Photo 1: Klaxon Howl’s Queen Street West shop has managed to achieve commercial success while maintaining its Canadian roots with vintage and military menswear pieces. www.klaxonhowl.com

Photo 2: Inspired by New York City’s club culture, Sid Neigum shows a dark, avant-garde collection this SS12 season. www.sidneigum.com

Photo 3: Proving that home décor and haute couture go hand-in-hand, Korhani shows off a Canadian Made Innovation SS12 indoor rug in Rabbit print. www.korhani.com

Photo 4: Korhani continues to sweep us off our feet with its innovative rug runway fashion show. Model is wearing Korhani’s SS12 reversible outdoor patio rug in China Flower print. www.korhani.com

Photo 5: Pink Tartan’s slim-cut trouser will take you through the spring and summer season in style. While this rouge palate impresses, you can strut these staple pants in a variety of hues. www.pinktartan.com

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Q&A with Pink Tartan designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran

City Life: What is it about 1962 French Riviera that set the inspirational backdrop for your SS12 collection?
Kimberley Newport-Mimran: I love the fashion during this period – effortless chic. A-line shift dresses, lots of white and cream.

CL: You’ve said “sexy is what you don’t see.” Can you elaborate?
KNM: I design so there is something left to the imagination. My design philosophy is a woman should wear her clothes – they shouldn’t wear her.  Clothes should not be a distraction.

CL: It’s difficult for Canadian designers to break into their own market, let alone the high-end U.S. segment like you have – what has been the key to your success?
KNM: Perseverance.

CL: What is your favourite fabric to work with right now?
KNM: I love power stretch, an incredibly resilient knit, and silk wool is an amazing vehicle for colour saturation.

Sundial
Nothing to wear? Add Anthropologie’s Oval Stack Necklace to your little black dress and you’re ready to head out the door. The muted simplicity of this chunky piece presents the perfect solution to any wardrobe dilemma. www.anthropologie.com

From Heel to Toe
Known for creating outside-the-box pumps, renowned footwear designer Brian Atwood opens up this fall with studded peep-toe pumps. Don these delicious heels in Fuxia Suede or Cappuccino Nude Suede. www.brianatwood.com

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Buckle Up
They may not have told you this in karate class, but black belts aren’t always best. To complete a traffic-stopping look, pair Diane von Furstenberg’s Rebecca Lamb Leather Belt with a minimalist skirt or dress. www.dvf.com

Work It
TGIF. Take this dress from the office to happy hour without a fret. Cutting just below the knee, this striped number with bow falls right between the lines of work and play. www.hm.com

Princess and the Pea Coat
You don’t have to wear a tailored military jacket to feel like royalty. This charcoal pea coat is fit for the modern day princess who would rather feel like a fashionable free spirit than look prim and proper. www.iccompanys.com

Batter Up
There’s something about slipping on your favourite fall coat that makes you want to spend more time admiring the leaves. Before opting for another classic camel or black jacket, consider this mustard Ascot Swing coat from Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

On the Dot
You’ll have a much easier time persuading people to sign on the dotted line in this outfit. Sharp, classic and clean, Zara’s Polka Dot Printed Blouse is a staple fall piece that won’t let you down. www.zara.com

Ball and Chain
Find peace in your personal expression with a charm bracelet from designer and Toronto native Mari Plawiuk. www.mariplawiukdesigns.com

Hot Spots
Worn by Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson and Kylie Minogue, it’s fair to say that this Spanish family owned shoe company got off on the right foot. Pretty Ballerina’s Rosario Leopard with Red Bow is anything but flat. www.prettyballerinas.ca

Frill Out
For those days that you want to feel soft and feminine, Soaked in Luxury’s Frilldress fits the bill. You can pair it with the brand’s black Frack Blazer on cool evenings to complete the look. www.iccompanys.com

City Life

A COG IN THE MACHINE
In a world where self-improvement is ubiquitous, author Max Barry elevates us to the wryest pinnacle with Machine Man. www.maxbarry.com

PLAY THE FIELD
Blue like the sea, this polyamide Cottonfield Marston_H jacket will look hot on those ice-cold days. www.iccompanys.com

I WANT YOU
Travel luggage that takes you through the terminal in style. Want Les Essentiels de la Vie’s Da Vinci 72 HR Carry-On Travel Bag comes in six strapping colours, and is also available in certified organic cotton. www.wantessentials.com

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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Revive the cover art of iconic and “out of print” novels through fashion. For each product sold, Books of Africa will donate one book to a community in need. www.outofprintclothing.com

TRAILBLAZER
Sometimes all you need is a solid blazer. You’ll be reaching into your closet for this light gray piece all fall.  www.hm.com

HAUTE COLOGNE
Giorgio Armani’s Attitude is a breath of masculine, fresh air. A sensual scent that’ll leave people hoping you’ll walk past them again. www.holtrenfrew.com

EARN YOUR STRIPES
Mix it up this season with a mingling of crème and red stripes. This pullover is the perfect look for the season that never sleeps. www.iccompanys.com

GIVE ME A RING
Police’s Burnout ring with a tire-tread motif is a trend that won’t get tired. These bold stainless steel pieces come in black or vintage finishes. www.cupidodesigns.com

RIDE OF A LIFETIME
It doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing when you’re standing next to Indian Motorcycle’s 2012 Chief Classic. With a full chrome engine package, this red rider is a beauty. www.indianmotorcycletoronto.com

1. The leather jacket is edgy and spontaneous – one of the most versatile items of clothing to accommodate everyone’s individual taste.

2. Faux fur is a must-have in your closet. A fur vest adds such luxury to a simple look.

3. Welcome to the ’40s. The mid-length-to-long skirt dresses up your legs for a soft, feminine look. Pair with a tucked-in blouse and the season’s best boots.

4. Get the skinny on freshly cropped pants complemented by heels for a smart, casual look.

www.hm.com, www.forever21.com, www.joefresh.com

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www.laclosette.com • 647.223.2992

Named after a word that means beautiful thinking, Eunoia Jeans carries an eclectic collection of contemporary chic to vintage heritage pieces from international quality brands. Trademarks of premium clothing include the rare denim of Naked and Famous, the craftsmanship of Raleigh Denim, classic Fred Perry footwear, and favourites such as Citizens of Humanity, Seven for all Mankind and the skyrocketing British label Superdry. Founded on the notion that style is a priceless weapon to have in your arsenal, the Eunoia team delivers only the best. “You feel exclusive when you wear these brands,” explains Arafat, who with his partners, delved into extensive market research to deliver quality products to their clients. Some of their explorations include travelling to Los Angeles, Calif. to study its successful denim market, and examining top-shelf Italian and Japanese denim fabrics before placing them on a local platform for Vaughan shoppers to access. “We choose quality over the quantity,” says Arafat. “Quality is well-crafted, time was taken to build it. It’s something that’s durable and long-lasting, and it has to be fashion-forward, you always have to have fashion, its something that’s in with the times, and timeless at the same time.”

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Arafat and his partners intimately understand how disheartening it can be when you can’t find what you’re looking for in one place. Dressing men from head-to-toe, Eunoia is a one-stop shop for those who are short on the clock and tired of store hopping for the clothes they want. “We always had to go into different stores to find different things, there was never a store where you could find everything,” says Arafat, who seamlessly fits his clients with everyday looks and outfits for nights on the town. Eunoia Jeans also serves unparalleled customer service, such as fashion advice and in-house hemming. Standing ahead and apart from the crowd, the Eunoia team offers the personalized experience of delivering purchases to the doorsteps of clients that are pressed for time. With plans to offer a women’s section early next year, Eunoia Jeans delivers an unprecedented retail experience.
8000 Hwy 27 Unit 7
Vaughan, Ont.
905.856.2005
www.eunoiajeans.com

Colour
The fall season is looking bright – as bright as fall can be. Orange is the colour of the season, along with coffee, cedar, phlox (eggplant for the vegetarians out there), and bamboo. There’s a whole range of colours to complement orange – have fun with it!

The Jean Jacket
The season’s must-have item. Not the boxy kind from back in the day but a more tailored blazer-esque fit to accentuate your silhouette. Opt for a shorter crop to streamline your body and longer tapered sleeves to make this look even sexier. What’s perfect about this look is its versatility – dress it up, dress it down, layer it, wear it over a nice pair of leggings or over a dinner dress to tone things down.

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Accessories
Give your wardrobe a little kick with this season’s got-to-have items. A choker necklace and cuff bracelet add instant impact to any outfit. Take things up a notch with identical cuffs on each wrist.

Men’s Fall Trends
This fall, we see a range of industrial references in men’s fashion – overalls, boiler suits, and construction gear. The general look is loose and rugged, but with exceptional detailing that includes external pockets, toggles, clasps and zippers. Fabrics vary from light and flowy to heavy and stiff. The fitted overall with matching jacket is a great look, too. Make a monochromatic statement while getting a slimmer, more tailored look. Dungarees are also a great option, especially if worn with a simple T-shirt. Suspenders are also a key item. Wear them with a baggy pair of dark wash jeans to achieve this season’s industrial appeal.

The ’70s
Reliving the ’70s is always a blast! Glam it up or go full-on bohemian, either way, you will bring this fun, sexy and sophisticated look to life. Key items include the floppy hat in felt or wool, along with high platforms and mid-calf boots. High-waisted pants are also ideal for a longer, more elegant silhouette. Get them in tweed or wool and with or without the bottom flare. Jumpsuits and bowtie blouses are also an easy way to perfect fall’s hottest look.

Pleats
Low and behold! Pleats are in in a big way. They’re definitely the fashion detail of the season – appearing on dresses, shirts and skirts. Vertical pleats are great for achieving a taller, leaner silhouette, and helping to conceal any imperfections. Take care, now: too many pleats around the waistline and you’ll find yourself with a bad case of front bum.

Her down-to-earth persona is flawlessly translated into her very own clothing line – EDIT by Jeanne Beker.  A working mom herself, Beker understands the need for clothes that “aren’t really that fussy, but still make a style statement.” Her collection features clothing staples that can be mixed and matched, including her Jeanne Jeans, that now come in three different cuts and colours – deep plum, deep green, and deep brown. “We dress them up or we dress them down,” says Beker. “As long as they really fit well and are comfortable, then they can be really empowering.”

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The aviator bomber jacket is the piece in the fall/winter collection that will make you look instantly stylish. Beker takes what she calls the “no-nonsense basics,” and adds a “fashion-forward twist” to create cape jackets, striped shirts, and chic sweaters for women of all shapes and sizes. Blending the best of haute couture with the best of mainstream fashion, Beker continues to create pieces that connect to every woman’s lifestyle.

www.thebay.com

American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina wore his designs on the show, proving that he continues to flawlessly create for the young female consumer. This summer, Bowls will be launching his first shoe and accessory line. Looking towards celebrities like Lady Gaga and Twilight’s Ashley Greene for style inspiration, Bowls has set out to create fashion-forward pieces. “It’s like a whole new generation of young social customers out there,” says Bowls. “They make it challenging, which is why I love it.”

As the official designer for Miss America 2011, Tony Bowls is the king of formal fashion. After many years in the retail industry, he now has more than a handful of his own clothing collections. “[They’re] fresh and innovative, ” explains the visionary. His new and exclusive bridal collection for Mon Cheri unveils exquisite couture wedding dresses.

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Unlike most designers, Bowls always aims for wearability. “I’m not the type of designer that just sits in a corner by myself in hopes that I’m going to create something that a consumer is going to like,” explains Bowls. “I really like to hear from the actual buyers themselves.”

Growing up as a dedicated dancer, fashion was never an area that he thought would consume his resumé. Bowls stresses the importance of letting go of the expected in order to make room for the unexpected. “Don’t try and control your destiny,” says Bowls. “Take advantage of any job that might come your way.” It was this attitude that turned him into a well-known designer who dresses celebrities, pageant contestants, and fashionistas from around the world.

www.tonybowls.com

Contagious Attitude

Basch-fully Beautiful
Basch by Brandon showcased its signature femininity with draped jersey, plunging necklines, fitted mesh and sky-high slits on worry-free frocks. Models were fearless and seductive as they lip-synced to Rihanna and strutted down in sexy Canadian fashion. Enter neon green belts and fur stoles, and dressing-up has never been so easy. www.basch.ca.

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Hidden Gems
Micalla was the hidden gem of Fashion Week – literally. The Danish-born, Montreal-based designer uses some of the world’s rare natural gems and stones in her creations of wearable art. Designed with the sensibility of Scandinavian perspective in mind, this season’s collection boasted clean lines and multi-functionality. www.micalla.com

Freshly Squeezed
Joe Fresh rocked the runways with a splash that would give Tropicana a run for its money. This season, a swarm of colours flooded the catwalk, featuring neoprene toppers and witty knits. But it was a mod tangerine elliptical jacket, which opened the show, that meant it was no wonder Joe Mimran’s fast-fashion label will have a home on Fifth Avenue later this year. www.joefresh.com

Nostalgic Necessities
Big blue eyes and even bigger hair cascaded down the runway at the SHAN presentation. Giving a nod to the retro looks of the ’60s, this line features black and white polka-dotted, cleavage-enhancing bandeaus, floral tea cover-ups adorned with oversized floppy hats, and Jackie O-style sunglasses. www.shan.ca

Stop by citylifeTV.ca for more in-depth coverage of the fabulous fashions featured at LG Fashion Week.

Leatherheads
Emphasizing motocross elements with a two-tone wash that reveals just a hint of colour along the seams makes a leather jacket the pinnacle of urban cool. www.danier.com

Twinkle Star
Frolic up and down the city streets in a flashy sequined sheath. Dressing in some shimmer will not only spice up your spring wardrobe but demand attention while you sparkle under the summer sun.
www.iccompanys.com

Watch Out
A statement piece for all ages, Diesel watches fuse innovative and classic design. www.diesel.com

Straw and Sand
Appearing on the beach bum’s “must-have” list is, as expected, the straw bag. But take this summer staple up a notch by opting for one in an unexpected hue, like this electric blue. www.galianonline.com

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Blue Jean Baby
A denim jacket will embellish a classy frock, for the right touch of casual and composed cool. www.iccompanys.com

Belle-Curve
Embrace lace with a feminine silhouette. Details such as this gold zipper extending down the entire back adds a hint of drama. www.iccompanys.com

Bad Girl Gone Good
Don’t get intimidated by biker-chic details such as metal buckles, snaps and zippers on a Danier Leather lamb vest – the quilted back provides a soft contrast. www.danier.com

Pattern Play
Prints rule the spring/summer 2011 runways, so this Ikat scarf is right on trend. Plus, its loud colours are sure to brighten any outfit. www.danier.com

The Pastel Life
While pastel plaids are a softer approach to colour, they brazenly upscale traditional summer florals. www.iccompanys.com

Hip and Unzipped
Is your wardrobe beckoning for that staple seasonal jacket? From black slim fit and crinkled khaki, to waxed denim and biker-chic champagne, Danier has a shade, size and style for every spring night. www.danier.com

Bells and Whistles
Tom Binns’ mouth-watering pieces emanate a signature esthetic for those that crave a jewelled look with fierce yet delicate details. www.tombinnsdesign.com

Under Straps
Trendsetters are trotting in Gucci’s deep leather, multi-strapped sandals. Boasting a five-inch heel, these platforms are daring and to die for. www.net-a-porter.com

The Golden Rule
Rolex forever distinguishes gold watches as classic investment pieces and wardrobe staples. Experience the trademark with one of Michael Kors’ renditions on the timeless design. www.net-a-porter.com