DIOR: A Million Flowers

Haute Couture is known for its impeccable level of artistry, detail and quality. Presentation is of utmost importance, and that includes more than just the gowns going down the catwalk. A venue can add so much to the look and feel of a collection, and this behind-the-scenes video of the Dior Haute Couture show proves just that. Raf Simons' goes all out for his grande debut at the house of Christian Dior, and to say the least, it is simply stunning. Not only does he stimulate the eyes with the beauty of the gowns and flowers, but also (what I would imagine) the sense of smell with walls and walls of a million flowers. Go hard or go home.

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!

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!

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!