Author: Maria Alexia Hinoporos

Categories
Student Life

Dearly beloved, the wedding season is upon us

Press photo
Press photo

In 2009, Madeleine Kojakian, founder of Maddy K Wedding and Events Atelier, created Bridal Boudoir Affair. When it first began, the event looked more like a pop-up shop. Flash forward to 2013 and we find ourselves at the Hyatt Regency where all the city’s most elite vendors are gathered in one location, set-up and ready for brides and grooms to sample and choose for their big day.

“I didn’t plan it at all. It all happened so quickly and by complete fluke,” said Kojakian.

The wedding planner graduated in business from Concordia University and started working for Ocean Drive Magazine. They had an annual publication on wedding planner profiles and when she tried to find one, she realized that Montreal didn’t have any particularly reputable ones.

“There was no market for it. I saw an opportunity and seized it,” she said.

In 2003, Kojakian launched Maddy K, a wedding planning business like no other. Since she had been in the media industry, she had some key contacts, but through her talent and perseverance, her company kept growing.

“I work very closely with my vendors. I get dozens of emails a day from start-up businesses. I work with the ones that are unique and bring something different to the table,” she said.

Everyone needs a little inspiration, some drive – for Kojakian, it’s her job.

“I love what I do as a whole. From the designers to the marketing, I love it all, which inspires me every day.”

When it comes down to it, this wedding planner inspires herself. She loves what she does and it is reflected in her work. Bridal Boudoir Affair was the most exciting, lavish and enchanting event that I have ever been to.

Press photo

The event kicked off with a brilliant fashion show that was put together by none other than Melissa Matos and Andrew Ly of TRUSST. Galleria Della Sposa showcased its beautiful gowns designed by Jenny Packham, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta and Reem Acra.

Each dress surpassed the next. Colours ranged from blush pink to ivory, varying in style from A-line to mermaid, from low-cut to backless – Galleria Della Sposa made sure to cater to every bride’s needs.

Allison McGill, editor-in-chief of Wedding Bells, explained that the it colour for the season is emerald green. Brides everywhere are accessorizing in this bright tone. Wedding invitations, bridesmaid dresses, ties, flowers, jewelry; a pop of this colour will be found in every trendy wedding.

Avanti Spa had their make-up artists on the scene, providing the brides-to-be with a fresh, fabulous and flawless look. Ally Zwonok Beauty brought their organic spray-tan booth, giving everyone a sun-kissed glow. Tres Chic Styling showcased some of their glamourous gowns and dressed hostesses Natasha Gargiulo from Virgin Radio and ET Canada, and DJ Abeille Gélinas. 

Luluthia had a gorgeous set up of their flowers in an array of bright colours.

Since the wedding season is right around the corner, the number one thing to remember when planning your own wedding is not to make rash decisions because of lack of time. “Don’t fall for that, make an educated decision and don’t look back,” says Kojakian.

Although it may be tempting, once you’ve found your dress, don’t start flipping through magazines hoping to find something better. Trust your taste. After all, it is your taste that got you to the altar in the first place!

Whether you’re the bride-to-be, in the wedding party or a hopeless romantic, Bridal Boudoir Affair is the place to be for something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

 

Visit http://maddyk.com/ for more information.

Getting married next year? Don’t forget to check out www.bridalboudoiraffair.com

Categories
Student Life

Model and celebrity tug of war

From Kim Kardashian to Adriana Lima, has any Hollywood starlet not graced the cover of a magazine? Throughout the last couple of decades, there seems to have been a shift when it comes to the magazine industry. Traditionally, when you would peruse through the pages of Vogue, you would see nothing but nameless and slender beautiful figures. Flash forward to the 2000’s and you’re bombarded with Hollywood’s A-listers.

Recently, the 22-year-old Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence was chosen to be the new face of Dior for the spring/summer 2013

Graphic Jennifer Kwan

campaign. She joins South African timeless beauty Charlize Theron who has been representing the brand since 2004. John Galliano first approached the actress when he wanted to replace Estonian model Tiiu Kuik for the “J’adore” advertisements.

This evolution from model to celebrity has me thinking, which helps increase magazine and fashion brand circulation?

Anna Wintour, famously known for the inspiration behind the movie The Devil Wears Prada has been editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988. She was first offered the job because, believe it or not, the magazine had been losing ground to ELLE.

“Vogue is a fashion magazine, and a fashion magazine is about change,” said Wintour in an interview with Judith Newman in 1990. By 1989, models became too mainstream for her. They were something of the past and she was a woman of the future. She needed someone edgier, more known, more in the now. Someone no one would suspect or even dream of seeing on the front cover, someone like Madonna.

While the other publications remained fixated on models, Wintour dove into a new realm; the world of celebrities. During the nineties, every Hollywood it-girl made an appearance on one of magazine’s semi-gloss pages. Wintour foresaw the celebrity obsession and used it to her advantage increase magazine sales.

Today, even iconic haute-couture brands like Dior and Chanel use celebrities for their

campaigns. Models get the boot while the celebs get the job. That may have been the trend for the last two decades, but it seems like models are making a comeback. With the help of social media sites like Twitter and Instagram, models are extending their fanbase and nudging their way into the pop culture of celebrities.

British model Lily Monica Donaldson has appeared on the covers of Vogue UK, Vogue Australia and Vogue Italia and has represented fashion houses such as Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Max Mara. In 2011 and 2012 she was a Victoria’s Secret angel and rocked the catwalk at the lavish and vibrant Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

As for Canadians, no one does social media better than Toronto model Coco Rocha. She was the first high-fashion model to reach one million social media followers. Rocha has been the face of pretty much every designer, ranging from Yves Saint Laurent to Gap. In 2012, Karl Lagerfeld hired her for his Macy’s collection brand. Vogue Paris has included her in the top 30 models of the 2000s.

Glenn McMahon, CEO of St. John Knits, told Women’s Wear Daily that her decision to replace Angelina Jolie with supermodel Karen Elson was based on the need for a clean slate for the fashion company because the actress “overshadowed the brand.”

Magazine editors are also looking for fresh faces, and gearing more towards well-known models rather than the obvious celebrity of the moment. Not to mention that most magazines usually include a three-page feature of the celebrity on the cover, and readers have become quite tired of reading the same stories of the same people.

One of the reasons for this shift is that more industries, with the help of social media sites, are producing their own celebrities that don’t necessarily come from the big screen.

When it comes to modeling, there are just some things that celebs cannot do. Sure, they’re stunning, flawless even, but when a photographer needs to capture that picture-perfect, million-dollar shot, a model knows how to position herself to get it within seconds.

 

Graphics by Jennifer Kwan 

Categories
Student Life

Arti Gogna celebrates feminine curves on the runway

Her collection features an array of gowns in blues, greens, beiges, and reds in lace, chiffon and brocade.

In a city that houses approximately three million people, few have been given the gift of design; fewer are given the chance to explore it. Born and bred in Montreal, fashion designer Arti Gogna is one of the chosen few.

During her second year in the fashion design program at LaSalle College, Gogna put on a fashion show where one of her teachers attended.

“He really liked one of my skirts. He worked at ELLE Québec at the time and said that it would be perfect to feature in the magazine.

The Arti Gogna collection features an array of gowns in blues, greens, beiges, and reds in lace, chiffon and brocade. (Arti Gogna press photo)

That’s what triggered it,” said Gogna. “I knew that this was my calling, it’s what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life.”

Five years later, on Feb. 22, I found myself at Espaces des Arts waiting for the launch of the Arti Gogna summer 2013 collection to begin.

As people filled the room, wine glasses started to clink and the lights began to dim to signal the start of show. The first model strutted onto the runway in a beautiful lace and chiffon peek-a-boo turquoise and lime dress.

“This is the first time I work with chiffon, I’m really experimenting with it and so far I’ve gotten a good response,” explained Gogna. “I’ll be using it for the next collection as well.”

Her collection features an array of gowns in blues, greens, beiges, and reds in lace, chiffon and brocade. Each dress possesses a unique trait that’ll suit any occasion. My favourite look was a turquoise asymmetrical gown with a chiffon bunched-up skirt and a high-cut lace patterned top.

“My designs are glamorous yet practical. I want women to wear my dresses and feel comfortable but still look sexy. We [women] have curves and my fabrics compliment them. They’re tight and fitted but accentuate the female shape,” she said.

As the show came to a close, the last model rocked the catwalk in a form-fitting crimson red silk sweetheart cocktail dress with a black tiered lace peplum skirt.

Gogna’s collection is currently sold at both 1861 store locations as well as on her website.

“I walked into Razberry [1861’s sister store] one day and just thought that my dresses would look great in the store so I asked to speak to the owner. I showed her my samples and she liked what she saw and that was that, they’ve been carrying my garments ever since,” said the designer. “I was lucky. Most aspiring designers aren’t given that opportunity which is why I always tell people to fall in love with what they believe in. If you do that, you’ll always succeed.”

After a trip to India during the holidays, she admits that her perspective on life changed. “Everyone is so free there. They’re just in a different and better state of mind. It has inspired me to do the same.”

Her upcoming collection will showcase that newfound sense of freedom that was triggered in her native land.

When it comes to the fashion industry, Gogna admires anyone who strives for originality. Her newest obsession is Indian-born, American fashion designer Naeem Khan. With his elaborate patterns and accents, first lady Michelle Obama can’t even help but indulge.

Before expanding her eponymous brand to the United States, Gogna would like to establish herself in Montreal.

“This is my home, I can’t fathom leaving Montreal without really getting my name out there,” she said.

After such a successful show, there’s no denying her potential to expand and succeed across the border.

 

To purchase any pieces from the Arti Gogna summer collection, visit http://artigogna.myshopify.com/.

Simply want to browse around? Have a look at http://www.artigogna.com/summer2013.htm.

 

 

 

Categories
Student Life

Going green with fur and leather

(Photo from RachelF.ca)

As I walked up the Arsenal stairs in my new black patent Mary Janes, I couldn’t help but smile at the overwhelming sound of heels clicking and cameras flashing. Montreal Fashion Week is a time where some of the country’s best designers and most fabulous

(Photo from RachelF.ca)

fashionistas sit under one brightly-lit roof in full fashionable force.

There was quite the lineup this year. From veterans such as Nadya Toto and Harricana by Mariouche, to newcomers like Pedram Karimi and Matière Noire, the designers left the city panting and wanting more. I sat down with Pénélope Plante, the publicist of designer Rachel Fortin of Rachel F., for an exclusive interview.

Fortin has created her line based on recycled fur and leather and vows that not a single new skin will ever be used while designing her cozy and urban accessories. Another positive aspect about recycling old fur coats is that each one is different in presentation and appearance, making each of Fortin’s pieces unique; there is no mass production.

Although her label was originally focused on recuperating old fur clothes into new garments and accessories, Fortin also felt compelled to experiment with leather. It is resistant enough to recycle and leather is much more versatile than fur allowing Fortin to be a little more creative in designing pieces from winter to summer.

Inspired by Montreal in the 1970s, the Fortin Fall/Winter 2013 collection involved fur, leather, fringes, tails and nubucks in beiges, browns, blacks, yellows and khakis.

“It all started with the ‘arrow sash’,” said Plante. “We took the traditional feeling of the design and incorporated the arrows, points and triangles into it.”

According to Plante, Fortin first realized that she wanted to be a fashion designer after coming to Montreal from Saguenay to study fashion at CEGEP Marie-Victorin. Upon graduation, Fortin accepted an internship in Denmark to specialize in the development and research of fur, an experience that had an influential impact on her earlier collections. Although she worked in Denmark, Paris has always been the city she dreamed of living in.

“For the moment, she’s in Japan and I think that is where we are going to keep her energy. The Japanese market is easier to penetrate than the Parisian one,” said Plante. “We would probably try New York before Paris, especially when it comes to fur.”

Although the label is based on recuperating and revamping old fur coats and leather goods, it’s not always easy for Fortin to convince anti-fur organizations to change their negative connotations of the brand.

“Some [groups] don’t even let us get to the point where we tell them that it’s recycled. People are just against fur in general, it doesn’t matter if it’s recycled or new, as soon as they hear fur they just aren’t interested,” said Plante. “We do have clients that are vegan and they don’t seem to mind because we really stress the fact that it is recycled.”

Whether you love wrapping yourself in mink or detest the idea of wearing animals, the idea of recycled fur and leather does bring up quite a debate.

To purchase pieces from the upcoming line, please visit the Rachel F. official website at: www.rachelf.ca/en/store/ or visit www.rachelf.ca/en/dealers/ for a list of the dealers.

Categories
Music

Quickspins: Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Chad Valley, Minnesota

Lana Del Rey, Born to Die: The Paradise Edition

Lana Del Rey – Born To Die: Paradise Edition (2012; Interscope)

Lana Del Rey, Born to Die: The Paradise Edition

With the voice of a ‘50s singer and the persona of a ‘60s actress, Lana Del Rey continues to capture listeners with her meaningful songs in her upcoming album, Born To Die: Paradise Edition.

Del Rey’s next album is an eight-track extension of her second studio album, Born to Die. A dark tone matched with expressive lyrics, Paradise Edition has Del Rey offering a powerful performance in each song. The howling guitars in “Gods and Monsters”, the ghostly piano in “Bel Air” and the haunting mixture of strings and hard drum beats in “Body Electric” are the darkest of the whole album.

Her first single off the album, “Ride”, indeed takes you on a mellow road trip. The down-tempo piano ballad has the essence of a great classic movie theme. However, if you’re looking for an album full of upbeat songs, you won’t find it here. The album is set for release on Nov. 12.

Trial track: “Ride”

Rating: 8.8/10

 

– Sabrina Walker

 

Taylor Swift – Red (2012; Big Machine)

Taylor Swift, Red

Best known for her ‘thank you for breaking my heart, I’m gonna go write a song about you now’ attitude, Swift is celebrating the release of her fourth album, Red.

The album’s 16 tracks include everything from confessional ballads like “I Almost Do” to ‘dance like an insane person’ tempos as heard in “22”. Tracks also feature collaborations with brit-pop singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and the lead vocalist of Snow Patrol, Gary Lightbody.

Swift has a multitude of personalities and instead of hiding them, she brings them all out and features a different trait in each of her songs. The tunes are relatable, and that is why she has gathered such a strong fanbase.

“Red” is about the semi-toxic, tumultuous relationships that we go through at one point or another. Whether you’re experiencing intense love or intense confusion, this album — along with some Ben & Jerry’s — is definitely something worth picking up.

Trial track: “All Too Well”

Rating: 9.5/10

– Maria Alexia Hinoporos

 

 

Chad Valley – Young Hunger (2012; Cascine)

Chad Valley, Young Hunger

Hailing from the United Kingdom, electro-pop artist Chad Valley’s persona is one of retro simplicity, muted rainbows and shiny innocence, all of which are distinctly channeled in Young Hunger.

Intermittent twinkling keyboards punctuate “Up and Down”, a bright track that alternates between sweeping and punchy rhythms. It’s the ideal backdrop to an adventure at dusk in an open field beside a highway.

“Manimals” features vocals reminiscent of an ‘80s high school dance —think “Forever Young” filling a room full of powder blue tuxedos. Luminous undertones quickly morph into a full-bodied lounge beat that evokes warm rain. The same hearty vocals can be found on “Fall 4 U”. This time, irritating high-pitched keyboard notes ring in the background. A characteristic rolling beat makes it pleasant, but the retro keyboard shoots stress levels through the roof.

“I Owe You This” is an easily digestible sound with a nighttime feel to it. Halfway through, guest vocals by Twin Shadow seem overly soulful, but they are short-lived; the song therefore preserves its dignity.

 

Trial track: “Manimals”

Rating: 6/10

– Stephanie Ullman

 

Minnesota – Are You There (2012; Hymn and Holler)

Minnesota, Are You There

Peter Himmelman of Sussman Lawrence fame has released another solo record, this time under the moniker of Minnesota, entitled Are You There.

Himmelman, a Minnesota native, makes use of a collection of styles from acoustic to rock, folk and blues, presenting listeners with an eclectic experience. This comes as no surprise, as Himmelman is the son-in-law of legendary singer-songwriter and ‘60s icon Bob Dylan.

The artist, along with several musical collaborators, plays with the heavy use of dynamics throughout the 13-track record, mixing from loud choruses to soft interludes. Thematically, the album revolves heavily around human emotion, specifically love.

Fans of Americana-styled music will enjoy the new additions to their library, while listeners outside of the genre will find that the album experience contains too many tracks with too many similarities. In addition, the slightly higher price tag of $16 will make for a difficult sell.

 

Trial track: “Death by Snakebite”

Rating: 7.4 / 10

– A.J. Cordeiro

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