2011 Street Style Video Wrap-Up

The end of another year can only mean one thing -- it's time for 2011's Street Style Video Wrap-Up!  

But before the show begins, I want to give a big thanks to everyone who appeared on TorontoVerve this year.  Our success wouldn't be possible without you.  

Nigel
Editor & Photographer
TorontoVerve

Click here for HD video.

TorontoVerve 2011 from TorontoVerve on Vimeo.

Camilla: Rosedale Glam

"I really love soft textures like fur & silk, and warm colours during winter."

Shirin: 'Princess Grunge'

"I change my style everyday, but today I'm princess grunge.  I bought this coat at Cabaret Vintage.  I love mixing old and new."

To see Shirin's previous appearances on TorontoVerve, click here or to see her designs, illustrations and photography, visit Birds Are Not For Sale.

Stacey: A Russian Princess in Yorkville

"Sometimes I like to look like I live in the forest.  Today my style could be best described as a little Russian Princess and Margot Tenenbaum."

Stacey is also an artist.  "My art is everything all the time.  I do crazy textile work and installation."  And you can check out her artwork at Under This Weight We Grow.

Cameron: Style Versatility

"My style is very versatile.  One day it may be leather & rugged and the next day it's Lululemon & Uggs."

Leah: Vintage Vampy Prep Girl

"I must say that my style is very much maturing as I am.  I'm really straddling the realm between feeling comfortable dressing as a hip, edgy young person and an appropriately dressed young adult.

I'm wearing a beautiful faux-fur coat from a secondhand store.  It was marked 50% off for $12 -- a steal! My purple leather gloves were bought from Winners and my delicate Oxford flats from a small boutique in Kingston, Ontario.  Please excuse my Hanson brothers haircut.  I am growing my pixie-cut out.  My style can be best described as "grandma meets vampy prep girl."

Merry Christmas!!!

Nothing says 'love' quite like matching human and dog sweaters.  We were captivated by the concept at the Bloor Street West Club Monaco and Trevor was kind enough to model with our beloved, Bridget.

According to Trevor: "the sweater is kind of like vintage prep and I'm trying to bring vintage prep back, but with a modern twist -- like combining it with combat boots."

Dorothy couldn't resist purchasing the same style sweater for Bridget and me.  No doubt Christmas dinner banter with the family will be plentiful now.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Nicole: 'Casual Chic'

Nicole has one golden rule when it comes to fashion: "When I see something that I really love, I can't leave it behind."

Lorella

"I try to wear combinations that don't look so trendy -- so even if it's simple, I'll try to put a little twist on it and make it my own."

Victoria: In the Mood for Style

"I wear things that depend on my mood -- like flirty or sexy."

Mary

Emily's Sense of Style

When it comes to fashion, Emily is a sensible shopper.  "It may not be cashmere or the best wools or fabrics, but it's pretty exciting to put together something that's colourful and looks good."

Marissa: Classic Hollywood North

"I was a Cinema Studies student and learned a lot about classic film noir -- so I frequently borrow from old Hollywood."

Kallvis: Militaristic by Design

Kallvis stood out in Kensington Market wearing his futuristic military coat, which he personally designed.  "I always wanted a long trench, but it's usually very expensive.  Yes, if you ask me how much I would sell it for, I'd say $1000, but since I don't have $1000, I'll settle on making what I want."  

Kallvis debuted his first clothing line at this year's Toronto Fashion Week and he will be in the 'New Label' competition at next year's Toronto Fashion Incubator.  "People will be able to find my designs soon in stores."

For more details, you can visit Kallvis' website at Kallvisgents.4ormat.com.

Philippe: 'Professorial' Cool

"I have a serious but creative style."

For more insight on Philippe's creativity, check out his artwork - described as "animated psychedelic light-shows" at PhilippeBlanchard.com. 

Yixia: Stylish on Bloor

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Film Review & Tribute Photo-shoot

David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (GWTDT) is arguably one of the most and least anticipated films of the year.  It really depends on who you ask. 

Fincher disciples, who have faithfully followed everything he has released (including Se7en, Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), couldn’t be more excited after the acclaimed director announced: “we intend to earn our R-rating. If you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.”  And of course, there are diehard fans of Niels Arden Oplev’s Swedish film-version of the Stieg Larsson novel.  They have vehemently protested the making of the American adaptation and plan on boycotting the film.

In spite of the protests, Sony Pictures will undoubtedly win at the box-office – thanks in great part to their successful Internet-campaign that generated huge buzz (mouth-taped-shut.com).  But hype aside, I wanted to see this film with an open mind.  As much as I am a Fincher fan and lover of the original trilogy, I wanted to judge this film on its own merits, and for the most part, I did. 

After a brief prologue, the movie opens with an elaborate Bond-like credit sequence (set to Trent Reznor and Karen O’s great cover of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song), which has the lead actors (Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara) screaming, clawing and swimming in slick oil.  It’s a sexy and fast-paced music video that seems misplaced and ultimately doesn’t match the tone of the film. 

Forty years after his niece’s disappearance, prominent businessman, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer), hires journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) to determine which one of his ruthless relatives is responsible for her death.  But when the trail goes cold, Blomkvist enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander (Mara), a troubled, leather-clad computer hacker with incredible investigative skills.  Together, they tie the girl’s disappearance to a series of bloody murders and begin to expose a dark and unspeakable family secret – one that inevitably places their own lives in jeopardy. 

GWTDT is a sleek and stylish mystery thriller.  It’s an absolute visual feast.  Impressive are the elegant set design, the chic wardrobe, the edgy score, the stunning cinematography and the captivating direction.  In addition to all its style, Fincher’s GWTDT has substance; however, fans of the original may prefer that film’s understated charm. 

The performances are first-rate. Craig is perfectly cast as Blomkvist – a seemingly tough man, until he encounters danger. Craig superbly characterizes both his strength and fragility. Mara is convincing as the smart and lethal Lisbeth, and Plummer gives an Oscar-worthy performance as the charismatic Vanger.

You might think that seeing a remake so soon after the original would make for a dull experience, but you would be wrong (well, in this case). Fincher’s GWTDT is engaging and well-crafted. It may not win your heart over the original, but it still deserves your attention.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo tribute photo-shoot credits:

Models: Lauren Pettigrew (twitter)
             Terry Jansen

Make-Up Artist & Motorcycle provided by: Maria Velve

Hairstylist: Marjo Asselbergs (marjoasselbergs@hotmail.com)

Wardrobe: Liz Windsor of The Factory Collective

Lighting: Dorothy van Grootheest

Special thanks to all of you who made this shoot possible.

                                                  . . .

The Factory Girls Are Back!

Liz represents one-third of the Factory Collective, who'll be launching their 2-day vintage clothing pop-up sale & holiday party tomorrow at 688 Richmond Street (just West of Tecumseh).

If you're looking for vintage treasures, great gifts and festive fraternizing, then you will not want to miss this event.

Cocktails will be served!

Guest vendors are Dennis Adamidis (House of Vintage) and Juliann Wilding!

Wednesday, December 14th, 3pm to 11pm
&
Thursday, December 15th, 3pm to 1am

"Vintage velvet, lace, furs, leathers and sequins.  It's everything you need for holiday parties."

See you there!

Erin: Clearance-Shopping Chic

"I'm kinda punk rock, grunge -- a little bit of goth.  I'm a big fan of clearance shopping because I can try really weird things without making a big monetary commitment.   I like cheap stuff -- only because I get sick of it fast."

Thorn & Najla: Little Darlings + Street Style Giveaway!

Today marks TorontoVerve's 2nd anniversary of bringing the city's street fashion to the masses.  We want to give a BIG thanks to all of our loyal and new followers.  It's been a fantastic ride so far!

And to show our appreciation, we've got a STREET STYLE GIVEAWAY!

For a chance to win a copy of Bill Cunningham New York on DVD, simply (1) follow us on Twitter and (2) send us a birthday tweet.  The winner will be announced tomorrow.





Good luck!

The Art of Michael

We recently attended Walnut Studios' Holiday Art Show and Sale and among the 40 plus Toronto artists featured, we had the opportunity to meet Michael.

Michael Dimuccia is a local artist who paints ideas.  "Even though I can do portraits in oil -- a lot of the traditional stuff -- I'm now into surrealism dada (a form of abstract art).  It's collaging and using transfers."

Last month, Michael's art was featured at the Roncy Street Gallery's Super Naughty Show.  "I've taken classical renaissance paintings and added erotic images."  And in late January, he'll be showcasing his tribute art of Frankenstein and The Day the Earth Stood Still at the gallery's Amazing Sci-Fi Show.

"I like to experiment with dada and collages.  Often, there are a lot of happy accidents while I flip through magazines.  Cut outs accidentally fall on top of each other to create something cool."