The last decade of fleeting fashion

Image from NyMag.com

New York magazine is finishing up 2009 with a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly trends of the past decade. Some of them I'm glad to say good-bye to, like saggy jeans and the whale-tail (remember thongs?), but others like the skinny jeans and the neon revival I'm hoping to carry through to the next decade. Click here for a complete look.

Toucan Boutique to Participate in Crystal City Couture

Photo taken from crystalcity.org

We are excited to announce that Toucan Boutique will be part of next year's Crystal City Couture. This will be an exciting event where you can come explore lots of local boutiques, enjoy nightly runway shows and come see what Toucan Boutique has to offer now and in the future.

"Fun Fashion Comes to Crystal City
Jungle, Jeans, Tats and Tees Featured at “Crystal Couture”
Bianca Richardson, Finalist from America’s Next Top Model to Appear
T-Shirt and Design Competition, Winner Selected by Audience

February 1 – 6, 2010

CRYSTAL CITY, VA — Crystal City is poised to join the ranks of top fashion destinations along with Milan, Paris and New York City. For one week in February, Crystal City will be the center of fun and fashion during the second annual Crystal Couture. Building on the success of last year’s similar event, The Crystal City Business Improvement District will turn available retail space into an exotic runway, boutique and night club – featuring trunk shows, live theater, DJs, specialty drinks, food, comedians, dancing and more.

Dubbed “Jungle, Jeans, Tats and Tees,” (a.k.a. festive animal/island prints, denim, body art and t-shirts), the event is designed to bring great retail and runway straight into the hands of attendees - whether seasoned fashionista or eager newbie.

The creativity does not end on the runway – fashion designers of all skill levels may submit proposals for custom T-shirt and/or jean designs. All submissions will be presented on the Crystal City BID Web site and through digital projection at the event. Audience members will vote on a winner – on Tuesday night, voting for the T-shirt design will take place and on Wednesday, voting for the jean design will occur. Prizes will be awarded.

Local non-profit groups will also be on site to collect donations of new or gently used clothing and footwear. Go Red for Women will also have a presence at the event.

Move over New York City, here comes Crystal City!

What:	Crystal Couture – a week of fabulous fashion, fun and festivities Runway shows, local DJs, body painting, dancing, open bar, free snacks, free makeovers from makeup artists and hair stylists, prizes for best themed- and more! T-shirt and Jeans Design Competition. Entry form and more information can be found here.
Who:	Bianca Richardson, finalist on America’s Next Top Model and dozens of other local models and fashionistas. Signature Designs by LaNorma, Boutique Mix, Stella & Dot, The Jeans Whisperer, Ibhana Creations, Luciana Macchi Poulet, Brand of the Free, Denim Bar, Bernos, Holland Cox, Aidah Collection, Thembe Fashions, JZ Bags, CG Originals Jewelry, ADMK Jewelry, Brand of the Free, Blind Addiktion, The Station, Nido Boutique, Fuzzy Ink, Toucan Boutique, LUCCO, Scarabello, Artistic Sole, Threads Davida Clai, Natalia Sanz Collection, Ro Red for Women, Human Rights Campaign, Craze Chameleon Studio, West Potomac Academy, Shake Your Booty, Celine de Paris, Tanta's Treasures, TranguiliT, Lilian, Alberto Parada, Maggie Lu, NickyB's, Kelly Catherine, Na'Zeem, and Anna Bloom Designs
Where:	A storefront will be turned into a fashion hotspot at 23rd Street and S. Crystal Drive (across from Jaleo); Arlington, VA
When:	February 1 – 6, 2010, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. every night
Tickets:	No ticket is necessary - the event is free and open to the public.
R.S.VP.:	Members of the media who would like to attend should contact Laura Gross at lgross@scottcircle.com or at 202-265-5383, c: 202-255-2054."

Toucan Boutique in the News

Rachel Fus for The Gazette

Toucan Boutique was featured in this weeks Executive Snapshot feature of the local Gazette. The article gives a nice inside look into the story of Toucan Boutique, its creators and what will be doing next. Click here to read the article and learn more about Toucan Boutique.

Sand will stay

One of my sand creations

ThisIsSand.com was lauched in may of 2008 and has been a creative and therapeutic way to kill some time and make art online for anyone looking for something a little more interesting than Facebook or Twitter. The site was on the verge on disappearing, but it has just been saved by Finnish online retailer FinnishDesignShop. I love the site because it offers a nice escape and also loved the idea that lifestyle store My o My, in Helsinki, had of exhibiting some of the pieces in the Thisissand gallery. Be sure to check it out.

Sure, why not?

Photo from Daily Mail.

So it seems that Real Madrid has come up with a new way to afford all the stars on its roster like Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. Starting in March of 2010, the much loved Spanish team, will launch a line of intimate apparel for women and men. Cheering will be a lot sexier now.

Invitation Only. Naughty or nice?

What you see, if you try to log-in

Try to log-in into VonRosen's new website and you might get one of these:

"Access is only granted to invited guests. In selected cases we invite on demand."

According to Style.com, this new site by David von Rosen is invitation only and exclusive to hand picked VIPs. And while we all like to feel special, and there are a lot of businesses who would love to chose their customers, we've seen the controversy surrounding the brands that try to alienate the people who support them (Cristal anyone?). I think that with this, VonRosen will attract only the people who buy into this kind of marketing, so really it's a win win situation: The company gets to boast about it's exclusivity, and the people who care, get to feel special.

So if you want to chase after and invite, good luck, in the mean time Toucan Boutique is here and open for you.

Together at last

We just got news that the next Fashion Rio will be fully linked to the buying event Rio-à-porter (formerly Fashion Business.) This makes me happy since June was a bit messy with having to enter one event with a set of credentials, then exit that, walk kind of a long way, find our other credentials, then walk in again...
But I'm happiest about all the participants of the event. Our old favorites will be there: Skunk, Brazil Social Chic, Anna Marcolina. And others that we're sure will please like: Totem, Osklen, Lenny, Maria Bonita

Another Sneak Peak at Skunk

All images from Skunk.com.br Lookbook

As we mentioned before, we are so excited to bring Skunk to all of you. And though we are not ready to launch it on Toucan Boutique officially until December, I couldn't wait to show some of the amazing things that are coming (we love love everything especially the top dress with the SUPER soft leather scales detail on the bust!). If you see anything you must have (and they will sell out quickly since most of the pieces are one of a kind), email me to pre-order.

You are invited to our Preview Party!

We had so much fun at our last party, that we decided have another one this Sunday the 22nd. So from 1pm to 5pm, you will have a chance to browse through all the cool things we have on ToucanBoutique.com, and get an exclusive look at what's to come! Come by for a chance to get designs that are not on the website.

To RSVP email us at info@toucanboutique.com

Worth a trip to New York

Johnny Depp WWD Lifestyle

It has been a while since I have been to the NY MOMA, and I'm sure this will be worth a trip to West 53rd. Last night Johnny Depp among other stars, came out to honor Tim Burton and his show opening this weekend.

"The gallery exhibition is accompanied by a complete retrospective of Burton’s theatrical features and shorts, as well as a lavishly illustrated publication."

Here is a nice behind the scenes video of the show.

Someone had to say it...

Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie, all celeb turned designers

I've followed her work on my small local paper, the Washington Post for a while and last Friday at an appearance at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Robin Givhan was true to her character when commenting on the actor turned designer trend:

"I can’t imagine Donna Karan saying I’m going to cut an album because her friends say she can sing karaoke"

She also noted that though most of these ventures are not doing so well, the trend exists because people will always buy things associated with celebrities.

Exciting New Things to Come!

We've been quiet all this time, but we can finally announce that some amazing new evening wear is coming very soon to Toucan Boutique. This is definitely for the woman with a sense of humor, and an eye for trends Skunk will be a much needed addition to the already unique choices Toucan has to offer. You'll see great prints, to-die-for fabrics and some innovations you'll have to see to believe (leather fish scales anyone?)
We'll keep you posted so come back to find out more!

eBay as a fashion resource?

eBay has just launched The Inside Source, an online magazine focused on interior decor, home & garden and fashion. Though the eBay has always had a bit (or too much) of everything, it seems that with the Inside Source, they are trying to reach people who are looking for vintage, high-end, trendy items, but haven't thought of eBay as a legitimate place for that. Since we've had luck with eBay in the past, I like the idea, but after roaming around the site a bit, we found it a little redundant and confusing, but we'll keep an open mind since all new things take a little time to work itself out.

More Fall and Winter Trends

Johns PkI/Splash News Online Doug Meszler / Splash News Online

This first trend that Michelle Trachtenberg is sporting here is a perfect complement to another trend we already love. Add an embellished shirt to the structured jacket and you're ready for night time fun with a look that works perfectly for a dinner date or out dancing with the girls.

And another trend that goes with pretty much anything, is the bright colored bag (like this one Sarah Jessica Parker was seen carrying around New York). Jewel toned purses should be in your wardrobe for those times when you need to brighten an outfit without rethinking what you're wearing.

The embellished shirt by Cantao The bright colored fringe bag by Cantao

Ungaro down about Linds

Guibbaud Christophe/Abaca

At the time of the Ungaro show, Lindsay Lohan and Estrella Archs received a lot of criticism for their collaborative collection. And though much of it might have been due to the heart-shaped pasties and uninspired designs, now that mister Emanuel Ungaro himself has finally voiced his opinion, it is pretty clear that the choice of the tabloid disaster as a style advisor wasn't the wisest for the fashion house:

"Lindsay Lohan's collaboration was a disaster. I am furious but I can't do anything about it…. [My vision] is in the process of losing its soul…That happens to a lot of designers. We were the creators and patrons, responsible for the creation and destiny of our houses. But when we gave up our houses, we gave up our souls."

Emanuel Ungaro sold his house back in 2005 and I'm sure it must hurt to see it going so far from his original vision.

Thank you!

To everyone that was able to make it to our preview party on Saturday, thank you. We had a great time and hope you did too. We were so excited to introduce you all to Redley, Anna Marcolina, Cantao and Naara.
Also thanks to all the people that helped us so much with the set-up and break down, and thanks to Kathy for opening up her home to us.
We're already looking forward to the next party!

Project Runway Steam

Last night's episodes "winning looks" shows what the designers do best: Drab designs. Image from the Daily Loaf

I looove me some Project Runway and of course I have been watching the latest season in it's new home, Lifetime, but I after last night's episode it's time to let off some steam.
I'm okay with the fact that this season, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors have been consistently absent. I'm okay with the new pointless Models of the Runway ploy to keep me home for an extra half hour (though it's not really working). I'm even okay with the fact that they're only giving the designers an hour to complete the challenges.
What I'm not okay with, is the most boring collection on top 6 designers in Project Runway history. Can we please see some COLOR!?! And while this season was devoid of any real excitement from the beginning, the people who would have given us something to look forward to (Epperson, Melvin, Ra'mon) were all booted way too early.
I'm not okay with with the collection of random judges we get to see each week (Rachel Bilson?).
And I'm really not okay with the fashion school homework assignment "challenges". Here's some money, go to Mood and do whatever you want isn't really motivating to the already less than eager personalities on the show.

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Now playing: Josephine Baker - Partir sur un Bateau tout
via FoxyTunes

No more tears

Image from Cantao.com.br blog


We know how uncomfortable and stiff some of the most popular fabrics can be, so people are even alergic to warm fabric like wool and hemp. So with that in mind, we got alot of great chic pieces that are made with super soft bamboo fabric. And according to wisegeek.com:

"Bamboo also has many antibacterial qualities, which bamboo fabric is apparently able to retain, even through multiple washings. This helps to reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and cause unpleasant odors. It can also kill odor causing bacteria that live on human skin, making the wearer and his or her clothing smell more sweet. In addition, bamboo fabric has insulating properties and will keep the wearer cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The versatility of bamboo fabric makes it an excellent choice for clothing designers exploring alternative textiles, and in addition, the fabric is able to take bright dye colors well, drape smoothly, and star in a variety of roles from knit shirts to woven skirts."

And speaking of dyes, check out just some of the bamboo tops and dresses with amazing prints from Cantao.

Brasil Social Chic

We are loving what we got and can't wait to show all of you.This is a very exciting time of the year as we continue to get more and more great new things from Fashion Rio and Fashion Business. One thing we were really waiting for were these great new swimwear and accessories from Naara and Tranças e Tramas which are part of the Brasil Social Chic project:

"Embroidery, natural fibers, green tissue, techniques, painting and sewing crafts. Everything is Fair Trade. Chic and Social is Brazil, a project of Wave Solidária to support the distribution of articles produced in ethical, fair and with good quality and style for low-income communities of Rio de Janeiro. Of the eight groups of artisans who are part of the Brazil Social Chic, five of them will exhibit a unique collection in the Fashion Business, one of the largest fashion events in Brazil"

So Close...

Like I mentioned before, we are almost ready to show you all what Anna Marcolina has to offer. Their prints and fabrics feel so organic and close to nature without losing style or being strictly boho. Here is a another little preview from Glam Magazine

Forties Greatness

Aquilano.Rimondi,Bottega Veneta, Andrew Gn doing forties. Amazing!

Even though Fall and Spring runways were filled with eighties influences (which are here to stay), the forties also played a huge role and fall trends are full of huge shoulders, cinched waists, and great trenches. Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta all had beautiful romantic forties silhouettes. And though most of them would look great on Joan Crawford and any spy movie, there are a lot of ways to bring that romance into your fall looks.

To translate this trend to real life, click here to try this super soft trench, by Cantao.

Japanese Obsession

I've always loved how the Japanese embrace fashion as a culture and treat it with so much respect. This Style.com video shows how some Japanese fashionistas are more interested and informed about the big fashion insiders than the people who wear all the amazing things they buy. While most of us might not even know their names, they definitely are Big in Japan.

DIY Halloween

I'm big fan of homemade Halloween costumes especially because store bought ones tend to feel really uncomfortable, look really cheap and since the point of Halloween is to be creative, why not use what you already have at home and make something great.

Vampires have always been a pretty popular choice, but this year with all the Twilight, True Blood and nine million other vampire movies, shows, books, etc, there will be even more of them out there on all hallows eve. So if you're of the "if you can't beat them, join them" school of thought, here is YouTube superstar, Michelle Phan, doing her thing and teaching you how to look like a vampire. And for the outfit, grab that old black dress and lots of accessories.Or try this Butterlfly Dress from Toucan Boutique

McQueen Magic

Wow! There is no other word to describe what Alexander McQueen sent his models in down the runway for Spring/Summer 2010. If these shoes are what we will be wearing next season, then I'm in. Though walking around in 10 inches of platform may sound a little daunting, these are the kind of "it's so crazy it just might work" kind of look. When I wasn't looking down at their feet, the clothes were pretty awesome too.

Shorts and Jackets

Mary Kate Olsen, Anne Hathaway, Nicky Hilton. Images by Zimbio.com

I know it might already be getting a little cold for this, but I love the blazer and shorts look. I personally prefer it with flats since short shorts and heels can be a bit much for me. With this look anything goes, so pair a serious structured blazer with bright shorts, accessories, some cool flats, and leggings and you can really go from day to night no matter where you're going.
My inspiration for this today was watching one of my favorites, Isaac Mizrahi, doing one of his webisodes. Click here to watch him talk about blazers and shorts. And check out below a great outfit that fits this look.
Play around with different ideas, so try a cream colored blazer, like this one by Redley from Toucan Boutique.

And if you are not a fan of short shorts, this modern trouser-cut pair of long shorts would work too.
To finish off the look, try these super comfy flats, also from Redley, and for some color add this Indian inspired long necklace from Cantao.

Loving Isabela Capeto

I am still talking about the Spring/Summer shows from Brazil because now that all the New York, Milan, and Paris shows are done, the editorial world finally have Spring/Summer in mind so here is my latest obsession:
I've been really loving what I've seen from Isabela Capeto, she's worked for some great Brazilian names like Maria Bonita Extra and Lenny, but since coming out on her own, she's really surprised. Her style is simple, with great interesting shapes and prints. I'm not one to compare designers, but I think she could be the Marc Jacobs of Brazil, but spicier. Let me know what you think.

Fashion Awards in Brazil

Isabeli Fontana, one of the nominees, on the July cover of Vogue Brasil

In its second year, the Prêmio Moda Brasil 2009, Brazil's Fashion Awards, has finally announced the list of nominees. Though some of the names might be unfamiliar to you, they are definitely worth Googling since the caliber of work this year was so impressive.
The Brazilian fashion industry is growing rapidly and showing no signs of stopping, so it's nice to see some names being recognized for the amazing work they do. Here is the list of nominees, congratulations to all and thank you madeinbrazil.typepad.com for the translation:

Womenswear Designer: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Glória Coelho, Reinaldo Lourenco

Menswear Designer: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Osklen, Ricardo Almeida

Breakthrough Designer: Amapô, D'Arouche, Juliana Jabour

Beachwear Designer: Lenny, Luiza Bonadiman, Salinas

Runway Show: Alexandre Herchcovitch S/S 2010, Glória Coelho S/S 2010, Reinaldo Lourenco S/S 2010

Stylist: Daniel Ueda, Felipe Veloso, Flavia Lafer

Make Up Artist: Daniel Hernandez, Duda Molinos, Max Weber

Hair Stylist: Daniel Hernandez, Max Weber, Robert Estevão

Photographer: Bob Wolfenson, Gui Paganini, Jacques Dequeker

Ad Campaign: Ellus F/W 2009, Tufi Duek F/W 2009, Osklen S/S 2010

Art Director: Giovanni Bianco, Kleber Matheus, Lila Guibert

Female Model: Caroline Trentini, Isabeli Fontana, Raquel Zimmermann

Female Model New Face: Carmelita, Paula Zago, Luana Teifke

Male Model: Alex Schultz, Raphael Laus, Michael Camiloto

Accessories Designer: Constanca Basto, Glorinha Paranaguá, Sarah Chofakian

Jewelry Designer: H. Stern, Ara Vartanian, Jack Vartanian

Magazine: Joyce Pascowitch, ffw MAG!, Vogue Brasil

Website: Erika Palomino, Glamurama, Lilian Pacce

Blog: Flavia Lafer, Lula Rodrigues, Filme Fashion

Television Show: GNT Fashion, Fashion Special: Marc Jacobs, Nomes da Moda

Fashion Journalist: Costanza Pascolato, Erika Palomino, Gloria Kalil

Be greener now

Bernard Wilhelm. Image from fashionista.com

Just finished reviewing the latest shows from Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010 on www.fashionista.com and though Bernard Wilhelm had a pretty literal interpretation on adding foliage to your wardrobe, here are some practical ways to be green for fall.
Foliage Stripes Dress by Redley

Digital Foliage Dress by Redley


Foliage Sweater by Redley

Olympics 2016

Image by The Associated Press

Nearly 50,000 people celebrate in Cobacabana beach after it was announced that Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics. This will be the first time the event will be held in South America.

Start planning your Olympic wardrobe...