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Toronto’s most iconic shoe store is celebrating 60 years in the business. ELLE spoke with Faye Markowitz, head buyer and wife of David, the store’s namesake, about the evolution of trends and this season’s best party shoes.

Back in the day… “When Davids first opened in 1951, Charles Jourdan and Bruno Magli heels and loafers were the top sellers. I think there was more of a refinement in fashion back then.” How times have changed… “People used to look to stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor and emulate their stylings—they didn’t care what brands they were wearing. Now we live in a brand world, and people want the exact Louboutins, Manolos and Valentinos the stars are wearing.” What’s hot now… “It’s a trend now for young people to buy very iconic fashion. So many young women are buy-

ing the classic Salvatore Ferragamo flats with the bow. This style has been around for more than 60 years, but it looks fresh and new and a little retro to a new generation. Lady Gaga just did a magazine spread all in Ferragamo.”

{ FA S H I O N N E W S }

Davids steps up its stiletto offerings.

WELL HEELED

PARTY CIRCUITBLACK and RED touches are SEASONAL showstoppers!

Kelly Wearstler may be best known for glamming up luxe Viceroy hotels with her eclectic California interior-design style, but lately she has been taking a focused look at closets with the fall launch of her self-titled fashion line. “The collection is based on a classic silhouette, but it’s redefined, feminine and a little edgy,” she ex-plains. For inspiration, she turned to vintage fabrics, museum tapestries and art. “I look at this whole collection as a house,”

she says. “Every little group in the collection is a room; they each have their own voice, but they work together in harmony.” (From $195 to $995, at Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com)

On her design inspiration “My iPhoto library is the best; I’ve spent 15 years collecting incredible pic-tures.” On avoiding cliché dressing “Don’t just wear a fabulous dress. Put on jewellery. Carry a great clutch. Really pick your pieces and put them together in a cool, artistic way.” On her go-to party look “I’m fearless with colour, prints and textures. If I’m going to a black-tie event, maybe I’ll wear jeans and a chic tails jacket. You just do what you feel.” AMANDA WENEK

designer to watch

Classic styles with a fashionable twist!

This classic black-and-white combo jacket is a timelessly chic go-to piece.

Davids in downtown Toronto

Faye Markowitz

Markowitz’s fave party picks: The Fifi by Christian Louboutin (above) and peekaboos from Manolo Blahnik ($1,495 and $1,095, at Davids, davidsfootwear.com)

TASS MASTERThis red-hot Tass bag by Daniella Lehavi,

which is carried at Davids, will keep the winter blues at bay. Total value $595

ENTER TO WIN! For details, go to page 296 or enter online at

ellecanada.com/celebrate.

Cozy and stylish, this is the perfect holiday-party coat.

FROM DECOR TO DRESSES

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