Plus, remembering space-age designer Paco Rabanne.
Paco Rabanne has passed away at 88
Lauded fashion designer and perfumer Paco Rabanne has died at age 88 in Portsall, France, according to the fashion group Puig who has worked with Rabanne since the start of his career. As the founder of his namesake label, the Spanish-born creative was a leading purveyor in contemporary fashion and is known for his signature space-age aesthetic. He brought surrealism and atypical materials like hammered metal, plastic and paper to the runway and chose to forgo traditional fashion rules, all while dressing posh Parisians in his unorthodox designs. It’s no doubt he helped modernize haute couture. To quote Jose Manuel Albesa, Puig’s president of beauty and fashion, “That radical, rebellious spirit set him apart: there is only one Rabanne.”
Dorian Who’s Noor Collection tells a powerful story
Dorian Who’s latest collection is an avant-garde take on battle-ready garb. In a world that requires most people to be warriors in their daily lives, the genderless label is using this drop, titled Noor, to shine a light on the ongoing desire for change and empowerment through women’s voices. With strong silhouettes and army green fabrics, it demands attention.
The Beckerman twins collaborate with Lambert on handbags
If you don’t already know the Beckermans, allow us to introduce you. Toronto-based sisters Cailli and Sam are longtime fashion creators, and they’ve just launched a collaboration with Quebec vegan leather handbag brand Lambert. Two unique designs — one a playful quilted heart, the other a more sophisticated day-to-night number — have been in production for a year now, and it’s been so worth the wait. Not only are they charming and filled with personality (just like the Beckerman twins themselves!), but both bags have been sustainably designed right here in Canada.
Showroom Canada 2023 showcases emerging local designers
This week, Toronto Fashion Incubator opened its Showroom Canada 2023, a digital platform inviting retailers, buying offices and sales agents to discover innovative Canadian fashion brands. With a focus on BIPOC-owned, women-led and slow fashion-focused brands (including Claudette Floyd and Hania Kuzbari), 17 labels have been carefully chosen to be featured, in turn receiving exposure to thousands of global retailers. The initiative will run until March 31.
The NFL and OVO launch a capsule collection
The NFL has partnered with Drake’s lifestyle brand OVO on a limited-edition, NFL-licensed capsule collection. A selection of co-branded T-shirts, hoodies and jackets (modelled by Lil Wayne) will be available starting February 3, just in time for next weekend’s Super Bowl. So whether you’re there for the football, the finger foods, or Rihanna, this launch is also a mighty fine excuse to sport some stylish threads.
Lizzo’s label Yitty is celebrating Black History Month
Lizzo’s brand Yitty is kicking off Black History Month celebrations with a custom capsule collection. Inspired by Afrofuturism, wardrobe essentials such as a T-shirt, an oversized hoodie, slit pants and a corset jacket explore the intersection of the African diaspora and the future. Call it the Yittyverse, if you will. “I wanted every single piece of this collection to have that futuristic feeling and look to them. You’ll see the big round arms, puffy fabric and digital prints on the pieces. Even our logo is getting a special futuristic treatment for BHM,” says Kara Lacayo, Yitty’s vice-president of design who worked alongside Lizzo in dreaming up these styles.
Louis Vuitton updates its LV Volt collection
Unveiled in 2020, Louis Vuitton’s bold LV Volt collection has since become a core component of the maison’s jewellery pillar. But the luxury label wasn’t done pushing the envelope. This week, a new iteration of the line was released and it features glistening diamonds, a ring and an 18-karat white gold brooch.
Rudsak expands globally
Since 1994, Montreal-based luxury outerwear brand Rudsak has taken the coat category by storm. From parkas and skiwear to lightweight down jackets, its edgy, contemporary twist on classic silhouettes has become the go-to for Canadians braving the cold. Now, the homegrown label has widened its scope: Its e-commerce site is finally available to international customers, too.
