16
September

How Ron Howard’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ movie became a fashion favorite

By avi maxwel / in , , , , , , , /



CNN
 — 

For many, Christmas is a time typically associated with “ugly” reindeer sweaters or snowman neckties. And that’s particularly the case on the big screen: From Nora Krank’s garish, mistletoe-embroidered vest in “Christmas with the Kranks” to Mark Darcy’s Rudolph turtleneck in “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” there’s a consensus that, between all the paper crowns, Santa hats and clashing colors, bad fashion thrives during the festive season.

But it doesn’t have to be that way, and one particular holiday classic is proof: Costume designer Rita Ryack’s Oscar-nominated work on the 2000 live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” reminded viewers that bundling up needn’t be boring, and that Christmas can — and should — be chic. The ultra-glamorous vision of Yuletide dressing was a far cry from what was on offer elsewhere; a maximalist take on the humble Seussian origin story, which follows the redemption arc of the irascible green anti-hero (Jim Carrey) who snatched Christmas away from the Whos of Whoville.

The fashion-forward film saw then-child star Taylor Momsen as little Cindy Lou Who, in an impressive wardrobe filled with puff-sleeved, peter-pan collared dresses, coats and pajamas.

Another memorable look was the plaid corset frock paired

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14
September

Piles of pleats, big bags, longer everything: The strong style trends from Men’s Fashion Week Fall 2024 shows

By avi maxwel / in , , , , , , , , , , , , /

(Source, left to right: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci)

Florence, Milan and Paris were unseasonably cold over the last two weeks as designers staged their Fall 2024 menswear collections during Pitti Uomo, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Fitting, considering the clothes we were shown for next fall and winter prominently featured big coats and touched on enjoying the great outdoors. Some designers even celebrated the cold, like Pharrell, who closed out the Louis Vuitton show with a dusting of snow.

The runways were a showcase of looks that felt, on the whole, incredibly wearable. That was particularly evident in Milan, where Gucci launched a new menswear era for itself under the stewardship of Sabato De Sarno. If his predecessor, Alessandro Michele, was an unparalleled world-builder who pushed the boundaries of campy fashion, De Sarno seems set on making clothes that he — and a broader range of clients — want to wear. 

There was a similar feeling in Paris, where many of the big houses offered up collections that were less editorialized than recent years, with more approachable silhouettes. Oversized pants, for example, were replaced by the familiar straight-leg, slim-cut trouser.

Beyond that, though, these are the trends that

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06
September

How these South Asian fashion and beauty creators prepare for Diwali

By avi maxwel / in , , , , , , /

(Source: Instagram/@dhivya.sri, @priyasidhu, @itsgurnaz; art: CBC Life)

It’s time to shine bright for the Festival of Lights. Dressing up in vibrant new clothing is one of the special ways to celebrate Diwali, which is why we reached out to three South Asian fashion and beauty creators to talk about their plans for the big holiday. Whether they’re putting together a simple outfit for visiting the local temple or a more dramatic look for a big party, these creators love the chance to get dressed up, do their makeup to the nines — and inspire their followers who want to do the same. 

We chatted by email about blending tradition with modern trends and their favourite colours, accessories and makeup techniques to try this year.

As a Toronto-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle creator, Priya makes content about her beauty routine, how she styles her outfits, her wellness journey, and more. Her fashion content frequently showcases South Asian fashion looks from Canadian labels and international brands. With Diwali coinciding with the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Divas, the season really reminds her of the importance of family, as hers comes together for a traditional Punjabi feast, lighting of diyas, and visits to

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04
September

Why ditching fast fashion never goes out of style, and can save money in the long run

By avi maxwel / in , , , , , , , /

Danielle Cosentino used to give bags of unwanted clothes to her cousin every year.

While her cousin loved the free stuff, Cosentino grew tired of buying so much and wearing so little. She had become caught up in acquiring trends through fast fashion retailers only to realize she was locked in a loop of buying cheap clothes, having them degrade quickly, then having to buy more.

“I’ve always been told if you haven’t worn it in two years, then it should go,” says Cosentino, a massage therapist and nutritionist. “And I felt like that would be half my closet.”

A variety of studies and sources go even further than that, estimating that most of us don’t wear 70 to 80 per cent of our clothes.

Averaging out census data over several years, Canadian households spend roughly $300 a month on clothing, according to Statistics Canada. If most of that will be barely worn, our closets are essentially graveyards of disposable income.

Cosentino wanted to change. She hired Jaclyn Patterson, a personal wardrobe stylist and founder of  Shopwise, an online sustainable fashion retailer that focuses on “slow fashion.”

Cosentino began evolving her shopping habits and treating her wardrobe like a long-term

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02
September

What Japanese Fashion is Like: An In-Depth Look at Japan’s Unique Style Scene

By avi maxwel / in , , , , , , /

In the global style panorama, Japanese fashion stands out as a captivating and ever-evolving eclectic marriage of traditional and modern influences, resulting in a diverse and dynamic trend-setting fashion landscape, constantly pushing boundaries while skillfully threading age-old customs with the bold strokes of innovative trends. This is the country where centuries-old fashion styles still survive with contemporary kimonos while sharing space with the most striking avant-garde designs. A complex interplay that’s a testament to Japan’s uncanny ability to preserve its heritage while continuously embracing change.


The Roots of Japanese Fashion

Traditional Japanese Clothing

Centuries-old Japanese garments like the kimono and yukata are not merely outfits but cultural symbols: a significance that extends beyond the realm of attire to serve as well as powerful symbols of Japanese heritage and aesthetic ideals. The kimono, with its intricate patterns, exquisite fabrics, and complex wearing etiquette, epitomizes the Japanese aesthetics of balance, harmony, and subtlety. On the other hand, the yukata, a lighter, more casual variant of the kimono which is typically worn during the warmer months, usually at summer festivals, mirrors the Japanese love for simplicity and functionality, embodying principles of chic simplicity.

Despite their antiquity, these traditional styles exert a palpable influence

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