Weekly Couture

After a cold, harsh winter, spring is finally in the air. Icicles have melted in place of fresh new crocus buds and heavy velvets and brocades have been tossed to the side only to be replaced with crisp linen and swaths of light cotton. And just as with the cyclical fashion industry, the hair industry sees just as many trends and fads.

Sunsilk hair care expert Kerry Nixon advises that Spring/Summer 2007 is all about loose, romantic waves and lots of curls, so pack up those flat irons girls – it’s time for a more natural, relaxed look. As for summer hair colours, Nixon says that blondes should stick to anything with a bit of gold. She suggests that even brunettes can “throw a few golden highlights around the face where the sun naturally kisses you,” or add some warm auburn tones.

What: The latest craze on the workout circuit. In case the name throws you off, it’s a mix between spinning and yoga, hence “spynga” (pronounced “spin-ga”). If you find a full hour of spinning too exhausting or the thought of an entire hour of yoga too, well, boring, spynga offers the best of both worlds.

Why: Owners (and teachers) Casey Schacter and Sari Nisker have found a new way to infuse exercising with a little fun and excitement. Plus while you’re there, you can treat yourself to a deep tissue massage, some reflexology, or a reiki session as the studio also offers the services of an in-house registered massage therapist. Try out your first class for only $12! (All subsequent classes will cost you $17 per class, but they also offer packages such as five classes for $75, but the best deal is 15 classes for $195, which works out to only $13 per class!) Casey and Sari also offer private yoga, cycling, spynga, and pilates classes for $80.

What: Another funky edition to Queen Street West. Brazen Hussy offers wearable and reasonably priced pieces like baby doll dresses, long fitted tees, and charming skirts as well as jewelry from popular designers like HayLuv.

Why: Guests were treated to champagne and pomegranate liqueur cocktails, adorable heart-shaped cookies, and complimentary Brazen Hussy tees.

When: The opening party took place on April 17, 2007 at 7 p.m.

What: An exclusive fashion event featuring Christian Audigier and Bloodline jewelry. The evening will commence with Bloodline’s media launch party at Black Line Studio with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and then move over to Ultra Supper Club where a live editorial photo shoot for TCHAD Magazine by Dan Couto will take place.

When: April 27, 2007. Cocktails will take place between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and the photo shoot will follow.

Where: Blackline Studios is located at 577 King Street West, Toronto, and Ultra Supper Club is located at 314 King Street West, Toronto.

What: Known for his celebrity clients, Stila global artist Tommy Cyr is a makeup artist at the top of his game in Hollywood, creating fresh-faced looks for both New York and L.A. fashion week.

When: Book your appointment today!

Where: Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Call 416-922-2333 to book your appointment.

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What: Expect samples from Miss Sixty, Energie, James Perse, Filippa K, Acne Jeans, and Milly.

Why: Load up on spring and summer samples. (Tip: Most of the sizing is 28’’ waist for jeans and Medium for tops.)

When: April 26th and 27th from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Where: 460 Richmond Street West, suite 600, Toronto.

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What: The numerous ways images are now constructed has forever changed photography’s relationship to reality. Contact 2007 explores the fusion of practices that has transformed the nature of photography into a new hybrid genre. The focal point of Contact 2007 is Photographic Culture, an exhibition produced in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art that showcases 10 artists from nine countries.

When: Opening night for the festival is May 4, 2007 from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m.

What: Fashion Watch reported that a Canadian broadcasting regulatory body decided to ban a recent Chanel television ad. The Telecaster Services of the Television Bureau of Canada concluded that a commercial for Rouge Allure lipstick, which featured Swiss model Julie Ordon in a takeoff of a 1963 Brigit Bardeau film entitled Le Mépris, was too risqué for Canadian audiences.

Why: Although the Bureau suggested to simply blur certain body parts, Chanel choose to cancel the ad campaign.

What: Get melt-proof makeup, protected skin, and glowing radiance.

Why: Order it all and take home samples of Bronzer and Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 (while supplies last!).

When: May 2nd until May 5th, 2007.

Where: Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West or 3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto.

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