The New Style Fusion
STYLE
fashion
fashion
THE NEW STYLE FUSION
The return of the loose woman Back in 1998, Glynis Dupuis was named Coolest New Atelier by Toronto Life magazine, and her reputation as such still stands. Since opening up her shop/studio Response in 1997, Glynis has dressed many of the city’s hippest sophisticates. “We’ve seen looser-fitting clothing for women on the runway for years,” she says, “but I think we’re ready to embrace it fully. Look for looser tops paired with slim-legged pants, tent-style dresses, exaggerated sleeves on blouses, raglan sleeves and rounded shoulders.”
WRITTEN BY SUZAN BIANCHI
I
n the past year, we’ve seen fashion contradict itself both on the runway and on the walkway. From fluid peasant skirts to silo-straight pencil skirts, it seems that everything goes. The good news for 2006 is that we’ll still have plenty of room for personal style. There are a few distinct trends, however, that you don’t want to miss.
Classic casual “Mixing and matching is a definite trend that will continue,” says Donnelle Enns, owner of überhip men’s store Uncle Otis. “Blazers, for example, are coming in traditional pinstriped fabric but with a canvas collar, so that they can be worn with casual pants. Clothes have a cleaner, more classic feel but with little modern touches.” Donnelle’s store is known for carrying exclusive lines that give streetwise guys that cutting-edge look. “We’re carrying deconstructed denim,” he explains, “but the deconstruction is professionally done, so the look is a little more classic.” Bulking up Thick cable-knit wool sweaters are also hot items. “A great investment piece,” continues Donnelle, “is the zip-up wool cardigan. They’re very comfortable and versatile, especially in the colours for the season - dark chocolate-brown and black.”
Skinny legs Julian Finkle, owner of Model Citizen, sees some of the same trends for menswear. “I’m carrying custom-made jeans with super-skinny legs — Ramones-style,” he says. “The relaxed fit has definitely passed.” Get waisted “A big seller right now that will carry into next season is the waistcoat,” says Julian. Waistcoats — vests with buttons — haven’t quite made their mark in womenswear, as expected, but are a hit with the guys. While the waistcoats at Model Citizen have a traditional look with a satin back, interesting appliqués or screenprinted adornments on either the front or back give them modern panache. “Men are wearing these over T-shirts or shirts without ties,” continues Julian. “With jeans and a simple T, they dress up an otherwise casual look.” Tidy-up Julian, who carries lines from some of Toronto’s best up-and-coming designers, has noticed a polishing up of regular streetwear. “Everything looks more tidy these days,” he says. “I’m also noticing a lot of innovation in items. Flight jackets by Inspected By Hand (IBH) have zippered hoods that can be left unzipped and give the look of a very wide collar.” From a store whose opening sign read, “You deserve a better-dressed boyfriend,” the tidied-up casual look seems to fit in nicely with its urban clientele.
12 RTS
STYLE
Silver: the new gold According to Glynis, colours will range from neutrals to warm, sunny colours for spring. “Black will still be an important neutral,” she says. “I see it mixed with cream or ivory. Next season we’ll see more orange, dark eggplants and purples all mixed in together. As for metallics, I think silver will overtake gold. I’m designing some pieces made from jersey with a metallic treatment so that it looks like tinfoil. The beauty of this fabric is that it crinkles and wrinkles in any way that you want.”
Booty call That uniqueness in dress also filters down to accessories. Carolyn Eby, owner of both accessories haven Trove and shoe hotspot Shoon, sees a real mishmash of styles. “For accessories, it seems like the seasons are starting to blur together,” she says. “Boots, for example, will be strong right through spring and summer. For fall, the many shades of brown will be very strong for footwear, along with teal and metallics.” Decorated heels As for heel height, expect to see a combination of both flats and heels, but not to the same extreme. “While heels are still at around the three-inch mark, the heels are stacked and square and have a retro feel,” advises Carolyn. “What you’ll definitely see is a lot of texture and embellishments. Shoes and handbags are being dressed up with sequins, beading, buckles and a lot of wood accents like rings and grommets with circular detailing.” Funky fusion Jewellery gets a boost of relaxed ease and experiences fun culture shock. “Bangles and necklaces are getting longer and more relaxed,” she says. “At the same time, there’s a real demand for culturally influenced pieces. Crochet necklaces made with sari silks and beads are a great example of this. Natural materials such as shells, wood, semiprecious stones, brushed gold, bronze and silver are also strong for accessories.”
W
hat’s the common theme? Things are starting to look more polished and less relaxed in menswear, while women can take advantage of a more comfortable silhouette that’s sophisticated and embellished. Without a doubt, combining fabric and texture will be the most important fashion statement you can make this season and next. RTS
Uncle Otis 26 Bellair Street (416) 920-2281 www.uncleotis.com
Model Citizen 913 Dundas Street W. (416) 553-6632
Response 690 Queen Street W. (416) 366-5394 www.responseclothing.com
Shoon 760 Bathurst Street (416) 531-4211 www.shoon.ca
Trove 793 Bathurst Street (416) 516-1258 www.trove.ca RTS 13
STYLE
fashion
fashion
THE NEW STYLE FUSION
The return of the loose woman Back in 1998, Glynis Dupuis was named Coolest New Atelier by Toronto Life magazine, and her reputation as such still stands. Since opening up her shop/studio Response in 1997, Glynis has dressed many of the city’s hippest sophisticates. “We’ve seen looser-fitting clothing for women on the runway for years,” she says, “but I think we’re ready to embrace it fully. Look for looser tops paired with slim-legged pants, tent-style dresses, exaggerated sleeves on blouses, raglan sleeves and rounded shoulders.”
WRITTEN BY SUZAN BIANCHI
I
n the past year, we’ve seen fashion contradict itself both on the runway and on the walkway. From fluid peasant skirts to silo-straight pencil skirts, it seems that everything goes. The good news for 2006 is that we’ll still have plenty of room for personal style. There are a few distinct trends, however, that you don’t want to miss.
Classic casual “Mixing and matching is a definite trend that will continue,” says Donnelle Enns, owner of überhip men’s store Uncle Otis. “Blazers, for example, are coming in traditional pinstriped fabric but with a canvas collar, so that they can be worn with casual pants. Clothes have a cleaner, more classic feel but with little modern touches.” Donnelle’s store is known for carrying exclusive lines that give streetwise guys that cutting-edge look. “We’re carrying deconstructed denim,” he explains, “but the deconstruction is professionally done, so the look is a little more classic.” Bulking up Thick cable-knit wool sweaters are also hot items. “A great investment piece,” continues Donnelle, “is the zip-up wool cardigan. They’re very comfortable and versatile, especially in the colours for the season - dark chocolate-brown and black.”
Skinny legs Julian Finkle, owner of Model Citizen, sees some of the same trends for menswear. “I’m carrying custom-made jeans with super-skinny legs — Ramones-style,” he says. “The relaxed fit has definitely passed.” Get waisted “A big seller right now that will carry into next season is the waistcoat,” says Julian. Waistcoats — vests with buttons — haven’t quite made their mark in womenswear, as expected, but are a hit with the guys. While the waistcoats at Model Citizen have a traditional look with a satin back, interesting appliqués or screenprinted adornments on either the front or back give them modern panache. “Men are wearing these over T-shirts or shirts without ties,” continues Julian. “With jeans and a simple T, they dress up an otherwise casual look.” Tidy-up Julian, who carries lines from some of Toronto’s best up-and-coming designers, has noticed a polishing up of regular streetwear. “Everything looks more tidy these days,” he says. “I’m also noticing a lot of innovation in items. Flight jackets by Inspected By Hand (IBH) have zippered hoods that can be left unzipped and give the look of a very wide collar.” From a store whose opening sign read, “You deserve a better-dressed boyfriend,” the tidied-up casual look seems to fit in nicely with its urban clientele.
12 RTS
STYLE
Silver: the new gold According to Glynis, colours will range from neutrals to warm, sunny colours for spring. “Black will still be an important neutral,” she says. “I see it mixed with cream or ivory. Next season we’ll see more orange, dark eggplants and purples all mixed in together. As for metallics, I think silver will overtake gold. I’m designing some pieces made from jersey with a metallic treatment so that it looks like tinfoil. The beauty of this fabric is that it crinkles and wrinkles in any way that you want.”
Booty call That uniqueness in dress also filters down to accessories. Carolyn Eby, owner of both accessories haven Trove and shoe hotspot Shoon, sees a real mishmash of styles. “For accessories, it seems like the seasons are starting to blur together,” she says. “Boots, for example, will be strong right through spring and summer. For fall, the many shades of brown will be very strong for footwear, along with teal and metallics.” Decorated heels As for heel height, expect to see a combination of both flats and heels, but not to the same extreme. “While heels are still at around the three-inch mark, the heels are stacked and square and have a retro feel,” advises Carolyn. “What you’ll definitely see is a lot of texture and embellishments. Shoes and handbags are being dressed up with sequins, beading, buckles and a lot of wood accents like rings and grommets with circular detailing.” Funky fusion Jewellery gets a boost of relaxed ease and experiences fun culture shock. “Bangles and necklaces are getting longer and more relaxed,” she says. “At the same time, there’s a real demand for culturally influenced pieces. Crochet necklaces made with sari silks and beads are a great example of this. Natural materials such as shells, wood, semiprecious stones, brushed gold, bronze and silver are also strong for accessories.”
W
hat’s the common theme? Things are starting to look more polished and less relaxed in menswear, while women can take advantage of a more comfortable silhouette that’s sophisticated and embellished. Without a doubt, combining fabric and texture will be the most important fashion statement you can make this season and next. RTS
Uncle Otis 26 Bellair Street (416) 920-2281 www.uncleotis.com
Model Citizen 913 Dundas Street W. (416) 553-6632
Response 690 Queen Street W. (416) 366-5394 www.responseclothing.com
Shoon 760 Bathurst Street (416) 531-4211 www.shoon.ca
Trove 793 Bathurst Street (416) 516-1258 www.trove.ca RTS 13
fashion
fashion
THE NEW STYLE FUSION
The return of the loose woman Back in 1998, Glynis Dupuis was named Coolest New Atelier by Toronto Life magazine, and her reputation as such still stands. Since opening up her shop/studio Response in 1997, Glynis has dressed many of the city’s hippest sophisticates. “We’ve seen looser-fitting clothing for women on the runway for years,” she says, “but I think we’re ready to embrace it fully. Look for looser tops paired with slim-legged pants, tent-style dresses, exaggerated sleeves on blouses, raglan sleeves and rounded shoulders.”
WRITTEN BY SUZAN BIANCHI
I
n the past year, we’ve seen fashion contradict itself both on the runway and on the walkway. From fluid peasant skirts to silo-straight pencil skirts, it seems that everything goes. The good news for 2006 is that we’ll still have plenty of room for personal style. There are a few distinct trends, however, that you don’t want to miss.
Classic casual “Mixing and matching is a definite trend that will continue,” says Donnelle Enns, owner of überhip men’s store Uncle Otis. “Blazers, for example, are coming in traditional pinstriped fabric but with a canvas collar, so that they can be worn with casual pants. Clothes have a cleaner, more classic feel but with little modern touches.” Donnelle’s store is known for carrying exclusive lines that give streetwise guys that cutting-edge look. “We’re carrying deconstructed denim,” he explains, “but the deconstruction is professionally done, so the look is a little more classic.” Bulking up Thick cable-knit wool sweaters are also hot items. “A great investment piece,” continues Donnelle, “is the zip-up wool cardigan. They’re very comfortable and versatile, especially in the colours for the season - dark chocolate-brown and black.”
Skinny legs Julian Finkle, owner of Model Citizen, sees some of the same trends for menswear. “I’m carrying custom-made jeans with super-skinny legs — Ramones-style,” he says. “The relaxed fit has definitely passed.” Get waisted “A big seller right now that will carry into next season is the waistcoat,” says Julian. Waistcoats — vests with buttons — haven’t quite made their mark in womenswear, as expected, but are a hit with the guys. While the waistcoats at Model Citizen have a traditional look with a satin back, interesting appliqués or screenprinted adornments on either the front or back give them modern panache. “Men are wearing these over T-shirts or shirts without ties,” continues Julian. “With jeans and a simple T, they dress up an otherwise casual look.” Tidy-up Julian, who carries lines from some of Toronto’s best up-and-coming designers, has noticed a polishing up of regular streetwear. “Everything looks more tidy these days,” he says. “I’m also noticing a lot of innovation in items. Flight jackets by Inspected By Hand (IBH) have zippered hoods that can be left unzipped and give the look of a very wide collar.” From a store whose opening sign read, “You deserve a better-dressed boyfriend,” the tidied-up casual look seems to fit in nicely with its urban clientele.
12 RTS
STYLE
Silver: the new gold According to Glynis, colours will range from neutrals to warm, sunny colours for spring. “Black will still be an important neutral,” she says. “I see it mixed with cream or ivory. Next season we’ll see more orange, dark eggplants and purples all mixed in together. As for metallics, I think silver will overtake gold. I’m designing some pieces made from jersey with a metallic treatment so that it looks like tinfoil. The beauty of this fabric is that it crinkles and wrinkles in any way that you want.”
Booty call That uniqueness in dress also filters down to accessories. Carolyn Eby, owner of both accessories haven Trove and shoe hotspot Shoon, sees a real mishmash of styles. “For accessories, it seems like the seasons are starting to blur together,” she says. “Boots, for example, will be strong right through spring and summer. For fall, the many shades of brown will be very strong for footwear, along with teal and metallics.” Decorated heels As for heel height, expect to see a combination of both flats and heels, but not to the same extreme. “While heels are still at around the three-inch mark, the heels are stacked and square and have a retro feel,” advises Carolyn. “What you’ll definitely see is a lot of texture and embellishments. Shoes and handbags are being dressed up with sequins, beading, buckles and a lot of wood accents like rings and grommets with circular detailing.” Funky fusion Jewellery gets a boost of relaxed ease and experiences fun culture shock. “Bangles and necklaces are getting longer and more relaxed,” she says. “At the same time, there’s a real demand for culturally influenced pieces. Crochet necklaces made with sari silks and beads are a great example of this. Natural materials such as shells, wood, semiprecious stones, brushed gold, bronze and silver are also strong for accessories.”
W
hat’s the common theme? Things are starting to look more polished and less relaxed in menswear, while women can take advantage of a more comfortable silhouette that’s sophisticated and embellished. Without a doubt, combining fabric and texture will be the most important fashion statement you can make this season and next. RTS
Uncle Otis 26 Bellair Street (416) 920-2281 www.uncleotis.com
Model Citizen 913 Dundas Street W. (416) 553-6632
Response 690 Queen Street W. (416) 366-5394 www.responseclothing.com
Shoon 760 Bathurst Street (416) 531-4211 www.shoon.ca
Trove 793 Bathurst Street (416) 516-1258 www.trove.ca RTS 13
STYLE
fashion
fashion
THE NEW STYLE FUSION
The return of the loose woman Back in 1998, Glynis Dupuis was named Coolest New Atelier by Toronto Life magazine, and her reputation as such still stands. Since opening up her shop/studio Response in 1997, Glynis has dressed many of the city’s hippest sophisticates. “We’ve seen looser-fitting clothing for women on the runway for years,” she says, “but I think we’re ready to embrace it fully. Look for looser tops paired with slim-legged pants, tent-style dresses, exaggerated sleeves on blouses, raglan sleeves and rounded shoulders.”
WRITTEN BY SUZAN BIANCHI
I
n the past year, we’ve seen fashion contradict itself both on the runway and on the walkway. From fluid peasant skirts to silo-straight pencil skirts, it seems that everything goes. The good news for 2006 is that we’ll still have plenty of room for personal style. There are a few distinct trends, however, that you don’t want to miss.
Classic casual “Mixing and matching is a definite trend that will continue,” says Donnelle Enns, owner of überhip men’s store Uncle Otis. “Blazers, for example, are coming in traditional pinstriped fabric but with a canvas collar, so that they can be worn with casual pants. Clothes have a cleaner, more classic feel but with little modern touches.” Donnelle’s store is known for carrying exclusive lines that give streetwise guys that cutting-edge look. “We’re carrying deconstructed denim,” he explains, “but the deconstruction is professionally done, so the look is a little more classic.” Bulking up Thick cable-knit wool sweaters are also hot items. “A great investment piece,” continues Donnelle, “is the zip-up wool cardigan. They’re very comfortable and versatile, especially in the colours for the season - dark chocolate-brown and black.”
Skinny legs Julian Finkle, owner of Model Citizen, sees some of the same trends for menswear. “I’m carrying custom-made jeans with super-skinny legs — Ramones-style,” he says. “The relaxed fit has definitely passed.” Get waisted “A big seller right now that will carry into next season is the waistcoat,” says Julian. Waistcoats — vests with buttons — haven’t quite made their mark in womenswear, as expected, but are a hit with the guys. While the waistcoats at Model Citizen have a traditional look with a satin back, interesting appliqués or screenprinted adornments on either the front or back give them modern panache. “Men are wearing these over T-shirts or shirts without ties,” continues Julian. “With jeans and a simple T, they dress up an otherwise casual look.” Tidy-up Julian, who carries lines from some of Toronto’s best up-and-coming designers, has noticed a polishing up of regular streetwear. “Everything looks more tidy these days,” he says. “I’m also noticing a lot of innovation in items. Flight jackets by Inspected By Hand (IBH) have zippered hoods that can be left unzipped and give the look of a very wide collar.” From a store whose opening sign read, “You deserve a better-dressed boyfriend,” the tidied-up casual look seems to fit in nicely with its urban clientele.
12 RTS
STYLE
Silver: the new gold According to Glynis, colours will range from neutrals to warm, sunny colours for spring. “Black will still be an important neutral,” she says. “I see it mixed with cream or ivory. Next season we’ll see more orange, dark eggplants and purples all mixed in together. As for metallics, I think silver will overtake gold. I’m designing some pieces made from jersey with a metallic treatment so that it looks like tinfoil. The beauty of this fabric is that it crinkles and wrinkles in any way that you want.”
Booty call That uniqueness in dress also filters down to accessories. Carolyn Eby, owner of both accessories haven Trove and shoe hotspot Shoon, sees a real mishmash of styles. “For accessories, it seems like the seasons are starting to blur together,” she says. “Boots, for example, will be strong right through spring and summer. For fall, the many shades of brown will be very strong for footwear, along with teal and metallics.” Decorated heels As for heel height, expect to see a combination of both flats and heels, but not to the same extreme. “While heels are still at around the three-inch mark, the heels are stacked and square and have a retro feel,” advises Carolyn. “What you’ll definitely see is a lot of texture and embellishments. Shoes and handbags are being dressed up with sequins, beading, buckles and a lot of wood accents like rings and grommets with circular detailing.” Funky fusion Jewellery gets a boost of relaxed ease and experiences fun culture shock. “Bangles and necklaces are getting longer and more relaxed,” she says. “At the same time, there’s a real demand for culturally influenced pieces. Crochet necklaces made with sari silks and beads are a great example of this. Natural materials such as shells, wood, semiprecious stones, brushed gold, bronze and silver are also strong for accessories.”
W
hat’s the common theme? Things are starting to look more polished and less relaxed in menswear, while women can take advantage of a more comfortable silhouette that’s sophisticated and embellished. Without a doubt, combining fabric and texture will be the most important fashion statement you can make this season and next. RTS
Uncle Otis 26 Bellair Street (416) 920-2281 www.uncleotis.com
Model Citizen 913 Dundas Street W. (416) 553-6632
Response 690 Queen Street W. (416) 366-5394 www.responseclothing.com
Shoon 760 Bathurst Street (416) 531-4211 www.shoon.ca
Trove 793 Bathurst Street (416) 516-1258 www.trove.ca RTS 13
