RODARTE'S KATE & LAURA MULLEAVY IN TORONTO AT THE BAY

Rodarte's Kate & Laura Mulleavy in Toronto - May 2012

Since their Debut in 2005, Sisters Kate & Laura Mulleavy have taken the Fashion World by storm. The Designing Duo, known for their Collaborative Line Rodarte, have become a hit among Celebrities with their most loyal of Fans including Cate Blanchett, Reese Witherspoon, Rooney Mara, Taylor Swift, Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Rachel McAdams and many more.

The Mulleavy Sisters arrived in Toronto yesterday from Los Angeles for a rare appearance to launch their Van Gogh-inspired Collection which now is available at The Room at The Bay - Queen Street. In addition to being welcomed via a Private Party at the Store, the two sat down and chatted with the esteemed Jeanne Beker earlier today before Fans - an experience they admit as being a bit surreal as they grew-up watching Fashion Television.

In addition to a high-profile Collaboration with Target, Rodarte's Profile recently received a significant boost through their work on Academy Award-nominated and winning Black Swan.  The Mulleavy Sisters count that Film's Star Natalie Portman, among their best Friends and although they were late to crossover into the realm of Celebrity, they admit that exposure has had its benefits.  "It just gives a global awareness to what you're doing ...and has a different type of life with so many people seeing what you're doing, in addition to people who might not have followed your collections", says Kate Mulleavy.  "When that awareness happens, hopefully you want to translate something about your Brand in the right way and the integrity of your design.".

The Sisters admit that up until recently many of their Friends had no idea what they did for a living. "Some of our Friends would ask 'Are you guys planning to go on Project Runway?'", laughs Laura Mulleavy, who feels a key to their resilience is having many close Friends who happen not to be in the World of Fashion.

I had the pleasure of chatting quickly with the Mulleavy Sisters, who personalized my Black Swan Photobook from Japan.  "Wow!  I've never seen this before!", she admits to me as she flipped through the Book.  "I'm going to give you a bit of exclusive info - we didn't actually design the Dress Natalie is wearing on the Cover here as our Costumes weren't finished yet when they shot that Photo.  The Photo you see here actually was used for a Poster for Swan Lake seen in the Movie.". *gushing*  They even were kind enough to pose for a Photo despite being in a rush to catch their Flight!

Follow Rodarte on Twitter here and don't forget to check-out their Collection at The Room!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KIM KARDASHIAN & KANYE WEST IN TORONTO FOR "BELLE NOEL"

Kim Kardashian in Toronto - May 2012

It was all about Kim & Kanye today in Toronto as the latest Couple to turn heads brought the attention north of the Border today.  Model/Entrepreneur/TV Star Kim Kardashian flew-in to Toronto solo from Los Angeles this morning on a Red-eye Flight, gearing-up for a day of promotion for the Belle Noel Jewely Line at The Bay Queen Street.

West however, made a surprise appearance, drawing a thrilled reaction from Fans who anticipated only Kardashian. The Rapper was a little more shy, stopping only to say "hello" to the City's Top Celebrity Photographer George Pimentel, prior to rushing into the Store where some Fans lined-up overnight to meet his stunning Girlfriend at $50-per-Wristband.

Kardashian despite being fashionably late, still made time for Fans who queued outside for a chance to see her, stopping to sign Autographs although being selective what she christened with her Signature. "Do you have anything more recent of me?", she asked one Fan before moving onto the next item.

Kim Kardashian & Mr. Will-W.

Did I mention I was one of the lucky few who scored a Snap with Kardashian? Beautiful and gracious in a form-fitting white number which accentuated her gold Belle Noel Necklace, she made a quick exception for me. Thrilled!

Rumours are that the Couple might have been headed for some Italian in the north-end of the City following the one-hour Signing.  Now that's-a-spicy!

UPDATE: Looks as though the Couple were Los Angeles-bound after their brief Toronto stay!

KIM KARDASHIAN TO APPEAR AT THE BAY IN TORONTO

Kim Kardashian

She may be in-love with Kanye West, but Toronto really is where her heart is as Socialite/Model/Entrepreneur/TV Star Kim Kardashian is slated to do an appearance at The Bay - Queen Street  Thursday, May 10, 2012 between 4:30 to 5:30 PM.  She will be promoting new Jewelry Line, Belle Noel. Kardashian last visited Toronto in October 2010 when she celebrated her 30th Birthday with an Autograph Signing at Sherway Gardens for Shoppers Drug Mart.

Follow The Bay on Twitter for more details. A $50 purchase will be required between May 8-10, 2012 at the Queen Street Store for front-of-the-line access.

(Photo credit: Terry Richardson/Harper's Bazaar)

IVANKA TRUMP TO APPEAR AT THE BAY - QUEEN STREET

Ivanka Trump in Toronto - February 2012

The vision of perfection known as Ivanka Trump will be gracing Toronto with her presence once again after coming to help launch the stunning Trump International Hotel and Tower earlier this month. Fashion will be on her agenda this time though with her scheduled to make an appearance at The Bay on Queen Street, Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, signing Autographs. Trump will be promoting her Spring Collection.

Follow The Bay on Twitter here for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JESSICA & ASHLEE SIMPSON AT THE BAY FOR "JESSICA SIMPSON GIRLS" LINE

Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson & Bronx Simpson-Wentz at The Bay

The lovely Simpson Sisters, Jessica and Ashlee, joined forces today in Toronto to promote the  just-launched Jessica Simpson Girls Line at The Bay's Queen Street Store. The Line which ranges from sizes 7 to 16 adapting some key styles from the successful Jessica Simpson Juniors Line, is a collaboration among both Sisters.  It is said that as early as next February, a Baby and Maternity Collection could be on its way too.

Tagging along to help Mommy out was Ashlee's thee year-old Son, Bronx who sure seems to be enjoying the jet-set life after spending a bit of time in New York City.  Many who attended the three-hour Event were in awe of soon-to-be Mommy Jessica's Glow and for those who must know, soon-to-be-Daddy Eric Johnson cheered-on from the wings.  As per Jessica, the Baby's Sex will be known in just a couple days as she's due for a visit to the Doctor.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to attend the Event. My Readers Lucas, Tatiana and Laura are absolutely sweet and ensured I was part of the fun, delivering in-person to me this amazing surprise of a Jessica Simpson Girls Poster which they got both Jessica and Ashlee to sign on their way out.  I am so touched.  Thank you!

I must also thank some of the generous Photographers who attended the Event, who without any hesitation shared their beautiful Photos below for all of us to enjoy.  

See more Photos of Jessica, Ashlee and Bronx below:

JESSICA & ASHLEE SIMPSON TO VISIT TORONTO FOR "JESSICA SIMPSON COLLECTION"

Jessica & Ashlee Simpson at The Bay

YES! Big score for Toronto, thanks to the Hudson Bay Company who know exactly what Fans want. Sisters Jessica and Ashlee Simpson will be appearing at the Queen Street Store on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1:00 PM to promote the Jessica Simpson Collection.  The wildly successful Collection, available in over 650 Department Stores in the U.S., grossed $750 million in 2010.

Jessica, who currently is expecting her first Child with Eric Johnson, will be making her first known visit to Toronto since 2008 when she quietly filmed a Cameo in panned Comedy The Love Guru. Ashlee also last came in 2008 for a visit to promote the Fashion Line Request for Zellers.

Those who spend $50 or more on any item(s) from the Jessica Simpson Collection will get a free gift, an Autograph and also front-of-the-line access (while quantities last).

This pretty much is the best news we've gotten all Fall!  Simp-ly amaze.

(Photo credit: The Bay)

NICOLA FORMICHETTI IN TORONTO FOR "MUGLER"

Nicola Formichetti in Toronto - November 2011

Any true Mons✝er would need little introduction to Nicola Formichetti. The Japanese-Italian Fashion Director gained international notoriety in early 2009 when he first began collaborating with Lady Gaga. Since her 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards Performance in Toronto, he has been responsible for styling what have been become her most famous performances in a quick and meteoric rise to the top of both the Pop Music and Fashion worlds.

During our 2:00 AM chat Formichetti asks me, "Where the hell am I?", to which I describe for him what glamorous Yorkville in Toronto is all about. "Last time I came to Canada I almost got arrested", he laughs. The diminutive and undeniably alluring Fashion Icon tells me about his ordeal passing though the Canada Border Services Agency with Gaga's famous Flaming Bra in his Suitcase, mistaken of course for a Bomb.

All is well though now with this new Creative Director for the MUGLER Fashion House being welcomed to Toronto with open arms. The Hudson Bay Company celebrated the introduction of the MUGLER Line by Formichetti at their Queen Street Store's The Room this evening.  Cocktails were served before an ultra-exclusive Dinner was held at Hotspot Campagnolo.  He later headed to a Gay Bar where he watched a couple performances from local Drag Queens, but was neither here nor there about it.

JAY MANUEL, JESSICA STAM & TOMMY HILFIGER CONFIRMED FOR TORONTO APPEARANCES

Jay Manuel

Attention Toronto Fashionistas! There are two exciting events coming this month which you need to mark on your Calendars.

1. Iconic Fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger will be visiting The Bay - Queen St. on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 between 6 to 8 PM. Appearing with him will be Canadian Fashion Supermodel Jessica Stam and New York Rangers' Brad Richards. Autographs will be signed and lines will be queued.

2. America's Next Top Model's Jay Manuel will be visiting Sears - Eaton Centre on September 20, 2011 for an appearance, as confirmed on his Twitter. He will be meeting Fans and promoting his Attitude line. More details to come on times. 

I wonder whether or not he will be supporting ANTM Alumni Analeigh Tipton as she too will be here at the same time for the TIFF Premiere of Whit Stillman's Damsels in Distress!

Have fun, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: Attitude/JayManuel.com)

KELLY OSBOURNE GREETING FANS IN TORONTO

Kelly Osbourne & Mr. Will-W.

What more can I say about Kelly Osbourne other than that she's simply amazing?  Hello!  Making a two-hour appearance at The Bay - Queen Street today for Madonna and Daughter Lourdes' Material Girl Collection, Osbourne has been vocal about her love for Toronto, Tweeting her appreciation to the Staff at The Bay: "Thank you so much for today your staff treated me like a queen & i had the best time. from the bottom of my heart thank you.".

Osbourne, noticing some Fans waiting outside her Hotel earlier had apologized for not being able to greet them as she had been in a hurry.  But get this - she made a commitment to spend time with them upon her return and she did just that... but of course not until she had an opportunity to do a bit of private shopping at The Bay following her appearance.

Seeing her Fans upon return, she hopped right out of her SUV and ran over to them, taking Photos with each and every single one, rewarding them handsomely as some had waited almost eight hours for her.  Noticing one Reporter try to fit in a quick unassuming question, she replied firmly, "Oh,come on, you're pushing it, that was", before apologizing politely later, "Sorry, everything I do has to be cleared be her (pointing to her Handler).".

Of course Osbourne recognized me from yesterday and gave me a big hug telling me, "The appearance went amazing!  I really love this City!".  Yes!

See more Photos below of Osbourne:

KELLY OSBOURNE IN TORONTO FOR "MATERIAL GIRL COLLECTION" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Kelly Osbourne & Mr. Will-W.

I have the utmost respect for Kelly Osbourne who after having grown-up under close public scrutiny has defied the odds and become a personal Hero of mine. The Fashionista flew into Toronto from Los Angeles earlier this evening for a Material Girl Launch Party at The Bay on Queen Street tomorrow, a visit which originally was scheduled in April 2011, but postponed for personal reasons. The Fashion Line founded by Madonna and Daughter Lourdes, is available currently exclusively at The Bay in select locations across the Country.

Osbourne, dressed casually in a Gingham Button-Down and Black Jacket, hair tired into a Ponytail, was barely recognizable in her Glasses. She genuinely was touched to see Fans waiting at the Airport and her Hotel upon arriving to the City, saying "I don't believe you Guys waited for me here! I'm so touched!", shortly after Tweeting me personally a note of thanks. She then Tweeted, "Thank you so much to everyone in Toronto that has gone out of there way to make me feel so welcome I really do love it here!". She really shouldn't be surprised though as Toronto Fans notoriously are loyal and it's been quite some time since she's visited. Her last publicized visit to the City was March 2005 when she was promoting her Album One Word.

Osbourne also currently can be seen on E!'s Fashion Police alongside Joan Rivers, while two Films she's worked on, So Undercover (Miley Cyrus,J eremy Piven) and Should've Been Romeo (Michael Rapaport, Paul Ben-Victor) will see a 2012 release.

You too might be able to catch a glimpse of Osbourne in-person tomorrow at The Bay - Queen St. between 5 to 7 PM. Don't miss your chance!

See more Photos below:

KELLY OSBOURNE FOR "MATERIAL GIRL" AT THE BAY

Kelly Osbourne for Material Girl

Canadian Fashionistas rejoice! Gorgeous Style Icon in-the-making Kelly Osbourne will be making a rare appearance in the City at The Bay (Queen St.) August 30, 2011 between 5 to 7 PM promoting Madonna and Daughter Lourdes' collaborative Fashion line, the Material Girl Collection. Now available at select stores throughout Canada, the fun and fearless Collection contains Shoes, Accessories and Clothing at an affordable price point.  Osbourne originally was scheduled for a visit late April, but had to cancel at the last minute.  I'll definitely be there!

  Peruse the Material Girl Collection here.

Follow The Bay on Twitter to find out more.

(Photo credit: Material Girl)

TOPMAN LAUNCHING SOON AT THE BAY

Finally!  Topman Canada is launching at The Bay and soon select cities in Canada will know the greatness that is Topman, keeping men stylish all around the World since 1978.  To get a sneak peak of the Topman Collection available exclusively at The Bay, click here.  I think I may have seen an exclusive T-shirt donning the famous HBC coloured stripes there!

A launch is being held August 25, 2011 between the hours of 6 to 8 PM at The Bay Queen Street for those who are curious!

ANNA DELLO RUSSO IN TORONTO FOR THE BAY'S "WHEN TOMMY MET ANNA" EXHIBIT

Anna Dello Russo & Tommy Ton at When Tommy Met Anna Exhibit

Vogue Japan Editor at Large and self-proclaimed Fashion Collector/Maniac Anna Dello Russo made a rare visit to Toronto Tuesday afternoon. Officially a part of this year's Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, Toronto Fashion Photoblogger Tommy Ton's When Tommy Met Anna Exhibit at The Bay - Queen Street's The Room, is one of the more high-profiled this year. Some of you might know Ton from his widely-read Blog, Jak & Jil?

Known as the "Lady Gaga of Fashion Week", Milan's Dello Russo has come to be defined by her unique and quirky sense of style. More recently she has been noted for incorporating fruits among other edibles into her look. She tells Marilyn Denis this morning on her CTV Television Show, "You should not be afraid to look like a Clown", donning a pink 1950s-inspired frock by Giles Deacon.

TOPSHOP & TOPMAN ARRIVING AT THE BAY THIS FALL

YES! Do you see how devastatingly stylish this above Gentleman looks? Well, he's sporting an affordable Suit from Topman, the male counterpart of fashion-forward Topshop and guess what? Both are coming to Canada this Fall at select The Bay locations.

Despite being a major threat to H&M, I honestly think both can co-exist in harmony.  They do in the UK and in many other parts of the world.  In the U.S., 19 Barney's stores currently carry selections from Topshop, in addition to one New York City Flagship store.  In Toronto, you can find some pieces at Jonathan+Olivia in the City's trendy Queen St. West neighbourhood.

One of my fondest memories of visiting London was their availability of Topman stores. I could literally spend an afternoon at their Oxford Circus store perusing their selections.

Canadians just became that much more stylish!

(Photo credit: Topman)

KELLY OSBOURNE IS NAMED MADONNA'S NEW "MATERIAL GIRL"

Kelly Osbourne

Material Girl, the collaborative Fashion line between Madonna and her Daughter Lourdes, has announced that the new face of their 2011 Collection is none other than the new-improved Kelly Osbourne, taking the reigns from Gossip Girl Bad Girl-turned-Rocker Taylor Momsen.

Osbourne's affection for the iconic Singer dates back early in her Career. Some might recall her debut Single being a cover of Madonna's Papa Don't Breach, back from her pre-Fashionista days as a Recording Artist.  Read the Material Girl Blog for more details.

In Canada, The Bay will be carrying Material Girl at select locations this Spring. 

(Photo credit: Cosmopolitan)

TARGET STRIKES $1.8 BILLION DEAL TO BRING STORES TO CANADA

Target - Niagara Falls, USA

Great news, Canadians! It was announced earlier today that U.S. discount retailer Target has snapped-up most of Canada's Zellers locations from the Hudson Bay Company for $1.8 billion.

Target plans to launch between 100 to 150 stores in Canada between 2013 and 2014.... I can hardly wait! For those Zellers stores which are not part of the deal, leases will be auctioned off and several major U.S. chains like Kohl's and J.C. Penney have expressed interest to branch into the Canadian market.  It is expected that the ailing retailer Zellers which has failed to compete with Wal-Mart, will be disappearing from the retail landscape altogether domestically.

For a more detailed look at what The Globe & Mail calls a "complex deal", click here.

For those of you who have never been inside a Target, I'd compare it v. much to Wal-Mart, but their selection of products lean more to a trendier demographic.  Their line of health-conscious foods, Archer's Farms, are a refreshing new option for Canadian consumers.  With an array of tasteful products sold which range from Fashions to Electronics and Home Furnishings, I am confident the Retailer will thrive in our market. 

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' SCOTT WEILAND PROMOTES FASHION LINE AT THE BAY IN TORONTO

Stone Temple Pilots Lead Singer Scott Weiland made full use of his stay in Toronto today. Weiland took time out to promote his fashion line for English Laundry at The Bay on Queen Street, where he did a Meet & Greet and in-store interview with The Edge 102.1's Alan Cross.  He is seen above looking rather dapper, leaving his Hotel in Yorkville with Starbucks in tow as he heads into his Suburban.  "It's a little bit flamboyant", Weiland described his line today, recalling wearing his Mother's Silk Top and Grandmother's Platforms as a child.  View his collection here.

The troubled singer who seems to be known for trouble with the Law and drama with his now-defunct band Velvet Revolver in recent memory, appears to be putting his past behind him and is now fully focused.  Stone Temple Pilots are playing a show tonight at Air Canada Centre in support of their latest self-titled effort from Atlantic Records/Warner Music. 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SARAH JESSICA PARKER AT HALSTON HERITAGE LAUNCH PARTY (TORONTO)

That's right - be jealous. That would be Carrie Bradshaw herself and your favourite Pop Culture Maven, Mr. Will-W. together at last. Sarah Jessica Parker flew in to Toronto to do a quick round of promotion for the launch of the Halston Heritage Collection, sold exclusively at The Bay.  The party was held at the Queen Street flagship store. Parker was recently selected as Chief Creative Officer for the reborn fashion line. Many of you might already recognize one of fashion line's marquee items in the Sex and The City 2  poster, which she wears with pride.

Prior to being known mostly for its line of drug store discount fragrances, fashion house Halston was a big deal in the '70s. Just like how Ungaro hadn't been relevant in quite some time, Halston is now amidst a major relaunch. Canada's premiere department store The Bay has made no secret about wanting to up the ante to compete with the high fashion of Holt Renfrew. My readers might remember that America's Next Top Model's Miss J. Alexander visited this past weekend at their Bloor Street location, drawing a bit of that celebrity appeal to its name.  And I was there.

And let me tell you this, Parker is everything I thought she would be and more in person. After waiting for her to do her rounds with the Canadian media fashion elite, I finally got a chance to say "hi" before she finally headed out after sticking around for an hour. Graciously she signed a little memento for me and posed for a photo with me, despite being in a rush to head to a dinner at The Hazelton with Prime Minister Harper's wife.  We talked quickly about Sex and The City 2 and I expressed my excitement to see it.  She told me I am going to love it.  Scream.

Check out some more photos I got from the event below:

And while you're at it, why not check out this exclusive free download of my ode to Carrie Bradshaw, produced by Monsieur Adi? The track is from my 2008 album Bodytalk.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PRODUCT WATCH: TOPSHOP/TOPMAN AND TARGET'S CANADIAN INVASION

Following its dismal performance of late, American retailer Target has announced its plans to expand to Mexico and Canada as early as 2013.  Target is the second largest discount retailer in America behind only Walmart which has performed successfully in Canada since its arrival in 1994.  It's about bloody time, I say.  The only problem for City Boys like me is that to get to an actual Walmart, which I love despite its vilified perception, one has to commute a bit out to the suburbs.  Foreseeably, this would be the case also with Target seeing that rent is much more affordable outside the downtown core.

In addition to this, British fashion retailer Topshop is also in talks with Canada's premiere department store The Bay to strike a distribution deal.  The deal has not yet been finalized, but this is very exciting news to anyone who has ever shopped abroad at Topshop or Topman (its menswear branch).  For those of you who don't know of the retailer, think H&M but better quality and cutting.  The quality does come at a premium though. And seeing that H&M has done so well in Canada in turning a profit even in the current economic climate, Topshop should have no difficulty surviving in the Canadian market with a proper business plan.  This possible partnership is one of several ventures The Bay is planning to amp-up its brand to compete with upper-echelon retailers like Holt Renfrew (Canada's equivalent to Saks Fifth Avenue or Selfridges).  Who's excited? Me!