VIDEO: Toronto Vlogger Monique Lahey Visits the POP-UP Shop

Paige Boersma speaks of her Bicyclette inspiration, and I talk about Biko. Watch us here. =) 
For those of you who haven't yet checked out the Bicyclette POP-UP Shop, it's been extended until Sunday Nov 21st, at *Hotshot in Kensington!

THE LAUNCH PARTY: success!

The Bicyclette Boutique Launch Party was so fun!  Thanks to everybody who came out and helped make the evening such a success.  If you haven't check out the store yet, you still have time!  It's open for 2 more weeks, until Nov 10th.

Here are some photographs from the event:

The balloon canopy was one of my favourite additions to the store yesterday.

Wolfie all done up in the corner.

Thanks for coming Emma!

Jess was out first customer early in the night.  She even brought her dinner.

Monique Lahey interviewing Emma for her Vlog.

Mel doing a bit of shopping.

From out front.  *Hotshot is such a great space!

POP-UP SHOP Madness

Today was a pop-up shop set-up party, which started off rough (with our rental car breaking down), but ended up being very productive.  You see (I never did mention this before), my friend Paige's online store, Bicyclette, is being brought to the real world for only three weeks, beginning tomorrow!  This store is seriously going to be super hot when it's complete, and so far, it's looking amazing. 

The deets are as follows:
WHERE ///  *Hotshot Gallery / Kensington Market / Toronto / 181 Augusta Ave.

WHEN ///  Oct 22nd - Nov 10th, 2010

HOURS ///  Wed: 11-5 / Thurs-Sat: 11-7 / Sun: 11-5 / Mon+Tues: Closed

*Hotshot Gallery is such a beautiful blank slate, with rough hardwood floors, pristine white walls, spotlight lighting, and a dark wood coffee bar (serving great coffee).  We set up about half of the large space, and have the rest to finish up tomorrow.  Here are some images of the place so far.

Also, stay tuned for info on the opening party, scheduled for next week, October 28th, 6-10pm!

The front of the shop so far.  Those frames will be filled too!

That's me adding some Biko to an amazing Dolce Vita cape/sweater/jacket.  I want it so bad!

The beginnings of our wall collage.  Just you wait 'til it's done...!!

Joe Fresh Pop-Up

Two nights ago Joe Fresh held a one-night-only pop up store/event in Toronto's Bloor/Yorkville neighbourhood.  I arrived to a line-up of hundreds (if not thousands) of women, and was happy to see my girlfriends towards the front. We got in shortly after, and entered the white room of mayhem.  White wine flowing, hors d'oeuvres being served, and racks upon racks of the latest runway looks made for super fun times.  What I did not expect was to meet and chat with Joseph Mimran, the man behind the brand.  He was personable, happy, talkative, charming, and full of compliments.  We spoke of vintage clothing, nautical style, the event in general, runway looks, and Biko Jewellery.  I shall not say more at this point in time, but it was a great conversation that not only made my evening, but reminded me that it pays to double dare yourself to go and talk to the seemingly unattainable silver fox who runs the show.  What a great evening.

Megan and I with Joseph Mimran

The insanity that was a line-up. 
Thankfully I arrived with cash, which allowed me to skip the line!

STORE: Boutique George & Jane

Its all in the family at this beautiful new store in Montreal's Mile End neighbourhood.  Boutique owner Nicole coins it as "a shop for boys and girls, inspired by my grandparents- George & Jane."  Colourful images of George and Jane in their stylish, young days decorate the walls of this modern, spacious store.  The high ceilings boast beautiful lighting, designed by Nicole's fiance's brother (Thout).  The wood floors and dark cabinets add warmth to this grand space, making it comfortable and approachable... and the clothing, oh the clothing!  Each and every piece, hand-picked by Nicole and her right-hand-gal Yvette, exemplifies character, quality, and effortless, innate style.  Presented beautifully on suspended racks, these pieces are a pleasure to sift through.  Brands carried include Acne, Filippa K, Religion, Lily & Jae, Gestuz, and Helmut Lang to name a few.  I am also proud to announce that BIKO is now being carried at Boutique George & Jane.

Join Boutique George and Jane's Facebook Fan Page and visit the shop at 5364 Blvd. Saint Laurent. 
All images via this page.

Parla Italiano?

Alright, who here speaks Italian?  In dissecting what I can, it seems the writer (of the Italian blog Frizzifrizzi.it || Your daily source for cool) suggests that Biko shares the name with the famous anti-apartheid South African martyr, Steven.  I'm also getting that I have 'splendidly realized the mix of vintage and modern, in pieces such as the mini harmonica, the telescope, and the capsule necklace'.  The second paragraph is is a tough one for me to decipher, except for the word 'party'.  I also seem to be getting a nod to the UK site Not Just a Label, which carries the line, as well a direct link to Biko's catalogue and email.  I know, I know, you're wondering where I learned to speak Italian, right?   =)

 

EDIT:  In using an online translator, this article became a lot clearer to me.  The second paragraph was the most romantic of all: "Because you never know when you're at a party there is desire to get to play one piece from tavern (with legs that beat the ground), or watch the stars." Thanks Google Translator!  The author was speaking of the real-life applications of the harmonica and the telescope!

New York Antiques Show: A Hunt For All Things Curious

Biko was in NYC last week, finding inspiration around every corner, and of course, conducting business. Braving the rain and g-force winds, I ventured out to the Pier Antiques Show, which was brimming with weird and awesome finds. There are too many pictures to post, but here are the highlights.

Introducing Effie.

Meet Effie. She's the new Biko mascot!
Well, she can't really be the mascot, as she's not real and has no head or face (or arms or legs), but she's the one girl that will have access to all of Biko's pieces, whether she likes it or not. Here, she's wearing the Tani Necklace, layered with the Scarf Wrap Necklace in gunmetal.

Fashion Magazine feature

Thanks Fashion Magazine! Biko's Charlie Necklace is featured in the 'Shops, Toronto Notes' section. It draws attention to the upcoming One of a Kind Show, and Biko's participation, along with over 800 other amazing vendors.

To purchase this necklace online, go here.