Oakridge Style

Yes, these famous faces, seen stalking down the runway in everything completely gorgeous–or is it that they are, and so the looks seem that way?–are really, truly Canadian. Watch for them on the hottest magazine covers and in the world’s fashion capitals.

Top Famous Canadian Faces

1. Heather Marks
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Claim to fame: debuted at the spring Givenchy couture show in Paris

2. Jessica Stam
Birthplace: Kincardine, Ontario
Claim to fame: uber photog Steven Meisel’s muse

3.Coco Rocha
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Claim to fame: Doing an Irish jig down the runway at Jean Paul Gaultier

4.Linda Evangelista
Birthplace: St. Catharines, Ontario
Claim to fame: Chopping her hair into a crop, causing cancellations from all important runway shows that season, and then shooting her to fame as the face of Versace

5.Lisa Cant
Birthplace: Alberta
Claim to fame: Walked Fall shows for Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, and many others in February 2004

6.Daria
Birthplace: Poland, but moved to Mississauga, Ontario at age 3
Claim to fame: Holds the record for opening and closing the most shows in one season

LET”S HEAR IT
Which face is your fave?

What the heck are jeggings? If you’re wondering, we’ve got the definition, plus more terms you should know to be in the know. 

Top Fashion Terms
1. Jegging: leggings that look like jeans

2. Skort: skirt and short hybrid

3. Thigh scraper: thigh high boots

4. Closet shopper: recessionista who shops her closet

5. Chanel surfing: repeatedly watching the two Chanel films out: Coco Avant Chanel, and Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

6. On the verge of a Lacroix: going broke

LET’S HEAR IT
Jeggings: love ‘em or love to hate ‘em?

We’re continually amazed by couture. It seems the one place where fashion stays fashion–pure and untinged by mass marketing. Who wants wearable when you can have a true impact? And it’s at the couture shows where hairstylists and make-up artists truly get to shine. We scoured them all to come up with our fave looks from the runways. 

1. Jean Paul Gaultier
   Tall updos and Hollywood glamour.
2. Chanel
   Bows and flowers made out of loose hair strands.
3. Givenchy
   Rhinestones and sequins on faces.
4. Christian Lacroix
   Shimmer eyes and peachy cheeks.
5. Christian Dior
   Different lip and eye shadow combos.

Too much for Vancouver nightlife? We disagree. Let’s inspire.

Get the Look
For right-on-trend, or just-right-for-you hair and make-up tips visit M.A.C., Shifeon, The Bay, Botticelli for Hair, or Hennessey Salon + Spa.

LET’S HEAR IT
Where and when can we get away with truly inspired hair and make-up?

Rumour has it that Christian Lacroix may not do a couture show this season (gasp!). Apparently, the fantastical designer has been working for free, his label has gone into bankruptcy, and he’s owed something like 1.2 million Euros. But then again, Lacroix recently spoke to media to say he’s putting on a couture show, no matter what. Did he take the check rumoured to have been proffered by a couture client? 

Q. How are other fashion houses handling the economic slow-down?

A. Christian Dior denied that finances made them change to a more modest venue for their couture show. It won’t be held in the Rodin Museum in Paris this year. Instead, it will take place this July in Christian Dior headquarters at 30 Avenue Montaigne for the first time in ten years. 

A. Burberry isn’t cutting back on anything, even though company profits were apparently down. They’ve hired Harry Potter star and fashion’s new darling Emma Watson as the face of Fall 2009. And erected a huge new sign at new U.S. headquarters at 444 Madison Avenue. 

A. Hermes can’t keep up with the demand for their crocodile handbags, despite the lofty price tag. The company is now breeding them in Australia. 

A. On the other hand, we hear that $3,000 all-out fabulous handbag designer Carlos Falchi is creating a faux snakeskin line for Target. 

A. Versace launched Versus, a lower-priced accessory line designed by Christopher Kane, hired a consulting firm to help them get through tough times, and ditched its CEO. 

p.s. Gisele, yes, she of the super bod and new quarterback hubby, has apparently taken a $10,000 hit to her salary this year. But don’t worry, she’s still making about $25 million.

LET’S HEAR IT
What fashion house has what it takes to make it through? Do you think Lacroix will manage a couture show?