OHM Fashion Show: Revival 2012

Designer Spotlight: Tana+Bee

2012-02-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

With the show just over a month away, its time to bring you a sneak peek of the amazing fashion soon to be seen on the OHM runway. Every year, OHM Fashion Show showcases the amazing talent of young and local designers, and Tana + Bee, a Canadian brand based out of Vancouver, is a perfect example of that.

Tana+Bee is a ready to wear collection that consists of trendy basics. These fashionable comfort pieces perfectly combine elegance and simplicity. Tana+Bee strives to create flattering styles which are wardrobe staples, and deliver the highest quality designs crafted from luxurious fabrics. Tana+Bee is a lifestyle brand that offers versatile, stylish pieces that compliment and update any wardrobe.

Tana+Bee Fall 2011

Tana+Bee Spring 2012

Tana+Bee is sold at a variety of clothing stores and boutiques across Canada. Shop the Spring 2012 collection today at:
London: Saffron Road
Toronto: TNT Blu, Over the Rainbow
Vancouver: Fab Clothing

Make sure to check out the Tana+Bee Facebook page here!
Don't miss out on seeing the Spring '12 collection on our OHM runway March 16th!

Revival at the Grammys

2012-02-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

Sunday February 12th marked the 54th anniversary of the Grammy Awards - the biggest music award show in North America. Stars proudly walked the red carpet flaunting their outfits and hoping to be featured on some of this year's best dressed lists (click here, here and here). This year, one shoulder dresses, mixed prints and floor length dresses with high slits were among the most flaunted looks. At OHM, instead of telling you who we think rocked and who we think bombed this year's red carpet, we take a look at those celebs who took a cue from the past and went vintage.

Bruno Mars brought out his inner 1960s wearing a grey 3 piece suit that highly resembled the handsome Sean Connery in the 1964 James Bond movie, Goldfinger.

Bruno Mars

Sean Connery as James Bond

Grammys host LL Cool J sported a classic newsboy cap from the 1800s, and with his adorable dimples, we couldn't help but notice his uncanny resemblance to Christian Bale from the 1992 production of "Newsies."

LL Cool J

Christian Bale in "Newsies"

Adele

Finally, we couldn't talk about this year's red carpet without mentioning Adele's fabulous twist on the roaring 20s look. From her long-sleeved sequin dress, to her bright red lips and subtle waves, Adele elegantly embodied a modern day flapper and has earned the title of the "Queen of the Night" (oh, and did we mention she walked away with 6 Grammy awards and a standing ovation? If you missed it, watch her performance here).

If the stars looked this good at the Grammys, we can't wait to see the couture and old Hollywood glamour at the Oscars in a few weeks!

xoxo

OHM Bloggers

In Memory of Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

With the shocking news that beloved Whitney Houston has passed away, OHM bloggers want to provide you with a few of her unforgettable looks over the years in her memory. These specific styles were worn through the 80s and 90s, but have recently resurfaced in the fashion world.

Taken in 1987, Whitney is rocking the “boyfriend” look with a menswear ensemble. An oversized blazer with shoulder pads and fitted but baggy jeans with boots, this is a popular trend for women nowadays, as it is chic and stylish yet maintains a modest quality.

To pick up three extra Grammy’s after her success with The Bodyguard in 1994, Whitney wore a floor-length ivory gown embellished with sequins. I think it’s safe to say that both floor-length dresses and anything covered in sequins have been revived and thus marked their territories in the fashion world and on the bodies of countless superstars and fashion heroines.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, the recent demand of fur has astounded the fashion market and designers alike. Whitney was often seen wearing a bold fur accent, whether it be a coat, a shrug, or a shawl. In 2001, Whitney sported this fearless look at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, making an intrepid statement by adding this bright coloured fur cover to a simple yet classic evening outfit.

Evidently, Whitney was not only a singer/songwriter legend, but was also famous for her brave and innovative fashion style. She always looked elegant and was dressed like the confident woman that she was, showing off her distinctive signature style and earning herself a place in the world and industry of fashion and trends.

Behind the Camera: Revival Photoshoot Teaser

2012-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

With OHM REVIVAL quickly approaching, the fabulous directors organized a Retro photo shoot in order to promote the theme of the show. The three breathtakingly beautiful models wore the eras effortlessly, bringing a truly new meaning to the word glam.

The Sixties were commemorated with Mod fashion styles such as Pucci and big-checkered dresses, emulating the look of the legendary supermodel – the one-and-only Twiggy. Marilyn Monroe was set in the background, acting as an aura and inspiration for the fashion designs and added a vogue-like effect.

Flare denims, faux fur jackets, and chunky platform shoes were next up, taking us back in time to the Seventies, where this look was highly influenced by none other than the Hippie Movement, and has returned as a high fashion look in modern times.

Last but certainly not least, us Nineties babies conjured up some fond memories of a favourite flick, Clueless, where Cher (Alicia Silverstone) flourished in a chic and sophisticated school-girl outfit, one that takes serious skill to pull off properly.

Besides the incredible couture that the OHM models were dressed in, the shoot was an overall good time had and huge success! Stay tuned for the official photos; you’re sure to be blown away.

Pass the Spinach Artichoke & Goat Cheese Dip, Please!

2012-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday January 24^th 2012, OHM had it’s second event of the year, held at downtown London’s newest addition, Jack Astor’s Restaurant. Students were in and out of the restaurant all night raising money for a great cause.

10% of every appetizer ordered went to The Canadian Cancer Society. The hit appetizers of the night included Thai Chicken Summer Rolls, Shanghai Lettuce Wraps, Roasted Garlic Bruschetta and more! Let’s just say, nobody left hungry…

OHM Exec enjoying Thai Chicken Summer Rolls

Skirting the Issue

2012-01-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

The skintight micro-mini, also known as the bandage skirt, seems to be a permanent fixture in the wardrobes of most college girls. However, its time to peel those bandage skirts off ladies (pun intended) in favor of something much more flattering and stylish. It seems that those of a fashion higher power agree, as skirts seen on both spring and pre-fall runways have taken a turn from scandalous to ladylike. Enter the accordion pleat, seen on a multitude of celebrities including Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and the epitome of elegance, First Lady Michelle Obama. This new-again trend originated from not so humble beginnings, originally seen in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe classic film, The Seven Year Itch. Be it mini, maxi, or mid-length, a pleated skirt can add some feminine-cool sophistication to any outfit. The infinite variations of styles ranging from silk, metallic, bold prints, and a personal favorite, leather, show that a little pleating can go a long way.

First Lady Michelle Obama (Left) and Blake Lively

Taylor Swift, Leighton Meester, and Kristin Cavallari

Runway looks from Celine and Chloe Spring '12

Marilyn Monroe, 1953

The Comeback Kid!

2012-01-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

The past decade has seen the revival of many popular celebrities, bands and athletes such as Michael Vick, Britney Spears, Robert Downey Jr., Betty White, and many more. On top of that, the past decade experienced an overwhelming amount of old trends and brands coming back bigger and better than ever! But the most impressive of these trends? The classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.

Although they have been manufactured since 1956, they first became noticed when used as a product placement in the ever-popular movie ‘The Blues Brothers’ in 1980. Although America became familiar with the glasses at that time, only 18,000 pairs were sold that year and they were close to termination.

On the edge of being shut down, their last chance, and basically the reason behind their success, happened in 1982 when they made a $50,000-a-year product placement deal where the famous glasses were seen in over 60 movies and television shows every year. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Madonna, Roy Orbison, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, and Anna Wintour have all sported the classic glasses whether it was in movies, television shows, or music videos. All of this contributed to the enormous climb of 360,000 Wayfarers sold per year.

When the 90’s began, the glasses began to fade out, and Ray-Ban knew it was time for a revival. After redesigning the classic Wayfarer with a new modern twist, but not different enough to be unrecognizable, they came back with a bang in the 2000’s being seen on many new celebrities like Katy Perry, Mary-Kate Olsen, and Robert Pattinson, targeting a new generation. Since 2008 sales have increased a whopping 40%. Those numbers are only bound to climb seeing as the glasses now come in a variety of colours and sizes. People no longer own only one pair of Wayfarers, but a different pair for every outfit.

The classic winged shape has also been the inspiration behind many other designer’s sunglass lines, which have commonly been mistaken as Ray-Bans.

No doubt Ray-Ban Wayfarers are the most successful sunglass design in history, and although in the future they may need another revival, right now they are ever so popular and here to stay.

Faux me, Faux you, Faux fur

2012-01-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over, the temp is dropping, and there’s nothing more cozy and cool than sporting some seasonal fur...Ladies and Gents, I’m talking Faux fur.

Despite the bitter, brisk air, the winter is no time to hibernate in our bedrooms waiting for the spring/summer styles to resurface. Bringin’ it back Penny Lane styles, this season is full of fun faux fur accessories and winter gear galore!

We’ve all wanted to dress like Penny Lane at one point or another. Well, now you can!

Russian style faux fur hat

Faux fur halo and pull-through scarf

Faux fur trimmed gloves

And, spotted all around our very own western campus, the classic faux fur vest.

While these token items can be found at some of your favourite stores, there’s nothing better than classic vintage pieces. It’s time to reach into your mother or grandmother’s closet, or even hit up your local vintage store and you’re bound to find one of these timeless items.

And when you do, it will Faux-Sho leave you feeling trendy as ever!

....Okay, maybe don’t get too vintage.

Well Hello, Four Eyes.

2012-01-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

The popular Retro look in the fashion world would not be complete without one of the biggest facial accessory trends: the massive-framed eyeglasses that have made their way onto the faces of some of the world’s biggest celebrities and couture icons. Designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Burberry, and Chanel, to name a few, have generated this [arguably] dorky looking trend by producing countless numbers of different shaped and sized glasses that have become a front-running product of a giant unisex market. Two of our favorite Justins – Bieber and Timberlake – have been seen bearing the big frames (there’s a high probability that they don’t even have scripts…). Not to mention a couple beloved fashion heroines, The Man Repeller and Lauren Conrad. Let’s just say that Steve Urkel definitely deserves some recognition for this fabulous fashion craze!

Justin Bieber

Justin Timberlake

Lauren Conrad

The Man Repeller

Meet the Directors!

2011-12-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Last week, I sat down with OHM's fabulous directors, Emma Freed and Hayley Silvertown to get the scoop on this year's show. We talked theme, charity and of course clothes! Read on for an interview with the directors!

1. HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH OHM PREVIOUSLY? WHAT POSITIONS HAVE YOU HAD?

Hayley: Yes, I have been involved with OHM since 2009. At first I was a general volunteer, then Director of PR and now Director!

Emma: Since 2009, I was a stylist, last year I was a stylist and Assistant Director and this year I am directing!

2. WHY OHM?

Hayley: At first I didn't know anyone involved in OHM. During clubs week I walked by the booth and the director called me over and explained what OHM was all about. I'm really into charity work so I loved that aspect of it, and you don't have to just be into fashion and dance to be an integral part of the committee - you can contribute a whole variety of things.

Emma: I got involved because in the summer after first year, I worked for Erin Kleinberg, who directed OHM when she was in her last year at UWO. She told me about OHM and how much fun it was and I loved the charitable aspect of it. That year, another friend of mine involved with OHM asked me to style a line and I jumped on the opportunity.

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT THE SHOW?

Hayley: Definitely seeing the whole show come together, that first rehearsal on the day of the show.

Emma: How it magically comes together.

Hayley: It's almost mesmerizing, before it is all bits and pieces.

Emma: Also during the process of creating the show it is mostly conversation, discussing parts of it and then it becomes one big event. I also love the dress rehearsal, to see what everyone has come up with on the fashion side because we don't really get a taste of the pieces of clothing until the day of. When you see everything come together it’s awesome to see what everyone has come up with, given the theme.

4. SPEAKING OF THE THEME, HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THIS YEAR'S THEME: REVIVAL?

Emma: Working at FASHION magazine, I was working on a project, the anniversary issue, which highlighted past styles from when the magazine started, so that got me thinking about how past style are being reinvented today.

Hayley: Emma told me about what she was working on and we began to think about decades. So we fused the idea of recreating decades and trends being revived to create OHM Revival.

Emma: Then reviving trends appeared everywhere - at the magazine when I was sourcing different runway shows, it was literally in every collection . I was speaking to Hayley and we realized we were dead-on with the theme – it highlights the past and is simultaneously very current. Fashion is so cyclical and everything is always being reinvented in a new context.

Hayley: You can do so much with the theme, it is open to individual interpretation.

Emma: It’s also OHM’s 10th year running so that fit in perfectly!

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TREND BEING REVIVED RIGHT NOW?

Emma: As a decade, I love the 60s, but I have other favourites! I love 50s housewives style, the tied headband and cute dresses, 70s androgynous clothing, like style of Annie Hall and Patti Smith. I'm also hugely into menswear, you’ll usually catch me sporting collared shirts and blazers.

Hayley: I love the 80s leggings and comfy sweater look. I love that you can be fashionable and comfortable while looking so chic at the same time.

Emma: Can't forget 70s fur - fur vest, fur toque, fur collar, fur everything - but faux-fur of course!!

Hayley: Also love oversized sunglasses, straight out of 60s style.

6. ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY TO OUR READERS?

Hayley: The great thing about OHM is that is does not just speak to one person, there is so much variety in the show, and it is for a great cause that anyone can take an interest in, relate to, and invest in!

Emma: We are always looking for new ways to reach people and get involved - if anyone wants to show off their inner OHM girl (or boy) or show us how you're reviving trends we always looking for new faces. Whether you are the writer, the fashionista, the dancer, the philanthropist or the model, there is a place for everyone in OHM!

OHM Directors: Emma Freed and Hayley Silvertown

Have any questions? Email them!

Emma: emma@ohmfashionshow.ca
Hayley: hayley@ohmfashionshow.ca

xoxo

OHM Bloggers

A Revival-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide

2011-12-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

The popular saying “everything old is new again” has an even greater relevance during the holiday season. No, were not talking about regifting (although most of us are guilty of it at least once). The holidays are a time for reflection, relaxation, and most importantly, gift giving and receiving. The current revival of past trends has inspired new and modern ways of incorporating them into hot holiday items. Whether you are gift shopping for family, friends, or partaking in a little self-indulgence, the following will be sure to provide you with endless holiday revival fun. Happy Holidays!

Remember the elementary school obsession with friendship bracelets? Well they're back in a super stylish way. These colourful bracelets are from the collaboration between Links of London and Lauren Bush's organization, FEED. Help fight hunger amongst children worldwide while staying trendy and matching with your best friend all at the same time!

(Bracelets, Links of London x FEED, available at Holt Renfrew)

Even though cassette tapes are pretty much technologically extinct, why not revive this vintage music device in the best way possible, by not actually having to use it! These cards have an old-school feel, plus they're great carry on luggage for your holiday vacation.

(Card deck, Umbra)

A little bit 90's rocker, a little bit Grecian Goddess, this embellished skirt is the perfect choice for any holiday party.

(Skirt, Versace for H&M)

Take a trip back and relive all of the more than 300 Vogue covers. Includes behind-the-scenes stories and a foreword by Hamish Bowles, making this a must-have for the fashion obsessed.

(Vogue: The Covers, By Dodie Kazanjian)

Gamers, rejoice! Put your touch screens on the sidelines and revive the awesomeness that is arcade games. Perfect for your boyfriend, brother, or anyone tech-savvy.

(iCade iPad Arcade, thinkgeek.com)

Rolling Stones revival? Yes please! Embrace your inner Mick, Keith, Ronnie or Charlie with this cool and comfy tee.

(T-shirt, Wildfox)

This gift idea is kind of the opposite of revival but was way too cool not to include. 3D holographic nails (yes, 3D!!) are the trend of the future, so get your hands on this Lady Gaga and Deborah Lippmann collaboration created specially for "Gaga's Workshop" at Barneys. Includes a black base colour and glittery top coat.

(Nail Polish, Deborah Lippmann Edge of Glory Holographic Nail Lacquer Set)

The Return of the Scrunchie

2011-11-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Often seen on the wrist or, of course, in the hair, Scrunchies are making a comeback as a very popular accessory for any kind of hairstyle. The hairpiece that lasted through the 80s and most of the 90s was made fashionable by celebrities such as Paula Abdul and Sarah Jessica Parker. A couple decades later, the Scrunchie is seen all over the place in countless numbers of colours and patterns. Stylish stars continue to show the world how to wear this marvelous headpiece in so many different ways, bringing back the fun and trendy look for long hair, short hair, ponytails, neat or messy buns - you name it! In Marc Jacobs' 2010 Spring show, models sported ruffled chiffon Scrunchies on the runway, officially bringing the iconic hairpieces back into the fashion world.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Catherine Zeta Jones (left) & Sienna Miller (right)

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010

Vintage Inspiration in Film

2011-11-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

Revived trends are not only being seen on the runway but also in film. Fashion icons and trends from the past are the inspiration behind new films such as “My Week With Marilyn”, set back in the 1950’s starring Michelle Williams as the iconic Marilyn Monroe, and “Gangster Squad” starring Ryan Gosling which chronicles the LAPD’s fight against the Mafia during the 1940’s and 50’s. These movies feature costumes and set inspired by the eras in which they take place.

Popular television shows like “Pan Am” and “Mad Men” are also set in the past and have had a major influence on the fashion industry. “Mad Men” for example has been the inspiration behind a menswear as well as a women’s line at Banana Republic.

Dollar a Bowl

2011-11-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hey OHMers!!

We came, we saw, we ate Froyo!

On Tuesday November 7th, we raised over $500 at YoYo's Yogurt Cafe! $1 from every yogurt purchased is going towards OHM's pursuit of raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society. As the first OHM event of the year, YoYo's "Dollar a Bowl" was not only a huge success, but set the tone for many other great events to come.

OHM Events Executives Andie Shapira and Hannah Gofman

Whether or not you were indulging on YoYo's delicious vanilla blended froyos, or chowing down on some Tart 'n' Berries, we hope you enjoyed your treats & a splendid evening at one of Richmond Rows most happening dessert spots! Click here to check out photos from the event!

Stay tuned for our next event!

xoxo

OHM Bloggers

The Return of Neon

2011-11-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Its hard to ignore the presence of bright neon colours currently taking over the pages of fashion magazines and runway shows. From Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga to the Man Repeller herself, Leandra Medine, the revival of the early 90's neon trend has been taking the fashion world by storm in 2011. Most recently, the innovative collaboration between Christopher Kane and J Brand has proved that this old-school trend has serious staying power. With tons of denim styles, outerwear and bold accessories to choose from, don't be afraid to rock these statement pieces and channel your inner Fresh Prince!

Christopher Kane x J Brand

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2012

A photo of a Christopher Kane x J Brand jacket tweeted by @ManRepeller

Double Trend Revival: Neon and colour-blocking at Peter Som Spring 2012

In Honour of Movember

2011-11-11T09:58:00.001-08:00

Yes girls, it’s that wonderful time of year again. The time when the first letter in November is replaced by an “M” and plenty of men decorate their upper lip with a hairy dusting. While this time of the year is popular for its promotion of a terrific cause, little do many people know, the moustache was an extremely popular look back in the 70s, where men rocked all different types, shapes, and lengths. During this decade, LIFE named the sexiest men of the 70s, several of which sported this facial accessory. Among these were Richard Roundtree (you may remember him from Shaft), Robert Redford (The Great Gatsby and The Candidate), and John Travolta (okay fine, he didn’t have a moustache in the 70s, but he deserves a mention on the topic of sexiest men). OHM Fashion Show’s 2012 theme is Revival, devoted to the popular trends that are nowadays being recovered by some of the world’s most talented fashion icons. So, for those of you men sacrificing your faces for a month (or you ladies who have to be the ones to look at them) in order to raise money for Prostate Cancer, remember that moustaches were once-upon-a-time considered alluring and, yes, sexy.

Robert Redford Circa 1970

Richard Roundtree Circa 1971

Matthew Gold Circa 2011

OHM Fashion Show 2012 Presents: REVIVAL

2011-11-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

OHM Fashion Show is proud to present: REVIVAL!

In case you haven't been keeping up with today's hottest tends, the fashion world has gone vintage. Whether it's high waisted jeans, colour blocking or blazers with shoulder pads, models on every runway have been rocking the retro look. Think mixing eyepopping colours on the Michael Kors runway, cinched-waist dresses from the 40's designed by Miu Miu and Prada's drop waist tunics from the 60's. And what better year to showcase these vintage trends than on OHM's 10th anniversary!

Check out this amazing video combining our two favourite things - dance and fashion, and start digging through your grandmother's closet and see what vintage treasures you can find. We know we will!

xoxo
OHM bloggers