Archive for June, 2010

What do you make and what kinds of material do you use?
I design and sell my own collection of exclusive, hand-painted earrings, necklaces, and eyeglass chains crafted from wood. Eventually, I’d like to add precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver to enhance the wood base.

What makes your work unique?
I challenge myself to make work that transcends trend and cultivates new classics in fashion. The way I see the design value of using wood as my base material for fashion distinguishes my work. Customers and retailers are impressed when they discover the pieces are meticulously hand painted with my own designs on wood, rather than made with glass, ceramic or a round gem found somewhere. The collection is also affordably priced, light and durable for truly unique pieces that stay relevant as time goes by. Buy a piece and it won’t break the bank. Drop it and it won’t break. Wear it and you won’t feel dated.

Who or what are your influences?
The jewelry design work and process of Bill Reid, Frank Gehry and Paloma Picasso are the most notable influences. They’ve all set new standards for timeless design.

What is your current creative obsession?
Making design, along with my other creative endeavors like photography, into a productive enterprise –I took all the portraits of the models you see wearing my collection and use it on my website and look book.

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
Bill Reid, Arthur Erickson and Frank Gehry.

This is the first in a series of posts we’ll be writing about our lovely customers. “Really,” you say, “You’re going to write about the people who shop there?” Yes! All of our staff have commented that the people who come into the shop are the most interesting, smart, funny and creative people we meet anywhere in the city. They are writers, artists, teachers, filmmakers, moms, bloggers, and just about anything else you can think of. They are forces of nature, women (and men) who consistently support what we’re trying to do (promoting the work of Canadian and local artists and designers) and who are constantly doing amazing work that in turn deserves our support. This is where we’ll spread the word about the wonderful people around us.

The first of our featured customers is Summer Love (what a name!), who lives right near the shop and has been dropping in ever since we opened in December 2007. We have learned gradually over the years about Summer’s film projects, and the one in particular we want to tell you about has been in the works for 7 years. 7 YEARS! She is nothing if not dedicated. Of course, she is much more than dedicated; she’s smart, funny, fiery, and passionate. We love her visits to the shop.

So a week ago, some of the Shopgirls staff attended the NXNE launch of Sounds Like A Revolution at the NFB, directed by Summer Love and Toronto-based Jane Michener. We squeezed into a packed-house theatre with over a hundred other people to catch this pro-active and energizing documentary about a new generation of activist musicians who are living proof that music is an important and powerful tool in the ongoing struggle for social change (we never doubted it!). They’re not anywhere as mainstream as dissenting musicians in the 60′s were, but the doc features people from the pop country Dixie Chicks to Michael Franti to the punk band Anti-Flag, artists from all ᠋across the musical spectrum – so important for engaging a diverse audience in this important dialogue about the role of artists in society, freedom of expression and democratic participation.

Anyway, the film is outstanding. It will at times make you laugh, and at others give you shivers. But it is always provocative, and totally relevant. GO SEE IT!

Sounds Like a Revolution – HD Trailer from Deltatime Productions on Vimeo.

And to check out CityTV’s coverage, and short interview with Summer, click here.

Check out the Facebook page to connect and share the film with others! Spreading the word through channels like these will help grow awareness of the film and get it the audience it truly deserves!

Sounds like a Revolution is playing all week at The Royal (608 College St. Toronto, ON). Here are the dates!

Friday June 25
7pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Introduction by Alan Cross + Q&A with filmmakers)
9:15pm –Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers)

Saturday June 26
7pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers + acoustic performance by Justin Sane)
9:30pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers + acoustic performance by Justin Sane)

Sunday June 27
4:30pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers + acoustic performance by Justin Sane)
7pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers + acoustic performance by Justin Sane)
9:15pm – Sounds Like A Revolution

Monday June 28
9:30pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers + acoustic performance by Jessica Stuart)

Tuesday June 29
7pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers) Mac Graham special appearance!

Wednesday June 30
7pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers)

Thursday July 1
9:15pm – Sounds Like A Revolution (Q&A with filmmakers)

If you miss out on the Royal dates get to the Carlton Cinemas from July 2-8, 2010. There will be a Q&A with the filmmaker most screenings.

FOUR STARS – NOW Magazine! “Terrific energy. But it’s the interviews with the articulate musicians that are most inspiring.” – Susan Cole

We’ve discussed sustainable fabric choices, proved earth conscious designers aren’t all hippies, and touched upon the issue of logistics and the organizations helping with the shift. Today lets look to those with the real power: the people. Creating change can seem like a daunting task and indeed it is, when left in the hands of a few. However, when each individual takes a short turn at the crank the wheel starts to spin and as more lend a hand the wagon gets moving and the band begins to play (see: bandwagon, jump on!). There are two aspects of this movement that are solely dependent on consumer behavior: (a) How and where money is spent; and (b) How the goods are consumed.

It’s about redefining ‘value’ in a culture where quantity often means more than quality and a sale rack bargain is celebrated over a unique designer piece. You want a governing body on certifications, more designers to use sustainable fibers, and fast fashion boutiques to stop creating sweatshop trash? Then get out there and vote with your dollar! Whether through purchasing organic and/or locally made garments or refusing to purchase clothing that is of poor quality or produced unethically, each penny spent (or withheld) makes a statement. More often than not you’ll find that summer dress you paid $150 for will fit you better, stay in your wardrobe longer, and incite many more compliments than those ten dresses you bought at the mall last summer for $15 each. Not convinced this one purchase can make a difference? Ask any independent artist and they’ll tell you each garment sold (or not) can mean the difference between the creation of next year’s line or a full-time serving job at their local pub.

A recent article in Eye Weekly discusses the pluses of slow fashion while questioning one’s ability to self-express and be creative with so few options. Only have twenty bucks to your name and need a new outfit for your date next weekend? How ’bout a thrift store hunt? Ryerson Fashion alumni Kaitlin Simonsen (and friend…can I call her a friend? she dates my friend) has a Toronto directory for vintage shopping plus tonnes of ideas on how to revamp the old on her site My Vintage Secret.

The missing piece of the puzzle is how we treat our new found treasures. Think cold water wash and hang to dry, clothing swaps rather than trash piles, and Salvation Army donations that will actually last the new owner more than a season or two. Remember also that there are ethical ways to recycle your clothes, as Ashley mentioned in a post some months ago.

Some may lament that this type of wardrobe doesn’t lend itself to fun and spontaneous trips to the mall or the whimsy of complete closet overhauls every time the mood catches. Good point and good riddance. Try it and you may find the mood catching less often. Your pocket book will thank you, though the credit card company may not! Shopping this way creates a closet full of conscious choices; give it a year or two and every outfit will have significant meaning attached to it beyond the price tag.

What kind of work do you do and what materials do you use?
I make hand-detailed undies from earth-friendly materials such as bamboo and organic cottons. I recently started incorporating lace into my designs and am planning on experimenting with hand dyeing over the next few months.

What makes your work unique?
Well first and foremost I like to keep the cuts of the undies comfy while using ruffles and other embellishments to up the cute factor. Anything that isn’t sewn by me personally is manufactured in Canada at fair prices and I pick fabrics with as little environmental impact as possible; the dye process for all of the fabrics is certified by the Oeko-tex standard 100, which ensures chemicals weren’t released back into the environment and there’s no harmful chemical residue on the fabric either (your lady parts will thank you)!

Who or what are your influences?
Candy Pants started because I couldn’t find earth friendly underwear for myself that wasn’t beige or cut like granny panties. Social responsibility is important but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fit or style. In that respect I’m mainly influenced by my own needs and wants as well as those of the other women in my life. I think women should celebrate their curves rather than try to downplay and cover up. My mom plays a big part since she’s not afraid to tell the truth when something isn’t as good as it could be.

What is your current creative obsession?
hand dying and body painting! I’m getting ready to pack up for a summer in Alberta leaving me free to set up in my parents basement and work creatively with some women there who i find super inspiring. I’m going to get my hands dirty learning how to dye with berries, herbs, and other natural ingredients. I’m also planning a photo shoot in collaboration with my friend Marley Blair Wilson who is an amazing makeup artist and airbrusher (see: topless women of all shapes and sizes)!

Who’s your favorite Canadian artist or designer?
Hmm that’s a hard one. I think its a tie between Zuzanium, Faren, and Stacey Zhang. They all make pieces that are feminine, easy to wear, and drape beautifully. I’m also loving Elemental, the current exhibit in the shop by Jessica Rode.

Check. this. out. Installation by Viennese/Croatian design collective For Use/Numen.
I kinda wish this could be permanent.

I love work that uses unexpected materials, and packing tape is a perfect one for play. I used to use it as a cheap and easy way to laminate collages and other projects, but to work at this scale and create something strong enough and big enough to be interactive – so you can invite visitors inside the structure itself – is so bloody amazing. I also love that the inspiration for the idea comes from dance. More on that here:

[...] Inside Odeon, a former stock exchange building in Vienna, the group used nearly 117,000 feet and 100 pounds of tape. “The installation is based on an idea for a dance performance in which the form evolves from the movement of the dancers between the pillars,” explains For Use’s Christoph Katzler. “The dancers are stretching the tape while they move, so the resulting shape is a recording of the choreography.”

Here is a video showing how the piece was installed:

Catch some more amazing photos of the exhibit on industrial design site DesignBoom.

Designer Mercedes La Rosa sent in some of her beautiful pieces last week under the label bijougraphie. The hand painted spectacle holders, earrings, and necklaces are inspired from both vintage and modern fashion sensibilities. All the baubles are meticulously hand-painted wooden beads. My personal fave is the spectacle holders; playful and elegant, I may never wear contacts again.

I was down on the Danforth the other day and finally had a chance to check out this sister-owned boutique I’d been hearing so much about. At Shopgirls we make a point to support other independent businesses so I felt it fitting to write about it here.

Red Tent Sisters is a pro-women and sex-positive boutique and wellness center owned by Amy and Kim Sedgwick. With the trademark “It’s good to be a Woman”, the pair offer everything from eco-friendly sex toys and vegan condoms to literature and workshops on topics from menstruation to menopause (the prices are great too). The store is located at 810 Danforth Ave and is honestly a one-stop-shop for everything related to woman’s sexuality. Check it out next time you’re in the neighborhood – tell them Jamie sent you!

What do you make and what kinds of materials do you use?
I make swimwear, and each piece is cut and sewn by yours truly. I use Lycra fabric because that is the most popular and best material for swimsuits. Sometimes I use ultra-sexy fabrics like stretch velvet, because they have an amazing vintage feel.

What makes your work unique?
There aren’t a lot of independent Canadian swimsuit designers out there, for starters. More importantly, though, they are a twist on vintage silhouettes that play with colour and cut-outs; this is what gives them a modern edge.

Who or what are your influences?
The music I listen to, pop culture, but not just that… Betty Page and pin-up girls, that old-fashioned sexiness, vintage cars. Also, my materials – I’m inspired by textiles, the colours, patterns, etc. Sometimes just looking at my fabric collection, a surge goes through me and I want to make something!

What is your current creative obsession?
MONOKINI! Playing around with this super-fun style, because it’s great for women both petite and voluptuous. Seriously, it’s a kick-ass style and just a great word to say. Monokini, sing it to yourself!

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
David Dixon. Evan Biddell. Franke by Kendra Francis. I also really like Pink Tartan.

(for more info and photos check out the Bathing Belle Swimwear Facebook page)

Designs by Morgan Mallett  are described as a “unique fusion of industrial and organic aesthetic.” There are only a few of these unique polymer earrings left in the shop and we’re clearing room with 30% off all that remains. They’re sure to fly out of here in no time so come quick!

Logistics

Last i wrote we were discussing the fashion industries ability to operate sustainably.  On the journey from designer to consumer there are many people, organizations, and resources involved. One major hurdle is the fact that traditionally the industry has been less than transparent; keeping manufacturing behind closed doors and much to be answered in terms of distribution and environmental impact. There are however many networks and organizations focused on increasing the transparency, connecting people, and sharing resources to make it easier for all. Here’s a few in Toronto, Canada, and beyond:

Fashion Takes Action is a members based organization in Toronto that provides workshops and resources to help industry members take steps in a ‘greener direction’.

Design AWEAR was started by a group of Ryerson Fashion students in an attempt to share resources among students as well as link the school with designers and others in the industry who share a passion for environmentally conscious design practices.

Future Fashion is an initiative from Earthpledge.org dedicated to helping the fashion industry make the transition towards sustainable materials. They have a great directory of certifications from around the world.

Ethical Fashion Forum is a social networking site linking designers, manufacturers, consumers and more. The majority of the membership is in the EU but they host events, awards, and job postings from around the world.

The Center for Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion has an online blog with tonnes of information to connect people, share resources, and educate.

These are just a few of many websites and organizations popping up around the globe. When i look at what the search engine brings up today vs. what was around just a few years ago its obvious that the shift to a greener fashion industry is more than just a trend, it’s a movement of the people.