Joe Mimran Leaves Joe Fresh, Joins CBC's Dragons' Den

Photo via George Pimentel

When it was announced a few days ago that Joe Mimran was leaving Joe Fresh - his namesake, his fashion baby - the Canadian fashion community reeled. It seemed like an odd decision to leave a successful company at the top of its game, right in the midst of its global takeover. So what was it? Was there someone else? Was he tired of people thinking his last name was 'Fresh'? Was he simply over the colour orange? I couldn't imagine why he'd leave Joe Fresh unless tempted by an even better opportunity. Turns out I was right. 

Joe Mimran will be joining CBC's Dragons' Den as the hit show's newest judge. The 62 year-old fashion vet is a natural choice, having built some of Canada's most successful fashion brands including Alfred Sung, Caban, Club Monaco, and most recently, Joe Fresh.  Though Joe leaves his day-to-day duties behind, he will remain the founder and brand ambassador of Joe Fresh. 

Season 10 of Dragons' Den starts shooting next month and will air Wednesday nights at 8 pm on CBC. As an avid DD junkie, I cannot wait to see Mr. Mim in action. One thing I can guarantee? There will be loafers. Oh yes, there will be loafers.

Joe Fresh Going Global

Joe Fresh Spring '14. Photo credit: George Pimentel.

Between our recent athletic achievements, our wide open spaces and our general politesse, it should come as no surprise that the rest of the world envies Canada. Well, seems like the world even envies our fashion - and by that, I mean Joe Fresh. Loblaws Inc. recently announced the signing of three separate partnership agreements that will bring the brand into 23(!) new countries, covering the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Korea. This is Joe Fresh's first foray beyond North America. 

"These first international agreements signify an important milestone for Joe Fresh as we build on the strong foundation we've established at home in Canada. We continue to evolve the brand forward and I'm thrilled to see Joe Fresh grow into a global brand, developing on the success we have had in the United States since launching there in 2011," said Joe Mimran, Creative Director of Joe Fresh. Mimran founded Joe Fresh in 2006 in partnership with Loblaw. 

Today, Joe Fresh is available online, in more than 340 retail locations across Canada, in six freestanding stores in New York, including a flagship location on Fifth Avenue, and in over 650 J.C. Penney stores across the United States.

So, what do you think? Is this a case of too much too fast? Or are Joe Mimran & Co. smart to go global? Most importantly, how do we keep Joe Mimran's ego in check? Methinks we need to stage an intervention now or by next year, we might have another Biebs on our hands... 

JOE FRESH Lightens Up for Spring '14

Joe Mimran gives a triumphant fist pump to his fans after the Joe Fresh Spring '14 show at World MasterCard Fashion Week. All photos by George Pimentel Photography.

As the lights dimmed at World MasterCard Fashion Week on Wed night, a collective hush fell over the crowd. We'd placed bets in the media lounge about how Joe Fresh would handle Spring '14 - some expecting all white, others hoping for bold brights. We all had our fingers crossed for a return of a happier, brighter JOE after his highly-debated collection for fall, all black and dark and '90s Paris edgy.  Would he bring it on? 

And then it began. A parade of chic navy looks in raw silks and frayed denim started the show (said to be inspired by modern artist N. Dash). Then came the Asian-inspired reds, in that perfect shade of Lady Danger orangey-red which made the strongest impact worn head-to-toe. Next came the prints - super fun blue and white zebra stripes, watery python prints, elegant Asian florals and cool blue camo with tough-luxe detailing throughout. And a hologram mini that sparkled and shimmied its way down the runway to the beats of Britney's 'Work B**ch' made us all swoon. The whole collection felt modern and cool with just the right amount of edge, and unlike last season, the theme didn't seem the least bit forced.

Creative Director Joe Mimran said, "This season, we refined the essence of the brand. Functionality as the new chic has become the Joe Fresh guideline. The collection is sexy and cool while maintaining a classic refined look."

As LOULOU Magazine's Liv Judd-Soye, and The Style House fashion plate Afiya Francisco and I headed to the Joe Fresh after-party at Lee, we all agreed; Joe Fresh totally killed it for Spring '14. On my ever-growing shopping list: The blue silk skirt with the white tiger tee, the zebra-print midi skirt, the croco-print mini with the midnight blue sweater, the red silky pants and the liquid sparkly skinnies and blazer. Note to self: Must edit - though I'm not sure whether I should shorten my list or cull my closet to accomodate these beauties.

The Spring/Summer 2014 “Fresh off the Runway” collection will be sold exclusively at select Joe Fresh store locations, though I'm hoping the collection will follow the Fall '13 lead and go online next spring. Fingers crossed. x

While fast fashion is certainly not without its flaws, I'm heartened to see the important steps Joe Fresh has taken lately to make things right. See this article in yesterday's Globe and Mail to see how the company is responding to the Bangladesh disaster. Do you think it's enough?

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 

 

Back in Black: The Joe Fresh Fall '13 Show

Canadian supermodel Heather Marks goes Parisian punk at the Joe Fresh Fall 2013 show

The crazy pre-show scene at World MasterCard Fashion Week

My mad matchy-matchiness from last night (Joe himself approved - yes!) 

All runway photos by George Pimentel, Video made by me on Vine

I'm back from World MasterCard Fashion Week and ready to sort out all of my pics from the tents but before I do, had to post photos from last night's Joe Fresh show.  For Fall '13, Joe Mimran was influenced by Paris, the Sex Pistols, and the '90s punk movement, done up almost entirely in black -  a decided departure from the happy brights so synonymous with Joe Fresh.

Though maybe not as universally likeable a collection, it was a really nice change of pace for the brand and I loved the edginess of it all. The studded pieces, the white chunky turtleneck and that liquid black blazer will all be moving into my closet come Fall.  Thoughts? Loves? Leave your comments below and let me know!

Check back soon for more Fashion Week pics from David Dixon, LINE Knitwear, Mackage (amazing show) and more, plus street style snaps I shot at the tents, and a few pics of what I wore. K, time to nap - last night's after-party completely did me in. Zzzz.... 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
   
• 
• 

 

Pink Tartan Launches E-Comm Site

Image courtesy PINK TARTAN

Something must be in the air this week because yet another retailer is going online.  This time, I was especially thrilled because said retailer is Pink Tartan, Kimberley Newport-Mimran's extended closet full of luxe, sophisticated sportswear and chic accessories.  The site launches tomorrow and will ship to Canada, the U.S and internationally.  #trouble

Visit pinktartan.com and check out the gorgeous behind-the-scenes video below to get properly tempted. Can't wait for the Fall '13 show next week at World MasterCard Fashion Week - will be sure to take lots of pics xx

PINK TARTAN - Campaign Video from pinktartan on Vimeo.