20 Questions with Joe Mimran

Joe Mimran of Joe Fresh fame at World MasterCard Fashion Week - Photo courtesy George Pimentel

I didn't think he'd actually respond.  I mean, Joe Mimran is probably the busiest guy in fashion (this week especially) and let's face it - I'm not Flare or The Globe & Mail.  On a whim, I sent 20 questions off to his PR team on Thursday and on Friday, the answers appeared!  Love that he took the time to help a blogger out, LOVE Joe Fresh and can't wait for the Fall '13 show and after-party tonight at World MasterCard Fashion Week. Squee!

Read on for what’s on his playlist, how he likes his martini, and what really makes Joe Fresh tick.

 1. Which of your collections are you most proud of so far?

I am proud of all of my collections, but I am always most excited by the collection I am working on at the moment. And as soon as the show is over I’m already thinking about what will come next

2. Do you get nervous when your wife and daughters go shopping?

No, my wife and children all have excellent taste.

3. What are your favourite restaurants in Toronto?

Harbord Room, Sotto Sotto, Giancarlo

4. Who do you rely on most in your business?

My whole team – every aspect of the business from supply chain to visual merchandising to marketing plays a key role in the success of Joe Fresh.  And of course, our loyal customers.

5.  Slippers vs. dress shoes. Discuss

Slippers – classic and so comfortable.

6. Favourite drink?

Martini – very dry, very cold – shaken.

7.  When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always loved the arts but balanced my interest in art and design with a business degree.

8. What do you eat every day for breakfast?

Fresh squeezed vegetable juice.

9. What’s one piece from Joe Fresh that every woman should own?

A striped t-shirt.

10.  What is your favourite book?

I recently enjoyed Patti Smith’s inspiring memoir, Just Kids.

For my full interview for iVillage.ca, click here but first, check out the super cute new Joe Fresh ad featuring Joe's fave song by Sam and the Womp. Crank it up!

World MasterCard Fashion Week

My speed-packing efforts last night, 11 p.m. 

As I sit here, $45 away from frequent roller Prestige status (as deemed by VIA Rail, that is), hurtling along the tracks towards Toronto and the first day of World MasterCard Fashion Week, I contemplate the following:

• My suitcase is zipper-busting jammed. I wonder if my sister has a steamer/iron? Oh please let her have a steamer/iron, otherwise it's Dishevelled Chic for Fall '13.
• I packed 2 pairs of very cute, very high, very open-toe shoes, and apparently a last hurrah winter snowstorm is en route to the city. Bad choice? Fashion over function I say (especially at Fashion Week)
• I have an interview with Joe Mimran due for iVillage.ca, 2 other articles due and no Photoshop on my laptop. Plus, I'm on a ghetto old train car with zero plugs so my battery is slowly but most certainly wasting away. 
• I think I forgot to buy diapers before I left. Nope, I'm sure I forgot to buy diapers. Crap.

It's always a massive amount of work to leave my husband and kids behind for Fashion Week.  Meals pre-cooked, house in order, clothes put out, backpacks packed - not to mention stuffing 3 good outfits into a carry-on with zero room for sartorial error.  Once I get to Toronto, I'll take the subway up to Yonge & Eg to my sister's house, do as much work as I can, then head downtown to the Tents for a night of Fall '13 shows.  On today's schedule, I've got 4 fashion shows (Miz by Izzy Camilleri, Chloe comme Parris, Pink Tartan and Bustle), then a party for Glam Media at The Spoke Club and then Holt Renfrew's Opening Night party on Bloor.  Fun! This is so not my typical Monday. Watch, eat, drink, sleep, dress, repeat. Is there room for a nap in there somewhere??

I'll be in the city until Wednesday night (at which point child-minding tokens run out) soaking up all of the great Canadian talent. Will be sure to report back with pics from the runway and backstage and of course, all the fashion flock rocking their finery at the Tents. Can't wait to get this party started!

xx

Spring Fling

Leather School Bags, Joe Fresh, $99 each. Photo courtesy Joe Fresh

Back to work, back to the grind, and a headache's en route to my too-relaxed mind.  

Mondays can be a real shock to the system; which is why I was thrilled to come across these cool leather school bags from Joe Fresh.  Briefcases/laptop bags don't often turn my crank but these are both pretty and practical - sort of like a spoonful of sugar for your work week. I plan on getting the white one to tote around during World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. It looks sturdy enough to handle my laptop, a pair of heels, and any treats that come my way, while simultaneously satisfying the street-style paps lurking outside.

One other thing that makes this particular Monday a little easier? It's March! Could not be more thrilled that spring is almost here...xx

World Mastercard Fashion Week Spring '13: Went a Lil' Something Like This...

My fave show of World Mastercard Fashion Week had to be Lucian Matis, likely made so by the fact that I scored a front row seat!

Ever wondered what a model sees at the end of the runway?  Meet "The Pit"

Ever-stylish Style Writer Bianca Teixeira, Nelia Belkova of StyleBlog.ca, and Afiya Francisco of The Style House

A model gets contemplative (about her hair) at the always entertaining Korhani Home

Cutest. Couple. Ever.

So I could give a million excuses about why it's taken me so long to post these pics but I won't (ahem..kids. colds. 'nuff said) Instead, let's just say I had a blast at World Mastercard Fashion Week and am ready for Spring '13, if only so I can wear some of the pieces I saw strutting down the runway at Holt Renfrew, Joe Fresh, Pink Tartan, Mackage, Whitney Linen, Arthur Mendonca, and Lucian Matis, among others.

I died over a trench coat worn with a layered pastel leather vest at Mackage.  I swooned over all the pretty Moroccan tile and croc prints at Lucian Matis (more pics coming) and the top (in-stores-now) picks from Holt Renfrew.  I reveled in the feminine silhouettes and cool metallics at Pink Tartan.  And Joe Fresh?  Let's just say he delivered, as always (see my post on the Joe Fresh Spring '13 show here)

Here are some of my fave pics that (mostly) tell my story of the week:

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