Ah leather. How I love you

Yesterday after work I headed to Queen Street with the sole intention of buying Fables comics from the Silver Snail. Unfortunately along the way I got lured into the Rudsak store. The smell of leather puts me into a heavenly coma.
I've never been inside a Rudsak store before but I have seen a few of their collections on the runway at Toronto Fashion Week. When I saw their S/S 09 collection last October, I fell in love with their bomber jackets (in redish-pink, khaki and coal black) and their gorgeous leather bags. So I just had to take a look to see them up close.
First thing I noticed (besides that heavenly smell) were the jackets: Long coats with belts around the waist, fitted bombers in the softest of leathers, spring coats with a bomber look but in a lighter more synthetic material and loads of bags, wallets and other small accessories.

But what really caught my eye were the flats. I immediately asked to try on a classic black ballerina, leather flat that has a silver button/knob thing on the toe. They were gorgeous; so well-made, with soft leather and a sturdy bottom. Unfortunately they didn't have my size so I ordered a pair from Montreal. I can't find a picture of them on the website but take it from me; they are perfect to wear anywhere; at work, at a party, lounging about in the house, shopping, wherever.

There was also a great pair of party heels; open toe sandal with a cross cross construction and zipeer at the back. I resisted.

But the piece that I really wanted and almost died when I realized the price, was a fitted leather black bomber jacket. It had multiple zippers in silver and several pockets. The leather was very soft, and it fit me perfectly. Too bad I'm saving for an apartment. Or maybe I should be saying, too bad apartment, the jacket will be mine!

I'm trying to buy more clothes from Canadian stores because a) I believe that supporting our country's designers is really important b) Canada has amazing designers who make beautiful clothes and c) I don't want to give all my money to behemoths like H&M who make poorer quality clothes.

If you've never heard of Rudsak, I insist you check them out. The brand was founded by Evik Asatoorian in Montreal in 1994. They specialize in leatherwear and goods but they also sell t-shirts, shoes and bags. And I have to say that even though they can be a bit pricey, their stuff is timeless and will last you forever.

If you ever make it to L'Oreal Fashion Week, go to their show. And if the clothes aren't enough to entice you, the models are always super hot. At the show in October I couldn't stop staring at this super fine male model. Even Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell was drooling.

They have a few stores in Toronto and the GTA as well as in Montreal. Check out their site here.


I want this bag! Isn't the colour gorgeous?

Classic.Party shoes!

Model profile: Christina Thé

I first noticed Christina Thé at the Evan Biddell show at L'Oreal Fashion Week Fall '08. It wasn't so much her but her incredibly chiseled jawline and high-set cheekbones that made me sit up and stare. And oh, those lips. Forget about Angelina Jolie; Thé's pout will make you cry. She was definitely one of the most memorable models during Fashion Week.

The Chinese-Canadian was only 11-years-old when she was discovered at Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition. She has appeared in ads for Emporio Armani, Cover Girl and Creative Nail Design and has appeared in magazines such as Jasmine. and GQ She's signed with Elmer Olsen and Next.
Surprisingly, there is little buzz about her on the Internet considering her unique and exotic looks.
To me, she looks like she should be a movie star. Put her in a horror movie!

(Photos: L'Oreal Fashion Week, The Fashion Model Directory)

Review: Evan Biddell F/W 2008

Evan Biddell's show at L'Oreal Fashion Week in March was my first fashion show. I went with my co-worker Chris and even though we had invitations, our names weren't on the seating list. As if that would stop us from getting a seat. We decided to look confident and promptly sat down in the front row. No one noticed! I was really excited to see my first fashion show so when the first model came sashaying down the runway (coincidently it was model Simona McIntyre who I interviewed a couple months prior) I couldn't believe how much fun it was. Sitting in the front row makes all the difference in the world. I could practically reach out and touch the models if I wanted too. I could see all the little details (and the flaws) in the clothes so it gave me a better idea of their construction and the materials that were used.
After the show I went backstage and it was really hectic: Naked models in the midst of dressing, reporters clamoring for interviews, make-up artists fixing up models for the next show. It was all very frantic but fabulous. I briefly got to speak to Simona who had to do an interview with Jeanne Beker and then go right to the airport to catch a flight to another job.
Unfortunately I didn't have time to get an interview with Biddell; I had to rush back outside and get in line for the next show or else I wouldn't get a seat! As the week carried on, I only got away with getting a front row seat at four shows, but at least I got a seat. Many people were relegated to the standing room only section at the back.
The only thing about Fashion Week that sucks? The long wait-time. Imagine standing in four-inch heels for 45 minutes, being herded into the show, making a mad dash to find an empty seat (even if you are on the list, you might not get a seat) watching a 15 to 20 minute show, making a mad dash outside to get in line again and waiting another 45 minutes. And where were about eight shows a day. It's a crazy week but it's worth it!

My review of the show is on fashionistas, a new Canadian fashion networking site. I'll post the first bit to give you a taste!

Evan Biddell F/W 2008

Evan Biddell, winner of Project Runway Canada, kicked off L’Oreal Fashion Week with a collection that needed a bit more tweaking.

Read the rest of my review here.

(Photos: Canadian Press)