This year, Barbie’s chosen career is Fashion Designer. The 52-year-old going on 21 even has a spot at New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012 with Barbie: The Dream Closet. The Dream Closet is an augmented reality experience that allows guests to virtually try on 30 of Barbie’s favorite outfits over the last 52 years.

On February 10th, The Dream Closet will be launched online, where visitors of the site can try on Barbie’s designs using a webcam, take pictures, and share with their friends. And, the closet will grow throughout the year. Behind Pink Doors is an aspect of the site where top fashion influencers such as Coco Rocha and Dylan Lauren share editorial content. I don’t know about anyone else, but I am impressed by how far Mattel has been able to take this.

Visit Barbie’s Dream Closet.

Courtney Kos

Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2009   

It has been announced that London is getting its very own fashion week dedicated to men’s fashion. The London Fashion Council has called it LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN, and it will run for the first time from June 15th to 17th, 2012.

This new fashion week is no joke. The committee includes a number of impressive names in fashion: Tom Ford, Christopher Bailey (the creative director for Burberry), and Jeremy Langmead of Mr Porter (NET-A-PORTER’S sister site for men).

I am personally very excited by this news. Men’s fashion deserves more attention and nurturing, and a more prestigious committee for men’s fashion than what has been pulled together is not possible. At the moment I think the best in men’s fashion lies in London; no city would be a better choice to start a men’s fashion week.

Courtney Kos || Image via ryanfong.com  

Remember in the first Sex and The City movie, Carrie’s assistant, Louise, rents designer handbags? Now, there is a Canadian handbag and jewelry rental company that does just that.

Bling Borrowers, based in Calgary, is offering all our Canadian readers 50 percent off any monthly or seasonal rental until February 29, 2012. All their rentals are 100 percent authentic.

Just contact Bling Borrowers at customerservice@blingborrowers.com and mention Calgary Fashion.

Shop Bling Borrowers.

Courtney Kos

Refinery 29′s original Search For The Next Big Style Blogger is back. This time, the winner ends up at the New York headquarters for Refinery 29, or as a style ambassador for Bar III, a fashion brand sold exclusively at Macy’s.

Nominate yourself by simply submitting a photo and blog entry at styleblogger.refinery29.com. Or, follow Refinery 29 in the coming weeks to vote for your favorite finalist.

Courtney Kos || Image via refinery29.com

Fashion Week Internationale is a series that investigates fashion weeks around the world. Their most impressive episode covers Nigeria Fashion Week. The episode sheds light on the political struggles of Nigeria and how they affect those in the fashion industry. Interestingly, Nigeria Fashion Week stays true to and continues to develop its own fashion identity, and does not attempt to replicate North American or European aesthetic. Watch Fashion Week Internationale: Nigeria Fashion Week.

Courtney Kos || Image via washingtontimes.com

I don’t know about you but now that it’s February, I am itching for signs of spring. Luckily, this month Clinique is launching Almost Lipstick, which is described as “in between a lipstick and a gloss” and is comprised of seven warm, sheer shades. The product has been formulated to enhance any skin tone, and react uniquely to the wearer. Sephora, Holt Renfrew and The Bay all carry Clinique products. Shop Clinique online.

Courtney Kos

First premiering at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, Miss Representation is a highly acclaimed documentary that looks at gender representation, or more accurately misrepresentation, in the media and its effect on the lack of women in positions of power and influence in North America. Miss Representation isn’t just a film; it’s an organization that aims the change what the film sheds light on, and has developed many ways anyone can get involved. Learn More.

Catch Miss Representation in Calgary on Sunday February 5, 2012 | 10:30am | Plaza Theatre Kensington

Courtney Kos || Image via huckleberryyouth.org

Vancouver-based design Jason Matlo is well-known for his three sexy and sophisticated womenswear lines. His plunge into menswear for Fall/Winter 2011 was eagerly anticipated by fans of the designer for many seasons prior. Here’s a look at his Fall/Winter 2011 menswear campaign images.

Courtney Kos || Photography by Greg Swales

Strictly Diva is a brand new online jewelry boutique based in Calgary that specializes in statement pieces unique to the shop. And, they are very affordable. My personal favorites are their bold cuffs. Shop Strictly Diva.

Courtney Kos || Image via ‘Strictly Diva’ on Facebook

One of my favorite fashion photography blogs, Jakandjil.com, featured this photograph taken in New York back in December. An updated version of the 50′s headscarf trend that was often adorned by Monroe, Hepburn and Kelly, I find this modern version not only very elegant but also quite appropriate for our Canadian climate.

Courtney Kos || Photography via jakandjil.com