NATALIE PORTMAN SEES PINK FOR DIOR

The French fashion house has pulled out all the stops to launch its new Miss Dior campaign starring Natalie Portman. Every day, sequences that last a few dozen seconds are revealed. Two new teasers have been released in which the American actress can be seen passionately kissing a handsome stranger. Fresh, dazzling and natural are the words that best describe Natalie Portman in this new ad campaign. The American actress -- who is wearing a Dior Couture dress by Raf Simons -- curls up against a wall of roses as well as in a handsome young man's arms.  The French luxury brand asked American Sofia Coppola to direct this new film called "La Vie en Rose."

WITH RIHANNA MAC TEAMS UP

Barbadian singer Rihanna is having a moment in the spotlight. Hot on the heels of her first fashion line comes the news that the R&B star will be a "creative partner" with the cosmetics brand for a series of 2013 product releases. The RiRi Hearts MAC collection is a "no-brainer" according to Rihanna, who told WWD that she is a long-standing fan of the brand: 

"I've been using MAC on tour for such a long time it was a natural fit for me. I have always loved makeup, and I always said that if I do it, I want to do it with a credible brand."

The first release will be a lipstick inspired by Rihanna's favorite shade, MAC's Ruby Woo. Remixed into a new tone, RiRi Woo will be unveiled at a pop-up MAC store at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on May 4, when Rihanna hits New York City on her Diamonds tour.

This is the first time that MAC has committed to a multi-product partnership with a celebrity or company: "We always say that MAC likes to go on a date but doesn't really want to go into a relationship," explained John Demsey, of MAC owner Estée Lauder Cosmetics. In fact, "this relationship with Rihanna is a long-term one that involves the development of four distinct color initiatives," he added.

After appearing at the Rihanna concerts, RiRi Woo will also be sold online, and it will be followed by an online-only summer collection (featuring two extra lipsticks, a Lustre Drops shade and a powder blusher). Fall and holiday collections will hit physical MAC locations later in the year, further expanding the collection with more shades of lipstick, false eyelashes, and nail polish.

  The campaign for the fall and holiday collections was shot by famed fashion duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot. The singer's tweet back in January about her "new #topsecret ad campaign!!!" led many to suspect she was working with Chanel, but the truth is now clear -- it was MAC all along.

This is far from Rihanna's first brand collaboration. "RiRi" has previously released three perfumes (Nude, Reb'l Fleur and Rebelle) and was one of the stars of the latest London Fashion Week, with her '90s-style collection designed with River Island set to hit stores on March 5. The singer also worked on a capsule collection with Armani Jeans back in 2011. 

MAC has previously collaborated with singer Nicky Minaj on two lipsticks as well as with Lady Gaga and fashion brand Rodarte, among others. 

Spring '13 Trends: Colours, Textures, Prints - Oh My!

We’ve been through the chunky sunglasses time-and-time before, we’ve seen many classic black styles and countless classic tortoise shell shades but guess what? Get over it! Seriously. Being too classic all the time becomes so vanilla. This is Spring ‘13 we’re talking about over here. So expect to see colours, textures and prints galore.  This Spring ‘13 rule is to have your eyewear pop! 

RETROSUPERFUTURE Giaguaro Tapestry B

The Retro Super Future Tapestry sunglasses are perfect for those SUPER fanatics who like their shades to stand out from a distance. Dipped in murky Seventies acetates, this model is embellished with mosaic, Persian-inspired prints. Eclectic, loud and brave, this frame is a definite statement piece. 

RETROSUPERFUTURE Classic Francis Silver Puma

Now I know this isn't colour per sé but look at that beautiful and intriguing marble acetate print. This style also plays with the mixture of acetate and titanium textures to give it that sleek and sexy look. Now imagine pairing these stunning sunnies with a pop of colour. Badass, right?

Thierry Lasry Orgasmy 6131

Now this is what I’m talking about! Ladies, this is what you call a not so classic tortoise shell! Thierry Lasry takes a very unique, fresh, avant-garde approach to sunglasses especially in this Orgasmy model. Although it uses deep reds and oranges, when the sun kisses you, the colours immediately activate and you’re left shining.

Various styles and vibrant colours of the Taru & Koli collection

Another humungous Spring ’13 sunglass trend is the coloured frames and coloured lenses combo. The eyewear showcased are a brand called Taru & Koli, handmade in Italy and designed by Toronto based optical owner, Jag Dhillon of Spectacle. The use of various coloured fashion tints on lenses has become an out of this world huge trend. Having trendy eyewear is one thing but pairing it with trendy coloured lenses takes it to a whole new level. Give it a try with your swaggy Spring ‘13 attire but I warn you, you may break necks. 

Written by Christina Cheng, Freelance Journalist & Stylist at Spectacle

Oliver Peoples x TAKAHIROMIYASHITA Soloist 3 Eyeglasses are Now Available!

After the success of their previous collaboration, Oliver Peoples and Japanese fashion label TAKAHIROMIYASHITA decided to do it again with the Soloist 3! There are three new styles that keep with the classic design of the Soloist 2, but are made of a new modern titanium material.

All styles are offered in three colours featuring light wash lenses and the engraving "left eye" on the left lens.  This is a trademark of Takahiro Miyashita who was inspired by being left handed himself and products like his Levi's Lefty denim which had all of the detailing on the left side.

The Soloist 3 collaboration is a must-have for Oliver Peoples fans out there. Come by our Queen St. West boutique to check them out!

Happy Birthday Thierry Lasry!

Today is Thierry Lasry's birthday!  The eyewear designer is most famous for his work with Hollywood stars and his massive celebrity fan base - including Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, and Jessica Alba.  Thierry Lasry's sunglass styles are so sought-after that Psy chose to use them in his Gangnam Style viral video!

Everyone at Spectacle wishes Thierry a happy birthday!

Garrett Leight x Thierry Lasry Collaboration

Wayfarers, aviators, cat-eyes… Generic, generic, generic.  It’s time to step your eyewear game up with something a tad more daring. For example, the new Garrett Leight and Thierry Lasry collaboration is the perfect example of stepping out of the box without overdoing it.

The collaboration consists of two designers that were inspired by their love for each other’s homes — Los Angeles and Paris. Leight’s orange and blue flash mirror coated lenses were inspired by his California view of the sunset and ocean. While Lasry’s soft pastel coated temples and clip-ons were inspired by Paris’ romantic and majestic sceneries.

Garrett Leight showcases his classic, retro and thin sleek acetate designs, while Thierry Lasry plays with the mixture of colours combined with distinct futuristic vintage shapes.

These shades were produced in limited quantities and Spectacle is one of the few lucky ones to carry them. They are currently available at our Queen St. West boutique!

By: Christina Cheng - Freelance Journalist and Spectacle Stylist

Spectacle Does the Harlem Shake!

The Harlem Shake has taken the internet by storm... but we've been doing it for years.

Enjoy the video!  Our Friends & Family Sale also begins today so if you're in Toronto stop by either of our locations to check it out.