Swobidu Health

Posts Tagged ‘toronto’

Last March, Amanda Lew Kee was poised to take over Toronto’s fashion scene and claim her throne as reigning queen of LGFW with her fall/winter 2011 collection. at the time, her show was one of the most anticipated of the week, held on a Friday and backed by intense hype and only a single, yet strong, official collection to her name (presented in October 2010). to the say the least, reviews were mixed. Our own correspondent said her collection featured the most egregious use of fabric she’d seen in several years. others, including myself, didn’t have a strong opinion either way, but universally acknowledged and admired her attempt at doing something different and “risky.”

So when, a season later, Lew Kee’s show is moved from a prime time Friday night slot to first thing on a Tuesday afternoon, I can hardly wait to see what we’ll love or love less this time around. but feelings have mutated this time, kind of like the way we wait for a new Lady Gaga video just to see how much of a mess it may be. It seems like a strategic move on her part, driven by the desire to create less of an asphyxiating anticipation and instead foster an intimate environment that attracts only those who are serious about fashion like top buyers and editors. Camp Lew Kee is on lock down, too: no backstage photos, no interviews until way after the show and only by phone. you don’t need to see her or talk to her to know that everyone’s nervous. For the last four months, Lew Kee’s been working quietly on her collection and spending time seeking inspiration in new York. She’s also managed to stay out of the social scene and refocus on what’s important to her: great design and innovation.

And – relief! – most of her spring/summer 2012 collection is good. While her offerings last October were muted and variations of the same colour and cut, it’s clear her third effort is about playing with construction and fabrics that actually work well together. She’s sticking to what she does best (white biker shorts with a leather front, an Amanda staple), and experimenting with materials she hasn’t used much before like neoprene (in a printed razor-back dress, for example). there are a lot of repeat patterns (the maxi dress!), but her colour palette is interesting (I like the idea of “electric purple”) and in a light silk chiffon.

Silk tees and silk pleated skirts will work well for almost anyone, and Lew Kee excels when she’s keeping it simple. There’s an unnecessary use of prints (two, named Toronto and new York) on several of the pieces, especially in the panel detailing that make otherwise perfectly fine garments feel cluttered.

I think Lew Kee knows where she wants to go from here, but whether or not anyone wants to come along for the ride remains to be seen. I’m in. what about you?

PHOTOS

Photos by Jesse Milns

Who needs an Oscar when you have creaseless skin?

When Meryl Streep was recently denied what would have been her third Academy Award, it was hard not to notice how radiant she looked in defeat.

How do the rest of us achieve a similar look of ageless beauty? Dr. Paul Cohen, a dermatologist at the Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto, says the first dollar anyone spends on looking younger should go toward sunscreen.

"A good sunscreen and proper measures being taken when exposed to the sun — wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, avoiding the midday sun, covering up — can help prevent wrinkles and premature aging," he says.

As for Streep, Cohen says she has probably avoided the sun her entire life.

"Her skin is flawless. She must be sun-phobic, which is a good thing," he says.

The cosmetics industry has caught on to the importance of blocking the skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

There are many beauty products available that incorporate sun protection, including lipsticks, foundations and bronzers offered in SPF lines.

But what if days spent pursuing the bronze goddess look is finally starting to catch up with you?

Multiple products boasting anti-aging results are available. the only clinically proven formula is one that includes an acid form of Vitamin A called tretinoin, says Alastair Carruthers, a Vancouverbased dermatologist. the treatment "amps up" cell regeneration to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and balances out skin discoloration.

Since tretinoin is available to Canadians only by prescription, many beauty experts are hailing the advantages of retinol, a less potent form of vitamin A that can be purchased over the counter in lotions, creams, oils and serums.

Cohen says consumers should be aware of the varying levels of retinol in various products and have realistic expectations of what they can achieve.

"You have to be careful what you buy," he says.

There are, however, many reasonably priced creams that can help the skin look smoother.

For women with oily skin, Cohen recommends using products containing glycolic acid, a fruit acid he says can give the skin a "nice healthy glow."

In the form of a daily facial moisturizer, the treatment will exfoliate the skin and get rid of the dull complexion many women experience, Cohen says.

He also encourages the use of vitamin C in a cream or a serum, to be applied in the morning under a sunscreen.

"it can increase collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, prevent brown spots and it’s an antioxidant," Cohen says. the vitamin C helps to neutralize free radical skin damage caused by exposure to the sun, wind and pollution.

When choosing an anti-aging treatment, beauty blogger Michelle Villett, the founder of BeautyEditor.ca,says it’s important to keep your skin type in mind to avoid unwanted side-effects.

"Many women think they need a heavy moisturizer after a certain age, but if your skin is on the oily side, it can break you out," she says.

Villett encourages taking a gentle approach when it comes to incorporating a skin regimen into your daily life.

She warns against excessive exfoliation and overcleansing which can increase the skin’s sensitivity and dryness.

It’s also wise to avoid soap, which can cause dryness and irritate the skin.

Cohen suggests using liquid cleansers that protect the skin’s layers by incorporating moisturizers.

And it’s important to remember skin care doesn’t start at your hairline and stop at your chin, says Toronto-based makeup artist Whitney Sellors.

"even if we’re taking great care of the skin on our faces, it’s important to give a little extra attention to the often neglected areas of our bodies that can show our age," says Sellors, who encourages paying special attention to the neck, chest and hands.

"Don’t forget to exfoliate and moisturize these bits, as well as apply sunscreen."

An important consideration for women when applying a daily treatment such as moisturizer is how it will interact with their makeup and impact their appearance.

Villett suggests keeping lotions light for daytime use.

"Unless your skin is very dry, you don’t want anything too heavy, as it can make your skin look greasy and makeup will slide off," she says. "most people do well with a lightweight lotion or gel moisturizer, either containing SPF or layered with a separate sunscreen."

A heavier, more hydrating product should be used at night when SPF isn’t an extra consideration, Villett says.

But if you need your daytime moisturizing fix, beauty experts recommend allowing some extra time between applying your moisturizer and makeup, especially if you’re using a liquid based formula such as a serum.

It’s important to allow time for a serum to dry or for a cream to sink in before applying a foundation, otherwise the makeup could have a peeling effect.

Sellors encourages taking extra care with the skin around the eyes when applying creams or makeup.

"Apply with your ring finger and gently pat the product into the skin, as opposed to rubbing it in," she says.

Taking the necessary precautions will help ensure you continue to look your best no matter what your age.

"it is imperative that women take care of their skin and follow a skin care regime," says Sellors. "if you have a great canvas, everything else is bound to look better."

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News