Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

Photos by Sonia Cacoilo

Our new print issue is now in stores, featuring amazing spreads and interviews just in time for the warm weather! We celebrated the launch at the home of Hermann & Audrey – only fitting since one of their photographers, Javier Lovera, shot this issue’s gorgeous cover.

Inside this issue, you’ll find interviews with Ken Chow of Krane, Laura Siegel, Meg Watson and Kerry Butt of Future Of Frances, Manu & Pascal, bluesy rocker The Coppertone, artist Takashi Iwasaki, photographer Robyn Cumming, plus much more!

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FASHION ART TORONTO WRAPS WITH A COLOURFUL MARKETPLACE

Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

Photos by Mark Binks

After a few days of fashion, photography, design and more, last Saturday marked the end of another fabulous FAT.

The Drake Lab (which hosted an off-site photography exhibition during this year’s FAT featuring the work of Gwen Brydson, Marlene Hilton Moore, Sai Sivanesan and Andrew Owen) was overtaken by labels including Rachel Sin, Wallace Playford, Natasha Sakhuja, Emily Woudenberg, Raji Aujla and more.

To read our reviews of FAT 2012 click here.

To see our street style shots from FAT 2012 click here.

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CITY OF CRAFT BLOOMS AT TRINITY-ST PAUL’S

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Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

Photos by Mark Binks

What better way to spend a dreary Saturday than surrounded by some of Toronto’s coolest and quirkiest craft work? Plaid was on the scene of City of Craft’s first Spring show and we loved what we saw!

Greeting us at the door was a craft section by vendors 14 and under, and a photo booth by Have & Hold Design. The main event space was jam-packed with  everything from clothing and accessories, to posters and prints, to pincushions and ceramics.

Our favourites included the 3-D gift wrapping paper by Kid Icarus; Falconwright’s bold and bright leather clutches and coin purses; Raymond Biesinger’s over-sized illustrations;  the “Baseball Card” packs by Lemonade (retro illustrations of ballplayers that come with a pack of gum); the cat-print pillow by Lines by: Davis; and Anna Jane McIntyre’s “colour them yourself” postcards.

Watch out for future City of Craft events this year, including their 2-day show in December – you never know what kind of treasures await.

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450 CANADIAN ARTISANS PRESENT THEIR MADE-WITH-LOVE WARES

Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

Photos by Mark Binks

It’s that time again! The One of a Kind Show & Sale (OOAK) has set up at the Direct Energy Building at the CNE, and we took along Lomography’s La Sardina “Cubic” camera and some Lomography CN 800 ASA film to document the sights.

While we originally thought we’d be checking out the fashion-related booths, there’s so much to see, smell and taste at OOAK that we found ourselves taking pictures of much more than that. It’s always inspiring as a small, Canadian-run business to see what other local entrepreneurs are up to, and from Eikcam’s beautiful ceramic wares to Mehoi’s adorable art, you won’t be able to leave the show without picking up at least one handmade treasure.

Speaking with a few artisans on-site, the reasons for being there seemed to ring true for all – the opportunity to showcase their locally-made work in an atmosphere where shoppers are specifically looking for special items. “The One of a Kind Show has really changed my whole business,” says Oh Dina! designer Nicole McInnis; her Halifax-based line of millinery and hair accessories started only a few years ago, and she feels her exposure at OOAK was a ‘make or break’ moment. “I represented Ryerson three years ago at the show, and I didn’t even really know I had a business, and then they had me back this year.” Noting that her work initially sold out in five hours during her first stint at the show, McInnis says that it was this boost that helped her realize that she did indeed have a business, and one about to take off, at that.

Jenna Fenwick, whose line Jenna Rose boasts beautiful silk-screened purses, pillows and wall hangings, appreciates the opportunity to meet her customers face-to-face. “There’s certainly a lot of traffic that comes through [the show], and the people that come here definitely expect to purchase handmade, so it’s different from other markets where there might be mass-produced items and larger companies…. For me, it’s great to meet the customers and get feedback; a lot of my work I sell online or to retailers, so to meet the customer directly and see people interact with my work is really beneficial for me.”

Other highlights at this year’s OOAK include Avril Loreti Modern Home – playful housewares from Paint Chip Placemats to Moustache Handkerchiefs; Hilary Cosgrove’s whimsical owl-themed art; Jesse Bromm’s miniature scenes on artificial grass; and Nicole Tarasick’s Canadiana-themed screen printed goods. Also of note is the Craft Community of Canada display, featuring the work of emerging artisans from across the country and from some of Canada’s most renowned art programs.

Of course we can’t mention all the vendors on-site, but can say it’s well worth the admission price ($12 for adults) to spend an afternoon or evening at OOAK! Take some time this week or weekend to explore what Canada has to offer. But hurry, the show closes Sunday, April 1st!

Tonight (March 29th, 2012) the One of a Kind Show & Sale is open late, from 10am – 11pm! Regular hours, admission fees and vendor information can be found here.

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TAKE A PEEK AT WHAT WE SAW, LOMO-STYLE

Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

Photos by Mark Binks

Our Staff Photographer, Mark Binks, took these shots during Vintage’s Night Out and WordMasterCard Fashion Week on a LOMO LC-Wide camera using Lomography 35 mm X-pro Slide 200 film.

#VNOTO was a great success, with 15 participating stores bustling throughout the night. It was great to see so many shoppers out – it felt like Hallowe’en! We can’t wait to do it again in the Fall.

And as always, we truly enjoyed checking out the action inside and outside the tents during fashion week.

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Story by Laura Hermiston

SSIONS “My Love Grows in the Dark”

Hailing from Kansas City’s unexpected art-scene, SSION has reached the apex of synth-pop perfection with the album Bent, out August 7th on Dovecote.

Animal Collective “Honeycomb/Gotham”

Animal Collective are back with a new 7inch single titled Honeycomb / Gotham featuring two brand new songs. The ‘Honeycomb / Gotham’ digital bundle is available on iTunes and the physical 7inch is available to pre-order now on the Domino Store with instant MP3 gratification of both tracks.

Magic Wands “Space”

Magic Wands first garnered attention with the release of a noteworthy EP, Magic Love & Dreams, which quickly drew praise from publications like Nylon, who applauded their “sparkling, psychedelic-pop gems.” Their debut full-length, Aloha Moon, is a cosmic dance through a universe where voices echo, keyboards shimmer and guitars splash like giant waves on a distant planet’s shores. Some of the tracks on Aloha Moon were mixed by acclaimed producer Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem).

Gold Panda “Mountain”

Following the release of his hugely acclaimed debut LP ‘Lucky Shiner’ back in 2010, a record that won The Guardian’s First Album Award , Gold Panda – has released a new 7” Mountain/Financial District. 

Story by Nina Cherry

Saturday night at the Comedy Bar, three award-winning troupes will be performing in The Sketchiest Sketch Show to raise money for next year’s SketchFest Awards.

Hosting the evening, Approximately 3 Peters plan to bust out the old mustaches and spice up the routine by using member Peter Gal’s son as a prop. Talk about dedication. The Peters will be joined by Smells Like the 80s, who were named the Sketchiest Sketch Troupe back in 2010 for handing out promotional flyers with the wrong performance date. Known by ex-girlfriends for their classically handsome good looks, they will be up against the Templeton Philharmonic, a female duo praised for their use of Edwardian dress and deadpan interpretive dance.

Moustaches, interpretive dance, good looks, and a baby: all the necessary ingredients of a hilarious night.

The fundraiser is THIS Saturday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. at the Comedy Bar. Tickets are $10.

Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

After sharing some tips for keeping your vision in top shape during the Summer months, inspiration has struck in finding the perfect pair of shades to protect your eyes (while adding polish to your look).

Lumete is a New York-based company that makes retro-inspired frames with all mod cons (their lenses are rated UV 400, for 100% UVA and UVB protection, and are also scratch resistant). Deriving their name from “amulet” (a precious, protective object) and “lumen” (light), it’s clear that this brand takes eyewear very seriously, and has the ideal pair that marries style with sensibility.

Their Templanza frames, featuring a cat-eye rectangular front and unique design at the temples, has a glam glimmer in their latest “royal” incarnation. The mottled acetate look comes in cobalt (shown above), emerald and tortoise.

Story by Kate Davies

Photo by Robert Huynh 

Although you may not know his name as of yet, JP Hoe has already cranked out four albums to date, releasing his fifth on May 15^th. Evidently inspired by the likes of David Gray and Ryan Adams, Hoe nevertheless brings something a little more real and heartwarming to the table. His songs are melancholy in nature yet uplifting in spirit, balancing tales of love and loss alongside quirky, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Hailing from Winnipeg, Hoe has been steadily gaining critical praise for his strong voice, simple melodies, and tasteful production. He opened for Canadian legend Jann Arden during her 2007-2008 tour, and is known in Winnipeg for headlining his annual JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show.

Mannequin is a mostly slow-paced endeavour, punctuated with enough musical additives to make it’s 11 songs more than just another acoustic release. The first track philosophizes that “this world is tumbling around like balls in a bingo palace” – although a hilariously apt sentiment, the tune itself is otherwise disappointingly safe. “I Only Did It For Love” is an obvious single, sounding a lot like early Jason Mraz, yet still lacking a truly unique feel. However, Hoe’s shining moments appear deeper into his album, where songs like “Conversation” (co-written by talented alt/country Canadian musician Luke Doucet) and “Veils on the Way” completely redeem the artist with their strong melodies and emotional rawness. “Bittersweet” (also co-written by Doucet) is a light, Rufus  Wainwright-esque ballad that begs to be sung along to. With Beatles-like verses and a driving chorus, “Do I Know You” is the best track of the album, showcasing Hoe’s penchant for dramatically dark builds. Just like a mannequin when it is clothed, Hoe displays his originality through adding layers to his work, having the ability to reach beyond simple acoustic fluff on his best tracks.

He is now on tour across Canada in support of his latest album, with a concert date in Toronto on June 6^th at  The Cameron House.

Upcoming Canadian Tour Dates:

May 18 – Edmonton, AB – Haven Social Club
May 24 – Vancouver, BC – The Railway Club
May 25 – Victoria, BC – Ocean Island
May 26 – Kelowna, BC – The Streaming Café
June 4 – Thunder Bay, ON – The Apollo
June 6 – Toronto, ON – Cameron House
June 7 – Wakefield, QC – The Blacksheep Inn
June 10 – Halifax, NS – The Carleton
June 11 – Charlottetown, PEI – Baba’s
June 13 – Peterborough, ON – The Montreal House

Story by Odessa Paloma Parker

After the ravages of Winter, your skin can end up dry, uneven and in dire need of some TLC. My questionable diet, late nights spent working and a paramount level of stress have also contributed to my skin’s currently woeful appearance, and I decided it was time to take action.

Walking past Lush & Lavish countless times, their bright red sign and Ossington Avenue address always caught my attention. A neighbourhood not necessarily known for its beauty treatments (but rather its bars), the juxtaposition of a healthy nightlife and calming spa atmosphere was intriguing.

As I booked an Exfoliating and Stimulating Facial, the promise of a 60-minute long respite from emails was enough to incite a deliriously happy feeling within.  Any benefits to my skin was almost a bonus.

A friendly staff greeted me upon arrival, and I met Nikki, a Nova Scotia native and Lush & Lavish’s Senior Esthetician. She led me through the salon area to a lower level, where the treatment rooms are. The first thing that struck me when entering the room was what I heard. ‘Is that “Stairway to Heaven”?’ That’s right, no sea sounds, delicate piano tunes or atmospheric ambient noise accompanied my facial; instead, I was treated to Nikki’s iPod and a playlist that still managed to put me at ease courtesy of the more mellow tracks by Led Zeppelin, Nurses and Michael Jackson. (If you don’t like having someone rub delicious smelling creams on your face while listening to your favourite music, there’s something seriously wrong with you.)

What struck me about this choice to play music rather than the usual spa soundtrack was that it really made it feel like I was going for a treatment, like any other procedure; I could chill out for an hour and rest, but then it would end and normal life would resume. Which, quite frankly, I loved. While enjoying treatments at other spas, my mind would always try to relent to the crashing waves I was hearing, but something about being artificially prompted to relax (when really, going for a facial or massage is almost a burden given my schedule) was a counter-relaxational experience. After a few minutes I realize that I’m still thinking about the same things I normally do, and ultimately become frustrated in my inability to let them all wash away. The lack of artifice at Lush & Lavish was a welcome change.

After a skin assessment, during which Nikki asked if I was under any stress at work (ha), she determined that for my first treatment, she would sooth and try to combat the breakouts I was experiencing with products by the Hungarian skincare company, Éminence. Their lush, handmade organic line ranges from cleansers to cosmetics, and during my facial Nikki used the Lemon Cleanser (a bottle of which I ended up purchasing after my treatment); Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant (a powdered exfoliant which can be added to their cleaners); and Eight Greens Youth Serum and Moisture Whip Moisturizer (two products that have hormone balancing properties – ideal for my spastic skin).

While each of these products settled into my skin, I was also treated to the most comprehensive arm, neck and face massages I’ve ever had. No limp-wristed wriggling for all of thirty seconds; this was a much appreciated, proper rub down. As if that wasn’t relaxing enough, there were no painful extractions (the removal of blemishes and blackheads by hand) done during the process, and thus my skin wasn’t splotchy, bumpy or red when the treatment was done – just smooth and sweet smelling.

When my restful hour was up, Nikki and I headed back upstairs, where she explained the benefits of each product she applied (she also supplied me with a product list of everything I experienced during my facial). Before leaving, she applied No.1 Honey Apple Sun Defense SPF 30, a light, slightly tinted mineral powder by Éminence. Rather than leaving with a scrubbed and defenseless visage, I felt ready to approach the world with a fresh but protected face.

It’s been a week since my facial at Lush & Lavish, and thanks to some upkeep through a few Éminence product samples (plus my Lemon Cleanser purchase), I’m noticing my skin has settled down quite a bit. This result, as well as the excellent treatment I received, is enough to convince me that a little bit of attention goes a long way. Or, at least all the way to Ossington.

Lush & Lavish Salon and Spa, 200 Ossington Avenue, Toronto.

Story by Laura Hermiston
Video Production by  Olenka Szymonksi

Elk are celebrating the release for their new LPDaydreams on Indoor Shoes. With The Dirty Nil, The BB Guns and The Beverlys

$5 or $12 with LP
Cinecycle (401 Richmond St. W.)
9pm
*Cheap PBR tall cans

Story by Mara Munro
Images courtesy of Hands On You

On a bright Saturday morning, I found myself floating and flying through the air of a studio, casting long shadows on my yoga mat. Having yet to master the ancient yogic art of levitation, I nonetheless had the chance to experience the thrilling and therapeutic effect of weightlessness, as my body was suspended by a small hammock-like sling called the omgym in a ‘Stretch and Strength’ suspension yoga class at the Hands on You Therapeutic Clinic in Leslieville.

Developed by Sarah Kellett in 2005, the omgym is a suspension apparatus with two main parts: one cushioned sling and a set of handles/stirrups with three different lengths for your hands and/or feet. After sustaining a spinal injury, and then traveling to Thailand, Sarah noticed the locals doing stretches in their hammocks, using the principles of suspension and inversion to create therapeutic traction. After experimenting with this method herself, Sarah found that she had not only healed her own spinal injury, but also deepened her flexibility and increased her strength. Arriving in Canada just one year ago, the omgym is quickly gaining popularity for its versatile applications, which you can use for yoga, gymnastics, dance and fitness.

As a yoga teacher, it was refreshing to be a beginner again. I felt a spark of nervous excitement as I placed the sling just below my hip bones, tiptoed to the top of my yoga mat, and leaped into the air, arms and legs outstretched in flying lotus pose. It soon became clear that the double-edged sword of trust and fear play a huge role in this yoga class, but as I locked my legs around the sling, and let myself drop backwards into a full suspended inversion, I felt elated: my spine stretched out, laughing at gravity, and I suddenly remembered the joy of being a little girl again, hanging upside down on the playground monkey bars.

Rarely do you come across a yoga class that is perfect for advanced, elderly, and injured practitioners alike, but suspension yoga is an exception. “I teach a couple in this class who are both 65,” explains teacher Sarah Sahr, “and it’s perfect for them. This class is ideal for those who find a regular yoga class too challenging, because it this helps you get comfortable in a pose before taking on the challenge of holding it all by yourself.” On the other hand, Sarah notes, “I get two extremes in this class: beginners and those with injuries, as well as advanced yogis who want to get creative and playful in their practice and take on new challenges.”

By the end of class, Sarah had moved us from a deeply supportive, passive class into an exhausting experiment in inner-thigh strength as we slowly lowered ourselves down into the splits, and the came back to standing with both feet in stirrups, holding shoulder-level handles. The omgym is limitless in it’s possibilities for play, and with its versatile application for therapy and fitness, the ‘Stretch and Strengthen’ will definitely teach any old yogi some fun new tricks.

Hands On You is a spacious therapeutic clinic and training facility in Leslieville, offering a variety of classes for developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out their schedule to attend one of their ‘Stretch and Strengthen’ classes.

Hands On You Therapeutic Clinic, 349 Carlaw Avenue, Suite 102, Toronto.

Story by Mariam Magsi

Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Keita Morimoto is an artist currently painting in Toronto.  Morimoto’s work is illusionistic with a three dimensional feel.  His primary subjects are women, and as you scan his work, the first feature to jump out at you is a pair of haunting, beautiful, soulful eyes. 

Large, usually dark and exaggerated, the eyes then lead to transiently painted hair, and a face comes into view that has been depicted with an ‘anime meets modern art’ quality.  Even though Morimoto exaggerates certain features and carries a surreal quality in his work, the subjects do not lose their authenticity, and his extraordinary skill shines through in the perfections/imperfections of his women. 

Plaid had the opportunity to sit down with Morimoto to discuss his passion, inspirations and future goals with painting in Toronto and around the world.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I moved to Canada from Japan in 2006.  I have always been passionate about Western painting and its history. I enjoy creating work that can merge different historical and cultural art forms.

Let’s discuss your formal education and how you began painting.

I was highly influenced by the Dutch painter, Rembrandt. When I saw his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, I had a strong urge to make paintings that contain an illusionistic quality of his work.

At what point in your life did you decide to embark on painting as a career?

I have never perceived painting as a career, but it is something I enjoy doing. So I guess it does have to be a career if I only want to paint and nothing else.

Your subjects are primarily women. Why?

One of the reasons I paint women is because I’m personally more attracted to female features.  I would like to paint more males in the future but it requires further research on how males are portrayed in various art forms.

There is a deep fixation with exaggerating the eyes of your subjects.  Can you tell us the reason for this?

I want my figures and palette to be slightly distorted [and] exaggerated so that the blending of Japanese and Western aesthetics would come through in the subtlest manner.

What mediums do you enjoy engaging in while painting?

I enjoy painting with oils.  They are easy to work with and are extremely efficient in creating the three dimensional effects seen in my work.

How has your work evolved over the years?

When I lived in Japan, the only form of art I was familiar with was drawing manga. After being exposed to a number of European and American artists in museums, I managed to remove almost every trace of my original influences, namely, anime and manga. In the last couple of years, I have been attempting to return to my roots while holding onto material adopted from a different cultures.

What is the importance of painting in today’s day and age?

Painting [and] image-making might be an old-school way of expression, but it has always existed in our history. More than anything, images ignite in me sensations; no other art form does.

How is the market for paintings in Toronto?

I think Toronto is still a growing city for art in general. I know many artists who do make a living solely with their paintings, so there seems to be a good enough demand for paintings.

What challenges have you faced as a painter in Toronto?

I have never really had any external challenges, though I do think painting itself should always be a huge challenge.

What are some art movements and artists that inspire your work?

There are many artists that have influenced me. To name a few: Rembrandt, Bouguereau, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth, Morandi, Uglow, Hayao Miyazaki, Lisa Yuskavage, and Will Cotton would be some of my main influences.

Would you consider moving yourself and your work to other art capitals of the world, such as New York City or Berlin?

I would still like to learn about other cultures and arts, so yes.  Kunstakademie Düsseldorf would be the first thing that comes to mind.

Any upcoming projects we should look out for?

I have several shows coming up and I will be updating my blog and Twitter feed regularly with exact dates.

Please share some words of wisdom with up-and-coming painters in Toronto.

I’m not wise enough to give any advice. I would just say, experience lots, learn lots, and be kind!

Story by Laura Cappe
Photo by David Black 

Like every twenty-something, Bethany Cosentino is just trying to figure it all out. With Best Coast’s sunshine fuzzy debut album “Crazy For You”, Cosentino penned raw, quirky anthems about unrequited love, heartbreak and her cat Snacks that made you feel as if you were listening to her sing in her a bedroom with hairbrush microphone in hand. “I wish he was my boyfriend, I wish he was my boyfriend…” she chanted. Now, two years after her debut release, Consentino takes us from her bedroom to her tour bus.

Best Coast’s sophomore album “The Only Place” is a polished emblem of nostalgia that touches on themes such as growing up, coming of age and everything else that goes along with being in your 20s. On this record, it is clear that her quick rise to indie fame and constant traveling on the road has altered her perceptions of life. The teenage love songs and the lust she once felt for the boy in “Crazy For You” have been replaced by her longing for home (“The Only Place”, “Let’s Go Home”) and a more defined sense of self (“Last Year”, “How They Want Me To Be”, “Better Girl”). There just always seems to be something to complain about.

The songs remain simple in melody, redundant in lyrics and has a similar California surf sound as the first album, although this time around we get a piece that’s cleaner and – like Bethany herself – more mature. With the help of producer Jon Brion (who has worked on albums for artists like Kanye West and Fiona Apple) “The Only Place” is a fresh departure from the fuzzed out lo-fi girly pop of “Crazy For You”. Best Coast fans may not be thrilled with the production, the lyrical themes, or even her letting go of her old vices (weed), but just like everything else change is good.

Canadian Tour Dates:

5/23 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
7/20 Montreal, QC @ Le National
7/21 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix