaxing neuromodulator injections) and vitamin IVs and shots, all of which are delivered by trusted professionals. Also, the green-swathed oasis sells a curated selection of cool beauty brands, like Vintner’s Daughter, Dr Loretta, Tata Harper and Goop.

Stillwater Spa

After a highly anticipated multi-year renovation, Park Hyatt Toronto has reopened its doors as well as its Stillwater Spa, which is accented in gold with waves of watercolours and light-coloured wood. The 60-minute Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience is a blissful full-body massage and the spa’s most customizable offering. Guests get to choose a handcrafted natural oil blend from U.K.-based Aromatherapy Associates, a leader in the world of aromatherapy, to be used during the treatment as well as the music — they’re welcome to play their own beats via AirPods or headphones, or they can peruse a selection of classical, contemporary and typical spa music. Once you’re lying comfortably on the massage table, get ready to experience unique massage movements and techniques that will leave you feeling totally relaxed and noodle-like.

Radford Studio

Victoria Radford’s client list includes the likes of Fergie, John Legend and Molly Parker, and the makeup artist meets aesthetician’s Yorkville beauty studio is often buzzing during the Toronto International Film Festival, with clients booking in for makeup and custom facial services prior to hitting the red carpet. Radford’s curated facials, which incorporate skincare products from her eponymous beauty line (her 24K Gold Hydrogel Face Mask is the ultimate luxe sheet mask), range from 15 minutes to two hours and can include everything from LED light therapy and manual extractions to peels and microneedling. As for makeup services, three levels are offered: pro, principal and senior principal artist. “I wanted to offer different budget options for everyone to be able to feel like a celebrity and feel welcome in the Radford community,” she shares.

SkinByVee

Cryo (cold therapy) is at the centre of Vee Mistry’s customized facials, which she performs out of her completely private studio tucked away at the back of a Yorkville-adjacent townhouse. The aesthetician looks at each client’s lifestyle factors and treats their skin accordingly using a mix of perfected techniques — ultrasonic, lymphatic drainage, microcurrent and LED therapy — along with a cocktail of niche skincare brands to help sculpt and lift. “I love cryo because it never leaves the skin looking blotchy, red or irritated,” Mistry tells FASHION. “The water I use is very cold, my cryo sticks [for lymphatic massage] come straight out of the freezer and my sheet masks are kept in the fridge.” And be prepared for the most divine facial massage, which can combine an array of different movements — effleurage, tapotement, kneading and cupping — depending on your needs. “Your face really starts at the nipples and goes all the way to the hairline,” she says. “My massages always work this entire surface area.” Note: This in-demand facialist is often booked up thanks to her impressive roster of high-profile clients who call on her to get her signature glow, but she’s definitely worth the wait.

Miraj Hammam Spa

At the Moroccan-inspired spa in the swanky Shangri-La Hotel, a popular indulgent facial treatment is the Custom Glow Facial, which uses products from leading French skincare brand Biologique Recherche. (You can experience it in 60 or 90 minutes.) No steam or hot towels are used; nor are any extractions performed. And most of the products selected by your aesthetician throughout the treatment will depend on your skin’s needs. Do expect to undergo a thorough cleanse, an exfoliation and the application of a concentrated and targeted booster and multi-masking (which consists of a liquid-based formula and a sheet mask). A facial serum and cream are applied, and then the last step is an SPF. Bonus: A de-puffing lymphatic massage using ice-cold cryo sticks is also part of the signature treatment.

Hammam Spa by Céla

With two locations in the city, Hammam Spa by Céla is another R&R hub influenced by Eastern traditions. We recommend trying one of the spa’s exclusive body treatments, like the Seed to Skin Ritual. To start, you’ll enjoy a detoxifying eucalyptus-infused steam before being brought into a private candlelit room where you’ll lie on a heated marble table. Next, a fragrant, frothy cloud of bubbles and warm water will be poured all over your body (think of it as the most luxurious bubble bath — ever), and then you’ll be gently exfoliated with a natural scrub from the spa’s in-house line, Céla. Once the scrub is fully rinsed, you’ll be treated to a full-body cream application that ends with a head, neck and shoulder massage.

A version of this article first appeared in FASHION’s November issue. Find out more here.

The post 6 Toronto Spas You Need to Indulge In appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.

Plus, a sneak peek of Lunar New Year gifts from Oribe.

Escape to Pandora with NYX Cosmetics’s latest makeup collection  

After 13 long years, the sequel to James Cameron’s Oscar-winning Avatar film is due to hit theatres this month. To commemorate its return, NYX Professional Makeup has launched an otherworldly collection of limited-edition makeup to shop. Inspired by the film’s distinctly blue characters and their bioluminescent world of Pandora, this vegan and cruelty-free collection covers all your makeup bases. From the Avatar: The Way of the Water colour palette packed with 24 lush green and ultramarine shades to the Luminescent Lip Glosses in three electrifying colourways, you’ll be premiere party-ready with these NYX launches. Plus, for every social media post made using #NYXCosmeticsForAvatar, #KeepOurOceansAmazing or #AvatarTheWayofTheWater, NYX will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to support The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit organization working to protect 10 ocean animals and their aquatic homes.

Fenty Skin drops a winter-proof lip mask 

Year after year, December’s brisk arrival reminds us why lip care is so important during these winter months. Thankfully, Rihanna’s latest Fenty Skin drop is here to save us all from another season of perpetually dry lips. This clean and cruelty-free Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask lathers lips with moisture derived from tropical coconut and castor oils, vegan pomegranate sterols, and Barbados cherry extract, which are rich in antioxidants and hydration-boosting properties. Promising a smoother and firmer pout while reducing the look of fine lines in just one week, we can’t get our hands on this product fast enough. As they say, good things come in small packages — and recyclable Fenty Skin pots. 

Sneak peak: Oribe is ready to celebrate Lunar New Year

Get ready to ring in the Year of the Rabbit with Oribe’s limited-edition gift sets, which officially drop on December 5, in celebration of the 2023 Lunar New Year. In the Signature Set, find full-sized offerings of Oribe’s classic shampoo and conditioner, plus a Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil infused with a lightweight blend of jasmine, lychee and hydrating argan oils. For carry-on-sized treats, shop the Gold Lust Travel Duo set, complete with a mini Repair and Restore Shampoo as well as conditioner. These signature products are made with centuries-old healing oils and extracts that rejuvenate hair follicles for glossier, more youthful-looking locks. Parcelled up in red boxes laced with gold detailing and imagery emblematic of the rabbit (which represents mercy, elegance and beauty in the Chinese zodiac), each gift suggests “we’re in for a year of healthy hair.” 

The post NYX Cosmetics Drops Avatar-Themed Makeup + More Beauty News appeared first on Chronicle Fashion.