The state of fashion

Image from www.huffingtonpost.com

I've always adored Isaac Mizrahi and was thrilled to find out that he was responsible for the first lady looking so great at the State of the Union address. I like the textures of the dress and the plum looks great on her skin. I always want to see more from Mizrahi and am happy he's back at full force.

Thin is out!

Models getting ready backstage. Image from Getty via AFP

Sao Paulo Fashion Week is closing and creative director Paulo Borges is expressing concerns over the extremely thin models walking the shows.

"We have noticed with concern that some models on our catwalks -- often the most booked -- are extremely thin. These Brazilian girls are based most of the year in Europe and in the USA where they work majorly," Paulo Borges, the creative director of the Sao Paulo Fashion Week, said in a statement.

He issued the warning after seeing models fly in to parade in this week's Brazilian fashion event and stressed he and the other organizers were intent on "preventing extreme health problems among these professionals."

Brazil already has some restrictions on models ages and requires health reports, but he thinks more should be done.

"We would like to propose a joint effort towards minimizing this issue and preventing the effects of this trend on models, on our industry and on society itself,"

More shows from Rio

Maria Bonita Extra

Acquastudio

So last night was another night filled with fashion shows and the search for some new vendors. Though it was hard to take the heat on the second day of Rio-a-Porter without any air conditioning, we saw some new great things from Skunk, Eclectic and Anna Marcolina.
But the highlights were definitely Acquastudio and Maria Bonita Extra's fashion shows. Acquastudio showed some great -- and rarely seen on Rio's runways -- couture show with some beautiful architectural pictures. And Maria Bonita Extra might have had some great clothes, but what I really remember was the live band who kept the huge crowd, press and celebrities entertained.

Third night of Fashion Rio

Imagem oGlobo.com.br of Mara Mac's show today

So it's our second night at Fashion Rio and it's been a little hard to think about winter collections when it's a beautiful sunny 97 degree day outside. We are glad though that the set-up of the shows and showrooms is a little different this year, with both being at the same venue is a lot easier and quicker to take it all in.
On our first night we got to see a condensed version of all the vendors in a 35 minute long runway show where they each showed one piece. And we are happy to report that next winter will be full of prints and bright accents and we love Brazil for not letting us drown in a see of black when the weather is grim enough.
Tomorrow will be the real test when we get a chance to look at each collection, but we have a feeling we'll find many new exciting things.

l and don't forget to follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/ToucanBoutique for up to the minute updates! See you back here soon.

On my way right now to Rio de Janeiro for the kick off to Rio Fashion and Rio-a-Porter. Toucan Boutique will bring all the news from the runways of Brazi

For those who will be there or wish they were...

Image from FFW.com.br

So here is full line up for this season's Fashion Rio, Rio-a-Porter and Sao Paulo Fashion Week. Of course the favorites will be there: Cantao, Redley, Maria Bonita Extra, and all the ones to watch as well. It'll be hard to keep Winter in mind when the weather outside is sunny and 90 degrees, but I'll try.

Almost time for some Rio fashion

Image from Coven.com.br

We are so excited about the start of the new year and hope all of you had a great time celebrating. But we are even more excited about is the fast approaching Rio fashion and Rio-a-porter. We're looking forward to some sun, seeing all our favorite brands, and discovering new ones, like Coven, a modern cool brand coming to us from Belo Horizonte. Let us know if you have any suggestions for fun things to do while we're there.

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."