z_Naked Lunch

Toronto Star's Best Dressed List

Roslyn Griffith Hall, stylist wears a vintage Marine's dress jacket, junk deluxe white shirt, Mavi jeans, and Sergio Rossi Leopard boots.

Juno Youn, art gallery owner. See more of our best-dressed list on our Fashion page.

During our last Naked Lunch we discussed the Toronto Star's Best Dressed List 2006  --  the Star's fashion team's picks of the most stylish men and women in the city. Who would be your choice for best dressed Torontonian? To have your say click on the comment link below.

I notice you chose three men in suits for your best-dressed list. What makes one guy in pinstripes better dressed than the next?

Our judges are interested in consistency in a person's style. So Chris Bosh's style habit of regularly showing up to basketball games in a suit was a factor. An immaculately tailored fit helps, too. And adding personal touches is important. George Elian, for example, is an expert at tying ties, and his choice of shirt and tie combos are always current and distinctive. Rudyard Griffiths managed to make casual seersucker fabric look chic. Many men wouldn't have the courage to wear a summer fabric like this, but Griffiths pulls it off with elegance. -- Derick and Daphne

I thoroughly enjoyed your column this morning, Bernadette. I liked that each of the 10 people selected as one of the "10 Best Dressed" had significantly different tastes and styles. I think that Tu Ly's style is truly original. Thanks again for providing such a great copy each Thursday - I always look forward to reading the Fashion pages. -- Cynthia

I consider myself well-dressed and I take pride in my appearance. I wear international designers and I love shopping! How do I make it onto your best-dressed list? What's your criteria?

First off, style has nothing to do with how much you spend on clothes. It's how you wear it. A few people on our best-dressed list this year can attest to this. For example, Rayne Baron and Roslyn Griffith Hall both rock their looks by mixing vintage and new, designer and mass market. Griffith Hall once bought a classic leather blazer at Gap, ripped the lining out, soaked it in water in a crumpled ball, and left it there for several days. When it was dry, it became a cool, deconstructed unique blazer. A perfect example of how best-dressed people put their own stamp on an average item. This kind of ingenuinty impresses our judges. -- Derick and Daphne

Do you really think celebrities belong on your best-dressed list? Don't they usually have a team of stylists who shop for them and decide what they wear every minute of the day?

It's true that most celebs these days have help. But it's often for practical reasons. Celebs can't walk into a store and try on clothes while they're being trailed by papparazzi. But even celebs who work with stylists make fashion errors. A best-dressed celebrity knows exactly what works for her and chooses from among many options provided by a stylist. In Rachel McAdams' case, we felt her choices fitted her body and personality perfectly. You don't look at Rachel and notice what she's wearing; first you notice her grace and poise, then you notice her amazing shoes. -- Derick and Daphne

Tattoo sleeves

DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR

Jessica Soos is in the process of extending her ’50s era tattoos into a full sleeve. Derek Lewis of Yonge St. Tattoos is her artist.

Thank you for participating in this week's Naked Lunch; a discussion about the growing prevalence of tattoo sleeves - tattoos that extend from shoulder to wrist. Please read the comments and discussions below and join us June 22 for our next chat.

I sense that the people who are into sleeves are somewhat anti-fashion. But that is exactly where designers look for inspiration and new ideas - to the street and those more "authentic" forms of self-expression. It will be interesting to see how designers interpret sleeves for a broader audience. Although purists will likely hate the idea that sleeves could become commercialized. Bernadette

Jean Paul Gaultier created a tulle shirt printed with tattoo-like drawings a few years ago. And Betsey Johnson had a real tattoo artist do designs for her collection a few seasons back. Who knows what else designers might come up with? Kate

I myself have 22 tattoos and I feel that anyone putting even one tattoo on their body should not do so if they think it looks cool ... Tattooing is a very old art form and it is not a fad. If u cannot see yourself loving the art on your body when you are old and wrinkled then DONT GET ONE!!! I put many different pieces on my body and I will love each and every one until the day I die. Yes there are alot of people who think that tattooing is a fad, but it's the people who have studied the art and who truly enjoy it for what it stands for, that are going to have to educate the ones who know no better. Jen

It seems that this artform will only get more popular with the younger generations coming into their own. There is something very attractive about decorating the body with beautiful artwork. Obviously it takes a lot of consideration to 'think-up' your designs and it would be a shame if someone rushed into the process without really thinking over what they were doing. Tattoos last a lifetime so it's better to take a few months to perfect in your mind what you want to show the world. Mitchell

It's the same as any art- there are good tattoos and there are bad tattoos. There's nothing trendy about getting your entire arm tattooed. I'd say the butterflies, the asian characters and the cherries that people get are a trend, but most people with sleeves put a lot of thought into them and the artists produce amazing works...huh-zah to sleeves! Sean

Are the people who get sleeves addicted to tattooing, much the same way some who try cosmetic surgery get procedure after procedure done, and can't seem to stop? Bernadette

Of the women I spoke to several of them did say they are addicted. Some said they liked the rush that comes with getting a tattoo. At first the needle prick is irritating but when the adrenaline kicks in, it gives a bit of a high that can last an hour before you crash. Other women admired the artists and wanted to acquire a piece of their work. They may see an amazing tattoo on someone else that is nothing like what they have and want to get one by that artist. As one woman said, once you have a couple of tattoos it's just easy to get another one -- no big deal if you see something you like. She had just had one that morning. Kate

Have sleeve tattoos taken over from piercings as the "cutting edge" of self-adornment? Bernadette

Piercings are highly visual. A series in the ear or a piercing in an unconventional place can draw as much attention as a prominent tattoo. They are probably more popular than sleeve tattoos because they cost less and can be removed. Kate

I think for some the whole idea of getting a tattoo is purely out of a follower mentality. You can usually find them with their little hidden tattoos whining at the shop getting it done. However when it comes to a sleeve that is something that everyone I know takes seriously and is more for self expression than what pop culture is doing. Getting a sleeve is expensive and time consuming so to say people are getting them because of a trend I find doubtful. Maybe you see more of them now due to the fact that a lot of the sterotypes that used to come along with tattoos no longer exist and therefore people just feel more comfortable showing off their beautiful artwork!  Jennifer

You might not find small tattoos impressive but everyone has to start somewhere. Many of these girls may be closet hardcore tattoo fans just coming out. The prevalance of sleeves could be encouraging them to take the first step. As you said getting a sleeve is expensive and time consuming. It's a big commitment. Some people like to take baby steps rather than jump in head first. Kate

I don't think that the "trend" will fade.  It has only gotten MORE popular over the years.  As more and more people are getting tattoo'ed its not as taboo so I see it ONLY getting more popular with the younger generation! Meg

And it seems that the nature of the tattoos is changing, too. The art is becoming feminized. Tattoos are getting pretty, and more creative. More appealing to look at, actually. Though I am not thinking of getting one myself! Bernadette

The Future of Fashion Cares

Thank you for visiting this week's Naked Lunch, a chat regarding the future of Fashion Cares. The discussion and remarks appear below. To add your thoughts to the comments list, click on the comment link below. We look forward to connecting again next Thursday at noon!

Lotteries have worked so well for hospital and cancer fundraising. Anybody think of  starting a Fashion Cares, ACT or AIDS fundraising lottery?

And the winner gets a date with Pamela Anderson. Great idea. ACT will have more funds than they know what to do with.

MAC is such a perfect supporter of Fashion Cares because they appreciate people who are "on the edge." If The Bay takes over, I am afraid Fashion Cares will be pressured to become more mainstream. That we will have to tame everything down. Then what's the point?

I would imagine that whoever is involved in deciding the future of Fashion Cares realizes that one of its big draws is the edgy atmosphere. Won't ACT will do their best to fight any attempts to tame it?

Would there be as much media coverage if Fashion Cares became a group of smaller events?

Good point. Perhaps not. There are lots of factors that go into deciding what we cover and how. The sheer size of Fashion Cares, and the stars who attend, practically guarantee good coverage. Smaller, less high profile events with more frequency might not. Bernadette

I agree with the comment below. Where else do you find such a large mass of cool, hip open-minded, accepting people?

I disagree. I think that one of the great things about Fashion Cares is its size. Where else do you get such a great feeling of acceptance in such a large crowd, except at the Gay Pride parade?

Maybe they will raise even more money that way.

Maybe that's what needs to happen, break Fashion Cares up into smaller bits, with more opportunities for title sponsorships. The Bay sponsors the sale, MAC sponsors a concert, who will sponsor the after-hours party?

Is it true that MAC is no longer going to be involved in Fashion Cares?

There is a rumour to that effect, and that The Bay could become the titled sponsor for the event. But that is still just a rumour. Bernadette

What about a huge designer sample sale, like they have in New York?

A concert that big sounds like it would take more organizing that the current Fashion Cares.

Couldn't we turn Fashion Cares into a huge concert fundraiser, like the Rolling Stones did for Sars?

I understand that is one of the ideas that MAC would like to see. Bernadette

Is there any merit in the idea of breaking Fashion Cares up into a series of smaller events? The dinner, after hours party, sale could each be stand-alone events, no?

That is likely something that the committee assessing how to take Fashion Cares into the future is discussing. It would solve the problem of location. Right now, there are only two indoor venues in the city that can hold a crowd of 5,000-plus. One is the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which has been incredibly supportive of the event. The other is Exhibition Place which is not that different and not worth shunning such a source of support. Or what about dispensing with the dinner portion altogether and just focusing on the party, shopping and show?

Avril's New Look

Thank you for participating in this week's Naked Lunch. We discussed Avril Lavigne's new look and what we might expect from Avril in the future. Please read the discussion and comments and use the comment link below to contribute further. We look forward to next week's Naked Lunch!

Avril hasn't given the runway looks her own twist yet. And there is probably a stylist helping her. Perhaps once she gets rid of the stylist and starts wearing high fashion her own way, we will see more of Avril - the individual - come through in her dress. Derick

AP PHOTO

Avril Lavigne poses in an Armani gown at the 59th International film festival in Cannes.

The point about how Avril's exposure to the fashion and Hollywood establishments will affect her music is a really interesting one. We have very few clues as to what she REALLY thinks about high fashion and Hollywood. She appears to be embracing it. But we still might see her rebellious side emerge. I think that her true opinions will surface in her next album. Bernadette

And what about record sales? You could argue that this new look will be much more appealing on a record album cover than before?

Yes, and she will likely appeal to a much broader market. When she first came on the scene Avril was anti-establishment and stood out from all the other manufactured pop stars. She wore vintage, beat up sneakers and didn't seem to care about grooming. And she looked like a real teen, which is probably why her young fans identified with her, beyond the lyrics in her songs. Is she running the risk of alienating her original fans? Perhaps they are ready to grow up too? But very few will be able to afford the expensive designer clothes Avril is wearing. So if they dressed like her before, what will they wear now? Bernadette & Derick

Someone in today's story on Avril makes a comparison to Madonna, saying that her evolution was much slower than Avril's sudden overnight change. Is this the second coming - of a singer who understands the power of transformation?

In today's pop star arena, talent is just one part of the equation. To keep the fans, to gain new fans, to constantly stay in the spotlight you have to reinvent, provide change, keep them guessing. No one understood this better than Madonna. However, each of her image overhauls have been carefully and slowly orchestrated - not one look today and another 2 weeks from now. Her transformations always coincided with a new album, new project, etc and was heavily splashed around the world. It appears that Avril is embracing her new-found love for high fashion but it remains to be seen how she will play it out. By attending the Chanel couture show earlier this year in Paris, she is slowly building a style conscious profile. And it will be interesting to see how this will reflect in her new album. Derick

One of the comments suggests that Avril should go after the cover of Vogue or InStyle. What do you think?

AP PHOTO

The Canadian actress-musician, promoting the film Over the Hedge in which she voices an animated character, also wore a ruffled blouse.

She was already featured this year in a fashion spread in Harper's Bazaar with her new blond look. And I'm sure if she lands an advertising contract with a major fashion house she will be gracing a few fashion magazine covers. She is certainly prepping for it wearing those major fashion labels. Derick

Do you think that Avril's new look is authentic? Or has she been pushed into playing the role of a Hollywood starlet?

Time will tell. Maybe she will stick with this new look and grow into it. Or maybe she will go back to her old, rebellious self. One clue might be the rocker pose she struck on the steps of the screening hall at Cannes. (See the photo gallery with today's online Fashion section.) As the caption with the photo says, you can take the girl out of the rocker clothes, but you can't take the rocker out of the girl. Bernadette

Here are more comments from readers that arrived over the last week:

Avril looks greatly startling and this new face of style looks wonderful on her. As a trademark of Canada, her slacker style now gone exposes her maturity. Go Avril, get on the cover of In Style! or Vogue...We're behind you! -- Michelle

She's growing up and realizes that youth is fleeting. More importantly, fame is fleeting. You sometimes have to change your appearance in order to stay in front of the cameras. -- Kerry Burrage.

I think it is refreshing and encouraging that this young woman who is a role model for so many young girls has demonstrated such maturity. She has shown us her talent and now she shows her fans that you don't have to be a "bad girl" with "attitude" to succeed and there really is a place for those young stars who really "grow up." -- P.Fisher

Who cares about her new look. She chose her skater-boy look when she was just in her teens and she's a young adult now. Imagine how stupid we would all look if we never made a change to our personal style.

I think that Avril has tremendous style right now, although I do feel that she is trying very hard to fit the mold that she is being asked to conform to…  I’m hoping that Avril has matured instead of conformed to satisfy the public and simply realized that what she was wearing before may have been fine for a girl/teenager but was inappropriate for a young woman trying to fit into mainstream society.  Post-transformation, Avril looks polished and classy. -- Jaymee MacKenzie

As long as see she looks greats, who cares, she can't be 17 forever.

Her new look is horrible.  She used to look like a breath of fresh air, with her own quirky sense of style; then, in poorly chosen Chanel, she looked as though she was wearing her mother's clothes.  Now she looks tart-ish and insecure -- always with an uncomfortable smile, as though she knows she's trying to be something/someone that she isn't, and shouldn't be.

Avril looks great. She's growing up. Do we want her to look like a punk at age 40?- Jim H

She sold out, just like Nelly Furtado. -- Simone

Avril ..... Chubby face, stringy mousey long hair, cover the shoulders & arms, hips too wide, always poor eye makeup choice, spoiled brat attitude, all = Misfit. --
Benni in Waterloo

The new Avril is disappointing. She had such a uniqueness and spark about her and she has definitely lost that with this new look. She now looks like all the other celebrities - boring! Be yourself, Avril. That's what really made you interesting and made you stand out from the others. I'm not even close to being a peer of Avril's but her inimitable qualities attracted me to her and her music. Let's go back to the awesome and the original, real you, Avril. -- dk

As a Canadian, and a proud one, I find it really, really, disconcerting that you would devote the cover of your fashion page to judging Avril's choice of clothes. I find this petty, mean spirited, and distasteful. We celebrate American's who dress in outrageous styles, but never seem able to support our own talent. Wearing wild clothes just goes with the territory of being a star -- why do we need to mercilessly judge them?
-- Dr. Marina Quattrocchi