A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion. All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Ashley from Shopgirls says…

Shopgirls is excited to announce the arrival of Spring 2010 collections, which, as always, are exclusively Canadian-designed. Check out Stacey Zhang’s fresh new looks and prepare to fawn over Faren’s new Digital Grunge collection and Montreal-based Veronique Milikjovitch’s bias cut asymmetrical gems. New to Shopgirls: Matt & Nat bags and accessories, eco-friendly yet fashion forward. As per usual, you will also find the city’s best assortment of Yoga Jeans with new styles this season! These are but a few of our new arrivals… Visit us in the shop or on-line at www.shopgirls.ca.

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Nina from Toronto Fashion Incubator says…

Do you have the passion to be in fashion but don’t know where to start or what connections you need?

New TFI mentor Clint Scott has spent the past 12 years in recruitment, working with leading companies, locally and internationally. His passion and dedication has inspired him to coach hiring managers and partner with his clients to ensure they hire the best available talent for their needs.

Date: Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 5:30pm Doors open for Coffee & Networking, 6:00pm Seminar Presentation with Q&A

Location: Toronto Fashion Incubator, 285 Manitoba Drive, Pod 3, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Tickets Available NOW online at www.fashionincubator.com/shop

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Darlene of Bijouxbead says…

Embrace Valentine Cocktail took place on Thursday, February 11 at Magnolia, 333 Eglinton Avenue West. The special event featured the wearable art of Bijouxbead by designer Darlene Martin who was there in person to greet guests.

The store was packed with a fashionable crowd sipping pink sparkling wine and enjoying cupcakes from Phipps.  Among the guests were  Yahoo! Canada’s senior lifestyle editor Renee Sylvestre-Williams, I Want I Got’s Anita Clarke, fashion designer Jamil Juma of Juma, The Soles of my Shoes’ Kimberly Lyn,  and executive director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator, Susan Langdon.

“I feel very fortunate that my work has been so well received by Toronto’s fashion community.  I was thrilled for the opportunity to show my work at Magnolia.  I attribute much of the event’s success to the diligent work of Magnet Creative’s Gail McInnes.” -Darlene Martin, Bijouxbead

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Gwendolyne of Gwendolyne Hats says…

Atelier Gwendolyne presents

The Makings of a Teapot Pincushion

Cut and sew with felt to make your own!

This course takes place over 6 consequent Thursdays ~ April 22,  29, May 6,  13,  20,  and 27.

Held in my Atelier at the 401 Richmond St West building ~ Studio 433

Classes begin promptly at 6:30 and end at 8:30 pm

Instruction Fee is $240 plus GST, Material fee is $25 incl. tax.

Enrollment is limited, to reserve your place a non-refundable deposit of $30 is required

Call or email today 416-351-1219 gwendolyne@gwendolynehats.com

for other course information visit http://ateliergwendolyne.blogspot.com/

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Odessa of Buy Design for Windfall says…

BUY DESIGN SPRING SOCIAL is Windfall’s seventh annual dress up party!

On Saturday, April 10 at 8 pm, The Fermenting Cellar in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District will be transformed into a dirty thirties fundraiser featuring a mess hall auction, croquet and badminton lawns and a swinging dance hall tent. Sip sidecars, sours and planters punch and parade across the big band stage in the boater pageant. Throw darts at the Beauty Balloon Buster game and sample brown-bagged bites from the country fare stands and bake sale.

Hosted by TV and fashion personality ADRIAN MAINELLA.

Tickets are $75 each or 6 for $375.  Visit our website at www.buydesignforwindfall.ca to order online or call 416-703-8435.

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Nina from Toronto Fashion Incubator says…

Guilty Pleasures is a fabulous fashion + food one-day, annual event that takes place during the City of Toronto’s Winterlicious Festival at The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.). The Drake offers brunch to 350 fashion & beauty-minded patrons who enjoy an exclusive consumer sale featuring locally designed products from TFI accessory and apparel designers. The silent auction component that we introduced last year was highly successful, 100% proceeds went to community programming offered by the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), our non-profit organization. This year’s event continues to include the DaLish Beauty Bar where attendees can receive mini-makeovers and beauty touch-ups, mini informal fashion shows and door prizes (for brunch patrons only, the brunch is sold out). What’s new is that the designer sale & silent auction are open to the public all day from 9am to 4pm.

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Ashley from Shopgirls says…

Shopgirls is proud to announce it here, this superb blog, first: there is a NEW and FABULOUS Shopgirls Blog! You’ll notice our gorgeous website doesn’t really have lots of room for story-telling, and telling stories about our artists and designers is what we’re all about! Thus, we created a blog to compliment our main site. Expect mini interviews with our artists, notes about new items in the shop, commentary on what’s happening in art and design around us, and much more! Come check us out and come often!

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Julie from LIV by Au Lit says…

We wanted to give Final Fashion readers a sneak peak of what to expect at LIV this Spring.  We’re introducing a lot of new brands like: Charlotte Ronson, Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller, Wren, Ella Moss, Rachel Pally, Bell, Rebecca Minkoff handbags, James Jeans, MinkPink, La Fee Maraboute, Wendy Mink Jewellery, Three Dot, Clu, James Perse, Left on Houston and Central Park West. Definitely worth checking out! See you in store!

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

Because of the holiday schedule, there are two sponsor posts this December, in case you were wondering.

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Darlene from Bijouxbead says…

I am planning on launching an online shop on my website early in 2010.

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Crystal from Fashion Crimes sends this…

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Michelle from Shopgirls says…

Feeling the post-holiday bloat?  Do not fret, Yoga Jeans will nip and tuck all your bits and still fit after you shed those extra pounds.  No need to pull out your fat clothes, simply drop by Shopgirls and we’ll take care of it!  Shopgirls carries the largest selection of Yoga Jeans which are now also available on-line at shopshopgirls.com

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

Because the December holidays interfere with the usual sponsor post schedule, there will be two sponsor posts this month – just a heads up.

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Nina from the Toronto Fashion Incubator says…

Every winter, TFI partners with The Drake Hotel to host a deliciously sinful fashion and food event taking place during Winterlicious, a festival of culinary delights in Toronto. At Guilty Pleasures, TFI accessory and apparel designers put their wares on sale at one of Toronto’s most interesting 19th-century buildings, The Drake Hotel.

LOCATION: The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
DATE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2010

Make SALES, gain EXPOSURE and have FUN while doing it!
This popular sale offers a guaranteed audience of 300 fashion enthusiasts who will enjoy a delicious Drake brunch before shopping for your wares (the brunch is already SOLD OUT!) The sale is also open to the public from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

DON’T MISS OUT! REGISTER BY DECEMBER 23, 2009 AND YOU’LL GET:

• A chance to WIN a party at The Drake Hotel for 40 – 50 of your closest friends where you’ll enjoy welcome cocktails & hors d’oeuvres
• Inclusion in The Drakes event press release
• An invitation to TFI’s Guilty Pleasures Designer Meet-And-Greet at The Drake Hotel where you’ll enjoy welcome cocktails and The Drake’s famous Strolling Dinner! It’s a great opportunity to view the space & have all of your event questions answered.

DOWNLOAD THE GUILTY PLEASURES APPLICATION AND SEND IT IN BY DECEMBER 23RD!

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Crystal from Fashion Crimes sends this…

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Ashley from Shopgirls says..

Stuck for last minute gifts this holiday season? Pick up a gift certificate at Shopgirls! Available in any denomination and without expiry, these beautiful cards are perfect for the creative loved one – they can be used for anything from our collection of over 90 designers across Canada, and will guarantee the recipient a fabulous and fun shopping experience!

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Julie from LIV by Au Lit says…

THE hottest look this season at LIV has been the legging/jegging/skinny jean with a high boot, a loose fitted tank (sequins optional) under a ‘boyfriend’ blazer or long cardigan. Dress it up for the holidays with a statement necklace and a stunning pair of earrings. We’ve really noticed that unlike previous holiday seasons, a lot of our clients are looking for comfortable (but always sexy) items rather than the usual holiday dresses. Hallelujah, no more dresses and tights! Let’s enjoy this while the sexy & sloppy trend lasts! Happy Holidays everyone!

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Gwendolyne from Gwendolyne Hats says…

‘Tis the season at Gwendolyne Hats
find many fantastic gift items for you and someone else.

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Nina from the Toronto Fashion Incubator says…

TFI Guide: Fashioning Sustainability: TFI’s Guide to Going Green soon to be available in French too!

Learn how to take your fashion business green with this insightful resource. Increase your market share by knowing WHO the 4 types of eco-consumers are and what appeals to them. Will be available in French on November 24, 2009 here.

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William from Gwendolyne Hats says…

We create modern classics you enjoy everyday.  Come see our latest at the One of a Kind Show!
Booth: I-49.
Dates: Thurs Nov 26 to Sun Dec 6.
Location: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. Toronto.

Gwendolyne has a fabulous new collection of hats, bags & accessories made right in T.O. She’s gone the extra step to bring artistry, fresh design and fine materials to practical accessories.  There’s something for everyone at Gwendolyne Hats.  Great gifts for giving & perfect treats for yourself; beautiful hats, gorgeous bags, cozy scarves and some sweet small accessories.

Our Shop will re-open on Dec 10th after the Show. With extended Christmas shopping hours until Dec 24.
Hours: Mon thru Sat from 12 to 8 p.m.
Location: 401 Richmond St, West. Top floor Suite 433

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Ashley from Shopgirls says…

Join us for our annual all-out GIFTED bonanza! Shopgirls has brought in 15 new artists just for the holiday season, so gift-buying should be a snap! Find fabulous things for the most special men and women in your life, including funky scarves, wallets, unique jewellery, highly giftable glassware and pottery, cute undies and botanical soaps, and more! As we do all year-round, Shopgirls offers free gift wrapping and has available gift certificates in any amount!

TO TOP IT OFF in celebration of our 2nd anniversary, on the 5th and 6th of December, Shopgirls will give away free jute bags with any purchase over $150! Shop your heart out and take home the goods in this eco-friendly custom-designed bag. Shopgirls makes sure these will be holidays to remember!

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Julie from LIV by Au Lit says…

Hello Final Fashion readers! We’re thrilled to meet you and to be partnering with Final Fashion. LIV by Au Lit is the natural evolution of fashion and home decor coming together in one space. Our 10,000 square foot, two-level store combines clothing, jewelery, furniture, linens and accessories to create an inspiring one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Come and check out our amazing selection of holiday fashion and gifts this Saturday, November 28th between 10-6pm at our Annual Holiday Shopping Party! The first 50 purchases over $100 will receive a stunning jewelery gift. There’s also going to be a jewelery trunk show, live carolers and hot cocoa & treats. We hope to see you there!

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Michelle from Shopgirls says…

Shopgirls Gallery Boutique presents SUGAR FREE 2009, paintings by Tennille Rose Will in support of Diabetes Awareness Month

Join us at Shopgirls Gallery Boutique 1342 Queen Street West for art, entertainment and light refreshments, November 5th from 7pm -11pm to celebrate the opening of SUGAR FREE 2009.   After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2006, Tennille created the SUGAR FREE painting series as a way to give back to the Diabetes Education Centre at the Toronto Western General Hospital.

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Nina from Toronto Fashion Incubator says…

Join us for a FREE informative seminar and find out how you can win $10,000 CASH plus $25,000 in editorial exposure and business support.

Date: Monday, November 2, 2009
Time: 5:30pm Doors Open; Coffee & Networking – 6:00pm Tutorial Begins
Location: Toronto Fashion Incubator, 285 Manitoba Drive, Pod 3, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Pre-registration required by phoning 416-971-7117 or e-mail tfi@fashionincubator.com

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Badur from PunkMedics says…

PunkMedics is beginning it’s Fifth Year in the aftercare business. To
celebrate we are having a sale on our entire line of skincare and aftercare
products. 25% off everything on our site till Nov 15th!

Here’s a chance to give your friends the gift of good skin for the Holidays.
It’s the ultimate gift you can give someone: the chance for them to
experience eco friendly, all natural bath and beauty products!

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Crystal from Fashion Crimes says…

We have our new Halloween window installed! It’s a sort of sacrificial “killer Fashion” theme…

Also new would be all of our Halloween stock. We have all kinds of glamorous costumes and accessories, from Lady Ga-Ga feather Boas to The Vampire Queen’s individual stick-on fangs. We have hundreds of costume ideas within our sale racks, it’s worth it to dodge the line-up at Malabar!

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Sian from Fresh Collective says…

We’re very excited here at Fresh Baked Goods, as it’s our 15 year anniversary! Fresh Baked Goods has been on an amazing journey over the past fifteen years. Starting with cozy sweaters and most recently introducing a full fashion line of adorable dresses, skirts and tops, we’ve become a Toronto staple for fun and flirty fashions. Come celebrate our fifteen year anniverary and enjoy 15% off all regular priced Fresh Baked Goods label merchandise at both Fresh Collective and Fresh Baked Goods!

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  Just click on their badges in the far right sidebar to get it straight from the source.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Sian from Fresh Collective says…

We’ve put our own twist on menswear for fall with this adorable pinstripe babydoll dress. With a full skirt and empire waist, there’s hardly anything “manly” about it and that’s why we love it! The subtle grey pinstripe pattern is perfect for the office when worn with a blazer and tight,s and then layer on some chunky necklaces and toss on a pair of sky-high heels and you’re ready for a night on the town! And for those of you who love plaids and tweeds, we’ve got them as well! Be sure to stop by Fresh Collective to see more fabulous fall merchandise from Fresh Baked Goods.

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Michelle from Shopgirls says…

Shopgirls‘ Signature Yoga Jeans – same amazing fit, new look! Only 300 pairs produced exclusively for Shopgirls. With traditional gold stitching and the Shopgirls asterisk embroidered on the back pocket, these are the hottest new addition to the Yoga Jean collection. $110.

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Crystal from Fashion Crimes says…

The artist featured in Fashion Crimes’ window during Nuit Blanche/“Out of Sight” on the night of Oct. 3, is Kathryn Walter, her exhibit is as follows:

Kathryn Walter – a tribute to the garment workers and independent designers that Queen West has been defined by, Walter’s performance centers on a sewing machine she has designed to power a film projector. Working from a store window, she will sew felt “remnants” or scraps. The faster she sews, the clearer the film projection behind her will be. The notion of remnants and the image of the Victorian-looking industrial buildings in the projection suggest an era of fine craft and hard work by individuals predating imported, mass-produced clothing.

Sponsors who joined Final Fashion in May, June and July have the option of submitting one guest post per month.  This post is a word from… Fashion Crimes and is a fascinating peek into the creation of a window display.  Enjoy!

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Our ‘09 TIFF inspired window concept had to be REALLY amazing to even come close to matching the wow-factor of the ‘08 window, which turned out to be one of our favourite displays of all time.

Last year’s TIFF tribute featured glam gowns worn by extravagantly made-up beauties strolling the red carpet, one of which who was “walking” a 7 ft. ostrich by a gem-encrusted leash. The other was being observed by 6 monkeys (taxidermy monkeys, to be exact!) who were eating popcorn.

SO, this year, needless to say, we were feeling the pressure. Upon putting our heads together, we came up with a fun concept in hopes to keep on par with the Film Festival window installations of the past.

Here is how the Brainstorm began:

For the styling we planned to dress the likes of Debbie Harry, Gwen Stefani, Karen O, Alison Mosshart, Grace Slick, Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse, of course. And because FALL makes for a huge stockpile of new accessories we set out to jam-pack the display with an overwhelming abundance of lavish pieces. Fall trends would be thoroughly represented with patent handbags, bulky accessories, punches of colour, a few plaid dresses (EVEN THOUGH Pam is allergic to plaid), structured silhouettes, leather gloves, shawls, cuff bracelets and pleatherette leggings.

Throughout the 19 hour production stint, Kat and Robyn (the fab production team) drank a total of 9 Red Bulls. At one point at around 1a.m., Kat mentioned feeling “very inspired towards a night of debauchery…” (Partying is infectious when you are surrounded by rock-goddesses).

From concept to creation – we were thrilled at what magically turned out by the next morning. Passers by were stopped in their tracks. Even all of our staff had to peruse the masterpiece, each for about 10 minutes.

This installation more than ever represents the designs of Fashion Crimes from over the years at its best… interpreted in a current way, just in time for the festival.

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  Just click on their badges in the far right sidebar to get it straight from the source.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Laura-Jean of Fresh Collective says…

We’re making space for the fabulous fall merchandise that’s arriving each day, so don’t miss the last weeks of our super sale section! We’ve devoted a huge space at the back of our shop to deeply discounted items: designers’ samples, past seasons’ merchandise, and other special deals. Hunt through for the 10$ specials, and go home with a pile of stuff for just a small chunk of change.

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Christy from Pink Lady says…

The Pink Lady team has been established to offer various fashion related services to aid in the initial stages of production. These services include, but are not limited to, design, illustration, patternmaking, and grading.

The Pink Lady team includes Lori Moore – Production Patternmaker and Grader, Heather Hobbs – Sample Pattermaker and Grader, and Christy Litster – Fashion Designer and Illustrator. Our team of experts cater to the individual company regardless of size or focus. For more details on our services or pricing please visit our website at www.pinkladyfashion.ca or email us at info@pinkladyfashion.ca.

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Jamil from Juma says…

here is a new photo that we launched on our site… this is from our new fall campaign.

i hope u like!

A word from… is a monthly news post contributed by the sponsors who support Final Fashion.  All of my sponsors are intrepid entrepreneurs with a lot of personality, and I encourage you to check out what they are doing and making.  Just click on their badges in the far right sidebar to get it straight from the source.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please get in touch!

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Badur from PunkMedics says…

I just redid my entire studio space to improve my workflow and threw some pics up on flickr – thought your readers might want to see what the space looks like and what it takes to make skincare products.

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Jas from Savillian says…

We are in the thick of wedding season and so our weekends are booked with styling Savillian grooms and occasionally having the privilege to attending weddings and see our suits in action. We are currently gearing up for an exciting fairytale inspired photo shoot as well as our big move into the Toronto Fashion Incubator in August. You can keep informed by reading all the details on our blog.

In photo: 2 piece grey pinstripe super 100 suit; 3 piece brown/red checked super 120 suit; 3 piece black wool/silk suit

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Erin from Las Valentias says…

Our Spring 10 line is being represented by Theori Agency in Vancouver, who represent the B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Sask. and N.W.T., also, we are participating in Fashion CURES à la mode, a fashion show in Ottawa to raise funds for breast cancer.