Daria returns from NYC

Fresh on the scene is the local Daria! The bright eyed, statuesque beauty just returned from a great first show season in New York Fashion Week walking for Libertine amongst several others.  After returning to Ottawa Daria took some time to answer a few questions for us about her recent experience in New York and a couple tips for travelers or new models going to New York for the first time.


Name:
Daria Ponomareva
 
Mother agency:
Angies Models and Talent
 
How long is your contract?
5 years
 
What could you tell us about the market for new models/models whom have not yet been?
 
The market is very good in New York because it needs everything. Not just commercial and not just high fashion so everyone gets a chance.
 
What is something interesting/different about the city?
 
As they say.. "the city that never sleeps"
And that is true. New Yorkers are out at all hours of the day. Castings sometimes happen at 11pm. It's much busier with a lot more people around especially tourists. New York also has several opportunities for new models.
 
What is the shopping like?
 
Shopping in NYC is amazing. You can find stores for absolutely anything you want to buy and with different prices everywhere.
 
Any current fashion trends that stand out/ different that you have noticed?
 
I have noticed a lot of models wear transparent white/black blouses that you can get from American Apparel, and long light skirts. Some dress classier with jackets from Zara and shoes from Zara.
 
Make-up trends that you have noticed?
 
A lot of the things I did notice involved natural makeup so I think that is what is "in" at the moment.
 
Favorite thing about working in this market?
 
My favorite thing about working in this market is that I get a chance to try everything and it is basically a whole new experience.
 
Something you'd recommend to eat for somebody who has never been?
 
I recommend drinking "Neuro" drinks and eating lots of healthy stuff :)

Photos provided by Angies Models in Ottawa

Ottawa Fashion Week presents: Judith & Charles opening

Our editors dropped in to the Judith & Charles opening event presented by Ottawa Fashion Week this past Thursday at the Rideau Centre and snapped a couple pics of some cute pieces.

Judith & Charles is contemporary women's wear that is made in Canada with stores across the country.

www.judithandcharles.com

Sale at Lilac Lingerie!!

One of Ottawas most fashionable places for ladies to purchase their lingerie is having a huge sale on a large range of items! The sale lasts until the end of September!

Check our their site for more details here

OFW S/S 2012 line-up

Have you checked out the line-up for Ottawa Fashion Weeks S/S 2012 shows? we have!!

With names like Rud by Rudsak, Travis Taddeo, Illyria and Amber Watkins Swim (plus many amazing others) the anticipation is building and we can't wait!

have a look at the schedule here to see the full list of designers showing.

lookbookcookbook.com - gluten free and vegan treats

lookbookcookbook is a bit of a current obsession with some of our editors.

The web site features really awesome vegan and gluten free treats from 'Peanut Butter Banana Pops' to 'Mutant Flour Less Chocolate Cookies' and the 'Maple Pecan Pie Smoothie' (plus many many more!)

check it out and try it out!

model with 'Raw Vegan Ice Cream Sandwich'

Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2012

Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2012 tickets are now available! Are you going? We are!

Rumor has it this season is going to be even better than last. We can't wait to see what fantastic line-up they bring in this season!

Just a few weeks away!

www.ottawafashionweek.ca

Artist Spotlight: AMY SHACKLETON

Amy Shackleton is a visual artist based in Toronto, Canada making one hell of a name for herself!
Her paintings are captivating landscapes colliding together ever so gently. We chatted with Amy a week prior to her next solo show in Toronto.

Name:
Amy Shackleton

Currently represented at which galleries?:
The Elaine Fleck Gallery (Toronto), Gerry Thomas Gallery (Calgary), Degree Art Gallery (London, England).

Favorite thing about your job?:  
I'm able to paint, travel and be creative everyday. What more can an artist ask for?

Least favorite thing about your job?:
Ironically, writing about my work. I have a hard time organizing my thoughts in a linear fashion. Besides, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? 

Advice to anybody thinking about stepping into the visual arts world?: 
You need to love it, want it and live for it everyday. Don't be afraid of rejection, because it will happen time and time again. Make time for your art, and I'm not talking about just an hour or two per day. I tried painting "on the side" of a full time office job. Despite my intentions, I rarely found the time and energy to paint, let alone research galleries, attend openings, apply for exhibitions and establish myself as an artist. So I quit my job. One month later, I had nine commissions and a group exhibition lined up in Toronto. It's now been two and a half years, and I've sold over 80 paintings to private and corporate collectors across Canada. 

What do you have next up your sleeve? 
Next week I have a solo show, called revitalizaT.On, opening at the Elaine Fleck Gallery in Toronto. It runs September 1-25. Each painting dissects an area of Toronto I feel needs a natural uplift. It's my first series of work created entirely without a paintbrush. Instead, I apply the paint with squeeze bottles and rotate the canvas to manipulate each drip. The result is calculated, yet spontaneous! Also, I'm flying to Rome next week to gather inspiration for my upcoming appearance at the International Art Fair in Toronto (Oct 28-31). I'll be back in Toronto in time for the opening reception of revitalizaT.On September 15th 6-9pm.

Where do you currently reside?/Best way to check out your work and get in touch with you?: 
Im the proud new owner of a live/work studio near Queen Street and Carlaw Avenue in Toronto. But, right now, most of my works are on display at The Elaine Fleck Gallery and Gerry Thomas Gallery. You can view all of my works, and see their availability on my website (www.amyshackleton.com).

Urban Growth (Toronto + Florida + Chicago) July 2011, 30" x 45" Diptych, Acrylic and Enamel on Canvas