LIFE & STYLE
FASHION FAVES
with
PAMELA MADOFF
City councillor for Victoria and authentic esthete
THE LOVELY FRONT GARDEN and veranda of Pamela Madoff’s heritage cottage in James Bay give me a huge dose of visual pleasure as I approach it. “I love what it gives to the street,” says the woman with a passion for urban planning. “Churchill said, ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” Once I step inside her gorgeously decorated home, it is like a delicious meal for the soul. Fabrics, painted ceramics, beautiful paintings and sculptures fill the house, the overall esthetic broad and reflecting the
Reading Material:
Print: Pamela subscribes to more magazines than she can name, devouring them cover to cover. A few favourites — American Vogue, Town & Country, Vanity Fair, Elle, Elle Decor, Canadian House & Home, Tattler and The World of Interiors. Coveting: The Veruschka book. “I’m inspired by Veruschka as an entity.” Photography book: When Philip Met Isabella. Last good read: Arthur Erickson: An Architect’s Life. Currently on bedside table: Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington.
1920s and ’30s. I’m not surprised when she tells me her favourite place to work is from her bed. Her personal style is a reflection of the esthetic and shines brilliantly in a grey pantsuit world. “I could do the power suit thing, but it’s not me ... This is who I am,” she says. “I don’t consider myself a politician,” the community activist turned 20-year city councillor says, laughing. “I am just a very engaged community member.”
BY LIA CROWE
“Being on council, the most important thing is authenticity, whether it’s clothes or language, so you still stay this person who was elected originally.”
Style Inspirations: Person: Isabella Blow. Piece of art: Nancy Cunard photographed by Man Ray. Designer: Alexander McQueen. Film: Out of Africa, “for the hats.” Era: The 20s and 30s. “I’ve always liked to layer Japanese and Chinese textiles.”
Fashion and beauty:
PHOTO BY LIA CROWE
Piece: A Bryn Walker cowl tunic. Uniform: The brand Kaliyana out of Ottawa. “I like clothes that have architectural details.” Coveting: Orange Marimekko wool coat. Jewelry: “I can’t think unless I’m wearing earrings.” Makeup: Bobbi Brown in shades of eggplant. Hair product: Orofluido beauty elixir oil. Who does your hair: Catherine at Zebra Hair Studio. Scent: Tea Rose by Perfumer’s Workshop. Shoes: Fluevogs.
Life faves: Flower: Wisteria. Cocktail: Pimm’s Cup. Local restaurant: Chez Michel. City: New Orleans. Place: My home. Music: Pamela has a huge music collection, but after a bad day, she would play She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals — really loud.
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