In the athletic shoe world, Swarovski crystals rarely have a purpose. But Nike’s latest collaboration with Japanese-Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka proves that sport can serve up some glam moments, too. The NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka sneaker is now available globally at nike.com — and it’s embellished with Swarovski Crystals.
The shoe, designed by Nike and Osaka herself, is a statement on and off the court. “I like mixing design details in ways that I haven’t seen before,” said the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in a press release. “Swarovski crystals on a tie-dye material is an unexpected take on luxury that anyone can wear.”
The luxury in question sees the famed Nike swoosh — designed in the early ’70s by Carolyn Davidson — adorned with a colossal amount of the aforementioned Swarovski Crystal Fine Rocks. We’re talking thousands of double-pointed “chatons” arranged in the shape of the check. And why stop there? Osaka’s namesake logo is similarly enhanced with the stones on the back of the heels, while the very end of each shoelace aglet is trimmed with amethyst crystal. It’s discernibly glam.
Waves of a purple and blue tie-dye motif exude over the reinforced toe box — a feature that is implemented to brace the shoe through the rigours of sport — and the shoe’s responsiveness makes it a practical option for any level of sport. This blend of athletics and aesthetics is a testimony to Swarovski’s place as a crystal lifestyle brand.
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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka
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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka
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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka
Osaka is no doubt one of the coolest moguls in tennis and a blazing force in fashion — she’s been tapped as a Louis Vuitton ambassador, was named a co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, graced the January 2021 cover of Vogue and launched a swimsuit collection with Frankies Bikinis at the beginning of May. And because she’s received a great deal of criticism from sports officials for choosing not to participate in press at this year’s Roland-Garros tennis tournament— as a means to protect her mental health — Osaka’s influence and prowess makes this shoe that much more important.
Earlier this year, Toronto-based hairstylist and salon owner Ceilidh Costello launched butter.Silk, a line of silk beauty essentials like pillowcases, scrunchies and face masks. (A wet brush will be added to the brand’s list of product offerings on June 1.) The full assortment of products, which come in chic, classic shades like pink, white, black and grey, will be available at Hudson’s Bay in the coming weeks, but for now, the brand’s best-selling pillowcases are available to shop at the Canadian retailer.
The latest addition to Glow Recipe’s watermelon lineup is here
Ready for the latest addition to the Glow Recipe watermelon skincare family? Meet Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial, launching May 29 on sephora.ca. The first-ever whipped hyaluronic-infused clay facial product is a truly gentle exfoliator that’s formulated with PHA and BHA, as well as watermelon enzymes (of course) that leaves skin feeling comfortably clean, but still hydrated.
Lawless Beauty just launched a mega-volumizing clean mascara
In the market for a new mascara? May we suggest giving Lawless Beauty’s The One & Done Mascara a whirl? The clean, volumizing lash-booster is formulated with lightweight lacquer tree and rice bran waxes (rather than beeswax) to keep eyelashes lifted, plus castor and Argan oils to promote lash length.
Fresh Beauty’s best-selling moisturizer got a major upgrade
Fresh Beauty‘s best-selling Rose Moisturizer has gotten a makeover. Introducing the new Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, which has been reformulated to deliver deep hydration for three times longer than before, with a lighter texture and the addition of a new ingredient: skin barrier-strengthening damask rose extract.
Happily, this week’s fashion news is bursting with #shoplocal love. House of Harlow 1960, the label founded by Nicole Richie, partnered with Etsy on a collection that features two Toronto-based brands. Plus, Fashion Art Toronto is back — as is the design collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson. Read on to find out more…
Toronto jewellery brand Omi Woods is part of Nicole Richie’s exclusive House of Harlow 1960 Etsy Edit
Photographed by Ren Fuller
A limited-edition collection of home décor and accessories co-created by Nicole Richie in collaboration with Etsy sellers hit the web this week; included in the mix are two Toronto-based brands – jewellery line Omi Woods, helmed by Ashley Alexis McFarlane, and Kyung-Soon Chun’s body care and décor label Sooworks. They and the other entrepreneurs involved in the edit designed the items with Richie in order to infuse them with her preferred Cali-chic sensibility.
“I’m thrilled to finally be putting the ‘House’ in ‘House of Harlow 1960′ in such a meaningful way through this dream interiors collection,” Richie said in a statement about the goods. “My home has always been an extension of my personal style and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented, diverse group of artisans on the Etsy platform — several of whom are from my home state of California.” Indeed, west coast whimsy pervades the assortment on offer, from the breezy caftans and headscarves by DandEDiscovered to Zziee Ceramics’ artful pieces, which are hand-made in Joshua Tree.
A fundraiser for U For Change includes some big names in the local fashion and beauty landscape
Toronto-based non-profit organization U for Change has introduced a new philanthropy incentive with a fashionable twist this year. Aiming to raise awareness and funds for the org — which offers a range of creative programming for underprivileged youth — the virtual event, called Fashion Runs Deep, features an inspirational panelist roster that’s part of a chat moderated by TikTok’s Victoria Di Placido. Participants include Cheekbone Beauty founder Jennifer Harper; Abiola Akinsiku of Precious Threads by Abiola; image-maker Justin Wu; and By The Namesake designer Rosa Halpern. Also speaking at the virtual event is Isabella Baboury, director of Canada for Christian Louboutin. Talk about helping the next generation put their best foot forward.
Canadian designer Andrew Coimbra is one of 10 finalists in SwatchOn’s Future of Fabric competition
Imagery courtesy of SwatchOn
Seoul-based fabric sourcing platform SwatchOn launched an initiative last year to support emerging global fashion talent called Future of Fabric. COVID-19 forced the company to change direction with the contest, of course, and it was recently announced that Montreal-based designer Andrew Coimbra is included in the final ten names to be awarded a cash prize and have their competing looks unveiled as part of an influencer campaign. Coimbra’s outfit — which boasts an original print splashed on several separates, topped off with an on-trend bucket hat — is seen on Anthony Deluca, a creative director and media mogul from Toronto. You can find out more about Coimbra’s design practice and process, as well as that of the other competitors, here.
Frank and Oak has introduced women’s swimwear
Photography courtesy of Frank and Oak
Tis the season for poolside lounging and beach trips, and Montreal’s Frank And Oak has a new range of women’s swimwear to suit such occasions. Each of the six styles — three reversible one-pieces, two reversible tops and one reversible bottom — is made from post-industrial and post-consumer waste recycled nylon. Colours vary from neutrals to bright pops, so you can make a statement or keep it subtle.
FAT has found its virtual stride and is back with more livestreamed fashion events next month. Starting Wednesday, June 2, check out the work of over 30 Canadian designers and artists who will showcase their creativity in a variety of Toronto’s most novel venues from the Scarborough Bluffs and Ontario Place to Union Station. Brands set to be featured include L’Uomo Strano, Kyle Gervacy, Yung Alexander and Shaghayegh Tafreshi, whose collection presentation will take place at Ripley’s Aquarium. Prepare to take in natural, architectural and fashionable sights via FAT’s Instagram Live or post-presentation on its YouTube channel.
The 2.0 handbag collection collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson is here
Photography by David Pike
You asked, they answered. After witnessing the popularity of their first round of limited-run pieces last year, content creator Sasha Exeter and accessory design Ela Aldorsson have released a new batch of bags to address every need. From an outsized tote with a removable laptop sleeve to a convertible saddle style, plus the belt bag from the first line that sold out within minutes, each item is made with vegan materials and 100 percent recycled plastic bottle lining. (Bonus: the packaging is biodegradable.) And you’ve got to give the duo bonus points for tapping Kitchener, Ont.-based artist Trisha Abe to create the collection’s dust bags.
CDLP expands its Mobilité performance line to include activewear
Photography courtesy of CDLP
A year since launching its Mobilité range of underwear, which boasts “enhanced” design features for wear during sports activities, Swedish brand CDLP has added a line of elevated activewear into the fold. Comprised of a selection of shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts and hoodies made from terry or jersey (both fabrications are composed of a recycled organic cotton blend), they walk the line between lounge and luxe, with a hint of nostalgia for good measure.
For Hannah Kim, Joanna Lee and Rebekah Ma, staying connected during COVID-19 wasn’t just crucial for typical familial reasons like catching up and sending good vibes. The three siblings also helm ai Toronto Seoul, a sustainably-minded vegan handbag and accessory brand that’s based in Toronto and produces its wares on a small scale in Seoul, South Korea. Kim and Lee are located in Canada, while Ma has lived in Seoul for the last two years and lends a hands-on approach to how their products are made.
The trio collaborates on the brand’s designs with their mother, Hun Young Lee, who in addition to being an award-winning fine artist, helped her daughters to develop their passion for fashion. “Our mom, who was an immigrant in Toronto in the 1970s when she was in her early twenties, felt fashion was something she could connect with when she came to Canada because it’s a universal language,” says Kim. “Growing up, we always had the latest Vogue and InStyle and Chatelaine on our coffee table. And watching Fashion Television every Sunday night was our ritual.”
It’s through another family connection that the sisters came to learn about sustainable and conscious manufacturing, as their aunt owns a facility in South Korea that makes vegan leather bags. The country, Lee notes, was a pioneer in terms of developing and producing such materials. “We grew up wearing our aunt’s bags,” says Kim when reflecting on how their awareness of mindful design developed. “It’s something that’s been part of our lives without really thinking of it.”
Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul.
Of course, growing up in Canada, the three honed an understanding of taking care of the environment in various ways. “We were always educated about respecting the earth in school, like recycling,” recalls Lee, adding that these elements all contributed to how they formed a model for ai Toronto Seoul’s own production. Its bags and other accessories — including hair clips and sunglasses for kids — are made in limited quantities; if a style doesn’t sell, they don’t make it again. “Going that route was very natural for us,” Lee continues. “Our philosophy is that sustainability is based on a collection of choices — the little decisions that you make [contribute to] how we’re affecting the planet.”
The three also came to an appreciation for such decision-making when Kim was diagnosed with a tumour several years ago; her chemotherapy treatment lead the family to reconsider how they ate, turning them to a more plant-based diet. “It shifted our thinking in terms of health,” Lee notes.
The diagnoses proved pivotal in the career direction the sisters would take, too. “We were at a point in our lives when we were all in the education field,” says Kim. “When I was diagnosed with the tumour, I had to stop working. It was a wake-up call for our family, and my mom felt like we needed to do something together. We had always wanted to, [but] that felt like it was the right moment. I was doing chemo, and she wanted to get my mind off it.”
Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul
Beginning by importing their aunt’s bags to Canada and then “ghost labelling” for a Toronto-based designer for two years, their confidence grew with the success of each project and eventually, they branched out into creating a brand of their own. The effort is a team one — “Everyone has to be on board with a decision,” Ma says — with the matriarch Hun Young acting as head designer.
“She has a good visionary sense,” Lee says of what inspires ai Toronto Seoul’s pieces. “We never put out a product unless we absolutely love it.” In addition to their mother’s forward-thinking sense of style, Ma says that being based in South Korea has given her insight into the fast-pace of trend adoption there. “The fashion here is beyond compare,” she says. “Living my whole life in Canada, there was a bit of a culture shock — but the fashion is so fun.”
One can sense the admiration for this unique attitude towards dressing in ai Toronto Seoul’s offerings, like the Esse bag style, which was launched last year to address the desire to have a hands-free bag that carries only the essentials. The cross-body comes in a variety of colourways from tonal to two-way blue and yellow, for those a little more adventurous in their accessory choices.
Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul
When the brand launched reusable masks close to the start of the pandemic — Ma saw the great need for them in South Korea and urged her sisters that it was an item worthy of creating for their customer base — they not only fashioned them in eye-catching colours. They chose to craft them out of fabric made with an antibacterial yarn called Aerosilver, which has been granted an Eco-Mark award from the Japan Environmental Association. The sisters, who have family who are healthcare workers, incorporated a donation component into sales as well.
“It was a no-brainer for us,” Kim says about giving one mask to a frontline worker for every mask sold. The introduction of the masks also inspired the sisters to offer chains made of recycled acrylic; speaking to the notion of sustainability through versatility, an additional hook included in several styles means you can also affix your eyewear or AirPods for close-keeping.
Multi-purpose functionality was also a key component in another product launch for ai Toronto Seoul during the pandemic — a convertible bag and dog leash set that was created in collaboration with television personality Tanya Kim. “When we were young, there weren’t really many Asian, let alone Korean, women on television that we could relate to,” recalls Hannah Kim. “Tanya was the only person we could relate to. We’ve always looked up to her, and she’s always been a strong supporter of our business. There’s a mutual respect.”
That concept is equally important to the brand’s founders when it comes to the treatment of the makers who craft ai Toronto Seoul’s pieces. And they do what they can to tout the technique of the team, and the conditions under which they work. Highlighting the protections mandated by South Korean government to ensure equitable and safe environments for workers, Kim says that now more than ever, these points are of keen interest to consumers. “We try to tell this story to our customers [because] we know how important that is.”
Life in lockdown means our worlds are confined to a mere few rooms—that can make it difficult to set boundaries between our professional and personal lives. Where we stress about deadlines is the same place where we eat, sleep and lounge. Once the emails and notifications sneak into our personal time, that’s the start of a slippery, unhealthy slope.
“It means we are always on high alert. We call that chronic or toxic stress,” says Natalie Brunswick, a Toronto-based occupational therapist, adding that we are not meant to be in this state, which is known as “hyperarousal.” It’s the sweaty, racing thoughts, increased heart rate feeling that many of us experience all the time. How do we conquer that? Start with calming your senses using these tips:
Schedule soul-nourishing time
Whether you enjoy morning meditation, burning scented candles, running by the river or turning off your tech to read in bed—schedule it into your day. “When you make yourself a priority, you’re supporting your immune system, your desires and your health and wellness,” says Julie Cass, founder of The Positive Change Group. Make it non-negotiable.
Recognize the power of breathwork
“There’s so much overactivity in our minds which induces fear and stress,” says Cass. Breathwork is one of the best antidotes. It seems almost too simple but both Cass and Brunswick stress the importance of slowing down your breath. Your exhale actually signals to your nervous system that it’s okay to calm down, relax and hit pause on racing thoughts. So when your yoga teacher or meditation guide says breathe in for four seconds and out for eight, there’s science behind that.
Sprinkle small self-care rituals throughout your day
Learning to calm your senses in this cluttered, noisy world doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Finding mini pockets of peace throughout the day can look like drinking a glass of lemon water before your morning coffee, keeping your favourite hand lotion on your desk or leaving the phone in another room for an hour. “It’s simple but such a game-changer,” says Cass. “It’s the little changes that give us energy throughout the day.”
Remember that taking a minute to pause is a decision. Try stopping for a snack or your favourite beverage without interruptions during your workday. One refreshing option is Quatreau’s cannabis-infused sparkling waters which are available in a variety of fresh fruity flavours including Ginger and Lime, Cucumber and Mint, Passionfruit and Guava, and Blueberry and Acçai. A simple way to reset before your next task. This unique beverage brand is available in Canada from Canopy Growth.
Load up on essentials oils
Our sense of smell is more powerful than we think—certain scents have the power of instantly triggering memories and emotions at lightning speed. “Smell is actually the quickest [sense] to get processed by our brain, so we notice its effects the fastest,” says Brunswick. How, you ask? When you breathe in a scent, smell receptors in your nose analyze the smell and then send messages through the nervous system to your limbic system (the part of your brain that controls your mood and emotions). This messaging system is why scientists believe aromatherapy through essential oils is capable of soothing stress and anxiety. When shopping for essential oils, Cass suggests stocking up on lavender for calming effects, citrus oils to uplift, and sage or balsam fir to ground. Be sure to consult your doctor or trained aromatherapist for insight on proper use.
Get outside
Spending some time outdoors, whether it’s a walk, run or enjoying a view, is a great way to calm overstimulated senses. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, it’s been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote an overall positive and tranquil mood. “Being in nature is very healing because it’s multi-sensory,” says Brunswick, meaning that all our senses are engaged when we spend time outdoors. Through the whistling wind or chirping birds, or the smell of fresh-cut grass or blooming flowers, it’s a therapeutic experience. Plus, Cass adds that “you never go for a walk in nature and wish you didn’t.” So if you need a quick boost, this is the one.
Engage your deep touch sense
Any kind of deep touch (think a hug, cuddling or massage) releases oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone.” That, in turn, decreases your stress hormone cortisol. To engage this sense, hug your arms close to your chest or place your hand over your heart and press down. This is also your cue to jump into the weighted blanket craze!
This communication is intended for adults only and should not be shared with minors. There are risks associated with cannabis use. For information, search online “Health Canada – cannabis health effects.
After 15 months (and counting) of having our feet planted firmly on the ground — for good reason, of course — awaiting the moment this pandemic stops pandemic-ing, even the most airplane-averse are anticipating their next odyssey above the clouds. How do we cope with our unrequited wanderlust? Daily journaling, hobby-hopping, dreaming about travel — and lining our virtual shopping carts with travel- and beach-themed clothes to fill our suitcases with the moment we can jet off safely.
Our longing for global escapades and conversations with locals — in a town where we aren’t also locals — calls for some serious fashion moments. Perhaps a Johanna Ortiz frock adorned with palm trees, coconuts and waves swirled together in a geometric print will do the trick, or a crochet robe perfect for lounging poolside? Loewe’s Paula’s Ibiza 2021 collection has your hypothetical vacation needs covered, while a more subtle nod to world travels comes in the form of Charlotte Chesnais’s abstract “round trip” gold ring — its looping design summons thoughts of sculptures from around the globe.
Browse the gallery below for some much-needed travel inspo that will turn the next jaunt through your own neighbourhood into a tropical moment.
