TAFique Toppers: Fall/Winter Collection 2012

MOUNTAIN NEWS

Thursday, November, 01, 2012

HATS OFF TO FRANCIS: Young mom an entrepreneur

Francis among vendors at holiday gift show

By Debra Downey, Senior Editor:

Tracy-Ann Francis is letting her passion become her reality.

For as long as she can remember, Francis has loved to dress up. From eye-catching outfits to matching accessories, the young wife and mother enjoys making a bold statement.

“I like to dress up and I’m not afraid of a reaction. I like to do something different,” said Francis.

However, the life of the Hamilton Mountain resident took a decidedly different turn in the fashion world after an event at her church last year.

Francis wanted to look her best so she hastily put her creative talent to use by crafting an eyebrow-raising hat to complement her outfit. Francis said her “topper” was very dressy and featured peacock feathers and tulle.

“I wore the piece and got lots of head turns,” said Francis. “People asked where did I get it, and I told them I made it.”

Francis subsequently received a couple of orders for hats, participated in a fashion show at her church, crafted another 50-or-so toppers and formed her own company, TAFique Toppers, which is an acronym for her name, combined with the word “unique.”

Most of Francis’ TAFique Toppers feature a touch of vintage sophistication combined with modern trends. Almost all of her creations are reversible to adapt to any number of occasions, and feature a detachable bow or broach to mix and match.

For her inspiration, Francis said she looks toward nature and her garden.
“I love gardening and working with my hands. The softness of the air, the contour design of a naturally folded leaf, the changing of the seasons, the texture of fabric and the sophistication of the vintage era.”

As opposed to hats or fascinators, Francis refers to her pieces as “toppers” because it gives a “different spin” to her work. She said people also tend to shy away from the word, “hats.”

Along with being a part-time Milliner, Francis holds down a full-time job in the retail health-care field, is a volunteer Sunday school teacher and is furthering her education by taking on-line courses to achieve a degree in health administration.

She grew up in Jamaica, before moving to Hamilton with her husband. Francis credits her pastor’s wife, Inez Williams, with teaching her how to sew and thereby giving her the tools and knowledge to pursue her dream of becoming a milliner.

Francis’ dreams for her fledgling business include an internationally renowned boutique with a reputation for excellence.

To view Francis’ work, plan to attend the Ancaster Lions Holiday Gift Show. It will be Francis’ third show and takes place Nov. 3 and 4 at Marritt Hall, Ancaster Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with Francis, it will feature about 100 vendors selling candles, ceramics, children’s wear, toys, crochet, smocking, floral arrangements, paintings, knitting, sewing, woodwork, stained glass, leather craft, jewelry and more.

Visitors will be able to get some Christmas shopping done and help the Ancaster Lions give back to those in need in the community.

Admission to the show is $4, children under 12 free, with door prizes and a free draw for $100 gift certificate.

For more information on TAFique Toppers, call Francis at 905-921-5146 or email tracy_lex@hotmail.ca. You can also find TAFique Toppers on Facebook.

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Thanks and appreciation:

Thanks to all the fans of TAFique Toppers for supporting the Ancaster Lions Club Craft Show, held on Nov.3 & 4/2012.

Thanks to Debra Downey, Senior News Editor of Mountain News for doing a lovely article advertising the craft show and introducing TAFique toppers.

See you at the next show to follow on November 24/2012 at Church of Resurrection on Mohawk Road West, Hamilton (Christmas show)
Best wishes for the holidays and see you there.

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CHECK IT OUT!!

The latest designs - Fall and Winter 2012 is better than ever, with this latest convertable Topper; the "Lady Beatrice Collection" is bound to make you "FALL" in love all over again.

You can style as you like and make it attractive for any occassion. A walk on the street, a stroll in the mall or even as a casual on the go look for shoppinng. These designs will definately make you look stunning while having a bad hair day, wow!.......

Designer contact: 905-921-5146

e-mail: tracy_lex@hotmail.ca

Lady Beatrice - Side View

MuffinTop: Floral Sash with a soft velvet touch

Stripped Wine Red with floral butterfly broach

Convertable Fall/Winter Toppers

Beret with multi coloured green stripes

Face book site: TAFiqueTopper

http://www.facebook.com/TAFiqueToppers?ref=tn_tnmn

Lady Lorn - Formal Wedding Topper

Side views of this intriguing rafi-straw design

This Peacock feather top blue with sequins makes any simple outfit transformed into an master piece. Best worn as a very formal headwear.

Simply Royal-Purple:

This elegant royal purple with printed Wide Rim Topper,

accentuated with pearl bow; gives the outfit a sophisticated softness.This outfit is best worn at a very formal event, such as outdoor, with sunshine.