Mandala's Got a Brand New Studio!!

Whew! Moving is hard, but when it's all said and done, there's nothing like having a great new space to hang your hat (or, in this case, your scissors!).

Mandala has officially moved out of our home studio and into an amazing little 'storefront' studio, just around the corner. It was a bit of a struggle to get here. There was a lot of work to do in the basement to create a clean, dry space for storage and there were many gallons of paint slapped on the stucco(!) walls, but I'm so happy with the results.

Moving day went surprisingly smoothly. Having a teenage son definitely has it's perks, namely teenage son's friends who are ready and willing to carry even the heavy things. Thanks to Max, Aidan, Julian, Robin and Tim for all their hard work.

Here's a little tour of my bright, inspiring new space. I'm so looking forward to heading off to the office each day.

Welcome to Fresh Collective - Roncesvalles!

There's a new shop on the Roncey strip!

This past weekend a new Fresh Collective location opened up at 401 Roncesvalles and the street is all a buzz (and not just with construction!). It's a great space, big windows, lots of light and scads of great pieces from your fave TO designers, including your's truly, Mandala Design! You'll find some of the same fine designers from the other FC locations, like, Spruce Clothing, Nude, Michelle Carey, Moira Coughlan and of course Fresh Baked Goods along with some fresh new talent.

Mandala will be showcasing some different styles, not available at the other shops. You'll see cute printed skirts, stylish and work ready linen-look shifts and pencil skirts, a fabulous printed cotton 'wrap' dress and more! Between all the FC locations there's so much to choose from, you'll want to visit them all to get a good look!

Diary of a Photo Shoot

I'd always wondered what goes on at a photo shoot and now I get to have photo shoots of my own!

I love my job.

This past weekend was the shoot for the mandala Spring 2011 collection.

It all started with a call to photographer / make-up artist / stylist extraordinaire, Sian. She walked me through the model selection and we got a great one in Ada. Ada looked amazing in everything, all colours, all silhouettes. She was the perfect choice!

I've been busy fixing up my new studio space, so the location was a no brainer. The space is nice and open as I haven't moved in any equipment yet. It was the perfect clean, simple backdrop for the spring pics. We set up a little snack table including some mini cupcakes from the Cupcakery, that just happens to be right around the corner...uh oh.

My family stepped in once again to help get everything ready and sister-in-law, Cathy, helped out as shoot assistant.

It was great to see the clothing come to life on a real person ~ other than myself ~ for a change!

Spring Things

It's freezing here in Toronto, but the shops are filling up with great things for spring.

It's prime time to put together your spring shopping wish list!
There are lots of new and exciting happenings at Mandala this year and the Spring 2011 collection is one of them.

Mandala Design at Fresh Collective - Queen St. West

This season is all about colour (it usually is!) and we've got a ton of styles in hot, bright hues to drag you out of the cold and into the warmth. New pieces will be arriving throughout February and March, culminating in a grand unveiling of the full line at the One of Kind Spring Show, March 30th to April 3rd.

Moira Coughlan handbags are the perfect accessory to any outfit

Here's a peek at the first spring wave, in stores now. Visit Fresh Collective (Queen St. W and Kensington) and Dorly Designs (Queen St. E.) for a closer look!

Shop ~ Celebrate ~ Save!

It's time for the Fresh Collective semi-annual Sale Party!!

Come on down to either FC location (692 Queen St. W. or 274 Augusta Ave - Kensington) on Thursday, December 16th and enjoy the bargains and broo-ha-ha!
The Sale days are not to be missed, both for the sale prices and for the chance to meet the talented designers responsible for the great stuff you see in the stores.
The sale starts at 11am and runs until around 10pm. The party starts at 6pm! Goodies will be served and you will find most of the designers hanging about, ready to help you with your shopping!

All Mandala in-stock clothing will be 25% off, and I'll be bringing in lots of past season and sample styles to sell at great prices!
I'll be at the Queen Street store between 6pm and 8pm ~ hope to see you there!

It's a Family Affair

Yup, getting ready for the One of a Kind show is stressful...but, thanks to all the help I get every show from my family, preparation goes a little faster, a little smoother and lottle funner!

Before each show, I host a get together with my family - a finishing party, if you will - and we spend the day eating, talking and finishing anything I haven't been able to get to. This time it was all about buttons! Yesterday we had a blast laughing, sewing, and occasionally attaching buttons to the wrong spot - armpit buttons? I love our finishing parties, it's a great way to finish off those last bits and pieces and for me to decompress a little before two weeks of non-stop show-dom.
"Thank you" to sister Melanie (along with nieces Serena and Harley), sister-in-law Cathy and my Momma for all their help...and by the way you guys, the Spring One of a Kind show is at the end of March...just sayin'.

One of a Kind

The One of a Kind Show is almost here and I'm frantically busy getting everything ready for move-in next Tuesday. It's a ton of work and the days at the show seem sooooo long...but it's always worth it to see the smile on customers' faces as they wander through the show with their perfect purchases. It will be great to see old customers and meet some new ones.
Here's a little peek at some of the things you'll be seeing at the Mandala booth!

The One of a Kind show is held at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto. It runs from Thursday, November 25th until Sunday, December 5th. Make sure to come by and visit me at booth L-25, right on

the main aisle.

See you there!