Darrelle London makes her MMVA premier in FC!

Darrelle London is the newest singing sensation to sign with Perez Hilton's music label, shes from Toronto too! Darrelle was featured on Perez Hilton with Liz Trinner from much music, shopping here at Fashion Crimes. (WE ARE ON PEREZ!!!)

Darelle wore the Oscar dress in Fuchsia pink and performed at the Perez Hilton MMVA after party at the Opera House.

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G20 Fashions! Make protesting trendy!

When Toronto Star reporter Katie Daubs called and pitched the idea of doing a story on fashion for protesters during the upcoming G20 Summit, that has taken over Toronto, we jumped. Head Stylist and Manager Kat McEwen got right to buzzing around the store pulling looks, some that would not absorb tear gas or blend into hotel wallpapers and others that gave off a peaceful hippy vibe.

Featured in today's Toronto Star, favorite Fashion Crimes Model, Jasmine Foster strutted her stuff and just happened to come in wearing her hunter rain boots, perfect footwear for these G20 Fashions!

The cire tied-up dress is similar to PVC, but is more form-fitting, "to cut through the crowds," And Hey! the jewelry, embellished with designs of barbed wire and chains, could double as a projectile in a pinch.

This white PVC dress doesn't go well with a gas mask, so you wouldn't want to cause any trouble, But in case trouble finds you, the PVC material provides pretty decent protection for tear gas.

An optional bandana is made with polyester to protect from noxious fumes, but it also pampers the protestor with the luxury of satin. The Sailor Girl dress gives off that militant vibe, but says come and get me in a much different way!

This Boho dress with wooden accessories gives off that peaceful hippy vibe.

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SPOTTED!

The always graceful, forever lovely, Lily Frost, spotted wearing Fashion Crimes.
It's always a treat when she pops in. Her caring spirit and bright smile fills the store when she enters.

Two performances, in two different FC frocks!

Her new album 'Viridian Torch' is in stores now! Check out her myspace here!

And follow Lily Frost on Twitter, by clicking the Twitter T!

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Spotted

Check out singing sensation Hilary Weaver sporting Fashion Crimes! She was spotted wearing two dresses from our lovely collection during Canadian Music Week, the launch of her new album, and a fabulous appearance on Rogers Television where she cinched her fabulous frock with one of our stand-out leather belts!

Follow Hilary Weaver by clicking the Twitter T!

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Pam Chorley, reunites with Glen Hanson

Fashion Crimes recently teamed up with the imaginative Glen Hanson once again, to create the limited edition prints for a retrospective party hosted by The Drake Hotel. Pam and Glenn go way back, back to the beginning in fact. He stylized some of the original artwork for the store, and so it was just the perfect idea to bring him on board to help celebrate 27 years of Fashion and Fabulousness. Glen was a presence himself, wearing leather pants, and an open blazer, sporting chains and edgy hardware on his wrists. The amazing artists creativity went beyond pen and paper.

It was the perfect way to end Toronto Fashion Week. The crew from Fashion Crimes and many guests sipped on cocktails named after dresses at the store, while they got to peak at some of Pam's designs from past to present.

The excitement was up in room 222, where you could have your hair and make-up styled by two of the lovely ladies from Parlour Salon, who of course wore two of our favorite designs. After hair and make-up, our very special guests could then peruse an accessory bar to gear up with the latest and greatest from our selection. Once fully made up, and sparkling in rhinestones, we sent them of to face the camera, where Peter Tucker snapped happy, and captured some unforgettable moments!

Pictures of the Drake Event will be available to view shortly - a link will be posted on our Facebook group, as well as on our online scrapbook!

Cheers, to 27 years! And more to come!

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"Take that Cupid..."

LOVED working with Olga & the glamour-gods at She Does The City for this shoot, makes a somewhat un-inspiring "holiday" a whole lot more inspired!

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BONE STRUCTURE

A study in Ostio-Couture
By Logan Salter

Recently I teamed up with phenomenal photographer, Ian Pool to make one of his recent creative ideas come to life! With the help of a skeleton, a lot of patience and two of my favorite dresses from Fashion Crimes, we ended up with the images you see before you.

Originally there was a model. She slipped into the dresses and posed for the camera.
Later, Ian picked several images that he thought worked well with the models body; these images would be used as a diagram to follow when recreating the pose with the skeleton.

Ian and I posed the bones just like in the image, using a coat hanger to prop up the arm, and tape to keep the hands in place.

Later on in post editing he would take the images and piece them together, removing the model completely, and inserting the skeleton into the shot.
How he did it so quickly, and efficiently is beyond me; the end result is an editorial concept that has me thinking that beauty really is only skin deep.

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FAME Premiere Afterparty

We had so much fun at the MGM Premiere of FAME After-Party at the Randolph Academy... here are a few of the highlights and images of Fashion Crimes gracing the Purple Carpet!

Actress Kerry Laifatt

Photographer: Paul Baik



Pam Chorley looking amazing!

(The glamorous life of a fashion designer - after a full day that started at 8am for meetings

with fabric suppliers & accessory reps,

creating cutting sheets, responding to client e-mails, a full STAFF MEETING and then to the FAME event at 10pm!)

The Style Box's Amanda Brugel and Actor Sarain Boylan looking SO fierce.

Photographer: Paul Baik





So You Think You Can Dance Finalist Tamina Paris-Pollack

Photographer: Paul Baik





The Fashion Crimes' crew (L-R: Logan, Crystal, Kat, Pam, & Kanchana) with the famously chic Anita Clarke, editor in cheif of I want- I got.

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Jill Barber's Favourite Dresses

We, here at FC, enjoy listening to the charming melodies of this artiste almost as much as fitting and styling her for her many performances. Jill Barber's music is definitely worth uploading to your library; our favorite album is "Chances".
We anticipate some fresh lovesongs from this lyricist, as she recently disclosed her new engagement!

Jill performing at a Jazz FM Fundraiser. Photograpy: Romy Shinder.

Here, Jill is pictured with David Fransen, Canadian Consul General in Los Angeles
at his official residence where she recently performed.

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GUNK: The Daily Strokes of a Make-Up Artist

Vol. 2

Fellow Fashion Crimes stylist Robyn Lianne gets a Zooey Deschanel inspired make-up look.

Here’s how you can snag it with (with MAC)!

A liberal application of Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 was applied to Robyn’s face to give her that milky complexion and powder pressed pores, for the perfect photograph.

Paint Pot in Bare Study was then stippled onto the eyelid using the 249 large shadow brush. Special attention was paid to the lower lash line, blending Paint Pot slightly with the foundation under the eye which gives a smooth transition from pinkish tones to more yellow in the foundation.

A crease is then defined by patting Wedge eye shadow, which is a medium brown, into the crease line and then blending outward to contour the eye.

Jet black liquid liner is applied over the upper lash line and plucked out in a slight wisp, building its thickness mid-eye to give a ‘cuter-than-cute’ baby doll eye shape.

Using Silver Dusk Iridescent Powder and a small fluff brush, a small dusting is applied to the brow bone and eyelid. Doing this can blur harsh edges and give a nice glow to the eye area.

A small coating of mascara is used to intensify the eyes, opening them up and giving them a ‘wide-awake’ appearance; just like Miss Deschanel.

After the eyes are complete the lips are next to be defined.

Using Pinky Eyeliner, which is exclusively sold at MAC Pro stores only, line the lips in a sweetheart cut, dipping down on the cupids bow of the lips. This will give that carved look that Zoey is known for. With a clean brush blend Mauvelous Lipstick over top and seal the deal with a top coat of clear lip gloss.

Use these two blushes to get the flushed and contoured look. Layer both Tantone and Breath of Plum blushers to the face. Both have a matte finish so it will appear more natural and will be more striking when photographed.

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Montreal Jazz Festival

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GUNK: The Daily Strokes of a Make-Up Artist

Vol. 1

Dana Brushette shoots for Stephanie Connell Designs

Accessories by Fashion Crimes

When Dana and I were dreaming up a story for this editorial, the words, ‘What would a fashionable alien do if she came to Earth,’ came to mind.

Recently I was asked by photographer, and close friend Dana Brushette, to be on set as a make-up artist for an editorial shoot for London based designer Stephanie Connell.

I quickly responded with a “YES!” Having worked with her before many times I knew there was nothing more exiting than being on set with her.

After days of mulling over the make-up looks to be delivered for this shoot, I thought that a little improvisation would be best. Since I had never worked with designer Stephanie Connell, hair stylist Andrea Harrison, or model Joanna Eggett before, I thought I would wait until I got the full team together to create any make-up looks.

Upon meeting the fabulous trio, getting a closer look at the designs, and meeting with Andrew and bouncing ideas off one another, I knew I had a vision in mind.

With studio fix fluid, and a heavy dusting of powder, I matted Joanna’s face; giving it that dried up look. After we finished the base I swept a soft brown under her eyes, and etched an angular shape into the inner corners of her lids, highlighting it with a white to intensify her eye shape.

Her brows were strong, and stood alone, so I simply extended them to reach the contours of her eye shadow.

I applied a thick coat of mascara to her top lashes only, and rimmed her waterline with my favorite eyeliner Smolder, by MAC Cosmetics. For the first two looks I dulled her lips, concealing them, giving her a very high fashion look. I reminded the team about the importance of the balance in make-up artistry. Because of her strong brow, dark hair and the complexity of Stephanie’s designs, going over board on the made-up could potentially ruin the look. “Always find the balance.”

The last time I shot with Dana Brushette was late winter, at the Gladstone Hotel here in Toronto. We were shooting for local street wear designer, Christopher J. Nevin, in room 314, the Billio room. We had to hide out from the cold, and crank the heat, crammed in the small room shooting for hours. Luckily, this was not the case for this photo shoot.

This time we had sunlight! And summer heat! So, after two hours or so of hair and make-up we all packed up our kits and moved outside to catch some rays while we watched the model work her wear, and showcase some elegant Fashion Crimes pieces.

Model Joanna Eggett elegantly portrays a fashionable alien, wearing her futuristic outfit by designer Stephanie Connell. The silver and metallic plum colors played well with one of Fashion Crimes most lovable pieces; THE BENDY!

Follow my blog and see the world through my eyes!

Your one and only boy,

Logan Salter

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Cutaneous Care with Carly

BEAUTIFUL DRESS, PERFECT SHOES, CUTE DATE; NOW WHAT....?!

What about your skin? This column will entail a few basic things every girl should know about skin care and how to keep it glowing!

First thing is first, keep your germy hands away from your beautiful face! No really! Think about how many different surfaces you touch daily compared to how often you thoroughly wash your hands.

Now that we got that reality check out of the way, time to get down to business.
Let’s talk sebum glands (Sebaceous glands) they are microscopic glands in the skin which secrete an oily matter (sebum), in the hair follicles, to lubricate the skin and hair of animals. In humans, they are found in their greatest abundance on the face and scalp, though they are distributed throughout all skin sites, excluding the palms and soles, of your hands and feet respectively. Basically, these glands produce your natural skin oils. Sometimes you have oily skin and its because these glands are over producing the oils. In that case you need to suppress the glands so they don’t produce as much oil.

Ways to mange oily skin include; using a cleanser with bacteria fighting oils but also ingredients that absorb excess oil. Ingredients such as charcoal & liquorish root mattify the skin. These can be found in Lush Cosmetics Coal Face Soap ($10.95 per 100 grams). Another important ingredient is Tea Tree oil, which acts as a natural antibacterial/antiseptic formula to disinfect from the bacteria that can be caused by over active oil production. A few products with tea tree oil to keep your skin and even oiler body looking good are Lush Cosmetics Fresh Farmacy ($9.95 per 100grams) or Body shop’s Foaming Tea Tree Oil face Soap($16.50 per 100ml)
When you have under productive Sebaceous glands your skin is not producing enough of its own natural oils. In this case, you still need to maintain your healthy skin by cleansing regularly and using more gentle ingredients. Ingredients such as lavender, chamomile, and aloe vera are all very soothing to dry skin but will also help to calm down any redness or irritation (also good for sunburned skin!). Even seaweed is another good ingredient that promotes moisture in the skin. Try a Paradise Regained Moisturizer from Lush Cosmetics ($45.95 per 45gram pot) rich with Vitamin E, Green Tea and Jojoba oil! (That is my moisturizer! I Love it!) Or Body Shop’s Vitamin E Line; Vitamin E can be found in essential oils such as lavender and almond oils which promotes elasticity in the skin.

Now that we recognize our type of sebum glands we must understand them. Despite having oily or dry skin we still need a good moisturizer!
When you have overactive sebum glands, to put it simply, you need to tell them to calm down. When we sleep our body relaxes and that is when most of our natural oils are produced. In order to have them calm down you actually need to use a heavier moisturizer at night. Using this heavier moisturizer encourages your sebum glands to not need to work as hard, through continuing this pattern it should over time help to suppress your sebum glands and cause your skin to become more ‘normal’.
Just the opposite is necessary to speed up your sebum glands in dry skin. By using a light moisturizer at night, or none at all, will wake up your lazy glands and let them know they need to start producing.

One last little tip about these glands, they do not exist around your eyes or on your neck which is why the effects of ageing appear there first causing you to use a eye and neck cream. Try finding one with JOBJA Oil this is a natural oil that is almost identical in texture to your sebum oils. This will help to prevent or prolong the effects of aging around the eyes and sagging of the neck.
These are just a few simple things to help you understand your skin. They are some of the most important things that can help you in the future to maintaining the youthfulness of your skin.

For more information on Products Mentioned Check out Lush and the Body Shop.

Stay tuned for Part II – fast fixes and home remedies!

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Carolyn at TFI is ROCKIN!

This posting is SO overdue! Sincere apologies for the lateness...
A few months ago Pam and I had the opportunity to chat with FC friend, Carolyn Rohaly. Among many of the careers that this dynamic chica holds down all at once - Carolyn writes a Diary blog for TFI that is a vast informative "Fashion Business Advisor" in disguise.
For her double feature on FC, she interviewed Pam about the day-to-day life of being a Toronto Fashion designer. It's great, as Pam unfolds all kinds of tid-bits from a behind-the-scene perspective. My interview with Carolyn discusses some of the wonderful duties pertaining to being the General Manager of Fashion Crimes, with some special attention paid to the angle of buying. If you are interested in pursuing a career within the fashion industry, I would highly reccomend these reads among many many more that you will find in her archives.

In addition to living, eating & breathing fashion in all of it's forms, Carolyn is the assistant to film director David Cronenberg. Back in late March he was awarded with France's highest honour, the Legion d'honneur. Both Carolyn and his daughter Caitlin Cronenberg (who, by the way is an enchantress of photography) proudly supported Mr. Cronenberg at the event.

See them both looking gorgeous in their favourite dresses from Fashion Crimes:

Photo Credit: Peter Bregg of HELLO! Canada

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Fashion Shoot at Cheval

Come and join us this Thursday night at Cheval for a front row seat to see Pam's current collection featured in the BRAND'D series!
Please RSVP so we can add you to the FC guestlist: info@fashioncrimes.ca

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VerveGirl's Perfect Prom Styling

Once again, VERVEgirl Magazine features their top picks for Prom.... and all of the pages are graced by FC dresses!

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PROM on QUEEN!

It's that time of year... and the "Atherial Prom Garden" window display is worth seeing! Here are a few highlights:






Window Styling and Production by Kathryn McEwen, Cynthia Rea. Once again, photography by Geoffrey Knott.

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Destination PROM Shopping

As you will discover in his recent prom feature, Derrick Chetty - Toronto Star Fashion & Living editor -was blown away last Saturday afternoon by the magnitude of teenage girls swarming the boutique. He was also amazed at the diverse collection and the perseverance of the FC staff.
Derrick scoured Toronto for prom dress destinations for his article, so we are amazed at HIS perseverence!

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Women x Women

The highly anticipated Women x Women launches tomorrow! WxW exhibits a compilation of fashion images captured by the leading ladies in Canadian photography. The gallery also promotes Canadian fashion designers, local stylists and is set to be one of the most refreshing alternative events you will find at LGFW this year.

Here is one of the shots that will be featured by the outstanding Anna Ross. Fashion Crimes collaborated with Anna, providing Fashion design, styling and location.

Public Exhibition Friday, March 20, 2009 12noon-6:00pm
and Saturday, March 21, 2009 12noon-5:00pm.

The Fashion House - 560 King Street West - Toronto

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