Win this: Tickets to L'Oreal Fashion Week!!!

You may not work in fashion, but you love the clothes, you've read and watched The Devil Wears Prada and you just can't get enough of FashionTelevision.

Here's your chance to get right in there and see what truly goes on during L'Oreal Fashion Week (LFW) from October 20 - 25!

The Style Box is giving away pairs of day passes* to five fabulous readers.

All you have to do is:

1. Email me (gail dot mcinnes at gmail dot com) with the subject: "I am Fabulous!"
2. Tell me who your favourite Canadian designer is,
3. Why you are "FABULOUS" enough to attend! (Have fun with it! Be silly! Be creative!)
4. Please give me your full name, cell phone, address including postal code and best email address to contact you.

Will a model trip half way down the runway? What celebrities will be attending? Will there be any cat fights between rival designers? Who is the yet to-be-announced top model to walk one of the shows??? ONLY those who attend LFW will know! Check out who is showing this season here.

Winners will be contacted directly by Friday, October 17 and will be told how to pick up their passes.

For those who aren't selected, don't fret my pet - you can always buy individual public day passes*.

*Public day passes give you access to the main tent and standing room only. Studio shows and BIO - By Invitation Only shows are reserved strictly for fashion industry only.

Want another opportunity to attend LFW? Well, LG has become an executive level sponsor of L’Oreal Fashion Week. The only way to wrap up a fabulous week of fashion is at the exclusive October 25 LG Fashion FUSION 2008 with a live performance by Maroon 5 and a sensational runway show. Enter to win tickets or VIP access at www.lg.ca/fashion.


The contest runs until October 17, but details on how you can still be a part of the experience by coming down to Nathan Phillips Square to watch the show and concert through the see-through wall of the event tent or on the large LED screen will be online until October 25.

Wishing you lots of fabulous luck!

L'Oreal Fashion Week Spring 09

Registration for L'Oreal Fashion Week is now open for media and industry with passes for industry and web media going for $75 and media for the entire week (FYI - last season those passes were $50). Public passes will be available for purchase on September 29th through the F List.
On the schedule include Canadian designers David Dixon, Joeffer Caoc, NADA, Pink Tartan, Lucian Matis, Katya Revenko, Evan Bidell, Thien Le, RUDSAK, Denis Gagnon, and Morales. Bridal designer Alfred Sung opens the week on Monday, October 20 while the week ends with LG's Fashion Fusion show where Maroon 5 will perform. Check out the website to see the entire line up of "fabulousness."

Who's Your MUNNY?

The Project MUNNY charity auction was held at the CiRCA nightclub in Toronto on Good Friday; one of the last events rounding up L'Oreal Fashion Week.

Designers including Izzy Camilleri, Greta Constantine, Preloved, and Damzels in this Dress all received a MUNNY doll from Kidrobot to do with what they pleased.

Greta Constantine MUNNY doll

image courtesy of eBay

Now the individually stylized dolls are being auctioned to raise money for War Child Canada. Check out eBay to make your bid.

L'Oreal Fashion Week Catch Up

Looking for more L'Oreal Fashion Week coverage? Here are some links to articles, gossip and party pics that will ensure you're on top of how Canadian designers define Fall 2008 and who attended.

Eye Weekly
FASHION Magazine
Fashion Television
FLARE Magazine
Globe & Mail
L'Oreal Fashion Week

National Post
National Post - The Ampersand
Now Magazine - Andrew Sardone
Sweet Spot
TFI News

Toronto Star

Doris Montanerra, Montreal Gazette/TFI News with Andrew Sardone, Now Magazine front row.

L'Oreal Fashion Week: Fall 2008 - Day Four

All refreshed and revived, I was energized and ready to celebrate the last night at the tents. Paul Hardy showed first. Thankfully, I knew we had front row seats and were escorted personally by the fantastic volunteers, but by the time we got there - someone had taken our names off and were sitting there. With the evidence destroyed, we couldn't prove where we should have been placed, but we were taken care of and gained our rightful spots - just two seats over. Now, I admit I have sat in seats that are not mine before - however, I only do that when everyone is in the runway room and the announcement has been made to "move forward." Seat stealing is not cute. But we focused on what we were there for - the clothes.


Paul Hardy's models, for the most part, came out bottomless - models wore skin-coloured hose with nude granny undies. I'm not sure if that was because he'd forgotten, or just didn't have time to make a bottom. Another thing that baffled me with his collection was the "bibs" as necklaces. But the kicker was the (er, how do I say this delicately?) strategically placed feathers "down there" that looked like someone forgot to shave. Reminded me a bit of this sketch from Smack the Pony. After the show we headed to the Sponsor lounge for some champers at the VIP party hosted by Travel Alberta.

On that topic, I do find it quite bizarre that Travel Alberta happens to be a main sponsor - just under L'Oreal. The province apparently dropped a few hundred thousand dollars to the FDCC. Councillor Shelley Carroll quoted to CityTV, "What it says to me is there are provinces in this country that understand that this is not just culture, it's not just fun. It's pure economic development." Good point. Ontario: time to dig in those pockets and support our local designers. If they make money - we all make money.

Rudsak has really nice coats, but each season I know each show tends to drag. There are only so many coats and bags you can look at. Look - a coat. Look - a bag. Look - a coat and a bag... (You get my drift.)

Actor and fashion lover, Amanda Brugel front row at Rudsak.

After Rudsak we headed to the bar to grab a glass of wine where we discovered that the $12 cans of Prosecco went down to $10, while house wine went from $6.50 to $10 a glass!!! So, I went with the Prosecco, but being the lady that I am (cough, cough...) I asked for it in a wine glass. Who drinks bubbly with a straw anyway?

Kimberly Newport-Mimran's label, Pink Tartan closed the night and the week showing a more rock and roll side with models wearing Doc Marten's and biker gloves made specifically for the show by fashion stylist, Juliana Schavinatto. The actually clothing was typical Mrs. Mimran - classic, wearable with a hint of mod.

Lucian Matis and fashion stylist, Peter Papapetrou

Then it was off to celebrate Zink Magazine's Canadian launch at the Spoke Club. The venue was packed, tossing the fashion crowd in with the private club's members. The magazine has some great Canadian content - articles on designers, editorials, and profiles. Lucian Matis is one of the first advertisers and fashion stylist Peter Papapetrou is profiled in the magazine. (Both pictured above.) I drank just a little too much wine to make it to the Drake for Monica Schnarre's DJ debut and fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

My liver is going on an extended vacation and my feet have quit on me, but I know it was all worth it for Canadian fashion - and we do have talent!

L'Oreal Fashion Week: Fall 2008 - Day Three

By day three, fashion fatigue was setting in. My feet were starting to ache and the rain was wreaking havoc on my hair. I decided to catch up at work and skip the BRATZ presentation of Diesel Kids - as cute as I am sure it was.

Comrags Finale

I did get there for Comrags' show at 7pm. It was a very lady-like collection, almost 40's collection of very well fitted clothing. The forest theme of the show backdrop was continued in twigged brooches. Very pretty.

Andy The-Ahn

Andy The-Ahn followed with a really hip, elegant collection featuring some lovely ruffled blouses, coats and dresses.

I was debating whether to stay for David Dixon, but the crowds were getting to me and I wanted to be sure that I had a great spot to see the one show that I couldn't miss - Dragonette, who were performing at the Flare Magazine & Fido party at the Drake.

Dragonette Performs for Flare

I was able to get a spot right in front of them. Fantastic! The lead singer was sporting a new short, rock n' roll 'do - which, at first, I wasn't sure of, but now completely love on her. As with most corporate events bands are hired for, the crowd was very conservative and few danced. I can't wait to see their Phoenix show in a couple weeks where I know everyone will know who they are. After a few Belvedere cocktails, I hopped in a cab - Cinderella styles at the strike of midnight - to try and catch up on some z's.

L'Oreal Fashion Week: Fall 2008 - Day Two

The consensus in the tents was that Lucian Matis was the "real winner" of Project Runway Canada. I saw his LFW debut for Fall 2007 last year. Underneath the over-styled and busy looks, I was amazed by his tailoring and attention to detail. This year, he presented his "Black Collection" - which wasn't all black. Jewellery designer, Susie Love created cute mini plastic top hats for the models.

Lucian Matis Finale

We forgave the models' wobbly walks (a result from ill-fitting shoes) and took in the elegant and impeccable tailored gowns. No flipping the bird for Lucian - he is class all the way. The actual winner of PRC, Biddell flipped the bird and grabbed his crotch when he took his "bow" - erm, who's addicted to him again? What? But I will give him props for the sustainability angle of his fabric. Seemed more people were addicted to Lucian as 200 people were left outside of the runway room once it reached capacity.

The most energetic audience was most definitely at The Heart Truth show. The Canadian celebrity-modelled show was part of an educational campaign to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke for women. Canadian designers including Arthur Mendonca, Joeffer Caoc, Marie Saint-Pierre, and Izzy Camilleri created one-of-a-kind gowns for the cause.

Catherine O'Hara Working It

The most talked about - and even blogged on Perez Hilton - was Catherine O'Hara's fall at the end of the catwalk. That lady rocked it down there, pure Devil-Wears-Prada styles until she reached the end of the runway then poof! - she was gone and down.

Catherine O'Hara takes it all in stride

She giggled her way back to the top of the runway where she faked a second fall. Now that's F.I.E.R.C.E!

NADA Finale

NADA definitely knows her customer. Her Dynasty-themed collection referenced the 80's without being literal. A fabulous touch was gifting her guests a cute scarf which seems to have been made specifically for her show. Again, Susie Love's designs made an appearance with matching gold earrings and rings - just the right touch of bling without any unnecessary sparkle.

After NADA, I bolted out to the ladies to freshen up a bit, but the line was 'round the block. I ended up not getting back in time for some male model eye-candy at the Bustle show, but ran in to a friend who was manning the Lincoln VIP lounge who invited us to take it over and watch the show on the screen. I did, however get back on track to see Joeffer Caoc.

Jewellery Designer, Susie Love with MVP Actress, Amanda Brugel at Lucian Matis' After Party

We headed over to Lush Magazine's Menagerie masquerade event at the Berkeley Church. The invite said "masks are mandatory and will be provided", but luckily no one was biting - phew! We stayed long enough to catch the "special midnight presentation and performance" - which turned out to be a burlesque dancer enchanting Britney Spear's famous snake show from the MTV Awards. We booted out there, but not before grabbing our gift bags, and headed over to Lucian Matis' after party at Circa (which was also having a Persian News Years celebration.) The security confiscated our juices and waters which we'd collected all night from gift bags. Thankfully we weren't invited to partake in the New Years countdown and were personally escorted up to the Mirror Ballroom where we found the eloquent and elegant Lucian. Time didn't allow for us to get to Lobby for Bustle's after party - though I still wonder if my key would have opened up a box with a prize.

Bloggers Take on Fashion Week

Eye Weekly Magazine published an article this Thursday about fashion bloggers and the rise of their influence and growing recognition. Read it here.

The Toronto Fashion Bloggers meet every month or so for brunch to discuss the local and international industry, current events, technology and upcoming projects. It's a great networking event and everyone is just so lovely. If you're looking for some unbiased and honest looks at L'Oreal Fashion Week, check out my blog role:

BlogTO
Canadian Beauty
Final Fashion
I Want - I Got
Makeup Junkie
Rags and Mags
Toronto Fashion Incubator - Carolyn Rohaly's Diary
Toronto Street Fashion

It's not the only one to discuss the importance and influence of fashion bloggers. Media in Canada recently posted this.

L'Oreal Fashion Week: Fall 2008 - Day One

This has been my favourite fashion week yet. Not only did I feel that there was more buzz about the designers - especially after the success of Project Runway Canada - but I found that there were a higher number of really fantastic and consistent lines. The best part about it for me personally was reconnecting with my best friend from high school on Monday at Joe Fresh - which led to a lot of late nights at the multitude of after parties.

Denis Gagnon

I have a full time job, which limited my attendance to just the evening shows (and a delay in my posting.) The first show I saw was Montreal designer, Denis Gagnon who produced a very consistent line which I thought reminiscent of eighteenth century highway robbers - with lots of long sweaters, hoods and amazing folding details.

Coco Rocha walks for Joe Fresh

The tent was packed for the invite-only Joe Fresh show. The discount designer's collection was very mod-inspired and very Joe. The highlight for the show was undeniably the appearance of Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha on the runway.

Joe Fresh After Party: (L-R: Cathy, Carolyn Rohaly, Anita Clarke, and photographer/makeup artist Neil Schmidt.)

The after party was held under the tents, but the crowd fizzled out quite quickly. My venture to the subway ended up being more entertaining as we passed drunken St. Patrick Day revelers, girls peeing outside the Eaton Centre and a crazy homeless man who dropped himself and his garbage bags to the ground to stare at my friend's shoes. Thankfully, Anita from I Want- I Got told him off and he scuttled to the other end of the platform.

L'Oreal Fashion Week Fast Approaches

Fall show season has always been my favourite. Maybe it's all the layers, colours and textures, or maybe it's the knowledge that spring is just around the corner. Whatever the case, each L'Oreal Fashion Week always brings something new for people to see and to talk about.

The week long event is taking from Monday, March 17th to Saturday, March 20th with most shows being held on-site, under the tents at Nathan Phillips Square.

I'm looking forward to seeing supermodel, Coco Rocha in the Joe Fresh show, Project Runway Canada finalist Lucian Matis' Black Collection, and Philip Sparks' menswear show. (Let's hear it for the boys!) And of course the multitude of after parties at various venues across the city.

The one show bound to get a lot of "awww's" from the attendees is Diesel Kids, presented by BRATZ. A much more suitable partnership compared to Montreal designer, Marie Saint Pierre's venture a couple seasons ago where models came out with the dolls entangled in their hair.

For those in the industry, week passes are available for $50; while those outsiders who want a glimpse into the Canadian fashion future can purchase single show passes for $20 and day passes for $50.

Visit www.lorealfashionweek.ca to register and to see the entire schedule.