19-year-old gets pinned as head of luxury streetwear line by HENDRIXROE

After a short interaction at Fashion Week Toronto 2022, Jordan Mckay, owner of HENDRIXROE, offered Costa Dumitras a chance that would change his future in the fashion world.

By: Monserrat Quintana

In September 2022, the application for designers, models and artists for Fashion Art Toronto Fall/Winter 2022 showcase opened. Two siblings — Costa Dumitras and Sophia Dumitras — searching for a place in the fashion world, decided to apply.

For Costa, a designer striving to reach a wider audience, fashion is important. Near the end of his high school years, he started a sustainable fashion brand where every piece was second-hand and redesigned. He also focused on breaking gender norms showcasing men wearing clothes deemed “feminine," such as skirts and crop tops. The second-hand redesigned aesthetic brought him to pursue a style now referred to as “Krater."

After two years of designing and working on it, he hosted his first fashion show in collaboration with a men-only fashion organization that offers opportunities for unknown designers to show their work. He has also participated in several markets in the city of Toronto, which allowed him to get more exposure in the community.

The plan was never to be a model. Costa would rather make the clothes than showcase them. He found the process of taking pictures “really cheesy” and said the application processes sounded like a headache to him. But Sophia had other plans. She was excited to start her career as a model and wanted her brother to join her on the journey.

Costa Dumitras modeling Krater sweater. He is using a grey sweater with Krater unique pattern designed with a silk-screen print machine

Costa Dumitras showcasing Krater sweater for a collection look-book. He is wearing Krater denim redesigned by himself. (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

When the casting for Fashion Art Toronto 2022 was announced, Costa was surprised he had been chosen and his sister was not. He felt amazed to see that his tryouts had made an impact on his career. Even though Sophia was the one who wanted the role, they were both happy one of them would be part of the experience. Even though Costa was not interested, he was in.

When he arrived at Parkdale Hall in Toronto for the show, he immediately felt out of place. While everybody had suitcases and extravagant outfits, he had just returned from the skate park, his backpack on one shoulder and his skateboard in his hand.

People were hastily working on measuring clothes, fitting the models, and “yelling” at one another. Being part of the fashion industry during an important event showed him what it was really like “behind the curtains.”

Costa decided to investigate what every designer spot had to offer since, for him, this was an opportunity to make connections and get to know the industry better.

He met Jordan Mckay, the designer of HENDRIXROE, at a fitting session before the show.

During the show, Mckay realized Costa was not like the other models. He helped her move figures and garments around. He understood that Mckay worked in a fast-paced environment where her focus needed to be on improving whatever lacked “perfection,” and his behaviour showed that. This caught her attention.

Two days after the fashion show, Costa texted Mckay through Instagram direct messages and said: “I already miss you guys, let’s work together." In response, Mckay asked, “Would you be interested in working as a junior designer for HENDRIXROE and taking  on the streetwear side?”

Little did he know, his expectations would be quickly disproven. “This was almost meant to be — I got lucky,” says Costa. He accepted the offer to be the head of the line “HXR by HENDRIXROE,” a luxury streetwear brand, and began his journey as a young designer.

Mckay then decided to introduce Costa to other big names in the industry. His positive energy and commitment to making the business grow have allowed him to make a name for himself in Toronto’s fashion world.

Designers like Evan Biddell, winner of Project Runway Canada, have approached him to congratulate his work. “I’ve been getting invited to these crazy shows and exhibitions,” said Costa. “ I would've never thought I would achieve this so quickly.”

Their first project was the Palm Springs Fashion Week in 2023. HENDRIXROE showcased a 60-piece collection designed by Mckay and styled by the duo. This collection is inspired by high-couture fashion, with Jimmy Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe as influences. Dumitras and Mckay use a rockstar aesthetic that is “wearable” for every client.

The duo will soon launch a website with a catalogue for the clothes. “Jordan wants to grow her reach; my streetwear aesthetic and the online commerce will set it off,” says Costa.

Costa’s goal for HXR is to expand the business to Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. “The disposable income customers have in Canada is too low. People here have a much higher living expense compared to other countries in North America,” he says.

At the same time, Mckay has also been looking to appeal to a younger audience that will purchase garments in a simple way, considering HENDRIXROE, so far, is custom-made only.

Costa also wants to strike on his own, which has led him to start searching for tools to be able to put on a fashion show just like the one he attended. But this time, he wanted to be a designer.

Stallion.TO, a men's fashion show, offered Costa a place to create a fashion show for the first time. In December 2022, he made it happen. His brand Krater showcased a 10-look limited collection. Every piece is second-hand and reworked. Costa follows sustainable production practices along with a gender-neutral aesthetic for the garments.

Krater fashion show recap Dec. 9, 2022 (Instagram via @krater.world)

Costa has also been participating with fellow designers as part of a collective called CHROMA: Creative Collective in Toronto. They have participated in events such as  Toronto’s Night, and Hippie Market.  

CHROMA: CC will be hosting its own contemporary event on June 16th this year. Costa and his group have sold around $600 to 800 in limited pieces per day and designer.

Costa and Mckay have been working towards the launch of HXR at their temporary studio at 449 Church St. They will have a ready-to-wear summer collection inspired by each designer’s personal brands, HENDRIXROE and Krater. The duo shared their work in progress through Instagram stories and expect HXR to launch this summer. “People are not ready for what's to come,” said Costa.

For the love of Parkdale: Valentine-themed market unites community and fashion in the West End

The market is part of a larger initiative seeking to rejuvenate small businesses in a Toronto neighbourhood hit hard by the pandemic

By: Edward Lander

An entrance to a hall with the sign I Heart Parkdale 144th Anniversary written in black text over a bright white signage

The entrance to Parkdale Hall at 1605 Queen St. West. The venue hosts many local events including I-Heart Parkdale’s Night Market. (Edward Lander/CanCulture Magazine)

What sets Parkdale apart from Toronto’s other neighbourhoods is its distinct identity—an identity that has a lot to do with its plethora of small businesses, especially its thrift, vintage and fashion stores.

But according to Parkdale restaurant owner, Mariel Buenaventura, the past few years have been tough on these businesses. Which is why she, alongside Pinay Tayo Toronto, a non-profit that provides support for Filipina businesses, started I-Heart Parkdale.

The project, which lasted from Feb. 4 to Feb. 28, featured a night market, live music, shopping rewards at local businesses, an art installation and afternoon markets on select days.

“Our goal is to unite small businesses, to bring more foot traffic into the area, to tell the city of Toronto, even outside of Toronto, that Parkdale is a fun place to shop and to eat,” said Buenaventura.

The initiative has partnered with dozens of businesses in the neighbourhood. Many of them are second-hand or thrift shops, including familiar names like Common Sort and House of Vintage, but also smaller vendors and outlets.

One of these vendors is vintage clothing seller, Your Acha’s Closet, run by the duo of Tseten Menhla and Sonam Wangyal. The two frequent the Sunday Antiques Market at Parkdale Hall which is where they found out about I-Heart Parkdale.

an assortment of clothes including jeans, a purse and shoes lie on a table with a disco ball sitting near them.

An assortment of clothes at Your Acha’s Closet during the Feb. 4, 2023 Night Market at the Parkdale Hall. (Edward Lander/CanCulture Magazine)

Wangyal says although he’s seen many businesses close during the pandemic, there's been an uptick in the amount of thrift and vintage shops in the neighbourhood.

I-Heart Parkdale stands as a testament to the resiliency of one of Toronto’s most unique neighbourhoods.

“I think it's kind of the hot thing, even in the Ossington area there are tons of [thrift and vintage shops], they're everywhere,” said Wangyal. “I think it's helping in terms of bringing people here to check out the neighbourhood,” he said.

For long-time Parkdale resident Jude Goulet, these are the kind of stores that remind him of home.

“I grew up in Parkdale, so I essentially have only ever thrifted, and ever since I was a kid the thrift stores in Parkdale have been where I’ve gotten all of my toys and all of my clothes,” he said.

two people posing in front of a large heart made up of roses with Parkdale in the middle. The people are holding a heart

Jude Goulet and Kodiak Armstrong pose for a photo at the Parkdale Hall Night Market on Feb. 4, 2023 (Edward Lander/CanCulture Magazine)

Goulet, who attended the night market on Feb. 4, says second-hand shops are part of the fabric of the neighbourhood.

“If [thrift shops] didn’t exist here it wouldn’t be Parkdale,” he said.

Some attendees said the initiative is helping to combat the rise of corporations and chains like Value Village in the world of second-hand retail.

“I feel like supporting thrifting and other types of second-hand vintage reselling in Parkdale is really refreshing in comparison to all the big-box stores we see doing thrift now,” said Kodiak Armstrong, another attendee of the night market.

Others said the event’s impact goes beyond just supporting business— it’s also about bringing people together, especially after the past few difficult years.

“It’s a free event where you don’t have to buy anything, you can just come out and listen to music and just show up and support your community,” said Armstrong. “Events like this really counteract the fact that we’re losing a lot of third spaces, spaces where you're not either directly at home or work,” he added.

In attendance at the night market was Parkdale-High Park MPP Bhutila Karpoche, who said the event is making a positive impact on her community.

“If we’re able as much as possible to support one another and take care of one another, that helps individuals and our community’s well being,” said the MPP.

I-Heart Parkdale isn’t the first project Buenaventura helped organize and according to her, it won’t be the last. After the very popular night market, many attendees say they’d like to see more events like it throughout the year.

“The pandemic has been challenging for so many people and I think that the more opportunities we have for people to come together is always a good thing,” said Karpoche.

In what Buenaventura calls a “gloomy” time of year, I-Heart Parkdale stands as a testament to the resiliency of one of Toronto’s most unique neighbourhoods.

“It teaches people about the importance of community and how even when you’re struggling, your community will come out for you to events like this,” said Goulet.

Behind the design: The Indigenous-inspired Toronto Raptors jersey

This ode to Indigenous culture, reimagined on a Raptors jersey, showcases imagery from the Indigenous communities whose lands we reside on

By: Bana Yirgalem

Graphic of a basketball jersey with a red basketball in the center

(Ishitaa Chopra/CanCulture)

On National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which falls on Sept. 30 each year, Canadians are asked to recognize the oft-unacknowledged origins of Turtle Island– the place we may refer to as Canada but has been known, for time immemorial, as Turtle Island to its Indigenous Peoples. We recognize the cultural and colonial genocide committed against Indigenous communities and the enduring impacts coloniality and residential schools have had on every system and institution we may participate in and interact with today.

This year, art and basketball came together in the creation of an Indigenous-inspired Toronto Raptors jersey, bringing the sport and Indigenous communities together.

The jersey was created by renowned designer and illustrator Casey Bannerman and artist Mike Ivall – also known as Big Nish – from the Chippewas of Georgina Island in collaboration with Raptors point guard Fred Vanvleet.

This is the third time Fred VanVleet has partnered with Casey Bannerman, with their first collaboration being with Penny Apparel in 2021. They gave 1000 backpacks to kids in need in Tkaronto (colonially known as Toronto). The second time is when Bannerman created two shirts for Vanvleet’s brand, FFV in 2021. One of the shirts was widely recognized as they were used to help promote the voting of VanVleet for the 2022 All-Star game. The shirt showcases VanVleet’s signature saying “Bet on Yourself”.

The new jersey is a reimaged version of the classic white 1995 jersey with the raptor in the front. However, this jersey is created in woodland art style, which according to Redlake Museum, is “a distinct style of Native art that blends traditional legends and myths with contemporary mediums.” The jersey includes a modified version of the original raptor logo. The jersey also features the Ojibwe word "Giiwedin," which means "North." A portion of the proceeds of each jersey sale went towards the Orange Shirt Society, a non-profit organization that supports Indian Residential School reconciliation and survivors.

Bannerman and Ivall’s art centers on sports, especially sports teams in Toronto. Bannerman’s Instagram is filled with electric posts, ranging from sketches to finished products. He also gifts his talented art to some highly-recognized players in sports. He has made a personalized jacket for Scottie Barnes of the Raptors and a custom-made jersey for Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins that features him after his 2022 NBA championship win.

Bannerman’s art is electrifying as he adds the comic book style on the jerseys of different sports teams or posters which gives them their own personal yet fresh touch.

Ivall’s Instagram is similar but all his creations have a touch of Indigenous culture, referring back to the woodland art style. Posts filled with his designs as they revolve around either Toronto culture or Toronto sports teams as well as other sports teams. In an interview with the Toronto Star, Ivall says the project gives him “a sense of pride, both for my city and my heritage.”

In all his posts that involve his artwork, he has the hashtag “#indigenizeeverything” in the captions. “My art is my personal healing journey,” he said. “It allows me to learn language and teachings that I never had growing up.”

This is not the first time that the Raptors have expressed support towards the work of Indigenous creatives. Back in 2021, Toronto Raptors selected Kyana Kingbird along with two others to be a part of the Welcome Toronto creators program. Kingbird is a Mi’kmaw and Ojibway dancer. On the website, the program’s goal is to spotlight emerging artists from marginalized communities, motivate youth and use basketball to provide further reach.

The contribution of Indigenous people to art and fashion in Canada is highly important, especially since it is being showcased for millions to see. Indigenous communities have always been expressing themselves and their culture beautifully with art, whether it be in the form of music, dance or drawing. Showcasing Indigenous artists’ pieces on the bigger platforms helps Canadians all around the country recognize the culture that flows so beautifully within and through the Indigenous community.

The collaboration between Casey Bannerman and Mike Ivall along with Fred VanVleet is important and recognizes the beauty of Indigenous art as well as culture with sports. The creation of spaces for this now let’s Indigenous people showcase the beauty within their culture in the form of art for us non-indigenous people to see, love and appreciate more.

Streetwear meets Chicwear: OVO Launches Second Capsule Collection with U of T

The University of Toronto gets a second collaboration with Drake’s brand, October’s Very Own

By: Bana Yirgalem

Photo of the OVO store in Eaton Centre. A gold owl lightens up on white marble background. Two plants, one on either side with the doors closed.

(Bana Yirgalem/CanCulture)

OVO released its second capsule collection on Oct. 14, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s most prestigious schools. OVO is a record label and a clothing line founded by Canadian rapper Drake.

The brand's Instagram page announced the second drop featuring rapper Lil Yachty, to showcase some of the collection’s items. Lil Yachty and Drake are good friends, having collaborated on Yachty’s song, Oprah’s Bank Account in 2020. Recently, Yachty has been seen with Drake on his private jet, even sporting a tattoo of an owl.

The use of Yachty for the campaign might be due to the fact his new song, “Poland”, was being teased and that the collaboration between the two artists might bring some buzz for both of them collaborating and according to some of the post’s comments, fans are loving the campaign’s new face.

A variety of items including baseball caps, rugby shirts, varsity jackets and tote bags are included in the limited collection. Through the pieces’ designs, it’s visible that OVO put its own original mark on classic university apparel.

All the pieces have the OVO’s owl mascot and U of T emblems. And the highly popularized vintage varsity letterman jacket features multiple variations of the university’s crest co-branded with the “October’s Very Own” marquees.

The first collection dropped back in August 2021, right before the school year began which allowed students to ring in the new school year dripped in new merch representing their school. Now, just in time for the cold fall season, U of T students can come to campus with school pride while looking fashionable. Fans of OVO can also get the merch because of how aesthetically pleasing it looks for everyday wear.

On the day of the launch, long lineups were expected at OVO stores in the GTA and there was even a long lineup at the U of T’s campus bookstore. The quality of the items was praised in a video on TikTok, nothing that the in-store prices weren’t as bad compared to the school’s bookstore.

However, some fans weren’t as fortunate. Many waited in line outside the bookstore in cold and rainy fall weather just to not be able to get anything from there and admitted in the comments that they had to purchase items on the brand’s official website.

@h6ti the line literally wraps the building and i left early to get here 😭 #uoft #drake ♬ original sound - Beef boss poofsure

And other fans not enrolled in the university of the hour wondered why their universities have yet to have a collab with OVO. This led to numerous calls that they should be doing it for all schools in the GTA, like York University and Toronto Metropolitan University.

This latest drop has people talking which isn’t a surprise because anything relating to Drake will have people and the media talking.

Whether you like Drake or not, you cannot deny that the impact OVO has had on fashion in Canada is quite vast. We’ve seen the iconic owl plenty of times if you're walking down the streets of Toronto, showing the impact of the brand locally. But the brand has also attained global success, collaborating with brands like Canada Goose, NBA, BAPE, Disney and Playboy.

OVO has rebranded streetwear to new heights while adding a twist of other fashion styles which most streetwear brands lack. Canada doesn’t have many streetwear-owned brands that are widely recognized in the country, so OVO is continuously making sure it leaves its mark on fashion in Canada.

The collection will contribute to Drake’s success in fashion because it’ll show people that it’s not just a brand focused on streetwear but can make clothing designed for anyone. Drake branching out to cater to all types of clothing styles shows that he doesn’t limit himself to one aesthetic. My conclusion: the Drake effect is real– whether it be in the music industry or fashion industry, he’ll remain a household name.

(via OVO)

The rink is a runway

The symbiotic relationship between sports and fashion exists from the catwalk to the sidewalk

By: Christina Flores-Chan

Pause the pre-game show.

Toronto Maple Leaf rookies and future dynamic duo Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are strutting down a hallway at Scotiabank Arena sporting matching fedora hats atop their suits in December 2016. A live camera pans as they pass by.

The following day, it’s the topic of discussion at Sportsnet’s Hockey Central. It’s also trending on Canadian Twitter. Even GTA-born Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos has something to say about it.

In an interview two years later, when Matthews is asked about his now-famous formal fashion sense, he tells the reporter, “I don’t mind at all wearing a suit. I actually kind of like it.”

It’s early 2020, and the tennis skirt is the moment. It’s a white, pleated mini piece and luxury brands to fast fashion retailers are all putting their own spin on it. The skirt is sold in stores from Lacoste to Garage. Subsequently, tennis participation increases by 22 per cent that year, while consumption of professional tennis rose significantly in 2021 with young women athletes like Canadians Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu paving the way for the sport.

Embed from Getty Images

Earlier this season, NBA star Russell Westbrook shows up to New York Fashion Week wearing an off-white, maxi-length kilt to the Thom Browne show. The news runs in GQ the next day, giving the designer ample exposure to audiences outside of luxury fashion.

Fashion is rooted in sport in the way that fashion is rooted in everyday life. Sport is a social product of the world around it, including the clothes we dress ourselves in before we step out into society every morning. And yet, this phenomenon often gets slipped under the rug, unspoken but far from going unnoticed.

We can see it in the way that OVO partners with the Toronto Raptors for exclusive jersey designs, or how we set alarms for Air Jordan sneaker drops even if we don’t play basketball, or in esteemed American sportscaster Erin Andrews’s NFL and NHL-based clothing line.

Fans pay attention to what their favourite athletes are wearing, and so do designers and clothing brands. The niche competitive advantage of style based around sports contributes to both the fashion industry and the world of professional sports. 

Take the BOSS X NBA limited edition collection for example. A basketball fan may not regularly walk into Harry Rosen to purchase a Hugo Boss turtleneck for almost $200, but they might look at it differently if it has the NBA logo on the collar. Conversely, someone who doesn’t watch professional sports might feel inclined to educate themselves on a team once they realize their favourite dad cap with the Yankees logo front and centre represents a New York baseball team logo and not just a cute graphic design.

Working as a symbiotic relationship, the partnership between the two industries keeps consumers rooting for their favourite athletes and teams while investing in merchandise to show their support at the same time.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying fashion in sports as a consumer, being aware of what it is and deciding to embrace it as a symbol of expression anyway. 

If a person loves a team and what they stand for, whether it be a community they enjoy partaking in or the unity the franchise brings to their city, then they should be proud to rock that Buffalo Bills logo on their jacket. 

I, in turn, will wear my luxury clothing to work at sporting events with no shame. Because what is the harm in dressing for style in an industry so propelled by fashion anyway?

Me, pictured in my Fendi boots and leather coat earlier this Fall (Christina Flores-Chan/CanCulture)

The other day, I’m working a Rams game as the team’s media relations and social content assistant, and a staff member from the opposing school compliments my leather coat and Fendi boots. I thank them, and they ask me if I’m uncomfortable wearing something so formal to a basketball game.

I shrug, thinking of Matthews.

“I actually kind of like it.”

Fashion bloggers: Let’s get down to business

Three fashion bloggers share their experiences with the business behind the job

By Mariah Siddiqui

Allysha Yung, Toronto-based fashion blogger, wakes up at 9 a.m., fixes herself a smoothie or tea, and starts her work for the day. She will check her emails and respond to them, shoot her content around 10:30 a.m. and then it’s time for lunch. After lunch, she’ll edit some of the images from her shoot, answer some more emails, send invoices and follow ups and work on her clients social media platforms as a part of her side business. Then, she moves on to dinner while constantly brainstorming more ideas for her platform.

After a productive day, she allows herself a break from the busy blogger life and sets her alarm for 9 a.m. the next day. Sounds busy, right? It’s just a day in the life of a fashion blogger. 

Titled after her name, Yung established her fashion and beauty blog around 2014. Her hobby and passion turned into something she could eventually call her main job. She is a full-time fashion blogger and consults and manages other people’s social media as a side business. 

“Ever since a young age, I’ve always had a love for fashion. My mother would love to dress me up and pick out my outfits when I was younger,” said Yung. “That was just something that we did, it was like a ritual.” 

Photo: Allysha Yung via Instagram

In high school, she worked in fashion retail and started blogging and sharing her style on Instagram.

Yung also acknowledges that working for yourself can have its own challenges. “There is never an end, whether that be brainstorming ideas, creating content for all social media platforms, or finding new clients,” she said.

Yung thinks it’s definitely important to give yourself a break and take time to sit back, take a deep breath and relax. She has a schedule that helps her organize her time and with the job she has, when things pop up, she adjusts along the way.

Blogging and managing others social media platforms is the main source of her income. She also earns money through sponsorships and brand deals. With a blogging platform, it is common for many brands to reach out to someone through social media to work with them, but not all brands are legitimate and trustworthy. 

“A lot of sponsorships reach out to me by email, [offering] compensation in exchange for posting,” said Yung. “For me personally, I’m selective with the brands I work with as I want to make sure they are aligned with my brand.”

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Cold? Don’t know her 🙃.

A post shared by Allysha Yung • Toronto (@allyshayung) on

Photo: Allysha Yung via Instagram

Toronto-based fashion blogger, Emily Kaitlyn, feels the same way. A pro tip she stands by: work with the brands that address you by name in their email. She also thinks there’s a huge misconception of bloggers posting ads just for money. 

“Majority of people including myself, we usually don’t just post an ad out there to post an ad. It doesn’t make you look better or worse, it’s nice to be recognized by a brand with a product that you like and think your audience will like as well,” said Kaitlyn. “A lot of work does go into creating a post, I don’t think a lot of people see that. You have to brainstorm the idea and then create it.” 

Often times, it’s frustrating for her when brands offer her 25 per cent off of their products, but ask her to post them on her social media, market it and get her followers to follow their page with no compensation, only a discount.

“That’s not how this works and there’s a lot that goes into it. If I genuinely like your product I’ll buy it and do that,” she said. “I never do an ad or get paid to do something I don’t want to talk about or don’t genuinely enjoy. If things are gifted to me, I always give my full, honest opinion or just don’t talk about it.”

Photo: Emily Kaitlyn via Instagram

Kaitlyn has been blogging since 2018 and uses her marketing skills from another job to constantly grow and evolve her brand. She does not blog full-time yet, although she would love to in the future, and holds several jobs while managing her Youtube, Instagram, her own social media business, and her fashion and lifestyle blog, titled “EmmyKBlogs”.

Throughout her blogging career, she has grown and learned a lot along the way. When Kaitlyn first began to blog, she noticed buying staple wardrobe pieces and practicing minimalism when shopping has saved her quite a bit of money.

“Seeing my finances from when I first started blogging, I’ve seen a huge difference on how much I was spending then, versus now on clothing,” she explained. When she first started out, she fell into the pressure of doing what everyone else was doing, but that can turn out to be a slippery slope to an overflowing closet and an extremely long receipt. 

“I found that I was spending a lot of money, which was definitely a challenge. Falling into the Zara and H&M hauls, and wanting to have what was working for each season,” she said. “I started finding that it was a bit too much financially and space wise, but then a year ago, I transitioned into what I usually wear, which is basic and minimal.”

She realized that she could build a staple wardrobe and wear the same pieces in a variety of ways. Her style matured with her as she picked up tips and tricks from the industry.

Photo: Emily Kaitlyn via Instagram

As a Canadian blogger, Kaitlyn’s biggest challenge might not be much of a surprise. 

“[It’s] definitely the weather. In the winter time, it’s hard to shoot outside as you’re freezing your butt off trying to get that street style shot,” she said with a laugh. She’s also noticed that many other countries have a larger variety of clothing stores and here in Canada, she usually has to order online to get what she wants. There are also many more opportunities to work with larger brands that are based elsewhere. At events, people have assumed she was American at first glance and are often surprised that her blog is Canadian-based.

Shivani Rana, American-Desi fashion blogger, owner of her own clothing brand and influencer coach, has her own hot take on the fashion and blogging industry. She’s noticed that the industry has become more saturated, but she doesn’t necessarily see that as a bad thing. 

“When it comes to fashion, most people have different styles and the fashion industry is willing to let everyone in,” said Rana. “The dilution is just allowing people to express themselves through fashion, which is a great thing.” 

Photo: Shivani Rana via Instagram

Rana is a big advocate for diversity, inclusivity and representation and recognizing that these things are important and needed.

“Social media has created a voice for everyone and has helped brands realize that every body type and every colour is beautiful,” she said.

Against those that claim that being an Instagram blogger or model is not a job, Rana argues that a lot of time and effort goes into being a full-time blogger. 

“The amount of work, planning and effort that goes into it is unfathomable. It takes aspects of business, psychology and entrepreneurship to convert sales for other brands,” she explained.

In response to money concerns, with a little laugh she said, “I know for a fact that the paycheck is not bad.” 

Rana started blogging seriously almost two years ago. She explained, “Once I had received my first sponsorship, I started taking blogging seriously. Since then, it’s just been a continuous effort to be better and for constant growth … Even though I am not as big as most bloggers, I consider myself lucky to be able to live out this blogger life.”

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you’re a catch but i’m not a receiver

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Photo: Shivani Rana via Instagram

When asked about which clothing item they’d wear every day for the rest of their life, each blogger stopped in their tracks. If Shivani Rana had to pick, she’d be rocking a pair of mom jeans. 

“Mom jeans are so versatile and I’d have no issue never removing them. I love me a good pair of mom jeans,” she said.

Emily Kaitlyn would have to go with a black turtleneck. “It’s one piece of clothing I wear every day basically, I live in a black turtleneck,” she said. “It’s the easiest day-to-day piece.”

Allysha Yung chose a different path. “One piece? Only one? I want to say sweats, because I think that is something that I realistically wear the most and am most comfortable in. I realized you can actually style it in numerous ways without making it look sloppy,” she said.

Yung stands strong in her stance that fashion blogging isn’t something that every single person will like or understand, but she is just sharing what she loves on her platform. 

“Not everyone is going to like it, but it is a niche demographic and audience that you are really trying to target,” she said. “If you are passionate and genuinely love what you do, there is no problem at all. It’s a great way to express yourself and your creativity.”

Men's Fashion Week takes over Toronto

Helmer, Curtis Oland, Hip and Bone and Pascal Labelle are just some of the designers that were featured at this season’s Toronto Men’s Fashion Week. It took place from Monday March 6 to Wednesday March 8 at 505 Richmond St. West and it was men’s fashion week’s sixth season.

The event was well publicized and thoughtfully planned with many coordinators, sponsors and volunteers. Kelsi Gayda is the executive assistant and social media coordinator for all that falls under the Canada fashion group umbrella – both men’s and women’s fashion weeks.

Men’s fashion week first started three years ago. Gayda moved to Toronto from Calgary in July and joined the Toronto Men’s Fashion week team after learning about it. “It was right up my alley,” she said.

Gayda has a background in fashion – back in Calgary, she would put on a bi-monthly event that supported local artists and designers of any medium where talented entrepreneurs and emerging artists could showcase themselves.

“It was also a good way to network with people,” she said.

Gayda said she has always been a big supporter of emerging artists and designers. “I’ve always been the one to push people to pursue,” she said. “I love the creative culture.”

According to Gayda, there are a great amount of outlets for people in Toronto.

“Toronto is like the New York of Canada,” she said. “I moved here because there is a bigger arts community and more people support that community. There’s a bigger market for growth and that market is more established.”

“I just want to support emerging designers, the fashion community and the arts community.”

Gayda gave a rundown of this season’s event and all the shows along with some of the highlights.

“There were so many amazing aspects to this season,” she said. “There were live DJs, the venue was rustic – and felt like Paris or Milan and the HP media lounge made for the perfect platform for the social media team to smoothly and efficiently upload photos.”

“This event really brings the community together.”

Those on the other side of this event and events like these share the same viewpoint as those behind the scenes.

Emily Verduyn is a Ryerson business student and a retired model. She used to be in many fashion shows including women’s fashion week.

“To be a part of someone’s fashion show where they get to showcase pieces they’ve been tirelessly working on for months is the coolest feeling,” she said.

For Verduyn, her favourite part is bringing to life what a designer pictured. “I love seeing them in awe that their creative idea became a reality.”

“Fashion and fashion week in Toronto has drastically changed in the past two years,” said Verduyn. “It has really evolved into a large and supportive community of local designers, models, hairstylists and makeup artists that all know and have strong relationships with each other.”

“When you walk around backstage or sit watching, you are constantly surrounded by true Torontonians and are always bound to find someone in the room you know,” she said.

“The sense of community is irreplaceable.”

Fashion, the arts as a whole and events like these help celebrate Toronto’s community and emerging Canadian artists.

How a Toronto girl boss is making minimalist jewelry more than a trend

As Instagram feeds turn to clean, minimal aesthetics, it’s only fair that fashion and beauty trends do the same. Allison Asis, the founder of Cadette Jewelry, knows this all too well. The Toronto jeweller created Cadette in 2014 hoping to get women who don’t wear jewelry, like herself, to find a love for delicate pieces.

“I think there’s so many girls who are either not jewelry wearers or simply want pieces that compliment their natural style and natural being,” she says.

Asis started out as a fashion blogger, but realized she wanted more satisfaction from her creativity; and so the minimalist beauty of Cadette was born, drawing inspiration from trends worldwide.

“There’s a very simple, clean aesthetic that’s happening right now and it’s drawing inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian style,” says Asis.

“It’s just clean lines – a simple jacket and pair of jeans. Or a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. It’s all about simplicity, and I think this is jewelry that compliments that.”

Drawing inspiration from designers like The Row, by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Acne Studios, the Toronto jeweler looks to keep her pieces minimal but with a twist.

“I have a love for a lot of artists and that quirky, whimsical shape,” she says. “I find myself creating simple jewelry, but always with a spin. So maybe something asymmetrical or with an added stone.”

Recently, Asis also became a metalsmith, learning to create her own pieces from brass and sterling silver. She chose these two metals because brass can be polished to have a similar look as gold. Sterling silver - a popular choice for jewelry that stands the test of time.

“Even when it ages it looks beautiful with more character,” says Asis.

Since 2014, Asis has been the leader for all of Cadette’s departments – from creative to financial. She considers herself a one-woman show.

“It’s taught me a lot and it just shows you what you’re capable of,” says Asis. “It forced me to learn different sectors of the business, but it’s the weaker parts that make you work harder and get better.”

She believes that minimalist jewelry is here to stay.

“There’s obviously girls who still gravitate more towards a loud statement piece,” she adds. “Statements had their moment. But now that minimalist jewelry has become popular, more girls are thinking that they can get down with it.”

 

This piece was edited by Krizia Ramos, Co-Fashion Editor at CanCulture. 

Fashion Art Toronto (FAT2016)

FAT 2016 119 Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) is the fusion of art and fashion during a weeklong multi-arts event in Toronto running on April 12-16. Every day is packed with a mix up of runway shows, live performances, fashion films, art installations and photography exhibits. This year’s theme - Dress Codes, focuses on how fashion is used to construct a person’s identity. Everyday of the week each collection focuses on a sub-theme of the day. Friday's theme, Counter CODE, focused on the rejection of mainstream styles and is instead collections that are inspired by rebellion and evolution.  

Wolf N Crane

The first runway show of the night on April 15 was Wolf N Crane, a streetwear brand, by Ena Luckin. Inspired by Toronto streetwear, she showcased dresses, shirts, pants, rompers, leggings, shorts, and mini-capes in her featured line. Many of the designs included graphic prints of knives, roses, Hemp leaves and cranes.The colour palette of the pieces remained on the dark side, with mainly blacks and whites used as her bases with only minimal color added.

Neoteny Apparel

The second runway collection was created by Lex Brown showcasing her pieces from her company - Neoteny Apparel. Her collection -[Fallacy] Transitional focused on dress codes within non-creative work places. The pieces combined both modern business professional attireand the colourful prints, and cuts of fashion’s latest designs. Though the pieces stood out in their own way, there is still a conservative aspect and design to the pieces that make them office appropriate.

House of Poplyn

In the third runway show, House of Poplyn, featured many of its designs around layers of tulle and tie-dye for its theme - Dreamcatcher. Tanushree Pande, House of Poplyn’s founder, managed to embody the feminine charm and youthfulness within her pieces. The designs were a combination of both evening looks and dramatic ready to wear items. The overall colour palette remained on the fair side, with a mix up of whites, pale greens and baby blues, said to be inspired by the colours and patterns of nature.

Odrea

Andrea JungMin Oh’s featured theme for her collection was Dressing Line, which improved  the ideas from paper dolls and technical drawings. Mainly a womenswear designer, Oh’s pieces stuck to only one colour, white, throughout her entire line. The pieces were beautifully versatile and designed in such a way that the items could be worn either as evening wear or as business attire.

Nuvango

The founders Pichora and Downs of Nuvango, joined together with Fashion designer, Hillary Sampliner, to present Sampliner’s collection called Colour Theory, which explores art in motion and the body as the canvas. The designs on the collection were created from works on canvas or on a computer screen. They encompassed a wide range of designs from pops of colors to loud and eye-catching pieces that are both bold and wearable.

RiaToss-Skulptur

Ross Wirtanen is the director and choreographer of the performance-art piece called SKULPTUR. The runway transformed with the setup and execution of this piece, which was inspired by greek mythology.

Padina Bondar

Padina Bondar focused her collections around the biology of the female reproductive system. Each piece represented the different stages and a specific period in a woman’s life. The pieces displayed both modern and retro feel to their designs. Despite being wearable art projects, some of the designs could be considered evening wear with the chic and elegant designs, which present the female form for what it is.