Fall Out Of Summer

Two local fashion experts, born into the fashion business, offer advice
on how to extend your summer wardrobe

	words MIKE BEGGS images STEVE UHRANEY In today’s uncertain climate, the secret to what to wear is consistency. Todd Ladner and Jordan Ribkoff agree. Start with some great basics then modify the accessories to change the look. Add some great layering pieces to what’s already in your closet and voila—bring on fall! On a steamy hot day in July, with the humidex at 43, and people trying to find places to escape the heat, Todd Ladner, owner of Ladner’s Clothiers in Streetsville, just got back from a buying trip for spring 2011. He sees the trends and looks forward to what is coming. Todd’s father, Eric Ladner, opened his store in 1959–the year Todd was born. “I was raised on my father’s knee in the business,” laughs Todd. Ladner’s is the largest independently owned menswear store in Mississauga with over 3,000 square feet of retail space carrying all the top name brands. Starting with that pair of khakis every guy over 20 has in his closet, he says, “Switch out to a layering piece like a navy blue blazer, but retain the mid-tone khaki to extend the look into fall. You can also change your light coloured, short-sleeve shirt to a long sleeve sports shirt, leave the collar open, and use the same belt with a darker shoe. Add a lightweight Merino V–neck sweater over your summer shirt to add warmth. We are seeing some beautiful lightweight knits for fall in navy, charcoal, chocolate and black.” The fabrics in menswear are more lightweight, yet durable and fairly wrinkle resistant,” explains Todd. Look for mid tones in grey or navy which can be worn year round.” “There has been a major shift to a more monochromatic urban look. If there is a colour difference, it’s between plum and charcoal!” says Todd. “The sense of the current business economy is there is not a lot of room for colour. If you want to add colour to your business look, do so by adding a neatly patterned tie with a larger patterned pocket square. Pocket squares are coming back in a big way. You can always take your linen or cotton shirt and add a jacket, silk tie and pocket square.“ “If someone is just starting to build a wardrobe, I would suggest a fairly plain mid tone charcoal or black suit with some styling detail like a pic stitch on the lapel and a picket pocket (a 2nd pocket on the front of a front pocket) in a slimmer silhouette. In a mid-weight fabric, it can be used for any occasion, in any season. You can lighten up the colour in the summer with a bright coloured tie or pocket square. Or add a white dress shirt and a sedate tie to the black suit for a very dressy look which almost substitutes for a tux.” Add a buttery soft leather jacket for casual wear and a lightweight top coat in black or beige and you will be covered for fall. Todd says colour will return for spring 2011 with some bold plaids and spring colours such as lilac fuchsia, yellow and pale blue that can all be worn with mid-tone greys. Jordan Ribkoff, son of Canadian designer Josef Ribkoff and owner of Gems Ladies Fashions Inc. in Port Credit grew up in Montreal. He used to run and hide amidst the racks of clothing in his father’s warehouse. His father started the business 54 years ago. Both high school math teachers in Mississauga, Jordan and his wife Natalie, opened Gem’s Fashions Inc. on Lakeshore Road in Port Credit this past spring. It carries a huge selection of Josef Ribkoff dresses and separates as well as Not Your Daughter’s Jeans and a variety of accessories by French Canadian designers. “Although Josef Ribkoff designs were originally known for our dresses, and we still sell a ton of them, the greatest demand is for our tops” explains Jordan. “The trend is toward separates that you can mix and match.” Like the menswear, black and neutrals are in the forecast for fall with pops of colour in bright red, orange and animal prints like zebra and leopard. Jordan points to a beautiful brown, grey and ivory print, wrap-style top in soft 95% polyester and 5% spandex that can stretch to accent a woman’s curves. “You can wear this top in the summer with a shorter skirt or light coloured capris and then change to a darker legging or full length pant for fall. Replace your summer sandals with a pair of trendy boots and the look is entirely different.” Another great piece to transcend seasons is a lightweight sweater coat. The new four season knits are tightly woven and cut close to the body often with a modern asymmetrical hem. “They are the perfect layer piece for fall and can be worn over a dress or a t-shirt and jeans.” GL	He wears (TOP PHOTO): All-season Italian wool suit by Hugo Boss with a lilac cotton dress shirt and classic striped silk necktie. Add a lightweight, slim-fitting merino wool cardigan under the suit and neutral tone, thigh-length overcoat with contrasting zip-out bib. She wears (TOP PHOTO): Leopard print dress from Josef Ribkoff with matching jacket and Anne Marie Chagnon bracelet and hair piece, Miss Caprice black purse with ribbon affect. He wears (ABOVE PHOTO): Ultra soft, distressed lambskin blazer by Milestone in a cognac tone over summer shirt by Robert Graham. She wears (ABOVE PHOTO): Basic cami with purple shimmer jacket and Not Your Daughters Jeans with Anne Marie Chagnon necklace, bracelet and ring. All men’s clothing provided by Ladner’s Clothiers in Streetsville. All women’s clothing and accessories provided by Gems Ladies Fashions Inc. in Port Credit. Models: Carolyn’s Model & Talent Agency in Streetsville. Shot on location in historic downtown Streetsville.