Fashion.For.A.Cause: Maskarade.2010

The 11th Edition of the Maskarade ball, in honour of the Farha foundation, will be held this year at Marché Bonsecours on Thursday, February 18, 2010. The theme this time around is about the future, a future without Aids hopefully.

Presided by Joseph Mimran & Kimberly Newport-Mimran (of Joe Fresh and Pink Tartan fame), this special event will once again be the most glamorous fundraising party in town with local celebrities, ceo's, fashionistas and other local scenesters attending. Sponsors of the event include Joe Fresh, Buonanotte restaurant, Pink Tartan, Bice restaurant, Rogers, Clin d'oeil magazine and many more.

Note that there is a pretty strict dress code as it is a ball! The dress code is as follow:
Gentlemen: evening attire and black mask
Ladies: black, white or red evening attire, white mask or fan

Ticket - $250

It is for a great cause. If you want to attend, visit the following site for more information: http://www.maskarade2010.com/ or on the Farha Foundation website cited below.

A little bit about the The Farha Foundation

The Farha foundation is Quebec's leading Aids fund raising organization committed to help men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS.The events organized by the Farha Foundation – most notably the AIDS Walk, ÇA MARCHE – also serve to sensitize the population to the AIDS epidemic.
Since its beggining in 1992, the Farha foundation has distributed more than $7 million to 45 Aids organization across quebec.

Visit their website for more pertinent information @ http://www.farha.qc.ca/

-The.Shoe.Freak

Photographers.To.Support: Rouge.Photo--Philippe. Ahmarani.Photography

Rouge Photo--Philippe Ahmarani Photography is a Montreal-based photographer who specializes in fashion shots, weddings and major events. His vast variety of work includes fashion shoots for Miss planet beach international, Dom rebel fashion show, Fall09 and Take a bow charity fashion event @ time supperclub, Dec 08. As well, contracts for Crèmerie La Paysanne, Bal en Blanc, and a multitude of shots for trendy restaurants and hot spots in Montreal make up his résumé.

What separates his work from others is his attention to details, lighting and shading. His talent shines through as he captures the essence of each moment. And when you’re passionate about something, it usually shows in your work.

Take a look below at a sample of his diverse and intuitive work:

(fashion)

(events)

(contracts)

And below are samples of his own personal shoots. I wanted to add them to demonstrate how talent and passion for the art, which he clearly has, can provoke some sort of reaction and/or emotion, especially when capturing a moment that speaks louder than words.

(samples from his personal shots)

Visit www.rouge-photo.com for more of his body of work,

or contact directly: info@rouge-photo.com for more information.

-The.Shoe.Freak

Happy.New.Year

Happy New Year to all, may all your dreams come true in 2010.

Sincerely,
The.Shoe.Freak

5.Essentials.For.Men.This.Fall/Winter

Listen guys, I know you'd rather wear your good old levis and worn down sneakers but let’s be real, sometimes we need a little assistance here and there, once in a while, in the dressing up department. And it’s all about ESSENTIALS! You don't need to do too much (or in a lot of cases, too little) to look good without feeling lost or out of place. Here are 5 essentials every man should have in his closet this Fall/Winter (basics that should last you more than just one year, but are completely in trend this season).

1-A.Good.White.Crisp.Shirt

No need for fancy here. Just a regular button down white crisp shirt is a MUST in any man's wardrobe. The white shirt is like the little black dress for the ladies, a classic essential!

(gap-$30/g-star-$130/diesel-$75)

2-A.Well-Tailored.Pea.Coat

Another MUST, a well tailored pea coat (or its double breasted counterpart) never goes out of style and can be worn for any occasion. Choose a neutral color like the blues or the grey's if you already have a black coat.

(g-star-$330/g-star-$430/marcbymarcjacob-$820)

3-A.Good.Fitted.Pair.Of.Jeans

Those baggy, rapperish-1990's jeans that are faded and completely ill-fitted must be thrown out! It’s time to invest in a nicely fitted pair of jeans, preferably a dark-hued one to be worn for any occasion and try to stay clear from worn out, faded or torn up jeans. Sure they are trendy and cool-looking, but you can't own a car if you don't have money for gas! Think basic first.

(j.crew-$80/levis-$60/marcbymarcjacob-$85)

4-A.Knitted.Sweater

Invest in a knitted sweater or cardigan. Sure it can make you look older, wiser, and give you more credibility...whats wrong with that? And don't forget, quality is much better than quantity, therefore invest in good quality fabrics such a cashmere, and merinos and virgin wools. Sure, it is more pricey, but they will last you more than just one season; think investment pieces.

(vince-$325/rafsimons-$365/diesel-$265)

5-A.Laced-Up.Pair.Of.Boots
Essential! Sneakers are fine, but boots are better as they are more versatile...think combat-military meets chic-dressy for a night out, a casual encounter or shovelling snow in -15 degrees outside.

(jeffrey campbell-$295/schmoove-$280/diesel-$300)

Now men, go shopping!

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: ssense.com, revolveclothing.com, gap.com, gq.com, saksfifthavenue.com)

TV.Fashion.To.Watch: Mad Men

Mad men is not only a well written and acted show, but also a great reference for fashion of the late 50’s and early 60’s. The costumes and clothes, for each character are simply great. The ladies look incredibly put together and the men are sharp in their tailored suits and skinny ties. And it all seems effortless and modern. As riding boots, bows, plaids, furs and lady-like couture dominate today’s runways, its fun to see how references to earlier years are overwhelming. Many of Mad men’s costumes can be worn in today’s world, and would look straight out of a magazine. And the Men are not too shabby either with their well constructed suits, bow ties, cigarette pants, vests and cardigans.

Ladies and men should look like this, therefore, people, watch Mad men and take notes!

See below for a few shots of the cool ladies and men fashion:

or check out an interesting article below on the relationship between Mad Men and today's fashion trends:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nour-akkad/mad-men-fashion-report-th_b_136325.html

-The.Shoe.Freak

Designers.To.Support: XV

XV is a Montreal-based fashion company offering handmade accessories that are one of a kind. This fresh new and trendy brand, formed by the talents of Xiao Wei and Vivian Lam, already have a cult hipster following, and trendy hot Montreal boutique-spot U&I carries their line.

*Prices vary as they are uniquely-crafted pieces.

See a sample of their collection below:


visit http://xvmood.com/ for the rest of the collection.
or at U&I (3650 St Laurent, Montreal, Quebec)

-The.Shoe.Freak

A.NEW.DAY

Today is a new day...the beginning of a journey...where fashion meets the world.
The birth of The.Shoe.Freak! Enjoy!