Style Bazaar magazine interviews me!

A couple of weeks ago, Style Bazaar asked if they could feature me as one of their favourite bloggers in their online magazine. Needless to say I was very flattered and thrilled!

Check out the interview here and flip to page 30 to see my interview. And please check out the rest of the issue! There are other amazing bloggers featured, a great fashion editorial and features on my style icons Lady GaGa and Rihanna.
The site also has an online shop where you can buy great vintage, and a blog so check it out!

I must thank the lovely Tallulah for thinking of me and asking me great questions that really made me think about why I like blogging about fashion.

Thanks again Style Bazaar!

Valentino continued: The interview

I wasn't nervous this morning about meeting designer Valentino. I had my questions written down with stars beside the most important ones. I had rehearsed them several times so I would remember them. I had new batteries in my tape recorder and an extra tape in case the first one ran out. I even had my outfit picked out. On my way to the lounge 99 Sudbury St. aka the Green Room, where the interview was going to take place, I even fell asleep on the bus; that's how relaxed I was.

And then I got to the lounge, saw Giancarlo first and then there he was. Valentino. I took a deep breath and went inside where I was instructed to sit in a booth and wait for him. I got a bottle of water which I gulped down and then texted three friends asking them to help me relax. The friend who gave me the interview said "Don't be nervous. Look at his skin!" That made me laugh because Valentino does have very orange skin. I waited for about 45 minutes and then Giancarlo came to talk to me. He was very pleasant, wearing a nice suit, perfectly combed hair and he had big brown eyes. He was obviously very intelligent as we talked about the business of fashion but he got a bit annoyed at my questioning as I wanted to talk about fashion whereas he wanted to talk about the movie. I don't want to reveal too much about the interview, since that will be in the article I'm writing about, but I will tell you that he is not very pleased about large businesses buying up luxury labels, as was done with Valentino.

Not wanting to displease Valentino's partner, I talked to him about the movie and it all went well.

About 10 minutes later, He arrived. I had to share the interview with another reporter since Valentino had to leave precisely seven minutes later, so we were a bit rushed. I have to say it was the most amazing experience. He was very kind and polite, touching me on my arm and looking me in the eye, saying how pleased he was to meet me. He was very charming; of course he's been charming journalists for decades so the man has practice. He was dressed impeccably. Not a strand of hair on his head was out of place (and he had a full head of hair. Quite a feat for a 70-year-old) and he wore tan leather shoes and a beautiful suit. He also wore jeweled bracelets on his left wrist which he says were a gift and beneath them, a watch. He was soft-spoken but well-spoken. The man knows how to give a good sound bite. He talked about how he still wakes up with design ideas in his head, how he has witnessed the change in fashion and how he is keeping busy. He is working on a retrospective of his work and he says he will be designing costumes for the opera and ballet. It is obvious that he loves his work and is very passionate.

Today is a day I will not forget.

Once the article is published I will post the link here so stay tuned!

Valentino: The man, the movie, the party

(Valentino waving to the audience at the Winter Garden theatre)

I have to say that this experience has not only been the highlight of my career, but of my life.
Meeting Mon. Valentino and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti was a pleasure and an honour.
This is how it happened...

Yesterday a co-worker of mine phoned me up and asked: " Are you coming in to work tomorrow?" I said no because I normally have Mondays off but told her I could come in. She said: "Do you want to interview Valentino?" I didn't scream but I paused for a moment, digesting this information and hurriedly said: "Yes! Of course!"
My co-worker had the interview pitched to her by Naked Eye magazine, since Valentino is in town for the documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor, but since she doesn't know anything about fashion and knew that I was obsessed, she knew I would want to do it. I owe her big time!

She told me that I had to go to the screening of the movie ( no problem!) which started in three hours and I was invited to the after-party in Valentino's honour. By this time, I was freaking out. What to wear?? What to ask him?? WHAT TO WEAR???

I went on my computer and Googled the shit out of Valentino, jotted down a dozen questions and then began my task of finding the perfect outfit. Two of my friends from work couldn't come to the party with me since one was at the ET Canada TIFF party at Casa Loma and the other was attending the DSquared fashion show. Tough life, huh? So I called up my friend: "Are you busy tonight?" "Noooo...." "How would you like to go to a party...for Valentino?" "Ummm...YES!"
And so it was decided. I would go to the screening of the movie at the Winter Garden theatre, meet my friend after it finished and together we would head to the party at the Green House.

The movie:

It was moving, intimate, funny and passionate. It told the story of Valentino and his life long partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, and Valentino's last year as a couturier. The filmmaker, Matt Tyrnauer, followed the two as Valentino prepared his final Haute Couture collection and threw his 45th anniversary party. Valentino is an immensely funny man who obviously cares about his work and Giancarlo. The two bicker constantly about who is right and wrong, where they met, whether a dress should have an extra fold, and that Valentino is too tan. I laughed through the whole movie. It was very touching.
Valentino and Giancarlo watched the movie with the rest of us in a box seat and when the movie finished, the audience gave him a standing ovation for ten minutes and he loved every second of it, waving his hands to us, blowing us kisses and bowing. It was incredible.

There was a question and answer period afterwards with the director, Valentino and Giancarlo. Valentino said that the Toronto premiere is his favorite so far (flatterer!) and that he wants to design the clothes for the Toronto ballet. He was very thankful to be there and was very polite.

Valentino at the podium and Giancarlo to his right.

The party:

I met up with my friend and we headed to the Greenhouse for the party. We got there around 7 p.m., walked down the small red carpet and headed straight for the free champagne. The venue was intimate but beautiful; it looked like an Italian house, with antique furniture and detailing on the wall. The place was full of PR people, the media and hangers-on. We went on the patio and I found three friends that I went to university with who were working there for a production company. At least I knew someone!

(Me at the Valentino party)

There weren't any celebrities there (I guess everyone was at Casa Loma or Spice Route for the E! party) but I did see the Wedding SOS host, Jane Dayus-Hinch! My friend and I chatted to her and she was really nice and talked about a wedding she filmed in Whitby on Saturday.
Valentino and his entourage arrived at around 8:45 and were herded to the VIP area where three bodyguards closed him off. We were all allowed in the room with him but we couldn't go to speak to him. Giancarlo did come out and talk to a few people and Valentino also stood up and chatted with some people but he didn't leave the area. I tried to get photos but people kept blocking the way; it was packed with an enthralled audience. We were in the presence!

I also have a story about my friend and National Post columnist Shinan Govani's butt, but I won't repeat it here...

The party ended at 9 p.m. since the VMA afterparty was being held there so we left.

I'm about to write up more questions for Valentino, and I will update you guys with what happened at the interview once I get home.

Stay tuned!

Oh. My. God. I'm interviewing Valentino tomorrow

Today I'm going to a screening of Valentino: The Last Emperor, a documentary by Vanity Fair special correspondent Matt Tyrnauer. The film documents the designer's career, which ended in January when he staged his last Haute Couture show before retiring.

Tomorrow, I get to interview the designer about the movie and any other questions I can think of!

Do you guys have any questions for Valentino??

I am so excited I feel like I'm going to vomit. This man is like a celebrity to me; he's a fashion genius. I hope I don't faint!

Models who blog: Meet newcomer Laurel Stovall

I love looking for new faces. I spend hours looking at modeling agencies' sites, trying to find a face that inspires me and makes me want to get to know the model. I came across Laurel Stovall not through a modeling agency, but through her blog, It's Her Factory. Laurel, 22, is a model newbie, having modeled for a Nevada life magazine and a handful of shows for local boutiques. She is hoping to get signed to an agency and judging by the popularity of her blog, she will get noticed soon.

Laurel has the perfect model looks: She's tall and rail-thin but it's her face that really made me stop and stare. She has large green eyes that make her look like a Kewpie doll. Her dark mane frames an oblong face and her lips would make Gemma Ward jealous. I can see her in a Calvin Klein ad.
Her blog is refreshingly unpretentious; she muses about school, modeling and what she is wearing (btw- this girl has incredible style.) And damn, the girl can strike a pose.

I had the chance to ask Laurell a few questions about the difficulty of breaking into the modeling biz, what her aspirations are, and how she got to be so good at picking out amazing clothes.

(Photos courtesy of Laurel Stovall)



Where are you from?

I was born in Lovelock, Nevada and currently reside in Reno, Nevada.

So you want to become a model? Why? When did you know that’s what you want to do? What inspired you?

It's been a lot of different influence, mostly because of my height, I’ve been told that I could model since I was a kid but I was too busy playing with toy horses in the dirt for even beginning to think about modeling. I started to acquire an interest in the industry after working with patterns and designs in a high school sewing class (of all things). From there, the creative drive is what got me serious about being a face for it and having the ability to be surrounded in it? Priceless!

Describe what kind of modeling you have done

Anything I list, I’m a bit embarrassed by but given the real scope of what’s available here in Nevada.
I guess it’s better than anything. I modeled for a friend of mine who was a photographer for a local life/style publication and she helped me to really start thinking about it in context. I’ve also modeled for a few local stores/boutiques during events and promotions.



What does your family think about you wanting to become a model?

As I’m an only child, my parents are definitely my biggest fans and true supporters. First things first, they want me to finish college. It’s also my number one agenda. For the most part they do support the idea, but don’t really keep up with me and my crazy fashion and design obsession.

What are your dream jobs?

Number one dream jobs – writing fashion editorials for the New York Times. Or, script writing for sitcoms like The Office, SNL or The Daily Show. Second? Finding myself backstage of a Comme De Garcon, Balenciaga or Givenchy show, of course.

How tough is it being a newcomer in this industry?

I still haven’t really discovered the true ‘hard-knocks’ of the industry, yet due to still being in school and still residing in Nevada. Those are probably the toughest things I’ve experienced thus far, I would love to just drop it and go – but I have to be sensible.

Have you put yourself out there to try to get modeling jobs?

No, and it’s another factor of location and what’s (legitimately) available. It’s definitely part of the itinerary in the coming months and upon graduation in December when I move back East.



What are you studying?

Majoring in journalism and minoring in English literature at University of Nevada, Reno.
Let's talk about your blog, It's Her Factory. How did that start?

It actually started after I joined The Fashion Spot and saw the incredible things that people were doing with their own personal style ‘forte’ and displaying it to the world. A fellow blogger and friend, Erica of Fashion Chalet gave me the final push to start up It’s Her Factory. The goal is for me to learn about developing a sense of personal style, the industry and what other people are doing to progress the world of fashion. My readers are absolutely amazing people who all have their own sense of style and inspire me in a multitude of ways.

Who/what are your favorite models, designers, photographers, magazines?

Favorite models would have to be Anja Rubik and Freja Beha Erichsen. Favorite designers, Yves Saint Laurent and Rad Hourani – two polar opposites, for sure. Favorite magazines, Italian and French Vogue, along with Hobo Magazine.

Favorite fashion moment

Christian Dior HC Spring 2006 – Galliano’s ‘revolutionary’ show. The kind of design and aesthetic he conveyed in those gowns, accessories, down to the model’s makeup – gave me the chills.



Who would you most like to meet in the fashion world?

I would love to meet Nicolas Ghesquiere.

What are your interests besides modeling?

I absolutely love tech and gadgets – I become so absolutely fixated on learning about a new program, software, and computers. It’s nerdy, but I’m okay with it…I absolutely love to cook, too. So entertaining and relaxing.

What is your style philosophy?

Dress for yourself because no one else does.
What are your favorite labels, pieces of clothing, accessories?

My absolute favorite labels (right now) are Chloe, Alexander Wang and Marni. I’m falling into a bit of a cliché affair with Wang – but when it comes to simplicity, he knows best. For pieces, men’s jeans, definitely. I’m very minimalistic about accessories, but my mom’s name bracelet is my staple, season in and out.



Are you a bag girl or a shoe girl?

Neither. I’m on an even kilter between the two. I’m more of a wardrobe girl – if that’s possible?

Why is your blog called "It's Her Factory"?

‘It’s Her Factory’ was named after the song by Gang of Four. I adore all British rock, it’s so descriptive of my style in dress – somehow. The song is about how women are pre-destined to ‘suffrage’, but meant for revolution. “It’s her factory, it’s her duty, it’s her factory!”.

Who are your style icons?

Definitely Freja Beha – I love her simplicity approach, and combine it with a bit of Parisian chic. Perfection!

Favorite trends/trends you wish were over

I love my Rayban Wayfarer’s and refuse to let them outdate. I’m pretty much done with the idea of ‘faux’ eyewear, it’s obnoxious.

Favorite stylish celebrity?

I think that Blake Lively is basically my hero. She’s gorgeous and dresses so wonderfully chic.



Favorite blogs?

It would be wrong to say I have absolute favorites.
How do you decide what content to put on your blog?

I do a mix of whatever is currently grabbing my attention stylistically, creatively, etc. also, my daily style (whenever it’s worth showing).

Do you see many models blogging?

I don’t actually. I believe a few do have personal blogs, but assuming how busy they must be, a blog would be a tough thing to balance.
Why do you like fashion?

I admire the idea of fashion being something created by you – without the help of stylists, advertisers or bad, dead teeny mall trends. It’s how you decipher your personality for the world and it always makes you feel better to make the effort of dress.



What are people's biggest misconception of you?

Biggest misconception, strangely enough is that I’m not friendly. I’ve heard that a lot and I think it may be because I hold myself differently and it throws strangers off. I always make the effort to talk to everyone I come into contact with, though. It’s nice to leave a smile on someone’s face, especially when they don’t expect it.

You entered the V magazine modeling contest. Why did you enter and what was the experience like?

I saw the contest advertised in the June V and had to enter, mostly on a whim. I’ve been SO absolutely thankful for my friends and blog readers, it really goes to show the kindness of strangers and how supportive the fashion and art community really is.

What are your loves/hates, favorite books, music, best jobs, worst jobs?

Currently, I love rolled jeans and hate coffee. Favorite book is Hemingway’s Garden of Eden, and can NOT stop listening to Kylie Minogue’s X album. My worst job was most definitely working at my hometown’s pizza restaurant, I was there for about 2 weeks until my insane boss drove me to quit. My best job would have to be the one I’m currently in, which is communications intern for the City of Sparks, Nevada.



Would you like to be a stylist?
I think I would really love to style HC runway shows the most, where clothing becomes the highest form of art and you are forced to think in multiple ways about what eludes that certain house the most.

Favorite stores?

Zara. Where everything fits me perfectly and my college allotment can afford more than one piece. I absolutely love Barney’s, too, the whole nature and feeling of that store is wonderful.

What is your Holy Grail accessory you must have right now?

At some point, I mustmustmust have a pair of the Rodarte/Louboutin heels from the fall 2008 runway. MUST.

What's next for you?

Next for me is finishing up my senior year, here at the University of Nevada, Reno. Come January, 2009 after graduation in December – New York. I plan on sending out more test shots in the next month or so, before the semester gets busy. I cannot wait to open that next chapter of my life and find out what is in store, whether it be modeling or working in communications/technical. Very exciting!

Q&A with Christie Smythe and Andrea Lenczner of Smythe

Double Breasted Schoolboy

The Canadian label, Smythe, is known for their super luxe jackets that are modern in tailoring but retain classic shapes. Their silhouettes will make any woman feel like she just walked off a movie set which is why they are popular with celebs such as Kate Hudson and Rachel Bilson and have appeared in many magazine spreads such as Elle and Vogue.

I had the chance to ask co-founders and designers, Christie Smythe and Andrea Lenczner about how they started Smythe, what their inspirations are and just how they makes such gorgeous jackets. (Photos: Smythe)

How and when did Smythe start?

We started in February 2004 with our first fall collection. I (Christie) moved home from New York. Andrea and I always dreamed of being partners and having a business together - when i moved home it made sense that this was the right time to do it!

What was your inspiration for Spring 08 collection?

The Spring 2008 collection is a happy collection with great bright wool jerseys in in turquoise and pink. We also introduced our Boyfriend blazer which is more relaxed in fit . . . the perfect slouchy blazer to go over everything from a mini dress to a skinny jean to a maxi dress. . . outerwear was also important. . . our coated linen utility jacket with nostalgic metal firemans buckles or our sophisticated tie neck trench.

Why jackets?

We wanted to do one thing and do it really well. We wanted to create a cherished piece for a woman's wardrobe and we don't believe in prescribing what a woman wears from head to toe.

How do you get your ideas?

From everything and everywhere: books, magazines, vintage, film, a woman walking down the street.

What is your creative process when designing a collection?

We concept according to lifestyle predominantly - we are always talking about what our girls like and what she needs in her wardrobe, what does the Smythe girl love to wear on the weekend, what does she desire for work etc.

Where can we buy your clothes?

Distribution is listed on our website.
What has been the response from celebrities?

We have been very fortunate to have some celebrities wear our jackets but it also just as thrilling to see a stranger in a Smythe - wearing it her way. some celebrities that have worn Smythe include Kate Hudson, Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively, Debra Messing, Jessica Simpson.

How did the celebrities start wearing your clothes?

Happy accident. We have not sent to celebrities - they have bought our jackets at retail.
What has been the response from other buyers?

The buyers have been very supportive from the beginning. We launched our collection with Holt Renfrew in Toronto in 2004 and we launched in the US with Barneys the following Fall. . . we are indebted to these stores for picking up our line and giving us our start.
Favorite stylish celebrity?

Kate Moss.
Favorite designers?

Oh so hard to list - but we love Balenciaga, Chloe, Max Mara, Pierre Cardin, Jeoffrey Beene.

Who would you love to dress?

Kate Moss.

Where are you based?

Toronto, Canada.

What kind of people buy your clothes?

All kinds. We have a very broad audience in terms of age and profession.

Where are clothes made?

All made in Canada.

When is your Fall collection coming out?

We are shipping our fall collection now!

Who are your style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Hutton, Jane Birkin, Kate Moss.

Favorite collection this season?

We really like Alexander Wang.

What do you wear on a day-to-day basis?

Jeans, jacket. . . jeans, jacket.
Favorite accessories

We don't ear a lot of accessories except scarves.

Favorite pieces of clothing you own

The first jacket we ever made - a poppy red peacoat.
What was your experience at Parsons like?
Christie: Great - i absolutely loved it.
Andrea: Was an investment banker and then a buyer at Holt Renfrew before starting our business.

What was it like working at Celine and Prada? What did you do there? How did it shape your style?

Andrea: Prada was an internship while I was at Parsons and I worked for Celine for their US sales office during Paris runway shows helping to sell the collections. I really gained my experience in product at the design office of the Gap in New York where I worked for three years before moving back to Toronto to start our business.

Why did you get into fashion?

Because we truly love it. Andrea found herself reading Vogue rather than the Wall street Journal when she was in banking and that was a real sign for her.

How did your collective experience help you create Smythe?

Some people say Andrea is more Bergdorf's and i am more Barney's - she's a little more polished but at our core we share the same aesthetic and values. We always say we are each others "other husband." It's the perfect partnership and friendship.

Quilted Jacket in Floral

Tie Neck Trench Coat in Storm Grey

Box Pleat Jacket in Dove Grey

Outsized Check Jacket in Dove Grey and Cream

Interview with modeling agent Ben Barry

I met Ben while doing a story on him for Metro newspaper about his book Fashioning Reality. I thought it would be timely to post this since fashion is getting extra attention these days with critics bemoaning the lack of diversity. Ben owns a modeling agency that hires women of all different ages, sizes and races. And he actually gets them jobs. You remember the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty? Those are his models. He was very optimistic about the fashion industry listening to what his message is- that real women can model too, and he hoped to see more full-figured girls inside mainstream magazines. While we haven't seen that yet in the year that has passed since I talked to him (Vogue's Shape Issue does not count), I do hope that his goal will come true. Fashion is slow to change and does not really reflect the modern-day woman (in terms of her race, weight, etc.) And although campaigns such as the Dove one are a step forward, I am afraid that it could just be a marketing gimmick to draw attention to the company. You don't see any other beauty campaigns featuring "real" women even though Dove has stuck with this for a couple years now. But who knows, maybe one day plus-sized models or black models won't be used solely for "Special" issues of magazines or gimmicky beauty campaigns.

Agent breaks the mold

Agent Ben Barry wants to convince the fashion world that not every woman has to be 5’11 and 115 pounds to be a model.

Remember that larger-than-life poster on the Gardiner which asked whether the model was fat or fit? The numbers on that Dove advertisement showed people were split 50-50 on whether the model was heavy or healthy.
Her agent, Ben Barry, is trying to convince society that women do not have to be 5’11 and 115 pounds to be models.
“Within the fashion industry, there is one idea of beauty and people are really scared of changing that,” says Barry, who is currently promoting his new book Fashioning Reality.
Barry’s goal is to get his models on the runways of haute couture fashion shows and on magazine covers.
His roster of models come in a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicities and abilities (one model, Joey, is a paraplegic.)
When he was 14-years-old, Barry started his modelling agency, Ben Barry Agency Inc., out of his mother’s basement in Ottawa after he saw the devastating effects fashion magazines had on his best friend, who developed anorexia.
“I was in school and seeing the impact of these images on my friends. They weren’t inspired, they were damaged. My best friend got hurt because she was looking at these images every day,” says Barry.
However, when he offered his services to fashion companies, they refused.
“The initial responses I got were ‘Well, we’re sorry this is happening but we’re not interested.’ And I said, ‘These women are your consumers and they’re getting negative feelings about your brand.’ ”
Now, Barry, 24, has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto, and has models who have appeared in ads for Nike, Dove, Macy’s and L’Oréal.
After that Dove ad on the Gardiner, sales went up 700 per cent in the first month.
However, it took him time to gain credibility as a modelling agent who was trying to get jobs for people who did not fit into the model mold.
“I convinced a lot of clients to use diversity by showing it made business sense to use models who looked like their consumer. I’m not saying get rid of your models, but try one or two of mine.”
Not only is he running a business, he is also a graduate student at Cambridge University.
“People may read this and think ‘Oh man, this kid is crazy,’ but anyone could do this,” he says, suggesting young entrepreneurs get friends to help, develop business mentors, be creative with capital and tap into ideas from everyday life.
“I’m influenced by my friends who I see every day in school, who are loving the fashion industry and hating it. This fuels me to keep going.”

(Copyright Chloe Tejada 2007-2008)

Interview with owner of best consignment store in Toronto

I've been obsessed with designer goods for a couple of years now but always had trouble justifying the cost for such delights. And then I discovered L'Elegante Limited, a designer consignment store in Yorkville. I got curious about Carmen Dilullo, the sole owner of the store, so she consented to let me ask her tons of questions and it was a great opportunity to talk about our love of everything designer.

Shop a Designer Heaven

L’Elegante Limited, a consignment shop in Yorkville, sells second-hand designer clothes for one-third the original price.

For those who have been lusting over that Louis Vuitton bag or the pair of Manolos but can’t afford the price, your dream has become a reality.

L’Elegante Limited, a consignment shop in Yorkville, takes second-hand designer clothing and accessories which must be in flawless condition, and sells them for about one-third of the original price.

Sound too good to be true? Take a walk around the store and you will find goods such as the popular Chanel quilted cambon bag, which normally retails at $1,700 at the boutique. L’Elegante has it for $599.

From furs, crocodile handbags, evening gowns and leather jackets, L’Elegante offers a variety of designer delights such as Armani, Prada, Versace, Dior, Escada and Christian Lacroix.

Carmen Dilullo, the owner and manager, says she loves offering her clients designer goods without maxing out their credit cards.

“What I like is to make people happy. When I see people leaving the store with a smile on their face, I know I’ve done good,” says Dilullo.

L’Elegante receives goods from known suppliers but before Dilullo prices and re-sells them, she inspects them to make sure they are clean and in excellent condition.

If authenticity is ever an issue, she only has to walk a few steps up Bloor Street, also known as designer mecca, and pop into Holt Renfrew or a boutique to verify that an item is real.

L’Elegante opened 30 years ago on Yorkville Avenue until a condominium development in the area forced it to move to Cumberland Street five years ago.

Dilullo has worked at L’Elegante for 11 years and became the owner in January, after the previous owner died.

“When she died, I was very sad because what I liked most about working here was my boss,” says Dilullo. “She showed me the business, how to deal with people and she made me very interested in the business and how to manage a high-end fashion shop.”

Having only been owner for the past couple of months, Dilullo is trying to live up to her predecessor’s legacy.

“It’s a learning experience every day,” she says, noting how lucky she is that she can work in a business she loves and be surrounded by her favourite designers — Max Mara, Prada, Tod’s and Stuart Weitzman.

“I like to see fashion on people and how I can contribute to making them look smart and well dressed,” says Dilullo.

(This story originally appeared in Metro Toronto. Copyright Chloe Tejada 2008)

Coming soon: Fashion Week reviews and interviews

I'll be posting my reviews of collections from L'Oreal Fashion Week F/W 2008. I know that fashion week happened in March but my blog didn't exist then. I'll also be posting my interview with Canadian model Simona McIntyre, who opened the Evan Biddell show at fashion week. The reviews and my article on Simona will also be appearing in a new fashion website, fashionistas.ca (I'll let you know when the site goes live.)

I'll also be posting an interview with newcomer Toronto designer Natasha Ferro, whose amazing collection closed Toronto Alternative Fashion Week. Natasha is a friend of mine who graduated from Ryerson's fashion program and she is so freakin talented it's crazy. Not only does she design clothes but she also designs and makes beautiful jewellery in her own spare time.

P.S. Can you spot me in the photo?
(Photo: Max Chernitsov show at L'Oreal Fashion Week, Canadian Press)