What is your brand called and what do you make?

Our brand is called Lessthan Boutique, and we are an independent brand based in Toronto, ON.

We focus primarily on novelty graphic tees, sweatshirts, accessories such as hats, and tote bags. However, we are planning to do more 1 of 1 pieces with other independent artists down the road.

All of our items are limited to ensure we aren’t over-producing goods.

When did you launch?

We launched April of 2020.

What are some of the things that differentiate you from the competition?

Our brand stands out specifically in Toronto as we try to incorporate a little bit of West Coast flavour in our designs / aesthetic. Dustin, our graphic artist moved here from Los Angeles so you can feel that little bit of West Coast in our graphics. Our prices are also very fair as we are trying to be more accessible during these hard times.

Where is it made?

Everything is designed, printed, embroidered here in Toronto.

What are some of your favourite materials to use?

We enjoy working with local vendors to establish our home base as Toronto to eliminate carbon emissions. We are fully aware that you can source cheaper manufacturing overseas but we are looking to be more sustainable)

We try hard to ensure we incorporate organic hand drawn graphics in our clothing.

Most of the designs stem from our designers sketchbook and have a hand rendered quality.

Who is your target audience?

Our demographic leans unisex aged 18-40

Our target Audience includes both niche Canadian & American markets as one member of Lessthan is from the United States, and the other member is Canadian.

We tend to appeal to other creatives, local Torontonians, and those who like quirky graphic tees.

Who are some of your fashion influences?

We look up to brands such as The Hundreds, OnlyNY, Saturday NYC, Human Made, and Dues Ex Machina.

Where can we purchase your brand?

For now you can purchase all of our good at lessthanboutique.com

Once Covid restrictions ease up we will be working on getting involved in community pop-ups.

Where can we follow you?

Website: www.lessthanboutique.com

Instagram: @lessthan_boutique

The post Toronto Clothing Brand Lessthan Boutique appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

When did you launch?

The brand was launched in 2012.

What are some of the things that differentiate you from the competition?

NARCES is a womenswear line creating luxury eveningwear, cocktail and bridal designs inspired by the romantic glamour and elegance of the mid 20th century with a distinctive modern twist.

Where is it made? What materials do you use?

Made in Toronto. The fabrics used in this collection are custom 3D floral laces, silk organza, silk satin, tulle, and sheer mesh.

Who is your target audience?

Our target customers are individuals with a vibrant modern lifestyle and not restricted to women of a certain age group. They have a sophisticated elegant style and would like a unique look for their most memorable and stylish events. They are confident enough to select their outfits based on the art of design, unique silhouettes and craftsmanship.

Who are some of your fashion influences?

Greatest inspiration is love, beauty and strength… my mother, my daughter have all been constantly inspiring! You incorporate in your own way and this changes over time and depending on the phase in your life – never a conscious process to be able to describe at least for me!

Tell us about this new collection.

The new collection is an ode to our current state of mindfulness brought about through a worldwide adversity affecting all mankind. The inspiration for this collection is a quote from Seneca, “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.” The collection caters to our many moods throughout this stoic journey of fortitude in a way that our outer layer of experience can match our inner layer of expression.  The hues in the collection are soft and ethereal; textures mix the vintage and the new, and the silhouettes combine the feminine with the masculine. The pieces are meant to be convertible and multipurpose — what is a gown is also a robe; what is a coat is also an evening dress. The fabrics used in this collection are custom 3D floral laces, silk organza, painted flowers, and sheer mesh.  The aesthetic of this collection borrows from its signature to create looks relevant to the times we are in today. This collection consists of versatile creations such as dresses, gowns, sets, separates, robes, and accessories. Music for the film was created by Juno nominated artist hill of iamhill.

Where can we purchase your brand?

On our own online shop , Wolf&Badger and some independent boutiques with exclusive mini collections.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Facebook | Online shop

PAY IT FORWARD:

What is another Toronto fashion brand or designer that you like?

I love the designs of Sid Neigum and Beaufille.

The post Narces: Local luxury womenswear showcases new collection in film appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

When it comes to his career, him and his team at Majyc Moment inc. bring in a high level of determination when it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for their event. Everything starts from a concept, an idea, an image. And then follows their artistic thread. Jay, with his performer mindset, always adds a unique flair to the production and the overall experience for the guests. Whether it’s for an outdoor festival, an upscale wedding or a Gala, through the past decade, he fine tuned his craft and plans on expanding his projects Canada wide.

What ‘hood are you in?

East end of Montreal, RDP

What do you do?

Founder of the event planning services company Majyc Moment inc. and the Majyc Moment inc. Talent Agency. MC for various events.

What are you currently working on?

Hosting the Toronto Startup Fashion Week, held this Friday October 25th.

Where can we find your work?

On our website.

The post “A Day in the Life” with TO Startup Fashion Week host Jay Chevery appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The Stylist Suite has dressed over 300 celebrities and personalities over the past five years including familiar Hollywood names like Mary Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Susan Sarandon, John Travolta, Maria Bello, Misha Barton and many more.

This year we’ve learned that big names have already been scheduled to visit are Ellen Wong (GLOW), Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale), Justine Bateman, Tori Anderson (No Tomorrow), Doug Jones (Star Trek), Brendan Meyer (The OA) just to name a few.

We were lucky to get a sneak peek behind the scenes!

Stylist Box is responsible for bringing in the roster of designers from ball gowns to cocktail dress and casual and day wear. Designers included in the suite this year include Hilary MacMillan, Andrew Majtenyi, Christopher Paunil, Helene Clarkson, Hendrixroe, Lesley Hampton, Kormar, Maya Charbin, Mondselle, Potrol, Ryan Alexander, Huntington, Ignite, Patricia Wong Jewellery, WRKDEPT, Jy Gao, Koda Nivoli, LACEDSILK, Leisure, Mani Jassal, and PARC City Boot.

Montreal-based design team at WRKDEPT features their stylish outerwear for the celebrities just in case the weather turns chilly. They are also in town to preview their Spring 2018 line at the Great Hall during Toronto Fashion Week.

Toronto designer Helene Clarkson, who was also an actor, specializes in women’s day wear ideal for the jet-set who need to look polished yet feel comfortable. Her aunt, the honourable Adrianne Clarkson is often seen wearing her reversible pieces. “She tells me it’s difficult to find good clothes that she can also wear her pins on,” laughs Clarkson. “I’m really excited to see who will be wearing my designs during TIFF.”

Patricia Wong Jewellery designer features a stunning collection of versatile jewellery that has been worn by the likes of Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and Nelly Furtado. “It was exciting to have two well-known women wear my pieces recently,” said Wong who’s only been in the market for two years.

In the Stylist Suite, stars and notables will also be able to get the full service experience with hair styling by Yorkville’s Salon Daniel & Spa while beauty experts from agency P1M will offer make up touch ups. And just in case anyone is in need of a  last minute skin care treatment, Dr. Jennifer Pearlman and her team will  to offer a full range of services on site…hey, the press circuit is crazy and who wants to look tired?

The Suite’s charitable component this year offers guests the opportunity to pose in The Pull Magazine Portrait Studio with celebrity photographer Matthew Lyn in support of WE Charity.

Not only do the celebrities get all TIFF ready, they can also expect to take away a few goodies and services making this visit valued up to a whopping $10,000.

The post Behind the Scenes at The Stylist Suite where stars get TIFF ready appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

I’ve been checking out the various hang outs for Santa across the city and where we can visit him in the next few weeks. Okay, to be honest Santa has really caught my eye as I think he may have done something over the past couple of years. I wondered if he had some help from Mrs. Claus, Rudolph or maybe the elves? I’m sure they’re all keeping him healthy and fit all year round after all the treats left for him on Christmas Eve, right?

I was able to track him down at Yorkdale Shopping Centre where he’s been keeping track of his naughty and nice list and all the wish-lists from kids, moms and dads (thank goodness for apps and wifi) . But he’s not dressed in his traditional suit. Of course not! This is a stylish mall after all! So, in this neck of the woods he’s affectionately known as Fashion Santa!

I had a chance to ask him about his great sense of style.

You’re definitely a very dashing Santa! Who’s giving you fashion tips? Mrs. Claus?

Santa: I get my Fashion tips from the stylists at the Yorkdale Style Experience. They styled me for the Yorkdale holiday campaign this year.

What are your favourite (fashion) must-haves for the season? (for men)

Santa: Textured fabrics are high on my list this season: tweeds, velvet, chunky knits.

I’ve been really good this year…well, sort of, did you get my list? (I’ll jog your memory…JCrew, Club Monaco, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, All Saints maybe a Tesla?)

Santa: I did! It was a great list! Don’t forget about Ted Baker and Tory Burch. They have great designs for stylish ladies.

What’s with all the Selfies? 

Santa: The public response to Fashion Santa is so positive. We designed Selfies for Sick Kids so that people can have fun and take their own photos with Fashion Santa and, for every selfie shared using #YorkdaleFashionSanta, Yorkdale will make a  $1 donation SickKids Hospital. You can find me throughout Yorkdale Shopping Centre during the holiday season (click here for the dates).  So, if your fans see me, please don’t be shy.

So, are you wandering the mall? 

Santa: You may find me wandering through the centre sometimes, but I’ll mostly be at my set outside of Harry Rosen at Yorkdale. Stop by for a visit and a selfie!

What’s the most asked for items so far from those who have visited you?

Santa: A lot of people ask me about my wardrobe, I’ve been wearing some great pieces from Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, John Varvatos.

What’s one of your wishes for this holiday season?

Santa: I wish that Yorkdale and I meet our goal of raising $10,000 for Sick Kids Hospital this year!

Milk and cookies or what else can we leave you on Christmas eve? My phone number?

Santa: I’m partial to Purdy’s chocolates 😉

What’s on your playlist?

Santa: I love Jazz music!

  Thanks Fashion Santa!!!

The post Fashion Santa Chats Holiday Shopping & Selfies for a Good Cause appeared first on Toronto Guardian.