Material Archive

My Custom Wildhagen Hat

I was out shopping one day 2 weeks ago when I saw a girl wearing the most charming hat. Usually, when I approach another woman about an article of clothing she's wearing, she'll tell me she bought it in Paris two seasons ago or at an antique market – leaving me with no chance of finding one for myself. Luckily, this particular girl, named Jade, proudly told me that she had made the hat herself and directed me to Wildhagen.

Already familiar with the brand after buying several hats from the Canadian company over the years, I beelined over and ordered a custom "Miniçoise" from Cheri Wildhagen herself. I chose the hat material and grosgrain ribbon and presto, a week and a half later, I picked up a made-to-measure (for my larger than average melon) lovely chapeau! A fun experience that I would recommend to all.

Koto Bolofo’s book "La Maison" is finally available

 

 

 After six years of detailed documentation of everything Hermès, Koto's book is finally available for purchase.

Here's more info:

Koto Bolofo’s dream came true in 2004 when he started working for Monde d’Hermès, the Hermès magazine, and when he met the Chairman: “Mr Dumas asked where I came from. I said South Africa. He asked what part. I said Lesotho. He was shocked and very excited. He explained that his great great great grandfather was a missionary in Lesotho and that the Zulus used to attack his mission, but the Sothos – my tribe – protected him. I was very happy to be a Lesothan in Mr Dumas’s office that day. He called me his cousin and said that his cousin was welcome any time and I had carte blanche to photograph what I liked in Hermès”.

Over the next six years, Koto Bolofo worked his way through all the workshops of the Maison Hermès, getting to know the craftsmen and discovering how everything is made: from handbags, perfumes, scarves, prêt-à-porter, and shoes to the original objects of the house, saddles. Nothing escaped his lens, even the most secret places, such as the museum, a treasure trove of history and all things Hermès tucked away in the midst of the Maison on rue du faubourg St Honoré.

Collecting: French Steel Cut Beaded Purses

It's probably pretty obvious by now that I like "things" and that I collect many different types of them.

One that I have a particular fondness for are vintage French steel cut purses. Something about the combination of sparkle, pattern design, handmade craftsmanship and the sheer heaviness of them, make them irresistible to me.

The above are some recent new additions to my ever growing collection.

Today I bought: Vera Wang Lariat

 

 

 

When I like something, no matter how many years pass, I never forget it. Vera Wang's 2008 Fall collection showcased a series of lariats that left such an impression. Today, I was lucky enough to find a brand new gold version to call my own – jumpy claps!

 

Courage My Love

After going for dim sum at Rol San this aft, we strolled through Kensington Market to pick up some fresh fruit. Naturally I jumped at the chance to pop into Courage My Love – a store I have literally been going to for all manner of vintage baubles and beads since I was 11 years old. Above is today's loot – charming vintage brooches that I'll convert to pendants.

Before the PS1, there was the Cambridge Satchel

 
  

 

 


Spotted one of these great bags at A2Zane recently – he's getting the fluorescent range soon at his store as well. I'm also quite partial to the special edition beige patent version created exclusively for ASOS.

Made in Toronto: Hoi Bo on Vimeo

 

Spring 2011 Shopping List

 

Click to see larger:

1. Gryphon Crochet Sequin Tee  •  2. Pierre Hardy Buckle Espadrille Wedge  • 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope Clutches in camel & green  • 4. Prada Banana & Stripe Dress  • 5. IRO Secret Sequin Sleeve Sweater  • 6. Dolce Vita Nude Sandals  • 7. Miu Miu White Dress  • 8. Cartier Love Bracelet  • 9. Michael Kors Double Buckle Sandal  • 10. Lover Underwire One-Piece Navy Swimsuit  • 11. Michael Kors Cork Sandal  • 12 Jill Sander Platform Sandal  • 13. Valentino Cat Eye Sunglasses  • 14. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket  • 15. Prada Cut-Out Pattern Suede Boot (last season)  • 16. Erie Basin Vintage Amethyst Ring  • 17. Miu Miu Two-Tone Jersey Mini Dress  • 18. Hermes Cape Code Double Tour Watch  • 19. Vintage Gold Rolex  • 20. Jenni Kayne Camel Leather Booties  • 21. More Prada Bananas  • 22. Alexander Wang Ines Oxford  • 23. Rochas Platform Sandals  • 24. Druzy Earrings  • 25. Queen of Hearts V-Neck Sweater  • 26. Prada Fur Stole  • 27. Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas & Leather Boot  • 28. Giles & Brother Archer Bangle  • 29. Devi Kroell Wood & Crystal Minaudiere

Today I bought: Hoi Bo

I've been eyeing the larger grey version of this same waxed cotton bag for over a year now and today when I saw the khaki colour with gold hardware at Delphic, I didn't hesitate. Handmade in Toronto, in the Distillery District, Hoi Bo is fast becoming a personal favourite.

 

Alexander Wang Kristen Bag

When I first saw this bag online a while ago – I liked it. Today, when I saw it in person at Jonathan + Olivia, I loved it. Very nice and very necessary. ;-)

Greek Signet Ring

Each time my mother took me to the ROM as a kid, I would spend an extra long time marveling at the ancient Greek jewelry and the facination has never stopped. Currently I have my eye on this lovely modern specimen from 1stDibs.

Gimmie Gimmie:

Bangle by Lady Grey  •  Sparkle Bag by Miu Miu  •  One-piece pale pink swimsuit by Miu Miu  •  Medor Clutch by Hermes  •  White leather bracelet by Hermes  •  Gold oxfords by Nicholas Kirkwood  •  Pyrite ring by Lunessa  •  Linen oxfords by Jill Sander  •  Silver pyrite ring Carole Tanenbaum •  Gold sequin top by Vince • Velvet dress  • YSL Nail lacquer  •  Gold lace cuff by Aurelie Bidermann •  Hammered gold bangles by Osanna Visconti  •  Caramel booties by Celine  •  Trench by Burberry  •  Jypsiere by Hermes  •  Coin ring by Aurelie Bidermann  •  Silver sequin / pink scarf by Club Monaco  •  Bow brooch by Balenciaga  •  Boots by Hermes

 

 

Erie Basin

 


 

Erie Basin is an extremely charming and tightly curated store (in Brooklyn NY) and online boutique that sells 18-20th century jewelry and collectable curios. "Ranging from Art Deco engagement rings to 18th century mourning jewelry to American folk art, the collection is varied, but carefully constructed" and very beautifully photographed I might add. Owner Russell Whitmore has a very sharp and refined eye!

Valentino Studs

Yes, so studs are "out" – blah blah blah – I don't care. Loved them before they were in (it started with Conan) and will continue to long after. Check out this beauty at Valentino.

Obviously Alexa and Anna agree with their matching studded Valentino heels:

 

 

NYE Outfit Planning:

Cocktail Dress by Adam

Fur Coat by Miu Miu

Belt by Miu Miu

Earrings by Lanvin

VBH Manilla velvet clutch

Miu Miu Crystal-heel satin sandals

Cc Skye Deco Hinged Bentley Bracelet

See it all on ShopStyle

 

Spoils of War: Boxing day shopping

Hey remember this beauty I was lusting after? Was lucky and snapped up the "Nyota" at Holts today :-)

 

Vera Wang Jewellery

 

I've said it before and i'll say it again, I think Vera Wang is doing some of the most beautiful jewellery out there these days. I am continuously impressed and in deep covet mode for every new collection I see.

Here's an older runway collection that demonstrates her amazing ability.

Happy Christmas to me!

 

This Happy Bag is sold out everywhere yet amazingly available right on the Lanvin website!

→ Update! No shipping to Canada so my dear friend SA is bringing me one home from the Lanvin boutique on Madison Ave in NYC! Now THAT'S a good friend! :-)

Stuff I'm liking today:

Shot by Colin Angus.

 

I don't know what this means but I love how the purple smoke looks – esp. against that blue tile. Wouldn't it be nice if it smelled like grape?


This is a Christmas garland from TOAST. Wish it was a necklace instead.






This is an awesome mural from the Ace Hotel.

 

  

This is Melissa Auf der Maur and Olivier Theyskens during their collaboration. He reminds me of Trent Reznor in this outfit and haircut.

This is a brilliant fucking idea. I'm mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. Why isn't everything this good?

 

  This charming illustration is by Ben Weeks. I met him recently at the Design Thinkers conference.

This is a detail from a dress I want to buy from Urban Outfiters. It looks very similar to one I fell in love with last Spring from Jonathan Saunders.

 

The necklace and dress are both Lanvin.

 

Some lovely packaging design for Merchant & Mills. Have you ever seen a more beautiful pin?

 

I don't know where this is but I want to go there and never return.

Lanvin Crystal Evening Bag

 

Saw this Lanvin bag at Holts this week and fell in love wih the combination of materials. Buy it here.