Michael Jackson: Healing the Fashion World?

Nearly four months since Michael Jackson shocked his fans one last time and sadly passed away, his influence is as strong as ever, rippling through the tides of fashion, music, art and dance across the globe. His unique rhythms and stylistic creations serve as a platform for artists and dancers, while his contagious sounds still blast from stereos in cars, clubs and in department stores. Although Michael Jackson may be most remembered for his profound impact on Pop music, one cannot turn a blind away from the bad boy’s significant influence on Fashion. Fall 2009 is the season of Michael.

With studded jackets, leather skirts, black loafers, sequined dresses and eccentric accessories dominating Montreal’s fashion scene, Michael’s ability to govern are ever so present. Thriller may have debuted in 1983, but it appears as if, just about everyone is doing his moon walk down Rue St. Catherine. Whether battling zombies in a red leather jacket for Thriller or performing in fedoras and metal, Michael's style was insidious, innovative and incredible. To commemorate Michael, the fashion gurus have sent a message to loyal fans- Michael’s influence won’t stop till you get enough.

Swedish Takeover

Found in the Scandinavian Peninsula of Northern Europe, Sweden has rarely caught the attention of the world's premier fashionistas. However outside their range of vision- Sweden has been quietly creating a fashion enterprise. Swedish designers have emerged from the snow and have recently produced some of today's most wearable, sensible and inventive wardrobes. Appearing in boutiques and department stores from Tel Aviv to Vancouver, these Scandinavian designers have begun their takeover.....

Behold a future contemporary classic- ACNE



Meet the stylish sisters behind MINIMARKET

Shmoozers for the Sake of the Country

At least Sex Sells!

Since the dawning of the new financial era, daparment stores have stood library silent. Billionaires have become passe, and the middle market money has been wiped out by the plague of Madoff. Looking to the future, and confronting a reality where free flowing credit is as obsolete as disposable clothing from Bergdorff's, designers were forced to create cutting edge and provocative pieces.

With the economy tanking, designers from Gucci to Pucci showed that, when hedge funds are bankrupt and your credit line is cut off, there is always one thing to rely on: sex.

Introducing metal studs, silver mesh mini skirts and leather leggings/boots - our sex- induced weapon for fighting against the recession.

From the top: From Fashion Week Fall 09
Emilio Pucci, Gucci, Nina Ricci, Yves Saint Laurent

Prancing into Spring

Delicate, soft, lovely - all words which we associate with the coming of spring. However, with the groundhog emerging to search for its shadow, women are no longer reaching for their sweet spring floral pallets.
Although this girlish tradition has not vanished, as women tend to nurture their femininity, one look at spring's shoes remind women of the tremendous strides they have taken in modern day society, literally. Sharp, clunky, vicious, over-arching and commanding, these hot shoes are shoes made for the future.

Red, Blue and Green?

Hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in DC yesterday to witness the world's biggest musical acts in celebration of Tuesday's presentational inauguration. Instilling confidence in the American people, Barak Obama gave a brief message filled with hope and optimism.
However, this time it was not just about uniting the red and blue, but Green America too. A million invitations for the inauguration were sent out which pleased even the country's tree huggers. The invitations were printed on a Classic Crest Recycled 100 Natural White grade paper. Made of recyclable fiber, with Alphatetta, Ga. -based Neenah paper, the invitations are said to be made from the globe's leading green papers.
Signaling his dedication to preserving the environment and displaying once again how truly trendy Obama is, it definitely is a new day for America, a green day.

Forget Obama - its Tea Time.

Its officially power hour. With one of the most anticipated presidential inaugurations just around the corner, all eyes are on Washington. But across the great sea, stands the proud city of London where being fabulous is just as common as having tea at four in the afternoon.
ASOS the online fashion store, is a British delight. Taking influences from London's leading designers- ASOS creates the best and hottest looks for a reasonable price in a economic terrifying time.
Following the catwalks of the ethnic inspired Mathew Williamson, and the vintage lady-like looks of Luella Bartley, ASOS constructs outfits which are just as lovely and breathtaking to their bank burden counterparts.
Forget power hour.. a cup of tea will do.

From the top (first two...from Luellas Spring '09 collection, second two from Matthew Williamson's Spring '09 collection)

Check out Asos' JazzhHouse and Wayfarer trends

Finding your Inner Zen in the Wake of Outer Chaos

When recession rains, it pours. Every article is laced with recession- the why, the how, and what now?!
As layoffs continue, life plans re-orient, financial backing delays and students avoid the job markets, deciding to further post-graduate education, a pursuit for an inner revival has erupted, resulting in an increase in yoga registration.
In times of economic crisis, people have turned to yoga.. throwing in their sneakers for a yoga mat and some inner peace. In what feels like one of the coldest winters, yoga provides the stressed out and flu-ish with some relaxation time, low impact activity, and 90 minutes without economic turmoil.
From Bikrims hot yoga, to Moksha, to Ashtanga, to power flow, to Vinyasa - yoga is reconnecting our body and soul.
Reuters tells us more about the global trend to downward dog...Numuste.

Snow Birds

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Sorry for the short hiatus. Will be back blogging in a couple days..
Until than, stick your eyes on these amazing boots by COS...
The winter does not seem so bad after all.