Launched in Calgary in 2008, 442 McAdam leather handbags have been gaining steam in the accessory world. The brand has expanded throughout Canada and now attracts a following of fashionistas and Canadian celebrities alike.

Made of 100% genuine cowhide leather, the line includes oversized bags, travel bags, and clutches, with a design that fuses luxury and practicality.

Sarah Shell, the designer behind 442 McAdam, is a Toronto native and has earned her stripes by working in New York with Club Monaco and Gucci North America as a buyer and merchandiser. She has also worked with designers like Catherine Malandrino, Yigal Azrouel, and BCBG on various projects for a number of seasons of New York Fashion Week shows.

The 442 McAdam line is now available in stores in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Winnipeg. It is also available online through www.442mcadam.com.

Credit: Pimentel (Wireimage)

Known for draping dresses, Lucian Matis has a charismatic and boyish charm that makes him the perfect poster boy for young Canadian designers. The spring 2010 collection fused the femininity of a Grecian goddess with the raw nature of chain necklaces.

The models wore head pieces fit for a lady during the Roman Empire, wearing draped dresses, often embellished with studs. The designs are muted shades of dusty pink, blue and green, adding colour to an otherwise constant spattering of earth tones.

Store locations are available at lucianmatis.com.

A twist of Parisian couture blended with New York right here in Canada! Molly, a crystals molded mini dress or Jodi, a strapless tiered feather dress say it all. For sophistication with an edge, look no further than Toronto designer Marika Brose.

A graduate of ESMOD Paris and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Marika has worked with industry insiders. From buying for Bloomingdale’s and Armani Exchange, to designing for Chloe in Paris or Pink Tartan in Toronto, the debut of the first BROSE collection in the spring of 2009 was meant to be.

And although we have a long list of accolades we could list off, we thought you might want to hear from Marika Brose herself!

GLOSS: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

MB: My first gig was as the Fashion Intern at Interview Magazine over 10 years ago. I was very lucky – my first photo shoot was with Helena Christensen. I was also able to work with some amazing photographers such as Steven Klein, Ellen Von Unwerth and Mario Testino. The offices were in SoHo, above what is now the Prada store, and I worked out of the library that Andy Warhol created back in the 1960’s. I thought it was pretty cool.

GLOSS: Why did you decide to create Brose?

MB: It has been a life long dream to design for my own label and most of all, to create clothes that women love to wear. I love thinking about what my girl will want to wear next. I was a psychology major in University so I guess I’ve always loved diving into people’s minds.

GLOSS: What does the name “Brose” mean?

MB: It’s my last name. I’ve read that it used to be a medieval version of porridge.

GLOSS: What are the hottest colours, trends and styles in the collection for fall?

MB: The fall palette is very muted and soft, with a shot of raspberry. I was inspired by an ethereal mood and I wanted to make it feel modern with very structured tailoring.

GLOSS: What is your best styling tip?

MB: Keep it simple. Over-accessorizing is a total no-no, but if you want to go a little crazy then jump into some sky-high platforms.

GLOSS: If you had to pick just one, what would your favourite garment be?

MB: My favorite piece is the strapless bustier mini dress in a slick cotton tech fabric that holds you in and yet it is super comfortable because it has stretch.

GLOSS: What are the most popular items?

MB: The strong-shouldered dinner jacket was a popular item, along with the bustier top and mini-dress.  The feather pieces continue to be top-sellers and this season they were soft in a powdery grey.

The BROSE collection is available in Toronto at jacflash, Finn Boutique, and Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street and Yorkdale Mall, or by special order at www.marikabrose.com.