Celebrating the Beautiful

This past week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held its annual Costume Institute Gala. This year's theme? A celebration of the world's true top models and their influence on designers. Marc Jacobs acted as honorary chair, along with Justin Timberlake, Anna Wintour, and of course, Kate Moss. Models from decades past -and present- were remembered and honored. From Linda Evangelista to Veruschka, Twiggy to Cindy Crawford, famous photos of the models, as well as video footage of the catwalk, and iconic dresses worn by the beauties acted as decoration.

While Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen were immortalized, I couldn't help but wonder who would be next on the list of the world's most beloved models. Coco Rocha and Daria Werbowy are among Canada's biggest models, but what about the slew of unknowns waiting to make it big? I did a little sleuthing and came up with four Canadian models who have landed impressive campaigns and walked for the world's top designers. Kate Moss, watch out.

1. Taryn Davidson

Known for her winning smile, the Ontario born walked on all the top runways this fall, including Celine and Versace. Among the many photo spreads she's down, Davidson worked with Terry Richardson for French Vogue's annual calendar this year.

2. Matt Gordon

This Albertan heartthrob is known for his height. With friends like Jessica Stam and Claudia Schiffer though, who needs anything else?

3. Tara Gill

Friend of Taryn Davidson, Tara is known for her dark eyes and bright smile. These obviously worked in her favor because she opened Vanessa Bruno's Paris show in the spring of 2008.

4. Simon Nessman

With his head of uncontrollable curls, Simon is a staple for all the biggest shows during fashion weeks. Currently, this BC boy is one of Givenchy's faces.

LGFW Review: David Dixon: Fall 2009 + Barbie Collection

Fall 2009
- Colours: Black, white and grey.
- Embroidered black feathers, black beading and organza seperates.

Barbie Collection
- Vintage
- Houndstooth
- Form fitting, bold prints.
- Colours: Black, ivory and Barbie pink.

The Show Love LG Fashion Week in Toronto got a kick start with the reveal of David Dixon's Fall 2009 Collection and Barbie Collection. Dixon's Barbie inspired collection comes after the reveal of designs by Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka and Vera Wang who were some of the designers picked to dress 50 models in Barbie inspired couture. The addition of the Barbie theme LG Fashion week was a nice touch at including a theme that has been prevalent in fashion weeks around the world as Barbie celebrates her 50th anniversary.

David Dixon History

- Born and raised in Toronto.
- A leader in the Canadian fashion scene.
- 10 years of running the David Dixon label.
- A graduate from Ryerson University, 1993.
- Establishment of the David Dixon label, 1995.
- Winner of various awards such as the City of Toronto New Designer of the Year and the City of Toronto Designer of the Year (2000-2001)

Themes of David Dixon

- Luxury, functionality, fantasy and sensibility.

Links:

- David Dixon Designs
- David Dixon Fall 2009 Collection
- David Dixon Barbie Collection

Photography courtesy of Peter Lytwyniuk @ Studiolit

Testing! Testing!!

The discussion of color and racism in fashion always peaks my interest!

Last year, we saw fashion try to "embrace" the black community with Vogue Italia's all black issue! It was embraced by some and destroyed by others.

The world may feel like the color issue is at bay now with all the hoopla over president Obama but for people like myself and other members of the fashion community, color comes into play in many ways. Shocking? For those of us experiencing it not really for others that don't have to deal with it, ignorance is bliss.

There seems to be this belief that just because Obama is the president of the United States, people of color around the world are being treated fairly. This thought process does not mean that industries especially the fashion industries around the world have gotten rid of their prejudices.

In Canada alone or in Calgary, the city and province of Alberta provides the fashion world with some major models eg Heather Marks, but it's interesting to see that black models in the city can barely get a break even with the "change in direction" or so you would think of the fashion model market. It's also really funny because Calgary has a large Sudanese community who are famous for being tall regal beauties who provide fashion with an alternative look of the norm. The Native community also holds women of great bone structure and height, so where are these groups of people represented in Calgary and Canada? I'm not sure what the scene is like in Toronto but i'm guessing it has been rather difficult for black models or models of color to strut their stuff on the runway or in the Canadian fashion scene in general.

The hype of black models or even a Canadian Native model hasn't really been news that I have heard much about in Canada, different in the States, but do you know who these models are?

What are your thoughts on models of color, do you think Canada embraces their ethnically diverse community in their fashion world?
Can you name one famous Canadian model of color other than the well established and popular Stacie McKenzie and Yasmine Warsame?



Links

Who is Diandra Forrest?
Does being black only mean you are American now?
Who is Stacey McKenzie?
Stacey McKenzie Official Website
Is Facehunter racist?

Photos courtesy of The Fashion Spot