La Maison Simons to Open First “Eco-Store”
The large multi-brand department store will be taking over an 80,000 square foot space formally occupied by Target in Les Galeries de la Capitale in Quebec City, where the brand is based. This will be the French-Canadian brand’s first “eco-store” and will implement earth-conscious features such as solar panels and recharging stations for electric cars. Opening on March 15th, the new Maison Simons will serve as a tester store for new technologies and aim to have a zero-net footprint.
Riccardo Tisci Announced New Creative Director for Burberry
Since the announcement of Christopher Bailey’s departure from the brand in October 2017, there has been much speculation as to who might replace him at the British heritage fashion house. Phoebe Philo of Celine and Kim Jones of Louis Vuitton Menswear were often mentioned, but it’s the former king of Givenchy who will be putting his new twists on Burberry. Tisci has been reputed with the revival of Givenchy since joining the house in 2005 and turning it into an undeniable force by capitalizing on streetwear and commercialism. Since his exit from Givenchy in February 2017, Tisci has kept busy, most recently a collaboration with Nike and a feature in “Heavenly Bones” – The Costume Institute’s latest exhibition. We are all excited to see what his extensive experience in ready-to-wear and haute couture may bring to traditional Burberry.
Sandro & Maje Continue Canadian Expansion
The French sister-brands are expanding their Canadian footprint with both Maje and Sandro stores opening in Toronto’s Sherway Gardens and Sandro settling into Vancouver’s Pacific Centre this spring and summer. This will be the brand’s third standalone openings in Toronto, following Yorkdale in fall 2016 and Eaton Centre in fall 2017. McArthur Glen Designer Outlets at Vancouver International Airport is home to Sandro and Maje outlets, but this will be the first full-line, freestanding Sandro store in Vancouver, replacing the Guess store. The contemporary Paris-based fashion brands now occupy over 900 stores globally combined.
Two Canadian Designers Participate in the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at London Fashion Week
The event, made possible by a collaboration between Livia Firth’s Eco-Age, the British Fashion Council and the Commonwealth Fashion Council was held at Buckingham Palace earlier this month. Aiming to inspire these 52 Commonwealth countries to work together, the event encourages designers to create pieces that promote sustainability and cross-cultural relationships. Canadians, Taryn Taylor and Lucian Matis participated along with designers such as Karen Walker from New Zealand and Behno from India. They were teamed up with artisans from across the world to showcase diverse pieces to an audience including the Duchess of Cambridge herself.
Highlights from Milan Fashion Week
-Designers are embracing the runway show once more by expressing huge creativity into the presentations. Whether it was Gucci’s models walking around with copies of their own heads and baby dragons in their hands or Prada embracing a more intimate show in an extraordinary set.
-The diversity of cast was a theme continued into Milan, particularly from Missoni and Ferragamo. These shows represented an array of young models from many different countries across the world.
-Designers such as Prada and Versace took a look back through their roots, reintroducing pieces from past shows in new ways and focusing on the sustainability of the clothing rather than the trends.
-Strong colours, large bags, different types of boots rooting the outfits and new ways to introduce femininity were all prominent takeaways at this comprehensive fashion week display in Milan.
Inspirational Image
Image courtesy of Vogue
By: Laura Findlay, Vancouver, @lofindlay
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