TORONTO BEAUTY REVIEWS: YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO THE LATEST IN BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health
Menu

Fashion Event: LG Fashion Week – OR by Angela Chen

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Elaine

I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of LGFW tickets to see OR by Angela Chen courtesy of Lotus Leaf Communications.

Chen’s Fall Winter 2011 collection “The Art Of Knitwear” is created with textured yarns in neutral tones all handknit by Chen herself.

As a “regular” person – meaning I’m not a fashionista – I found Angela Chen’s designs to be absolutely beautiful and quite wearable. Here are some exclusive photos from her collection courtesy of Jakki at Lotus Leaf Communications:

20110320-IMG_0682[1]

20110320-IMG_9556

20110320-IMG_0772

Aren’t they gorgeous?! I’m in awe of all the detail and I was very excited to attend the show and see the pieces in real life.

I was also given the rare opporunity to have Angela answer some questions I had for her.

Here’s my Q&A with Angela Chen:

EA:  What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design and what is your earliest childhood fashion memory?
AC:  For as long as I can remember I have always been interested in fashion. Initially it was my mother who first influenced me, I remember when I was younger she hosted a fashion show with her friends and that was how I first became inspired. It was after high school that I decided to go to Parsons The New School of Design and pursue a career in the fashion design industry.
EA:  I read that you knit every piece in this collection by hand! When did you first learn to knit and who taught you? (or were you self taught)
AC:  I did knit everything by hand! In fact 90% of my FW2011 collection is made from knits.  I learnt how to knit at Parsons. I took one semester of knitting and I instantly feel in love! There is an art to knitting that allows me to play with shapes and silhouettes; the class influenced me to continue to knit after the semester was over.  
EA:  How do you want a woman to feel when she is wearing your clothes?
AC:  I want women to feel confident, stylish and comfortable when they are wearing my clothing.  My designs are very structured and timeless, so women have the opportunity to look fashionable season after season.

EA:  I love that your pieces would suit the lifestyle of an “everyday” girl like me.  What are the 5 essential pieces you feel that every woman should invest in?
AC:  I would say women should invest in:
1)       A classic feminine dress
2)       A cozy knit sweater  
3)       Structured jacket
4)       Pleated or draped skirt
5)       Light and airy silk organza top
I believe these pieces are essential for a woman’s wardrobe because they are timeless and sophisticated. To create a more dramatic effect with your clothing, I would suggest incorporating contrast within your outfit. A bright white top played against a black pleated skirt creates a classic look which is very eye-catching.
EA:  When designing how do you take into account the many different sizes and shapes of a woman?
AC:  I enjoy playing with different shapes and silhouettes in order to create a look that women of all sizes can find appealing. I use a lot of texture in my designs to play with shapes and lines. My FW2011 features minimal and abstract pieces which I have created through my use of knits.
EA:  In my case I’m a petite woman (under 5’2″!) – from your point of view, what should the focus of a petite woman be in terms of dressing?  Are there any particular fabrics or silhouettes that would work best on a petite frame?
AC:  I’m petite as well; I am 5’4”. I believe my classic silhouette dresses look good on everyone as long as you have the confidence to pull it off. Also, for your height, I would suggest wearing a blouse with simplistic detailing on top to draw the eye upwards, pair it off with a pleated skirt that is above the knee because anything longer will make you appear shorter!
EA:  I read somewhere that you would love to dress Natalie Portman.  I’m a huge fan of hers and she’s petite like me!  What is it about her that stands out for you?
AC:  I am a big fan of Natalie Portman too! She is talented, beautiful, and incredibly intelligent. The fact that she was able to juggle schooling at Harvard and a busy acting career makes her a great role model for younger generations. Natalie always seems to carry herself with confidence and grace which is why I admire her so much and would love the opportunity to dress her in the near future.
 EA:  What’s been the biggest challenge for you since starting your own line?
 AC:  I believe the hardest challenge most designers have when starting their own line is keeping a positive attitude when they don’t achieve instant success. Fashion design involves a lot of time and dedication and it is because I love what I do that I am still in the industry today; you must overcome the negatives and have a faith in yourself in order to see positive results. 
EA:  You must have learned a lot through all the experiences you’ve had.  What advice would you give to your younger self, looking back now?  Any advice for others looking to pursue a career in fashion design?
AC:  I have had some amazing learning experiences throughout my career as a fashion designer. Looking back on my younger self I don’t know if I would change anything, because if I did I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.  I am a designer because I love what I do and I am confident in my work. I would tell people wishing to pursue a career in the fashion design industry that you have to have faith in yourself and love what you do because a designer’s life is not all glamorous; there are a lot of sleepless nights.
EA:  What’s next for your brand?
AC:  I hope to have the OR by Angela Chen brand internationally recognized. I would like to open a flagship OR by Angela Chen store in countries all over the world, starting with Canada!

I will finish this post off with more pictures of the runway show provided to me by Lotus Leaf Communications.  I do have (terrible) pictures that I took myself, but I will save that for a future post talking about my personal experience at my first (hopefully not last!) Fashion Week Event.

GP2_9991

GP2_9865

GP2_9880

GP2_9779

GP2_0079

GP2_0094
(this was one of my favorites! Knit top and a tutu!!!)

GP2_0116
Angela Chen
(^I want that skirt!^)

Thank you again to Lotus Leaf Communications for giving me the opportunity to attend LGFW! A special thank you to Jakki for the great correspondence and providing me with all the amazing information and of course to Angela Chen for taking the time out of your crazy schedule to answer my questions.

Sign up for the Toronto Beauty Reviews Newsletter!

Want the latest beauty, style and event news right in your inbox? Sign up now!

Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Share on social:

4 thoughts on “Fashion Event: LG Fashion Week – OR by Angela Chen”

  1. Farah says:
    April 5, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    Great interview! I cant believe she knitted everything herself!

    Reply
  2. Make-up Junkie says:
    April 5, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    I love Angela Chen’s work! Her designs are beautiful and so detailed. Great interview Elaine!

    Reply
  3. The Cheap Girl--Canada's Budget Fashion and Beauty Blog says:
    April 5, 2011 at 5:35 pm

    Amazing post Elaine!

    It made me love knits all over again.

    XOXO

    Reply
  4. The Little Dust Princess says:
    April 5, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Great post and lovely interview. I had fun at her show and seeing her pieces!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome to Toronto Beauty Reviews!

TBR is a space for us to share reviews of beauty products we love, easy makeup tips, and insights into our personal wellness journeys.

We believe that beauty and wellness are for people of all genders, all skin tones, hair types, backgrounds, and ways of being.

We hope you’ll find something here that helps you feel beautiful, inside and out!

More About TBR

  • About
  • Partnerships
  • Disclosure

Meet the Team!

About Maddie | Toronto Beauty Reviews
Welcoming DJS to the Toronto Beauty Reviews Team | Toronto Beauty Reviews

Get Social With Us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram

torontobeautyreviews

Editor of #TorontoBeautyReviews.
Sharing our beauty & wellness faves ✨
📍Toronto, ON
maddie@torontobeautyreviews.com

Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️ I truly love the Gang’s all here! 👯‍♀️

I truly love these @milkmakeup Cooling Water Jelly Tints and wear at least one daily on some combo of eyes, lips, and cheeks. The color payoff is 🤯, the longevity is 😍. They’ve got vegan collagen and aloe to plump and soothe skin. 

For an easy, juicy burst of color this summer, grab yours at @sephoracanada! 🌊

(And check out my blog to learn more about why I love multi-use products!) 

#torontobeautyreviews #milkmakeup #easymakeup #cleanbeauty #summerbeauty #sephoraca #jellytint
Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions Adventure Day!! One of the most special traditions in our family. ❤️ 

Such a fun day going from above the city all the way down to a hidden basement game bar! Checking out the CN tower, @littlecanada, @waterworksto, @h20floatstudio, and @lobtoronto. 

See any of your fave spots here? What would your perfect Adventure Day look like? 

#torontobeautyreviews #torontoblogger #torontothingstodo #bestofto #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dateideas
Proud ☺️🌈 And loud, since I have the privi Proud ☺️🌈

And loud, since I have the privilege of being able to live my life openly, unlike so many of my 2SLGBTQIA+ peers. I’m a straight-passing cis white woman, so my queerness doesn’t threaten most people. 

So, with that advantage in mind, let me use this small platform to say to anyone who is listening:

Never forget that Pride started as a riot. 

That Pride is more than slapping a rainbow on something, jacking up the price, and saying “love is love” for four weeks out of the year. 

That true allyship involves action and accountability, 365. 

That trans women, two-spirit individuals, and queer folks of color are the heart and soul of our community. That they continue to show up, to fight, to love, and to lead while facing very real danger. That we owe so much to their courage. 

Never forget that queer folks have always been here. 

That you can’t erase us, ban us, or legislate us out of existence. 

That queerness is a part of nature. 

That it exists even when it’s no longer trendy or politically advantageous. 

That we notice and remember who speaks up and who is silent. 

That we contain multitudes. 

That we deserve safety, compassion, legal protections, love, joy, and a future - just like every other human. 

That not all of us are “out” and don’t need to be; that we will invite you in if and when we choose to, and if and when we feel safe to do so. 

That queer folks make the world better. 

And that, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, we’re going to be ok. 

Because resilience, creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness are fundamental parts of who we are. 

So we’re not going anywhere. Get on board.

Happy Pride!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Wearing:
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + GetSet Powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number
@aboutfacebeauty liquid eye shadow in Take a Trip
@ardellbeauty Bat Those Lashes in Enchantress*
@annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner* + Master Volume mascara*
#QuoBeauty Rainbow maker 
@makeupbymario MoistureGlow in Rosewood Glow

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #pride2025 #queer  #2slgbtqia #mytbrfave #torontomakeup #tbrcontributors #torontoblogger #canadian
Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re cur Have you donated blood before? 🩸If you’re curious, check out this video to learn more about the process! 

It was so easy and honestly not painful at all. And I felt so good afterwards, knowing that my donation will help someone in need. 🥰 I’ll definitely be a regular donor at @canadaslifeline from here on out. 

If you have any questions, ask away! ⬇️

#torontobeautyreviews #canadaslifeline #canadianbloodservices #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #maketheworldbetter #toronto #thingstodo #blooddonation #onegative #firsttimedonor
Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈 I’v Whoops - forgot to post for two months 🙈

I’ve been so busy with my day job that I unfortunately haven’t had much time to devote to TBR. 😫 But I’m planning a few new stories (fave SPFs; different lip & cheek formulas) and excited to play with makeup again soon. ✨

For now, here’s a snap of my typical minimal makeup look. Takes 5 mins, tops! 🎨

@annabellecosmetics Master Volume mascara + Kohl matte eyeliner in charcoal* 
@tower28beauty Swipe concealer in BU + oneliner in Paint My Number + GetSet translucent powder 
@rarebeauty Flexible Lifting Brow Gel
@milkmakeup Sculpt Stick in Toasted + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in Splash 
@baileynelsonca August glasses 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #minimalmakeup #cleanbeauty #annabelleugcteam #annabellecosmetics #tbrcontributors #easymakeup #cleanmakeup #tower28 #milkmakeup
Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷 Wearin Just some casual, everyday makeup 🙃🔷

Wearing @colourpopcosmetics Ultra Matte lip in Jellies and @annabellecosmetics Free Spirit eyeliner in Black*

*gifted 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #bluelipstick #boldmakeup #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #colourpopme
Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that Looking for long-wear eyeshadow with colours that show off every hue of you? Check out @annabellecosmetics new Big Show Multi-Use Eyeshadow Pen! 🎨

✨ Canadian 🇨🇦
✨ Cruelty-free
✨ 12+ hr wear
✨ affordable ($10!!)

#ad #Annabellecosmetics, #AnnabelleUGCTeam #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #natapr #canadianmakeup #crueltyfreebeauty #easymakeup
Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? Looking to pamper yourself with something unique? ✨ Swing by @touchmassagebar for a seated massage!

Here’s a quick peek into my experience with the « I Want it All » foot, hand, neck, and shoulders massage with the « Free Your Mind » scalp massage add-on. Heaven! 😍

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #massagetoronto #footmassage #scalpmassage #touchmassagebar #treatyoself
Putting these on the grid so I can look at them lo Putting these on the grid so I can look at them long after they’ve gone 🥰💐 

@wellingtonfleur did an amazing job creating this custom bouquet! (And @adam__malek did an exceptional job picking things out!)
💙🩵🩶 Wearing: @hauslabs Triclone skin te 💙🩵🩶 

Wearing:
@hauslabs Triclone skin tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted 
@annabellecosmetics kohl eyeliner in black* + Sky Limit mascara*
@tower28beauty GetSet powder + OneLiner in Paint My Number (as blush)
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel 
@lysbeautyofficial bronzer in motivate 
#QuoBeauty Love Is Love palette
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 

*gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #boldmakeup #blueeyeshadow #makeupinspo #drugstoremakeup #beautyforeveryone #canadianbrand
Little pop of color to brighten the grey day 💚🖤

Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Kohl eyeliner in Balsam Green*+ Sky Limit mascara* + Perfect Fit setting spray*
@colourpopcosmetics Just My Luck palette
@hauslabs Triclone Skin Tech concealer in 03
@milkmakeup sculpt stick in Toasted + cooling water jelly tint in Splash 
@rarebeauty lifting brow gel
@tower28beauty GetSet powder in translucent + Oneliner in Paint My Number 
@kjh.brand Hyper Shine Highlight kit in Lite Pink 

*gifted products 
#mytbrfave #torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #beautyforeveryone #greeneyeshadow #easymakeup #makeupinspo
Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way Life (and lack of shipping options) get in the way of your holiday shopping? 😬 Not to fear - TBR’s elves have got you covered! 🙌🏼

Check out our last-minute holiday gift guide highlighting local stores where you can get amazing presents for everyone on your list! ✅🎁

Featuring: @thedetoxmarketcanada @aaniin.hello @goodintentions.to @soccoliving @juxtaposeannex @shoppersdrugmart @canadiantire @wildcraftcare @sharkbeauty @sodastreamcanada @annabellecosmetics @marcellecosmetics (and a pro tip from @calenmikenzie!) 

*some products were gifted for editorial consideration 

#lastminutegifts #holidaygiftguide #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #shoplocalcanada #torontobusiness
🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋 Hallowee 🐛🍎🍐🍓🍉🧀🥓🍭🍰🦋

Halloween as a librarian who used to be an MUA 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #halloween2024 #theveryhungrycaterpillar #makeupinspo #easycostume #bookstagram
Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂 # Happy Autumn, from me & the books 📚 🍁🍂

#torontobeautyreviews #librarian #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #dailymakeup
Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weat Looking to shift your skincare routine as the weather changes? Learn more about why LoLa loves @byoma - and why you should definitely check out this drugstore powerhouse - in her latest piece for the blog. 

🔗 in bio! 🙌🏼

*products kindly gifted

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #byoma #villabrill #brillcom #lexpr #shoppersbeauty #drugstoreskincare
Prague! 🇨🇿 1 - Charles Bridge 2 - St Vitus Prague! 🇨🇿

1 - Charles Bridge
2 - St Vitus Cathedral (took 600 yrs to build; I cried because it was so stunning in person)
3 - Cute lil gargoyle 
4 - Palace gardens
5 - Beer Spa + beer chocolates in Tycho Brahe’s former home! (Check out my recent reel for more on this)
6 - Truffle gnocchi in champagne foam @cafeimperial_praha 🤤
7 - Klementinum Baroque library 
8 - from the top of the Astronomical Tower! 
9 - Astronomical Clock 
10 - Wunderkammer at Strahov Monastery 
11 - Philosophical Hall at Strahov Monastery
12 - c. 1800 Dendrological Library at Strahov (books carved from trees, covered in their bark and lichen & filled with their leaves and seeds!)
13 - 800 yr old natural sandstone water spring underneath Strahov Monastery, now housed in what they call “Hell” restaurant. 😂 @napekle 
14 - Travel friends! @kendranh 
15 - *Immediately* losing at pinball at @joystick_bar_prague 👾
16 - Getting *very* into the all-you-can-drink wine bar (!) @nasklenicku 🍷
17 - obligatory trashy snacks after the wine bar 
18 - peacock chilling on the hotel grounds @hotelupava 
19 - Fun restaurant where you pay by the skewer (sooo tasty) @bistrospejle 
20 - the views were ok, I guess 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #prague #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #praha #europetrip #visitprague
Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show Throwback to the incredible @arianaandtherose show in July ✨❤️ The Lonely Hearts Club tour was an absolute banger. CANNOT WAIT for the next album! Get your glitter ready, friends. 🙃

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #lonelyheartsclub #lonelyheartsclubtour #arianaandtherose #torontoevents #synthpop #indieartist
Venice! 🇮🇹 1 - gelato 2 - stunning architec Venice! 🇮🇹

1 - gelato
2 - stunning architecture everywhere 
3 - snacks 
4 - the original horses from St Mark’s Basilica
5 - Ponte dell’Accademia 
6 - 🍝
7 - the staircase of books at the Libreria Acqua Alta 
8 & 9 - canals 
10 - Torcello
11 - Burano 
12 - 1300 yr old church 
13 - casual ceiling in Doge’s Palace
14 - glass art from Murano
15 - St Mark’s
16 - tiramisu cannoli. Italian food turducken!
17 - Vivaldi concert w orchestra in Baroque costumes
18 - 🍕

#torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #venice #italytrip #summertravel
Come with me to pick up the art piece created from Come with me to pick up the art piece created from the flowers in my bridal bouquet! 🥹❤️

Getting my flowers preserved and turned into this incredible piece was one of the best decisions I made during my wedding planning. ✨

Amanda and her team are extraordinary artists (and wonderful humans!) who give your flowers a new life and preserve memories. Every time I walk past this piece on my wall, my heart glows with flashbacks of my wedding day. 

If you have an important event that includes flowers, do yourself a favor and book with Parched to get them preserved. They accept flowers from across Canada, and have worked on blooms marking all occasions of life, from graduations, baby showers, weddings, and memorials. They can even create pendants using flower remnants! 

Bouquet: @coolgreenandshady 
Wedding photographer: @alexa.studios 
Wedding planner: @karinalemkeweddings 
Preservation artists: @parchedfloral 

#torontobeautyreviews #tbrcontributors #mytbrfave #smallbusinesssupport #floralpreservation #torontowedding #weddinginspo #parchedfloral #weddingflorals
Come visit a Beer Spa with us in Prague! 🤯🍻🛁

This was definitely a unique and fun experience during our vacation. And our skin felt soooooo soft after! 😍

#Beer #torontobeautyreviews #mytbrfave #tbrcontributors #prague #europetrip #tripideas #spaday 

Would you try this?
Follow on Instagram

Archives

July 2025
S M T W T F S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun    

Proud To Be Partnered With…

© Toronto Beauty Reviews 2021
Menu
  • Makeup
    • Clean Beauty
    • Collections
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Lips
    • Fragrance
    • Nails
    • Makeup Tutorials
    • Makeup Giveaways
  • Hair
    • Cleansing
    • Styling
    • Hairstyle Tutorials
    • Haircare Giveaways
  • Skin Care
    • Clean Skincare
    • Facial Skin Care
    • Sensitive Skin
    • Anti-Aging Skincare
    • Body Care
    • Sun Care
    • Spas and Services
    • Skin Care Giveaways
  • Toronto Love
    • Canadian Brands
    • Toronto Brands
    • Local Events
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Physical Health