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Save the date
Ryerson University ‘s fashion program kids gave us a sneak peek last week of what they’re stitching up for their annual Mass Exodus show, planned for April 5 and 6. Designers to watch include Cara Stryer , whose ODE collection features tweeds inspired by Hitchcock heroines, and Blair Nadeau , whose Rockabetty line offers punky separates. We guarantee the crowd will scream “Eureka!” when Natasha Lenart ‘s Trial And Error grouping of inventor-inspired gowns struts down the Ryerson Theatre runway. Log on to www.massexodus.ca for more info.
Go-go gala
Charity galas for kiddies are a hit with New York’s socialite set and L.A. celebutantes, and now the trend has hit Toronto. Rethink Breast Cancer ‘s Little Sweetheart Ball at the Distillery (55 Mill) on February 11 lets parents and tots enjoy family party time and a Whitney Kids fashion show while raising money for new moms battling breast cancer. A $50 ticket gets a grown-up a glass of bubbly, while a young ‘un can sip mocktails and cut a rug in the mini-disco. The party winds down at 6:30 pm to accommodate early bedtimes. Visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com.
T time
Shoppers hitting up Propaganda (686 Yonge, 416-961-0555) this week to browse its stock of cheeky Valentine’s Day gifts (IOU sex voucher books for lovers and “Fuck you and fuck Valentines” cards for haters) should also check out the spring arrivals from Amie Scott ‘s T-shirt line. Scott’s tanks, skirts and mock-necks incorporate graphic appliqués of cartoony pirate cats and skulls. Pieces are priced between $10 and $70, including Crayola-coloured bags and caps. www.amiescott.com.
Fashion biz tips
Peach Berserk (507 Queen West) silkscreen queen Kingi Carpenter lost 14 jobs before she started her successful fashion boutique at age 24. Her Biz Tips For Misfits seminar next Thursday, February 9, from 7 to 9 pm, lets a new generation of design entrepreneurs in on her secrets to working-for-yourself success. Creative types, stay-at-home parents and hardcore do-it-yourselfers pay $49 to mine Carpenter’s 20 years of experience for priceless small business pointers. Call 416-504-1711 to reserve your spot.
