MR Magazine Reviews Canada Fashion Blogs
If you’ve ever searched for fashion blogs on-line you’ve probably found hundreds (thousands?). It would be ludicrous to even attempt to review them all here, so we’re going to show you some Canadian Fashion Blogs we found interesting.

Our journey starts on the west coast and takes us across the country. We don’t claim to include all Canadian fashion bloggers (East Coast Canada bloggers come forward!), so if you have one to recommend, please leave a comment along with link(s) to your favorite blog(s).

A Haute Mess: A Fashion Blog & Personal Style Diary
ahautemess.blogspot.com
This blogger is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and is busy building a career in the fashion industry. She covers a range of fashion topics and various -istas in her blog. Her writing is interesting and witty. Make sure to take a look at her April 20 post showcasing the Christian Louboutin Fall Winter 2010-2011 campaign. It’ll delight the shoe lovers, the marketers and the photographers! You can also find her at facebook.com/AHauteMess

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As the weather was so nice today I decided to go for a walk and get some fresh air. It's kind of a Canadian thing that when winter loosens its grip, people pour out onto the streets and soak up the sun. Invariably the combination of fresh air, sun and exercise puts my brain into overdrive. I tend to do my best thinking while walking.

I live downtown Calgary. I love the energy of having people around and lots of places one can walk to. There's plenty of unique shops and restaurants all along 17th Avenue, 4th Street and recently 1st Street too. As summer arrives it's great people watching! If you're a photographer, this makes for ample opportunities to shoot candid shots of the many unique faces that grace our city. That said, most candids are taken from afar. But as I was walking down 4th street I realized what I needed was a good excuse to stop people along the street so that I could take a posed photo. A street portrait.

It occurred to me that beautiful people everywhere might be willing to pose for a photo if there was an easy way they could later see the photo. I decided that I'd print up some business cards with the slogan "Beautiful is Everywhere" and have a link back to a Model Republic group pool where I'd post all the photos. If a person wanted a high resolution digital file, they could then contact me and I'd send it to them via email.

So I've decided to give it a go! Of course, if anyone else is interested in the idea and wants to join in the fun, let me know. I'm more than willing to print off a nice sized run of cards and give them to other photogs that might want to do some street shooting this spring/summer. 

Biography: An account of a person’s life, written, composed or produced by another. 

How general an explanation is given by the modern dictionary!

The fact is, not all biographies (bio) can be so loosely defined. In the business world, a biography typically focuses on an individual’s experiences and career path. In today’s world, expect that you will need to provide a bio at some stage in your career – developing a good one is an important part of your self-promotion and a concise way to set you apart from the crowd.

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Beautiful Mind. Beautiful Skin. Beautiful Self.
Our skin is a reflection of how we treat ourselves. The amount of exercise we get, hours of sleep, the nutrients we eat (or don’t), have a direct relation on our bodies, how it functions –and our skin. Achieving beautiful skin is therefore, a personal commitment to a lifestyle of doing what’s best for you. 

Maintain a healthy balanced diet
Strive to regularly eat foods from all of the food groups and include a wide variety of fruits & vegetables ranging in color. By offering your body an array of nutrients, you’ll be supporting the formation and maintenance of healthy skin. Antioxidants in particular are amazing; they help prevent and repair the skin, by slowing down and even preventing the effect of free radicals that are harmful to the body. High levels of antioxidants are found in berries, red beans, kale and artichoke hearts.

For many, this might be hard to do but… Do not smoke and avoid excess caffeine and alcohol; these will dehydrate your skin and promote premature aging.

Work up a sweat
Exercise increases blood circulation and the delivery of nutrients to skin cells. Besides lowering your stress levels -which also contribute to dull & tired skin- regularly exercising helps clean away toxins and gives skin the optimum conditions for making collagen.

Water, Aqua, H2o
The body is made up of approximately 90% of water, and literally as you breath, you’re losing some of it. We must therefore continuously drink water to maintain hydration and prevent dehydration. When you do not get enough water, your skin will begin to look rough, tired, and dull. Another huge benefit from plenty of aqua is that it rinses the unwanted toxins from the body.

Cleanse, Soften, Moisturize
Everyday, no matter what skin-type you have. Cleansing will purify and prevent premature aging; softening will help restore your skins natural ph-balance and increase the skin’s absorption power, while moisturizing will protect and revitalize the skin. Determine your skin type before finding the suitable products for your face and regularly evaluate your skin; it will change, along with the product type that best suits it.

Exfoliate. As we get older the production of new skin cells diminishes. By exfoliating weekly, we help with this process by buffing away dead cells leaving skin more radiant, smooth, & blackhead free.

Protect. Never leave your house without protecting your skin & do not visit tanning salons. If you can’t stand the thought of being fair in the summer, slather some self tanner on. UVA and UVB rays are the most harmful to your skin and responsible for pre-mature aging.

Be conscious of how you are taking care of your body. Take the time to exercise, eat healthy, limit your stress levels, & drink as much water as you can – really give yourself that extra TLC. The benefits will become apparent through not only a more youthful looking skin, but a clearer mind, and a more vibrant self.

This article was written by Krista Ho Lem - professional makeup artist

You gotta fight for your right to write!

No, not really. It's a lot easier than that!

Model Republic is seeking enthusiastic people with a penchant for publishing. We're excited about the opportunity to communicate directly to our Canadian Fashion Industry audience about style, culture, industry happenings and more. If you've got a story that needs to be told, please send a site message to Jesse Yardley. 

In planning an event, whether it’s a social party, art showing, musical venue or something else, there are many points to take into consideration. The following are a few key questions to consider:
 
1. What type of event are you planning?
2. Where is the event going to take place?
3. Who are the guests and/or who is the market?
4. What costs are involved?
 
I’ve hosted a variety of different events in the past and the general questions above have really helped me keep my events focused and organized.
 
Recently, I began work on a new event dubbed the Songwriters Showcase.
 
The Songwriters Showcase is an upcoming concert event (April 22, 2010), featuring six local up-and-coming musical artists. Each artist will be performing his or her original music acoustically and will be sharing the inspiration behind the songs. After the show the artists will be making their way across the street to Original Joes for the after-party.
 
The idea to organize the Songwriter’s Showcase first came to me while I was in the studio working on a new track. My producer, John Thiel, mentioned a great new venue he’d heard of, Cardel Theatre. Since one of my personal goals for 2010 is to be performing original music more often, the Songwriters Showcase has been the perfect opportunity.
 
Shortly thereafter I met with the Cardelhomes Theatre Planner to view the venue. Cardel Theatre is a beautiful and quaint little theatre with stadium seating for 150 people. There’s not a bad seat in the house!  I was able to book the venue and secure the date. Having already determined the type of event, I had solidified the location as well meaning questions #1 and #2 where now answered.
 
Question #3… who to market to?
The six artists participating in the show are from varying genres, allowing for a wide market appeal. However, the commonality comes from the fact that each artist will perform acoustically giving the show an overall roots feel.

Such advertising mediums as Fast Forward Magazine are one of the best ways to reach our target market, but again, costs have to be considered, and as our funds are very limited we’ve had to rely primarily on online advertising through Facebook, Reverb Nation, Myspace etc. We’ve also posted flyers around our neighborhoods and invited our friends and families in the hopes of a sell out show.  
 
Question #4… what about costs?
There were several important factors to consider in determining the appropriate price-point for each ticket. The cost of the venue, payment for each artist, advertising costs and free drinks (limited to one per person) factored into the ticket price.
 
The ultimate success or failure of this event will determine whether I’ll host a Songwriter’s Showcase quarterly or not. If it is successful, each new concert will feature different local talent in the music industry, thus providing artists a great opportunity to reach new fans on a more personal level.
 
If you’re interested to learn more about the Songwriters Showcase… please visit www.alisacreations.com for more information and tickets. We’d love to have you there! Any photographers interested in covering the event should contact me through my website.
 
Be sure to come back in May for a follow-up blog post about how the event turns out.
 
ARTICLE CREDITS
Alisa Yardley
Singer/Songwriter
www.alisacreations.com

Canadian Strobists Unite!

Fans of flash photography will be happy to know there's brand new social network dedicated to the them. Founded by Michael Warf, a Lethbridge-based photographer, the new online community features a boatload of functionality including all the social network goodies like groups, profiles, forums, link lists and more. 

To date, there are over 50 people who have joined up and are putting the website through its paces.

The site can be found under the moniker Alberta Strobist, however the name will ultimately be castrobist. The website is currently in BETA. If you visit the site, you can register, but you'll need an invite code. You can request one here from the site owner via this Flickr thread.

I invite you to check it out and help Michael build his great new community!

Modeling is a fun and exciting profession, but there’s a darker side to modeling as well. It’s unfortunate, but true, that there’s an inherent risk in the modeling industry with respect to safety. Although the large majority of people working within the fashion and modeling industry are respectful and honest, there are a few bad apples that can pose a problem. Thankfully, playing it smart is easy. With a few simple precautions, models can ensure they don’t put themselves at unnecessary risk.

Model Republic has assembled this list of safety precautions to help keep our industry safe. Whether you are meeting people through Model Republic or any other online community, these tips can be applied.

Before Committing
Before working with new photographers or clients:

Get references. Ask for two or three references from other models that the photographer has worked withMake sure you actually check those references!
Do background checks. For example, if a photographer claims to work for a magazine or agency, you should check to see if they are telling the truth.
Meet up. It’s a good idea to arrange an informal meeting (ideally in a public setting) with the photographer prior to committing to a photo-shoot. If you cannot meet in a public place, it’s a good idea to bring a trusted colleague. The meeting is a good time to discuss the creative goals of the photo-shoot, scheduling and compensation. It will also allow you to assess the photographer’s character. Be careful to indicate any personal limitations you may have, such as posing for nude photos.
Too good to be true. If a modeling opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are lots of scams posted online. A healthy amount of skepticism goes a long way.
Watch for warning signals. If a client or photographer asks lots of personal questions, or communicates with you in an unprofessional manner, you should pay attention to this. It’s OK to reject job offers if you feel uncomfortable.
Know your rights. Never sign a contract without reading it and understanding its contents first. If possible, have a qualified lawyer review any contracts you are asked to sign. When possible, provide your own contract.

On the Job

Have transportation. Ideally you will have your own transportation to and from the job location. Relying on the client or photographer for transportation is a risk that should be avoided.
Share the details. Find out where you will be, whom you will be with, and how long you are expected to be there. Then share this information with someone you trust.
Have backup. If at all possible, it is a good idea to have a colleague or friend present during the photo-shoot.
Bring a phone. Having a mobile phone is a good safety precaution in case of emergency.

Minors

A legal guardian should be involved in arranging all modeling work and projects. Any and all correspondence between an under aged model and a client/photographer should be facilitated by a legal guardian.

Ultimately, your safety is your responsibility alone! The tips and suggestions on this page are only a starting point. By researching online and learning from other industry professionals, you can augment your safety knowledge and pass this knowledge onto others.

Disclaimer: Model Republic does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and does not accept liability for any actions by the reader or the actions of any other individual with respect to this information.

Introducing Model Republic Magazine

As we near the first year anniversary of Model Republic at the end of March, it's clear we've had a pretty good ride so far. I've personally met tonnes of new people; fantastic photographers, beautiful models, talented makeup artists... the list goes on and on. We've had pub-nights, parties, art showings, and each time more people turn up. Some people have been there from the beginning, but there are new faces every month. We've had some good times and there are some great stories to tell! (more on those later).

It occured to me that Model Republic needed a way to tell those stories and share our experiences with the greater Canadian fashion community. Hence, our new blog dubbed Model Republic Magazine.

With so much going on in Calgary and all across Canada, we'll have our hands full trying to even scratch the surface, but our intention is to try. This blog will feature articles and stories about style, culture, industry as well as informal reviews on gear and useful tips.

So stay tuned and be patient. This is new to us, but with any luck we'll have some great content for you to tweet about and share on Facebook. If you want to lend a hand, just send me a site message. We're always looking for stories!

Kailash Maharaj (B.Ed., B.A.) and Shivana Maharaj (B.A.) are two very talented women. Two women with a passion for a magazine they founded called City Style and Living. Model Republic talked to the two co-editors-in-chief about the market in Calgary, making it in the world of magazine publishing and how to keep motivated in an industry that can be tough to newcomers.

Q: How did City Style and Living Magazine get its start?
A: Essentially, we are storytellers. K & S Media is a production and publishing company. We have been writing this magazine, and putting on plays our entire lives. People think we’re crazy when we say that, but we can remember getting in trouble for writing rather than playing in kindergarten- we can’t remember a time when we weren’t jotting something down or creating.

Q: What makes City Style and Living unique?
A: The mix of international and local content, the photography which brings to life the words, the attention to the practical and inspirational. Together, the photography, words, layout and design coupled with the energy and enthusiasm of our contributors creates something that is pure magic.

Q: Describe your magazines demographics.
A: We do not subscribe to the view that demographics determine readership. Instead, we describe our readers based on psychographics – their tastes, ideas, travels, experiences. This inevitably creates a wide range of people that we think are in tune with the ideals of City Style and Living.

Q: What sort of feedback have you had from your readers?
A: We are constantly amazed at the positive feedback from all over the world. Readers enjoy the interactive nature of the magazine, the informative articles and the breathtaking photography.

Q: What are the pros and cons of starting a new magazine in Calgary? 
A: If we had considered the pros and cons we would not have started the magazine. We would still be wondering how it could be possible. During a photoshoot for the cover of a previous issue, our photographer sent us a quote, “boldness has power in it.” That sums it up nicely.

Q: Tell us about a little bit about your personal backgrounds and how you got started in the industry.
A: Between the two of us we have spent many, many years at university. Together with our managing editor we have six degrees, including a doctorate. Some of the best lessons we have learned though have come through our international travels. We have also spent several years as freelance writers and fashion stylists. Our magazine is devoted to food, fashion and travel, and those were not random choices. We love to cook and bake, and our parents were caterers. Our grandmother is an amazing seamstress and made many of our clothes when we were younger without patterns. Travelling, for us, is like breathing.

Q: What is your primary source of motivation and how do you keep yourselves inspired?
A: There is no one source for inspiration. It can be something as esoteric as a sunset or as specific as a quote from a literary genius. Many of the ideas we are now using, we have had since our childhoods. The beauty is to have an idea in mind and see it come to life.

Q: Finding talent can be challenging. How have you been so successful in attracting people to contribute?
A: We have been extremely fortunate to work with talented contributors. Certainly with photographers, there is an immediate emotional connection to their work. The aesthetic of our magazine seems to attract like minds.

Q: Attracting advertisers can be crucial to the success of a free publication. How have you been able to entice advertisers?
A: City Style and Living is the first digital lifestyle magazine using this technology in Western Canada. Every advertiser receives a digital link directly to their website. It is an active process because readers can immediately access more information relating to products they like. We also have a print run. Advertisers are therefore receiving online and print exposure. As our magazine is accessible from anywhere in the world advertisers also gain international exposure.

Q: Which is more important, the design (look and feel) of a magazine or the content?
A: They are inextricably linked. A wonderful story is enhanced by a beautiful layout and photographs; an impressive layout that is not supported by informative or inspiring words can leave readers feeling empty. City Style and Living is a balance of both.

Q: Working with photographers, models and makeup artists sounds very glamorous! Is it all fun and games?
A: There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into a successful photoshoot. It includes logistics, coordination and planning that takes place months in advance. We have been amazed at the positivity and professionalism of everyone we have worked with. However, fun is crucial - if we are not having fun, readers can detect this in the photos.

Q: Working in an industry with fast moving trends one must move quickly to keep pace. Do you ever feel the pressure to stay one step ahead? If so, how do you deal with it?
A: In our Spring 2008 issue we have a three page spread on Fashion inspiration. We thought that was the best way to phrase it. We are not interested in trends per se because they dissipate so quickly. Our readers are more engaged in life. They are interested in an insightful, cerebral approach to life, not solely dictated by trends. For example, there was a barrage of interest in Tunisia lately, naming it one of the top ten destinations for 2008. In our Spring issue we have an entire feature article devoted to this destination. It goes deeper than a top ten list. Also, there is nothing more frustrating than reading an article that claims “carrots are a ‘don’t’ for 2008”.

Q: What advice can you give to creative professionals seeking to become involved in the magazine industry?
A: We do not believe that there is one answer for everyone. We’re still figuring things out and we hope we always will be. However, being positive, persistent and patient is important. Remaining true to the ideals of your work is also imperative.

Q: How is the magazine industry changing? What trends should we be aware of?
A: City Style and Living is part of a new era in the magazine world. The digital magazine is interactive, with a unique format. As we are in the information age, our readers appreciate the ease of accessibility. City Style and Living is available from anywhere at any time.

Q: What publications do you read the most? Do you have any favorites?
A: The list is so long and diverse. Much of the impetus for our magazine comes from international publications which have a sophistication, global perspective, and eclecticism. International magazines do not try to be something they are not. They confidently speak to their readership with ideas and words readers relish.

Q: If you had to some up your experience running a magazine in one word, what would it be?
A: Serendipity

Visit City Style & Living Magazine at: www.citystyleandliving.com

Blog photo copyright: City Style & Living 2010

The people at PARK know how to party. Or at the very least, they know how to put one on.

PARK recently hosted a Fashion Industry Mixer, which was well attended and featured some incredible art work. The mixer was hosted at the Gerry Thomas Gallery in Calgary, Alberta. Sophia Models International and Conglomerate - Canada's Fashion Week Magazine also helped in hosting the event.

If you haven't heard of PARK, it stands for "Promoting Artists, Redefining Kulture." PARK is a network organized by a group of young Calgarian artists to promote and support fellow emerging artists in the community. They are taking an active role in helping shape the culture in urban Calgary. 

PARK's mandate is to create opportunities for developing artists to share their art and make a profit.

(In this photo: Kara Chomistek, Maeghan Archibald, Jen Hux, Jesse Yardley)
Photography courtesy of Eric Au

4 Beauty Trends That Blaze A Trail In 2011

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one glued to the tube for the latest episodes of Kourtney & Kim Take New York if not to witness the meandering of mindless bickering then to keep a cool pulse on so-called style trends of today. Problem with that is, those episodes were filmed months ago and before we go running en masse to the local boutique or beauty counter to spend our hard earned cash on stuff from last season. Let’s take a look at where the world’s fashionistas will be getting their inspiration from in 2011. From Paris (not Hilton) to Hollywood, let’s take a look at some hot trends coming your way for Spring/Summer/Fall 2011.

Bold Lips That Pop
Bright fuchsias, hot pinks, shades of orange, all commanded the runways of Spring/Summer 2011. Textures varied from long wearing matte to lustrous and shiny; but one thing is certain, lips that pop are hot this spring. Indeed, these bright colors instantly amplify the lips & are also the easiest way to instantly glam up any look. So go kiss a rainbow and experiment with color, but ensure you’re starting with a lip liner for precision because with these bold colors your pout must be perfect. 

Slave Over Nails
Whether you spend ¼ of your pay cheque at the nail salon or ½ your evening painting them yourself; these are resources well spent because more than ever manicured nails are making noise. Deep gem- tone shades infused with black provided dark sophistication for the season and will  be a basic staple in your style portfolio. Metallics and patterns are also something to get creative with. It’s about extending your fashion sense to your fingertips and allowing your nails to say something when mingling in a handshake.  Another big trend next season  is the flat look, which debuted backstage at Alexander Wang. Look out for matte color collections this fall; OPI’s line is launching in July. 

Part & Pin Bangs
This is the most non-judgmental, non-fussy, moldable trend I’ve seen in awhile as pretty much anyone can sport this sexy swoop. I’m talking all hair types and lengths with a versatility that will garner praise from co-workers at the office or fellow guests at a glamorous event. Keep it casual by parting your hair to the side and finishing it off with a simple Bobbie-pin or give it more oomph by teasing the hair and wearing it sleek like Louis Vuitton did for their spring/summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection. Further accessorize your side-swoop by putting a decorative barrette on the side.

Optic Animation
What an energetic change from last season’s neutral palette and minimalist theme; this spring, it is all about color and as seen on the runways of Christian Dior there were no hues off limits. These electrifying colors were intensely brushed across the lid and even extended fully to the brow for a more dramatic look. Although you may not want to rock this bold eye at the office, it is definitely something to try for an evening out or a photography shoot. For a toned down street version, remember to keep the focus on your eyes, and apply minimal lipstick and blush. Enjoy this trend while you can though, come the cooler months, the intensity of these colors will be toned down.

This article was written by Krista Ho Lem - professional makeup artist 

There's plenty of ways to meet people in the industry if you're willing to get out and try new things. Long before Model Republic, there was Meetup.  It was (and still is) a great way to connect with other people that share the same interests.

For the past few months, the members of MR have been meeting in small groups at pubs and restaurants around Calgary. I personally like these gatherings because of how casual they are. Everyone I've met at the Mixes had been really down to earth and friendly.

The one drawback has been the heavy ratio of photographers to models. If 15 people come out, 10 of them will be photographers! It's been suggested that photographers should bring along at least one model (or makeup artist or hair stylist) to help round things out. I think this is a good idea, and I look forward to seeing more ladies at the next Mix.

If you're interested in attending a MR Mix, watch the The Wall - this is where the events are posted most of the time.

I love jeans. I have dozens of pairs of jeans. Piles and piles of them in fact. But my next pair are going to be so sweet! That's because I have discovered Sugar Cane.

According to the Sugar Cane website, the jeans are made from - you guessed it - sugar cane. For many years, Sugar Cane Jeans were a ferociously guarded Japanese secret but today the brand is attracting global attention.

If you are looking for a pair of truly vintage Japanese selvage jeans then these are the true originals.

Like any brand these days, there are websites and Facebook pages for fans of the product. If you'd like to learn more about these sweet jeans, check out:

Sugar Cane on Facebook

Sugar Cane Jeans Website

Jamie Tilston and Costas Costoulas are Calgary's best kept secret in large-scale fine art printing. Together, the pair has been quietly building a loyal following offering a wide variety of printing solutions through their company Resolve Photo.

Model Republic recently visited the Resolve Photo studio, which is situated in a quiet corner of Killarney just off 29th Street SW. Although their shop is limited by size, they've managed to pack a great deal of technology into a small space. Printers and equipment are packed into every corner like a jigsaw puzzle. Fine art prints adorn the walls on all sides and offer up a view into the company's wide array of print finishes and mediums. 

During my visit, Jamie showed me a few impressive black and white archival prints mounted on foam board. He explained the printing process, highlighting how the various papers effect tonality and the subtle differences in dynamic range. I was especially impressed by the canvas prints and the resin coated art work.

More and professional photographers have been using Resolve Photo to bring their work to life in a big way. The sky is the limit and when standing in front of a huge print, it's easy to see the appeal. There's just something about art made large. It's immersive and ponderous, often inviting a sense of awe.

If you're interested to learn more about Resolve Photo, be sure to check out their website, or give them a call at: 403.457.5527.