Black Friday: Norma Kamali, TopShop, Fashion Group International's Canadian Designers

NYC:
TopShop
Prices are already great, but on Friday, an English breakfast, gift-wrapping workshops and a free headband if you spend over $100.
When: Starts Friday, November 26, at 8 a.m.
Where: Topshop, 478 Broadway (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-966-9555 

Norma Kamali
The designer's iconic sleeping bag coat and other fashionable wardrobe staples are dropped up to 90% off.
When: Friday, November 26th 

 Where: 11 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 (bet. 5th & 6th Avenues) 

Kisan's

Ports 1961, Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno and others are discounted up to 70% off

When: Friday, 11/26 - Sunday 11/28

Where: 125 Greene Street (near Prince Street) 212-475-2470

Toronto, Canada:
Our neighbors to the North have a huge sample sale of the best Canadian designers.  Beauty and accessories collections will also be represented.  See the list below of participating brands:


FASHION DESIGNERS:
DAVID DIXON :: WAYNE CLARK :: INES DI SANTO :: NADA PAT MCDONAGH :: PHILIP SPARKS :: LUNDSTRÖM :: CAMBIA FARLEY CHATTO :: ANDREW MAJTENYI :: SODALISCIOUS BAIA :: PARKHURST KNITWEAR :: AIME BY MONICA MEI


JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES:
JESSICA JENSEN :: JENNY BIRD :: GREEN BEAUTY MYKA DESIGNS :: KAREN MCFARLANE M.A.R.K. CHARTER BY MOINA KITNEY :: KRYSIA PANGEA COLLECTION :: SAXON CHOCOLATES JABBERDUST BY LEAH BARRETT :: YUKI

Thursday November 25th | 11:00am - 8:00pm

Friday November 26th | 11:00am - 8:00pm

Location:

579 Richmond St W, Suite 200 (Richmond & Bathurst)

Online:

Don't care to fight the crowds? Check out these cyber deals:

Yoox.com's European designer bargains are dropped 30% with free shipping until November 28th.

Donna Karan is discounted by 30% until the 28th.  

Rebecca Minkoff's Online Black Friday sale has tons of bags that are highly discounted with free shipping over $100.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Ports 1961 Spring 2011

Jetsetter for wanderer? Fiona Cibani showed first collection for Ports 1961 after taking over for her sister on Friday.  The inspiration for this collection was pulled from the landscapes of North Africa, as imagined by Isabelle Eberhardt in the 19th century.

How did this translate into clothing? There were soft layered pieces, asymmetrical shoulders to emulate sand dunes.  Taupe, tan, some iridescent to project a mirage in the desert. There were pieces embroidered with Swarovski crystals to reference the minerals and jewels of the continent.  The brighter colors of the collection's palette did this as well.  There were a few abstract prints using a modern interpretation of camouflage.  The label also developed bias yarn that 'torqued', giving a unique twisted look to the shrugs and tops.

My favorite look arrived at the end.  It was the color of sand and involved layers and layers of close-trimmed chiffon with raw edges.  It gave the look of feathered texture, or dune in the wind.  Then it was topped by crystal applique, as if jewels were thrown on top.  (See the slideshow below)

Spotted in the front row: Olivia Palermo, Eric McCormack

Photos by Ritika W.

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Canada Day - Spotlight on Canadian Designers

What do you know about style up North? You might recognize some of these brands, but never knew about their Canuck heritage...

A regular at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Ports 1961 was founded in Canada. It is currently designed by Vancouver native Tia Cibani. The collection is a mix of fashion forward, but wearable pieces. Like much of Canada, the collection is infused with the rich influences of other cultures.

Montreal-based Simon Chang is the go-to designer for chic executives. His company also provides a stylish alternative to corporate wear. Simon Chang as a brand has already been licensed into eyeglasses, fragrances and denim. However, his legacy may be his charitable foundation that benefits medical research, education and cultural institutions to improve the lives of Canadians.

For accessories, designers Jeanne Lottie and label Matt & Nat bring a sense of fun and style to their handbags. Jeanne Lottie is a Toronto-based designer without formal training. She sold her affordable handbags at a popular Yorkville area boutique. Matt & Nat’s creative director Inder Bedi set out produce chic, vegan-friendly bags for men and women. The eco-aware pieces have been made from fabrics like felt made from upcycled water bottles.

Photos: Marcio Madeira/FirstView.com, Abir Shah

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