Unfortunately I lost my chance at a good spot in the ‘pit’ at the end of the runway so was squished at the side. Luckily a fellow photographer felt my pain and let me sneak in beside her.

This was an entertaining show with Evan’s use of unique shapes and cuts. He explained to me at a party once that his influences came from the punk and raver scenes of the 90s. This is definitely reflected in his work.

The show kicked off with this beautiful gown.

The flowing nature of these gowns is extremely elegant while remaining modern and edgy. These dresses should be worn to galas and major events, they are definitely red carpet material.

Over the past yeah I’ve noticed that Evan has been a huge fan of the harem style pant. I know it gets a lot of negative press but like I always argue it’s not for everyone. However, it can be really flattering on lean tall women.

I’m only 5′5 so unless I’m wearing 4-5″ heels I probably wouldn’t wear this look too often.

However, I’m still a huge fan despite all the nay sayers.

The best part about this show was that it was fun. It wasn’t a ready-to-wear collection (although I have a feeling Evan would beg to differ). He has taken it to the next level and by contrast to the other designers who showcased during Fashion Week his stuff really stood out.

I think those who wish to stand out and not follow main stream trends will love Evan Biddell’s collections. I could definitely see him styling Lady Gaga or Bjork!!!

More pictures from the show below!

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Toronto Fashion Week: Evan Biddell

The color choices were brilliant: bright reds, blues, and purples contrasted beautifully against beiges and champagnes.

The simplicity of the lines worked perfectly with the use of durable materials. The looks were classic but also uber modern.

I love the across the body purse which is perfect for a night out or a day shopping. These large totes are an essential item for every lady. They look like they could hold everything and stand the test of time.

I was also really impressed with the silk dresses that made an appearance. They looked delicate, comfortable and something that could easily be dressed up or down. The versatility of Rudsak’s collection sold me!

Of course it is their jackets that has everyone excited. They take classic designs and apply modern edge. I can’t wait to get my hands on any of these jackets.

This is my personal favorite out of all of the jackets. It’s the perfect length and the slit in the front adds a touch of sexiness. Mmmm so good!

Overall it was a great show. Rudsak’s Spring/Summer collection impressed me and I recognize their pieces as investments because of their durability. It reflects Canada’s climate and culture. It is a brand that looks to protect their consumer while keeping them looking fresh.

P.S. Rudsak also designs menswear which will be featured in a special post dedicated to Toronto Fashion Week’s Menswear. Stay tuned.

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Toronto Fashion Week: RUDSAK

Splendicity was lucky enough to get back stage and catch up with the 21 year old self-taught designer from Halifax, Nova Scotia and talk to her about her collection and inspirations.

Check out the video:

Shot and Edited by: Sabrina Baldini

Music: Telepathe – So Fine

For someone with no formal training I was totally blown away. I’m going to make the the bold claim that Katrina Tuttle is the ‘One to Watch’. Although her clothing is not available outside of Halifax she’s working on getting her stuff into Toronto as we speak. For those of you outside of Canada I suggest you make a trek up north because Tuttle’s designs are diamonds in the rough.

If you don’t believe me just check for yourself:

Katrina’s bright yellow and blue dresses stood out against her lightly colored garments. These are definitely statement pieces.

I love the tulip skirt of the dress and the art-nouveau style top. It’s simple but it shouts.

Katrina Tuttle follows trends while sticking to classic lines and beloved styles. There’s something for everyone whether it’s a cocktail dress or a casual pair of slacks:

The beauty about this show was that everything looked ready-to-wear, something you don’t usually expect from the runway. I can’t wait to get my hands on her stuff when it comes to Toronto.

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Toronto Fashion Week: Katrina Tuttle+Video

The show kicked off with swimwear…a touch on the scandalous side.

I can easily see myself sporting some of his loose tanks and sky blue jean shorts. Already, I’m getting excited for spring.

I’m a big fan of the color choices that Travis has picked. Red, Blue, and White. They are classic hues that can brighten up your closet right in time for hitting up the beach, or strolling down the boardwalk. I have to also say congrats to Travis because he successfully used these colors without making his models look like a national flag.

His S/S ‘10 collection went from day to night as he introduced darker and sexier pieces. Like his loose tanks, his dresses hang off the body revealing just the right amount of skin.

I love, love his (what I assume is leather) black cocktail dress. This dress is 100% a traffic stopper.

Black leather is for sure one of my guilty pleasures. So you can imagine I was going gaga for these black leather shorts. They look loose and comfortable. A piece that you could dress up or dress down. I also am crazy about the leather bra which would be killer sexy under one of Taddeo’s loose tanks.

The show wrapped up with TRAVIS TADDEO being surround by his models at the end of the runway. You can tell his designs reflect his personal style: minimal, regal, and subtly sexy.

What do you think of TRAVIS TADDEO?

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Toronto Fashion Week: TRAVIS TADDEO

Alterna Hair Care

Well, over in LA, it’s in full swing, and Alterna Haircare created the hair look for the Kevan Hall this past Saturday.

Held at the Universal Studios Hollywood back lot, theHall’s vintage-inspired, elegant gowns were featured, and Alterna’s Global Creative Director, Michael Shaun Corby, complemented them with modern-day beehives.

To achieve the dramatic, high-fashion look, Corby utilized Alterna’s CAVIAR Anti-aging Working Hair Spray for flexible hold and Hemp Spray Shine for a high-gloss finish.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to recreating this look at home:

1. Mount volume-enhancing mousse, such as Alterna’s Life Solutions Volumizing Spray Mousse, into damp hair from root to tips.

2. Blow dry hair straight with a round brush.

3. Back comb the hair to achieve tons of volume and height on the top of the head, while keeping the sides of the head smooth and sleek

4. Secure the hair into a bun in the back of the head with pins

5. Smooth the top layer of the hair to gently shape the look, combing hair over the bun and securing with a pin, to give a smooth beehive style.

6. Finish with a flexible hair spray, like Alterna’s CAVIAR Working Hair Spray, and shine spray, like HEMP with Organics Spray Shine, for intense shine.

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Modern Beehives at LA Fashion Week

The week kicked off with the Opening Night Gala which was an invite only event that featured two runway shows: 100 years of Beauty by L’Oreal Paris and Stratford Shakespeare Festival “Wear Love Alive”.  Each show was shaped around the talent and expertise of costume designers and it was a perfect fit for L’Oreal’s 100 year anniversary campaign.

More Photos from 100 years of Beauty by L’Oreal Paris and Stratford Shakespeare Festival “Wear Love Alive” after the cut.

I was totally blown away with each decade that glided down the catwalk. The audience shared my enthusiasm as there were several gasps when a new model/decade stepped onto the runway.

The 1930s model represented class, elegance and strength as she posed for the photographers.

It was the 1940s model that really impressed me. The hair blew me away and suddenly I felt like I was born in the wrong decade. The sighs I heard around me proved that I was not alone in thinking this.

As the 1940s turned in the greaser style of the 1950s, the music picked up and the models began to twist.  It felt like a scene out of West Side Story.

The rest of the show went from the 1960s and 1970s all the way to 2010. The audience was blown away and you could tell some of the ladies felt a touch of nostalgia for the eras that once were.

The second show: Stratford Shakespeare Festival “Wear Love Alive” was a collaboration with Stratford, Ontario’s infamous festival that showcases the best of the best Canadian Theatre and Fashion Week. Their slogan: Fashion Meets Festival.

Select designers such as NADA and  David Dixon were asked to design small collections that were inspired by shows featured in the Shakespeare festival. The result: astonishing.

These two shows were both great experiences and were equally inspiring.  It represented beauty through the ages and how theatre  in its own right can embody not only the history of fashion and style but stay in tune with what’s current. It also reminded me that Canada is home to some of the best talent in costume design and fashion. Throughout the week I will showcase these talented designers for you: our fashion forward and splendid readers.

Stay tuned!

*Source: “Wear Love Alive” LG Fashion Week Guide Book – Referencing Robin Kay, President of the FDCC, p. 6

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Toronto’s Fashion Week Opening Night Gala

Zuma Press

I love the grey color. We’ve seen lots of metallics this season, but not very many with matte finishes. They’ve all been very shiny and sparkly. This, on the other hand, is more subtle. However, the outfit makes a strong statement with the shoulders of the jacket and the big sunglasses. Can I say I like this one without losing my job?

Zuma Press

Hmm. It’s not too bad. The white and pink mix is fun. I’d put a blouse underneath the little wrap. But of course, I live in the real world not the model world, right?

Zuma Press

More pink…but I like the dress.  The critics are going to say that this is boring and typical. It’s nothing special. Everyone can make this. Lindsay, you’re a disappointment! I’m going to say right now that I could not put this together..and I like it.

Zuma Press

This last dress though, I could make and for sure I don’t want anyone seeing my butt cheeks. Definitely do not want anyone seeing my butt. Oh my!

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Paris Fashion Week: Emanuel Ungaro S/S 10

Philip Pelusi

Celebrity hair stylist, Philip Pelusi was behind some of those buns, and created adorable little chignons for Caroline Seikaly’s Mercedes Benz fashion week presentation at Tela Design Studios.

Philip says he got the buns to stay put by spraying a pony tail with holding spray BEFORE twisting it into a bun.

Why? The hairspray helped to give texture to the strands, which made them easier for him and his team to work with. This ends up being way more successful than the usual method of creating the style and THEN spraying it after you are done.

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Creating Those NYFW Buns

Image: Priti

Thakoon went nude, creating an illusion that the nails were “an extension of the skin.” They used the shade Shirley Temple Peony and a applied a matte base coat over it. I have seen several women doing this at the nail salon as of late. Instead of a traditional clear top coat, they uses a base coat to tone down the color.

Carlos Miele also used the base coat on top trick but did it over two coats of the nude color – Chilean Bamboo. Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger and Philosophy di Alberta also stuck with the nude shades. Isaac Mizrahi used an opaque violet color Susan Azalea. He layered a coat of Shirley Temple Peony on the top, which created a purplish nude result.

Rachel Roy used Snapdragon (orange-red), while Devi Kroell got bold with vibrant magenta-berry.

Basically what I learned about nails by watching the runways is that pretty much anything goes for spring. Whether you prefer the subtlety of the nude and natural shades or want to make a statement with brights, they are all on trend for the spring season.

Priti nail polishes are completely non-toxic. They do not contain toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP’s. They are safe for mothers-to-be, kids and everyone else too!

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Priti Nail Polish at Fashion Week

I thought the faces of the United Bamboo models on the runway looked very doll-like but not overdone. This season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we are seeing a lot more natural, wearable makeup than we have seen in some season’s past.

Image: United Bamboo

Image: Shiseido

Get the look from United Bamboo …

Image: Shiseido

Face:
Dick lightly applied Shiseido Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation where needed. He then applied a Translucent Loose Powder over the entire face to create a smooth, matte surface. He then dusted the new Luminizing Satin Face Color in High Beam White (WT905) and Soft Beam Gold (BE206) under the eyes and cheeks, and applied more Soft Beam Gold contouring the cheeks.

Eyes:
Dick used the Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil in Brown (BR602) to the upper and lower lash lines, blending with a brush. To give a softer look, he applied the Luminizing Satin Eye Color in Cavern (BR708) from the Fall 2009 Makeup Collection over the Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil.

Lips:
Lips were prepped with Aquafor and a dab of foundation to soften the pink of the lips. Next, the new Perfect Rouge Glowing Matte Lipstick in Whisper (RD722) from the Spring 2010 Makeup Collection was applied like a lip liner and patted to fill in the rest of the lip.

Find out more about Shiseido cosmetics at Shiseido.com.

Image: United Bamboo

Image: United Bamboo

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Backstage at United Bamboo: Shiseido Makeup