Love-filled Fashion – A Valentine’s Day Lookbook

Get your Valentine’s Day fix post-love-day.

By Julia Lawrence

Valentine's Day is when lovey-dovey eyes exchange between partners and friends—it's also when you can show off the pink, red and overall fashion-forward pieces you have in your closet.

CanCulture’s 2024 Valentine’s Day lookbook showcases different fashion styles encapsulating the love holiday’s aesthetic. Scroll down to fill your heart with love, joy and fashion inspiration.

Mikayla Trainor (@meekeela_) pairs a bright pink skirt with a pale pink sweatshirt. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Parker Theis (R) (@_jurassicparker_) and Michael Karant (L) (@michaelkarant) dress to impress for their dinner date. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Minori Peters (@minori.peters) wears thrifted heart-shaped earmuffs alongside a simple red and black outfit. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Lama Alshami (@lama.alshxmi) dons a full pink look with nails to match. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Debeshi (@_debeshi_228) (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Yllana Williams (@yllanawilliams) layers white on white for a textured look paired with heart-eyed makeup and pink heels. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Rachel (@booperdontcrossthelinedooper) layers a heart-filled vest over a red sweater. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Daniella Lopez (@lopez_daniella_) contrasts dark brown pants with a light pink sweater and cream cardigan. Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

Prescela Jeeves (@prescelaaa) matches her pink rose with a bright pink sweater draped over a white long sleeve. (Julia Lawrence/CanCulture)

What did you wear this past Valentine’s Day? Email (cancultureinfo@gmail.com) a photo of your outfit for a chance to be featured on @canculturemag’s Instagram.

Showstopping: Fashion Art Toronto 2023’s final fall and winter looks #FashionArtToronto

Local designers and TMU students brought fashion week to a dazzling end 

By Kinza Zafar

Fashion at TMU, alongside other exceptional designers, took to the 200-foot long runway for Fashion Art Toronto.

Over the course of four days, the city’s most devoted fashion lovers, designers and wearers flocked to the west-end for a new Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) season. Complete with multi-arts vendors, food and booze stands, live DJ sets and a 200-foot runway, attendees at the Black Creek Assembly were met with various sensory spectacles while uniting to indulge in the best of the city’s fashion. 

From gothic glamour and dystopian drama to cyberpunk couture and streetwear slay, FAT’s last day delivered on all fronts. Sitting atop a black podium, camera in hand, awaiting each model’s turn, strut and pose, prepared to capture every thread and expression encouraged non-stop ooh’s and aah’s behind the lens. Featuring works from talented designers from Fashion at TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University), KDJM Studio, Kolleen Boutique, Refaya Turshin, Purple Hearts Supply, Solouk, Brandon Keir, Kerotix and Kendrick Tran, the following photos showcase some of the final best that this fashion week season had to offer. 

Fashion at TMU partnered with FAT this season to celebrate Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) student work (Kinza/Zafar).

Fashion at TMU partnered with FAT this season to celebrate Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) student work (Kinza/Zafar).

Fashion at TMU partnered with FAT this season to celebrate Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) student work (Kinza/Zafar).

Fashion at TMU partnered with FAT this season to celebrate Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) student work (Kinza/Zafar).

Fashion at TMU partnered with FAT this season to celebrate Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) student work (Kinza/Zafar).

From Toronto-based KDJM’s organic streetwear inspired collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From Toronto-based KDJM’s organic streetwear inspired collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From Toronto-based KDJM’s organic streetwear inspired collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From Canadian luxury leather and coat designer Kolleen Boutique’s new collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From Canadian luxury leather and coat designer Kolleen Boutique’s new collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From Canadian luxury leather and coat designer Kolleen Boutique’s new collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From multi-disciplinary Toronto artist Refaya Turshin’s Bengali textile collection featuring architectural structures and natural dyes (Kinza/Zafar).

From multi-disciplinary Toronto artist Refaya Turshin’s Bengali textile collection featuring architectural structures and natural dyes (Kinza/Zafar).

From multi-disciplinary Toronto artist Refaya Turshin’s Bengali textile collection featuring architectural structures and natural dyes (Kinza/Zafar).

From multi-disciplinary Toronto artist Refaya Turshin’s Bengali textile collection featuring architectural structures and natural dyes (Kinza/Zafar).

From Purple Hearts Supply’s second collection reimagining and merging formal and casual wear (Kinza/Zafar).

From Solouk’s seemingly minimal yet structurally complex achromatic collection (Kinza/Zafar).

From famed Toronto-based designer Brandon Keir’s vampiric genderless collection “Afterlife” (Kinza/Zafar).

From famed Toronto-based designer Brandon Keir’s vampiric genderless collection “Afterlif” (Kinza/Zafar).

From famed Toronto-based designer Brandon Keir’s vampiric genderless collection “Afterlife” (Kinza/Zafar).

From Kerotix’s cyberpunk-meets-y2k collection featuring strong silhouettes and soft styling (Kinza/Zafar).

From Kerotix’s cyberpunk-meets-y2k collection featuring strong silhouettes and soft styling (Kinza/Zafar).

From Kendrick Tran’s debut solo and show-closing collection exploring the Vietnamese-Canadian designer’s coming out journey (Kinza/Zafar).

From Kendrick Tran’s debut solo and show-closing collection exploring the Vietnamese-Canadian designer’s coming out journey (Kinza/Zafar)

From Kendrick Tran’s debut solo and show-closing collection exploring the Vietnamese-Canadian designer’s coming out journey

Dead Egos Vs. The WRLD 2 — A fashion lookbook

Music lovers dressed for the occasion to celebrate underground artists

By: Sena Law

Attendees flaunt their personal style at theToronto underground showcase - Dead Egos Vs. The WRLD 2. (Sena Law/CanCulture, background graphic by @w0nhunnid)

Music and fashion are often unexpectedly intersectional, this intertwining of creative self-expression was especially seen in the attendees of Dead Egos Vs. The WRLD 2. Dead Egos, a music showcase dedicated to uplifting underground musical artists returned for its second installment on Sep. 24 at Lula Lounge. Organized by Griffin and Devon, the concert once again featured 10 local artists from the Greater Toronto area and featured headliner New York-based rapper slump6s. 

Among the high-energy crowd in the College St. venue are many who took it upon themselves to reflect their love for both music and fashion in their striking outfits. Complementary to the edgy performances on stage, the theme of monochromatic outfits completed with dazzling accessories stayed consistent throughout those in attendance. Despite the seeming absence of vibrant colours, these outfits do not fail at being complex, intentional and eye-catching. 

Steezy Pierce (@steezypierce) layers mesh hooded top over HAVEYOUDIEDBEFORE tee. (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Mickey stunts in a thrifted Moto-style shirt and statement jewelry. (@mickeyozerova) (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Dead Egos founder, Griffin (@mtvgrif) celebrates creative chaos with a Scarface sweater (Sena Law/CanCulture)

WoodOxha (@woodoxha) in reflective Heliot Emil pants. (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Elizabeth (@di0rrlvv) in a skeleton tee and statement belt (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Drone (@damndrone) performs in a jacket from Post Archive Faction and Alexander McQueen slick high sneakers (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Abraham in a Harley Davidson racer jacket. (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Meg (@ricewifemeg) shows out in a Rick Owens beanie and boots (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Surina (@surina.0) in a fringy thrifted top and Gucci monogram-printed tights (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Megan (@meganwattam) pairs a black maxi dress with a red cropped racer jacket (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Jake (@lotteryjake) in a camouflage printed long sleeve and puffer vest (Sena Law/CanCulture)

Winter 2022 fashion: What to wear for in-person class

With our return to in-person classes made official, here are some trendy and comfy looks to bring you back to campus

By: Mariana Schuetze

Many Canadian universities, like X University and the University of British Columbia, have announced a full return to in-person class for this winter semester. 

After a long time of wearing pyjama bottoms to Zoom classes, we can finally go back to campus—which (unfortunately for us pyjama-lovers) means having to choose clothes everyday to go to school. And there’s more: it’s freezing outside, making all this much harder for someone like me, who has never lived in cold weather before. 

As a Brazilian who has lived in Brazil all my life, for the first time, I’ll be going to school in Canada in a below-zero environment. I am left rife with questions about the state of my daily wardrobe: will I be too cold outside? Will I be too hot inside? How can I look cute and be comfy at the same time? How will I be able to choose different outfits everyday? 

So if you’re like me and are also a little too worried about how to get dressed in the morning, here are some outfit ideas to get you ready to go back to campus in the winter. 

1. The Winter-Girly

Images via Sorel, Tommy Hilfiger, Canada Goose and Society19  (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture)

For someone whose winter is equivalent to 15-degree weather, this is an “everyday” class look for me. A huge comfy jacket with some cozy second-layer tights and snow boots. If you’re a little more used to this weather, maybe this is a look for a snow day. Just add some cute black jeans on top of your tights to look a little more stylish, grab a cozy turtleneck and throw on your biggest warmest jacket.

2. The Grandpa-out-in-the-town

Images via Valentino, eBay, Magda Butrym and Alaska Crochet (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture)

This look is for those people who want to look cute and be warm. A pair of black comfy leggings, some tall or knee-high boots and a classic, vintage grandpa sweater. Then, the pièce de résistance—a leather blazer or jacket. The best part is, this look enables you to play two characters simultaneously; a motorcyclist with the jacket on and a preppy academic with it off.

3. Winter Sporty Spice

Images via Farfetch, Adidas, Diplomacy Worldwide, Elizabeth W and Brandy Melville (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture)

A routine ensemble on campus on winter days is comfy sweats. And all it takes is a few staples; some basic sweatpants, a tight black long-sleeve, a white tee on top and some fun sneakers with cozy socks. Don’t forget to add some colour with your sweats so that it's a little more playful and fun. Some gold earrings and a necklace will also turn this basic look into a fashion statement. 

4. (W)interesting Pinterest Board

Images via Valentino, Olive Clothing, Be Bohemian, Totême, Elizabeth W and Dr. Martens. (Mariana Schuetze/CanCulture)

Our last outfit is a fall look, which you can customize based on the weather and adjust depending on whether you run colder or hotter. For this, start with a thick pair of black tights and a warm long-sleeved shirt. Then, add a fun patterned or denim skirt on top of the tights and pair it with the cutest boots you have at home and maybe even some fun socks. To finish the look, you’ll want to layer a sweater vest on top of your long-sleeve and a jacket over it to feel really warm. 

And don’t forget to run wild with cozy and cute accessories: beanies, gloves, scarfs, earrings, necklaces—whatever makes you feel good. 

While you’re set on looking good for back to school, don’t forget your most important fashion item for this winter: your mask! 

What to wear next: Trendiest fall fashion looks for your next adventure

Fashionistas are tired of wearing sweatpants for the past year and a half. Here’s your complete guide to your next eye-catching fall outfit

By: Samreen Maqsood

(Abby Grant/CanCulture)

It’s been almost two years since the pandemic and life as we know it has not been the same. Every sector has changed and altered their regular environment and working conditions in light of COVID-19 regulations.

The fashion industry has undoubtedly gone through many ups and downs of its own during these hard times. Virtual fashion shows, a shift to online shopping and a bigger focus on sustainable and ethical clothes are just some of the ways fashion has changed.

However, with lockdowns lifting, vaccines being mandated and hope of a normal life in the near future growing day by day, fashion fanatics are tired of the “work from home” looks. Now, everyone is excited to wear their trendy clothes and look more put together as they head out for work, school or brunch with their besties.

Here is some inspiration for your next fall outfit featuring the season’s hottest pieces:

Ilham Hussain, a fifth-year international economics and finance student at X University. (Courtesy of Ilham Hussain)

Hussain’s chic street style look consists of a cream corduroy shacket from Dynamite, a bungee strap bodycon dress from Garage and point toe croc embossed chunky boots from Shein.

Sakina Chaudary, a second-year journalism student at X University. (Courtesy of Sakina Chaudary)

Leather is a must-have this fall season and Chaudary makes quite the fashion statement with a thrifted jacket, a yellow bow top from Oak + Fort, a plain white shirt from Dynamite and baggy jeans from The Gap.

Anita Popal, a third-year nursing student at X University. (Courtesy of Anita Popal)

Sweater vests have been all the rage this fall season, acting as a trendy transition piece into the cooler weather. Popal is wearing a thrifted sweater vest over a white button-down shirt, black dress pants from Zara, a pearl necklace and black sunglasses from H&M and a croc embossed leather baguette bag from Shein. She finished off the look with a pair of black high-top Converse.

Christina Flores-Chan, a third-year journalism student at X University. (Courtesy of Christina Flores-Chan)

Business casual is being flaunted not just on runways, but also on the streets of downtown Toronto. Flores-Chan paired a blazer and dress pants from Zara, a thrifted black lace bodysuit (but you can find a similar one at Dynamite) and a Marc Jacobs crossbody bag from Nordstrom.

Sakina Chaudary, a second-year journalism student at X University. (Courtesy of Sakina Chaudary)

Ever wondered how to pull off the perfect casual street-style look? Look no further! Chaudary paired a thrifted flannel on top of an olive-coloured shirt from Zara, cargo pants from Garage and black Converse. To finish off the look, she added a tote bag from Uniqlo.

Anita Popal, a third-year nursing student at X University. (Courtesy of Anita Popal)

Back with yet another thrifted sweater vest, this time in warmer colours, Popal makes a statement with a white turtleneck underneath, black pants from Zara, a croc embossed leather baguette bag from Shein and dainty earrings from H&M.

Christina Flores-Chan, a third-year journalism student at X University. (Courtesy of Christina Flores-Chan)

It’s never too early or late to get into the spirit of sweater weather. Flores-Chan is quite literally glowing in an oversized knit sweater from Zara, a white turtleneck from Urban Outfitters, a pleated tennis skirt from Garage, white boots from Public Desire and a white headband from Fabletics.