Shantay, You Stay: Drag Queen Fall Fashion Campaigns and Runway Moments

October 07, 2021 at 08:23PM It’s no surprise to see the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race step off the main stage and sashay into the world of high fashion — after all, the art of drag can be informed by the runways of Paris, London and Milan (and vice versa). The VH1 reality series, which first aired in 2009, has become a pop culture phenomenon in recent years, thrusting drag into the mainstream and prompting designers such as Prada, Moschino and Coach to tap stars of the show (and it’s Canadian and UK spinoffs) for ad campaigns and catwalks. Just this past week, season 13 winner Symone and season seven contestant Miss Fame were in attendance at Paris Fashion Week, taking in the Spring/Summer 2022 collections. In challenging the norms and embracing over-the-top aesthetics, drag queens consistently push the boundaries of fashion, influencing…

Continue ReadingShantay, You Stay: Drag Queen Fall Fashion Campaigns and Runway Moments

Meet the Jamaican-Canadian Designer Who is Khloe K-Approved

October 07, 2021 at 06:28PM In 2009, 19-year-old Sashagai Ruddock (Sasha) would run home after a day of classes at the University of Guelph Humber, where she studied criminal justice, to share her latest fashion finds on deliciouslyfat.blogspot.com, the plus-size style destination she had created. Cut to 2021 and this Brampton-born influencer stitched her way into a US$100,000 prize courtesy of SHEIN. Streamed on the brand’s app and social platforms, the SHEIN x 100K Challenge saw designers around the world compete in multiple challenges across four episodes. In the end, celebrity judges Khloe Kardashian, Christian Siriano, Jenna Lyons, Law Roach and Laurel Pantin crowned Ruddock the winner. View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sashagai 🇯🇲🇨🇦 (@flawsofcouture) During the SHEIN x 100K Challenge, Kardashian had said of Ruddock: “I don’t think she’s going to let anyone else win this competition…

Continue ReadingMeet the Jamaican-Canadian Designer Who is Khloe K-Approved

Actor, Singer and Red Carpet Slayer Cynthia Erivo is FASHION’s November 2021 Cover Star

October 07, 2021 at 02:30PM While the pandemic has waylaid the best of plans, Cynthia Erivo has risen to make the most of it. When I connect with the Grammy- and Tony-winning actor, singer and producer via Zoom in late August, she is in L.A. and sounds exceptionally at ease for someone on the brink of a monumental month. Erivo’s September started with jury duty at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and a rapid-fire round of breathtaking fashion moments, including one Schiaparelli Haute Couture number in which she seemed to be encircled by silver foil. Photography by Royal Gilbert. Dress, price upon request, Giambattista Valli. Necklace (bottom), $3,290, Sterling King. Septum ring and studs (worn throughout) and necklace (top), Erivo’s own.And then there was her Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha and the release of her first…

Continue ReadingActor, Singer and Red Carpet Slayer Cynthia Erivo is FASHION’s November 2021 Cover Star

15 Fall Leather Pieces to Incorporate into Your Wardrobe

October 06, 2021 at 10:07PM Fall is the perfect time of year to break out your favourite leather (or faux leather) pieces, whether it be a floor-sweeping trench, combat boots or butter-soft pants. Not only is the material practical in keeping you away from the elements, but it’s also easy to style and instantly brings elegance and luxury to your look. The best part? A well-maintained leather (or faux leather) garment will last you for years to come. Every year, designers introduce various leather pieces in their Fall/Winter collections, reinventing the wheel with new colours, silhouettes or techniques. This year was no different. Alberta Ferretti sent models down the catwalk in warm caramel brown and basil green, while Chloé’s multicolour scallop patchwork leather coat (as seen in our October 2021 issue) made a bold statement. On the high street, Aritzia’s Melina Pant has…

Continue Reading15 Fall Leather Pieces to Incorporate into Your Wardrobe

Miu Miu Runway Show Marks the Return of the Low-Rise, Ultra-Mini Skirt

October 06, 2021 at 09:53PM What a time to be alive in 2003. Paris Hilton was starring in her hit reality show The Simple Life, Destiny’s Child was still together, and, most notably, the micro-mini skirt was a staple in every It Girl’s wardrobe. Italian fashion house Miu Miu teleported us back to that very Y2K era with the runway show for their Spring/Summer 2022 collection on October 5. In their presentation at the Palais d’IĂ©na in Paris, the brand made a clear statement: the low-rise mini skirt is officially back. im literally going nuts over miu miu ss22 pic.twitter.com/T1NXTGeLFT — sofĂ­a (@SAINTLIAR) October 5, 2021 Before we go on, abandon all preconceived notions of what a “skirt” is. Covering your behind is no longer a requirement — we’re talking so short that the pocket linings poke out from the bottom. Miu Miu’s…

Continue ReadingMiu Miu Runway Show Marks the Return of the Low-Rise, Ultra-Mini Skirt

The October 2021 Beauty Launches You Need to Know About

October 06, 2021 at 06:46PM For those whose routines are picking up speed with back-to-school, back-to-the-office and back-to-the-gym plans, there are plenty of exciting new October 2021 beauty launches to help your hair and makeup keep up. Whether you’re simply on the go or heading out for your first weekend away in quite some time, these formulas will streamline your life (and your bag). Everist Waterless Body Wash Concentrate Photography Courtesy of EveristAfter the runaway success of its waterless shampoo and conditioner, Canadian brand Everist, which aims to “make eco easy,” is taking the next obvious step toward making your daily showers as sustainable as possible with Waterless Body Wash. As with the company’s hair products, the 100% plant-based formula is packed in a 100-millilitre, zero-waste tube (which is particularly perfect for travel) as opposed to the typical single-use plastic bottles of shower…

Continue ReadingThe October 2021 Beauty Launches You Need to Know About

Squid Game Star HoYeon Jung Is the New Face of Louis Vuitton

October 06, 2021 at 06:19PM If you haven’t yet watched Squid Game, chances are you’ve heard all about it from friends, family or social media over the past few weeks. The South Korean drama survival show has been dominating the internet — it’s even on track to become the most-watched show in Netflix history. With Squid Game’s exponential rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that one of its stars, model HoYeon Jung, just announced a huge new deal, as the new face of Louis Vuitton. The fashion house on October 6 shared the news that she would be joining as global house ambassador for fashion, watches and jewelry. #LouisVuitton is pleased to welcome #HoYeonJung. The Netflix #SquidGame star joins as new Global House Ambassador for Fashion, Watches and Jewelry. pic.twitter.com/m22ig17oLu — Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) October 6, 2021 Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game…

Continue ReadingSquid Game Star HoYeon Jung Is the New Face of Louis Vuitton

What Did the Louis Vuitton Protestors Really Accomplish?

October 05, 2021 at 07:57PM It is a privilege to walk on a Paris runway. So to watch the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 show video and see two protesters amid the models sparked several thoughts — the main one being, “Where is security?” The fact that the interlopers made it all the way to the finale was even more disheartening. Decades ago, Linda Evangelista complained to a reporter, “Someone could come backstage with a gun and shoot us all,” or something along those lines. Whatever her exact words were, the sentiment was 100% accurate: fashion shows can be a target for people who want attention and sometimes security can be breached. Back in the day, it was by anti-fur protesters. This time a banner was carried onto the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 runway with a message about over-consumption. They needn’t have bothered. We…

Continue ReadingWhat Did the Louis Vuitton Protestors Really Accomplish?

Janaya Future Khan’s COS Collab Is at the Intersection of Fashion And Activism

October 05, 2021 at 03:31PM Clothing is more than what you wear, it’s a way to express yourself artistically, says activist Janaya Future Khan. It involves experimentation and making yourself uncomfortable. But when you find what makes you happy, you cultivate a power that becomes present in all other aspects of your life. Khan is a storyteller, among other things. As co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto and an international ambassador for the Black Lives Matter Network, they’re no stranger to hard conversations. Last year, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Toronto-born advocate began using their Instagram as a space to talk about complex issues. Their weekly live streams, dubbed “Sunday Sermons,” range from more personal topics like self-worth and anxiety to commentary on pop culture and political discourse. And during an undoubtedly isolating time, Khan has nurtured an online community dedicated to…

Continue ReadingJanaya Future Khan’s COS Collab Is at the Intersection of Fashion And Activism

Balenciaga Takes Over Springfield (Yes, You Read That Correctly)

October 04, 2021 at 09:12PM A new supermodel family has emerged, much to the surprise of attendees at this year’s Paris Fashion Week. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, along with other familiar Springfield faces, made their runway debut on Sunday as part of a collaboration between Balenciaga and The Simpsons for the brand’s Summer 2022 collection. Contrary to popular belief, no, this is not an early April Fool’s joke. Celebrity attendees, including Elliot Page, Naomi Campbell, Cardi B and Offset, were treated to a 10-minute mini-episode of The Simpsons, and it was clear within seconds that this wasn’t going to be your average cartoon romp. Undoubtedly the classiest and most fashionable episode of the iconic television series, the instantly recognizable Simpsons theme was replaced by French classical music, specifically Erik Satie’s “GymnopĂ©die No.1,” revealing a snowy Evergreen Terrace household. The plot…

Continue ReadingBalenciaga Takes Over Springfield (Yes, You Read That Correctly)