The World That Summer

One of my favourite things to do is scour old photos and study images of curious lives past.  This blog has a great collection, which I pulled from to share with you.  These are just a few of the many..

Images via The World That Summer.

Travels to Far Away Places

Whoa, I've been away a lot lately.  My apologies for being MIA... a good blog is one that keeps you in the loop, and I've been doing just the opposite.  I do have grand plans brewing, and so much to share with you.  Sometimes I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day, then you would really get to see the madness in my head.  Well, working with what we DO have, I think the only solution is to jump right in and tell you what's been going on.


Poland & Prague:  I love Europe.  I was gone for just over two weeks in June and July, and found so much inspiration in the littlest things: fresh air in the mountains, fields of flowers, contrasting eras of architecture (Renaissance vs. Gothic vs. Art Deco vs. Art Nouveau, etc), large public squares of gathered people (world cup fever), babushka dolls, funny money, cobblestone roads, creepy marionettes... oh the list goes on and on.

I also came across these awesome miniature helmets, which are replicas of the real deal, dating back to the 12th-16th centuries. 

Note to self: Must find a way to make them a part of the Spring 2011 Collection.

Montreal:  A 10 day getaway in July, including a cottage weekend in the Laurentians.  Good company + delicious food + funny farm animals + sun + biking + heat = best time ever.  I am super impressed with Montreal's dedicated bike paths that wind throughout the city, getting you where you need to be safely and faster than ever before.  If a city with so many cold and snowy months can fix the bike vs. car dilemma, Toronto can too.  Get it together Toronto!

Also, while in Montreal, I came across a beautiful new store named George and Jane, which I will do a feature on soon.  They placed an order for Biko, which I think will go really well with their modern, clean, and edgy aesthetic.

Also in news:  Biko is in the midst of a complete re-branding.  This includes a new logo, business cards, labels, website (design and domain), catalogues, linesheet layouts, etc.  This new look is slowly being perfected, and I cannot wait to show you!  The completed project should be ready by the winter, but you'll see bits and pieces throughout the following months.  Oh the excitement!

FALL 2010 Sneak Peek!

The latest Biko collection is about to be unleashed... here is a sneak peek for you!  There are so many amazing additions, I cannot wait to rock them all!

Cats!

Endless hours of interactive fun... Check it out, and pump up the volume!

The Cliff House

I've become obsessed with the story of the Cliff House, the old photographs that document it and the people living during its prime.  Throughout its incarnations, it featured art galleries, restaurants, parlors, lunch rooms, verandas, and eventually a hotel.  It was originally built in 1863, but was destroyed in a fire in 1894.  It was rebuilt in 1896 and burned to the ground (again) in 1907. A modest replacement was built in 1909.

For more info, visit here.

I love how everyone is dressed up, even to visit the beach.

I find it hard to pin-point the age of these people.. 

a toughie when they are dressed more like the elders of today.

She seems super young.

Top-notch vintage bikes!

Some cool dudes in great suits.

Images via Cliff House Project

How to Start a Movement

 

"... the first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader." 

What do you Crave, Toronto

I'm pleased to announce that Biko has been profiled in the first ever CRAVE Toronto book, which is 'a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors throughout our city." 

Tonight was the launch party, and it was super inspiring to meet many of these amazing women featured in the book, who are following their dreams as well as running successful businesses.

That's me, proudly holding open the book to my page!

It was also great to have my amazing interns out for an evening of fun times.  They work really hard and I'm so proud to have them on my side.  And look, they rock Biko so damn well too!  Brittany on the left is sporting the Ring Movement Necklace, and Mel on the right wears the Effie Bow Necklace.  Thanks girls for everything!   

To buy a copy of CRAVE Toronto, please send an email to corrine@bikodesigns.ca.   They're selling for $12, which is a steal!