FAT Toronto ON, April 23 - At Toronto’s Arts and Fashion Week known as FAT, Dianna DiNoble’s Ballerina Biker themed Starkers Corsetry 2013 collection might have seemed to be quite at contrast. But the way DiNoble blended the delicate pink tulle and harsh black leather was not unlike watching two dancers in perfect harmony. The models danced, glided, or pivoted down the runway showcasing ten solid looks ranging from satin and silks, to tulle and leather. There were shrugs, gloves, leggings, corsets, underbusts and overbusts, kimono style dresses, and pants. There was ruffles, fringe, soft flowing fabrics, and silk pulled tightly to the body. The final ballgown incorporated all the colors of the previous looks. Its skirt was a fall of fabric ranging from black to pink, and light pinks and cream to white at the bottom. It was hugged by a black open front over skirt and black leather underbust corset with a black lace sleeveless top. The silk black opera gloves and simple makeup and ballerina bun style hair was perfectly styled for maxim effect.

photos : Ian Compton

- Tasha Farrington

image source www.divina-denuevo.com

I have a passion for things made with care, found things, and just a different way of thinking. Victoria Ronco and  Dave Kelly are the designers behind the label Divina Denuevo. These two are creating handcrafted leather goods as a team, and put a lot of care and thought into the products they make. The Ayre Leather Messenger Bag is an example of the style and work they do. The bag has so much versatility in its simple envelope style design. It features a slim body, a hidden back pocket, and a vintage skeleton key which is unique to each bag made. Victoria and Dave work hard to make sure their impact on this planet is for the better, buying second hand, using cast offs, and  up-cycling old treasures giving them new life. Every handcrafted accessory carries with it a piece of the past and its own imperfections, which tend to make them perfect in their own right.

The Ayre Leather Messenger Bag by Divina Denuevo is available online for $140 at www.divina-denuevo.com.
Promotion! Enter the code “UPCYCLE” during checkout and get 10% off.

- Tasha Farrington

image source www.solestruck.com

I have been converted. That’s right, I no longer only want to wear flats. It takes a shoe designed by the likes of Jeffrey Campbell for me to realize that sometimes a girl just needs to put on an amazing set of heels and rock the night hard. This is the Audrey Spike, covered in dangerously daring spikes and studs, lace tie up details, and let’s not forget the razor teeth cut out. It’s a 5 1/2 inch heel, leather or suede and comes in the red or black as seen here. Honestly if someone wants to get me an early birthday present (mines not til June, but I’d gladly skip a few months for these), I’ll definitely go party with you! I know wearing these will make you feel like you can take a big bite out of life and anything it throws at you. Jeffrey Campbell shoes are known worldwide and are sold online and through many different retailers throughout the US. But for us Canadians, we’ll have to keep it to the online shops (for now), so check out Solestruck or check out the Jeffrey Campbell site, at www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com, for all the info on where to get these epic shoes. Audrey Spikes, they are made to look amazing and grab you some attention, but don’t forget, they’re killer comfy too!

The Audrey Spike by Jeffrey Campbell is available online for $289 at www.solestruck.com.

- Tasha Farrington

image source fluevog.com

Seasons change. In my neck of the woods that means wind, wet, rain, sleet, sludge, snow… well, you name it we get it. So what’s a girl to do? How to stay stylish and dry? Fear not, for Fluevog has got you covered. John at Fluevog is a busy guy, but he hasn’t abandoned us to the seasons. Fluevog has created an amazingly high, yet super comfy boot. I am talking about the impeccably stylish Rainbow Boot. Since there are no actual rainbows on the boot, I can only conclude that it derives the name from the rainbow-like arch of the boot. I am in love with the black leather and the high wood platform, although it also comes in leopard spots. The circular studs, a simple statement, are not as in your face as a tree spikes, but still very much punk. This boot is finished off with a nice non-slip rubber tread which is  great for any icy patches. I am by no means a “shoe” person, but come on people are you blind? These are epic. Fluevog is known for its quality and style, and with this new Rainbow Boot, they haven’t disappointed. Go check it out, and take a look at their many other designs, you’ll be happy I pointed you in their direction. (Or redirected you if you’re already a Fluevog fan!)

The Rainbow Boot by Fluevog is available in stores and online for S399 at www.fluevog.com.

- Tasha Farrington

image source Medievalfashion.etsy.com

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? The smell of the soft leather, the gleam of the metal details, the feel of the sharp claws, the knowledge that no one is going to mess with you while you are in these. Yeah… beautiful. Honestly, I haven’t been this excited about a leather glove in a long time. The leather-works master behind this amazing set of killer claws is Chris DeSmith, and I am in awe of his skill. These are hand-crafted. The gloves come in brown, black, white, or red. On top of that you can choose either Eagle or Bear claws. It’s honestly one of those rare finds that when you see it, you know you have to have it. Also, these are adjustable, so you can share nicely, or better yet, everyone can get their own pair!

Medievalfashion’s Black Leather Gothic Steampunk Claw Gloves are available online for $39.95 at www.Medievalfashion.etsy.com.

- Tasha Farrington

photographer : Philip Faith
makeup artist : Yevdhora Fleshook
hair stylist : Jean Scarabin
model : Yevdhora Fleshook
leather fashions : Creations Flamme Noir

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image source karenkalashnik.etsy.com

This purse by Karen Kalashnik is killer. Karen Kalashnik is a Canadian designer with some stylish and edgy work in leather made all by hand! Working with leather and metal hardware to add those details that stand out, she’s got a collection of custom and ready made pieces ready to check out. The Studs, Spikes & Jewels Hobo, is on my personal wish list, with its black leather exterior, lots of room for everything you’ll need to carry with you to the beach, shopping, or a night out. And if you’re looking for this much loved accessory, because you can’t ever have enough purses, I recommend this piece. With its sparkles and spikes it’s a must have item for any rocker chic chick.

The Studs, Spikes & Jewels Black Leather Hobo is available online for $339.00 at www.karenkalashnik.etsy.com.

- Tasha

The runway shows at FAT, Toronto’s alternative fashion week.

Toxic Vision

Toxic Vision’s runway show on the fourth day of FAT blew me away.  The overall feel and effect of the show paired with the understanding that you were watching one of the most unique and forward-pushing collections of the event made this show very impressive in person.  With this collection designer Sharon Toxic has built from the hard and glam rock style base she has established with her brand in a trend/fashion conscientious way.  Bohemian patterns and elements mix with leather and spikes, pastels mix with black and silver.  This collection had all the right details and when watching it, you knew you were watching the results of true design talent.

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Skingraft’s Armor Glove in Black

image source skingraftdesigns.com

It’s a common theme while shopping for men’s accessories, that the choices can be limited. Men may have to get a creative when they want to make themselves stand out from the herd, and the Armor Gloves in black by Skingraft will do just that. The black leather gloves feature a zipper overlay, adjustable wrist straps, and a fingerless design. The seemingly simple gloves would be nicely styled with a suit, or worn to go for a ride on your bike. Whatever your style or purpose,  they look dangerous, which is pretty sexy.

The Armor Glove by Skingraft is available online at www.skingraftdesigns.com.

- Meagan

Zac Posen showed off his fall 2011 collection at Paris fashion week.  The collection was simple and streamlined.  The highlight is defiantly the textured and structured black leather pieces, jackets and dresses, with exaggerated shoulders and waistline, very nice.  Loving the mixing of shades of deep blue and teal.  Also some breathtaking evening gowns with exaggerated waistlines.  And the shell-like wool cloak/coat (lower left), blending the past and future, is another great highlight of this collection.  Nothing to blow your mind, but defiantly a beautiful, well crafted collection.

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