Olivia & Johannes

It's just not fair. 

Diving for McQueen

Renowned fashion critic, Cathy Horyn, recently walked through the Alexander McQueen atelier in Paris, meeting up with Creative Director, Sarah Burton, to discuss the Spring 2012 collection. Featured on NOWNESS, "Horyn's notorious studio visits define her style as a journalist, producing lyrical portraits of designers truly dedicated to the rigour of cutting and creating clothes."

Endorsed: Truman Handcrafted

Absolutely love this laptop portfolio by Truman Handcrafted! It's understated, yet unique in its colour and design. Sweet, sweet simplicity. 

H&M for the Holidays!

Unlike the blasphemy that was the Versace designer collaboration, I am in love with H&M's Holiday collection! It speaks to all the joys and wonders that the holidays are known for: festivity, warmth, glamour and ritz! Browsing through their lookbook, I couldn't help but mentally plan my next excursion to the Swedish land of accessible fashion. I suppose all is forgiven for their little mishap before. Check out my favourite men's and women's looks after the jump!

Culture As A Commodity

My friend, Chris, recently wrote a great piece on his blog about the commodification of culture. I thought it was, not only well-written, but also very insightful and sincere. 

"Fashion loves it some commodity. Despite the glamour and frivolous nature of the business, we must remember that fashion is here solely for one reason and one reason only: to sell stuff. Whether it be splashy ads in magazines, high-budget fashion films, the classic runway show — these are all tactics to make you want a certain product, whether you realize it or not. It is a multi-billion dollar industry after all. It must survive somehow."

Read the rest at Chris' blog, Fashion of the Chris!

Look Book: Red & Festive!

SHARP's Style MANual

I was able to contribute to the style section of SHARP's F/W 2011 Book for Men! Throughout the section, we explored menswear essentials, fit, and seasonal trends! Check out my contributions after the jump!

Style Snapshot

Music Minute

I've never really been a Coldplay fan. To be honest, they make me want to take a nap. 

But... This song is epic. 

Check out "Paradise" by Coldplay, off their new album Mylo Xyloto, after the jump!

Versace x H&M

Am I the only one that's not chomping at the bit for a piece of H&M's collaboration with the house of Versace? Call me crazy, but this collection is pure comedy - a joke. I've seen gong shows with more dignity than this ridiculous circus of a product line. And the worst part? You just know that people everywhere will be salivating to get their hands on the newest haute commodity. Kids, designer labels do not always equate with taste and quality. Let this be a lesson.

The Well Dressed Man (NOVEMBER 2011)

Check out my style feature "the Well-Dressed Man" (Page 44) in the November issue of SHARP magazine, featuring Johnny Depp!

the Peacock Parade's "Off the Runway"

Canadian fashion is quickly on its way up. The underdogs in the industry, artistic minds like Joe Mimran (of Joe Fresh and Club Monaco fame) and Mark Fast are championing our nation's cause in an arena dominated by American and European designers. Although Canada may not be the first to come to mind when thinking of fashion, our nation boasts an impressive roster of talent that has received recognition and respect across a wide expanse of industries. Even with all that we have to be proud of, however, there always seems to be a lack of enthusiasm when it comes to buying Canadian and supporting domestic talent - a hurdle that has undoubtedly prevented many of Canada's brightest stars from achieving success.

Jan Gandhi and Nancy Sahota are the creative forces behind the Peacock Parade, an online destination for retail enthusiasts to delight in designer goods offered at discounted prices. Through their business, the two women recently launched "Off the Runway", an initiative that is as much about accessibility to consumers as it is about the cultivation of homegrown talent - something that I fully support and am so happy to see in the Canadian market.

Music Minute

Love.This.SONG!
It's simple, yet effective. In her videos, I find that she can often come across as a bit of an over-enthusiastic try-hard. Here, though, she seems completely sincere in the way she delivers. It's a great video that really showcases her vocal range and dancing abilities.

Check out Love On Top after the jump!

Genette Salgado S/S '12

I realize i'm a little tardy to the party on this one, but any chance to highlight some great, local talent, and i'm on board! Genette Salgado is a designer of versatility, flare, and sophistication, key components that contribute to a formula for success. She recently showcased her latest collection, Not Fade Away, at Western Canada Fashion Week (which, by the way, is now the third largest fashion week in Canada), and did not disappoint!

Tribute

This past weekend was Thanksgiving, and now, more than ever, i've come to realize how much there is to be thankful for in life. It seems that with each passing year, there comes forth new challenges, moments of joy, wisdom, and appreciation. The last two years have not been easy for my family. Yet despite the hardships that we have endured, we have also been able to grow and learn more in these past few years than ever before. It is a bit funny (and ironic) how troubled times can bring individuals together, a collective gathering of support and love. Dare I say, blessings in disguise? Hmm, perhaps it's a bit early to make such bold statements. However, the lessons that we've learned from these experiences are ones that I am entirely grateful for, despite the fire that we had to walk through in order to attain them.

TOMKOW + CHUNG F/W 2011 Collection

Finally! The images have come back and I can, at long last, show everyone the collection that we worked so hard on for Western Canada Fashion Week! Where do I even begin? My creative partner, Brittanee Tomkow, and I entered the Emerging Stylist competition for fashion week last year, which involved styling an outfit completely sourced from Goodwill Industries with a budget of $75. We ended up winning the competition with a colour-blocked outfit that reflected much of what was being shown on the international runways that season. Our ensemble ended up totaling just under $35 from head to toe and really displayed the fact that fashion need not always be expensive or inaccessible. As our prize, we were given the amazing opportunity to showcase an entire collection of looks, styled by us and sourced from Goodwill, for the Fall/Winter 2011 season!

Look Book: Colour-Blocked

I don't know what it is about this particular trend that I seem to have such a high affinity for, but I am all about the colours this season! It's not even really my style either, as I prefer to go with more subtle patterns and colours over the flashier variety. Perhaps it's the vibrancy and optimism that seem to come with this particular aesthetic that i've become so enamored with. Given certain events that have occurred in my personal life, a little colour is precisely what is needed in order to liven up a setting.

For those of you wanting to try this particular look, just remember, balance is key. Too little, and you're missing the whole point. Too much, and suddenly you've joined the circus. Tread carefully. Pick one statement colour (in this case, my mustard yellow pants), and build your outfit around it with colours that will complement and anchor it down. I like to keep things fairly simple, so any more accent colours on me, and i'll feel like a clown. Others, however, will incorporate a palette consisting of colours all across the board - and pull it off. It all depends on your style, and how well you can balance each element together!

Look after the jump for credits :) 

Le Male

Over the summer, in preparation for the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of the "Book For Men", distributed by SHARP magazine, I had the most wonderful opportunity to interview Francis Kurkdjian. Although certainly not a household name, Kurkdjian has worked with some of the most influential designers and fashion houses in the industry, from Dior and Lanvin to Ferragamo and Gaultier, as a master perfumer. In fact, Kurkdjian is responsible for creating the most commercially successful cologne in the marketplace (Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier), and was able to do so right out of school, no less. In other words, he's kind of a big deal. Calling into Paris on a sunny morning in Toronto, I was pleased to find out that the man remained polite and charming, despite his reputation and success. We chatted about his triumphs and history, work in the industry, experiences with designers, and the process required to create a scent, from formulation to production. It truly was a fascinating discussion! You can read my article in the F/W 2011 issue of the "Book for Men", by SHARP magazine, or continue below! I've included supplementary material from the interview that we weren't able to fit into the book, so please enjoy!

TOMKOW + CHUNG

The show we put on for Western Canada Fashion Week went better than we hoped for, and could not have been any happier! I really want to show everyone the pictures that we took, but it looks like it's going to take about another week for us to get images back. However, i'd rather you see the images in the best possible way rather than see them early, so i'm happy to wait a little longer :)

Stay tuned!!

Ben Sherman

While I was in Toronto, I called into London to talk to Mark Maidment, Creative Director of Ben Sherman, to discuss the brand, Savile Row, and the company's debut in the Canadian marketplace, with the opening of their first stand-alone store along Queen Street in Toronto. He was a really laid-back and great man to interview, easily one of the most comfortable and casual interviews that I have ever conducted. You could tell that the he was very passionate about the brand that he heads, which is evident in the company's new direction and product offerings! Featured in the September issue of SHARP magazine, you can read a small preview inside the issue (out on stands now!), or read the interview in its entirety below! Enjoy :)

Tease

As a sneak peak to my upcoming show for Western Canada Fashion Week, here's a snakeskin satchel I found that will be featured when we (Brittanee and I) debut our collection on Friday, September 23rd! 

Oh, and we got it for only $7 ;)

If you're in town (Edmonton), come say hi and watch our show!

Doors open at 7pm, September 23rd at the Transalta Arts Barn 

10330 84 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton

(Afterparty at the Rack on Whyte Ave!)

Original Gangsters

Featured in the September 2011 issue of SHARP Magazine is a piece called, "Original Gangsters". It basically highlights how the heritage/vintage look is now, and always has been, "in". While this particular aesthetic may be a current trend, dressing smart has always been a classic standard that men can rely on for a great look. To add fuel to effect, I interviewed John Dunn and Lisa Padovani, costume directors of the hit HBO series "Boardwalk Empire", to get their take on this great sartorial philosophy, since much of this aesthetic is displayed throughout the show. You can read the feature in the magazine, out on stands now, or the full interview below!

The September Issue

I finally found/bought a copy (or six) of the newest SHARP Magazine issue today!!! Before you ask, no, I am not a hoarder of men's fashion/lifestyle magazines. This particular issue is of significance to me because it's the very first (legit) publication that my work has been published in!!! Seeing my name on those pages was quite the surreal experience! So naturally, I bought six copies (is that even enough?) It's also quite comforting that my first bit of work would be featured in the Style/September issue of a magazine as well. How fitting :)

The Sartorial Wisdom of Dan Levy

You'll remember I previously met up with Dan Levy over the summer for an interview, and here it is! I sat down with the witty, sarcastic, and impeccably stylish Levy to discuss all things sartorial for SHARP Magazine. You can read the interview on their website here, or below for more!

TOMS x The Row

This is too cute. It's nice to see the girls with a genuine, sincere smile once in a while.
Fashion need not always be cold.

été

Finally got to wear my leathers again :)

W Magazine

Holy Mama! Not that I never noticed her beauty before, but to make it so glaringly obvious?! Kirsten Stewart looks INDESCRIBABLY STUNNING on the cover of W Magazine's september issue!!!

The fashion team deserves a big raise for this one. 

Colour Block

Bright as a lightbulb in my very glamourous summer abode with my extremely high-quality camera.

(Go figure, there's food in my hand)

5 Points to Remember When You Shop Vintage

Until fairly recently, I was a bit unaware of the joys and wonders of vintage shopping. Boy was I missing out!!! Since participating in a little merchandising showcase for Goodwill Industries, an entirely new world of sartorial choices has been opened up to me! Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on your perspective. Let's just say, my wallet is consistently famished while my wardrobe remains momentarily satiated. Oh, the plight of the fashion obsessed.

I wrote an article today for SHARP Magazine focusing on things that every vintage hunter should know. You can check out the article online here, or continue reading below!

Classy

My all-time favourite classical piece, to listen and play, would definitely have to be the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Growing up, my brother and I, like any good asian children, were enrolled in piano lessons. It's one of the cultural stereotypes that we adhered to (unlike my absolute inability to do math - ethnic fail). He would always play the bouncy and bright allegros, while I would have an affinity for the more moody and darker adagio pieces. Beethoven apparently dedicated this movement to his pupil, Countess Giuletta Guicciardi, with whom he was, or had been, in love with. I absolutely love the amount of depth and raw emotion that you can feel from this exquisite masterpiece of his. Absolutely beautiful.

We may not have appreciated it then, but I can say that I now have a deep and rooted respect for classical music, and quite enjoy listening to it. Kids, even if you hate it, keep playing. It's true when they say you'll thank them later.

Thanks Mama and Papa bear.
  

More beautiful pieces after the jump.

Things I Like: Cuffs

There is a fine line that men traverse when it comes to jewelry. Personally, I think less is more. There is nothing more tacky and gaudy than a guy walking around completely weighed down by the massive amount of "bling" he's decided to adorn himself in. From the rings to the ginormous necklaces to the diamond encrusted watches, it's all just too much! Sophistication and class are derived from the art of subtlety. That being said, there are certainly some characters (hello, Johnny Depp) that are able to pull off a jewelry-encrusted look that speaks to a sense of effortlessness and elegance. Those people, however, make up a very small portion of the population. For the everyday man, my advice is to keep it simple. A watch, your wedding ring (if you have one), and one other piece of jewelry is more than enough. Lately i've taken an interest in cuffs and bracelets for men. I've found three that are simple, yet make a statement. Check it out below!

Sartorial Cravings

Craving a leopard print tie. 

SPOTTED...

Yours Truly at the TopMan pop-up shop

When Louis Met Tiffany

Elena had many things to pick up. 

Kicks

OAK + FORT

Check out my latest article for SHARP Magazine in the "Brands You Should Know" series! You can read it on their site here, or below! 

In our ongoing quest to improve mankind, sometimes we come across certain brands that deserve more attention. In Brands You Should Know we provide short profiles of designers, products and people that make the world a sharper place.


There is an ongoing myth in this industry that fashion does not equate with function. For years, sartorial enthusiasts have been relegated to the restrictions and limitations of a nonexistent law ruling that one need be uncomfortable in order to look good. We, and the folks over at OAK +FORT, would like to put that rumor to rest. In fact, comfort is the very foundation that the Edmonton-born brand sits upon.  The fledgling company, with its Gastown (Vancouver) and Whyte Avenue (Edmonton) locations, uses comfort and style as mantras in its overall brand philosophy.

OBSESSED: Coats

At this point, i'm thinking "Obsessed" or "Obsession" would be a more appropriate name for my blog, since all I seem to do is find more things to add onto my already massive list of sartorial desires. Sigh, plight of a fashion addict. I'm sure many of you can relate. It's quite a love/hate relationship, no?

Ironically, right in the middle of the hottest summer i've ever experienced (sidebar: My friend knows someone who lives in Toronto and went on a trip to India recently. She said the climate is comparable. WORST!!!), i've had this odd and completely inappropriate obsession for winter coats. Perhaps it is my yearning for summer to end and for fall to begin. Like a bear prepares its body for hibernation, I prepare my wardrobe for fall fashion. In my opinion, it is the best time of the year to go hunting for clothes, as the sheer amount of possibilities for dressing oneself are endless! Maybe i'm biased because I grew up in the Rockies of Alberta, where a weeks' worth of +15C to +20C would be considered a great summer success, but I am so over this heat. My body is not conditioned to it, and as result, leaves me in a constant state of abnormal perspiration. Which of course, is super attractive.

Can You Say "Whistle Range"?

This makes me happy.

Vintage Hunters

Craving some good vintage finds, my friends and I decided to take a lovely little stroll down Kensington market and Queen Street West on a sunny saturday afternoon. Vintage shopping can be a really interesting experience. You honestly don't ever know what to expect, it's very hit or miss. But every once in a while, you'll find a gem amidst a pile of junk that'll be the exact piece you were looking for. And the fact that it's vintage, that it's pre-worn, means that there is a story behind that piece, a history - I like that.

Rock With U

Nothing wrong with a little Janet.

She Wears YSL...

Elena is my coworker. She has impeccable taste.

Hat Head

Do we like this? I loved it. Unfortunately, it squeezed the shit out of my ginormous head and made me feel like popping an advil after wearing it for only half an hour. I returned it two hours after I bought it. I'm pretty sure the people over at Club Monaco were super impressed.

FASHION OBSESSION: McQ

God Bless McQueen.

This sweater is so bad-ass, yet refined, it's actually quite amazing.

Need.

Haute and Bothered

Oh, what wonders and opulence has the world of Haute Couture brought us now? Fall is right around the corner (thank god, I'm not sure how much more of this heat/humidity I can handle) and with it has come a surge of great fall fashion. Fall Couture Week just wrapped up and it did not disappoint! From Giambattista Valli's luxuriously voluminous collection to the house of Dior's revival sans fallen designer, John Galliano, it was an eventful time!

Music Moment

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining. The skies are blue. I just ate an entire bag of chocolate. And it's the weekend.

Life is good.



Thought I'd leave you with this Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World medley by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, which always leaves me in a happy mood :)

Indochino

I recently conducted an interview for SHARP Magazine with Kyle Vucko, co-founder of mass bespoke retailer, Indochino, to talk about the company's humble beginnings, positioning, and offerings. You can view the interview here, or read below! Unfortunately, due to the nature of the "Brands You Should Know" segment that we feature for the magazine, the interview had to be cut down significantly. But i've included the rest of it below :)

Dan Levy

Just interviewed the incomparable Mr. Dan Levy for an article i'm working on for the magazine. Check back for the piece later!

Note: Did not intentionally mean to dress like a waiter :(

Fashion Travesty: Toe Shoes

What, in Wintour's name, are these - and why am I seeing them everywhere. More importantly, why do they exist. Did I miss some sort of ugly-shoe memo here? I don't care how much they enhance your performance, or whatever it is the athletically-inclined kids are saying these days, these shoes are blasphemous.

Paris Men's Fashion Week (Pt.II)

My favourite looks from the Paris men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Paris Men's Fashion Week

My favourite looks from the Paris men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Milan Men's Fashion Week Pt.II

So

i've finally finished compiling some of my favourite looks from the Milan men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. That boldly printed D&G blazer may be a bit much for some, but it would look absolutely stunning in a magazine spread. Or perhaps that hot pink double-breasted blazer by Cavalli? Paired with a crisp, white button-up, some casual navy trousers, with the sleeves rolled up, and you've got a luxuriously casual look! These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Milan Men's Fashion Week

So i've finally finished compiling some of my favourite looks from the Milan men's fashion week! For those quick to judge, keep in mind that I chose these looks for a variety of reasons. When looking at the outfits that are sent down the runway, one cannot just judge based on face value. You have to be able to see a look and have the ability to disassemble it, appreciating each piece for the contribution that it makes to the overall presentation of that outfit, or the contribution that it could make in another. You have to be able to imagine certain pieces in different settings. Perhaps in a beautifully stylized advertising campaign, perhaps in a whimsical street shot. Fashion and style are never singular formulas. That boldly printed D&G blazer may be a bit much for some, but it would look absolutely stunning in a magazine spread. Or perhaps that hot pink double-breasted blazer by Cavalli? Paired with a crisp, white button-up, some casual navy trousers, with the sleeves rolled up, and you've got a luxuriously casual look! These looks have been chosen for a multitude of reasons and are appreciated for their versatility! I encourage you to think outside of the box when looking at these pieces and try to imagine ways that they work instead of ways that they don't!

Battle of the Covers

Three of Canada's leading publications in women's fashion have recently released the covers for their August issues, all of which are kind of amazing. From the romantic and whimsical Flare (with Mila Kunis in Lanvin) to the stunning Elle Canada (with Malin Akerman) to the striking Fashion (with Lady Gaga in Gareth Pugh), I think it's safe to say that all three magazines BROUGHT.IT. The colour palettes on the covers are fantastic, and the chosen cover girls/designers are great! I'm so happy that the Canadian fashion industry, from our designers to our publications, is finally starting to see the recognition that it deserves. Regardless of which cover you think is best, these magazines have proven that they are formidable forces to be reckoned with, comparable to that of our neighbors down south and overseas! Way to go, Canada!

*note* Does anyone know who Malin Akerman is wearing?

RECAP (Pt.II): The QUEEN & the Princess

So, in less then a week, i've been within a few feet of Lady Gaga and witnessed Aretha Franklin slap her own damn ass in person. Not too shabby, huh?

This past weekend, Toronto saw to it that the Much Music Video Awards would be one of the biggest and brightest productions put on by the Canadian music scene this year. And with artists like Gaga, Bruno Mars, Bieber, Drake, and more, set to make an appearance, the MMVAs were the place to be. I was lucky enough to get accreditation for the event, so I was stationed in the media room, where the artists came and had their interviews. Needless to say, the entire experience was quite surreal and kind of amazing!