Meet Erin

Erin Kleinberg, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, is truly living the dream for all young fashionistas. At the age of 24 years old, her collections can be found in top retailers across North America including Holt Renfrew, Intermix, and Barneys.

After graduating from the MIT program here at Western, Erin sort of fell into the fashion industry. She says, “it sort of happened by default--I always loved my great grandmothers vintage scarf collection, and I started making kimono tops out of them 5 years ago, when I ran into Mischa Barton at an H&M in Toronto and spoke to her about sending her a few tops, and a couple weeks later she was photographed in one! Soon after the capsule collection was picked up by Holt Renfrew and TNT in Canada. Ever since then I have toyed with the idea of developing a line, but it didn't really happen until I came back from living in NYC in April 2008.”

Before launching the label she started at W Magazine. She worked directly with Alex White, Fashion Director. “Best experience of life. She honestly taught me what it means to work. I became so efficient there, it was nuts!”

What was her inspiration for the Fall '10 collection?

“My mom's vintage dusty rose velvet jewelry case she got as a 16th birthday gift.”

If she had the choice of any famous designer she would want to work with Proenza Schouler. “I just would love to see what goes down there in a day. Would learn so much, those boys are geniuses.”

Erin’s all-time favorite designer is Nicholas Ghesquiere. She also uses Balenciaga for inspiration, “they are the new, the fresh, the future! I always look to them to find what no one else is doing. And to be able to carry on an ‘it’ bag like the motorcycle bag and have it be the coolest bag still after like 10 or 15 years since its inception is baffling to me! They are, to me, the most innovative house, but at the same time are insanely commercially successful...lets just say I die for balenc!”

What’s her favorite album to listen to while designing? “The Smiths.”

Her favorite accomplishments include “getting picked up by Barneys New York and Holt Renfrew in my first season! Being honored by Flare Magazine in their 30th anniversary issue for 30 of Canada's most influential and talented women to watch for.....being featured in ELLE/Women'sWearDaily as a new designer.”

Sneak preview of her fall collection: “It has an eclectic boho Russian feel this season, but there are always elements of military inspiration done in a feminine way. I have always been obsessed with hardware and the idea of armor. I think that always shows through in my collections.”

Our local star was just written up in Nylon Magazine. To read the article and check out pixs click here.

Creative Genius

OHM’s talented illustrator, Elissa Del Bel Belluz, is a 4th year Honours Specialization Visual Arts student at UWO. Elissa is the creative genius behind our eye-catching posters and rave cards. Elissa loves how OHM combines “charity, arts, and fashion as an agency to bring awareness about the Canadian Cancer Society."

If you are interested in purchasing a piece of Elissa’s artwork, 2 of her pieces will be auctioned the day of the event.

OHM Fashion Show is THIS FRIDAY! Don’t miss out on all the fun! RSVP to the event here.

How do YOU rock your vogue?!

The OHM committee got together to show off how they rock their vogue. Sporting their OHM apparel and dancing to the beats we had lotssss of fun.

This photo shoot got us even more pumped for the upcoming show (if that’s evvven possible). The committee’s high energy will no doubt make this show go down in OHM history. Get excited to watch your fellow friends and students dance, model and show off their talents. This huge production is the event of the year, and you are guaranteed to see tons of familiar faces rockin the stage!

The show is less than a week away! It’s almost show time—remember to buy your tixs before they sell out! You can buy tickets at infosource THIS WEEK for $15, or email info@ohmfashionshow.ca to arrange ticket purchases. Come support OHM and raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more details and to RSVP for the event click here.

Check out our photo shoot video here.

Oh Dina!

Remember that lovely bird/feather hair piece Sarah Jessica Parker wore to her wedding in the Sex and the City movie? Never will I be as chic as SJP, I thought, as I gleamed at her on screen.

But, I just might come close, if Oh Dina! has anything to do with it.

Oh Dina! is a hair piece collection designed by Nicole McInnis. She incorporates rustic metals, vintage birdcage veiling, and textured fabrics to create a unique line with a 1950’s vibe. Each piece is one of a kind! Her most recent collection will be showcased in OHM fashion show. She has gathered 4th year Ryerson design students to supply her with dresses that she has enhanced with her handcrafted fascinators.

If you’re interested in buying an Oh Dina! hair piece, you can purchase them at Centennial Hall after the show. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information on Oh Dina! visit the website.

What’s in the News?!

1. Tom Ford Recruiting Womens wear Designers

Tom Ford has confirmed he'll launch a womens wear line. Tom Ford recently told WWD that he will, in fact, be launching a womenswear line “very soon.” Ford’s businesspartner, Domenico De Sole, is on the hunt for some financing, and once the monetary aspect is all squared away, we can expect a womenswear collection to hit the runways about 18 months after! Word is Ford has been quietly recruiting designers, including accessories specialists, for the collection.

Want to know more about Ford and his secret plans?

Click here for details

2. Gareth Pugh taking over design at Alexander McQueen?

McQueen's fall 2010 collection, which he is said to have pretty much completed before his death, will be shown this week in Paris. However, instead of the scheduled runway show, the house has planned "a series of low-key, private, salon presentations," according to the Telegraph.

Just a week after Alexander McQueen's funeral, the company in charge of his fashion label is believed to have identified his successor. Gareth Pugh, 28 year-old British designer, is understood to be the designer that PPR wants as the new creative director of Alexander McQueen, of which it owns 51 per cent. After McQueen's suicide at the age of 40, Francois-Henri Pinault, the chairman of PPR, pledged to sustain his "genius".

Read more here

3. Lindsay Lohan Fired As Ungaro Artistic Adviser? “She’s No Longer Involved…”

Lindsay Lohan, whose disastrous debut as artistic adviser for Emanuel Ungaro became the laughing stock of the fashion world last fall, has been unceremoniously booted from any further dealings with the French fashion house. The line’s Fall 2010 collection, which premiered sans Lohan during Paris Fall Fashion Week on Monday, features only the work of chief designer Estrella Archs. “She’s not involved in this…” a company spokesperson told Women's Wear Daily today. Lohan’s stint as Ungaro’s celebrity style consultant was slammed by Emanuel Ungaro himself.

Read more here

Flash Mob

This afternoon in the UCC, seven OHM dancers broke out into a clip from one of their dances.

This sneak peak dance preview was a huge hit! It was truly a site to see-- there were tonsss of people crowded around to check out the show. Everyone’s support was awesome; it was so cool to see so many OHM t-shirts and so much OHM spirit in one place.

Just another way to get everyone pumped. After all, it’s less than two weeks away from show time!

Click here to check out the video.

Want to see even more pics? Click here.

Spotlight

Our fabulous and hard working directors, Nicole and Raquel, are being interviewed on Rogers TV on Wednesday March 10th (tomorrow) on Channel 13. The show is being aired at 11am, 3pm, and 11pm.

Be sure to check it out!

DELTA LONDON ARMOURIES HOTEL

OHM Fashion Show is quickly approaching! Everyone is working so hard to get ready for what is sure to be a fabulous night. If you have anyone coming up to London for the big event, Delta London Armouries Hotel has your back. They have offered our patrons an amazing deal at only $99 per night (before tax). But, there are limited spots available! Book rooms quickly because they are only holding them until March 12th!

To book a room, call 1-800-668-9999 and mention that you are visiting for OHM Fashion Show.

Check out their website for further information.

WENDY'S NIGHT IN!

You don’t want to miss out on this… a chance to help raise money for Cancer by eating delicious fast food!!! I know what you’re thinking - is that really possible slash I never thought the day would come slash I’M THERE FOR SURE!

On Tuesday March 2nd (today) OHM is holding a fundraising event at Wendy’s just east of Oxford and Richmond. Come be a part of the collaborative group effort to help us reach our 1000 person goal in order to raise $1000 for OHM. Join us between 6:30 and 9:30pm to chow down on burgers, fries and frosties. For all you health nuts, Wendy’s has delicious salads too! Every person and dollar counts.

Mmmmm Wendy’s Junior Bacon Cheeseburger - the ultimate guilty pleasure. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Tuesday evening than laughing with friends, mowing on greasy delights, and raising money for an important cause. So c’mon out and bring your friends! You know you want to!

RSVP to the event here.

LADY J. REPUBLIC and OHM Fashion Show have teamed up to ROCK YOUR VOGUE!

Lady J. has created an exclusive OHM necklace & OHM bracelet.

These extraordinary pieces are sure to sell out, so come get yours early! All profits from jewelry sales go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The silver necklace is selling for $20 and features an official Canadian Cancer Society heart pendant and a music note, which embodies this year's rock music/culture theme. The chain is thin, but not delicate— and it can be made longer or shorter to suit your preference.

The silver bracelet is selling for $10 and features a smaller heart pendant and a music note pendant. The chain is thick but lays flat on your wrist, and it is reversible— a matte side & a textured side. This chain can also be made smaller to fit any wrist size.

Trust me, your not gonna want to miss out on these hot styles. So BUY NOW.

Lady J. Republic's exclusive OHM jewelry will be sold:

In London-

1. Booths in the UCC from March 10th - March 19th

2. From any Lady J/OHM representative

3. At 8 Kenneth Ave (contact nicole@ohmfashionshow.ca)

4. Starbucks on Richmond and Central the 2 Saturdays before the show (March 6 and March 13) from 10-4pm

In Toronto- Message Julia Driman via Facebook or email her at info@ladyjrepublic.com

From now until the show, 15% of all Lady J. purchases with the mention of OHM will be donated to OHM for the Canadian Cancer Society. This donation to our cause applies to ALL Lady J. jewelry, not just the exclusive OHM pieces.

To check our more details and join our facebook group, click here

Browse all Lady J. jewelry here

The Danier Student Design Challenge

The competition was fierce— 65 Ryerson School of Fashion students competing to have their leather jacket chosen as the winner of the 2010 Danier Design Challenge. The fact that none of the top three contestants had ever worked with leather before made their achievement especially impressive.

John Hillifer, 28-year-old B.C native, won the $5,000 prize and the chance to have his design sold in Danier stores this coming fall. This young guy is an inspiration for all of you young designers who hope to make it big.

“His conviction becomes apparent as he shows his design– it shows that he has thought about his design in three dimensions. The jacket features a collar, which looks terrific both open and closed as well as a unique pocket concept.”

Along with the public, a panel of judges, which included Jeanne Beker, Ryerson Fashion chair Robert Ott, stylist George Antonopoulos and Globe & Mail style writer Tiyana Grulovic, chose the winning design.

The second place prize of $3,000 went to Pamela Card and her quilted jacket, and third place to Tanya Wiebe’s double zippered design.

Watch John’s submission video and judges reactions here

Are you up for the challenge? Click here for more details

OHM at the Frog

The Frog has never seen a more "voguish" crowd as they did last Wednesday night. As all of you well-dressed party animals danced the night away, we raised over $450 towards the Canadian Cancer Society. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our cause!

Also, a big thanks to the events committee for making this night such a success and Adam Kleinberg for the gorgeous photos. If you missed out on this event, don’t worry, there’s lots more to come!

Check out more pictures from the event here

Sneak Peek of our PARTY at the Frog

Check out more pics here

OHM Presents: One Fell Swoop

Check out more pictures from the night here

Center Stage

Friday night was a night to remember. I mean, how often do you get a live band playing at your party? Toronto band, One Fell Swoop, volunteered their time to come out to London and play for us!


Starting 14 years ago, these 4 guys have really made their way into the music scene. With a new spin on a combination of rock, pop and Latin/Caribbean sounds, the band has already created a buzz.


For our promotional video shoot they played their hit song Happy Again, along with a bunch of other awesome tracks. OFS “hopes to bring the world a unique sound and style that will inspire and turn heads for years to come.” They brought their whole get-up- guitars, bongos and all. There was professional lighting, cameras, and everything! It was awesome.


If you missed the show in London, or just loved the music and want to hear them play again, OFS is performing February 19, 2010 at El Macombo, in Toronto. Tickets will be $7 in advance or with a can of food, or $10 at the door. All proceeds from the show go towards Haiti relief and all non-perishable food will be donated to help homelessness in Toronto.


To learn more about the band and hear their music, click here
To follow One Fell Swoop on facebook, click here

It's Party Time

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Frog last night, our event was a huge success! Special thanks to Tong-Tong, our events and promotions coordinator, who made it all happen.

Tong-Tong has a vision for OHM this year. Her interest in science and biology shows how people with all different specialties can come together to put on an electric show while raising awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. This is really part of what makes OHM so unique.


I asked her to tell me a little bit about the events team, and what actually goes on behind the scenes. This is what she had to say, “the events team throws the biggest and the best parties throughout the year. There's a lot of planning, coordinating, decorating and promoting. We figure out venue space, ticket sales, decide on party themes, and overall promote OHM and create awareness.”

Her goal for OHM this year is to raise as much awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as show off our talented students; both dancers and designers in our finale fashion show! And her personal goal is for OHM to throw the best parties year round!

Her plans for the future? She’s graduating this year with a Honours Specialization in Biology, and she hopes to volunteer in the healthcare system in Africa.

A bit more about Tong-Tong...her favorite designer is Alexander McQueen “HANDS DOWN,” her favorite magazine is Marie Claire, and her favorite blogger is Just Jared.

How does she Rock Her Vogue? “By once in a while splurging on something ridiculous that I may or may not ever wear, doing something outrageous and out of my comfort zone, and overall just living life to the fullest.”

London's Lookbook

Calling all fashionistas! Have you heard of the website lookbook? Lookbook.nu is not your typical fashion blog -- anyone and every one is welcome to post their favourite looks, from Milan to our very own London, Ontario. Whether your style is urban elegance or avant-guard chic, your sure to find inspirational looks that will wet your taste buds.

Turns out that London has some seriously stylish locals! Check out some of london’s hottest trendsetters featured on lookbook by clicking here. You can post your own looks too! Show off your distinct style by creating an account at http://lookbook.nu by clicking on “post a look”.

Photo Shoot Sneak Peak!

Check back soon for more pics from our first professional shoot!

Photo Shoot Contributors

“HOW DO YOU ROCK YOUR VOGUE?”


Model- Hana

Hana has never modeled before, in fact, the last time she got her make-up done was for prom. If she had to pick just one, her favorite model is Adriana Lima because she is so down to earth.

How do you RYV? “Listening to music 24/7”



Model- Megan

Megan decided to model for OHM because she wanted do as much as she could to support this great cause. Her favorite model is Heather Marks because she hails from Calgary (just like Megan), is very ambitious, and has made it so far so quickly….not to mention she’s gorgeous.

How do you RYV? “By meeting someone new every single day”


Model- Brittany

Brit wanted to model for OHM because she thought it would be a lot of fun. Why not wear outstanding clothes, get your hair and makeup done by professionals, and run around in front of a camera all day?

How do you RYV? “By meeting someone new every single day”



Creative Director- Bailey

Bailey was inspired to do this photo shoot in order to bring so many people together. “OHM gives so many people the opportunity to shine and that’s what I wanted to do with this shoot.” OHM has been introduced to so many new faces this year and she hoped that shoot would do the same.

How do you RYV? “Wearing skirts! Cold London winters have forced be to slip on a pair of pants every once in a while, but I can’t resist rocking a cute mini, even in the dead of winter.”



Photo Shoot Coordinators- Jaquie and Jaclyn

It took these girls about two weeks to figure out all the details and put this awesome shoot together. Of all, they were most excited to see the outfits chosen for the models and to see the amazing photography that comes out of it.

How do you RYV? Jaquie: “Drawing and designing images on adobe.”
How do you RYV? Jaclyn: “Going out for dinner.”



Costumers Coordinators- Danielle and Lauren

Their inspiration for the shoot came from Rihanna- “she’s not afraid of bold accessories.”

How do you RYV? “Listening to classic rock, and obviously shopping!”



Hair- Miranda

Advice from a professional: Her favorite hair products are Bed Head’s line rock-a-holic.

How do you RYV? “Styling people’s hair and dancing the night away.”





Makeup- Missy

Her favorite brands of product are MAC, Make up forever, and Dior- each are dramatic in their own way.

How do you RYV? “As a freelance makeup artist.”





Photographer- Rob

Rob loves the camera, and he really did an awesome job all day long. The pictures were stunning, and totally his style.

How do you RYV? “Taking pictures of everything and anything I think is cool”




Want to see more? Click here for more photos.

Check out the behind the scenes footage from out first ever shoot here