Simone 'Monie' Walsh

By Erica Phillips

Simone “Monie” Walsh scrambled around Oku Blue in Mississauga recently, preparing for her fashion show, a celebration of her 10th year as a fashion designer, thanks in large part to her father who believes in her.

He took a liking to Walsh’s clothes and suggested she try to make money. “Your clothes are nice, tell me what you need,” Walsh says.

A very organized Walsh developed a spreadsheet listing all the costs and potential income associated with her business venture. She started Mo’knotic in 2002 with t-shirts and summer tops just to get her name out there. Her father, who has his own company, even sponsored Walsh to be in the Jerk Festival.

“If he sees that you are trying and want to do something with your life, you’re creative, he’s drawn to that,” she says.

He still helps Walsh: encourages her to develop a business plan, go to the bank, write up a proposal, get some sponsors, but if she still needs money, her dad will lend a hand.

“In the beginning he really gave me a push,” Walsh says.

He loaned her some money and it’s all been paid back. As the pieces sold, her father took a commission; they split the profits.

The 30 year-old, who lives in Brampton started at the bottom of the fashion ladder, working at stores such as Guess, Buffalo and Parasuco; Walsh wanted to see what people liked and why they shopped. She’s been sketching since she was in her teens.

Initially Walsh designed for young people, up to age 25, but now she doesn’t consider age: her mother wears her designs. For Walsh it’s about comfort, how you feel and what it does for you.

Shernett Swaby, a Toronto designer liked Walsh’s work, acted as her mentor, told her to try and sell everything she sewed. She also worked with other designers as an assistant: fabric shopping, pressing clothes etc.

Walsh still works full-time in customer service because the income is not steady enough from Mo’knotic.

Summer is a busy time for Walsh: she does a lot of custom work for special occasions such as weddings. Saturdays you can find Walsh in Toronto’s fashion district at Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue, where the shop owners have gotten to know her and save fabric samples for the young designer.

“I just feel like a kid in a candy store, the feel of the fabrics. I escape with my creative thoughts,” she beamed.

Stretch denim- anything stretch- is one of Walsh’s favourite fabrics to work with because it fits many body types. She would love to design for Canadian singer Keshia Chante and BET’s Roxy of 106 and Park.

“The reason why I’m drawn to these people is because of their personalities, I think my clothing line speaks that way and would really bring them out even more and if they wore my pieces they be comfortable, it would represent their personality,” Walsh says.

Fashion District at 555 Queen St. W in downtown Toronto sells the Mo’knotic line. You can also visit www.moknotic.com.

The fashion show gave the audience a peak at the wide range of clothes Walsh designs: club wear, eveningwear and street wear. Models were dressed in blues, gold, browns, black, taupe, turquoise, some softly flowing pieces, some body skimming, boleros, short shorts, capris, upscale jeans, jumpsuits, a few ruffles, baby doll style tops, tank tops; many pieces had lace-up and cut out details for a unique look.  The eveningwear was particularly stunning and featured a variety of lengths and some Asian inspiration.

Eventually Walsh would like to sell her collections in a more stores; she has met with a few retail owners.

She sews and distributes from home in Brampton, however Walsh is looking to get into a factory and start mass production this fall. She has a few people who are willing to support her and invest in her so she can take that next big step.

Photo courtesy of moknotic.com

By Karen Welcome

With stores filled with racks and racks of barely-there bikinis and suits with plunging neck-lines, swimsuit shopping can be just as pleasurable as getting waxed.

Recently I decided to join a friend of mine in her Aqua Fit classes. They seem like a lot of fun and the water doesn’t put as much pressure on my joints as the cardio machines at my own gym do. I thought it also couldn’t hurt to have a swimsuit ready for my next vacation.

Looking forward to my first class, I went searching for a trendy suit that would keep everything in it’s place. What started out as a fun shopping day quickly became a chore as I went from store to store realizing how little options there are out there for full-figured women. My quest didn’t falter though, and I found some suits that fit the bill. Here are some tips on what to look for in a bathing suit and where to find them in stores and online.

Additionelle

Opt for swimwear that has bust support or a built-in bra with thicker straps that fit comfortably on your shoulders. Look for prints that show off your figure and your skin tone in the best light and pay attention to details such as rouching, ruffles or side panels that help to give you a more svelte look. Also, piping and boning are great assets in a swimsuit as well.

In Store Walmart’s George label has colourful

Monif C

bathing suits and they also carry a line called Krista that has designed one and two pieces with great coverage and style. Additionelle and Pennington’s have some pretty swim dresses while Gussied Up carries one of my favourite plus designers Monif C’s sexy designs with a fifties vibe. Fast-fashion chain Old Navy also has fashionable pieces that go up to size 20 and Forever 21 had my favourite pics for plus size swimsuits including a tribal tankini with swim shorts.

Forever 21

Online Spanx has swimwear that includes its body shaping material that smoothes you out in all the right places. My favourite piece is their High Rise Bikini Bottom which is perfect for pairing with a bandeau of your choice. One Stop Plus also has very flattering numbers from labels such as Miraclesuit and Woman Within and Old Navy US has a plus size collection that is for exclusively for online shoppers with a few pieces I have my eye on.

Also, don’t forget to accessorize with kaftans, tunics and dresses. Add some bold, chunky jewellery to your outfit as you would to any cocktail or sun dress. Top off with a great pair of shades and you’re ready for getting in a good workout and having fun in the sun.

Flowers as headpieces…can you imagine? When I think of flowers as headpieces, it reminds me of a hippie punk rocker from the 60’s. But thanks to the popularity of fascinators and the Royal Wedding, it seems people are now getting into headgears and similar adornments. Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is being touted worldwide as a fashion icon and it seems some of her style sensibilities are making their way to the United States and Canada. Most notably, her love for hats, which local retailers say has given the headwear market a welcome boost.

A headpiece like this is an updated version of how our moms use to wear this accessory back in the 60’s and 70’s. It’s also an updated style of the headpieces from the 40’s. Whether it is made of silk, mesh, velvet and similar materials, headpieces were seen on a lot of catwalk shows for spring and summer 2011, including Chanel and Dior. Both brands actually encapsulate the style of the glamorous 40’s, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re incorporating this.

Part ornament, part garment, these creations have been making their steady rise through social events and summer weddings in past years. The fascinator has become the headwear of choice for the summer season and celebrities from Kate Middleton to Sarah Jessica Parker have lately been seen sporting the trend.

In December 2010, I was introduced to two lovely young ladies who caught on to the fascinator trend, decided to add their own signature touch to each piece and named it “Banoo by Mesa.”

“MeSa” abbreviated from the combination of the names of Banoo by MeSa’s Co-founders and Designers, Jen Mehrnoush Zomederis and Sahar Talebi is the creative trademark of the duo who decided to embrace this hot craze and capitalize on the movement in the fashion scene. Friends and comrades of over 15 years, the pair embarked on their journey as designers and creators of headwear in 2009.

Sahar’s and Jen’s passion for handcrafting unique creations was instilled in them as young ladies when they were asked to take part in a local fashion show. It was there that the ladies created their first headpiece handcrafted to perfection. After receiving a remarkable praise for their unique pieces, they decided to follow their dreams and make a mark in the industry. Since then, their fascinators have been featured on many individuals in the Toronto Scene and Promotional Campaigns, including Event Planner Wayne Warner “Warner Lifestyle” well renowned “All Black Affair” in 2010. The ladies took their business to an all time high when they were featured in a fashion show in New York city called L’hors Du L’ordinaire, which was put together by my stylist and me during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Jen and Sahar are strong believers of women empowerment, advocates of equality, and present their collection as a tool for change. Raised as two independent and free spirited girls in strong Persian families they value the importance of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

One more thing to love about Mesa is that it fits any type of shape or face and the more colorful and bigger they are, the better and more attractive it looks. The ladies are determined to make any piece a signature of whom you are not to mention at an affordable price.

A fascinator has many practical advantages, which perhaps accounts for its growing popularity. Usually smaller than a hat, a well-chosen fascinator can complement a shorter frame or complete a perfect outfit. Proportions, color and balance are all crucial considerations. Here’s how to wear a fascinator in five easy steps.

1. Style

Fascinators are designed to be eye catching and designs range from subtle decorations to something resembling a conceptual art piece. It goes without saying that your outfit should complement your dress and vice versa, so if you’re wearing a statement outfit, go for a more discreet fascinator. Conversely a dazzling fascinator will usually work to best advantage with a more paired down ensemble. Balance is key.  Chose something that fits your character and you won’t go far wrong.

2. Positioning

This will depend on your chosen hairstyle, though fascinators are usually worn to one side, which works well with wavy hair, tumbling curls or an elegant up-do.  Experiment to see which angle will best complement your features and your outfit.

3. Security

You don’t want to be in the ladies room constantly fixing your fascinator. A combination of gentle backcombing, some hairspray and some well-placed hairgrips should help to keep the fascinator in place, leaving you free to enjoy the day!

4. Keep Your Hair Simple.  Keep your hairstyles very simple so it doesn’t distract from the hairpiece.  A nice chignon, slicked back do, a simple ponytail, etc all work well.

5. Keep it Styled.  There’s a tendency for those who are new to fascinators to go a bit overboard. Start small and simple- a basic black straw fascinator will do.

Janielle Mckoy is an established fashion stylist who would love to share her expertise on staple pieces for the season, and tips on the transition from winter to Spring.  Stay tuned to this column for ongoing fashion advice from Janielle.

With summer finally here, we’re all eager to go on vacay or just hit the beach. But whether you’re soaking up the sun in Cuba or Jamaica the most important decision won’t be the SPF of your sun tan lotion, but which swimwear pieces you’ll be wearing.

In this article I will be taking a look at the ‘in’ styles of swimwear, helping you choose the piece of swimwear that is perfectly inline with 2011 and your figure.

Vintage-inspired swimwear

Of course it’s the bombshells, the pin-ups, of the same era we’re more inclined to think of when it comes to 1950s swimsuits in particular – the Marilyn Monroes and the Jayne Mansfields. They’re playful, curvaceous, steeped in sex appeal. Vintage-style swimwear has a huge place in 2011 and onwards, and the right piece can be whatever you want it to be–as bombshell as Monroe or as sophisticated as Kelly.  Keep in mind the vintage bikini or swimsuit does not have to be a pin-up girl costume. In 2011 many designers are infusing vintage-inspired details into modern pieces – a high-waist here, a vintage print there – and the results are remarkable.

Ruffled bikini / swimsuit

Ruffled bikinis and swimsuits are another of the swimwear trends for the coming season. The fact that ruffles are on-trend at the moment is just about where the rules end. Unlike vintage swimwear or even one-shouldered bikinis, ruffled swimwear has no distinct style ‘rules’. Instead we’ve seen it styled and cut in a lot of different ways for spring / summer 2011 and 2012, often working alongside other one piece and bikini trends for the year.

Crocheted bikinis

Influenced both by the return of 1970s fashion and the popular crochet clothing trend seen this spring / summer 2011, crochet bikinis, crochet swimsuits and open weave pieces that have the same effect, are not just on-trend this season, they’re the must-have fashionable swimwear style.

When worn the right way, crochet swimwear offers that elusive cocktail of sex appeal and reality that every woman wants from her swimsuit. After all, the perfect crochet swimwear doesn’t just show off the body and allude to more of it, its intricate wide stitch catches the eye, drawing the viewer in while distracting them from any flaws.

Tips on your Swimsuit!

The reality is that when it comes to swimwear, not every cut is going to flatter every figure. This is something that all women should definitely keep in mind. But between all of the trending 2011/2012 styles there’s certainly something for everyone. Always go for a swimsuit that compliments your figure. Here are some shape-based suggestions:

Fuller figure

Embrace the vintage trend and use it to accentuate rather than try and hide your curves. Try halternecks or cupped styles, and anything that brings in the waist to play to an hourglass shape.  Also one pieces are perfect and hot for the season. They cover your tummy or disguises other problem areas, while giving a sleek slim look. Not to mention no embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.

Pear shape / small bust

Use ruffles to your advantage by adding volume at the top half. Ruffles around the bust can make it seem visually larger. You can also use vintage cupped styles with padding to create curves.

Top heavy

Use ruffles to your advantage by conversely adding them to the bottom to balance your hips with your bust. Avoid unstructured crochets or string bikinis if they don’t offer any support; instead stick to structured styles and halternecks.

Short legs

To lengthen the body pair a printed bikini top with a block-coloured bottom, drawing the attention upwards. Avoid boy-legs and go for high cut thighs instead so as to not shorten the legs further.

Athletic figures

If you’re not big on the curves make the most of styles like statement strapping, backless styles and crochet that instead show off a toned physique.

Choosing the right swimsuit can be complicated. Thankfully, there are a bunch of styles to choose from – depending on how much skin you choose to flaunt on the beach. So woman up and start shopping for a suit to get you through the summer. We only have three months of summer, might as well enjoy it to the fullest in a swimsuit!!

Janielle Mckoy is an established fashion stylist who would love to share her expertise on staple pieces for the season, and tips on the transition from winter to Spring.  Stay tuned to this column for ongoing fashion advice from Janielle.

Magnet Creative’s Gail McInnes hosted an interactive night with Look-A-Like makeup artist Paul Venoit where he revealed some excellent beauty secrets.

Here are some of our street style pics of the evening:

Right to left: DJ Lissa Monet, Daniella (Broken Heel Diaries)

Right to left: Mannie "Beck Motley," and Jason "Bon Voyage" of the Airplane Boys.

Tika Simone

By Karen Welcome

Although Franke celebrates it tenth year in the industry, Kendra Francis has been involved ever since her early teens and by the time she began her studies at Ryerson University, she entered a self-taught fashion design student. In 2001 Francis created Franke, a line for “a creative woman who’s open-minded and loves change,” and opened a boutique on Queen St. West in Toronto from 2001 to 2005.

Her experiences in the industry allow for her to teach her own course in A Passion for Fashion, a program created by Youth Employment Services and Toronto Fashion Incubator for youth interested in entreprenuership and fashion design. In her course, How to Start a Line in Today’s Market, she reminds young designers to put in hard work, that success doesn’t happen over night. “The truth is the fashion industry is not [as it's portrayed] in The City or Gossip Girl. You see the after, not the before. You’ve got to love the before.”

As for her own fashion design journey Kendra Francis looks forward to unveiling her entire Fall/Winter 2011 collection and expanding the line to include more ready-to-wear pieces as well as bridal ware. When asked what her future involves Francis states “evolution. Constantly evolving, getting better and more refined. Surprising you all because I surprise myself.”

To learn more about Franke go to www.iamfranke.com. To learn more about A Passion for Fashion click here.

By Janielle McKoy

I was once skeptical about maxi dresses, mainly because of my short-woman complex LOL. I thought maxi’s would drown me and stunt my growth. That was until two weeks ago after working at my new job at Mendocino. I tried on this cute, slim fitting great short sleeved maxi and I can’t stop wearing it. It hugs the curves in all the right places. It is definitely this season’s hottest item and now I understand why.

Maxi’s come in different colors, structures and styles. They are an essential item because of their versatility. They can be worn as  formal, casual and/or daytime wear. Designers have been reinventing the maxi dress, with new versions coming out every year.  The classic maxi dress transforms into something different with new structures and styles.

For women who are tall and thin, wearing a maxi dress with small prints and light color would be a great choice. This type of dress can make you look more diminutive and less stick-like, all the while showing off your slender figure and giving you more of a feminine allure. A great pair of sandals or espadrilles will work well with this look.

For women who have generous thighs and a little stomach pouch, the long dress will help hide any figure challenges.  Choose a maxi dress with a sultry train, and consider striking prints and bright colors, which can help make you look thinner and taller.

Tail Hems!!!

Shirttail hem, tapered hem, cutaway hem… whatever you wish to label it, the basic fact remains: skirts and dresses cut longer at the back are continuing to make their way on the runway and thus feature as a major 2011 fashion trend. These hems fill the void between mini and maxi. They cover, yet they expose and they’re a simple way to freshen up your spring 2011 wardrobe with a new type of cut.

A tail hem is traditionally cut shorter on the sides, with a longer ‘tail’ at the back. This trend is more than just a shirttail hem, however: it’s dresses, skirts or tops that have a hem that’s shorter in front, longer in back. The appeal of a tail hem is that it’s playful. The back conveys the elegance of length, while the front hints at something more revealing. This style can also have the appeal of looking completely effortless, especially if cut to resemble an untucked shirt, or an oversized tee.

After years of designing my own dresses, I have learned there are numerous ways of creating a unique hemline with a ‘tail’ effect. Here are a few examples:

A simple hem cut at an angle. This has to be one of the favorites! The dress is cut diagonal showing one leg more than the other. It gives an alluring look to the dress.

A more traditional petal hem (where the fabric overlaps in front like petals of a flower).  This hem is very playful and gives distinction to the dress.

A hem that is cut from very short to very long- i.e. mini to maxi. Try using a chiffon fabric, which will give a great flow at the back.

A hem that falls into large drapes or pleats at the back- This look is a great formal look. Use a heavier fabric, which will give you the drapes you need.

Halter Dresses

One of the best things about the halter neck-dresses is that they are flattering to most figures. They come in a number of different styles, from sultry to classic. These dresses reveal most of your back and as much cleavage as you would like. Whether you want to look glamorous or flirty, halter-neck dresses can do it for you.

Halter neck dresses have taken on a number of forms over the years. Straps can go up and around the neck, can thin or thick, and are available in almost any fabric you would like. These are normally used for creating a different look. Halters dresses can also be worn as evening gowns, summer dresses and wedding gowns or as a sexy club dress. The possibilities are truly endless.

A little tip for halter necks is to wear your hair up and off your shoulders, to bring attention to your skin. A great hairstyle can really take styling halter neck dresses to another level

So whether you are going to a formal dinner or a casual outing with a friend, there are all types of dresses available to choose from. Rest assured they will compliment the occasion,  your figure and your wardrobe, because they never go out of fashion.

Janielle Mckoy is an established fashion stylist who would love to share her expertise on staple pieces for the season, and tips on the transition from winter to Spring.  Stay tuned to this column for ongoing fashion advice from Janielle.

Now that you have the spring wardrobe covered, you need to glam it up and pop the look even more. An accessory is the perfect solution. It completes your wardrobe and makes it look polished. Whether it’s a pair of espadrilles for a walk on Queen Street or that glamorous snakeskin clutch for a night on  Richmond, an accessory is sure to get noticed.

Embellished jewelry was once a vintage piece. Today it’s the season’s hottest accessory, and includes colorful gemstone jewelry seen around many discerning necks. Keep in mind bold necklaces are best worn on their own or if you must, wear a tiny pair of stud earrings, which elongates your neck and enhances the necklace.

Bolder bracelets and ‘cuffs’ abound, telling their own story with any outfit. Mendocino clothing boutique has an amazing selection of bold pieces with a euro flair starting at $28.00-$45.00 for bracelets and $60.00-$100.00 for necklaces

Belts are not just for holding up trousers anymore. They represent the perfect way to add some color to your outfit or to emphasize certain parts of your body. Given the 70s silhouette, which draws attention to the waist, use skinny belts to cinch in bright tunics and knits, and sit on the waistband of wide leg trousers and maxi skirts.

Another season, another Clutch bag! This handy accessory has made a comeback, especially on your special night out. However, 2011 sees a big trend to clutch bags being used as a daily accessory too. The size makes this a must-have and the diverse designs,has many ladies swapping their shoulder bags for these trendy accessories!

Embellished with beautiful jewels and so much more, Snake Skin and Woven blends add distinction to this fabulous accessory. The amazing clutch seen on the right can be found at Nine West starting at $75.00

Just in case you get tired of holding anything at all, a new accessory trend has been spotted on the spring 2011 runway. The belt purse or the revolutionized “fanny pack”.  Being able to carry your personal belongings in style and comfort, without carrying the bag, has been a major preoccupation for fashion designers. Today, it’s this season’s hottest trend.

Lastly, its what every women craves…”SHOES” or in this case SANDALS. When it comes to sandals, I think that espadrilles are the ideal easy transfer from winter to spring. They are traditionally known to have a canvas or cotton upper with a cork or rope-like sole and they’re available in a variety of styles including peep toe and wedge. Some of them are flat while others have a little extra height with a ribbon to lace around your ankles.

Espadrilles look great with a pleated skirt or a linen pant for a nautical look. You can find these spring favorites at Nine West starting at 130.00.

Getting the spring look for your wardrobe has never been easier. Adding accessories to spice up your outfit is key to a complete wardrobe. Update your look with stylish accessories while remaining on top of the fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2011.

Three-quarter length jacket, $595, Milly, and pleat front tank, $195, Joie, both available at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com. Full wool crepe skirt, $295, Pink Tartan, pinktartan.com. Turquoise bangles, $20 each, and purple bangles, $25 each, both REmix Clothing, remixclothing.ca. Strappy gladiator flats, $110, Aldo, aldoshoes.com.

Photography Alvaro Goveia
Styling Donovan Whyte, judyinc.com
Makeup and hair David Goveia, judyinc.com, using M.A.C. Cosmetics
Hair Adrian Carew, hair2inc.com/
Push Artist Management
Fashion editor Ingrie Williams
Models Mo, Spot6Management.com and
Kassandra, ElmerOlsenModels.com