Nicole M., Author at The Montreal Fashion Society by The Fashion Tourism Society

Blend & Boost - Redefining Skin Care

July 23, 2016

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There have been talks about customized skin care since 2013, but we haven’t seen much on the market regarding this new innovation. Finally, 3 years later, we are starting to see companies launch new product lines targeting this customized approach. One brand in particular is Blend & Boost , a new customized skin care solution backed by Medisca (a leader in the compounding pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years) is redefining skin care and transforming the beauty industry altogether.

In order to receive your very own customized blend, you must visit a healthcare Practitioner/Dermatologist for a deep skin analysis. Many consumers end up guessing when it comes to their beauty regimen, but this is now a thing of the past. Patient’s now must visit a professional, in order to receive their tailor-made skin care product. It’s like the haute couture of skin care!

The skin assessment entails a qualitative evaluation of skin concerns by a Healthcare Practitioner/Dermatologist and a Blend & Boost questionnaire. The healthcare professional will then determine the client’s skin care demands. After the evaluation is complete, the clinic will send the results of the Blend & Boost questionnaire to a licensed dispensary (pharmacy) who will then prepare a fresh, customized blend with your own Blend & Boost code within a 48 hour period.

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Blend & Boost consists of 5 dermatologist-tested advanced cream bases and combines the bases with up to 3 out of 13 active cosmetic boosters. The boosters target fine lines and wrinkles, pores, sensitivity, skin texture, dark spots, blemishes, redness, dryness, skin shine, and sun damage. And voila! You now have a customized cream made just for you by a healthcare professional. Not only does Blend & Boost target multiple skin concerns simultaneously, but it reduces the amount of time you spend on your skin care regimen. Hallelujah! This is finally the answer to my prayers!

As this product is prepared fresh, it’s recommended that the best ‘before-use-date’ is 3 months after the blend has been formulated. It’s also advised to visit your dermatologist every 3-4 months for a new skin care analysis and Blend & Boost product. Because as the seasons change, so does your skin.

Okay, so the real question is, where can I get this miracle in a bottle? If you’re in the Montreal area, I have the answer to your dreams. Blend & Boost can now be found at 2000 Marcel-Laurin Blvd, Montreal, QC H4R 1J9, and 965 Boul. Cure Labelle, Laval, QC H7V 2V7. Visit one of the two locations today to discover your personalized code!

The First Monday In May Movie - Your Exclusive MET Gala Invite

May 14, 2016

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Editor’s Note

On May 6th, The First Monday in May, a documentary about the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attended fashion exhibition in history, “China: Through The Looking Glass” premiered at Montreal’s Du Parc Cinema and we had the pleasure to attend. The film is a behind the scenes of putting together Chinese meets western inspired designer pieces. The exhibition was pulled off by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, which is refered to as the new Grace Coddington by some. The movie, directed by andrew Rossi, takes a slow start with heavier technical information for the first 15 minutes, then gets magical as the Costume Institute opens its doors, or shall I say its closets, to unveil some of the world’s grandest master pieces and as John Galliano, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Baz Luhrmann, Anna Wintour and Kar-Wai Wong weigh in on major industry hot topics. You even get to see Wintour’s cozy meeting with André Leon Talley and other attendees in a living room (she was wearing jeans!!). The magic takes a culminating point as we see exclusive takes from the 2015 MET Ball with Rihanna performing after her omelette dress red carpet entrance (which took 3 years to make) by Chinese designer Guo Pei (a name to remember) and many other celebrities posing, mingling and then dancing to Rihanna’s jam. The artist expressed fashion’s ability to gather different cultures and people under one roof for THE big fashion event of the year, considering or not fashion week, I leave it to you to decide.

The film questioned fashion’s legitimacy as art stating that not all fashion is art, some of it being purely commercial to which I agree, commercial is when there is no, to minimal, risk, whereas art is when you would wear it on the street and all heads, no exception, turn and either comment or serve you that aw expression. Wintour was also asked about the movie Devil Wears Prada, written by a former assistant inspired by Anna herself to which Vogue’s editor calmly replied: If it brings more interest and attention to the fashion industry, then why not. She was also asked about her dragon lady reputation to which she explained being a result of her very decisive personality. Anna’s power comes, not only from her editor position at Vogue, but from her involvements in different projects and ability to bring together different cultures. See Nicole’s favorite 2016 MET Gala looks.

2016 Edition – Technology Meets The MET

Another year, another theme that takes the Met Gala and reveals the wildest of looks. This years theme for the Costume Institute Ball was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.,” Meaning a sea of metal and sequin gowns that flooded the red carpet, not so original. Joan Smalls and Kendall Jenner both were adorned in jewelled frocks – of course stunningly beautiful, but nothing new, especially considering this year’s theme.

The real stars that took the red carpet that stayed true to the techy theme were Claire Danes in her couture, L.E.D. Zac Posen gown, Karolina Kurkova in a Marchesa x IBM in a floral “Cognitive Dress,” and Poppy Delevingne in another stunning Marchesa number.

Claires Danes L.E.D. princess dress literally lit up the Met Gala and turned heads on the red carpet. If this isn’t reminiscent of Cinderella of the future then I don’t know what is.

Karolina Kurkova was another celebrity who wore a tech dress, with 150 L.E.D. lights attached. The lights were designed to recognize five key emotions including joy, passion, excitement, encouragement and curiosity, which were reactions chosen by the designers. The emotions were then expressed through psychologically coinciding colors using IBM’s Cognitive Color Tool.

Last but not least, Poppy Delevingne, Cara’s sister in case you were wondering, wore a gothic – floor length, flapper inspired metal dress by Marchesa. This dress is jaw dropping – a walking piece of art. Bravo!

The Met Gala never seems to disappoint with the constant changing theme and the endless amount of celebrities that attend each year. This year was no different than any other and brought out moving pieces of art.

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Trends From Paris Fashion Week

March 11, 2016

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Paris Fashion Week is the cherry on top of fashion month. With design houses such as Balmain, Balenciaga, and Chloé showcasing their latest designs for Fall/Winter 2016-2017. Starting off with Balmain, whose collection seemed to be heavily influenced by the Kardashians giving each model an hourglass figure. Olivier Rousteing, the creative director for Balmain who is publicly known for hanging out with the famous family, seems to be almost infatuated with the famous family. Each model was spotted wearing thigh-high boots, giving them the appearance of the lampshade look, which was coveted by the Kardashians stylist, Monica Rose. Kendall, Kylie, Kim, and Kourtney have all been photographed by the paparazzi wearing this trend. Also, did I mention the hourglass shape embedded in the Balmain designs. Almost every single piece showcased the hourglass look, which again has been seen on Kim, Kourtney, Kylie, and Khloe. I do love Balmain’s pieces, and I’m happy Olivier Rousteing incorporated soft blues and pinks into the collection, but I wish he wasn’t so inspired by the Kardashian Klan. I would like to see something more refreshing and new from Balmain and not Kardashian influenced. But the Kardashians are obviously giving Balmain publicity (good and bad), which is why I was probably prompted to write a little piece on the collection.

Moving onto Balenciaga. Now this was Demna Gvasalia’s first collection with Balenciaga who is known for his streetwise appeal. And Cristóbal Balenciaga was known for his impeccable attention to detail, catering to only elite and privileged women. The two are very different, so it was fascinating to see Gvasalia’s collection infused with his streetwise aesthetic and Balenciaga’s contemporary pieces. The collection started off with padded, hip suits giving an hourglass silhouette to the look. And transitioned into puffer jackets that fell off the shoulder giving a rounded look up top. Which I thought was genius. But then the collection took a shocking turn with floral scarf dresses matched with candy cane tights. Overall, I really thoroughly enjoyed the collection; it was edgy, sophisticated, and contemporary. Everything I like, all in one.

Another soft collection from Paris Fashion Week was Chloé. Ahh, Chloé. I love this hippie, bohemian, chic collection. It’s so whimsical and colorful, and such a turn in the opposite direction from other designers showing at Paris Fashion Week. Think hippie meets biker chick or Coachella; the collection screamed free spirit. Anyways, moving on to the trend that was showcased throughout the majority of the collection, the french necktie. A trend that can be easily done by anyone, and can be dressed up or down. Bravo, Chloé, bravo.

Overall, when it comes to fashion, the shows/collections in Paris are some of the best within fashion month.

Fall/Winter 2016 Trends from NYFW

February 18, 2016

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As New York Fashion Week comes to an end, it’s time to talk about the trends that will take over Fall/Winter 2016. Metallics were all over the runways this season from Opening Ceremony with liquid palazzo pants to Suno with maxi, pleated metallics floating across the catwalk. Of course we are all attracted to shiny things, but wearing all metallics can be an eyesore. That’s why this trend is perfect as a statement piece. It can be worn with neutrals, which helps balance out the metallic look. Oh, I can not wait to rock this look on a night out come fall!

Graphic tights were another staple piece on the runway at New York Fashion Week. Alexander Wang sporting the models with tights that read ‘Girls’ or ‘Strict’ written above the knee. It’s a cute quirk to slip through as you sit down or get up in a dress or mini skirt. Tanya Taylor also showcased graphic tights in which the designs on the tights wore correlated throughout the entire outfit. So if you’re someone who is into matching your entire outfit, this is a look for you.

A new trend that I am excited about is a new color pairing combo. Meaning yellow’s combined with a rose quartz shade, featured in the Ulla Johnson presentation. This concept is also shown in Marissa Webb’s show with a mustard dress as the base, overlaid with a sheer, ruffled number. It’s extremely refreshing, especially for fall, which is commonly known for darker tones.

Overall, I was pleasantly impressed with the collections this season and I can’t wait to start putting some of these trends together come fall.

3D Printers to Revolutionize the Fashion Industry

February 6, 2016

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Remember when Kim and Khloe Kardashian went to Armenia in Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Kanye West tagged along? Well during their visit, Kanye West toured the Tumo Centre for Creative Technologies and was shown a 3D printer that students had been using. He then pointed and referenced the printer saying, “This is what I’m afraid of, right here. Because the internet destroyed the music industry. And now this is what we’re afraid of right now with the textile industry.” His tour guide then responded with, “Still, you have to design. It doesn’t do it by itself.” Kanye who wasn’t so sure said, “Yeah, but I’m saying there will come a time where it’s like, people are making their shoes at home.”

Kanye did make a good point and it’s easy to take his side, but it’s much more complex than that. Yes, Kanye, the internet ‘destroyed’ the music industry however, the same can’t be made about 3D printers. Kanye is afraid that people will start creating knockoffs, inevitably discrediting authentic work done by fashion designers. However, 3D printers may actually be a really good thing for the fashion industry. Instead of destroying the industry, it’s merely a “manufacture revolution” says Eric Sprunk, Nike’s Chief Operating Officer. In fact, companies like Nike are excited about this new advancement in technology and are looking to bring 3D printers into retail stores.

Think about it, you won’t have to leave your house to purchase an outfit, or you won’t have to wait for an order if you bought something online. You’ll be able to print a top or a pair of pants in the comfort of your own home. One fashion designer who has already made an entire collection from 3D printing, Danit Peleg says that these ideas will soon become a reality, stating “Customers could download the patterns, just like music files, and print them.”

Because 3D printing isn’t a new concept, and because it has slowly entered the market – this has allotted time for companies to re-strategize their business models to fit the consumer demands. Again, this won’t be destroying the textile industry, Kanye, it’s only making it more convenient for the customer. If Kanye is such a ‘creative genius’, then he should jump on the bandwagon, seeing as the industry is headed in this direction. If you can’t beat ‘em, join em.

Sources:

Marriott, Hannah (2015). Are we ready to 3D print our own clothes? The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/jul/28/are-we-ready-to-print-our-own-3d-clothes

(2015). Who is Afraid of 3D Printing? Nike Isn’t. The Fashion Law. http://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/who-is-afraid-of-3d-printing-kanye-not-nike

Author Archives: Nicole M.

Blend & Boost - Redefining Skin Care

The First Monday In May Movie - Your Exclusive MET Gala Invite

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Trends From Paris Fashion Week

Fall/Winter 2016 Trends from NYFW

3D Printers to Revolutionize the Fashion Industry