Amber Watkins

photo by Maciej Czop

 ..Watkins recently burst onto the Ottawa fashion scene as a rather impressive swimwear designer. Her debut collection at the S/S 2012 Ottawa Fashion Week last fall was extremely well received. Now Watkins is not only working on her next collection but an interest and passion behind the scenes of the editorial world has led her into our Assistant Editor position at PRESS The Fashion. As a fashion designer, Watkins offers a fresh perspective to the team.

Favourite designer?: 
Diane von Furstenberg.  She is just such an amazing role model for the kind of woman I want to be, not just as a designer.  She epitomizes class and femininity, and she has been able to successfully balance being a successful business owner with also being a great mother and friend. 

Favourite musician/band?: 
No Doubt, hands down.  I saw them live a few years ago and shocked the person with whom I had gone with my manic levels of excitement.  I know every single word of every one of their songs.

One thing you can't live without?: 
I don’t know if I can choose just one!  Sadly, I can’t make it through anything without coffee, so I guess that might have to be my default answer.  Nonfat lattes with cinnamon, preferably with a good conversation, make for a very simple happiness formula!

Christopher Massardo

photo by Lyndon Goveas

For editor's week we're starting off with our fearless leader Christopher Massardo!

Christopher Massardo...
..is PRESS The Fashion's editor and the creative director for PRESS The Beauty. Having only been in the business for a few years as a fashion stylist and writer, don't let that make you think he doesn't carry with him a wealth of experience. In that few years Massardo found himself styling and writing for local, national and international publications and advertising clients. Prior to PRESS The Fashion, Massardo's work could be seen in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Boston and London amongst others. As a writer Massardo has been published in the genre's of fashion, travel, food, lifestyle and the arts.




Favourite designer?:
That's a tough one, it's a toss up right now between Alexander Wang and Ying Gao.

Favourite musician/band?:
Again tough one, but Metric and Portishead are rather brilliant!

One thing you can't live without?:
That's an easy one! My cell phone! (and my editorial team, I love them!!)

ARMEN launches new website!

If you don't already know, ARMEN on Sussex in Ottawa is one of the go-to locations when a gentleman is looking for elegance and luxury in a suit (just ask our editor Christopher, he loves them!). That being said ARMEN has launched a new website that not only gives you a glimpse into the collections but now they are also offering online orders and are shipping worldwide!

Have a look for yourself http://www.armenstyle.com/

Flaunt is back!!!

The amazing event 'Flaunt' is back for round three! If you haven't been yet and you're asking yourself "what's Flaunt?", well...

"Flaunt is an opportunity to escape to indulgence. Shop the most fabulous independent Canadian designer fashions and accessories. Enjoy the most delectable sweets. Be pampered from head to toe, all whilst grooving to the beat of the hottest DJ's. The Third annual Flaunt event will be held on the rooftop of the glamourous National Arts Centre in Ottawa. This exclusive event is open to those looking for something out of the ordinary, a night to remember."

So now that you know, what are you waiting for?   buy tickets now!

Amber Watkins Swim launch party!

swimsuit by Amber Watkins Swim

Friday evening was the launch party of Amber Watkins Swim at downtown hot spot 'JunXion'.

Guests invited had the opportunity to not just mix, mingle and get get to know the designer but also were treated to a small and intimate fashion show. The evening was rather fantastic leaving us wanting more!

Thank-you Amber and congratulations!

Models International Management is seeking new faces!!

MIM's roster is growing, and with models in such high demand from local clients, they are searching for new faces!

Join MIM between 11am and 2pm in the Centre Court at St. Laurent Shopping Centre as MIM searches for the next Fresh Face of Ottawa!

Accepting applications from males and females in four categories:

Kids (ages 5-10)

Teens (ages 11-17)

International (women: height 5'7"-5'11"; men: 6'-6'3")

Lifestyle (ages 23+)

No experience required.

Richard Chai capsule collection with Palladium Boots

      For Fall/Winter 2012, Palladium announces the launch of the Richard Chai for Palladium capsule collection, created in collaboration with designer Richard Chai. The renowned designer will put his unique spin on two of Palladium’s men’s silhouettes which will launch at retail in October 2012.  Additionally, Palladium and Chai partnered to design the footwear that completed the men’s looks of Chai's Fall/Winter 2012 runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 9th, 2012.

“It’s a real opportunity to take a 60-year-old classic design and have someone of Richard’s talent create their own interpretation, looking through a completely fresh lens,” said Barney Waters, VP of Marketing for Palladium.  “When you blend the authentic heritage of Palladium with Richard’s eye for modern menswear, it’s a powerful combination.”

For the runway show, complementing his “urban nomad”-inspired Fall/Winter 2012 ready-to-wear collection, Richard Chai has created his own version of the Pampa Hi, one of Palladium’s iconic boot designs dating back to the brand’s role as a supplier to the French Foreign Legion in the 1940s. Additionally, Chai chose the Pampa Tactical, a modern take on Palladium’s original silhouette featuring the classic rubber outsole and toe cap. All styles feature Chai’s own custom fabrics, including corduroy and felted wool. The boots’ materials speak to the classic suiting elements, utilitarian touch and rugged designs remixed with luxe materials that are prevalent in Chai’s ready-to-wear collection.  These pairs are unique to his runway show and will serve as the basis for designing his capsule collection with Palladium, which will be available at high end retailers globally, beginning in October 2012.

Images provided by ZOI Agency
www.palladiumboots.com