Archive for April, 2011

Brill Bulletin: On Lifelong Learning

We were at The Drake having burgers and wine (very good, might we add) last Thursday evening (even spotted Woody Harrelson getting ready for his speaking gig); on the topic of being a lifelong learner, in PR and in life — one quote resonated particularly well. It was Lisa who referenced her aunt’s old saying,

“You’re either green and growing or you’re ripe and rotten” — Ray Kroc’s original quote.

Cue the iPhone notetaking from Ashley. And here comes the blog post…

If you think you know it all, try again. In any business (we’ll stick to PR as its what we know best), if you aren’t learning, that’s never a good thing. Here are some tips for staying not only ‘au courant’ but ahead of the game:

Never stop reading - this applies to everyone, and it goes without saying in the world of PR; newspapers, blogs, magazines are standard but valuable resources. It’s important to be abreast of current affairs and engaged in the world in which we live.

Network, network, network - the cardinal ‘rule’ of PR. Extend yourself beyond your social circle and get out there and mingle; you’ll be surprised at who you mean and what you’ll learn along the way. This also applies to social media; follow new people on Twitter — people outside your direct interests. There’s so much information out there and this is an easy way to capture it in your day.

Be curious – be open and alert to new things.

Give back - share the knowledge you have and the skills you’ve learned. Be a mentor. Lend advice. Keep the cycle going.

How do you stay on top? Tweet us.

Cheers,

The Brill Team

From 1978 to 2011

You met Nancy earlier, now check see how she wears her #ECCOJoke shoes:

Paired with a graphic tee, little cardigan, black paper bag waisted shorts, and dotted tights, the #ECCOJoke shoe (in true blue) is instantly updated.

How do you wear it? Tweet us!

Cheers,

The Brill Team

Fashion Bulletin: COACHELLA!

While (unfortunately) The Brill Team isn’t off to Palm Springs (who would hold down the #BrillBuilding?), you just might be. We thought we’d help you pack your bag. Here’s what to wear:

1. Coachella soundtrack. Sync up your iPod with this year’s line-up.

2. Water colour scarf by DANIER. A pop of colour.

3. Studded crossbody bag by DANIER. A little fringe goes a long way.

4. MYKITA ‘Franz’ sunnies (available at Josephson’s). We hear brightly coloured mirror lenses are ‘in’ this season.

5. Esprit ‘LOVE’ tank.

6. Esprit denim shorts.

7. Jérémy Tarian ‘Union Square’ frames (available at Josephson’s). You winked at me – I did the same (though you couldn’t see behind the curve of my glasses). Lets walk by each other again.

8. Esprit printed jersey maxi dress.

9. Jérémy Tarian ‘Afterglow’ frames (available at Josephson’s).

10. Philip Sparks cherry blossom jumper.

11. ECCO Shoes ‘Kirvin’ clog.

Happy festival to you!

Cheers,

The Brill Team

Brill Bulletin: Fashion Week Highlights

Another season under our belt, another amazing (two) weeks of collections. Here’s a recap of FW2011 in Toronto:

Philip Sparks

Photo by Robert Dzioban

On Monday, March 21, 2011 Philip Sparks presented his men’s and women’s fall collections at the historic Burroughes Building in Toronto. For the guys, think: toggle coats, plaid suiting, and triple-ply shirting. For the ladies, think: tailored skating dresses, mountain sheep collars, and a blown-out maple leaf print in silky textures.

Click here to view runway images on Flickr.

The buzz:

FASHIONISTA.com | Ones to Watch

Sparks’ traditional cuts and references to Canadian heritage mark him as the next top designer to brand the nation with smart style.

-  Ryan M. Cheung, Fashionista.com

–

IZMA

Photo by Kevin Gonsalves

Izzy Camilleri and Adrian Mainella presented their sophmore collection to a full house on opening night of LG Fashion Week. This season the duo introduced its RTW line for women who crave head-to-toe glamour. Think 70s velvet jumpsuits, fur capelets, and sequined minis.

The buzz:

Globe and Mail | IZMA’s Luxurious Collection Kicks off LG Fashion Week

The collection proved incredibly wearable, and not just for the society set that dominated the front row. There’s an ease to IZMA’s elegance, where rich, loose separates were in tune with those delicious furs…And is there a better way of getting the disco ball rolling for fall?

- Tiyana Grulovic, Globe and Mail

Click here to view runway images on Flickr.

–

KORHANI Home

Photo by George Pimentel

Anticipated by the city’s seasoned fashion crowd, the KORHANI Home show delivered an extravagant presentation, highlighting a new spin on traditional home fashion. The word of the day: conceptual. Fast fashion for the home.

The buzz:

LOU LOU | On the Curve at LG Fashion Week

The one show that had everyone intrigued was rug company KORHANI Home. How exactly would a rug company show off its “‘collection?”…I must say, it was very well done! Models strolled the runway in clothing pieces made out of carpet and some male models made an entrance body painted in carpet designs. Ahh, Fashion Week, never a dull moment…

Liis Windischmann, LOU LOU Magazine

Click here to view runway images on Flickr.

–

Basch by Brandon

Photo by George Pimentel

Brandon R. Dwyer sent his fearless, sexy designs down the runway on the third day of LG Fashion Week at Heritage Court. Bright hues, sky high platforms, and a whole lot of confidence.

The buzz:

Sweetspot.ca | Runway Report

Sapphire blue, emerald and black predominated the hues, and fabrics were slinky, shiny satin and draped charmeuse. Vampy? Maybe. Brash? Sure. Unforgettable? Definitely.

- Jes Watson, Sweetspot.ca

Click here to view runway images on Flickr.

–

Lundström Collection

Photo by George Pimentel

For our last show of the week, we went out with a bang. Lundström Collection presented its winter wears to a crowd of tastemakers and industry players. The La Parka has never looked so good.

The buzz:

FASHION Magazine | Great Canadian Staples at Lundström

At last night’s Lundström Collection, that very parka⎯done up in ivory with a fur-trimmed hood and paired with a tone-on-tone ribbed woolen dress⎯hit the right note on the sophistication scale….A parade of Audrey-approved little black dresses, including a couple of special order gowns closed the show but opened the door to a world beyond cold winter wear.

- FashionMagazine.com, Caitlan Moneta

Click here to view runway images on Flickr.

That’s all, folks! A big thank you to our great team of volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you. See you next season.

Cheers,

The Brill Team