The Most Scandalous Fashion Ads Ever

For an industry based on the clothes worn on our backs, it is surprising how little of said clothes are actually shown in the advertisements that are churned out every year. Then again, everyone loves a little bit of controversy and this industry is certainly no stranger to that area. From underage models to cannibalism to sex, I've rounded up 13 controversial ads that rocked the fashion world. Check out my article for Sharp Magazine here. (Warning: NSFW)

West Edmonton Mall's Anna Alfonso

I always love to explore the business aspect of fashion and retailing. I think it covers an aspect of the industry that is just as critical to the success of a brand as the artistic perspective that we are all so accustomed to hearing about. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Anna Alfonso, head of marketing for North America's largest indoor mall (West Edmonton Mall), for the University of Alberta School of Business' monthly publication, Lazy Faire. Enjoy!

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!

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.

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!

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 :)

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 :)

RECAP (Pt.I): ABSOLUTely on TOP(shop)

So, I thought I would give you all a quick recap on the festivities that have been going on in this wonderful city. I was invited to a casual event for ABSOLUT vodka's launch of their newest drink, Orient Apple, at Brassaii restaurant (which, can I say, is just an absolutely beautiful venue!) My friend, Viktoria (who I brought as my guest), and I were treated to a 3-course meal, with each dish thoughtfully paired with a drink using ABSOLUT's Orient Apple as the foundation ingredient. Suffice to say, it was a wonderful way to introduce the company's new product. You could tell that a lot of thought was put into the event, as the choice of venue (stunning), the food, and the pairings were done in a very strategic and effective way! Great job ABSOLUT! 

Beauty is...

I was perusing through the AdWeek website and found a page chronicling the first-place winners of the Cannes Lions Film & Press Awards from the last decade. Some of them are better than others, but one of them, in particular, caught my attention. Back in 2007, Canada won the award for Ogilvy & Mather's work on the DOVE ad, titled "Evolution". I remember watching this back then, and even when I watch it now, it remains a definite thought-provoker. Guess that's the whole point right?

the Hudson's Bay Company

Since my move to Toronto, i've been fascinated by the re-branding that has occurred with the Canadian heritage brand, Hudson's Bay Company. While the department store still very much remains on a mediocre and shoddy level of quality and aesthetic back where i'm from (Alberta), the same cannot be said for the stores here in Toronto. In fact, they're nothing short of spectacular!

WCFW Emerging Stylist Competition

I recently participated in the Emerging Stylist Competition with my friend, Brittanee, for Western Canada Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2011 showcase - and came in first place!

Each article of clothing had to come from a Goodwill Industries store, as they were the official sponsors of the competition. In my opinion, this requirement was genius on Goodwill’s part, as it showcased their offerings to a new target audience (young, stylish, students) that people might not normally associate with the company. Personally, I was opened up to an entirely new world of vintage fashion, making for a very exciting experience!

Western Canada Fashion Week

An interview I had with Sandra Sing Fernandes, founder of Western Canada Fashion Week, for Lazy-Faire magazine.

Fashion is a word that is often synonymous with glamour and luxury. But what is often swept aside is the amount of hard work and drive required to give off such grandeur depictions. We recently sat down with Western Canada Fashion Week founder and director, Sandra Sing Fernandes, to talk about her work here in Canada’s fashion capital… Edmonton. Undoubtedly, a difficult market that Sandra has been able to work like Naomi Campbell on the catwalk. What we discovered was a very passionate woman, driven by her love for the arts and her community.