This Season’s Hottest Hair Trends

This year’s Art of Fashion Designer Boutique was a great success! For those of you who missed it, it’s only fair that we share with you some of the inspirational hair and beauty presentations that were given at the event.

Our first presenter was Kathleen Sou from Hair on the Avenue. Kathleen let us in on some of the hottest summer hair trends in her presentation “Speak to your Roots”.

Hair Trend #1: Colour is rich, lively and lustrous.

This season, hair colour is full of natural depth and accompanied by prominent tones. The subtle colours are inviting and highlighted with shades of rust, bronze and gold. Kathleen describes browns as being dark and luscious, reds as warm and vivacious, and blondes as delicate and cunning.

Hair Trend #2: Texture is intrinsic and untamed.

Tribal is in. Kathleen reveals this season’s hottest hairstyle and describes it as being wild and free. It’s important to nurture the fluidity of your hair and what’s more – enhance your true texture!

Hair Trend #3: Style is blunt, but not rigid.

It’s all about that doll-face look. Cuts this season are asymmetrical and edgy, yet are able to remain dainty and feminine, enhancing facial features.

Kathleen points out two fashion-forward styles that are in this season: that slightly androgynous cut that takes everyone back to the late 60’s and early 70’s, and the darker, more sultry ‘1940’s film noir’ look.

So if you’re thinking it’s time for a style-change, take into consideration these edgy hair trends and visit Hair on the Avenue!  

Designs by Albert Yuen

As a young child, Albert Yuen always dreamed of being a successful fashion designer. Today, his elegant collection tells us that dreams don’t have to stay dreams forever. 

After moving to Canada, Albert attended the University of Waterloo and studied Fine Arts. He then moved to Toronto after graduating to study Apparel Design at the Ryerson Polytechnic University. Having acquired a knowledgeable background in fashion design, Albert began working as a designer’s assistant at a leather company. Meanwhile, he began creating a collection of unique pillows.

Albert’s timeless designs have earned him public recognition from a number of fashion competitions. Recently, he was the winner of the Art of Fashion Most Promising Designer Award, and in May 2012, he qualified to be a participant in the America’s Next Top Model Trade Show.

“Through these competitions, I can explore my fancy ideas about fashion and sharpen my design skills.” – Albert Yuen

Meet Melissa De Luca: An AoF Exclusive!

Today, Art of Fashion is delighted to share an exclusive one-on-one interview with jewelry designer Melissa De Luca, founder of Fredrick Prince.

Bored with typical mass produced in-store jewelry, Toronto native Melissa De Luca developed a line of handcrafted jewelry branded as Fredrick Prince. Together, her pieces make up a collection of jewelry that adapts to the transition of seasons and is versatile enough for any occasion. Retailers are recognizing Melissa’s timeless designs and have been requesting pieces to fill their storefronts.

We wanted to know more about Melissa and her exquisite designs, so we tracked her down for an exclusive interview. Here is an inside look into the creative mind behind Fredrick Prince!

AoF: What is your educational background?

Melissa: Fashion Business and Buying

AoF: What motivated you to design jewelry and to create Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: Hated my 9-5 and realized that anyone can be successful – it's just a matter of doing something and sticking to it.

AoF: What has inspired your jewelry line, Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: A little bit of old, a little bit of new, and how I'm feeling at the moment I'm designing.

AoF: When starting your own jewelry line, what was the greatest challenge?

Melissa:Finding reliable suppliers.

AoF: What do you hope to achieve with Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: I hope to have international success.

AoF: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Melissa: Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs

AoF: What is your favorite part of being Canadian or being from Toronto?

Melissa: It's so multi-cultural.

AoF: Is there something that makes Fredrick Prince distinctively Canadian?

Melissa: It's made by a Canadian!

AoF: What is the most challenging aspect of being a jewelry designer?

Melissa: Separating yourself from all the others.

AoF: What excites you the most with regards to Fredrick Prince?

Melissa: The fact that people other than my friends and family are buying and wearing my creations. It's a great feeling knowing that I can help someone feel good with the jewelry I make.

If you have more questions for Melissa, or want to learn more about Fredrick Prince, make sure to stop by the Art of Fashion Designer Boutique tomorrow at the Schwarzkopf Professional ASK Academy in Toronto!

Discover I'Moniq Accessories!

Feeling bold and in need of that je-ne-sais-quoi to make your outfit pop? All you need are a few pieces from Monique Anderson’s line of innovative accessories to jazz up your ensemble.

Monique Anderson

www.imoniq.com

Art of Fashion is a proud supporter of Canadian designers like Monique Anderson, the creative eye behind I’Moniq. Participating in this year’s Designer Boutique, Monique will be showcasing a line of accessories that are both fresh and fashion-forward – you won’t want to miss this one.

Redefining the concept of costume jewelry, I’Moniq Accessories can be recognized instantly by the knotting and braiding of materials – the signature technique of the brand.

Using a creative combination of mixed metals, stones, crystals and silks of vibrant colours, Monique has created a bold collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings that serve as the perfect complement to any outfit.

To learn more about I’Moniq, don’t miss out on AoF’s full-day Designer Boutique on June 16^th, 2012 at the Schwarzkopt Professional ASK Academy in Toronto.

We Love AIME by Monica Mei!

Today, we’ll be shining the spotlight on Monica Mei’s designer label Aime, whose collection of original women’s apparel is undoubtedly inspired by a passionate love for fashion.

Monica Mei

Canadian fashion designer Monica Mei always had the guiding philosophy to “Love yourself. Love others. Love luxury.” Inspired by this motto, Monica created her fashion label Aime, a name that derives from the French word for love.

After graduating from Ryerson University’s School of Fashion, Monica Mei obtained her Bachelor of Design degree in 2007. During her graduating year, Aime won her the coveted Ryerson University-wide Standard Broadcasting Corporation’s $25,000 Business Plan Competition. What's more, the Fashion Design Council of Canada’s Designer Development Fund, a Canadian version of the CFDA/Vogue Fund, named Monica one of the top 5 finalists in 2009. Her elegant designs were also recognized by Flare magazine, who chose her to be on “The A-list Canadian designers you need to know” upon the debut of her new collection.

Monica’s label is said to be an extension of her own personality and exudes a level of creativity that shines through every one of her designs.

Make sure to check out Monica Mei’s Aime at this year’s AoF Canadian Designer Boutique on June 16^th, 2012 at the Schwarzkopf Professional ASK Academy in Toronto.