Photos by Hedi Slimane || Vogue Japan || December 2011
Muse: Karlie Kloss
new york fashion
Streets of Fashion Month||Tommy Ton
Tommy Ton is simply spectacular, and I find street photography to be so fascinating. Specifically during fashion weeks. Every one is just ready to take chances and that’s what style is all about. Just going for it no matter what and wearing what you feel like. Yes, fashion week is where everyone finds out what the next trend is, but on the street, there’s a conglomerate of trends and decades of fashion and style being tossed about. It’s not about one look or one designer, it’s about the power of choice and individuality among the chaos.
Here are my favorite looks from Fashion Month, all captured by Tommy Ton. <3
Thank you style.com & Tommy Ton!
For more of his photos from this album, check out this link: http://www.style.com/street/tommy-ton/2014/090514-tommy-ton-street-style-spring-2015-ready-to-wear
Chaos to Couture
Words by Kate Wotherspoon
Photos by style.com
I wish I could tell you I attended the Met Gala and wore Vivienne Westwood, but then I would be a liar, liar with my Vivienne on fire! We wouldn’t want that even though it might be categorized as Punk Couture which would ultimately work for this post…
Punk is about not caring what others think and ultimately expressing yourself, which in the same breath is the same as personal style. I found some looks from the red carpet to be a little too “try-hard” and others way too “pretty in pink”. In another sense though, with punk and couture at par, anything goes! My top two looks were Sarah Jessica Parker in custom Giles and a Philip Treacy headpiece and Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood. I’m surprised more people didn’t cover themselves in Vivienne Westwood since she really brought the chaos to couture, but again, punk isn’t entirely plaid, studs and mohawks, it’s about putting ones personality at the forefront.
Check out the photos from style.com and comment on your faves!
Kerry Washington and Vera Wang (Vera Wang), Emma Watson (Custom Prabal Gurung) , Doutzen Kroes (Custom Theyskens’ Theory) with Olivier Theyskens
Chanel Iman (J. Mendel), Christina Ricci (Vivienne Westwood) and Jessica Alba (Custom Tory Burch)
Riccardo Tisci and Rooney Mara (Givenchy), Sarah Jessica Parker (Custom Giles and Philip Treacy headpiece), Madonna (Givenchy Haute Couture) and Blake Lively (Gucci Premiere)
Style Feature || Lenny Dela Pena
CALGARY, NOVEMBER 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon
Lenny Dela Pena, otherwise known as Lenny Len, was an Island kid from Manila, Philippines and moved to San Fran in the early 80s and then Toronto at the turn of the millennium. You may have seen him as one of the resident judges on MuchMusic’s television show, New Music Live Best Dance Crew or caught one of his highly acclaimed Vimeo videos. He is an established choreographer and Director with Alpine Music Group (NY/LA) and founder of the recognized Flavor Shop in Toronto. Lenny Len is a teacher, entertainer and director that has been elevating the knowledge through movement & dance, music and film over the last twenty years. Some of his credits include Ne-Yo, Rihanna, T-Pain, Ludacris, Melanie Fiona, Jeremih, Jrdn, Esthero, August Rigo, K-Os, Jodie Connor, Ron Sexsmith and he took part in choreographing the 2010 Olympic Closing Ceremonies in Vancouver. Lenny’s vision and work has also extended to his mentorship for artists like Nasri and August Rigo who are renowned for writing #1 hit records for Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Musiq Soulchild, and One Direction.
Yes, the list does go on and amongst all this greatness, I was able to interview Lenny over some breakfast at Galaxy Diner in Calgary. He stopped in for a week to teach classes at Pulse Studios and will be back by the end of the month before he heads to Egypt with his wife, Lauren. Below are some shots of his laidback skater apparel and our interview. Enjoy. xx
Lenny Len
Jeans: Ksubi
Tank: Made himself || Check out that ink!
Boots: Burgundy Velour Dr. Martens
Hoodie: American Apparel || Sunglasses: Louis Vuitton
Kate W: What is your current state of mind?
Lenny DP: Happiness.
KW: What has been your main inspiration choreography wise?
LDP: Music. Always looking for the right music…good music. Always looking for music that is stimulating, soulful, playful and music that makes me want to boogie. I want to be inspired.
KW: What are your top three songs right now?
LDP: I’m on a slow jam right now…bringing it back to my elementary school days in San Francisco. Milly Vanilli- “Girl I’m Going To Miss You”, Anquette – “I Will Always Be There For You” and Coming Of Age – “I’m Coming Home To Love”.
KW: What is your favourite dance city?
LDP: Toronto, Home of Do Dat Entertainment and School of Luther Brown – I’m a Lutheran!
KW: Do you have any other cities you feed off of for inspiration?
LDP: I always look to New York as the flyest state ever, but being from California and growing up with the beautiful and undeniable energy of the arts in San Francisco is also another mecca for me. Other than San Fran and New York, it’s Toronto, because that’s what shaping me right now.
KW: What are some inspirations of yours, style wise?
LDP: I’ve always had an eye for it…Anything that makes me feel fly as shit. I don’t have a specific style, but I did grow up as a skater, so I feel I have that skater vibe in me, but at the same time I do like shit that fits and because of my ink, I like to express that as well. I like the classics and I’m a big Doc Martin fan.
KW: Do you dress mostly by your mood or the day’s events?
LDP: My mood and weather.
KW: If you were to dance in the outfit you’re wearing right now, would you change anything?
LDP: Probably my Docs, because they’re heavy as shit! I would rock the jeans if it was a performance and it called for it, but if it’s a dance class, I would want to be comfortable and I would change that too. Comfort is huge to me, and the way I feel is the way I’m going to look. If I feel good, I’ll look good and if I look good, I’ll feel good, right?
KW: What’s next for you?
LDP: That’s a good question. What’s next for me is the next level, the next discovery, what am I going to discover next? As a career, I’m always learning and figuring out what the best lane is for me. I’ve been mastering the art of direction where videos and music are concerned but that’s still a long time coming. I’ve been doing it for a minute, but I still have a lot to learn.
KW: What has been your greatest extravagance?
LDP: I think my biggest accomplishment was getting a puppy! Little Jamie Foxx! The way Jamie makes me and my wife feel, gives us a new responsibility, a life threatening responsibility. My puppy is a life form, a life force that I have to be responsible for. Everything else is easy.
KW: Which artist or choreographer would you want to collaborate with the most?
LDP: Well, I would always like to collaborate with my teachers, those who showed me the way, and enabled me to where I am today. I’ve had the best teachers on the planet, so I would always go back to them. From Luther Brown, to the Flow Master, my choir teacher, Norman and my dad. As for an artist, it would be my homeboy, August Rigo from Def Jam/Alpine Music Group, he’s my fav writer and singer in the game.
KW: Black or white?
LDP: “Blite”.
KW: Which shoes do you wear when you dance?
LDP: Air Force Ones! I used to rock converse and was always wearing all kinds of skater shoes and Luther Brown was the one who told me to get a pair of Air Force Ones. He said “fix your shit” and that changed the game. Now my shoe playlist is on point!
KW: What is your signature drink?
LDP: Diet Pepsi.
KW: Signature breakfast dish?
LDP: Eggs, bacon, tomato slices and white bread with butter on it.
KW: How do you take your coffee?
LDP: Double, double!
KW: What are some of your favourite brands?
LDP: Alexander McQueen, even though I can’t afford it right now because I have a puppy! I used to like Louis a lot, but gear wise I like to support the locals. Gabe Angelo has a new clothing line that I’m feeling, called 4i Clothing and John Varvatos always has some good stuff too. Material wise, it always comes down to comfort and fit. If that shit is right I’ll rock it out. It’s not about a major brand, it’s about if it’s me.
KW: What are some qualities in clothing that stick out to you?
LDP: The fit, graphics are secondary and if it was made nice and the material is comfortable.
KW: What was the last thing you bought?
LDP: Some Nike Air Force Ones from Chinook Mall.
KW: Favorite fashion city?
LDP: NYC, always.
KW: Do you have any fashion idols?
LDP: Pharrell and Kanye. But because I have all this ink, I like to keep it classic when it comes to my clothing. The island and skateboarder style is very laidback and comfortable. It doesn’t matter what I wear, it’s how I wear it and how I feel. My energy will exude and transcend into what I have on.
KW: Thanks so much Lenny!
Click on this video to watch more from his channel!
Follow us on twitter: @Keightw @LENNYLENZZZ
Share, re-blog, comment! Thanks for reading.
Style Feature || Renee Palkovsky
VANCOUVER, AUGUST 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon
If you ever meet this girl, you’ll instantly love her, if you already know her, you know what I’m talking about! I met her only just last year in one of my fashion classes at Blanche Macdonald Centre. We became fast friends after our assigned seats in class had us sitting next to one another. After only knowing her a day, I could already tell she was headed for big things.
She’s only 21 years old and habitually jets off to New York City to buy for (212), a trendy boutique in Gastown representing NYC Style, rides her own motorcycle and is currently taking multiple courses to prepare her for the fast paced world of Stock Exchange. Yes, I know, she’s such a cool chick – I absolutely adore her. Renee’s personality and sense of style is filled with greatness, her shoe collection is to die for and not to mention she’s sample size and drop dead gorgeous. Everyone, meet my fashionable friend, Renee Palkovsky!
Renee rocking the Beach Chic!
Sheer Cover up: (212) || Bag: Cole Haan || Orange Bikini: H&M
Hat: Aritzia || Rings: From Mexico || Bracelet & Earrings: Blue Ruby – Giles & Brother
Just the cutest! || Sunglasses: Prada ||
Kate W: What is your current state of mind?
Renee P: I’m happy and content. I’m ready to make things happen, I feel like an eager beaver – ready to push.
KW: Where do you feel most at home?
RP: In my bed, it’s super cozy.
KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
RP: “Don’t Settle”.
KW: What was the last thing you bought?
RP: I bought this hat that I’m wearing yesterday.
KW: What was the last film you watched?
RP: I watched Grease in Stanley park the other day.
KW: What makes you laugh?
RP: My girlfriends always seem to get that deep tissue laugh out of me.
KW: What’s your favorite breakfast dish?
RP: I’m really into waffles with whip cream, lots of syrup and berries.
KW: What sites do you visit everyday?
RP: I went through a phase when I was 18 and was on shopbop.com religiously but now I mostly research the stock markets.
KW: Black or white?
RP: Black.
KW: Prints or neutrals?
RP: Neutrals.
KW: Favorite fashion city?
RP: Berlin. They make winter look good which is a very difficult thing to do.
KW: Do you dress mostly by the day’s events or by your mood?
RP: My mood. But, I will usually pick one item that I need to wear and decide what else to put on according to that piece. Today it was my earrings.
KW: What are some songs on your playlist right now?
RP: “Say My Name”- Destiny’s Child (Cyril Hahn Remix) & Trials of the Past – SBTRKT
KW: What’s your most prized possession?
RP: That’s so hard! They’re all my babies! But, if I had to say something it would be my rings and bracelets that I’m currently wearing.
KW: What’s your biggest fear?
RP: Failure.
KW: Which living person do you most admire?
RP: My dad. He’s always so happy even if the worst things are upon him. He really knows how to stay positive. I admire that.
KW: What’s your signature drink?
RP: Dirty Martini – extra dirty, extra olives.
KW: What are your favourite brands?
RP: I don’t have any. My personal style is always evolving just like how numerous fashion houses and designers are continuously evolving their own brand. One thing that has stuck with me though is how I incorporate vintage pieces in my day to day outfits.
KW: What’s next for you?
RP: I was originally planning on going to NYC in the fall to buy for (212) and was looking forward to being apart of that crazy Fashion Week culture but I’ve realized fashion isn’t what I want to do, it’s just a part of who I am. My strong suit is reaching the top and working hard for it. I didn’t get the nickname Ram for no reason. What’s next for me is the financial industry.
KW: You’re incredible and so driven! Thank you Renee!
Style Feature || Tamina Pollack-Paris
LOS ANGELES, June 2012
Photos & Words by Kate Wotherspoon
Tamina Pollack-Paris definitely catches attention with her look, personality and killer dance moves which is all packaged up in the hypest of outfits 24/7. Her passion for dance began at the young age of 3 when she would dance for the camera with her mom and the next twenty years are essentially history. Her credits as a dancer, actress and singer include: Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Camp Rock 1 & 2, American Idol, The X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 1, Turn the Beat Around, Hellcats, Stride Gum, Ontario Tourism etc.
She grew up in Toronto, ON and recently moved down to Los Angeles to continue pursuing her career in the performing arts industry. She is definitely making headway and makes Canada proud with her talent and sense of style. I stayed with her while I was in LA and it wasn’t till the last few hours before I caught my plane that we actually sat down for the interview over some tasty sangria from Pitfire in NoHo. We were too busy gallivanting around the city to do it earlier ha ha. (If you’re ever in North Hollywood, Pitfire is a must along with Republic of Pie…The chocolate pecan pie just throws my taste buds over the edge). Check out what Tamina had to say regarding the fashion and dance industries…
Tamina Pollack-Paris || Hat: Urban Outfitters || Sunglasses: Ray-Bans
Shirt & Shorts: LS || Shoes: Aldo
Purse: H&M
Kate W: What is your current state of mind?
Tamina P: Hustling, making things happen wherever I may be. I go where the work is and I want to set up for my future while I’m still young.
KW: Where do you feel most at home?
TP: Toronto definitely, because I grew up there, but LA is becoming that more and more. So many of my friends visit me too so that definitely helps.
KW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
TP: My Grandpa would always tell me he would give me a dollar if I could save 90 cents of it and “Don’t be mean to your pennies!” That definitely sticks with me and for advice in dance, I’ve always appreciated “ Be yourself because everyone else is taken”.
KW: What is your greatest fear?
TP: Not being happy. I don’t want to live a life that’s unfulfilling and empty.
KW: What was the last thing you bought?
TP: I actually just bought a huge amount of groceries at the Farmer’s Market even though I’m leaving in seven days for three months…
KW: What makes you laugh?
TP: People, myself and interesting scenarios. I’m not a fan of “funny” TV shows though…
KW: Which dancer/choreographer/artist would you want to share the stage with the most?
TP: Fatima Robinson. I’ve admired her choreography for Aaliyah and Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time”. She has a vision of elegance and minimalism that creates such a strong impact even with the subtleness of moves.
KW: What’s on your playlist?
TP: There’s some Floetry, Jill Scott, John Legend, Friendly Fires, Frank Ocean and Elle Varner on there right now. I’m definitely on that grown, sexy R&B tip.
KW: White or Black?
TP: Ha ha… both! Let’s say grey.
KW: Prints or neutrals?
TP: Neutrals.
KW: Simple pendant necklace or bold costume jewellery?
TP: Simple pendant necklace, but if I’m having that extra diva moment, I like to wear a hype piece of jewellery that does the talking.
KW: Who or what do you feed off of for inspiration the most? Dance/Fashion?
TP: Both, they’re so connected. You could be the best dancer in the room at an audition, but if you’re not looking the part, if you don’t have style or something unique to you, you’ll be missed. You want to be that character that they’re looking for, and that includes how you dance and what you wear. Dance and fashion are dependant on one another.
KW: Favorite song to dance to?
TP: I go through phases, but for sure “I’m So Into You” – SWV & “Butterlfy” – Biggie. There’s always the classics too like “You Want This” – Janet Jackson and anything old school and songs that make me hype.
KW: Favourite fashion city?
TP: I need to experience Europe, but NYC/LA/TO all have unique qualities.
KW: Favourite Dance city?
TP: Los Angeles for the work aspect, NYC for the vibe, training and sense of community -everyone has their own style put together in New York. And lastly, Toronto, because that’s where I’m from and so many talented people have stemmed from that city.
KW: Where do you see yourself in five years?
TP: I don’t know and that’s the beauty of it. These next five years are a time for me to live, plant seeds and to travel and enjoy life.
KW: How do you decide your outfits each day?
TP: My best outfits always happen by mistake. It seems that two ugly things can somehow make a hot collaboration. My outfits always happen someway or another, very random, and if I have something new, I have to wear it.
KW: If you could be in any music video, which one would it be?
TP: Janet Jackson’s “You Want This”.
KW: Your Fashion Idol(s)?
TP: I don’t have any. I do what I want but find inspiration from attending fashion shows.
KW: Thanks so much for sharing Tamina!
Dress & Collar: Timeless || Shoes & Socks: American Apparel
Top: LS || Belt: American Apparel || Shoes: Downtown LA
Thank you for reading! xx
Follow @KeightW and @misstamina
Sh*t I Say…
I have seen numerous “Sh*t Girls Say” parodies and I doubt any of them will ever get old. I am guilty of saying the most from “Sh*t Fashion Girls Say” and “Sh*t Dancers Say”, go figure. I’m posting both of them for fun and you can just imagine the sh*t that comes out of my mouth. For e.g. “The trees girl, she was giving you so much shade, you better WERK that Wang…totes Wang.”
Thanks to Billierosehouse and theplatform for giving me a good laugh and making spot on videos. Yay for youtube!
Enjoy xo
Faves from New York Fashion Week 2012
Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter 2012
Do I even have to say anything? So cute and trendy on every level.
Burberry Prorsum Winter 2012
Peplums are huge for fall. I like. The mix in prints and layering of different greens and yellows is quite darling.
Rag & Bone Fall Winter 2012
I am loving the blanket coat. So versatile and is sure to keep you warm.
Jason Wu Fall Winter 2012
The dark green, fur, studded belt cinching at the waist and gloves just throws me over the edge.
DSquared2 Fall Winter 2012
The colour blocking in this outfit definitely resonates last falls’ veggie colour flare. The yellow and purple are a perfect contrast and I am loving the distinct textures too. (I need to get a satchel in a bright colour…)
DSquared2 Fall Winter 2012
Definitely seeing a lot of cropped pants for fall and this means I no longer have to hem my jeans… being that I am 5’2″ and all ha ha.
DSquared2 Fall Winter 2012
Marchesa Fall Winter 2012
She looks like an Oscar! Drop.Dead.Gorgeous.
Anthony Vaccarello Fall Winter 2012
All images from style.com
The Para||el Road 