Haute Hotel Launches: THE BRUNETTES Attend the Official Grand Opening Party of the Beverley Hotel

Fashion is about more than just clothing and personal style; it’s also about where you play … and where you stay. The trendsetters at the Beverley Hotel are fully aware of the fact that stylish people like to come together in equally stylish surroundings. So when the hotel had its official opening soirée earlier this month to showcase its lofty, new space, THE BRUNETTES couldn’t pass up the invite to be among the first to mingle in the Beverley’s chic lounge.

The event drew in a crowd of local celebrities, artists, fashion personalities, and other Toronto tastemakers who embody the culture and attitude of the Queen West lifestyle. Signature cocktails and wine were served to guests alongside gastro goodies (think watermelon-fried quail or bite-sized steak served on a homemade potato chip), while a DJ set the tone with a smooth playlist.

Later THE BRUNETTES took the European-style lift up to the Beverley’s rooftop bar—where partygoers could watch a chef prepare tasty satay skewers or have one of the bar’s mixologists concoct a drink of luxury liquors—chatted with former MTV personality Johnny Hockin, and snapped a pic with Project Runway Canada 2 designer Jason Meyers. With such a great first impression, THE BRUNETTES look forward to the opening of the Beverley Hotel's speakeasy to get us through the winter months.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from THE BRUNETTES’ own collection *images from THE BRUNETTES’ collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting

Manga-Modeled Collections: Japanese Comic Books Come to Life with the Minju Kim for H&M Collaboration

The ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M collection isn't the only designer collaboration from the retail giant worthy of becoming a fashion fanatic over. Getting much less press and hitting stores almost a full month earlier, on October 17^th to be exact, award-winning designer Minju Kim will debut a capsule collection of womenswear that consists of nine eye-catching garments and a small selection of accessories.

Bold pastel combos, monochromatic mixes, and mustard hues set a playful tone for the designer’s Manga-inspired theme, while creative cuts and multi-textile tailoring further enhance it, making the fantasy world of this Japanese art form a reality for those daring enough to wear pieces from the range. And although the Minju Kim for H&M collaboration will not be available in Canada, it will hit H&M stores in the US, Europe, and Asia, be sold online, and, as a first for H&M, Opening Ceremony stores in both the US and the UK will also carry the line.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from H&M

Affordable French Fashion Collaborations: A First Look at the ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M Collection

After sneaking a peek at the entire ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M collaboration collection, THE BRUNETTES have picked some of their favourite pieces from the much-anticipated line of Parisian-inspired fashions. 

Known for her effortlessly chic aesthetic, the famed French designer brings her signature style to this affordable line of womenswear that is showcased alongside a children's line and the designer's first-ever collection for men. 

Highlighting textured bohemian knits, embroidered denim staples and embellished statement accessories, the ISABEL MARANT POUR H&M collection has us excited for its November 14 launch. 

Authored by Jana Pijak

Images from E! Online, The Huffington Post, FASHION Magazine

Affordable Kaleidoscope Couture: The PETER PILOTTO for Target Collection Hits Stores in February 2014

    

Following up a successful collaboration with American designer Phillip Lim, Target is joining forces with London-based label PETER PILOTTO for its latest capsule collection. The PETER PILOTTO for Target collaboration collection is set to hit stores in February of 2014 with the majority of items priced at less than $60.00. 

This much-anticipated collection of nearly 70 items will feature affordably chic women's apparel, accessories and swimwear that will be sold in Target Stores as well as on the website of online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter. 

The PETER PILOTTO for Target collaboration collection has us excited for what's in store from the label's celebrated designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos. Known for their use of vivid textiles and architectural silhouettes, the duo are thrilled to make their aesthetic available to the budget-conscious Target consumer. 

Authored by Jana Pijak

Images from Glamour UK

Couture-Crazed Customers: The 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collection Flies Off the Shelves in Mere Seconds

THE BRUNETTES joined the queue, which had some fashionistas camping out as early as 4am in the morning, at the East York location of Target in Toronto last Sunday in an attempt to score some of their favourite pieces from the launch of the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection. 

When the doors opened at 8am, a line of couture-crazed customers bustled their way into the store—in a somewhat orderly fashion—to see if they could get their hands on some of the collection’s most covetable pieces, namely, a selection of bags with design references to Lim’s Pashli purse models.

An inevitable fashion frenzy broke out, with some customers prepared to fight for the bourgeois-on-a-budget handbags, causing some clothing casualties in the process, like this beautiful, blue number pictured above that seemed to fall to the floor in slow motion before eventually meeting its demise from a stampede of foot traffic.

Although the extremely limited Phillip Lim for Target collection flew off the shelves in a matter of seconds, THE BRUNETTES were able to score some pieces from the line, making the overall experience one of the most exciting shopping adventures we have had to date.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from THE BRUNETTES’ own collection *images from THE BRUNETTES’ collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting

Swag Brag: The Suite for TIFF 2013 Edition

With tons of sponsors helping to make the premiere launch of Kelly Claman Company’s and Stylist Box’s joint venture, The Suite, a success, it’s no surprise that the style lounge that catered to outfitting and grooming celebrities for the TIFF red carpet was as much about swag as it was about fashion.

An endless supply of drinks and nibblies were offered up to guests at The Suite to satisfy their hunger between film screenings and while perusing the racks of the studio space’s designer collections. Attendees were able to enjoy complimentary beverages like mike’s authentic shandy, Palm Bay Spritz, and VitaminWater and snack on treats from Jelly Modern Doughnuts and Clafouti before selecting a designer outfit to borrow—also free of charge—to wear to their next TIFF event.

As if the food and refreshments weren’t enough, those who attended The Suite also received a TIFF-worthy gift bag that included stylish accessories and clothing from Kara by Kara Ross, Kova&T, Whitney Eve, Me to We Style, and Secret Legwear, as well as chocolate from Green & Black’s Organic label, a tin of Vitamints Recover, the most recent issue of Chloe Magazine, and much more, keeping film buffs stylish, satiated, healthy, and well-read all festival long.

Authored by John Ibbitson

Images from THE BRUNETTES’ own collection *images from THE BRUNETTES’ collection not to be used without providing a source link to this posting

Jewel-Encrusted Menswear: Jordan Barrett Poses for Thor Elias in the Organic Image Series

Entitled 'Organic', the Jordan Barrett by Thor Elias image series embodies an opulent air. This stunning fashion story is the latest exclusive for F****** Young! Online and dares to push gender boundaries. Posing in studio, Australian model Jordan pulls off a flamboyant and over-the-top wardrobe of jewel-encrusted tops, vividly patterned jackets and embellished headpiece accessories.

Wardrobe stylist Gustavo Pallacios dresses the model in a number of luxe designer pieces from the likes of Vlad Kanevsky, Ann Demeulemeester and Paula Walden to name a few. This blinged-out image series embraces ornate menswear staples and matching jewel-encrusted cosmetic applications that are courtesy of visionary makeup artist Gemma Elaine at Embellished Makeup Artistry.

Authored by Jana Pijak

Images from F****** Young!