Including all the notable local fashion events happening next week.
Happily, this week’s fashion news is bursting with #shoplocal love. House of Harlow 1960, the label founded by Nicole Richie, partnered with Etsy on a collection that features two Toronto-based brands. Plus, Fashion Art Toronto is back — as is the design collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson. Read on to find out more…
Toronto jewellery brand Omi Woods is part of Nicole Richie’s exclusive House of Harlow 1960 Etsy Edit
A limited-edition collection of home décor and accessories co-created by Nicole Richie in collaboration with Etsy sellers hit the web this week; included in the mix are two Toronto-based brands – jewellery line Omi Woods, helmed by Ashley Alexis McFarlane, and Kyung-Soon Chun’s body care and décor label Sooworks. They and the other entrepreneurs involved in the edit designed the items with Richie in order to infuse them with her preferred Cali-chic sensibility.
“I’m thrilled to finally be putting the ‘House’ in ‘House of Harlow 1960′ in such a meaningful way through this dream interiors collection,” Richie said in a statement about the goods. “My home has always been an extension of my personal style and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented, diverse group of artisans on the Etsy platform — several of whom are from my home state of California.” Indeed, west coast whimsy pervades the assortment on offer, from the breezy caftans and headscarves by DandEDiscovered to Zziee Ceramics’ artful pieces, which are hand-made in Joshua Tree.
A fundraiser for U For Change includes some big names in the local fashion and beauty landscape
Toronto-based non-profit organization U for Change has introduced a new philanthropy incentive with a fashionable twist this year. Aiming to raise awareness and funds for the org — which offers a range of creative programming for underprivileged youth — the virtual event, called Fashion Runs Deep, features an inspirational panelist roster that’s part of a chat moderated by TikTok’s Victoria Di Placido. Participants include Cheekbone Beauty founder Jennifer Harper; Abiola Akinsiku of Precious Threads by Abiola; image-maker Justin Wu; and By The Namesake designer Rosa Halpern. Also speaking at the virtual event is Isabella Baboury, director of Canada for Christian Louboutin. Talk about helping the next generation put their best foot forward.
Canadian designer Andrew Coimbra is one of 10 finalists in SwatchOn’s Future of Fabric competition
Seoul-based fabric sourcing platform SwatchOn launched an initiative last year to support emerging global fashion talent called Future of Fabric. COVID-19 forced the company to change direction with the contest, of course, and it was recently announced that Montreal-based designer Andrew Coimbra is included in the final ten names to be awarded a cash prize and have their competing looks unveiled as part of an influencer campaign. Coimbra’s outfit — which boasts an original print splashed on several separates, topped off with an on-trend bucket hat — is seen on Anthony Deluca, a creative director and media mogul from Toronto. You can find out more about Coimbra’s design practice and process, as well as that of the other competitors, here.
Frank and Oak has introduced women’s swimwear
Tis the season for poolside lounging and beach trips, and Montreal’s Frank And Oak has a new range of women’s swimwear to suit such occasions. Each of the six styles — three reversible one-pieces, two reversible tops and one reversible bottom — is made from post-industrial and post-consumer waste recycled nylon. Colours vary from neutrals to bright pops, so you can make a statement or keep it subtle.
Fashion Art Toronto returns from June 2 to 17
FAT has found its virtual stride and is back with more livestreamed fashion events next month. Starting Wednesday, June 2, check out the work of over 30 Canadian designers and artists who will showcase their creativity in a variety of Toronto’s most novel venues from the Scarborough Bluffs and Ontario Place to Union Station. Brands set to be featured include L’Uomo Strano, Kyle Gervacy, Yung Alexander and Shaghayegh Tafreshi, whose collection presentation will take place at Ripley’s Aquarium. Prepare to take in natural, architectural and fashionable sights via FAT’s Instagram Live or post-presentation on its YouTube channel.
The 2.0 handbag collection collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson is here
You asked, they answered. After witnessing the popularity of their first round of limited-run pieces last year, content creator Sasha Exeter and accessory design Ela Aldorsson have released a new batch of bags to address every need. From an outsized tote with a removable laptop sleeve to a convertible saddle style, plus the belt bag from the first line that sold out within minutes, each item is made with vegan materials and 100 percent recycled plastic bottle lining. (Bonus: the packaging is biodegradable.) And you’ve got to give the duo bonus points for tapping Kitchener, Ont.-based artist Trisha Abe to create the collection’s dust bags.
CDLP expands its Mobilité performance line to include activewear
A year since launching its Mobilité range of underwear, which boasts “enhanced” design features for wear during sports activities, Swedish brand CDLP has added a line of elevated activewear into the fold. Comprised of a selection of shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts and hoodies made from terry or jersey (both fabrications are composed of a recycled organic cotton blend), they walk the line between lounge and luxe, with a hint of nostalgia for good measure.
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