Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Bustle, Joe Fresh and David Dixon: A Few Final Fashion Week Notes

We’re wrapping up our Fashion Week notes here on the AOF blog – better late than never, right? For this last installation, we checked out three hot Canadian labels: Bustle, Joe Fresh and David Dixon. Unfortunately we don’t have photos this time, but we’re sending some link love over to favourite Toronto blog, BlogTO, who got tons of coverage.

Bustle
The Toronto design team behind Bustle are known for their sportswear, and the 2010 line was looking very posh with vests, straight-leg pants and military detail on blazers and pea coats. Mixed textures like velvet, knit and cotton, combined with V-necks and checkered shirts looked right on trend for geek chic. Purples, blues and greys prevailed. Tons of photos over at BlogTO.

Joe Fresh
Everyone’s favourite grocery store fashion destination had an eclectic mix for 2010. Faux fur prevailed, as did preppy academic styles… and all so delightfully affordable. Check out the BlogTO review.

David Dixon
Canadian design institution (and former Art of Fashion judge) David Dixon did not disappoint with an elegant collection of mainly black evening wear with beautiful structural silhouettes set off by feathers, shrugs, capes and bold, statement jewellery. To see his collection in fantastic detail, check out – you got it – BlogTO here.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

AOF Winning Designer Zoran Dobric Rocks Fashion Week

It’s all about the fabric with Art of Fashion 2005 Design Competition winner Zoran Dobric. The flowing silk dresses that dominate his 2010 collection evoke romance and feminity, while Dobric’s signature textile prints lend exoticism and make the pieces bold. The unique prints and the sometimes unexpected mix of textures is what truly makes this a collection of walking art pieces. Tones for 2010 are earthy with bold accents of turquoise and mustard. Details like metal buckles and wool jackets gave the collection edge and really pulled the look together.

Inspired to pursue fashion by a seamstress grandmother, Dobric had access to lots of fabric to play around with while growing up, and that early fascination with fabric is what gives this designer’s style its complexity and richness. The 2010 collection is stupendous. Unlike anything else you’ve seen, yet completely wearable, these unique, soft, universally-flattering pieces could have the power to change fashion trends.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Web, Media and PR Positions with Art of Fashion

Are you a marketing, web design, media or PR guru looking to gain valuable experience and get your foot in the door by working on a highly-respected non-profit Board?  Art of Fashion is looking for help in these key areas.  We need a Media and Public Relations Coordinator, a Marketing Production Specialist, a Web Coder, a Web Design Developer and an Interactive/Digital Marketing Coordinator.  This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could be just the one you're looking for!  If you think this could be you, please see our listings below:

INTERACTIVE / DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR

ART OF FASHION is currently looking for an Interactive / Digital Marketing Coordinator for a nine-month period. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take the lead on re-designing a fashion website, build a portfolio as well as industry contacts.

The Interactive Coordinator will be the lead on the Art of Fashion’s website design, as well as the annual event website. The position involves overseeing the initial and ongoing update and maintenance the Art of Fashion websites, as well as working with the Social and New Media Coordinator to ensure social media is integrated into the websites and used effectively to promote Art of Fashion as an organization and also the annual Design Competition/Trunk Show.

EXPERIENCE:
·         Website Design (particularly expertise with WordPress)
·         Graphic Design / Direction
·         Project Management
·         Fashion and/or related industry experience

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, coordinating with a team and updating on progress. Experience working with tight deadlines, and a passion for the creative industries a must! If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a short paragraph why you are interested to : stacy@stacyanderson.ca.


WEB DESIGN DEVELOPER

ART OF FASHION is currently looking for a Website Design Developer for a maximum nine-month period. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to participate in re-designing a fashion website, build a portfolio as well as industry contacts.

The Website Design Developer will be the lead on building / designing the Art of Fashion’s website design, as well as the annual event website from a technical standpoint. The position involves the graphic and technical design of the initial and potentially ongoing update and maintenance the Art of Fashion websites. The Website Design Developer will work with the Interactive / Digital Marketing Coordinator to develop, create and upload content

EXPERIENCE:
·         Website Design (particularly expertise with WordPress)
·         Graphic Design / Direction
·         Fashion, Creative and/or related industry experience

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, as well as with a team. Experience working with tight deadlines, and a passion for the creative industries a must! If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a short paragraph why you are interested to : stacy@stacyanderson.ca.


WEB CODER

ART OF FASHION is currently looking for a Web Coder for a maximum nine-month period. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to participate in re-designing a fashion website, build a portfolio as well as industry contacts.

The Web Coder will be the lead on providing highly technical input for building and re-designing the Art of Fashion’s website design, as well as the annual event website. The position involves technical design, including maximizing functionality of the overall website as well as selection and integration of ‘widgets’ to optimze the website’s Content Management System. The Website Coder will be responsible for building the organization’s first online Content Management System (CMS). The Website Design Developer will work with the Interactive / Digital Marketing Coordinator as well as the Web Design Developer providing technical assistance, recommendations and insight, as required.

EXPERIENCE:
·         Website Design (particularly expertise with WordPress)
·         Graphic Design / Direction

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, as well as with a team. Experience working with tight deadlines, and a passion for the creative industries a must! If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a short paragraph why you are interested to : stacy@stacyanderson.ca.

MARKETING PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

ART OF FASHION is currently looking for a Marketing Production Specialist for a nine-month period. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take the lead on organizing collateral design and production for a fashion organization and annual event, with also providing insight into additional high-quality collateral ideas, initiatives and opportunities.

The Marketing Production Specialist will be the lead on ensuring all marketing materials the Art of Fashion and the annual design competition event are designed, printed and produced in a timely manner, in coordination with the entire Marketing team. The successful candidate will work directly and coordinate with the Graphic Designer, Copy Writer and the Marketing & Communications Manager.

EXPERIENCE:
·         Marketing Collateral Production  / Organization
·         Graphic Design / Direction
·         Project Management
·         Fashion and/or related industry experience

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, coordinating with a team and updating on progress. Experience working with tight deadlines, and a passion for the creative industries a must! If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a short paragraph why you are interested to : stacy@stacyanderson.ca.

 
MEDIA + PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

ART OF FASHION is currently looking for a Media + Public Relations Coordinator for a nine-month period. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to take the lead on arranging media exposure, sponsorships, as well as building a strong industry portfolio and introductions to key industry contacts.

The Media + Public Relations Coordinator will be involved in media relations leading up to as well as during the annual design competition event. The position involves building relationships with existing media partners as well as obtaining new media outlets for both the organization and the event. Activities may include, though not limited to: contacting key press, arranging interviews with Art of Fashion Executive Director / Competition Design Finalists, Distributing Press Releases & follow-up, develop and identify new media opportunities throughout the year. The Media + Public Relations Coordinator will work with the Social & New Media Coordinator, the Interactive / Digital Marketing Coordinator, Copy Writer as well as Marketing & Communications Manager.

EXPERIENCE:
·         Public Relations / Media Management
·         Database Management
·         Strong Interpersonal skills, industry contacts a plus
·         Project Management
·         Fashion and/or related industry experience

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently, coordinating with a team and updating on progress. Experience working with tight deadlines, and a passion for the creative industries a must! If this sounds like you, please send your CV and a short paragraph why you are interested to : stacy@stacyanderson.ca.

All positions to start as soon as possible!

Friday, April 2, 2010

Fashion Week: Sears Attitude, Andy the Anh and Pink Tartan Rock the Runways

Fashion Week! Wasn’t it magnificent? Did you make it out to the shows? Art of Fashion was there checking out headliners like Attitude by Sears, Andy the Anh, Pink Tartan, and, of course, our very own Zoran Dobric. Woman-about-town and local fashionista Jenny Bersinic snapped some shots and took some notes on all the highlights to keep Art of Fashion followers in the know.

Attitude by Sears

In-house Sears’ label, Attitude, thrilled the crowds with sexy work-wear inspired by the 1940s. Lace accents showed up under blazers, sweaters and dresses, adding a playful touch to classic pieces. Predominant colours were black and grey and camel, with deep red and indigo accents. Skinny belts, A-line skirts in a variety of textures and flowing silk blouses promise flattering silhouettes for all.

At the end of the show, Canadian Olympian Joannie Rochette walked the runway in a white blouse and A-line skirt – a proud moment as she received a warm applause from the crowd.


Andy The-Anh

Andy The Anh’s latest collection was heavy on the black. Models had severe buns and wore heavy smoky eyes for a sultry, ‘le smoking’ effect. Whites and monochromatic geo-floral prints occasionally lightened the mood, as did hints of cobalt blue mixed with brown and army green.

The tango-inspired collection boasted structured pieces that were well-tailored. Even the bursts of Spanish-style ruffles remained contained by being pressed close to the body. Silky materials created draped just enough to create flowing lines and not look sloppy. Overall the show was sensual, sexy and seductive, and a definite Fashion Week hit.




Pink Tartan

Aviation took centre stage at the Pink Tartan show, where Amelia Earhart-inspired pieces combined tough and feminine like a Secret deodorant ad. Shining aviator caps and airy-light colours like white and grey contrasted with darker black and red pieces. Camo patterns and mixed textures, like fur, wool and sequins created surprising but workable contrasts. Exaggerated shoulders and leather pieces, including a cropped leather jacket, were all the rage. Harness belts were worn parachute-style around models’ upper torsos, while hair was done in side braids à la Alexander Wang Spring 2010. Again we saw camel-toned pieces floating down the runway – look out for this shade in the fall!



Coming up next - Zoran Dobric!  Check back for news on this amazing, sensual new line by the very talented Mr. Dobric.