Tag Archives: Events
Fashion Cures à la Mode
Hold on Ottawa…a great big fashion event is coming to the city in November! Check www.fashioncuresalamode.com for details, you won’t want to miss this!
New Paintings Living with Architecture
Paul Sharp -New Paintings Living with Architecture
May 22-28
Vernisage May 22
La Petite Mort Gallery (306 Cumberland Street)
http://www.semiquestion.com
Living with Architecture:
These paintings deal with architecture, and how we live with it. In my younger days I wanted to become an architect, it seemed like such a powerful profession. When I found out that math and logic would be such an integral component in an architect’s career I dropped the idea and started to use it as an inspiration in my painting. Our world is what we have made it over the years, but we take our surroundings for granted. We don’t often think about the work that when into making the world we see. In these paintings I am attempting to show how invisible the work of the world has become by making the buildings almost transparent and raw. The characters in my paintings go about ignoring the past that is built up around them. They play, shop, fight work and walk amongst history without paying it a second thought. People are living, they are doing things, and the viewer is invited to watch them live. Those who ignore their place in history are, after all, destined to live. For those of you who are not in Ottawa, I will put up all the paintings after the show starts here: http://www.semiquestion.com/paintings/exhibit/LivingWithArchitecture.htm
Who says cool stuff doesn’t happen in Ottawa?
After a crazy couple of months of non-stop work and a shamelessly-short holiday, I am back on the streets of Ottawa looking for stylin’ people. I went to Mercury Lounge on Saturday night and came across these two cute boys … loved their cozy mash up of plaids and stripes. Jesse and Steye are from the Netherlands, here participating in a project called “In a Cabin With”. The premise is Dutch musicians travel to inspiring places on the planet, hole up in a “cabin” with local musicians and write a bunch of music. Steye and Jesse, along with Philippe LaFraniere and Zakari Frantz will showcase their creations at Mercury on February 9th. And all the finished songs are available to download free from the “In a Cabin” website. SO COOL…’nuff said! www.inacabinwith.com
Who? Jesse and Steye
Occupation: J – Singer, Songwriter. S – Musician, Producer.
Who’s your style icon? J – Elvis. S – My Grandmother, she’s 92.
What are you listening to these days? J – Ryan Adams, Nick Cave, The Pixies. S – Jimi Hendrix, Curtis Mayfield, Feist, RedNose Distrikt.
What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa? J – The snow! S – Fish, beer, banana-date bread.
If you were an animal, what would you be? J – Monkey. S – German Sheppard.
Upstairs, I ran into Karinka. She looked really pulled together and her shoes were hot so I took her photo too.
Who? Karinka
Describe your style? Classic with an edge.
Who’s your style icon? Kate Winslet, Katie Perry, Anne Hathaway.
What are three things you can’t live without? Mascara, heels, a great purse.
What are you listening to these days? Everything …House, Jazz, Punk.
What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa? Sephora!
If you were an animal, what would you be? A cat.
Photos and Text by: Payton Kennedy – Payton.kennedy[at]gmail[dot]com 613-868-9847
Ottawa School of Art, upcoming events
The Analogous Collective launches their book to raise funds for the Ottawa School of Art darkroom. Their interactive installation of photographs is also exhibiting in the Lee Matasi Gallery. Show runs from December 17 to January 6 Free admission – everyone welcome!
Location: Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St., Byward Market, Ottawa, ON.
Jean Jewer & Val Roos join forces in an exhibition of paintings entitled ‘2 Forces’. Vernissage: January 8th, 2009 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Show runs from January 8 to February 15 Free admission – everyone welcome!
Location: Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St., Byward Market, Ottawa, ON.
David Kearn’s ‘Inspired by Life – Possible Paths’ exhibition of paintings opens at the Ottawa School of Art’s off-site exhibition space, the Minto Suite Hotel. Show runs from January 14 to March 2, 2009 Free admission – everyone welcome!
Location: Minto Suite Hotel, 187 Lyon St. North, Ottawa, ON.
Trustfund 3rd Annual Holiday Party
Hello Trustfunders,
Here is a ray of sunshine against the dense foggy mess that is your personal schedule during these holiday times of the year: The Trustfund Holiday Party is on Thursday, December 4th from 5 to 9pm. We will be serving you delicious drinks (with or without hooch, naturally), delightful holiday snacks (including homemade snickerdoodles), and of course loading you up with amazing gifts.
What gifts you might ask? Well we’ll tell you.
Trustfund’s Gift Giving Ladder:
- With your purchase of $100 or more you will get two $25 gift certificates ($50 value) that you can use in the new year.
- With your purchase of $300 or more you will get the gift certificates plus a unisex Velvet cashmere-blended scarf ($145 value) and a Splendid Tote ($15 value)
- With your purchase of $400 or more you will get the gift certs, the scarf, and the tote plus either a Nudie Jeans Raw Denim Ipod Holder ($45 value) or a M0851 clutch ($85 value)
- With your purchase of $500 or more you will get the gift certs, the scarf, the tote, and the Ipod holder or clutch, plus a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses ($115 value)
Please note that this incredible promotion can only occur with the following stipulations: (1) Methods of payment to be eligible for the promotion are cash, debit, credit card, and gift certificate only. Promo coupons and credit notes may be used at the holiday party but their value does not apply towards the Trustfund gift giving ladder. (2) Purchases that qualify you for the Trustfund gift giving ladder can only be exchanged and are not returnable for a credit note. Thank you for understanding.
Dalhousie Shopping Night – Thursday, Nov 20 6pm-9pm
So once again the Trendiest Boutiques are getting together to offer 1 night of Fab Discounts, Treats, Drinks and Music on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm – Dalhousie North.
Bring your Girlfriends, Boyfriends, Moms, Dads and even your Doggies to get some great deals before the Holiday Season.
This year we are collecting New & Slightly Used books.
Tell all your friends and send this Invite to everyone you know.
Event: The Two Fashion Weeks
So November looks like it’s going to be fashion madness in Ottawa because there’s not one, but two fashion weeks happening. Luckily they are on separate weeks, so every fashion week has a chance to be attended by the people of this town.
I no longer live in Ottawa, but if I did come down I would go check both of them out. So if anyone is taking pictures and blogging, send some stuff to ottawastreetstyle and I’ll post it under your name.
Now I CAN crack some jokes and post something like “OFW vs. CFW – cage match” because it seems like there is some sort of jeremiad against any form of fashion in Ottawa, but I WON’T.
With that being said, people of Ottawa, I post events so you can go check them out, so here are some upcoming events.
OTTAWA FASHION WEEK – Spring/Summer 2009 collections
Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15
National Arts Centre – 53 Elgin St.
http://www.ottawafashionweek.ca
info@ottawafashionweek.ca
Showroom+Runway Schedule and Designers can be viewed at: www.ottawafashionweek.ca
Tickets can be purchased at:
www.ottawafashionweek.ca or by phone at: 613.262.5994
CAPITAL FASHION WEEK – Spring/Summer 2009 collections
Friday, November 21 – Saturday, November 22
Government Conference Center – 2 Rideau St. (Colonel By Entrance)
www.capitalfashionweek.ca
info@capitalfashionweek.ca
A portion of the proceeds of this showcase will be given to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
Tickets available online at:
http://www.ticketweb.ca/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=18200
Schedule and designers available at www.capitalfashionweek.ca
Let’s talk…
When I wrote the article “Capital Fashion Week?” last week, I was trying to make a point about the confusion this event is going to cause. For example, a couple of weeks ago I was at Schmoozefest ’08 and I was talking to a gentleman. My friend mentions Ottawa Fashion Week and he says, “oh we’re sponsoring that, we were in touch with Maryse.” My friend and I look at each other and say “you mean Capital Fashion Week, right?” He says, “oh right, didn’t know there was a difference.” See readers, this was the point of the article. What is the point of having two fashion weeks (like Vancouver) and be the subject of ridicule from largest fashion centres such as Toronto (yes I spoke to people here in Toronto)?
I am going to restate this, my article was merely questioning the intentions of Capital Fashion Week, and not “being jealous” as some comments implied. I don’t work for Ottawa Fashion Week, I did at one point, but I do not now, and although most readers don’t know the conditions of why I left, I can say with all honesty that the only reason that I am defending Ottawa Fashion Week is because it was established to do the same thing Capital Fashion Week is doing, so why compete instead of collaborate?
What I also think is funny is that I made the effort and emailed two email addresses for CFW enquiring for some information and received no response, yet they seem to be getting their entourage to infest this website with comments that don’t address half the points made in the article. I say this because of the specific wording and the emphasis on subjects that anyone who has a valid argument wouldn’t use. At least the person who was previously involved in Ottawa Fashion Week took the time to construct a valid argument regarding the article and to address the comments made by some people.
And now to answer some of these comments:
Anonymous: I saw the list of designers and they are pretty impressive, however, although CFW say it is open to national and international designers, it’s upsetting that only two designers are from Ottawa, including Mizdragonfly who is also participating in Ottawa Fashion Week.
As for your sponsorship comment, the list is also impressive, however, I’ve worked in sponsorship and I know about something called trade. Not all these sponsors paid these prices, especially not the largest sponsor.
Jesse: “wowzers…. scathing, jealous… i did attend ofw…. boring, standard, nothing special…. looking forward to cfw though, maybe they’ll do a better job! yaw cfw, boo ofw!”
I don’t think this comment is even worthy to be commented on actually so let’s skip it.
Anonymous: Since you seem to love looking at this website, I’m going to address your final comment, which for all readers is:
“OMG!!! it’s silent all of a sudden. no replies to my comments. could the author of this blog be stunned at cfw impressive lineup??? i’m sure all those involved with the ofw shows are speechless and very very concerned. you should not write such nasty stuff without looking into thins deeper. you are no perez hilton, honey!!! you should publish your name so we all know who is writing this garbage….like really what fashion experience do you have? what are your credentials???? maybe you flip through magazines and like to shop for clothes and watch fashion tv….doesn’t make you an expert.
xoxo
gossip girl”
You commented 3 times in under an hour, having no one respond within an hour is normal – someone will respond to you sooner or later, not everyone is scouring the internet eager to comment on non valid arguments such as yours. As for my identity, it has been revealed on this site, but I don’t like to whore myself around the internet saying I am so and so because I am not interested in internet popularity. I write because I like it, it’s not my full time job.
My credentials you ask? There’s a long list dear, I am not the #1 fashion expert nor did I ever claim to be, so don’t jump to ridiculous conclusions. I don’t claim to have my information from flipping through magazines and television stations or shopping, I have experience and I’m gaining more of it now that I no longer live in Ottawa, why don’t you read more posts on this site and maybe you’ll get a little more insight on my experience. You want to know more, go through the contact form, I’ll gladly answer you.
And no I am not concerned about the fate of Ottawa Fashion Week, re-read the article instead of having selective reading, because like I said, I don’t work for them. If they are concerned, that’s their problem, not mine, I’m merely writing about it.
You want to compare this site to Perez Hilton? This isn’t the Internets version of Page Six.
love love,
Ottawa Street Style
19th ANNUAL ONE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNING AND ACCLAIMED LINE-UP FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL
OTTAWA — World Inter-Action Mondiale (WIAM) is pleased to announce the line up for the 19th annual One World Film Festival. This year’s festival will feature films from far away places while also reviewing issues that affect Canadians. The One World Film Festival will be delivered over four evenings and one afternoon from October 29 to November 1, 2008. Each night of the festival will offer participants a chance to explore and review issues faced by the global community both at home and abroad.
Festival highlights include the Ottawa premiere of the highly acclaimed film Under Rich Earth, which will open the festival on October 29th at 6:00pm at the Library and Archives Canada. Screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Under Rich Earth presents a startling exposé of a Canadian company, Ascendant Copper, and their suspect dealings in Ecuador. Filmmaker Malcolm Rogge will be on hand at the screening to speak about his film and his experience making it.
Journalist Kevin Frazier will also be present at the festival to speak about his participation in the controversial Finnish film, Shadow of the Holy Book. Presented in participation with the Embassy of Finland, the film exposes the immorality of international companies doing business with the dictatorship of Turkmenistan. What is revealed is a horrific tale of human rights atrocities that are all committed in the name of corporate profit and greed. A reception hosted by the Embassy of Finland will follow the film screening on Saturday November 1st from 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Finally, one of the real jewels of this year’s festival includes the presentation of Dilip Mehta’s wonderfully crafted documentary The Forgotten Woman. Inspired while working as a photographer on Deepa Mehta’s Oscar nominated film Water, The Forgotten Woman reveals a desperate portrait of over 40 million widows living in India today. This film will close the festival and will screen on Saturday November 1st at 8:30pm at the Library and Archives Canada.
This year’s One World Film Festival will be held at the Library and Archives Canada at 395 Wellington St. and will run from October 29th to November 1st, 2008.
For more information about WIAM and the One World Film Festival, please contact Jolynn Sommervill or Sonya Poweska at 613-238-4659, or visit our website at www.wiam.ca.
Jolynn Sommervill, Director, World Inter-Action Mondiale
613-238-4659
jolynn@wiam.ca
Sonya Poweska
Associate Programmer and Coordinator
World Inter-Action Mondiale
613-238-4659
sonya@wiam.ca
www.wiam.ca
Capital Fashion Week?
As a supporter of fashion in the capital, I believe in building a solid foundation for a strong fashion scene. Not one that seeks to compete directly with large markets like Montreal and Toronto, but one that can still be considered a “market” and not merely a third tier fashion city. By supporting this, it also means I am not a supporter of unnecessary reproduction. Let me explain, less than a few months ago, Ottawa had it’s first fashion week, and all of a sudden, I get a press release about something called “Capital Fashion Week“.
I am completely confused because a) the site contains no information regarding the event (only the date) and b) the press release and sponsorship package is praising the two founders for their “unique” idea rather than providing information about the show. What’s the deal?
“With small fashion-infused events happening occasionally around the city, its time the nation’s capital come together and welcome fashion-aficionados from all over to experience something fresh, bold and exciting for everyone– everyday fashionistas and industry people alike.”
Why should I think this event is so avant garde when it’s not? It’s been done before (May remember?) and continues to be done (yep, there’s another season coming up) and it’s very very new so why is it being reproduced exactly?
Capital Fashion Week claims that they would like to encourage fashion in the city: “The premise for this showcase is to, with the support of the city and its governing bodies, gather the community under one roof to finally be able to appreciate design talent. What started out as hope for something “bigger and better” for the city will now come to fruition with your support!” How about instead of starting another fashion week, contacting the organizers of Ottawa Fashion Week and collaborating with them? I don’t understand why a city with a fashion scene that is still very small requires two fashion weeks. Market research. Will people know the difference between a fashion week and a fashion show? Not likely now.
From the information I received, I can say with all honesty that the location is cool and when I was working on Ottawa Fashion Week, I did pledge interest in renting out the old Train Station (Government Conference Centre) due to its history and prestige but the price was ludicrous and availability was scarce.
The other thing that’s pissing me off about both shows, is that they are taking place at the end of November. Buying season is basically over and buyers no longer have open to buy money to spend (it’s the feedback I received after the first fashion week in May). How is anyone going to take Ottawa seriously? Did I also mention that Ottawa Fashion Week is November 12-15 and Capital Fashion Week is November 21 to 22?
This is what I have been talking about in various articles regarding the Ottawa fashion scene, elementary.
Analyzing this as a marketing and PR rep, there’s a lot of work to be done. Research. Actually, a basic google search shows this: Capital Fashion Week in Brazil. Now I’m no expert, but this runs into a little confusion and trouble. Yes, sure, two different shows in two different countries, but it’s the same as me using the name Nike for the new shoe line I’m launching in Malaysia for example. Also, when I hear “CFW” my mind automatically thinks “Calgary Fashion Week.”
The logo: I don’t understand it at all. I’ve emailed the people at Capital Fashion Week for clarification and received no response. Here’s my interpretation: this logo doesn’t resonate fashion week, it just looks like a graphic design project. Actually, it looks very similar to the Project Runway logo. Simplicity is key – when I worked for Ottawa Fashion Week, I rejected various logo concepts before agreeing to the basic font and colours they have now. I also made sure to include it in French to promote bilingualism, we are after all, the capital, and French is my mother tongue.
Advertising and Sponsorship: How come I’ve only heard about this show last week? I have not seen any advertising for it at all. And taking a look at the sponsorship package, I understand some of the proceeds are going to the cancer society but $15,000 to be a premium sponsor? You haven’t even put together one show to be asking for that kind of money. I am also not fond of the package names…fierce? I’ve worked in agencies before, I know that’s what non-fashion people think we call fashion poses. It’s not. I also don’t use the word fabulous, glam, chic or luxe in sentences. Fashion stereotypes make me happy though (seriously people keep asking me eccentric questions about fashion, I love answering them).
Tagline: Cut, Sew, Stitch – Come see the Finished Product! Sounds like Project Runway as well. Is this a fashion week or a competition? And exclamation marks at the end of any tagline are a big faux pas, they are better left for Wal-Mart flyers and considered extremely tacky (this is directly from the mouths of various advertising copywriters).
Season: There is no mention of the season but it should be Spring/Summer 2009 Collections.
Experience: I guess from the press release and sponsorship package I know who the founders are, and they seem to be the only two on the committee so my question is regarding the experience they have in terms of judging which designers make it or not. What is the designer criteria? Who checks the sewing? The samples? Press kits? Analysis of how the designers can manage wholesale, etc etc. And who are the designers? This requires judgement from someone with experience in fashion design and fashion merchandising, it’s vital for Ottawa fashion to be taken seriously.
Models: Please tell me your are using professional models from legitimate agencies? Fashion shows in Ottawa need to learn from previous mistakes. I’ll admit to many, I don’t critique without admitting I’ve made mistakes too (many factors come into play as well). There are a lot of great models in the city and looking outside the city is also an option. My question is who are the casting directors? What are their credentials?
I have an idea how this is going to end up, but I don’t think I can judge just yet because I haven’t attended the shows. I am merely asking questions and giving an OPINION.
Now I know what a lot of readers are thinking and I assure you that the first Ottawa Fashion Week was by no means perfect, but it was just that: the first one, a trial, many future seasons will be (although I have not worked on the second season and no longer work for fashion week). But we (Ottawa fashion people) need to learn from our mistakes and learn how to work together, not see everything and everyone as an obstacle.
More info on Capital Fashion Week:
Download the Press Release
Download the Sponsorship Package
Exciting news Trustfunders! September 11 from 6-9pm
Pack up the cottage and get ready to open the chalet because we are having our fall party!!! : A Giant Homecoming Party welcoming the new season of cooler weather complete with champagne bevies and crinkle-cut french fries. Whether you are back to school this fall, starting a new career, or just getting back from your summer vacay come help us welcome sweaters and layers time with a great deal: 15% of the total value of your purchases will be given back to you in the form of a gift certificate that you may use on any of your future purchases. Sort of like splurge to earn, and at an amazing time because it is a new season full of wants and must haves here at Trustfund.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 from 6-9pm come and join your fellow Trustfunders for eats, drinks, and great autumn clothing.
Find Fabulous Fashion at The Capital Clothing Show
Find Fabulous Fashion at The Capital Clothing Show – Saturday September 20 & Sunday September 21, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario – September 4, 2008 – Ottawa’s much anticipated clothing show rolls into town on September 20th and 21st. The Capital Clothing Show at Carleton University’s Fieldhouse (Bronson Ave. at Sunnyside Ave.) is where fashion lovers can discover a great selection of seldom seen “fashion finds”. Exhibitors from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal will display a wonderfully diverse inventory that will delight the ranks of Ottawa’s fashion conscious fashionistas. The show opens Saturday, September 20th and runs through Sunday, September 21st (Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm). Free admission and parking.
Call (613) 521-9880 for more information or visit www.capitalclothingshow.com
“We wanted to focus on one-of-a-kind style”, states Capital Clothing Show organizer Catherine Knoll. “Our goal was to find independent fashion that has mainstream sizzle without being the mass market commodity that is found in malls”. Show shoppers can expect to find a cross section of fashion ranging from emerging designers such as Ottawa’s Stacey Bafi-Yeboa’s Kania Couture to Toronto’s ultra hip Plastic Wrap. Of special interest is the Ottawa premiere of Mola Vida, a company that imports brilliantly coloured footwear from Colombia. Also of note is red hot (and green friendly) designer Isabella Campbell’s Read My Hips line of accessories that feature “dumpster destined” components.
“I believe the inclusion of independent fashion, accessories, jewellery and vintage clothing will translate to a broad based appeal that spans a wide demographic” says the show manager. In fact, the show’s appeal should be greatly enhanced with free admission and parking. Knoll says, “In order to attract solid crowds for our first show, we wanted to make this a cost free, fun filled event!”
In addition to many others, the inaugural edition of The Capital Clothing Show will also feature:
• Michelle Johnson’s Fairies Pyjamas that sells fair trade clothing made in the mountains of Nepal.
• The over-the-top glitz of fifties fashion from Dollabella.
• Exquisite crafted jewellery of freshwater pearls from Ottawa’s lyrical.
• A line of regular and plus sized fashion from Montreal designer Pierre Poisson.
• A display of red carpet fashion from the line of designer Marina Zakaeva.
The Capital Clothing Show September 20 & 21, 2008
The Fieldhouse, Carleton University
Bronson Ave. & Sunnyside Ave., Ottawa
-30-
For further information please contact:
Catherine Knoll; 613-521-9880; or visit www.capitalclothingshow.com
Guerilla Live 17 Launch Event
Friday, September 12
7pm until late
Enriched Bread Artists Studios (951 Gladstone west of Preston)
www.getguerilla.ca
Jer’s Vision Gala
At Jer’s Vision Pride Gala this past Thursday, I got to meet a handful of interesting people, including Adamo Ruggiero from Degrassi: The Next Generation fame. As my sister and I were invited to walk the red carpet at this event, we both felt the need to dress up. Wait we always feel the need to be stylish, it’s kind of like our job. Oh yeah and gays are known to dress up right? Wrong! Very few people bothered to be stylish for this event. There were various attempts at style but all in all we were both very disappointed by the way people were dressed. Urban Behaviour evening wear was in full force – which is not a bad thing because if it’s dressed up properly, it works. However, the way girls dressed up their outfits was really unfortunate. Um, flip flops with that dress? Are you serious? Make sure you were something that is flattering to your shape, there are so many options, please do not opt for the wrong ones! The men didn’t help either. Remember that bartender from Helsinki Youth League and the Spies photographed back in April who likes to wear black, two belts, a fedora, and white shoes? He was there, wearing the same outfit he wore when Youth League took his picture.
Among the guests were the Drag Queens (always a pleasure), various Parliamentarians (including Sheila Copps who had to find out if my sister and I were twins – we years apart actually), local fashion designers, magazine representatives, Mr. Leather Ottawa, and members of the GLBT community.
Let’s talk about Adamo for a moment. Anyone who has watched the show has certainly noticed that Adamo is a total babe, and his outfit was jumpin’ (check out the cool boots). I saw Adamo when I was first entering the Saw Gallery, he was chatting with a few people in the corner. After registering with the staff, we came back outside and then Adamo and I made eye contact a few times and smiles ensued. I hesitated to ask him for his picture because various eccentric teenagers were asking to get their picture taken with him, which is initially why I don’t like to bother people with picture requests because it must get annoying for them after awhile.
I then decided to approach him because he’s so cute and stylish I had to take his picture! “Excuse me, do you mind if I take your picture for Ottawa Street Style?” I asked. “I feel like I should be taking a picture of you guys because I love what you’re wearing, I’ve been staring for awhile!” He replied. Awesome dude. Totally awesome. I already love your vibe. We’ll get back to Adamo a bit later, here are some highlights:
My sister and I walk the red carpet, people snap our picture (which was cool but due to the fact that I am incredibly non-photogenic I am afraid of the results) and we walk in. Although I have participated in many events where I was considered VIP, I never walked a red carpet since I was busy dealing with things on the inside, so this was fun. Inside, my sister and I mingle, but the space is way over capacity and it’s boiling hot. Since my sister has a tendency to sweat (not smell hehe) and I have curly locks that are prone to get frizzy, we opt to stay outside the action and in the gallery where various individuals are also mingling, including certain designers that kept staring at us as if they just found their new muses. I know that this was not the reason they kept staring at us – maybe it was our delightful ensembles? Or the fact that you know who we are but you opt for staring instead of approaching us? If that’s the case, please don’t stare. If you come up to me, I will talk to you whether I know you or not. I would’ve enjoyed speaking to them actually. Why the hate? This is what I dislike about Ottawa, HATE and MONOPOLY. Sorry for the unnecessary caps, wait; I think they are necessary to describe the fashion industry in the city. Hate is part of anything fashion but “the monopoly” needs to embrace people who aren’t competing, they are simply helping the scene in the city grow. But enough about that, let’s move on again.
We mingle with the people from Spade Magazine for a bit and get to know a little about their project, then we move back to Adamo who is taking pictures with people. I ask him to take a picture with my sister and I and he’s totally up for it. His publicist? Friend? I don’t know who the dude was (nice guy though) takes a close up, but Adamo requests a full body shot to get all our outfits because “we look too good!” (ha I love this guy and what he’s doing to our self esteem) and so I give him a street style card, tell him that I enjoyed meeting him and we are off.
Mike the tech guy
Awesome suit dude, purely awesome
Adamo Ruggiero from Degrassi: The Next Generation
Mainstream Revolution
At the Mainstream Revolution event, I spotted this young lad sporting a pair of Cheap Mondays. His awkward cuteness and fantastic taste in denim prompted me to get new Street Style contributor Alexandra M to snap his picture for the blog as I was in the midst of 67 conversations which never ended up getting anywhere.
Although various stylish individuals were in the crowd, none struck me as street style worthy. The event went great. People unfamiliar with the cause were given the opportunity to read up on the issue, check out and buy some t-shirts, eat some great vegetarian food courtesy of Castle Shawarma on Rideau, La Brioche on Bank, Contemporary Cuisine on Nicholas and Sitar on Rideau, and listen to Eric and Seb spin some fabulous hip-hop (the good stuff not the mainstream stuff).
Too bad Alex forgot to get his name. Young, Cheap Monday sporting lad, if you are reading this, what is your name?
P.S. His shoes are adorable too.
Me et Moi & Victoire
Due to my lack of time, or breathing, whichever, I have been unable to post these until now. A few weeks ago, Me et Moi designers, who you might remember from Ottawa Fashion Week, had a launch party for their line at Victoire boutique on Dalhousie. The party was cool although there wasn’t much interaction because some people seem to be anti-social, however, I did snap a few stylish women and snatched a few delicious cupcakes. Food was great Regine and Katie, seriously, it always is, I love the display, it’s fantastic. I want to invite you over to make cupcakes and teach me how to make them.
Before I proceed to the pictures I want to explain something about what I discovered at this launch party, it’s something that, if you’ve worked in fashion in the city you’ll know very clearly: designers really need to start hiring some PR and Marketing representatives in order to help them with presentation of their work.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Me et Moi’s line, their marketing efforts however, are in need of some fine tuning. I am not being mean or critical, if you are reading this ladies from Me et Moi, this is constructive criticism from someone who can potential be working for you. Free advice – I will break it down:
- A flyer was passed, on it a biography, a picture of the girls taken at fashion week and their logo. The colour white on the 4×6 flyer for some reason was quite unappealing, the design did not represent what the line was at all and it basically made me not want to buy the clothes because it felt amateur and when you look at the clothes, although they are fresh out of school, it does not look that way.
- Business card: the 80s are over, that white background with the crisp finish we remember from American Psycho screams Wall Street and Me et Moi is far from that. This is a card Talbots would have. I know that one is a blow but seriously ladies, I am helping you out here because I really like your line. Let me analyze: be more bold, use both sides maybe, represent your brand. The card in my hands shows that it was done quickly with no real thought. If a card is well done, people tend to keep it, and that’s what you want right? My business card for example, which can be found if you dig hard enough (i.e. portfolio link), was very well thought of and makes people jump back and be like “wow, that’s awesome.” The other thing is, it says fashion designer and stylist. Okay. There are three of you
I assume it should say “fashion designers and stylists?” What kind of stylists? Wardrobe? Specify.
- Email and website: You were featured in Flare because the representative loved your stuff which is FANTASTIC, however, when people google you, they can’t find anything. New media has provided us the gift of free, a blogspot, wordpress, whatever will do you some good. Also, me.et.moi[at]live.com? Gmail murders hotmail. Seriously, no joke – live.com? Why?
There are numerous other things that I can write, but I won’t give away all my secrets. What I will say is, designers in Ottawa and across Canada need to think of hiring Marketing and PR people simply to show their work better. Yeah it costs a bit of money but think of the long-term benefit of this investment. Working at fashion week I noticed a lot of designers had extreme difficulty promoting themselves and selling their products because they were unable to put together a decent display, or a press kit. ASK FOR HELP FROM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS, IT WILL BE ESSENTIAL FOR THE REST OF YOUR CAREER. For advice you can email me, believe me, although I live in Ottawa, I’ve seen my share, and buyers here are ferocious, it’s hard to make it in anywhere because people feel superior since the Parliament rises above them.
Jordana
Original. I like the bracelet and the moccasins
Sarah
This girl is seriously adorable
THE HABIT HOSTS E.T. RELEASE CONCERT – AUGUST 1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2008
Contact: Darren Rogers, The Habit (613) 866-7412
THE HABIT HOSTS E.T. RELEASE CONCERT – AUGUST 1
(OTTAWA) – Award-winning pop-soul band The Habit will host an ET (Extended Tease) Concert at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa on Friday, August 1. The concert will celebrate the release of three new songs posted today on The Habit’s website, http://www.myspace.com/thehabitca. These early studio cuts are a free preview of material for a new album to be released later in 2008.
The new songs were recorded live-off-the-floor, and include two originals and a cover of Please Don’t Stop the Music (which is a web-only release and will not be on the new album).
The ET follows the 2007 release of The Habit’s full-length debut, The Sacred and The Profane, which has been riding high on the Canadian campus radio charts from Kamloops to Saskatoon and Antigonish. The new songs showcase the band’s three singers, who take turns singing lead and otherwise harmonize. The material also highlights the fact that The Habit’s violinist and saxophonist are – for the first time – living in the same city, and writing their parts together. The new songs alternate seamlessly between swelling string sections and sputtering funk horns.
Tara Holloway will open the show at Zaphods on August 1. The Habit will host a Toronto ET Release at the Savannah Room on August 9.
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For more information:
Darren Rogers (613) 866-7412
drogersmusic@rogers.com
For music:
www.myspace.com/thehabitca
www.myspace.com/tarahollowaymusic
Advance tickets for August 1 show $8 at www.ticketweb.ca
Ottawa Street Style 