Kitchen Orange Clothing

Kitchen Orange Winter collections have arrived ! The wait was worth it. This season, the kitchen orange clothing line boasts a wonderful mixture of fashion forward comfort and eye catching design.
As always, most of the Kitchen Orange clothing line has been manufactured in Canada. Well done guys ! By manufacturing locally, we can all feel a little more connected to both our fashion choices and also to our community. The line also promotes eco-fashion with a large part of each collection boasting new and improved fabrics which were created by the company themselves.
If you're feeling cold and need some fashion comfort, I strongly recommend the Kitchen Orange winter line. It's beautiful.

Retail sales - www.shopkitchenorange.com
Kitchen Orange wholesale information can be found through Cancon Fashion.

Keep your eyes on this company, from what I hear there's a lot of excitement surrounding the label right now. More to come...

Elroy Apparel, Organic Fashion from Vancouver

More about Elroy Apparel, an independent fashion designer with some great ideas from Vancouver. Elroy Apparel is much more than just another clothing line. The company was developed as a stand against impending environmental destruction. By providing socially responsible, health-conscious women with fashion forward, eco-friendly clothing, they have created an alternative- a beautiful garment with an even more beautiful story behind it. Designer Leanne McElroy creates sophisticated streetwear for the contemporary health-conscious woman who cares not only about what she looks like, but about the story her clothing carries as well. Take a look at Elroy's beautiful creations. available online at Mudshark Streetwear. Mudshark Streetwear has been supporting fair trade Canadian fashion since 1997. Wholesale information about Elroy Apparel can be found through Cancon Fashion.

One of a Kind Show Toronto, the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale

One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale 2008

It's that time of the year again where shopping is enjoyable at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. If you've never been, it's worth checking out. For a small admission fee, you can browse some amazing creations you normally wouldn't find in Toronto. Many of the artists come to Toronto from all over Canada, many designers being from Montreal and Vancouver.
Look for Annie 50 from Montreal at the show: (see photos)
Location, date, and times :

Thursday, November 27–Sunday, December 7, 2008
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto
Weekdays 11am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays 10am-6pm

for more information you can go to their website at:

www.oneofakindshow.com

"The One of a Kind Show and Sale features thousands of one-of-a-kind items each made by hand by some of North America's most talented fine artists and craftspeople."

Farahbella, Independent Womens Fashion from Japan

The Farahbella line is an independent fashion from Japan. I'm in love with their designs, ... gorgeous!

The image of the "Farahbella woman" is someone who is expressive, thoughtful and daring. She is a woman who uses the art of fashion as a vehicle to express herself. Farabella's designs allow the female form to beautifully reflect the dichotomy of the nature of the cosmopolitan woman. The brand creates an undeniable chemistry that exudes passion, creativity and intrigue. Farahbella places high regard on the fit and comfort of the clothing, prototypes are repeatedly reviewed to ensure a flawless fit. We are confident you will love your new Farahbella piece.

Entering their third season, the latest Farahbella collection features silhouettes that are minimal and bold yet hang gracefully to create an overall elegance that is both edgy and timeless. You can preview the line at Farabella, or shop direct at Mudshark Streetwear

Organic Fashion in Canada - Eco-friendly Fashion and Elroy Apparel, Independent Fashion from Vancouver

Eco-friendly fashion has made its mark with many top Canadian designers. Many fashion designers are reducing impact at the source by making conscious decisions to use more environmentally-friendly materials. Yes, we know...there's been a lot of hype about organic and sustainable fabrics. But wait, there's more! If you haven't actually felt the fabric bamboo or soy, now definitely is the time.
Introducing Elroy Apparel from Vancouver:
Elroy Apparel is much more than just another clothing line. The company was developed as a stand against impending environmental destruction. By providing socially responsible, health conscious women with fashion forward, eco-friendly clothing we have created an alternative. A beautiful garment with an even more beautiful story behind it.

Everyone should feel good about the clothes on their back. (Elroy Apparel)
The Gin Lady . com has more to say : We met up with Nicola from and told her all about Elroy Apparel. The Gin Lady . com is a newer blog which focuses on eco friendly fashions. You can read more about Elroy Apparel and her wonderful fabrics here.

Elroy Apparel wholesale information can be found through Cancon Fashion.

Enjoy !

Canadian Designer Janet Hill at L'Oreal Fashion Week

Canadian Fashion Designer Janet Hill will also be showcasing her line at L'Oreal Fashionweek in Toronto on Friday October 24th at 3:00 p.m at The Studio at Nathan Phillips Square.
Be sure to check out the L'Oreal Fashionweek webpage for a schedule of participating designers. The show runs all week from October 20th - October 25th, 2008 downtown Toronto. L'Oreal Fashionweek is produced by the Fashion Design Council of Canada. All of the participating designers will be showcasing their Spring 2009 designer fashion collections. Hope to see you there.

Canadian Fashion - BODYBAG by Jude at L'Oreal Fashionweek

This Thursday October 23rd, Bodybag by Jude will be showing her spring 2009 collection at
L'Oreal Fashionweek. Look for Bodybag by Jude in the new Studio tent located at Nathan Phillips square. Downtown Toronto.
"The Bodybag look is re known for the styles cut from various styles and materials, allowing the sense of detailed chic and sensual well being to shine through. Bodybag by Jude combines the elements with which each woman can express a truly unique style." BODYBAG by Jude. ~ Montreal Fashion.

Valerie Dumaine Clothing - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion Designer

* Valerie Dumaine - Just released, ... Valerie Dumaines' Fall 2008 / Winter 2009 collection has just arrived at MudsharkStreetwear.com

It's Valerie Dumaines second season on the Mudshark site. The collection seems to have really made a mark. The response for the line has been nothing but amazing. "Valerie Dumaine's line projects an image of confidence, with clean and elegant lines, embellished by a careful finished touch. Inspired by the past, the designer is a master when it comes to mix and match styles, creating refined and bold garments." We certainly already have a few of our favorite pieces in the closet, ... but nothing they didn't have doubles of. We're confident these new Valerie Dumaine designs are sure to peak interest with a fashion forward clientele and repeat clientele from previous purchases. We are happy to introduce the newest collection from Valerie Dumaine, available now at Mudshark Online

Yoga Jeans - Second Clothing - Montreal Fashion - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion

// New - Yoga Jeans - Introducing Second Clothing Company (womens) - Montreal.
SECOND JEANS ARE SIMPLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE JEANS IN THE WORLD!

About Second:

Second was founded in Montreal in 2000 by Éric Wazana. The company specializes in up-market jeans, including Second’s Yoga Jeans, named the best women’s jeans by a number of magazines. It is known for the quality of its cuts and for its social conscience, reflected in its 100% Quebec production and its constant search for new ecological fibres to use in its clothing. The latest S(eco)nd collection is the natural extension of the company’s collective vision.


New - Yoga Jeans - Made of top-quality denim containing 97% brushed cotton and 3% elastane, Second Yoga Jeans hug the curves of the body in any position.
They fit the ups and downs of a hectic day and metamorphose into laid-back fashion in the evening. Second uses denim with 92 percent shape memory, while the industry standard is only 64 percent. And thanks to their revolutionary treatment, the cuts and styles actually shape, hold, and lengthen the body and helps flaunt just the right areas. Multifunctional and perfectly malleable, Second Yoga Jeans are offered in mid and low rises, with the option of a boot cut, straight, flare, wide leg pants, or skinny leg. SECOND uses natural materials and organic fibres to protect the planet. Every Second Jeans is hand crafted on an individual basis to give them an authentic vintage look. With this unique attention no two Second Jeans are exactly alike.

TO SUM THINGS UP SECOND JEANS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST FASHION JEAN YOU COULD HAVE IN A WARDROBE.

Second Clothing is available online at Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Combining natural materials, new technologies and avant-garde textiles, the 2008 S(eco)nd Spring-Summer collection is 40 % eco-friendly, one of the most earth-conscious on the market.


Yoga Jeans wholesale information can be found through Cancon Fashion.

Peel Design - Vancouver Fashion - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion

The Peel Label was launched in the Fall of 2004 by Vancouver designer Megan Berks. The line has become synonymous with classic style and lovely details, resulting in clothes that will stand the test of time. Peel's Spring 2008 collection delivers a fresh and feminine vision inspired by the simplistic beauty of nature and the outdoors. It's perfect for travel to exotic locales, or to the next beach party or backyard barbeque. Soft, flowing fabrics and fun, feminine prints dress creative women who appreciate the balance of simple fits and ornate details.

Peel Designs is available online at Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Eve Gravel - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Designer Fashion

Spring has Sprung, and so has the Eve Gravel collection. Eve Gravel is quickly becoming recognized as one of Montreal's most successful up and coming designers.
Gifted with uncommon creativity and a great vision, it's hardly a surprise that her clothing design is catching like wild fire.
The Eve Gravel Spring / Summer 2008 line certainly is no exception. It's more of an addiction I think.
" I create my collections based on what I experience and what I feel , " explains Eve Gravel. "There are days when I feel like a woman, and others when I feel like a tomboy or a mischievous child. For me, fashion is a way of expressing a full range of emotions."
Today, the young designer's eccentric collections are eagerly awaited each new selling season by her clientele and fashion experts alike.
The Spring / Summer Eve Gravel Collection is available through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers
Eve Gravel wholesale information can be found through Cancon Fashion.

Bodybag by Jude - Montreal Fashion - Canadian Fashion - Designer Fashion

The Bodybag by Jude clothing line was founded in 1995 by daring and avant-garde designer Judith Desjardins, under the name of Jude Clothing Co. The line found its true identity in 1998 with the creation of the Bodybag label. Bodybag is the external layer of an awareness rooted in insight on things transient and permanent, on life and death, on the beauty of humans and the world that surround them. The Bodybag look is reknown for the styles cut from various styles and materials, allowing the sense of detailed chic and sensual well being to shine through. Noteworthy is the ingenious combination of materials such as knittings, microfleece, denim and corduroy. One sees more than merely zippers, hoods and elegant lines, but the very definition of the Bodybag aesthetic. The elements with which each woman can express a truly unique style.

Bodybag by Jude Clothing can be purchased through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Anastasia Lomonova - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Designer Fashion

The Anastasia Lomonova line boasts confidence in every piece. Alluring and sexy, compliment all around,

Anastasia Lomonova is based downtown Montreal, Canada.

This collection is both luxurious and comfortable. Beautiful printed silks, pure cottons will make you feel light and sexy during the hot sunny days while slinky jerseys will add sensuality to your evening attire. Inspired by all things "summer" and tailored to perfection, each piece is bound to be a valuable addition to any wardrobe.

After moving to Canada at 17, Anastasia studied fashion design at Ryerson University in Toronto. A few years later she decided to move to Montreal! Here, she completed internships with designers Valerie Dumaine and Nadya Toto while working various part-time jobs in the evenings. Having worked briefly for a fashion company on Chabanel Street, Anastasia decided to embark on a long-term dream of creating a clothing line of her own. In March 2007, aged 23, she launched her first collection under the Anastasia Lomonova label. Now available across Canada, in the United States and on-line, Anastasia's pieces focus on individuality, outstanding design and femininity – most importantly, making the wearer feel beautiful and unique.

Anastasia Lomonova Designs can be purchased through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Marmalade Clothing International - UK Fashion

Summer 2008

It's what we've all been waiting for. The new full collection by Marmalade Clothing International. This independent fashion label specializes in unique cuts inspired by the trends of the 1960's.

Marmalade clothing is the concept of polish born, toronto based designer, magdalena sokolowska. The original store, located in Kensington Market Toronto was closed in December 2005 in order to concentrate exclusively on wholesale and custom orders online.

Marmalade, applauded constantly by today's in demand flair seekers has grown to successfully encourage those seeking original and daring styles to turn heads in magdalena's creations. As you will see, colour is of immediate prominence in all of the marmalade outfits with an emphasis drawn on fun. The marmalade line is available in a continuously growing array of global boutiques.


shop for Marmalade Clothing International

Canadian Fashion - Independent Canadian Designers, Toronto Fashion, Montreal Fashion, Vancouver Fashion

Canadian Fashion follow us:
http://designersconnect.tumblr.com
http://thisnext.com/by/designerscollection
http://kaboodle.com/store/mudsharkstreetwear.com
http://myspace.com/mudsharkstreetwear
http://squidoo.com/designersconnect
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Wholesale information about Canadian fashion designers can be found through Cancon Fashion.

Toronto Fashion - Juma Movement - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion

The Movement JUMA line is a hybrid of style and activewear for the woman who enjoys an active lifestyle along with fashion.

Juma Movement, based downtown Toronto, Canada.

This high- fashion athletic line is derived from the designer line JUMA and is made with luxury athletic fabrics including organic cottons, French fleece and enzyme-washed cotton jersey that have moisture wicking properties. The apparel is offered in a sophisticated style and functionality for a full range of sports activities as well as for casual comfort.

Juma Movement Clothing can be purchased through www.mudsharkstreetwear.com

Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Valerie Dumaine Clothing - Designer Fashion

Valerie Dumaine Clothing is now available at www.mudsharkstreetwear.com

Mudshark Online would like to introduce Valerie Dumaine to their collection of Independent Canadian Designers.

"Valerie Dumaine has been active in the Montreal fashion scene for over ten years. Between 1997 and 2002, she has been an illustrator, patternmaker and designer for various local companies. A year after graduating from Lasalle College, she departed Montreal briefly in 1998 for London, where she completed an internship with designer Gaile McConaghie. Upon completion of her Certificate in German at UQAM in 2002, Valerie Dumaine was once again Europe-bound; this time, her focus was Berlin. She reveled in the German fashion scene and culture, acquiring a firm and definitive direction. This experience would become a major turning point in her career. After returning to Montreal, she decided to work on her own line and in Spring 2004 Valerie Dumaine was finally born!

Valerie Dumaine’s line projects an image of confidence, with clean and elegant lines, embellished by a careful finished touch. Inspired by the past, the designer is a master when it comes to mix and match styles, creating refined and bold garments.

Her Collections are entirely made in Canada and are now available across Canada and few stores in USA."

Nice to meet you Valerie Dumaine...
you can view the entire collection at www.mudsharkstreetwear.com
See you soon !

Sparrow Handbags - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion - Sustainable Fashion

We met up with Sparrow Handbags, and took a few bags home for ourselves !!!

"sparrows commitment is to create beautiful things from organic & sustainable materials and without the use of any animal products."

designed and produced on these principles, sparrow handbags was created and launched its first collection in 2007, providing stylish handbag alternatives for the conscious consumer.

sparrow handbags is located in beautiful victoria british columbia. each bag is handmade in canada with special attention to detail and quality construction as well as style and functionality. careful consideration is made when choosing materials for each collection to ensure they meet sparrow’s standards and principles.

in addition to being passionate about fashion, sparrow is passionate about the well being of animals and the preservation of the environment, which is reflected through all aspects of the company. it is with hope that each consciously created sparrow bag will elevate consumer awareness.


about the designer...

at a young age marlena taught herself how to sew by laying out fabric and cutting around articles of clothing, then without direction she would sit in front of the sewing machine and sew together the pieces. from early on she knew she would pursue a career in fashion, textiles and design.

born and raised in toronto, ontario, marlena attended george brown college where she studied fashion design and furthered her studies at blanche macdonald in vancouver bc. during her time in vancouver she worked as a retail merchandiser and visual coordinator for a global fashion retail company and was sent to work in berlin, germany.

upon completing her schooling marlena launched her own clothing line which she ran successfully for over 5 years and was sold in boutiques across canada and in the usa. sparrow handbags is her latest venture and passion. realizing a void in the industry for stylish eco friendly and vegan handbags marlena has created sparrow handbags first collection and is already making a well received impression.

well done Sparrow !
to shop for Sparrow Handbags you can visit us online !
Mudshark Online

Revolve Clothing

Revolve Clothing Company is progressive clothing design for the conscious mind. A Canadian collection of eco-friendly women’s tops, tunics, dresses and men’s t-shirts adorned with awakening graphics, Revolve engages the mind and the body.

The Revolve signature is symbolic graphic design. “Symbols influence our subconscious mind,” says Lara Stephenson, founder and designer. “They invoke memories from our past and stimulate our present. Because the subconscious makes up about ninety-five percent of the mind, the power of symbols on our well-being is infinitely strong." The graphic designs often have a thoughtful phrase or positive word worked into a symbolic image.

Revolve attracts socially conscious women and men aged 16 to 35. Fashion-forward, unique and passionate, they strive to improve themselves and their communities. Revolve helps them positively connect with their world and express themselves through their clothes.

Authenticity - living in a way that aligns our inner and outer selves - is in demand today. A part of this growing era of awareness, the Revolve Spring/Summer 2008 collection features sustainable eco-fabrics, including bamboo, soy and organic cotton blends. Their garments are printed with environmentally friendly, water-based inks. The entire collection is designed and manufactured in Canada.

“Our clothing is part of a movement towards awareness,” says Stephenson, “a shift towards responsible yet stylish clothing.”

In business and life, Revolve Clothing Company is committed to a culture of evolution.
To preview the collections you can visit RevolveYourWorld or Mudshark Online.

Drop by the Revolve studio in Toronto's west end for their Spring Is Coming Studio Sale! Shop from our Fall/Winter 2007 line at 50% off and browse through our brand new Spring/Summer 2008 collection!


Visa, Mastercard and Cash will be accepted.

Sale hours:
Thursday, March 6: 5pm-8pm
Friday, March 7: 5pm-8pm
Saturday, March 8: 1pm-4pm

Vancouver Fashion Week

VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK - calling all designers, ...


Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) is an exclusive event, aimed at establishing Vancouver as an emerging fashion metropolis. VFW celebrates the creative work of Canadian and international talent each season, and brings together the cities most posh crowd to showcase up and coming and established fashion in Vancouver.


Event: Vancouver Fashion Week
Collections: Fall/Winter 2008
Date: April 17-20, 2008
Venue: TBA

More information to be added soon...
visit their website at vanfashionweek

Independent Fashion Designer - Scandal House Designs, Toronto Fashion

We just received some positive feedback on a jacket by one of our featured designers - ( we thought we would share ) ...
Item reviewed - Paper Doll jacket by Scandal House Designs ..... Toronto
Available for sale at DesignersConnect
Style: Paper Doll Jacket Retail Price: $220 CND Content: 100% Wool Light Weight Coating outer shell and 50% Silk / 50% Cotton Black,Grey and White pin-striped lining. With Black buttons. Colours: Grey Description: Very tailored fit with front and back panels on torso. Cropped Hemline on jacket and sleeves. Jacket should sit around your natural waist and sleeve hem sits around 3-4" past your elbow. Cropped sleeve and jacket hems work well with layered looks and pairing long gloves or arm warmers. Double breasted closure with large buttons and smaller matching buttons are placed on side of built up collar. While the other collar edge pulls through button hole for a inspired paper doll tab look on neckline. Neckline is finished on the inseam with the lining for a silky touch around your face and a funky open collar look. There is also a CB box pleat for extra ease when fully button. Excellent jacket for all season's! Cooler summer days or Brisk Fall and winter days when layering is essential.

Independent Canadian Fashion Designers - Toronto Fashion, Montreal Fashion, Vancouver Fashion

Welcome to Designers Connect !

This is a brand new blog spot. Feb 2008. Our goal is to keep Canadian designers connected to their audiences. We will be reviewing and commenting on new styles and designs made by Independent Fashion Designers. We will be keeping everyone up to date on exactly what these fashionistas are up to. We know their lives are busy ! To start things off, ...
we met with Lisa Greenbaum of Greenbaum Cothing to view her Spring 2008 collection. What a treat !
You can preview her collection at GreenbaumClothing .
She has offered all of her previous season at 30 percent off through Mudshark online as a special promotion for the Designers Connect blog. thanks Lisa ! To take advantage of the sale, you won't see sale prices... but when you check out - please put DESIGNERS CONNECT in the comments section of your order. We will adjust your final total before shipping the order. You can take advantage of the 30 percent off until March 15th, 2008. Watch for more sales and useful info about Independent Canadian Designers. We are accepting submissions ! Please contact Designers Connect to have your products reviewed.