The Fashion Press Issue One - Optimism

The Fashion Press Issue One comes out today to present you with a Canadian alternative to fashion. Developed by students The Fashion Press is a magazine about real life and the people in it. Creative talents are presented along with beautiful people in wonderful settings. To get your hands on our first issue today click here.

To the Streets - Jess

22. Spao Student. Ottawa

Kate Bellm: Queen of the Lens

London born, Berlin based photographer Kate Bellm is fast becoming my (current) all time favourite photographer. Bellm's widely appealing photography style has been published everywhere from Nylon and Vice to Tatler and GQ; an amazing feat considering she is only in her early twenties.

Standing out from the sea of washed out images of barely there models looking deflated and strung out, Bellm's photography has an almost Pop Art feel to it with its vibrant, punchy colours, looking like the HD TV has been maxed right up. Her choice of bad girls have bags of flair (and often bags of hair to boot) with plenty of attitude, conjuring the feeling the girls themselves could perhaps be the ones in control, with Bellm expertly capturing a stolen moment of madness and chemistry between the model and herself; much different to the usual uninspring and vulnerable waif staring wide-eyed down the lens.

On browsing through Bellm's work, I arrive at subtle juxtapositions which, shouldnt but do, work beautifully of wild and feral women who evoke a feeling of being so free, yet at the same time appear so composed and elegant in their dazzling haute couture and often cosmopolitan surroundings. Her images exude sex appeal but most importantly fun, with her penchant for gun weilding vixens, barely legal temptresses and sugary sweet looking girls who dont be fooled, could pack a serious punch when vexed, all laid bare in such a light, playful way which seems so raw and natural. Amongst the fashion drones, Bellm is a breath of fresh air.

Blogger Spotlight - M'c kenneth Licon of Little Fashionisto

M'c kenneth Licon, an Interactive Design student from Vancouver, is one of the most fashionable males I've ever seen. He describes his style as "fun, playful, and a classic mix with modern pieces". When asked how he began his website Little Fashionisto he states, "It started as an online space for me to practice my graphic-design skills and, at the same time, keep track of the runway pieces and fashion houses that I love. Little did I know it would turn into an online Fashion-diary of my everyday looks outfits."

When asked about the state of the Canadian fashion scene M'c kenneth responded "Canadians are very laid back, casual, active and very outdoorsy. I mean not that there's something wrong with that but in terms of Fashion scene in the world, Vancouver can be a bit more clever with mix-n-matching casual with dressy pieces. I mean you can dress up a basic cotton sweatshirt with a dark-denim jeans and a great oxford/sneakers... just because you are wearing sweatpants, it doesn't necessarily mean you should wear runners with it too." He definitely sticks out from the ordinary with his classic yet adventurous style. And where does he seem himself in the future? "I would like to be either working on my own clothing line -- which would cater to smaller guys like myself -- or in Europe working in the magazine publishing/styling world." To check out more of his creative style click here.

Artist Spotlight - Nirrimi of We Live Young

Nirrimi describes herself as personally a youth photographer and professionally a fashion photographer. At only 18 years of age, she's one of the youngest people to photograph for such a large campaign as Diesel's "Be Stupid". Recently she photographed their ad campaign for Fall/Winter 2011 and is moving up from her blogging beginnings. But back to where she began. When asked about the start of We Live Young she states "I needed another outlet. I'd started blogs but they never stuck, but then I created We Live Young and the support was too intense to just let it die." The focus of her site demands that intense response. Her focus on the real is both romantic and down to earth. Nirrimi takes beautiful photographs and writes just as beautiful words.

When asked about her interest in photography Nirrimi states "I love seeing the look on peoples faces when they see the pictures I take. I can make things beautiful. I look for a wild beauty, something real not forced." Her photos take people in their natural setting and are infused with life. The response has been positive. As she states "the feedback was overwhelming. through my blogs and my other websites, I've gained a crazy amount of exposure." The recent Diesel campaign is only one example of this. Right now Nirrimi is working in Sydney, Australia but as she states "I don't have a home, I'm a gypsy and am in a new place every week." And where does she see herself in the future? "In the blue mountains, or somewhere equally as wild and fascinating with my children, living off the royalties from my books and my exhibitions. Going on adventures, taking some of the most real and beautiful photographs and films." To see more of her work and words click here.

To The Streets - Anonymous

Blogger Spotlight - Jenny of Fashion Made Me Funky

Jenny, a forth year student studying creative writing and sexuality studies at Concordia, is a red head with a whole lot of class. When asked how her blog and fashion journal began she states "I started FASHION MADE ME FUNKY in my dorm room in 2008, after being inspired by a blogger who remains my favorite to this day (Siri from Ringo, Have a Banana!) I instantly loved her signature style. That’s how it started, but it took a few years for me to figure out what I wanted my blog to be: a site that people actually read and one that approaches fashion and city life in a way that is fun…never stuffy, elitist, or unattainable."

Her style is definitely a good mix of fun and fashionable. As she states her clothing choices are "very cheap. I hate spending money on clothes! I’m a thrift hound and a clothing dumpster diver. I love finding clothes in my building’s give away pile, at swaps, garage sales, and in loved ones closets! I would like to start collecting some true vintage pieces – bow tie blouses, eyelet lace dresses, vintage swimsuits, embroidered purses…I might even spend more than ten dollars (GASP!) I love the fashion on Mad Men, but for myself, I wouldn’t want to completely mimic the era…there has to be modern in what I wear too. A reflection of both."

Jenny, one cool Canadian, moved to the fashion city of Montreal for her studies. When asked for her favourite aspect about living in Montreal she responded "it took three years, but I feel like I’m beginning to work out the kinks of this city - my bike ride to school is lovely, I’ve long stopped trying to get some mean hipster to like me, my friends are inspiring, and this city just gives and gives – especially free food. Come to Montreal if you are hungry." And click here to check out her blog.

Meg M - New York State of Mind

26. Studying Public Relations. Ottawa

Photos taken by Terry Worona. Click here to check out his website.

Mini Maker Faire

12 – 6PM

November 6th and 7th, 2010
Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2 (MAP)
Free

"Considering that some of the greatest leaps forward in American technological history have been scrappy homebrews (Apple Computer was a literal garage startup), it's really kind of exciting to think that, given its explosive growth, the Maker Faire might well help along an invention or two that's truly important."

– Advertising Age

The innovation laced through the capital region is impressive, and this first ever Mini-Maker Faire is a chance to connect creative people from all over our region in a celebration of the DIY spirit. A Mini-Maker Faire brings together families and individuals who celebrate Arts, Crafts, Engineering, Food, Music, Sustainability, and Science and those who embrace the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) spirit. At Maker Faire, the focus is on the process of making – not just the finished product.

The real story here is the curiosity, vibrancy, and passion of the Makers themselves, the people who comprise the rapidly emerging DIY category. Scientists, homemakers, students, automotive enthusiasts, software developers, musicians, crafters of all stripes: individuals and communities of people drawn together by a common delight in the magic of tinkering, hacking, creating, and reusing materials and technologies.

To find out more click here.

To The Streets - Sophie O

Perfect fall outfit: baggy sweater, skinny black jeans, vintage cowboy boots. She was also accompanied by the friendliest dog and a cute boy to sip hot coffee with.

Blogger Spotlight - Brittany of Style + Substance

Brittany De Fehr from Vancouver, recently featured in Vanity Fair, has a keen sense of fashion. Studying Fashion Business and Arts she created the website Style and Substance which features everything from fashion photos to inspiring quotes. When asked about her website she states "style + substance is really a blog of juxtaposition. None of the photos or quotes or songs belong together so I think that's it's appeal. I'm really open minded and I'm literally into everything and that's very apparent on my blog. The name style + substance sums up my blog entirely, and I've always balanced out my disgusting collection of ugly Lindsay Lohan candids with an equal amount of genius quotes from people like Aristotle and Deepak Chopra." Brittany's blog contrasts constantly between light and dark, beautiful and ugly, and this is what makes her blog inspiring.

As the name suggests, the website is one of style and substance. Brittany describes her style and something that is always evolving and changing. "My style is always progressing and I'm never really satisfied with it. I always like a baggy shirt with skinny pants and chunky heels, but the past year I've lived in muted colors and army jackets, always verging on sloppy with messy bed hair. Lately I've been obsessing over straight hair and pastel pinks so I've kind of gone full circle. " Yet for inspiration she turns away from fashion. As she states "I get more inspired by the capabilities of these crazy smart people living amongst us than by art or fashion or anything else."

As one Canadian to another we asked her about what is missing from the Canadian fashion scene that causes us to lag behind so many other countries. "Canada is incredibly cultural, which is one of the things that makes us so great. We have the potential but we don't have the exposure. Canada is too quiet. We stay out of controversy, we don't put ourselves at risk and we always stay below the radar. We want to keep everyone happy. Canadian television and publications are extensions of that mentality. Our country doesn't challenge anything and neither does our fashion. We wear what everyone else is wearing because it's safe. There are a plethora of talented and fashionable people in Canada and I certainly don't want to disregard them, but I'm always disappointed by content published in our big name fashion magazines. " Our magazines missed her but American Vanity Fair definitely took notices. Picked upon many as one of their top blogs she states she was "ecstatic when it became a reality and I saw my name in Vanity Fair. It's been my favorite magazine for as long as I can remember so to hear that they read my website had me over the moon. "

And where does Brittany see herself in the future? "I see myself busy and working on the fashion / design industry. My plan is to move to New York city next summer, just for 6 months to get a taster and gain some work experience. I love Vancouver but the opportunities aren't here. I'd love for that to change, and I've love even more to be the driving force of that change, but only time will tell. " To check out Style + Substance click here.