Dolce Magazine - 2023 Vol.27, Issue 4

SOUL-MAN

TEDDY SWIMS REFLECTS ON HIS

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2023 • VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA 2023 • VOLUME 27 • ISSUEmichelle@dolce.ca 4 Director 2022 of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca • VOLUME 26 2022 • ISSUE • VOLUME 2 26 • ISSUE 2 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca ART DEPARTMENT Director of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca Co-Founder/Creative DirectorZERILLO-SOSA FERNANDO ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE MICHELLE michelle@dolce.ca ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca ART DEPARTMENT SeniorofGraphic Designer CHRISTINA BAN Director of Operations ANGELA Director PALMIERI-ZERILLO Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca angela@dolce.ca Co-Founder/Creative Director FERNANDO fernando@dolce.ca Graphic Designer SOO JIN ZERILLO OH ART DEPARTMENT ART DEPARTMENT Senior Graphic Designer CHRISTINA Senior UI/UX Designer YENA YOO BAN Co-Founder/Creative Director Co-Founder/Creative FERNANDO ZERILLO Director FERNANDO fernando@dolce.ca ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Graphic Designer SOO JIN OH Web Developer JORDAN CARTER Senior Graphic Designer Senior CHRISTINA Graphic BAN Designer CHRISTINA BAN Senior UI/UX Designer YENA YOO UI/UX Designer MARIIA KOROLENKO Senior UI/UX Designer YENA Senior UI/UX YOO Designer YENA YOO Web Developer CARTER Junior UI/UX Designer JORDAN SARA VISCARDI Web Developer JORDAN Web CARTER Developer CARTER UI/UX Designer MARIIA KOROLENKO MARCO JORDAN SCHIRRIPA Digital Content Designer Junior UI/UX Designer MARIA Junior UI/UX KOROLENKO Designer MARIA Junior UI/UX Designer SARA VISCARDI Multimedia Assistant MASSIMO SOSA KOROLENKO MARCO SCHIRRIPA Digital Digital Content Designer Digital Content Designer MARCO Content SCHIRRIPA Designer MARCO SCHIRRIPA MASSIMO SOSA SOSA Multimedia Assistant Multimedia Assistant MASSIMO Multimedia SOSA Assistant MASSIMO EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Beauty & Travel Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Fashion & Home Décor Editor Fashion MICHELLE & Home Décor ZERILLO-SOSA Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Copy Editors and Proofreaders BeautyANGELA & Travel&Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Beauty & Travel Editor Beauty Travel PALMIERI-ZERILLO Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO SAMANTHA ACKER, BARBARA FELDMAN, ROB TILLEY Contributing Writers Copy Editors andContributing Proofreaders CopyWriters Editors and Proofreaders MARC CASTALDO, CEZAR GREIF,FELDMAN, MONICA MARANO, RICK MULLER, SAMANTHA ACKER, SAMANTHA BARBARA FELDMAN, ACKER, BARBARA JENNIFER D. FOSTER, JENNIFER ROB TILLEY D. FOSTER, ROB TILLEY MARC CASTALDO, CEZAR GREIF, MONICA MARANO, RICK MULLER, RUBA RAHIM, CECEWriters M. SCOTT, MASSIMO SOSA, JOSH WALKER Contributing Contributing Writers DONNA PARIS, RUBA RAHIM, CECE M. SCOTT, MASSIMO SOSA, JOSH WALKER Copy Editors and Proofreaders RICK MULLER, DONNA RICKPARIS, MULLER, CECE DONNA M.Contributing SCOTT, PARIS, JOSH CECE WALKER, M. SCOTT, ESTELLE JOSH ZENTIL WALKER, ESTELLE ZENTIL Photographers SAMANTHA ACKER, BARBARA FELDMAN, ROB TILLEY Contributing Photographers Contributing Photographers GEOFF FITZGERALD, SARAH KRICK, LISMERY LOYOLA, JESSE MILNS, EMAD MOHAMMADI Contributing Photographers CARLA GULER, THOMAS CARLALOUVAGNY, GULER, THOMAS JESSE MILNS, LOUVAGNY, EMAD JESSE MOHAMMADI, MILNS, EMAD JOSEPH MOHAMMADI, MONTEZINOS JOSEPH MONTEZINOS Contributing Videographers FARZAM HD, LISMERY LOYOLA, JESSE MILNS, EMAD MOHAMMADI Contributing Videographers Contributing Videographers LISMERY LOYOLA, EMAD MOHAMMADI Contributing Videographers DANIEL COOPER, EMAD DANIEL MOHAMMADI COOPER, EMAD Social Media Manager & Content CreatorsMOHAMMADI LISMERY LOYOLA, EMAD MOHAMMADI Social Media Manager & Social Content Media Creators Manager & Content Creators VALENTINA CONCU, ANASTASIIA HORBULOVA, MONICA MARANO Social Media Manager & Content Creators ALEXANDRA AULICINO, ALEXANDRA ANASTASIIA AULICINO, HORBULOVA, ANASTASIIA MONICA HORBULOVA, MARANO MONICA MARANO PR Manager & Editorial Assistant MARC CASTALDO VALENTINA CONCU, MONICA MARANO PR Manager & Editorial PR Assistant Manager ESTELLE & Editorial ZENTIL Assistant ESTELLE ZENTIL Office Administrator POTTS PR Managers & Editorial Assistants MARCHOLLY CASTALDO, ANASTASIIA HORBULOVA Office Administrator HOLLY Office POTTS Administrator HOLLY POTTS Office Administrator HOLLY POTTS

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE sometimes short tempers of this holiday season.

When so many of the world’s current events might make us fearful, upset, judgmental or resentful, there is no better time to remember to be kind and offer forgiveness to others and ourselves and to look at the bigger picture.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE We have all heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” Did you know that there are scientific Believe studies that say that people who practice being In a world that is fast becoming soulless more patient increase their physical and mental Be challenged to find your own soul well-being areess. better able to regulate their Then makeand it selfl When the television portrays only tragedy own emotions?

Feelings of gratitude also lead challengedmore to turn it off In business, when toBebecoming patient.

Spend your time working on your own humility. leaders demonstrate patience, their whole If you’re surrounded by people who are envious team’s productivity, and collaboration Be challenged to cullcreativity the herd around you Fernando Zerillo Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Fill your life with those who bring joyousness. increases.

Co-Founder/Creative Director During the times you feelTeddy utterly Swims, hopelessactually Our Publisher/Editor-in-Chief front-cover man, Fernando Zerillo Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Be challenged to claw your way out has the word “patience” tattooed on his face, Co-Founder/Creative Director Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Understand that genuine happiness is timeless. which he had there to remind himself Find your soul.put Believe in yourself.

Trust in yourof God. he Bravo quote contains the truth about vice-president of global events andquality. experiences. the benefits and virtues of this When Love your family.

Share your plenty.

Lean when you Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who Beame aout framed quote onclimb his office wall from need.has Liveon loud. reflecting his meteoric to success, he Love heartily.

Grow your humanity. acceded to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Mead: “Never doubt that a small Fernando ZerilloMargaret told Dolce, “I’m very happy where I am in group my life the world with your faith. can change the Co-Founder/Creative Director at the age of 25 upon the death of her Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Infect thoughtful, committed and that all of this has citizens happened the way that from that The Wife Iris Imeneo father, George VI, and was proclaimed queen by world. Indeed, it is the only—thing everbyhas.” it’s happened, because if it was to have happened her privy and executive councils shortly thereafter.

In 2012, Global Citizen hosted its first festival before, Idisasters don’t think I wouldweather have been ready for and extreme innatural New York’s Central Park, invitingconditions, bands likeone could When she assumed the throne, few Britons had it. think timing is everything, and case, you have askI the same question now. In De Lio’s wheretowas God Foo Fighters and Black Keys, all embracing the cars, home phones or indoor plumbing. By the have — it is, indeed, a virtue.” whenpatience deadly bacteria infected his body, nearly taking his life and time of her death, British astronauts were working mission to help end extreme poverty. Since then, resulting in the amputation of both of histry legs?

We, too, share this sentiment, and to put it on the International Space Station, the country theIn organization has ago, continued to questioned join talentreligious with leaders that articlealthough years one of the into practice, we often want things like was a leader in research and development of purpose, distributing $56 billion to NGOs around replied that God in place the firemen the stairs to rescue an interview towas take ASAP.going But up everything pharmaceuticals and technology and you could the Margaret Mead’sthat callto tothis action. theworld people—inheeding the towers.

It’s a response date gives me in due time … The our Notorious exclusiveB.I.G. interview and too often these days, people are Michelle Zerillo-Sosa, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief to beloved rapper Designer comfort.

Likewise, now,we God in thetorescue workers take a train under the llEnglish Channel to France.

As world citizens, allisneed take urgent bringing Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Fernando Zerillo photoshoot with Teddy Swims at Canopy Hotel publicized for the III wrong reasons, Frank and Rico, writer Aminatou Sow created the was in the relief toChi Puerto Mexico and Florida.

And God Not sure how His Majesty King Charles is going action, especially when it comes to global climate Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Co-Founder/Creative Director — Jeremy Bravo by Hilton was something we wanted to take place doctors who fought toTruth save our Paul De Lio. He was with such as their popularity on social – Brian Cox, famous “Can’t Spell Without Ruth” image change.

Perhaps reading interview with Peterthe family to top that.

Physicist and Musician months and months ago, but we were only able and friends who prayed for De Lio’s life and later, for his recovery. media channels, rather than actions that graces posters and stickers.

Fans of Ginsburg She had an innate ability to laugh at herself Wohlleben, forester and author, will help shed Today, justit ahappen few months after his ordeal, De Lio is filled with to make while Swims was in Toronto have tattooed themselves with images of her face, they’ve taken to improve the world. and her station, taking a keen joy in removing the Coppola is revered not only as a movie director but some light. In The Secret Life of Trees he discusses positivity gratitude.

He is ready toto help others find ways to worn her and most famous quotes on shirts and pins, Furthermore, the media’s attention on women in on tour (and justright hours prior his show). crown and embracing what was popular at the time, also as the proprietor of the Napa Valley Inglenook how to domotivation. forestry and explores the science live with Dare I say, then, God also resides the spotlight is often problematic, focusing more and dressed up as her for Halloween.

On the Needless to say,communicate being made to—wait patiently for in De whether it was making the Beatles Members of the winery, known globally for its critically acclaimed of how trees astonishingly, Lio’s heart.

See hisshow storySaturday on page 32. on who wore less than who did their best. popular comedy Night Live, Kate meaning of or “star”? of waiting on-set for cover stars arrive, it number, and you one desire that’s when webirds compare something is much like waiting for Order ofyou theknow Britishthe Empire in 1965 jumping out yearsRubicon, Cabernet Sauvignon andto many more Wohlleben thathumbling trees can on to athoughts Of course,claims it’s possible you do notcall agree with my But the unforgettable woman gracing our cover, McKinnon’s impression of Ginsburg delivered delicious fruit to ripen on the tree … trying to There are the Zodiac's 12 was quite rare that they arrived on time — let alone it to our own human lives and our own aspirations of a helicopter James Bond was a was distinctiveell, blends.

Recently, Inglenook caterpillars feeding on their leaves, among in the case of Yolanda Gampp,expanded this could be get on rid theof whereabouts of God. We all know that one should not Supremewith Court Justice Ruth(OK, Baderthat Ginsburg, sharp put-downs with the catchphrase, “That’s take it too soon will not give you the desired constellations of sta rs, the 10 minutes early, as Sistine did! to be stars.

But the truth is we are a miracle just a real possibility.

If you’re not yet familiar with speak casually of politics or religion, for these are sensitive stunt double) open theand 2012 London Olympics, with a spectacular 22,000-square-foot winery cave, other amazing feats. The book, a New York Times,by both ato role model a pop culture icon. a Gins-bur.” flavour — quite theweather opposite, in fact! her work, isBader a multi-millionaire YouTube topics (although the isn’t exactly abestseller, safe around topic anymore, Hollywood stars,Soon theand everyday-life stars … butUniversity, to mom Jennifer Flavin and dad Sylvester existing, we and can all bring light to those or sharing tea agraduating marmalade sandwich with Bravo literally built into ashe hillside under a vineyard on Washington Post Wall Street — Ruth Ginsburg after from Cornell Sadly,and Ginsburg passed away inJournal September 2020 baker (3.3 million subscribers, that is) … all either).

But perhaps you will be interested in our story about We hope you enjoy every story and feature what is Paddington the trueGinsburg meaning of a star?

A real star is Stallone for instilling in their lovely daughter an us.

The stars in the sky are not envious of their Bear married this pasther spring to mark 70th has now into 47 languages, proof husband andher gave birth to the estate, a site-specific advantage that means the at the agebeen of 87translated due to complications of metastatic thanks to her incredible imagination. thethis Bahá’Í Faith, aof relatively new religion with 5 toof 7 million in edition Dolce, the sweet fruits a personyear whooncares and shines their light brightly, attitude of appreciation and respect for others’ neighbouring stars — on the contrary, they just the throne.

In any case,values no matter that peoplecancer. all over theinworld abouthistory nature. their first child.

Societal in thewhich mid-fi fties eco-friendly winery cave maintains its moderate pancreatic Even death,care she made This is a woman who dreams up cakes for a living — not our adherents practising globally.

If you believe in the betterment of and and result the dedication, version of thetoQueen you all preferred, she will be time,temperature naturally throughout the year and We’ll raise atheir glass tothe that! that Ginsburg quit heraround career to become as thelabour, first woman the first Jewish person to— lie but, spreading their demanded light illuminate others truetiered to the era and of old Hollywood its like shine with ofofbrightness traditional shapes flavours, but cakes when that look the world, in unity,own love point and service, you might fi nd your place love, passion and, yes,entire patience, of our staff, connection, orartificial the lovecooling a glance, the kindness hen wearemembered. reflect upon a is housewife stay-at-home mother, but she in state atilluminate thethat U.S. Capitol Building.

Shesexes, told NPR sadly missed and dearly doesn’t or heating.

One We hope you theof latest edition of them. Everyone drawn toand them, to their joy and the stars conveyed aura ofin elegance, and the night sky. hot dogs, hugeneed candyan apples, watermelons, in flclass avours likeofthe together, here.

Bahá’Í’s believe inenjoy equality all races and creeds, contributors, suppliers and partners. of a greeting in a human voice or excitement of thousands of interviews we have in a 2019 interview that she had no regrets about and her husband were equal partners in life.

The The life story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Coppola’s trademarks as a director was his handsDolce, which is filled with the stories of individuals ultimate red velvet and chocolate cake … You get the idea. and in you the harmony science andknowing religion. Story page 74. their love.

May go aboutofyour days that on you, savoir faire. next year, Ginsburg enrolled in over Harvard Lawaon For tail.

27 years, shelady ruled onofissues of constitutional her professional life,we and her trail-blazing legacy wenot allhave wish you and all your loved ones wagging conducted with thetoSweet something that we will all years approach totoevery aspect who may set out to be leaders but have InAnd this day and age, could all use more unity, love and faith, mother God, this has power to tempt And ifis this is the true meaning ofcherish a people star —forwell, Sistine is of sure become a the bigevery deal.production, Her lasteven too, are a star in your own right, shining your School, one only nineher women her class of 500 law, becoming well-known notover only for her fight be remembered bybecome generations to come. awill blessed holiday season and May a happy New Year, And yes, sometimes that could just pastoftwo decades, theincommon regardless of what form it takes. enjoy this edition of the strongest-willed person with herattention cakes!

Herinto belief is that through Her 70-year Britain’s longestand has obviously spilled winetheir actions and legends then, income. essence, we can reign all bemade stars.

We all have name is for athat legacy she takes seriously — and from own light, and we hope you leaders, enjoy you the latest issue WeLife hope you enjoy our feel men.

There was onlyher one women’s onbe equality, but also forlove the eye-catching is possible, and with the and support ofcollars family in City Magazine. like spring life, is edition yours toand experience and do from our family to It, yours. something we give ourselves, a much-needed thread, you will — the thing that connects us all anything their own right. living if monarch.

And, given legacy, one restroom cannot making.

Cheers to that!

Dolce. love and joy within us and we all have care and the evidence we havelevels seen and based on hershe ethicRead ofempowered and inspired to follow suit. the entire campus, of the libraries didn’t allow made of beads, lace and even shells that thepause highest of success are attainable. with what you will. personal reflect on the present.

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Follow the Leader

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“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. It’s never “When we look out into space, about we the are role,looking always into our own origins, aboutchildren the goal.” of the stars.” because we are truly

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Do “Good things do come to those who wait.”

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PHOTO BY LISMERY LOYOLA AND EMAD MOHAMMADI

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2023 VOL. 27, ISSUE 4

Welcome to the neighbourhood Marking its Canadian debut, Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville delivers elevated experiences with a local flair in one of Toronto’s most prominent neighbourhoods.

In a nod to its unique location between bustling Yorkville and forested Rosedale, the hotel connects guests to the city’s most popular sights and local hotspots. Located on the second floor, Día Restaurant serves as a gathering place to enjoy local cuisine, creative cocktails and a curated wine list. Virtu, our street level café is a must-visit destination for those who crave exceptional coffee and culinary experiences Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville is located at 387 Bloor Street East, Toronto.

Scan the QR code and enjoy 15% off your next stay!

@CanopyTorontoYorkville 2023 VOL. 27, ISSUE 4

15 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

70

OBJECTS OF DESIRE: A list of the very best for the most deserving

2023 / VOLUME 27 / ISSUE 4

28

TEDDY SWIMS: The American singersongwriter dives deep into his roots and journey to success

24

THE ULTIMATE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: Three iconic legends of fashion and music unite for Fluevog Shoes’ annual celebration

74 84

THE GLAMOROUS WORLD OF CALIFORNIA: Dolce goes L.A. bound to indulge in the finer things in life

DESIGNER TO THE STARS: Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard transforms a Hollywood legend’s home

48

54

PLUNGE INTO THE DREAM WORLD OF LOS ANGELES: Chanel’s Cruise Collection 2023/24 is set to turn heads

THE POWER OF COMPASSION: Federico Bernardeschi embraces his new home with a new vision for success

64 EATALY, DRINK AND BE MERRY: Eataly’s newest Toronto location caters to those who appreciate great food 90 DOING THE RIGHT THING: Canada joins the cause of banning elephant ivory tusks and rhino horns More stories inside . . .

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balance LIFE IN

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DOLCE EXCELLENCE VINTAGES

A SIP BACK IN TIME The House of Hazelwood Collection are family-treasured Scotch whiskies made available for the very first time WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

A

ll families have their special way of doing things, traditions of how they may mark certain holidays or celebrations, or secret recipes that they pass that they pass on through generations. Safe to say few have as treasured a recipe or tradition as the Gordon family of Dufftown, which is tucked away in the Highlands near Scotland's northeast coast. For almost a century the family has maintained the greatest inventory of the finest aged Scotch whiskies anywhere in the world. Now, for the very first time, it is being made available to the public.

The House of Hazelwood is an unrivalled collection of aged Scotch whiskies, so named after the family’s Dufftown home, Hazelwood House. For the first time, this once-private collection is being released to those outside of the immediate Gordon family in small, hand-selected batches. These are the

most compelling whiskies that the inventory has to offer, a bridge spanning seven decades between the past and present, each of which is remarkable by virtue of its character, its history and its method of production. Every cask has been aged for at least fifty years and every bottle has its own story to tell.

The launch includes the Charles Gordon Collection, named for a legend within the Scotch whisky community who spent much of his youth at Hazelwood House. In later years he was instrumental in bringing some of the earliest stock that was laid down for the House of Hazelwood collection. Whiskies include Blended at Birth, an unusual combination of malt and grain whiskies that was distilled in 1963 and spent the following 56 years maturing in American oak, where it took on the rich, decadent notes of marzipan and fruitcake. This collection also includes The Long Marriage, distilled in the mid-sixties and

bottled at natural cask strength, a technique that has produced a wonderfully evocative antique character which can only be achieved through decades of slow development.

The release also includes the Legacy Collection, comprising whiskies of exceptional character and provenance, such as the Spirit of Scotland, first created in 1994 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the oldest recorded reference to Scotch whisky, as well as The Tops, the best of the best of the inventory.

For collectors and connoisseurs, the House of Hazelwood Collection is a rare chance to enjoy the very best and to venture back in time, where a “wee dram” can be savoured as only the Scots know how to do. us.houseofhazelwood.com @houseofhazelwoodscotch

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOUSE OF HAZELWOOD

The Gordon family's tradition of distilling, then aging the world's finest Scotch whiskies in casks for decades results in the smoothest spirits possible

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DOLCE EXCELLENCE RETAILING STYLE

PARISIAN ELEGANCE

Van Cleef & Arpels’ new Canadian flagship boutique in Toronto’s Yorkville captures the special style of a luxury Paris apartment WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

If

asked to take an apartment in any city in the world, many would choose Paris, picturing how Coco Chanel lived on Rue de Cambon in the Paris of the 1920s and 1930s: warmth and elegance combined with style and sophistication.

That is the ambiance Van Cleef & Arpels has brought to Toronto’s Yorkville, one of the world’s leading retailing destinations, with the opening of its’ Canadian flagship boutique on prestigious Bloor Street.

“We are delighted to enhance the elegant universe of our French Maison with our new boutique on Bloor Street, designed to evoke the warmth and elegance of a Parisian apartment,” said Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas.

The 2,500-square-foot boutique continues the French maison’s longstanding relationship with

Canada as its first stand-alone Van Cleef & Arpels to open in the country. Founded in 1896, the French luxury jewelry company also features the finest watches and perfumes and now operates 155 stores throughout Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and Asia. Its luxury products have been worn by such royal and style icons as Grace Kelly, Diana, Princess of Wales, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Toronto Yorkville location consists of two large retail floors, a private salon and a distinctive special-events room, each of the rooms offering an intimate atmosphere and experience much like that of a fine Paris apartment. Two glass chandeliers, hand-crafted in France, dominate and illuminate the space, which is further enhanced by intricatelypaneled walls.

The private salon is in Van Cleef & Arpels’ classic

style, thoughtfully designed for customer service, where they can discover the Maison’s creations in comfort and privacy. The special-events room’s décor features walls lined with a custom-designed floral-motif fabric, and the room is enhanced by an elegant oval-shaped Veronese-style chandelier hanging from a gold-leaf-covered recessed ceiling.

These special details all come together to create a room that exudes intimacy as well as luxury, in keeping with the boutique’s overall concept.

You may not be able to get to Paris this season, but that special Parisian feeling is not far away. It can be found in Toronto’s Yorkville at this new boutique. It is an enchanting environment offering memorable moments for each of the Maison’s clients in true Van Cleef & Arpels style. www.bloor-yorkville.com @vancleefarpels

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VCA TORONTO BLOOR

The boutique contains two large retail floors, a private salon and special-event space, all with a warm and elegant ambiance

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L

©FEI SIMON STAFFORD

Longines is proud to be the official timekeeper of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™

GET READY, GET SET… LONGINES!

ongines is their name and sports timekeeping is their game. The luxury watch brand has been associated with timing some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and elite competitions in both alpine skiing and equestrian sports.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports dates back to the 19th century. In 1869, Longines created its first watch with an equestrian motif.

In 1878, Longines introduced their 20H calibre — the first mechanism manufactured by the brand that was used for precision timing. Fitted

into a case engraved with a jockey and his mount, stopwatches powered by this calibre were spotted on horse racing tracks throughout America.

Since 1881, this timepiece has been the standard for jockeys and equine-sports enthusiasts in the United States. In 1912, Longines entered into its first partnership with a show jumping event in Lisbon, thus securing its links with the equestrian world.

The 191-year-old brand was a pioneer, creating key innovative equipment, tailored to the specific timekeeping needs of various sports.

In 1945, Longines used a photoelectric-cell-

based light beam barrier device for a ski race in Montana. This device replaced the broken-wire system of the past with the interception of a light beam, which activated or stopped the pushers of a chronograph.

A few years later, in 1949, Longines introduced their Chronocaméra, a quartz automatic timekeeping instrument that instantly reacted to a signal and photographed times in 4 seconds.

It also recorded the order and number of starts and finishes.

In 1953, the technology from the Longines Chronocaméra was combined with a 16mm

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camera to provide judges with a series of detailed photographs at the finish line, taken every hundredth of a second, to provide evidence of who had crossed first.

The brand continues this sports timekeeping legacy today, most recently as the official timekeeper of the Royal Horse Show at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in Toronto. This event includes the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, the world-class competition which features twenty-four of the top show-jumping athletes from around the world. This year, competing for a prize of $250,000, and of course a Longines watch, contestants fought to find a fault-free path in front of a sold-out crowd.

The line-up included Team Canada’s Mario Deslauriers (Emerson), Tiffany Foster (Figor) and Amy Millar (Truman), who recently earned the team silver medal at the Pan American Games to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

It was another Canadian, though, 28-yearold Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, Alberta, who thrilled the home crowd with a fault-free ride on her horse Carmela Z, coming in 4th after the jump-off.

The official timepiece of the event was the new Longines Mini DolceVita, which was recently launched by Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance, Jennifer Lawrence.

“Longines has long been synonymous with timeless elegance which, to me, can be defined as a quiet powerfulness met with grace and confidence,” says Lawrence. “And as a native Kentuckian, I’ve always associated Longines with the Derby and the embodiment of tradition.”

Featuring a rectangular 21.50 mm x 29.00 mm stainless steel case, the Longines Mini DolceVita watch is powered by a highly accurate L178 quartz movement. It is also water-resistant to 3 bar (30 metres), though you likely won’t need that on the ring.

Six of the new watches feature diamonds bordering the case. Two of these styles are on a newly-designed stainless steel bracelet with 198 links for optimal comfort. The remaining four come in an array of colours: ivory white, mint green, blossom pink, and serene blue. The leather straps match the colour of the outer square of the Roman rectangular dial.

The new Mini DolceVita family also includes five watches without diamonds. Each model is offered on the newly-designed stainless steel bracelet or on a stylish black leather strap; the Roman watch dial is also available with a vibrant red leather strap.

Shop the new Mini DolceVita collection (starting at $2,100) online at Longines.ca.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence is outspoken about her love of Longines timepieces

LONGINES HAS LONG BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH TIMELESS ELEGANCE WHICH, TO ME, CAN BE DEFINED AS A QUIET POWERFULNESS MET WITH GRACE AND CONFIDENCE

- Jennifer Lawrence, Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance Mini DolceVita L5.200.0.05.2

Mini DolceVita L5.200.0.71.6

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FASHION

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLUEVOG SHOES

British fashion and textile designer Zandra Rhodes (left) and Fluevog founder: John Fluevog reunited for a vibrant capsule collection designed to take you on an electrifying trip, unveiled at Flummunity Fest 2023

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The ultimate freedom of

EXPRESSION This year’s annual Flummunity Fest debuted an unprecedented powerhouse meeting of icons who shared their love of fashion WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

H

istory has taught us that the world of fashion has no limitations on what can be created and worn. From exotic colours to unorthodox materials, anyone’s style can be discovered.

But beyond the colours, shapes and textures lies the truest form of identity.

Simply put, fashion is the ultimate freedom of expression. It is a declaration that shows the world who you are. What can be more special than when a community of fashion lovers unites and shares that level of expression?

For Canadian shoe designer John Fluevog, founder of Fluevog Shoes, that’s what it’s all about.

Since 1970, Fluevog has been creating “unique soles for unique souls,” seen everywhere and worn by some of the world’s most notable figures, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Jack White.

As Fluevog Shoes began to gain international acclaim for its bold styles, Fluevog’s creative theme always stayed constant. “The theme of seamless or funky has always stayed. Maybe they’re not for everybody, yet they are. I think they can be because they are a celebration of life and uniqueness. I hope when the wearer puts them on, it brings out something in them that maybe they didn’t know they had,” says Fluevog.

More than 50 years later, when someone is rocking a pair of Fluevogs, the shoes are recognized instantly because of their untraditional yet timeless design and quality materials. The love for the brand has grown so much that in 2018 a fan-based community known as the Flummunity was born.

“I would have never guessed in my lifetime that I would have people gathering to talk and do all things Fluevog. What started in New Orleans with a few people talking online snowballed, eventually

Funk legend George Clinton preaches the importance of embracing individuality through our style and passions

turning into what is now called ‘the Flummunity.’

It is an absolute honour,” says Fluevog.

Flummunity Fest has become an annual event that sees the world’s most avid Fluevog fans from all over gather in one city for a weekend of exclusive collection reveals, featuring iconic guest speakers. Flummunity Fest 2023 in Toronto was a momentous occasion, marking the first time in that industry icons George Clinton and British fashion and textile designer Zandra Rhodes shared the stage with John.

American funk legend and 1997 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton made a name for himself not only through redefining the R&B genre by blending elements of soul, funk and psychedelic, but also through his wardrobe, which had to match his style of music.

Clinton grew up in the ’50s and ’60s, when the freedom to experiment with styles began to reign, and his desire to be free to do anything stylistically, whether with his music, art or fashion, is what has defined him as an artist.

“That’s the ultimate freedom, the freedom to be able to show who you are and not worry about being judged. If you show people your style and own it with a smile on your face, everyone else will pretty much accept it,” says Clinton.

Renowned for her pink hair, love of colours and affinity for fine fabrics, Zandra Rhodes, a pioneer of the British and international fashion scenes, took matters into her own hands to make a name for herself at the very beginning. Initially working as a textile designer but wanting to make dresses, she recalls struggling to sell her work because she wasn’t taken seriously.

“They would turn around and say ‘That isn’t your job.’ So, I listened to a few friends who said, ‘Go to America!’ and that’s what I did in 1969,” says Rhodes. Fifty-five years later, she has had one of the most illustrious careers in fashion, and her journey has led her to collaborate with such brands as Valentino, Topshop, MAC Cosmetics and, of course, Fluevog Shoes.

The one thing that binds these artistic pioneers together is their mantra of living their best lives by doing what they love and showing the world who they are. They understood early on that the only thing that was going to stop them was themselves. www.fluevog.com @fluevog

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DIGNITARY

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO CANADA’S SUPREME COURT The eminent career of the Honourable Frank Iacobucci is one of hard work, humility and above all, family

It

is understood that most Italians who emigrated to Canada arrived in two waves: some came from 1900 to the First World War and others from 1950 to 1970, to escape from dire poverty (especially in southern regions of Italy) and join the labour force for Canadian factories and various branches of the nation’s infrastructure.

But the light at the end of the dark tunnel for an immigrant is the pursuit of opportunity. What was palpable for the waves of Italian immigrants to North America was an understanding that, although not having been welcomed with open arms upon their arrival, the blood, sweat and tears of their hard work and sacrifice would pave the road for a more promising future for their families.

For Frank Iacobucci’s working-class family, who immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, in the mid-1920s, just after the first big wave, three fundamental rules were set in stone from Day One, and the children were all expected to uphold them: “One, get an education, because that can’t be taken away from you. Two, work hard. Three, never bring shame to the family,” Iacobucci recalls.

Leading up to Dolce’s interview with the first Italian-Canadian allophone to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, the nerves began to kick in, naturally. I grew up with a strong Italian upbringing and ties to the Italian-Canadian community, so Justice Iacobucci’s reputation had preceded him. But from the moment I introduced myself, he established an immediate feeling of comfort with the warmth of his smile, his modest personality and his eloquent storytelling.

Born in Vancouver in 1937, the third of four children, he recalls life being tough and full of challenges for his family because as they worked to establish a new life after the Great Depression Italy was gearing up to join the Germans in the Second World War. “My parents were considered enemy aliens and, by extension, so was I, along with my siblings.

Following that, my father lost his job at the airport. I remember reporting to the RCMP with my mother when I was about four or five years

old. But having said that, although we were poor, we were happy. I had a childhood of many happy memories,” says Justice Iacobucci.

Iacobucci smiles easily as he recalls the chickens, goats and rabbits that frolicked in the backyard and the garden that his father regularly tended.

Overwhelming feelings of gratitude quickly take over as he shares that the most important lessons he was taught were not in school or university but were those three fundamental lessons he learned from his parents.

At 17, he was hired to work alongside his father in a steel foundry and, a despite there being a superintendent on the factory floor, it was his father who was his boss.

“It was a very tough job, and he was very hard on me. I have never seen anybody who worked as hard as my father,” says Justice Iacobucci.

Although he was also a hard worker, this experience with molten steel and scrap metal just confirmed the path he’d already chosen for himself as a little boy.

“When I was in Grade 3, I’d said ‘I want to work with my brain, not my body,’” Justice Iacobucci recalls.

Growing up, he would spend time with his older brother, who fuelled his eagerness to learn, with the result that he was much more knowledgeable than his elementary-school classmates. His time at the foundry served to reconfirm his childhood determination to pursue an education. The question is, how did the legal profession fall into his sights?

At his Grade 6 graduation ceremony, school principal Mr. Smith called Iacobucci to the stage.

“Here’s Frank Iacobucci. A great talker. He could be the next Angelo Branca.”

Young Iacobucci was curious to know who that was. So, he went home that day and asked his father, thinking that Angelo Branca was an athlete or a celebrity of some kind. His father explained: “Un grande avvocato.” (Translation: A great lawyer.) “That was the seed that was planted in my mind about the law. Did I know anything about the law? Of course not. But that kept with me right

through university,” says Justice Iacobucci.

Justice Iacobucci would go on to receive a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1961 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1962, both from the University of British Columbia. He then earned his Master of Laws degree in 1964 and a diploma in International Law in 1966, both from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. He met his wife, Nancy, a Harvard-educated lawyer, during his time at Cambridge, and they tied the knot and started their family in Toronto, where he joined the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law and subsequently taught for 19 years. In 1985, Justice Iacobucci was appointed as Canada’s Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General. He was appointed Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Canada in 1988 and served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1991 to 2004. Justice Iacobucci most notably presided on the Reference re Secession of Quebec judgment in 1998.

Since leaving the court, Justice Iacobucci has worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous peoples.

“As Canadians, we need to confront our past, our history of mistreatment, abuse and just do what we can to improve the relationship. It’s the most important societal issue facing Canada,” says Justice Iacobucci. When asked what the one change he would like to see in the world is, he responds, “I want a world of peace and harmony.

If there is a catastrophe or conflict, or even worse, a war, those of us not involved to help those who are involved.”

To describe Justice Iacobucci’s career as “distinguished” or “illustrious” understates his accomplishments, for those words do not fully reflect the character of the man whose career reached unprecedented heights from an unpredictable start. As I sat across from him and listened to him speak about his roots and his desire to help others, I can tell you he is a man who has lived a life that embodies the values of integrity, decency and compassion, and he has transmitted those values to his children and grandchildren.

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PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

In every position Justice Iacobucci has held over the past 40 years, his unwavering goal has been to serve to the best of his ability — whether his students as a teacher, his clients as a lawyer or the interests of justice as a public servant — and by doing so he has made significant contributions to the advancement Canadian jurisprudence and legal education

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FRANK IACOBUCCI

27 2023 VOL. 27, ISSUE 4

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COVER STORY

SOUL MAN TEDDY SWIMS IS A MULTI-GENRE MUSICAL ARTIST WHO IS TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM BY STAYING TRUE TO HIS OWN DISTINCTIVE SELF AND SOUTHERN ROOTS – TATTOOS AND ALL WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH TEDDY SWIMS

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LOCATION: CANOPY BY HILTON TORONTO YORKVILLE | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSE MILNS | VIDEOGRAPHER: LISMERY LOYOLA MAKEUP AND HAIR STYLIST: TAYLOR CHOUSKY | WARDROBE STYLIST: ASHLEY GALANG

DISPLAYS HIS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

A relative newcomer to the musical scene, Swims has exploded in popularity in just three short years HAT – Teddy’s own SUNGLASSES – Bottega Veneta, available at Holt Renfrew BLAZER – Tom’s Place NECKLACE – Bulgari SHIRT – Tom’s Place WATCH – Bulgari RINGS � Bulgari PANTS – Tom’s Place

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For most young kids growing up, we’re not expecting a time or a moment which will influence the course of our lives, certainly not in our early teenage years — and least of all coming from the father of our best friend. When any of our pals’ fathers came home at the end of the day from their jobs in insurance or banking or wherever adults actually went during the day, it was time to get our feet off the coffee table, turn down the television, suffer through a few dad jokes and then resume our clever and absolutely riveting chatter about girls, teachers, movies, sports stars or superheroes.

Not so for 13-year-old Jaten Collin Dimsdale, now known by his stage name, Teddy Swims, and as one of the fastest-rising American singersongwriters, blending genres including R&B, soul, country and pop.

Swims remembers the exact place and moment music entered his life. “I was 13 or 14 and in the eighth grade,” recalled Swims in a recent exclusive interview with Dolce. He was in the basement of the house of his best buddy, Jesse Hampton (who still plays guitar in Swims’ band today) in Conyers, Georgia, his suburban hometown 40 kilometres east of downtown Atlanta, when his friend’s father came home. “Jesse’s dad, Rodney Hampton, played guitar and played in bands and he was the first person I ever met who played guitar and sang.

He played ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ by Bon Jovi right there in their basement and I was, like, ‘Man, your dad is so cool! We gotta be like your dad!’ I just fell in love with it — I wanted to be like that. I can actually recall the moment, it just really hit me.

Rodney Hampton is my favourite singer and guitar player and, still to this day, comes to our shows.

And he is so proud of us … he’s the best!”

That thunderstruck moment of epiphany led to Swims’ meteoric rise in music — compared to other artists, not more than an instant. From releasing his debut major-label single in January 2020 to his cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” in October 2022 (which, to date, has attracted almost 148 million views) to now, Swims has branched out from cover songs to his own original tracks, and continually garners millions of views as one of music’s most popular digital stars.

Growing up in Georgia, Swims was introduced by his father to soul music at an early age to classic artists such as Al Green, the magical Stevie Wonder and the ever-so-smooth Marvin Gaye. Is there a better anthem for soul music than Gaye’s “What’s Going On”? But growing up in Georgia, a state where football is almost a religion, also meant that the Dimsdale family were crazy about that sport. Swims had already played football for ten years when one of his teachers suggested he and a few of his teammates sign up for a musical

theatre class and also join the chorus.

At first, his mother, Glenna Fox, was unconvinced her son should be in the theatre class. Ever the realist and a smart, grounded kid, Jaten told his mother that given his height (he’s now about 1.67 metres tall), he was more likely to get a theatre scholarship than have any future in football.

Swims’ passion for performance and music was stimulated by that high-school theatre experience. He performed in musicals including

In early 2019, Dimsdale’s friend Addy Maxwell invited him to rap over some beats he had made, which earned the pair an opening slot on a U.S. tour with Tyler Carter. It was on this tour that Dimsdale began performing under “Teddy Swims” — the name a combination of a childhood nickname that referenced his size and an Internet-speak acronym for “someone who isn’t me sometimes,” a nod to the idea of integrating different parts of his personality.

Warm, welcoming, engaging and affable, Swims

“I WOULD SAY MY INSPIRATION COMES FROM THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN LIFE AS WELL AS CERTAIN SITUATIONS FROM MY LIFE” Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and in Shakespearean plays — once again proving that early exposure to the drama, diction and storytelling of the Bard can have a lasting impact on any artist’s creativity.

Encouraged by his theatre experience and no doubt by his best friend’s father, the young Dimsdale began watching YouTube videos of singers to help him develop his vocal technique and accompanying himself on the piano and ukulele. He began his music career modestly, joining a variety of Atlanta-based alternative and post-hardcore rock bands as well as hair-metal cover bands — and, of course, bands specializing in his cherished soul music. Teddy Swims was on his way.

Ah yes, that name. Probably a good time for an explanation.

has a ready smile and easy laugh that exemplifies country hospitality. It was easy to quickly note that he is very genuine, has a passion for his craft, and that words and music are indeed his guiding stars. True to his country roots, he uses his heart and soul as his inspiration for his songs, along with his talent for not taking himself too seriously.

He laughs when asked where the inspiration for his music comes from. “Usually ex-girlfriends or current girlfriends,” he says. “But I would say my inspiration also comes from things that are important in life as well as certain situations from my life. It’s just being honest and speaking from my heart.”

Following that early tour, Swims continued to experiment with covers on YouTube. He posted his first-ever cover performance in mid2019, Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” and

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Swims grew up on soul music and has since expanded his reach into R&B, country and pop Photographed at Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville SUNGLASSES – Versace, available at Holt Renfrew COAT – Canali, available at Harry Rosen NECKLACE – Bulgari SWEATER – Canali, available at Harry Rosen WATCH – Bulgari RINGS – Bulgari PANTS – Marco Pescarolo, available at Harry Rosen SHOES – Christian Louboutin

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Warm, welcoming, engaging and affable, Swims has a ready smile and easy laugh that exemplifies country hospitality Photographed at Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville SUNGLASSES – Gucci, available at Harry Rosen SHIRT – Acne Studios, available at Holt Renfrew WATCH – Bulgari RINGS – Bulgari COAT – Bottega Veneta, available at Holt Renfrew

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“I AM TRULY GRATEFUL FOR WHAT SUCCESS I HAVE ACCRUED IN MY TIME, THAT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO SUCCEED” continued posting covers thereafter of artists as diverse as Amy Winehouse, Lewis Capaldi, Chris Stapleton and H.E.R. Swims had found a niche, a place for his voice and talent, and his videos accumulated millions of views. After releasing one single independently, “Night Off,” he signed a record deal with Warner Records in December 2019.

It would be difficult to name another artist who has made it so big so fast in recent years as Teddy Swims. After signing with Warner Records, he embarked on his first headline tour just prior to the pandemic in early 2020, and followed that up with releasing several covers in the ensuing months, including a cover of Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” donating its royalties to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

In February 2021, he released his single “My Bad,” which he performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and was named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone magazine. Swims has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

After releasing his single “911,” Swims released his six-track EP, Tough Love, in January 2022 and supported that with a three-month headline tour through Europe and North America. He then collaborated with Meghan Trainor on “Bad For

Me,” the lead single on her album Takin’ It Back.

Other performers were starting to notice his talent and his success. Swims also opened for the rock band Greta Van Fleet on a tour to support their new album, Starcatcher.

Releasing a short performance clip in May 2022, Swims then unveiled a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” that August and performed the song on America’s Got Talent alongside Journey’s founding guitarist, Neal Schon. In November of 2022 he released his EP Sleep is Exhausting. Also that year, he embarked on a seven-week headline tour of the U.S. and collaborated on singles with such artists as Mitchell Tenpenny, Illenium, MK & BURNS and TELYKast. Not bad for a kid from the Atlanta suburbs, but Swims is quick to share his success with others in his band.

“The way I kind of define success in my own words is that you get this opportunity to provide some level of success for somebody else,” he says.

“You get to share that success with somebody else, so I am truly grateful for what success I have accrued in my time, that I’ve been able to provide opportunity for other people to succeed as well and watch them to be able to achieve their dreams and allow me to do the same — we’ve been able to build each other up.”

Swims first appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of this year with the release of his single “Lose Control,” which is from his 2023 debut studio album, “I’ve Tried Everything but

Therapy (Part 1),” which reached the top five on the charts in both Australia and the U.K. Now an artist with global appeal, he followed up that success with an international headline tour this past summer, which included shows in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.

Success, however, does have its demands and its downsides. As a touring artist, shows, appearances and other obligations do draw you away from the simpler things that mean so much in your personal life. It may appear glamorous from the outside, but there is always a price to pay.

“I think the worst part of everything has been missing things at home,” he reflects. “Everyone is proud — my parents and everyone in my family is very proud as I get to be the hero to some of their kids or my cousins’ kids. But I’ve missed a lot of weddings and funerals and birthdays and births and graduations and events, and that is tough. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but most definitely, that’s the hard part of it.”

Ah yes, and perhaps another explanation is also required. Those tattoos.

The exact number he has is not known, but Swims’ passion for them began at an early age, maybe even earlier than his passion for music.

“I’ve been getting tattoos since I was 16. I’ve always wanted to be tattooed,” he admits. “When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d say ‘tattooed.’ When I was younger

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Swims has a distinctive style all his own, reflectiing his laid-back country roots Photographed at Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville HAT – Teddy’s own SUNGLASSES – Gucci, available at Harry Rosen SHIRT – Off-White, available at Holt Renfrew RINGS – Bulgari PANTS – Off-White, available at Holt Renfrew SHOES – Prada, available at Harry Rosen

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From his modest online start in 2020 rapping to a friend’s beats, Swims has attracted more than 148 million YouTube views for his cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” in little more than a year and now tours throughout North America and Europe to sold-out audiences of loyal fans.

my mom would give me ten dollars at the end of the week for doing our chores and, as we grew up Pentecostal, she wanted us to donate some of that. My brother would give five dollars, which I thought was stupid, as I would give one dollar and still have nine to buy temporary stickers and slap them all over my body. Now, anywhere I am people hit me up and they’ll come and do tattoos on me — whatever design they want. I have a lot of signatures all over my legs. I’m like a little art gallery as I travel across the world. It’s been really cool.”

One of the words he himself chose as a tattoo is “patience.” Patience is a key for Swims as he makes his way through his career. Patience keeps his high-flying career grounded.

“It’s a constant reminder, having that word there,” says Swims. “Everything is coming. I have this thing where I just want everything all at once.

I’m very happy where I am in my life and that all of this has happened the way that it’s happened, because if it was to have happened before, I don’t think I would have been ready for it. I think timing is everything, and you have to have patience — it is, indeed, a virtue. Though I probably should have

tattooed ‘patience’ backwards so I could read it properly.”

Swims has no hesitation in defining what la dolce vita, the sweet life, means to him, and it is more emotional than material. “I feel like I’m living la dolce vita or the sweet life as I’m getting to do the best job in the world with my best friends in the world,” says Swims. “And I have a safe space in which to do it — to communicate or cry. Safety and trust are very important to me, so safety is my definition of the sweet life.”

Swims’ incredible rise in the music business is obviously due to his talent, but also to the broad appeal of his music, which he describes himself as “safe and sound.” It is interesting to note, and no doubt quite intentional, that Swims put the words “Part 1” in parentheses at the end of his studio debut album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1). Swims is only 31 years old, not even middle-aged yet. Given his immense talent and popularity, we can only imagine, and with great anticipation, what Part 2 might reveal. www.teddyswims.com @teddyswims

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SELF-CARE

THE WORLDS MOST BELOVED

SKINFLUENCER Dr. Zion Ko Lamm, MD, candidly shares the life journey that has led to her prosperous career and humbling self-discoveries

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL

INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

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Raising awareness about Lynch Syndrome, the genetic condition that Dr. Lamm inherited from her father, is a cause she holds close to her heart

Z

skincare products are advertised? What are the pros and cons?

A: Social media has allowed us to learn about the brand, its story, and what it stands for and, most importantly, it has empowered us to learn about the ingredients. Skincare is not “one size fits all.” The cons may be that there is so much information out there (some trustworthy, some not), that it can get very overwhelming. Also, many feel the need to purchase so many products that “go viral,” but if a product is working for you, it’s better to stick to that instead of switching it out.

Q: How would you define yourself in three words?

A: Nurturing. Empowering. Persevering.

Q: What are your five skincare rules for sensitive skin?

A: The most important thing to remember is that for those with sensitive skin, we must maintain the integrity of our skin barrier. A gentle hydrating cleanser (creamy and milky over foamy) is key.

Avoid squeaky-clean skin, which can often feel dry and tight. Choose skincare ingredients that are rich in ceramides, lipids and fatty acids that mimic our skin barrier. Make sure to use a soothing, rich moisturizer. Folks with sensitive skin can use actives, but I recommend glowing slowly and alternating actives instead of layering them on in an all-in-one routine. I cannot emphasize this enough: fall in love with and respect your skin barrier. Find the cause for irritating flare-ups and avoid them. Common triggers can be fragrances, both natural and synthetic. I think it goes without saying that sun protection is imperative.

Q: What are some of the most common misconceptions about skincare?

A: Expensive skincare is better. I look for brands with clinical data vs. the price point. The longer the skincare routine, the better the effects. I am known for my long skincare routines on days I have time because that is how I wind down and practice

‘‘

THE LEARNING NEVER ENDS! I TRULY APPRECIATE THE DYNAMIC NATURE OF MEDICINE, WHICH IS PART OF WHY I LOVE MY PROFESSION

‘‘

Q: What inspired you to pursue this path?

A: My father faced his first battle with cancer in his early 30s, and witnessing his resilience, the support of the medical community, and the power of medical innovations, I was inspired to pursue a career as a physician.

PHOTO BY BALDOMERO FERNANDEZ

ion Ko Lamm is more than just an influencer. She is a wife, a mother, and a passionate board-certified Internal Medicine physician dedicated to helping millions of people maintain healthy skin. Dolce Magazine was honoured to sit down with Dr. Lamm to learn more about her and the positive ripple effect her journey has had on the world.

self-care and self-love, but one can achieve a good routine with just three steps.

Q: How has social media played a role in how

Q: How would you describe your professional/career journey? Did you experience any self-discoveries along the way?

A: It’s been such a wild ride but a good one.

Pursuing medicine is a long road — four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school and three to nine years of residency/fellowship, depending on one’s specialty.

The learning never ends! I truly appreciate the dynamic nature of medicine, which is part of why I love my profession. My day at work is never boring. I have had so many self-discoveries along the way. One of the most significant realizations has been the importance of empathy and effective communication in patient care. While medical knowledge and technical skills are essential, the ability to truly connect with each patient on a human level is key to enhancing the doctor-patient relationship, which ultimately leads to improved healthcare outcomes. I’ve learned the value of continuous self-improvement and staying up to date with the latest medical advancements, given the dynamic nature of medicine.

Q: What has motherhood taught you?

A: Motherhood has taught me the importance of managing my time more efficiently, to have a worklife balance and patience. Secondly, it has taught me a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care relating to the worries and concerns of being a parent. @dr.zionko

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ADVENTURER

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Roura will make the first Atlantic crossing from France to Martinique in the company of Swiss co-skipper Simon Koster

T

FALL SAIL

Superstar Swiss skipper Alan Roura takes on one ocean with two races in the IMOCA 60 Hublot with an eye to around-theworld in 2024

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALAN ROURA

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

he Atlantic Ocean can be rough any time of year, but it is late summer into autumn when it really starts to turn nasty. The depressions and trade winds that form off the western coast of Africa head west across the Mid-Atlantic and can often develop into hurricanes that strike the Caribbean or east coast of North America. If we’re lucky, the storms take a dramatic right turn north, spare North America, head to the North Atlantic and we forget about them.

Alan Roura does not. His life depends on ocean and weather conditions.

The Swiss skipper is one of the finest openocean racers in the world and as an ambassador for the famed Swiss watchmaker Hublot since 2022, Roura continues to push himself even further with two races across the open Atlantic on-board the new IMOCA 60 Hublot sailing racer.

“I always have this desire to push myself ever further, this conviction that I can always do better, that it’s possible to draw the best out of a boat,” says Roura. “It is this feeling that is driving me to take on this incredible adventure with Hublot.”

Roura’s first Atlantic crossing will be taking on the Transat Jacques Vabre, the longest of the transatlantic routes, departing Le Havre in the Normandy region of northern France on the English Channel, travelling east to west to arrive in Fort-de-France, Martinique, in the Caribbean.

Roura will make that journey in the company of Swiss co-skipper Simon Koster.

The second Atlantic crossing will be a solo attempt in the Retour à La Base, journeying west to east, departing Martinique and arriving in Lorient on the west coast of France in conditions that have just two levels: demanding and dangerous.

For Roura, the two crossings are another opportunity to build upon his legend and deepen his experience and skills. Each day on-board will be challenging, to say the least, but each success will be of great value as the purpose for Roura is to be as prepared as possible for the Vendée Globe, the only solo, non-stop and unassisted aroundthe-world sailing race, held every four years surely one of the toughest tests for humans on the planet, and the ultimate dream of anyone with a passion for ocean racing.

Both the Transat Jacques Vabre and Retour à La Base are qualifying races for the Vendée Globe, which will start its 10th edition on November 10, 2024. Roura is among the 44 sailors who seek to qualify for one of its 40 entry slots. That ultimate goal is just fine with Roura.

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The IMOCA 60 Hublot is a state-of-the-art sailing craft and Roura is protected inside a fullyenclosed cockpit

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Roura has spent 22 of his 30 years on the ocean, respecting both the fury of its dangerous power and the freedom it provides

‘‘

WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE A SYSTEM WHICH USES THE EXPERTISE AND SKILLS OF EVERYONE INVOLVED TO ENSURE THIS PROJECT IS A SUCCESS

‘‘

“We have put in place a system which uses the expertise and skills of everyone involved to ensure this project is a success,” says Roura about his autumn in the Atlantic. “At the end of this long road lies the Vendée Globe, ‘The Everest of the Seas,’ and the ultimate goal. It is the kind of challenge where you simply cannot ever give up and that’s a good thing. It is exactly the mindset that we have cultivated with Hublot and the entire team.”

Roura is no stranger to the Vendée Globe, having last participated in 2020. In his first attempt, in 2016, he finished 12th, the youngestever participant in the history of the race at just 23 years old ― sailing solo non-stop around the world, without assistance, at an age when some of us were still learning how to parallel park.

Roura grew up on the ocean and has spent 22 of his 30 years sailing, first around the world with his family and then in competitions. He is well acquainted with the power of the elements and the challenges and dangers they may pose yet at the same time the freedom they offer. Ocean racing is in his blood.

As it is with Hublot. The Hublot brand has been invested in sailing since its very beginnings and is reviving its passion with this return to sailing and this autumn’s crossings. Roura’s adventure is made possible by the support of Hubolt, making the crossings in the new IMOCA 60 Hublot, a state-of-the-art foiling yacht with a fully enclosed cockpit.

“Sailing is a human adventure with unique and unforgettable moments and stories,” says Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO. “Hublot is supporting this incredible mission, which infuses all the innovation and technical skill of sailing with a uniquely human passion. We are proud of the Hublot sailing team and Alan and Simon as they race under the IMOCA Hublot colours.”

Who knows what makes an adventurer like Alan Roura? Who knows what internal fortitude and courage are required to face such dangers under such trying and demanding conditions?

The rest of us mere mortals can only stand back and admire. www.alanroura.com @alan_roura

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Kiefer Sutherland’s new Red Bank Whisky perfectly reflects its heritage and the awardwinning Canadian actor’s roots WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

R

ed Bank, Nova Scotia, a shingle beach located on the province’s south shore across the bay from from famed Peggy’s Cove, is open to the North Atlantic and its winds, which, along with its hard history, have produced its craggy, gravelly appearance.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland, born to famous Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, lived in London until he was 10 years old.

He moved to Canada where, at 17, he began his career as a director, producer, singer and award-

winning actor, with a now-craggy appearance and gravelly voice that have been hardened by experience and history.

Given those similarities, it’s perhaps no surprise that Sutherland and three partners co-founded Red Bank Whisky, which has now launched in the Ontario market. To paraphrase a quote from A Streetcar Named Desire, Kiefer Sutherland and Red Bank have had this date from the beginning.

The brainchild of Sutherland and partners Gary Biggs, Shawn Hiscott and Rob Steele, Red Bank Whisky pays homage to the rich heritage and tradition of Canadian whisky while offering an exceptionally smooth and premium taste that seeks to capture the essence of Canada’s wild and windswept East Coast.

It has been crafted with care by award-winning Master Blender Michel Marcil, who created its distinctive flavour as a celebration of cherished memories and the anticipation of unforgettable moments with loved ones, the foundation of good times in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. “An evening with friends, memories for a lifetime,” says Sutherland. “You can bank on it.”

A masterful blend of rye, corn and wheat whiskies, Red Bank Whisky has taken Canada by storm and already has a devoted following in the Maritimes, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba among whisky connoisseurs, newcomers to the taste and mixologists alike, who all agree that its captivating taste enhances life’s most memorable shared moments. It is certain to become a symbol of Canadian excellence in the world of whisky, just as Sutherland has honoured our country with his considerable talents.

Sutherland’s own Canadian roots run deep, though he was born, in 1966, in the Paddington district of London, where his parents were living and working. His maternal grandfather was Scottish-born Canadian politician and former Premier of Saskatchewan Tommy Douglas, who is widely credited for bringing universal health care to Canada.

In 1970, two years after they’d moved to California, Kiefer’s parents divorced, and in 1975 he moved with his mother to Toronto, eventually entering his parents’ line of work with his screen debut in Max Dugan Returns, which also starred his father, Donald. Encouraged by that success, Sutherland moved to Hollywood to pursue his career in acting, where his first roommate was Robert Downey Jr. Stand By Me, directed by Rob Reiner, was the first film Sutherland made in the United States — not a bad film and not a bad director for your “coming out” party — and his next hit in his early years of success was the Western film Young Guns, where he starred alongside Emilio

Estevez and Lou Diamond Phillips. In the dogeat-dog world of Hollywood acting, Sutherland had made it; he was officially one of its hottest young stars.

He enjoyed steady work throughout the 1990s; he appeared in Twin Peaks, A Few Good Men alongside Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, as well as The Vanishing, until his biggest break occurred in 2001.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RED BANK WHISKY

EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH VINTAGE

TASTEMAKER

Co-founder Sutherland wanted Red Bank to reflect Nova Scotia’s rocky shores and to become a symbol of Canadian excellence in the world of whisky

Never considered a so-called pretty-boy actor, his rugged good looks and gravelly voice were perfect for the role of secret agent Jack Bauer on the critically acclaimed television series, 24. The mercurial Bauer clearly had a complicated past, which we never really saw, but much like James Bond, he was saving the world every week, so perhaps the less we knew about him the better.

The show was a hit from 2001 to 2010 and again

in 2014, and for his role Sutherland won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Satellite Awards. Sutherland is a member of both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame and has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Zurich Film Festival.

Sutherland’s newest venture, Red Bank Whisky, launched in 2022, distills the finest Canadian

whisky for enthusiasts around the world. It was born to reflect Nova Scotia’s rocky shores and true Canadian spirit, while being handcrafted with Canadian ingredients as an authentic expression of its roots. The same could be said about its co-founder, Kiefer Sutherland. He and Red Bank have always had this date together. redbankwhisky.com @redbankwhisky

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ARCHITECTURE

A Mansion in

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MBM House is characterized by its Tudor style

MBM House is a Tudor Revival property that preserves history and introduces modernity to create a family home

PHOTO BY ANNIE FAFARD

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER

Jonathan Petitclerc, Maxime Moreau and Laura Gaillard, the MXMA Architecture & Design Team

PHOTOS BY MAXIME BROUILLET

W

ith a major renovation inevitable, the homeowners reached a crossroads: sell the property or commit to protecting the house’s charm. Ultimately, they decided on the second, taking on the renovation of the house’s interior envelope and a complete overhaul of its interior spaces.

What stands today is the result. Spearheaded

by Maxime Moreau of MXMA Architecture & Design, it’s an example of preservation that speaks to Montreal’s rich built heritage.

Originally built in 1936, the house is close to Queen Elizabeth Gardens and overlooks the St. Lawrence River, with impressive views of the city.

The all-stone structure now stands as a testament to the possibilities of blending the past and the present, and everything inside the house has been considered.

What was once the original entrance hall and staircase now houses a black oak staircase that extends like a ribbon through the heart of the house, bringing all levels of the structure together.

With its design details and minimalist metal

balusters, the staircase is a graceful example of the architect’s vision of joining the historic and contemporary.

The kitchen is another focal point. MXMA said that it was tasked with employing “an aesthetic more reminiscent of fine furniture than the conventional features of a built-in kitchen.” Thanks to minimalist modules from Danish company VIPP and a central island that acts as both a workspace and dining area, it’s a contemporary hub for the home.

As with any house, light ― or rather, the movement and introduction of light ― is vital.

With MBM House it’s no different, and the architects used existing windows to create a light corridor that links the second floor to the parents’ master suite.

Below ground, the innovation continues. By digging out two feet to create a more comfortable living space connected to the outdoors, the architects managed to transform the basement.

Now four French doors offer flow to the garden while bringing natural light in. One of the doors has been placed so it aligns with the staircase, so that anyone who descends to the garden level is

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MBM House’s restoration aimed to preserve the building’s integrity while introducing contemporary features

The bathroom combines functional organization and elegant finishes

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Minimalist black modules create an elegant contrast with the house’s classic ambiance

An important part of the redesign was ensuring the house was flooded with natural light

treated to a view of the courtyard.

Sustainability was a consistent goal of the redesign, from the concrete floor that can capture the sun’s heat to improve the building’s energy efficiency to the reclaimed stone that was used for repairs and the roof tiles that were cleaned and reused where possible, all adding to the sense of a positive restoration that will stand the test of time.

While these are only a handful of the details that define the MBM House, it’s the architect who perhaps best sums up the experience. “We started from scratch,” Moreau says. “With its heritage status, the design of the house required several elevation studies and many exchanges with the authorities and manufacturers to obtain the numerous building permits. The renovation also required a prodigious amount of structural gymnastics to achieve the house the clients had in mind. The result is perfect.”

Surrounded by other historic homes, including the T.W. McAnulty House, also in the Tudor Revival style, and the James Edmund Dodd House, a Georgian villa in the neoclassical style, the MBM House isn’t just an architectural feat, but a story of revitalization through renovation. www.mxma.ca @mxma_architecturedesign

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CHANGEMAKER

THE POWER OF

COMPASSION

TFC’S Federico Bernardeschi and his wife Veronica Ciardi lend their heartfelt support to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

If

you had the world at your feet like Toronto FC’s Federico Bernardeschi, one of the world’s most talented and exciting footballers, clearly does, it would be easy to be blind to the sadness in the world, instead of using your fame and influence to make a difference and effect change.

Instead, Bernardeschi and his wife Veronica Ciardi are making a difference by lending their

vocal support to Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, located on 50 idyllic acres among the rolling hills of King City, just north of Toronto. Founded in 2014 by the animal-loving husband and wife team of Rob Scheinberg and Danielle Eden-Scheinberg, it has rescued and found homes for approximately 3,000 dogs, many of whom were suffering from neglect and abuse, and has developed a stellar reputation with clients around the world.

Instead of being filled with cold, stark concrete and cages, which is the negative and depressing perception we may have of animal shelters, Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary has a different approach to animal rescue, creating a positive experience for the animals under its care — a fun, thoughtfully decorated environment filled with love and all the comforts of home, where happy dogs wait for their forever homes among

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LOCATION: DOG TALES RESCUE AND SANCTUARY | CREATIVE DIRECTOR: FERNANDO ZERILLO | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA PHOTOGRAPHER: JESSE MILNS | VIDEOGRAPHER: LISMERY LOYOLA | MAKEUP AND HAIR STYLIST: TAYLOR CHOUSKY WARDROBE STYLIST: ASHLEY GALANG | MOOD BOARD STYLIST: MASSIMO SOSA

NECKLACE – Messika TUXEDO SUIT – Tom Ford, available at Harry Rosen

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE AND INTERVIEW WITH FEDERICO

ON FEDERICO: NECKLACE – Messika TUXEDO SUIT – Tom Ford, available at Harry Rosen BOOTS – Giuseppe Zanotti ON VERONICA: NECKLACE – Pandora DRESS – Dolce & Gabbana GLOVES – Dolce & Gabbana SHOES – Giuseppe Zanotti

horses and farm animals in a serene setting.

The splendid setting is just one of the reasons that Bernardeschi and Ciardi, owners of two English bulldogs, feel so comfortable there.

“I just enjoy this place so much and how it works because the concept behind this place is amazing and it is very nice to be here,” says Bernardeschi in his autumn interview with Dolce when he and his wife were visiting Dog Tales. “I love everything about dogs. I really can’t describe how much I love dogs. Maybe it is because I grew up with dogs in my life.”

Those youthful days were spent in Carrara, in the Tuscany region of Italy, where dogs competed with soccer balls for Bernardeschi’s attention. He was a sports prodigy from the age of four when he first touched a ball, and he so dominated every match that his early games were not so much games as simply the other kids trying to catch up with him. He turned professional at 19 and was a global superstar at just 23. He transferred to legendary powerhouse Juventus in

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ON FEDERICO: COAT – Etro, available at Harry Rosen SUIT – Wooyoungmi Paris, available at The Bay SHOES – Dolce & Gabbana ON VERONICA: JACKET – HERSKIND DRESS – HERSKIND BOOTS – Wishbone, exclusively sold at Browns Shoes

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I JUST ENJOY THIS PLACE SO MUCH AND HOW IT WORKS BECAUSE THE CONCEPT BEHIND THIS PLACE IS AMAZING AND IT IS VERY NICE TO BE HERE

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To learn more about the beautiful animals at Dog Tales, check out dolcemag.com!

2017, attracting the eyes of every other team and manager in the world.

Bernardeschi joined Toronto FC in July 2022 and his mission is clear: under new head coach John Herdman, who had such tremendous success leading the Canadian National Woman’s team to their gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Bernardeschi will be one foundation of a team being rebuilt to reclaim its former glory from 2017, when Toronto FC won three titles, the first and only MLS club to do so.

His and Veronica’s support of Dog Tales and of the vital work needed for animal rescue is just one of many ways they are giving back to their adopted community.

“Every single time a dog goes home, that’s a fond memory,” says Marina Williams, one of the approximately 70 staff at Dog Tales, who include dog handlers, horse handlers and animal care therapists. “Seeing the past of some of these dogs and how they are transformed once they come to Dog Tales is extremely rewarding,” she says. “And when you adopt a dog with our new Dog Foster Program, you’re actually rescuing two because when you take a dog out of a shelter, you are making space for another join us, who we can help.”

Worthy causes such as animal rescue and adoption takes compassion, courage and character, three defining attributes shared by Federico Bernardeschi and Veronica Ciardi. @fbernardeschi @missciardi @dogtalesrescue

COAT – Brunello Cucinelli available at Harry Rosen TSHIRT – Tiger of Sweden CARDIGAN – Marni available at Harry Rosen PANT – Zegna, available at Harry Rosen SNEAKERS – Giuseppe Zanotti

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DOLCE DINNER PARTIES

Welc e to

DOLCE DINNER PARTY

DOLCE DINNER PARTY AT RISTORANTE SOTTO SOTTO OAKVILLE

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Dolce’s fifth dinner in its series of curated dinner parties set the mood for the season of joy and spirit of giving WRITTEN BY RUBA RAHIM

48 hours, and processing them without the use of heat or chemicals. These production methods serve to maintain the quality and flavour of the resulting oil and to ensure that it retains high levels of the polyphenols that contribute to good health.

The exquisite meal began with a family-style spread of appetizers that included polpo alla puttanesca, polpette and arugula salad. Two primi dishes followed, black truffle risotto and pasta amatriciana, the latter a typical dish of Roman trattorias, a nod to the restaurant’s Roman owner and Roman-focused fare. The main dish was trio of rack of lamb, sausage and grilled calamari, to indulge the finest of palates. And for dessert, strawberry tiramisu, the restaurant’s twist on the timeless classic. A collaboration with Connoisseur Wine Imports brought treasures from Portugal and Italy that heightened the taste experience of each dish.

Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Frank Moyo serenaded guests with a thoughtful selection of songs enhanced by his suave and versatile voice.

Frank credits his Nonna Rita, who he also considers to be his best friend, for the positive impact that she had on his life and for inspiring him to write Italian music. That music and his warm relationship with his grandmother have stolen the hearts of Torontonians.

The happy chatter at each table of conversations with new friends also flowed between tables, which is part of what makes Dolce’s dinner parties special.

As guests left, they took with them a joyful aura of new memories and of gratitude. As with each dinner in the series, Dolce is proud to donate net proceeds to The Stop Community Food Centre, one of Canada’s first food banks, founded in the 1980s. With the number of people in Toronto relying on food banks skyrocketing this year, this initiative is now more important than ever. Dolce dinner parties continue to strive to highlight the importance of cultivating the values of kindness, gratitude and community in our daily lives. www.zerillo.ca @famigliazerillo

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ith the holiday season fast approaching, Dolce’s fifth dinner in a series of curated dinner parties took place on November 13th, in perfect time to set the mood for the upcoming season of joy and giving. Guests enjoyed a delicious five-course menu at Sotto Sotto in Oakville, the second location for the Toronto restaurant that has been a long-time favourite dining spot for A-list celebrities and that city’s well-heeled. The Oakville outpost is located at the street level of the prestigious Randall Residences in Old Oakville, a lakefront neighbourhood known for its beautifully preserved heritage homes and charming streets lined with upscale restaurants and boutiques. Upon entering the restaurant, guests stepped into the stylish bar area backed by a large framed-glass wall that offered a glimpse of the kitchen team busy at work. From there, guests proceeded to the main dining space, which features high ceilings and large, gracefully arching windows. The refined ambiance created by candlelit tables and their elegant place settings under the soft light cast by the Italian floral-inspired handblown glass chandeliers immediately drew guests to the intimate space.

Sotto Sotto specializes in traditional Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients sourced locally or imported from Italy, including many with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification that guarantees their authenticity. The menu for this evening was carefully designed by Sotto Sotto owner Marisa Rocca, along with her brother and restaurant manager, Fabio Vacca, and executive chef, Raffaella Talacci.

Dishes highlighted the quality, flavour and versatility of the Zerillo Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was used throughout the menu. The oil is produced at Azienda Agricola Fratelli Zerillo in Puglia by the third generation of the Zerillo family of olivegrowers. At their family farm, Nicola and Giovanni continue the olive-growing, olive-oil making tradition that their grandparents began a hundred years ago, harvesting olives strictly by hand, milling them within

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1. A joyous evening with family, friends and delicious food, the simple things that make life ever-so-sweet 2. Fabio Vacca, manager of Sotto Sotto Oakville Restaurant, with staff 3. Dragan Matijevic and Oksana Latinovic 4. Farnaz Mobasser, Mario Balaceanu and Christina Bono 5. Margaret D’Agostino 6. Ellen Contardi 7. Mimo Galati, Anna Neri, Michelle Zerillo-Sosa and Sergio Sosa 8. Jerry Hammond and Tara Del Zotto 9. Manal Boutros, Ruba Rahim and Aseel Khalil 10. Diana and Rob De Fulviis 11. Ferial Sheybani 12. Marco and Michela Guglietti 13. Decorative touches flowed from start to finish as guests were gifted bottles of Famiglia Zerillo Extra Virgin Olive Oil 14. Frank Moyo 15. Fernando and Angela Zerillo 16. Simone Nicolini, Raymond Nicolini and Desiree Nicolini 17. Laura Compagni and Rick Denley 18. Sabaina Malik, Farnaz Mobasser, Reza Paykazadi, Jyoti Shamnani and Inder Singh

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FASHION

PLUNGE INTO THE

Dreamworld of Los Angeles Virginie Viard’s 2023/24 runway show brought California sporty vibes, with Snoop Dogg performing and guests from Margot Robbie to Sofia Richie WRITTEN BY MONICA MARANO

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he worlds of film and high fashion have long been intertwined. Whether through costume design, red-carpet fashion moments or celebrity-led campaigns, the two industries have developed a powerful symbiotic relationship. This is why the location for Chanel’s 2023/24 peppy and playful Cruise show, which the brand presented at Paramount Pictures Studio in Los Angeles, made perfect sense.

It was such a splashy spectacle that even as the models strutted the black-and-white Chanel basketball court, which was set off by two large scoreboards, Snoop Dogg could be seen dancing in his comfy bleacher seat.

Dubbed Virginie Viard’s “Ode to the City of Angels,” the runway show marked Chanel’s return to Los Angeles after 16 years away.

Inside Paramount’s lot, the runway itself

was set up like for a game, with bleacher seats, scoreboards and stadium lighting.

Another large screen, this one as long as the court, played a variety of black-and-white videos of dancing Chanel models and aerial images of a Los Angeles filled with palm trees.

Viard, Chanel’s creative director, brought her vision of Californian sporty vibes to life in the show with a lot of Barbie references: pink leisure looks, sherbet-coloured tweed sets, swimsuits, sports bras and tote bags in shades that brought Pacific sunsets to mind.

A highlight was the light-up rainbow heels that were featured with a number of looks. This was not a first for Chanel, as Karl Lagerfeld used light-up heels in collections in 2008 and 2011, but Viard’s take was nostalgic and feminine.

This collection wasn’t all candy colours; there were black leather dresses, cut-out bodysuits,

aerobics-worthy activewear and a few silhouettes that paid tribute to old-Hollywood glamour, but with a modern twist.

After the nearly 30-minute show wrapped up, Viard took a bow and made a short strut of her own while attendees applauded her efforts. Audience members were entertained before and after the event by roller skaters who slithered through the crowd and occasionally danced in synchrony.

For his surprise performance, Snoop Dogg kept the good times rolling with a medley of his hits.

Often, it’s the age-old questions that are the hardest to answer: So, what’s the next trend going to be? Whatever it is, Hollywood will continue its collaboration with fashion — reflecting, defining and letting the world see its more approachable attitude toward fashion and fun. www.chanel.com @chanelofficial

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PHOTO BY INEZ AND VINNODH - CHANEL

Scan the QR code for exciting campaign footage

In the pink light of day turning into night, these looks are an invitation to travel and dream

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PHOTO BY INEZ AND VINNODH - CHANEL PHOTO BY INEZ AND VINNODH - CHANEL

From the beaches of Malibu to the basketball courts of Venice Beach, Chanel’s vision of the California way of life comes alive in the ultraviolet dusk

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CHANEL’S 2023/24 CRUISE COLLECTION COMBINES THE CLASSIC CODES OF CHANEL, THE GLAMOUR OF 1920S AND ’30S HOLLYWOOD AND THE SPORTY ESSENCE OF ’70S AND ’80S AEROBICS AND DANCE

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PHOTO BY INEZ AND VINNODH - CHANEL

A basketball emblazoned with Chanel’s double C is a sly tribute to the California lifestyle and embodies the collection’s sporty spirit

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CULINARY DESTINATION The vineyard-covered hillsides of the Langhe

PIEDMONT:

IN SEARCH OF THE WORLD’S BEST WINES, TRUFFLES AND HAZELNUTS Quality-driven agriculture and a royal history have earned Piedmont a reputation as one of the best culinary destinations in the world

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ituated in the foothills of northwestern Italy’s Alps, Piedmont is a veritable gastronomic paradise. Its unique terroirs and indigenous grape varieties produce some of the world’s best wines. Its forests breed the famed white truffle and its prized Piedmont hazelnuts are cherished as a distinguished confectionery tradition. And old-school osterie and gourmet restaurants showcase a refined cuisine that is rooted in a distinct history. A Piedmontese culinary journey centres around the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises five wine-growing areas extending over Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. Its gently rolling,

vineyard-covered hillsides wrap around perched hilltop towns and are adorned with castles that once belonged to the royal House of Savoy.

Piedmont’s wine culture is characterized by small-scale family-run wineries that produce high-quality wines, often employing French winemaking techniques. Local grape varieties flourish in a perfect microclimate shaped by cool winds from the northern Alps and warm breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Piedmont’s wines are a true expression of place, impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world. Here, it is the Nebbiolo grape that reigns supreme. Its name derives from nebbia, the Italian word for the characteristic fall

fog that provides an additional layer of temperature mitigation and helps to produce more intense and balanced wines. Despite its small size and thin skin, Nebbiolo is a flavourful grape high in tannins and acidity, characteristics that allow its wines to be aged for decades. Its ultimate expression is in the robust and complex Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Two vineyards may grow the same grape yet deliver different results due to their unique soils and topographies; Barolo is bolder, Barbaresco brighter.

Nebbiolo is increasingly sought-after by wine enthusiasts around the world.

The crown jewels of Piedmont’s cuisine are the white truffles that grow wild around the

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALTALANGA AZIENDA AGRICOLA AND TOKYO

WRITTEN BY RUBA RAHIM

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underground roots of hardwood trees in the forests surrounding Alba. Larger in size and with a more intense aroma than black truffles, they are a gourmet rarity only available from late September to the end of January each year.

White truffles require a particular environment to grow, and thus cannot be cultivated anywhere else in the world. References to truffles date back to ancient times but by the 18th century, it was Piedmontese truffles that were the most desired by European courts, particularly the white truffles of Alba. A century later, it was the efforts of restaurateur and hotelier Giacomo Morra that brought white truffles to the rest of the world. He promoted them on his menus and gifted them to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill. White truffles sell for staggering amounts that continue to increase due to skyrocketing demand and environmental threats. Natale Romagnolo is a certified truffle judge with the National Truffle Board in Italy.

“It is curious that people spend so much money on a mushroom that is composed of 85% water. The reason has to do with emotion.

When you buy a white truffle, you are buying an emotion,” he shares. Natale explains that truffles are well-documented as aphrodisiacs, their aroma containing a natural chemical that stimulates emotion. The allure of white truffles brings visitors from around the world to Alba each fall. They also come for the opportunity to experience a truffle hunt with a professional truffle hunter who understands how to dig up a truffle without damaging it or its environment, to ensure its seasonal regeneration. Gian Piero Ottobrino comes from a family of truffle hunters. “It is our life. It is a passion that is hard to describe. We want that when people eat truffles in a restaurant, they understand the future sustainability of truffles, the life of the hunter and the relationship with the dog … we love our dog like part of the family. My dog and I have the same passion. She loves truffles just like me. When we are hunting, we are not working, we are playing … finding a truffle is exciting, it makes your heart beat.”

The forests of the Langhe also breed the IGP Piedmont hazelnut, recognized as the finest variety of hazelnut in the world. Hazelnut farmers adhere to strict methods that comply with the Indication of Geographic Protection certification of authenticity. At Altalanga Azienda Agricola, Gian Franco Cavallotto is dedicated to the biological cultivation of the IGP Piedmont hazelnut, also producing a range of exceptional hazelnut-based products at his state-of-the-art laboratory and shop in Alba.

“The Piedmont hazelnut is not promoted. It is little-known in Europe, and not at all in the rest of the world. This is because the local hazelnut industry does not have large enterprises. We are an agricultural operation. Our objective is

Truffle hunter Gian Piero Ottobrino with his Lagotto Romagnolo “truffle dog”, Camilla

Gian Franco Cavallotto of Altalanga, drying Piedmont hazelnuts in the sun

White truffles shaved on top of tajarin, Piedmont’s iconic egg-yolk pasta

not to become big, it is to focus on quality,” he shares. Spherical in shape and with a delicate sweetness, the Piedmont hazelnut is particularly aromatic after roasting. Along with its ease of shelling and long shelf life, these characteristics differentiate it from other types of hazelnuts, and have helped shaped a prestigious confectionery industry. In the mid16th century, the House of Savoy brought South American cocoa beans from Spain to Turin, where master chocolatiers began to create chocolate confections. In the early 1800s, when Napoleon severed the trade link between Italy’s chocolatiers and South American cocoa beans, innovative chocolatiers turned to the abundant local hazelnuts, roasting them to release their aroma and grinding them into a fine powder that they mixed with their remaining cocoa.

This blend, named gianduja, gave rise to a variety of confections, including confectioner Pietro Ferrero’s pasta gianduja, a sweet paste and precursor to Nutella.

The cuisine across all regions of Italy is ingredient-driven and characterised by simple preparations in the no-waste tradition of cucina povera, or “poor cooking.” However, Piedmont’s history as a kingdom that encompassed southeastern France also made a mark on its cuisine. Carlotta Panza is a food writer with a Master in Food Culture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont. She also designs gastronomic and enological experiences for Prior, a travel company that curates unique story-telling travel experiences around the world. “Piedmontese cuisine differentiates itself not just for its high-quality ingredients, but for the approach to courses of a meal. For example, in most parts of Italy, antipasti are small, simple preparations, but in Piedmont they are thought-out, sometimes intricate dishes with a noteworthy history that carry the same importance as other courses of a meal. This is because most Piedmontese dishes underwent a transformation when they were adapted to please the House of Savoy. This also explains why the influence of French cuisine is palpable in Piedmont’s traditional antipasti.” Piedmont’s tastemakers are invested in preserving quality-driven small-scale agriculture that delivers intensely flavourful products including wines, white truffles and hazelnuts. Piedmont’s gastronomy is further distinguished by its royal history, which brought refinement and technique to the region’s culinary practices and traditions and helped earn it a reputation as one of the best culinary destinations in the world. @altalangaaziendaagricola @carlottapanza @prior @tokyo_ec

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CREATIVITY

Dance

LET’S

L.A. Dance Project’s Annual Gala honours groundbreaking American ballet dancer Misty Copeland WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

Starting at the age of 13 ― late for ballet ― Copeland has risen to the very top of her creative profession

PHOTO BY HENRY LEUTWYLER

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ance can be one of the most thrilling forms of visual creativity. Whether it’s the athletic prowess of ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, the imagination of Fred Astaire using a hat rack in a lengthy routine, or the elegance of Astaire’s partner Ginger Rogers — who, it was noted, “did everything Fred did, but backwards and in high heels” — dance has always had the power to engage, amaze and entertain.

This was the vibe in November this year at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles as the L.A. Dance Project (LADP) held its 2023 Gala. Presented by Van Cleef & Arpels, it honoured the internationally renowned American ballet dancer Misty Copeland, the subject of the widely acclaimed short film Flower, which debuted earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival. Copeland was introduced by award-winning actress, choreographer and director Debbie Allen.

Copeland, considered a prodigy even though she didn’t start in ballet until the age of 13, has risen to the top of her profession and has achieved almost everything possible in the world of dance.

In 2015, she was promoted to principal dancer for

the American Ballet Theatre, the first Black woman so honoured in its 75-year history. Copeland has toured as a featured dancer for Prince, starred on Broadway, and appeared on the reality television shows A Day in the Life and So You Think You Can Dance.

In 2015, she was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, appearing on its cover.

The LADP 2023 Gala also presented the international debut of a piece from LADP Artistic Director Benjamin Millepied, celebrating his return to the stage in a performance that was set to music

by Jeff Buckley.

The L.A. Dance Project plays an important role in the world of dance, expanding the boundaries of this form of creativity as an art and redefining how humans interact and relate to movement in our modern world. Through collaborative partnerships with traditional and emerging artists, performance work, commissions, residences and community programming, the LADP’s mission is to inspire, create, educate and change perspectives through the accessible and transformative power of dance,

not just in Los Angeles, but throughout the world.

“Following our 10th anniversary last year, we’re grateful to build upon that milestone and continue our work to provide a platform that exposes and builds opportunities for the Los Angeles dance community and the wider world,” said Lucinda Lent, executive director of the L.A. Dance Project.

“It’s an honour this year to celebrate Misty Copeland and her work to break barriers and transform dance and ballet both here in America and abroad. She shares in our ambition to make the performing arts more accessible.”

The annual gala is the single most important fundraising event of the year for LADP, supporting all aspects of its operations to ensure its programming is accessible to the public. For thousands of years across hundreds of different cultures, dance has been one of the most powerful forms of human expression, and the L.A. Dance Project is playing its role in making sure dance not only survives but also thrives. ladanceproject.org @ladanceproject

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VIVA ITALIA

EATALY, DRINK AND BE MERRY Eataly’s Italian passeggiata marketplace experience expands its Toronto presence WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

PHOTO BY LISMERY LOYOLA

Eataly’s Tommaso Brusò (left) and Andrea Cipolloni stand proudly in the new Eataly, the glorious Italian food emporium in Toronto’s Sherway Gardens

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SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TOMMASO AND DINO BORRI

entire space is licensed, meaning customers can sip a glass of fine wine while shopping.

Food-industry newcomer Brusò wants the Eataly experience to be authentic and fun — just like Italy. “I joined this industry very recently,” Brusò said in a recent interview with Dolce. “I came from fashion, and people asked why I changed industries, and I say it’s not true. We’re talking about the people industry ― we’re always talking to people, and that’s what attracted me.

When you come to Italy, you come to Italy with an ‘I’ ― when you come to Eataly, I want everyone to experience the true Italian culture. That’s a

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TORONTO IS WHERE WE WANT TO BE AS THE GTA IS GROWING AND THE PEOPLE HERE HAVE A GREAT APPRECIATION FOR GOOD FOOD

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orldwide Italian food marketplace sensation Eataly is building upon its success in Toronto by opening a second location, a 25,000-square-foot emporium at Sherway Gardens, making Toronto one of only two cities in North America with more than one of the Italian food meccas, with a third scheduled to open in early 2024.

“Toronto is where we want to be,” says Tommaso Brusò, CEO of Eataly North America.

“The Greater Toronto Area is growing, and the people here have a great appreciation for good food.”

The Eataly concept is inspired by the Italian passeggiata, which sees Italians taking to the streets and piazzas at night to stroll and socialize, stopping at bars and shops along the way. Eataly brought this tradition indoors by offering a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakeries, retail shops and even a cooking school. Italian businessman Oscar Farinetti converted a closed vermouth factory in Turin, Italy, and opened the first Eataly in January 2007, and today the enterprise has more than 40 locations worldwide.

Eataly’s Toronto success is even more impressive when considering the hurdles its first location in the city, at the Manulife Centre on a high-end stretch of Bloor Street at the edge of Yorkville, had to overcome. Imagine planning a 50,000-square-foot retail experience for years — designing the space, sourcing the food and drink, hiring and training the staff — only to see everything come to a crashing halt just as it was getting started.

Toronto’s first Eataly opened on November 13, 2019. In March 2020, only four months later, a global pandemic shut it and almost everything else completely down as the lockdown began. But Eataly persevered and slowly reopened when restrictions were lifted, and today it is one of the leading retail destinations in the exclusive neighbourhood.

While the Sherway Gardens Eataly is 25,000 square feet, half the size of the Yorkville flagship location, it is equally impressive. The market boasts the enormous grocery selection for which Eataly is famous, a mozzarella lab, a cheesemonger, a deli, four quick-service counters for baked goods, coffee, gelato and pastries, as well as two sit-down restaurants. In the true passeggiata tradition, the

strong part of our DNA. And what is important is our people, as we have a truly amazing, passionate team. At Eataly, we always want our guests to be part of a truly immersive Italian experience.”

Eataly Sherway Gardens features 363 seats spread around the space in the restaurants and food counters, and a patio will add another 90 seats in the spring of 2024. Of course, you can’t think of Italy without cheese and cured meats, and its glass-encased island features about 200 different items, including 300-day-aged Gorgonzolas and rare Parmigiano Reggianos including Vacche

Rosse, which is made from the milk of heritagebreed red cows.

Eataly also carries freshly flown-in mozzarella di bufala and burrata. For those who appreciate the freshest cheese, a stop at the mozzarella lab where fior di latte, burrata and stracciatella are made throughout the day is in order. The impressive cheese selection will change seasonally so that during the span of a year as many as 500 different varieties will be available.

The salumi section is a mix of cured meats from Ontario and Italy, including that country’s most famous prosciutto, some aged for up to 30 months, as well charcuterie-board musts like Rovagnati’s decadent Gran Biscotto al Tartufo, a truffle-studded prosciutto cotto.

For pasta lovers, more than 100 different dried pasta varieties are available, including gluten-free noodles and rare pasta shapes, as well as pasta flavoured with lemon, truffle, chili and cuttlefish ink. No one will go thirsty — the extensive wine selection is populated by about 500 labels with stock bottles from all 20 of Italy’s wine regions, including Tuscany (Brunello, Sangiovese) and Piedmont (Barolo, Nebbiolo). The marketplace also carries Italian amari, vermouth, aperitivi and spirits.

When asked what la dolce vita, the sweet life, means to him, Brusò, perhaps not unexpectedly, puts food high on the list. “Food is part of our lifestyle as you have to eat every day,” he says. “It’s important to enjoy that, enjoy what you do, enjoy making your food, and enjoy your family time, cooking and eating together — that’s la dolce vita for me.”

Brusò is one part connoisseur and one part raconteur of both Italian cooking and Italian life, which makes him the perfect commentator and observer of what Eataly means to the food experience in Toronto. “What I really like about Eataly is that it is not just about the food. It is about the traditions, of coming together and enjoying the lifestyle — that’s what I love about Eataly,” he says.

Good food, being together and enjoying Italian cultural traditions will be the continued recipe for success at Eataly Sherway Gardens. www.eataly.ca @eatalytoronto

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ELEVATED ELEGANCE

LIVING HISTORY

In a Spectacular Setting

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Renowned interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot’s vision was to create truly modern residences within the hotel’s historic framework

Waldorf Astoria Residences New York offers residents the opportunity to live in opulence and luxury at one of the world’s most historic addresses WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

Generous glass and marble create a sleek, clean and contemporary look within a classic Art Deco masterpiece

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here are perhaps only a handful of what we would classify as truly famous hotels in the world. Hotels that have a certain tradition and are filled with legendary stories and stature and marked by unmistakable elegance, glamour and sophistication. Those hotels give off a palpable feeling — just by walking into the lobby, you feel like “Wow, I’m really here!”

It’s a joy to visit such places, a pleasure to stay

in them and an even greater privilege to actually live in them.

The Waldorf Astoria in midtown Manhattan is on that list of the world’s most famous hotels — in fact, it may be at the top of that very exclusive list. It’s one of those rare places where you might say to yourself, “If these walls could talk ...” since it has hosted both the famous and infamous since 1931, when the 52-storey building opened, and from then it has been celebrated both in print and on film.

Now, for the first time ever, 375 luxury condominium residences are available at this iconic Park Avenue address, from penthouses to studios beginning at US$1.825 million, as part of an unprecedented restoration of this Art Deco landmark by renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

The new contemporary condominium residences will begin on the 19th floor and will

feature sophisticated interiors and amenities by internationally renowned designer Jean-Louis Deniot. Deniot’s vision was to create a truly modern experience within the Waldorf Astoria’s historic frame, with the wide variety of residences ranging from gracious studios to opulent fourbedroom residences and grand penthouses, many featuring unique floorplans and private outdoor spaces ideal for entertaining. All are supported by the Waldorf Astoria’s unparalleled and attentive service. After all, it was the first hotel in the world to offer room service.

New York is a city of stories, and there are few as legendary as that of the Waldorf Astoria.

The original hotel started as two hotels on Fifth Avenue built by feuding relatives in 1893. William Waldorf Astor, multimillionaire developer, built the first on the site of his father’s former mansion mostly to annoy his aunt, Caroline Webster Schermer Astor, who lived next door, with whom

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Elevated elegance and luxurious finishes are combined with opulent style and sophistication within expansive spaces to supply each residence with an ambiance in keeping with this historic location

he was having a longtime dispute. (Wealthy people don’t simply refuse to return the push lawnmower in a family feud — they can get even in very different ways from us mere mortals.)

That hotel was eventually torn down to make way for the Empire State Building, and the presentday hotel opened in 1931 as the then-tallest and largest hotel in the world.

Staying within those famous Waldorf Astoria walls have been some of the world’s most famous people, politicians, athletes and celebrities. The walls could tell what went on when Marilyn Monroe and her husband, Arthur Miller, lived at the hotel for several months in 1955, or when every U.S. president who visited New York stayed there, or of the time in the 1960s when Fidel Castro brought a flock of live chickens into the hotel, insisting that they be killed and freshly cooked on the premises to his satisfaction, only to be turned away.

Every notable name from the 20th century stayed at the hotel, from Muhammed Ali to Vince Lombardi, Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, Spencer Tracey and Katharine Hepburn, Judy Garland, as well as royalty such as Grace Kelly, Prince Ranier, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Rock royalty also visited but with different results. After the British rock band The Who stayed at the hotel in 1968, they were banned for life.

Gangster Bugsy Siegel owned an apartment at the Waldorf and Frank Sinatra made the hotel his home away from Los Angeles, paying $1 million per year to keep his suite there between 1979 and 1988. Legendary composer Cole Porter and his wife had an apartment at the Waldorf for 30 years, and his 1934 song “You’re the Top” contains the lyric, “You’re the top, you’re a Waldorf salad,” invented in the hotel in 1896.

Residents living among this history at the new condominiums of Waldorf Astoria Residences New York will have access to more than 50,000 square feet of private residential amenities, ranging from health and wellness facilities to entertaining and business spaces, including the stunning 25-metrelong Starlight Pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, luxurious and serene private spas for men and women and numerous entertaining spaces in which to host elegant or casual private dinners or functions.

It’s not often you get the opportunity to live surrounded by history. If the walls could talk at the Waldorf Astoria Residences New York, it would no doubt be a fascinating and entertaining conversation.

www.waldorftowers.nyc @waldorfnyc

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DRINKS

FOR THE CONNOISSEUR A few must-have items for any cellar collection TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO

CASA DE LAS MUSAS BLEND 2020 This Argentinian wine has notes of green pepper, crushed wet rocks, ripe red fruit, and chili pepper. The nose presents chocolate, vanilla, bay leaf and cherry. www.solocontigowines.com @solocontigowines

VERDICCHIO MATELICA-CAVALIER VINCENZO SPARKLING 2017 This Spumante delivers a palate that is the perfect combination of white peach, yellow rose and sweet almond. www.pianodirustano.it

EXTRA AGED AÑEJO, BLACK EDITION TEQUILA A remarkable depth of flavour with an intense gold and dark amber colour, with notes including a multitude of fruity aromas and toasted oak. www.cavadeoro.mx @cavadeoro

RIVAROSSA IGT VENEZIA GIULIA 2018 Every single grape that goes into the Rivarossa is harvested by hand and destemmed and fermented separately.

Notes of blackberry, licorice, tobacco, and black pepper complement the velvety mouthfeel. www.schiopetto.it @marioschiopetto

AMAR AMARO Rich, comprising a proprietary blend of herbs, roots, and botanicals derived from the highest-quality sources. Smooth, flavoursome, and perfectly balanced. www.vieni.ca @vieniestates

EXQUISITE COLLECTIONS LIKE THIS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT CON-NOIS-SEUR WINE IMPORTS AND SHOPDOLCE.CA

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PRODUCED BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA | TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO

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Dolce’s curated list of the most desirable picks is here to have you feeling and looking your best this season.

OBJECTS of

6. Vintage Alhambra Bracelet www.vancleefarpels.com @vancleefarpels 7. PlayStation Portal www.playstation.com @playstationca

4. Pistachio Panettone www.shopdolce.ca @rustichelladabruzzo

5. Ferrari – Limited Edition Book www.giftsdebut.com @giftsdebut

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3. Carmel Tulle Coat selezza.co.uk @selezzalondon

2. Dolce & Gabbana Edition Moka Express www.bialetti.com @bialetti

1. Lucky Spring Ring www.vancleefarpels.com @vancleefarpels

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13. Wonder Oven fromourplace.ca @ourplace 14. Tilda’s Bow Diamond Necklace www.graff.com @graff 15. The Root Christmas Tree Stand gardenglory.com @missgardenglory

10. The Hotel Mont Cervin Palace www.skisolutions.com @skisolutions

11. Octopod shop.madgallery.ch @mbfmadgallery

12. ZEGNA Ski & Poles Set www.ssense.com @ssense

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9. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 www.ysl.com @ysl

8. Wiloss Men’s Sweater www.buffalojeans.ca @buffalojeans

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DESIRE

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PHOTO BY FARZAM HD

Sisters Candice Raic (left) and Dr. Donna Gasparro understand the strength and wellness that come from having a female community

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FOR WOMEN, BY WOMEN: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH HOLISTIC WELLNESS Welcome to Femme Women’s Wellness, Medical & Cosmetics Healthcare Clinic SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FEMME

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rom the moment you walk through the doors of Femme, the elegant surroundings exude a sense of calm that sets the stage for healing. Women of all ages can come here and be understood and supported through their unique healthcare journey, which is curated for each patient by an all-female team.

Women’s quality of life is optimized at Femme with a unique care structure. First, Femme offers Executive Health primary medical care, for which each patient is assigned a dedicated nurse practitioner alongside a team of physicians including gynecologists. Second, the Wellness division includes integrative practitioners who are experts in their respective fields of chiropractic, pelvic floor physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage therapy, psychotherapy and naturopathic medicine. Third, Femme’s Cosmetic division offers beauty and confidence via facials, peels, neuromodulators, fillers, regenerative treatments, skin-tightening devices, laser hair removal and body contouring devices. While any woman can make appointments to utilize the services, the Femme Membership integrates a healthcare journey where practitioners in all three divisions collaborate to enhance each patient’s experience and well-being.

Femme Membership offers its members convenient, cutting-edge healthcare and wellness benefits such as unlimited Executive Health visits, an annual Executive Health physical that includes complimentary wellness and cosmetic

THERE’S A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING WITH EACH INTERACTION ...

THERE’S A SENSE OF COMFORT AND OPENNESS WHICH LEADS TO BETTER CARE AND AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE services, promotions on services in the clinic, expert-guided educational series on female health topics, group sessions for female-specific concerns, collaborations with other female-led businesses and so much more.

Femme is a haven for women to be understood and cared for authentically by skilled and compassionate experts. The vision for Femme

was conceived during a conversation on Mother’s Day between its co-founding sisters, Dr. Donna Gasparro, Medical Director, and Candice Raic, Chief Executive Officer, during which they discussed embracing the uniqueness of the female experience as the core idea for a healthcare clinic.

“We offer a sensitive approach wherein we curate a holistic health care plan with medicine and evidence-based treatment at the forefront, but also considering who each individual woman is,” says Dr Gasparro. “Our Executive Health team will orchestrate an optimized level of care for members through communication within each division of the clinic.”

Dr. Gasparro and Candice developed their vision into a women’s health centre that provides top-quality, compassionate care to the women of Toronto in a beautiful setting. Femme honours the different phases, changes, and challenges that may occur over the course of a woman’s lifetime.

“Every member of the team is an expert in their field with a focus on women’s health, but there’s a different level of understanding with each interaction,” says Raic. “There’s a sense of comfort and openness which leads to better care and an enjoyable experience.”

Created for women by women to foster openness, understanding and overall well-being through healthcare, the team at Femme strives to have patients feel empowered after each visit. www.experiencefemme.com @experiencefemme

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TRAVEL

THE GLAMOROUS WORLD OF CALIFORNIA A luxury travel experience that includes soaking up the West Coast and indulging in the finer things in life WRITTEN BY MASSIMO SOSA

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAVERICK HELICOPTERS

A chartered helicopter tour affords an aerial glimpse of Hollywood’s greatest landmarks

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‘‘

WEST HOLLYWOOD IS THE HUB OF THE ARTISTIC COMMUNITY WITH THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE

‘‘

- Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Dolce travel writer Massimo Sosa waits to take flight with Maverick Helicopters

The Bamford Wellness Spa in the 1 Hotel is famed for its redcarpet-ready holistic treatment offerings

PHOTO COURTESY OF BAMFORD WELLNESS SPA

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estled along the coast of the vibrant state of California lives a bustling metropolis famously known as the City of Angels. That is where we began our week-long adventure in the Sunshine State, graciously hosted by Visit California in partnership with Dolce. We got to experience West Hollywood, Temecula and Dana Point, each with their own rich history and unique takes on glamour and luxury.

Around 1984, this 500-hectare plot of land located in the heart of Los Angeles was born as an independent city, founded on the values of inclusivity and respect. Largely achieved by members of the LGBT+ community and those who shared the same ambition, West Hollywood was conceived as a place where creative minds would be nurtured. Now known for its hip culture, up-and-coming denizens and highly sought-after talents, WeHo - as it referred to by the locals - is a place cultivated with love. It is home to the famous Sunset Strip, historically known for its unparallelled link to California’s creative industries, from music and entertainment to architecture and the arts. Otherwise known as “The Creative City,” it generates some of the most impactful cultural changes in the U.S. and the world.

During my stay, the London West Hollywood hotel became home for three days. This tranquil urban oasis, winner of an impressive array of hospitality awards, epitomizes modern luxury and prides itself on its class and elegance, to which its many discerning guests can attest. The London has created an environment that epitomizes the height of laid-back California luxury, in keeping with the kind of “Hollywood allure” that the whole world recognizes.

Visit West Hollywood curated a praiseworthy itinerary from restorative workouts out at celebrity gym, DOGPOUND, to red-carpet pamperings fit for a star at the Bamford Wellness Spa, located in the 1 Hotel in WeHo, to happy hours with celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, I had settled into a life full of five-star meals and a life charmed with luxury, everything from walking the streets of WeHo to chartering private flights with the professionals at Maverick Helicopters. The days went by like scenes in a blockbuster movie, highlighting the endless possibilities and vibrant culture that lies within such close quarters within the greater city.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD

Picture-perfect evenings at the London West Hollywood’s private rooftop pool and lounge

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Ponte Winery Inn, a quaint boutique hotel in Temecula Valley, awarded for its charm and hospitality

Winery visitors will also enjoy experiencing the Valley’s breathtaking beauty. (Top) Bottaia Winery. (Below) Ponte Winery Inn

PHOTOS BY VISIT CALIFORNIA, MAX WHITTAKER

Temecula Valley, a rolling-hills landscape adorned with more than 40 vineyards, inns and other guest accommodations plotted on 3,000 acres of picturesque land, is a wine-lover’s dream getaway and a delightful change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a magic to this region of Southern California amid the Temescal Mountains. It was as if Temecula was destined to yield some of the most highly acclaimed wines, given its temperate climate and gentle breezes.

Visit Temecula Valley welcomed our arrival with a wine-pairing luncheon at Avensole Winery.

Hosted by its local staff, we were educated on the science of blending flavours and notes to craft the ultimate pairings.

Ponte Winery Inn, a quaint boutique hotel that has won awards for its charm and hospitality, became the next stop on our travels. This slice of paradise offers a wake-up call like no other — countryside in the midst of vineyards that seemingly extend beyond the horizon, serene sounds of nature and Temecula’s charms; floating hot-air balloons decorating the Californian skies.

With a variety of unique activities set in this community, you can enjoy guided tours, indulge in wine tastings and even participate in crafting your own wine-bottle label. Aside from wineries, Temecula Valley holds a plethora of allure just waiting to be discovered. Old Town Temecula is a charming community filled with historic buildings, boutique shops and restaurants serving up delicious food. You can stroll through the

CALIFORNIA

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A look into the skillful preparation of a winepairing experience at Avensole Winery

streets, enjoy live music and sample local cuisine, feeling as if you are starring in a western film.

For the thrill-seekers I highly recommend venturing out in a basket at the crack of dawn to reach new heights, soaring the skies in one of the region’s professionally captained hot air balloons.

Ahead of my travels, I could not have pictured myself taking a ride in one of these mammoths, but the ingenuity of this historic means of flight charmed me beyond my wildest dreams as we rose over 5,000 feet above the ground.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Temecula Valley has something for everyone. It’s a community that offers serenity and charm, indulging all the senses while nurturing unforgettable memories.

Just an hour aways lies Dana Point, a coastal beauty known for its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Situated in California’s Orange County, this surf-culture city prides itself on having picturesque views and a connection to its aquatic life that can only be described as supernatural.

Visit Dana Point hosted an unforgettable experience upon our arrival. Just when I thought I had witnessed it all, Dana Point showcased a special side of California’s glamour, proving itself to be the gem of the OC. Beginning with a gourmet lunch perched above the sea hosted by the RitzCarlton, we checked in to our final destination on this dream trip, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.

The Waldorf is famously known for its hospitality, treating each of its guests like royalty.

It sits on a 70-hectare oceanfront property that is home to breathtaking greens — including the famed Monarch Beach Golf Links — and is rimmed by lush vegetation, a wonderful location that guests are sure to be unceasingly charmed by.

During my stay, I had the privilege of indulging in some of the many amenities that the Waldorf has to offer, including dining experiences at some of their top-rated restaurants, a restorative massage in the property’s spacious spa, crafting activities and so much more.

If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities, Dana Point is the place to be. Its whitesand beaches and numerous marinas make it the perfect place for any waterfront lover’s staycation.

Visitors and locals alike often take part in whalewatching tours on the surrounding waters in hopes of spotting the breathtaking creatures

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ODIPS AND ITEMODIC

Top: Temecula’s prizewinning crops awaiting harvest below : A view of the picturesque sunset from The New Inn, a villa-style stay in Temecula Valley

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A full moon graces the Dana Point coast’s Waldorf Astoria

breaching the water just off California’s coast.

Perhaps a pod of dolphins will pay you a visit like they did us.

California boasts an allure like no other, whether it’s the draw of Hollywood, or the serene landscapes of Temecula Valley, or even the coastal energy of Dana Point. It is home to a vast array of cultures and experiences fit for any style of dreamer. I have had the absolute honour and pleasure taking you along on this dream road trip throughout Southern California, which is beyond a doubt a hub of luxury and of exciting experiences - one that I recommend that you add to your travel dream list. visitcalifornia.com @visitcalifornia

A pod of dolphins amaze during our whalewatching excursion

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TRAVEL REFINED FASHION

Canadian designer Diane Kroe has created clothing collections that set the standard for elegance, functionality, and style

www.dianekroe.com @dianekroestyle Location: www.verity.ca @verityonqueen

PHOTOS BY FARZAM HD

If not for Diane Kroe’s visionary eye for timeless designs, the Canadian fashion industry would not be what it is today.

What distinguishes her collections is their versatility ― pieces that can be comfortably transformed into varying styles according to the occasion and wearer’s mood. Embrace spontaneity with Diane Kroe’s WearEver Skirt Dress, as photographed here

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BESPOKE EXPERIENCES

Home to everything

THE WORLD ENVIES

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEST ITALY

Maria Elena Fabbrini knew early on that the hospitality and events sector was her true calling because of her love for travelling

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Maria Elena Fabbrini is determined to recapture Italy at 360 degrees for the world to see, from hospitality to food, art and e-commerce INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

PHOTO BY STUDIO LAMPO

PHOTO BY ANITA AUSTVIKA

No matter where she was on her travels, Fabbrini began to see her surroundings from a different perspective

In

an ever-changing world, traditions tend to fade and authentic cultural experiences are hard to come by. Meanwhile, clichés and labels remain fixed and misrepresent a country’s true identity.

For Maria Elena Fabbrini, founder and general manager of NEST Italy and listed among the 100 Successful Women in 2022 by Forbes Italia, Italy is more than just pizza, pasta and Vespas. It is a country that embodies sophistication along with history and passion. Whether through cuisine, architecture, art, fashion, music or its beautiful sunny peninsula, NEST Italy provides a travel experience that shows guests what “Made in Italy” truly is and how it has set the standard for exceeding expectations.

NEST Italy was founded in Milan in 2020, stemming from the idea that “luxury is a state of mind.” Since its inception, it has solely been aimed at creating unique experiences that cater to varying interests and needs with an Italianhospitality touch. By carefully selecting a list of properties, event locations and products, anyone can find their own ideal nest in the beautiful country of Italy.

Fabbrini dedicates her time to collaborating with local artists, brands, property owners and merchants to provide her clients with the finest Italian experience, continually striving to offer the sophistication, community and warm feeling of hominess that are the foundation of her and the company’s success.

Fabbrini honoured Dolce with an interview where we learned more about her roots, how NEST Italy came to be and about the small things in her life that make it ever so sweet.

Q: Walk us through how you came to create your own destination/tour company.

A: Nest is a company that promotes “Made in Italy” at 360°, with hospitality, food and drink (Tavolata), art (NestArt), marketing and e-commerce. I included all my greatest passions and took inspiration from what I saw and knew in 12 years abroad, bringing to my country the quality of “Made in Italy,” which I consider No. 1. The moment I decided on the name, Nest, everything found a meaning and a common thread that allowed me to connect all my passions. I created a brand identity and brochure with international

graphics and presented it at every door. The feedback has been very positive.

Q: What is the most satisfying part of your work?

A: Seeing that my hard work is understood and appreciated, I can do what I love every day.

Q: What are some of the common qualities the hosts possess as part of the NEST Italy experience?

A: They are kind, hospitable, passionate about their work.

Q: Describe your brand in three words.

A: Sophisticated, community, a nest (home feeling, protective).

Q: What is it about travel to Italy that resonates with your guests?

A: We try to show a sophisticated Italy, too often represented only as pizza, pasta, Vespa, spaghetti and dolce vita. Our customers are as sophisticated as the Italy that we care about sharing and showing.

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PHOTO BY NICK GEORGE

NEST offers an attentively vetted selection of hotels and villas, guaranteeing its guests exceptional quality

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Italy’s hidden gems and products often go unnoticed due to limited promotion, but Fabbrini aims to change that! It was precisely for this reason that she decided to return to live in Italy and create Nest

Q: What has been the best compliment you’ve received from a guest’s experience at Nest?

A: “You are a genius.”

Q: What has been the best travel experience that you cherish?

A: I have had many wonderful experiences. It is certainly the less obvious ones that I carry with me the most, like a dinner at sunset in a wheat field, a dinner in the forest, or the wonderful people I have met in these three years of activity.

Q: List 10 items (brands) that you pack in your carry-on.

A: Bose headphones, my MacBook Pro, Pendleton beauty case, Ortigia Ambra Nera body cream, Penhaligon’s Halfeti perfume, L:a Bruket beauty products, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense, Herschel Chapter beauty kit, Rimowa carry-on, my black Alyx hat.

Q: Walk us through a typical day in the life of Maria Elena Fabbrini.

A: I wake up, look at emails and Nest’s Instagram, feed my dog, have breakfast and start the workday.

Take my dog out, work, and no one can take me away from a good aperitif or a dinner night out with friends. Other days, I live in the car to go to the locations that are in Nest or to Tavolata events.

A constant companion? The music I publish on our channel “Nest Recordings.”

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your family history, where you grew up and some of the people who shaped you into the person you are today.

A: I lived in Italy until the age of 19. Then I moved every six months, one or two years to different places. This made me open my mind as much as possible. Discovering different cultures, learning more than one language, and living negative and positive experiences allow you to grow and look at the world from multiple perspectives. Nowadays, more than ever, I have realized how much this can differentiate us from those around us. I studied in New York, Sydney and Marbella (graduated in Business in Hotel and Restaurant Administration at the Spain campus, but the university is in Switzerland and it’s called Les Roches). Worked for Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Rocco Forte in Florence and Barcelona, and five years with Cipriani in Ibiza, Venice, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai and London. Deputy director of operations at sketch London. Several people have shaped me into the person I am, from managers to university and, first, my family.

Q: What traditions do you cherish from your childhood?

A: An appreciation for all things old school. I consider myself a “young body, old soul.” I’m honest in saying that I’m not a big fan of the present, from some points of view. I think there were more values once, and I still feel strongly about them.

Q: What advice would you give a younger self?

A: “Be very careful what you put in that head, because you will never, ever get it out.” — Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey

Q: Where do you like to go to shop for truly unique finds?

A: My favourite shops are Slam Jam in Milano, Goodhood in London, the Liberty store in Carnaby London, le Marais in Paris.

Q: What is your favourite food/dish to make?

A: Spaghetti alla bottarga (but I can’t beat my mom’s).

Q: If you could host anyone (dead or alive) on your property, who would it be and why?

A: Ry Cuming from Ry X. My favourite artist. I love his lyrics, and I’ve heard several interviews.

There would be many others. Salvador Dali is certainly one.

Q: What do you wish you could change about the misconception people have about Italy or travel in general?

A: I would like people to see us in a more sophisticated way, that our politics and economics are different, so that we are respected from every point of view and not just for fashion, food, wine, et cetera.

Q: Define freedom for us.

A: “Freedom” is one of my favourite words.

Freedom to be yourself and to accept yourself as you are, to try to fulfil what you imagine, not to give up and not to listen to anyone, because only you can recognize the truth that lies within yourself.

Q: Complete the sentence for us: Travel for me is the reason ...

A: To be happy, to feel free and to get to know myself more and more through new experiences. nestitaly.com @nest.italy

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a t S e th o t D es i g n e r

MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARDrs-

STAR STYLE

Following the success of his latest book, Star Style, the Los Angeles designer favoured amongst celebrities catches up with Dolce for a tale of origins and his latest endeavours WRITTEN BY MASSIMO SOSA

PHOTOS BY DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

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amous for his sophisticated takes on comfort and bold expressions of design — and his client roster that could fill the Hollywood Walk Of Fame — Martyn Lawrence Bullard is the modern-day designer to the stars.

Destined for stardom, the UK native hit his stride as a designer only after his first ambition had a setback. Bullard told Dolce his dreams led him to Los Angeles, where he’d hoped to pursue a career in acting, “ I came to Los Angeles when I was 21 with the idea I was going to be an actor — I flailed around in an very small movie but ended up being mostly cut out of it.”

As fate would have it Bullard’s career would go on to be forged in stardust. He landed a gig decorating the offices of the Hollywood Filmworks Company following

A glimpse into the designer’s dining room, which features vintage brass dining room table and Gio Ponti dining chairs, drapes fashioned from three Schumacher fabrics

by Interior Specialties, with a Miles Aldridge artwork and a modern Berber rug to tie the space together

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Bullard’s eclectic styling of his Hollywood Hills home creates an opulent dance of textiles, prints and furnishings evocative of Morocco

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The Los Angeles resident smiles for his closeup as he looks towards future projects

a dinner hosted at his small West Hollywood home for producer Victor Ginzburg and his thenfiancée, who were captivated by Bullard’s eclectic style on a budget. This meet-cute unknowingly became responsible for his meteoric launch into the world of interior design.

He has worked with some of the most notable names in the industry, from A-list clients like Elton John, Ellen Pompeo, Kylie Jenner and RuPaul to royalty, designing photo-worthy interiors that have gone on to grace the covers of numerous publications, including Architectural Digest and Vogue Living.

Bullard’s 30 years of expertise working in a wide range of styles means that he can adapt to each individual’s taste and vision. “Interior design is very personal, but the universal thing that people

want today is comfort,” he told Dolce, noting that it’s the key factor when he designs for his clients.

“Modern luxury definitely equals comfort.” That it does.

An artist in his own right, Bullard gets inspiration from anything and everything every day. In the foreword of Star Style, the designer’s latest book, the music icon and EGOT awardwinner Cher writes how Bullard sourced “the façade of an Indian palace that had been torn down in Jaipur,” artifacts and pieces that would later be incorporated into the furnishings and elements of the singer’s home, including her regal bed set.

Passionate about creating the ultimate for each project, Bullard leaves no region unexplored, from the flea markets of Paris to the souks of Cairo and

the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul — with his awardwinning talent, carefully melding a client’s style with an overarching theme that is both culturally rich and artistically significant.

His own palace, situated in the Hollywood Hills, is a historic villa once home to luminaries Tina Turner, Andy Warhol and blockbuster icon Dennis Hopper, and holds tales as star-studded as the key that turns its lock; Bullard’s latest property is a project of his from 20 years ago, with the Californian home being that of a past client, Craig Kilborn, who once hosted The Late Late Show.

Star Style takes readers through some of the most breathtaking and massive projects in the designer’s portfolio and shares insights and quotes from clients including Rupaul, Ellen Pompeo and Cher.

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Bullard’s designs for the home of star client RuPaul adorn both the kitchen and primary bedroom with the TV icon’s favourite tone of orange

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Q: Are there any specific design principles or philosophies that guide your work?

A: Two most important things: you want the home to feel like the client and achieve a sense of place — you want to make sure your design feels correct for where you are. I think that’s a very important element to interior design.

A: Travel. Make sure you travel — you’ve got to see the world, you’ve got to understand cultures, you have to understand styles, you have to understand history before you can create eternity. Meaning seeing and experiencing new things, going to museums, doing things that will enrich your decorative soul is so important — the real world is the best education you can have as a designer.

Q: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?

A: Understanding somebody’s character, what their dreams are made of. Rupaul is a DJ — he loves to DJ and dance. He had a huge room and it made sense to me to put a disco ball in there — 26, in fact.

Q: Can you share a design project that challenged your beliefs or pushed you out of your comfort zone?

A: I hope that every project challenges me — if you are comfortable, it means that you are not being newly inspired, it means you are repeating something that has already existed. I think the day you stop challenging yourself is the day you stop learning and the day you stop learning is the day you die.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to make a name for themselves in the industry?

Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?

A: We have about 20 projects currently. We are in the middle of Sylvester Stallone in Palm Beach, Machine Gun Kelly in Los Angeles, we have P!nk, a couple of hotels on the go — I’m finishing the Four Seasons in Los Angeles, there’s a lot of work and lots of new collections coming next year.

Star Style is out now and features over 15 projects Bullard and his team have recently completed

Q: How would you describe your idea of la dolce vita? What does it mean to you?

A: My dolce vita is travel, it’s experiencing new places and new cultures — if I didn’t have to work I literally would just travel the world because there’s nothing more exciting than seeing new places, meeting new people having new experiences — they are the threads to life’s tapestry and I would say for me that is the ultimate dolce vita. martynlawrencebullard.com @martynbullard

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One of nature’s most magnificent animals, the African elephant has been under increasing pressure for decades, slaughtered for its ivory tusks

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PHOTO BY LEON BUTER

DOING THE RIGHT THING

PRESERVATION

Canada joins a global campaign to ban elephant ivory tusks and rhino horns to preserve two of nature’s greatest treasures WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

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ELEPHANT AND RHINO POPULATIONS HAVE BEEN DECIMATED BY THE GLOBAL TRADE IN THEIR PARTS, AND POACHING CAUSES CONSIDERABLE SUFFERING TO THESE INCREDIBLE ANIMALS

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or many people, the thought of Africa immediately conjures up the image of a great elephant or rhinoceros. Perhaps no continent on Earth is so immediately identified with animals as Africa. However, if we don’t act soon and forcefully, those iconic animals will be gone forever because of poachers.

The Canadian government took a step in the right direction in November by enacting a historic ban on elephant ivory tusks and rhino horns, as well as the importing of any hunting trophies containing these parts. This landmark measure is a critical step in protecting these treasured species and follows a seven-year campaign by Humane Society International/Canada, which had the overwhelming support of animal protection groups, conservationists, African nations and many notable Canadians.

Poachers have decimated the population of African elephants and rhinos over the past several decades simply because there is a market for elephant-ivory tusks and rhino horns. As many as 25,000 elephants and 1,300 rhinos are killed by poachers in Africa every year. The African elephant population has declined by 96 per cent over the last century, with scientists warning that they as well as many rhinos could become extinct within the next few decades in the absence of global intervention to discourage poachers.

Eliminate the markets for elephant ivory tusks and rhino horns and we can dramatically reduce the global demand.

Canada’s move has it joining its top trading partners, including the United States, China and the United Kingdom, who have all closed their elephant ivory markets in response to declining elephant populations. In the most recent available data from 2010 through 2021, 450 elephant tusks, 16 rhino horns and an additional 81 elephant

trophies and 44 rhino trophies were still legally imported into Canada.

That sort of importation will now be banned due to a public outcry — a 2020 Insights West poll found that 94 per of Canadians supported an elephant ivory trade ban, and a petition for a Canadian ban on elephant ivory trade collected more than 700,000 signatures. Action has also come from many eminent Canadians, including an open letter in June 2021 by naturalist and scientist David Suzuki and renowned artist and conservationist Robert Bateman.

“I have had the great privilege of observing wild African elephants, and like so many other Canadians, I am devastated by the prospect of their extinction and their ongoing suffering at the hands of humans,” says Bateman. “The survival of African elephants and rhinos hinges on the actions of the global community, and I commend Canada for enacting meaningful policies to safeguard these amazing animals for generations to come.”

Canadian musician Bryan Adams, Order of Canada recipient and one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, also weighed in with his support, saying, “As a long-time animal advocate, I am thrilled that Canada has listened to the overwhelming number of Canadians who demanded action to end the senseless killing of elephants and rhinos. The policies enacted by the Canadian government set a powerful precedent for countries around the world to join the fight to protect elephants and rhinos.”

“Elephant and rhino populations have been decimated by the global trade in their parts, and poaching causes considerable suffering to these incredible animals,” says Kelly Butler, campaign manager for Humane Society International/ Canada. “The Canadian government has shown leadership and reflected the will of Canadians and the vast majority of African nations holding elephant populations. At last, Canadians can rest assured that our country is doing our part to ensure these majestic animals have a future.”

African elephants and rhinos are among nature’s most magnificent species. The Canadian government ban on the trade of domestic elephant ivory tusks and rhino horns is another small yet notable step to help preserve the animals so they can be enjoyed for many generations to come. www.hsi.org @hsi_canada

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STYLE MAVEN An interior designer and influencer with international clients, Aerin has recently branched into television as host of Country House Hunters Canada

THE PASSION OF A DESIGNING WOMAN

PHOTOS BY FARZAM HD

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AMANDA AERIN

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Toronto interior designer and lifestyle brand influencer Amanda Aerin has turned a youthful passion into a style she can call her own WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

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I

t’s often been said that interior designers live and breathe their craft and that they have design in their blood. For acclaimed Toronto designer Amanda Aerin, growing up in a small town in Ontario, that may literally be the truth.

“I grew up in Georgetown, Ont., and grew up in a historical house that many people thought was haunted,” Aerin recalled in a recent interview with Dolce. “My parents actually renovated that property along with another up the street. My mom would say historical houses are in my blood as I was known as a baby to pick up old wallpaper that they were stripping off the walls and eat it — so it’s literally in my bones to restore houses.”

It’s safe to say Aerin’s appetite for interior design has improved dramatically since those early childhood days of exploration, becoming one of Canada’s best-known and sought-after interior designers, bringing her love of heritage to today’s modern world. “Traditional with a twist” is what she calls her distinctive style as she has grown from building a design firm to creating a full-scale lifestyle brand. Aerin took another step forward in mid-2023 as the host of Country House Hunters Canada, airing on primetime on the CTV Life Channel.

Aerin participated in a TV design contest in 2012, which resulted in her being awarded design expert status on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show.

That boost in visibility allowed her to expand her creative experiences, which now include product development, marketing collaborations and luxury design. She has exhibited her design work at leading events, such as the National Interior Design Show, the International Builders Show in Las Vegas and the National Home Show.

Her marketing partnerships include working with major brands such as Canadian Tire, RE/ MAX, Indigo, Kim Crawford, Sunwing Travel and the NBA. Aerin is influenced by European architecture and is passionate about the drama of classic mouldings, daring papers, geometric patterns and rich textures, all while offering homeowners

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HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS CLASSIC, THEN HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE, HIGHLY MODERN AND COLOURFUL, REALLY BOLD, THEN HAVE SOMETHING SHINY FOR A LITTLE GLITZ AND GLAM – WITH THOSE THREE ELEMENTS, YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO HAVE AN AMANDA AERIN ROOM

an opportunity to turn their homes into a welcoming and organized oasis that truly functions for the family. While she doesn’t remember the diet of wallpaper, she does remember the moment when design entered her life.

“There was a time in my life when I felt that my creativity started to shine through,” says Aerin.

“When I was about 11 years old, my mom gifted me, I think, $100 to go ahead and decorate my bedroom any way I chose, any paint, any linens.

I actually chose a purple and turquoise theme, which I’m not sure I would choose today — but that moment really sticks in my mind.”

Now Aerin is the busy mother of five children, including four that her husband brought to their marriage. That baseball team lineup might seem to some like a recipe for mayhem, but Aerin somehow makes it work, developing skills that also assist her in her professional life on behalf of her clients.

“Any given time we get together, it’s definitely busy,” she says. “Motherhood has taught me a lot of patience, and my ability to compartmentalize problems has really developed as a result of having so many diverse personalities in our children,

and I have become a master when it comes to budgeting! I also prioritize things very efficiently.

That’s one of my strong suits.”

Aerin’s design style of “traditional with a twist,” she explains, is built on three foundations.

“The easiest way to explain it is to have something that is classic, such as a classic fireplace, or classic moulding or a classic wood floor. Then, have something that is the complete opposite — highly modern and colourful, really bold. Then have something shiny for a little glitz and glam. With those three elements, you’re guaranteed to have an Amanda Aerin room.”

As Aerin revels in her new hosting duties on Country House Hunters Canada, travelling the country and speaking with Canadians about all styles of design, she doesn’t hesitate to offer up her recipe for la dolce vita, or the sweet life. “I’m a Pisces, so being near water is extremely important to me, along with fresh flowers and live music,” she declares.

Now, that’s a recipe that certainly sounds a lot tastier than wallpaper. amanda-aerin.com @amanda.aerin.style

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Aerins calls her distinctive interior design style “traditional with a twist,” marrying European elegance with modern accents

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ADVERTORIAL

DOLCE

EMPOWERING

WOMEN Dolce is proud to present its first-ever class of “Dolce Empowering Women,” who demonstrate passion and excellence in their respective fields TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO

It

is special when intelligence and beauty come together. Moreover, it is more exceptional when the female entrepreneurial spirit flourishes to improve the world. Dolce felt it would be fitting to showcase this class of incredible women because they have achieved excellence in their fields as well as embody what la dolce vita is all about. They teach us that la dolce vita is more than just luxury and panache.

Rather, it is also doing what you love and leading by example to inspire others to reach their full potential.

These mothers, sisters and granddaughters understood early on that life is only beautiful when someone works toward creating the life they want to live and being the change they want to see in the world.

These women are more than just professionals but role models in their community because they teach us that visionary ideas are not dreams but fuel for one’s ambition and tenacity. They teach us that the pursuit of education and professional development will lead to doors of opportunity. They teach us to roll up our sleeves and never shy away when hurdles arise. Rather, those women press forward with fiery determination and tunnel vision because sometimes the right path is not always the easiest one to take.

We are proud of every one of these incredible women because the success of their lives’ work reflects the beauty of their characters and work ethics.

As the famous Italian proverb observes, Chi non lavora, non fa l’amore, which means “One who does not work does not make love.”

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DOLCE

EMPOWERING WOMEN 1. LIMOR BENMOR-MIZRAHI A renowned architect and founder of her eponymous studio, LBMizrahi Architect Inc. Limor is a luminary in high-end residential design and an advocate for women in architecture. She offers a glimpse into her visionary projects, showcasing an empowering blend of creativity and innovation. Dolce Magazine features Limor in their Women’s Empowerment spotlight, celebrating her exquisite touch on spaces and the architectural landscape.

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@lbmizrahi.architect

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2. ALYSSA INTERIORS A luxury design firm leading the design industry in the Toronto area for the past 20 years. Alyssa’s passion for design, mixed with her keen eye for the finest details will transform your design dreams into reality. She specializes in Custom Interiors & Home Renovations.

Regardless of the scope or scale of a project Alyssa can create a space that is beautiful and uniquely yours. www.alyssainteriors.com @alyssa_interiors

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3. SANAZ HOOMAN The senior vice president of Opulence Global has dedicated the past two decades to the direct sales industry. With a passion for fashion, beauty, and health, she has mentored and coached numerous individuals to achieve their own success in these sectors. She oversees international negotiations, product manufacturing, distribution, and global operations, all with the aim of helping entrepreneurs reach their ultimate potential. www.opulence.com @opulencegl

4. KATHLEEN BLACK For over 15 years, she has transformed lives through high-performance business and mindset coaching.

A best-selling author, her journey inspired the Emmynominated documentary The Relentless One. her team’s holistic approach has guided iconic brands to add billions in sales volume and her mission to reshape entrepreneurial success continues to inspire leaders to unlock their full potential.

KathleenBlack.com @KathleenBlack_

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5. ANITA IVIC The visionary behind Imprint Pilates boasts over 20 years as a fitness expert, including 16 years with Toronto’s premier private studio. Recognized twice as one of Canada’s top fitness trainers, she specializes in training athletes and a diverse individuals, empowering them to excel in their lives and fostering mind-body evolution.

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6. NICKI SERRAVALLE Co-Founder of REVEL Realty is a true powerhouse in real estate. As COO/CFO, she leads over 20 offices and 400+ agents and staff across Ontario. Recognized as the Best Business Woman Under Forty, she and her meticulous approach and financial acumen drive REVEL’s expansion. www.revelrealty.ca @nickiserravalle

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7. DANIELLE AMOS A prominent success-mindset coach with extensive experience ranging from group coaching, private mentorship, accountability, luxury self-image to organizing confidence retreats for women to learn to “work smarter, not harder” to enhance their mindset and energy to achieve the best life possible. Beyond that, she is an inspiring motivational speaker, digital creator, and host of The Prosperity Practice Podcast.

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8. SARAH BARBER Award-winning interior and architectural designer, tough as nails, dynamic mother of two, and the Founder and Principal of Barber Design Studio LTD. With over 20 years of experience, she’s worked with the top real estate developers and builders in Canada and the U.S. Sarah also enjoys mentoring young women advancing in their careers. She’s a prominent leader in the construction industry, known for her savvy style and collaborative approach. www.barberdesignstudio.com @barberdesign

9. NICOLETTA RANIERI The founder and principal lawyer of Ranieri Law, a client-centred law firm in Vaughan, Ontario. She specializes in business, entertainment and intellectual property law, representing clients at all levels in various industries. She is passionate about her clients’ cases and promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives.

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10. NATASHA PENZO A dynamic entrepreneur with an unbridled passion for all things related to home, she is a real estate broker with The Penzo Team, a co-founder of Urban Blueprint, a forward-thinking design + build firm, and Homekin, a ground-breaking home design + decor venture that connects consumers with interior designers. www.homekin.com @natpenzo

11. KAVITA SURI A luminary in the beauty and cosmetics industry for over 25 years, she is a prominent figure in Toronto’s beauty scene. She founded Infuse Med Spa, specializing in painless hair removal and advanced beauty services. Her skincare line, InfuseDerm, is celebrated for its efficacy in dark-spot removal. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication make her an icon in women’s beauty and empowerment. www.infusemedspa.com @kavitasuri_beautyinc

12. JYOTI SHAMNANI

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Acclaimed and award-winning REALTOR®, Jyoti Shamnani, dedicates her expertise to guiding clients through their real estate journeys. Having resided in six countries, she intimately understands their challenges. Shamnani’s reputation reflects her attentiveness, extensive neighbourhood knowledge, and expert negotiation skills, making her the most sought-after realtor. Dolce proudly showcases Shamnani as her prowess extends beyond real estate and her enthusiasm inspires those around her. www.JyotiShamnani.com @jyotishamnaniteam

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CANADIAN ARTIST

A winterscape featuring her famous birch trees and symbolic red berries

Doris P ontieri FASHIONING PHOTO BY EMAD MOHAMMADI

IMPRESSIONISM

Finding international success and redefining what it means to be a true artist WRITTEN BY MASSIMO SOSA

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Pontieri will accept a gold award from Paris’s Society of Science, Letters, and Art at their annual ball

Pontieri experiments with colours in many of her floral works

O

ne of humanity’s most cherished expressions, storytelling, has imagemaking as its origin, which stretches back to prehistory; a universal language without words, visual art has stood the test of time.

For Canadian artist Doris Pontieri, capturing the raw emotion of the human experience through poetic gestures on canvas is her gift to society.

Following her 10-year lap with Ferrari, in a career which has prestige all its own, Pontieri’s life took an unforeseen turn when she got a request to donate one of her paintings. It was an act that had no idea would change the trajectory of her career for the next 30 years, ultimately paving the way for her to pursue a lifelong passion as a full-time artist.

Best known for her series of Birch Tree paintings, Pontieri has achieved a success that most can only dream of. Having received accolades from numerous institutions and attracted the interest of the most prestigious patrons in the art community since her international debut in 2012, she has become one of the few Canadian artists to present her work every year at the Louvre in Paris. Pontieri’s fantastic success has been propelled not just by global art aficionados. Some of her paintings have found their way into the collections of the likes of Marina Picasso, Pablo’s granddaughter, who for many years would also exhibit them in her “Artistes du Monde” gallery show in Cannes for years to come.

Pontieri, who is self-taught, recalls her initial attraction to painting and how she became involved in the world of art. “My mother was an artist, and I grew up watching her paint,” she says.

The Toronto local shared memories of her late mother and how she has been an ultimate source of inspiration throughout Pontieri’s career, even in spirit. “One of my most famous paintings is my birch trees, and that really came from the memories of my mother. We had horses in our

family, and we would ride in the wintertime. We’d ride through clearings of birch trees; they were just so beautiful and breathtaking ... no leaves or foliage. You could really see the interplay of branches, which was like a ballet, and they were gorgeous.”

Remembering those rides with her mother became her fuel for finding her own voice within the art form. Pontieri told Dolce, “I always wanted to paint how that felt to me because it was such a wonderful time in my life, but it was impossible to come up with a way to create the image in my head.” The artist shared that through exploring a variety of media she came up with the technique of using a combination of charcoal, watercolour and acrylic to create a unique and beautiful effect that captures the essence of nature.

Pontieri often adds what she calls a “signature” to her works, a single touch of colour that adds life to her blustery winterscapes, such as a dash of brilliant red on the branch of a sapling shivering in the snow, to symbolize Canada’s resilience and, more personally, to symbolize “my mother’s perseverance and strength to never give up.” It serves as a reminder that hope can prevail, even against all odds.

Pontieri’s work has been displayed in galleries and exhibitions throughout North America and Europe, and in some of their most romantic cities, including Cannes, London and Venice, and she attends many of her own shows, frequently with her daughter.

Her talent and creative process is stunning.

She paints entirely from emotion and memory rather than using a real subject for reference, the more traditional approach. Pontieri thrives on her ability to work closely with her media in a harmonious dance to bring her visions to life. This talent has undoubtedly solidified her reputation as a skilled Canadian impressionist artist.

Throughout her career, Pontieri has created hundreds of original paintings, often devoting over 20 hours per day to her practice. She anticipates producing a collection of nearly 350 paintings each year, which she plans to sell through various art dealers. This devotion combined with her effort to incorporate feeling within every paint stroke is Pontieri’s way of leaving her essence on each canvas.

Painting from emotion is the secret to unlocking what it means to be a true artist. “It’s been an absolute joy,” Pontieri often exclaims when describing her career.

Despite her success, Pontieri remains humble and passionate about her work. She continues to teach art to students of all ages and skill sets, writing for various publications and sharing her knowledge and experience with others. Her art is a reflection of her love of life, and it inspires others to pursue their dreams and follow their hearts. She continues to create beautiful pieces that touch the hearts of people all over the world, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. www.dorispontieri.com @dorispontieri

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SPECIALIZED ARTIS TRY

Gabrielle Peacock has been a passionate advocate for art and culture her entire career

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE THE BEAUTY INSIDE THE GARDINER MUSEUM

HISTORY AND A PROMISING FUTURE

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PHOTO BY EMAD MOHAMMADI

t n e in om r P a g in c a r b Em

Since 1984, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art has united and inspired communities, and its future is set to offer up new wonders WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

RENDERING COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY SISAM ARCHITECTS

The plans by Montgomery Sisam Architects and Andrew Jones Design for the 8,952-squarefoot space integrate the warmth and tactility of clay into the essence of the visitor experience while upholding the principles of accessibility and inclusion

T

he Gardiner Museum has served as a beacon of inspiration and art history and serves up transformative experiences for those who set their eyes on its breathtaking collections. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, its curated collection of over 5,000 objects from the ancient Americas, Europe, Japan and China, as well as contemporary works focused on leading Canadian artists, has established it as one of the world’s most notable specialty museums.

“We want to build community with clay while making sure we are accessible to people in a way that they feel welcome,” says Gabrielle Peacock, the executive director and CEO of the Gardiner Museum. She reflects that her childhood path inevitably led her into the art world and a 30-plusyear career in the private and public art sectors.

For years as a child she’d travel the world with her mother, an interior designer and writer, and her father, an artist and creative director for advertising, as they restored old homes and collected antiques.

“I can’t tell you how many antique shops I wandered through. Our home was always filled with art,” says Gabrielle.

Gabrielle joined the Gardiner in February 2023 and was honoured to join its family. The museum is prominently situated on Queens Park just south of Bloor Street West. The Gardiner Museum family is small, made up of a collaborative creative group of people who all have very specific expertise.

Gabrielle notes, “One of the reasons that I was so excited to join the Gardiner is its size. It allows us to be very agile and creative.”

Although they are small in number, their level of passion and commitment to art, history and community engagement is unparalleled. In the museum, visitors can enjoy delicious food at Clay Restaurant, a wonderful museum shop, inhouse catalogues, curated shows and a variety of clay classes from handbuilding, wheel throwing, stoneware, mindfulness and more.

“We organize and run all these independent yet very connected outlets to carry out our unified vision … to really engage with people and get them excited about clay, and find a way to resonate with them,” says Gabrielle.

Moreover, she is thrilled to be a part of this exciting moment in the Gardiner’s history, with the receipt of $9 million from the Radlett Foundation, the largest single gift it has received since the museum was founded by George and Helen Gardiner. The donation honours the memory of the late William B.G. Humphries, who established the Radlett Foundation and had made a lifelong commitment to the collection and presentation of ceramics.

“I don’t do things unless I put in 200%, and, with this amazing gift, we’re going to be able to transform this space for everyone we welcome here,” says Gabrielle.

This gift alone will catalyze a full-scale visionary expansion of the Gardiner Museum’s ground floor. This includes the construction of a new fully equipped “makerspace” and a community engagement centre. At the heart of the renovations is a focus on how the museum wants its guests to experience everything from the moment

they walk through the door, nothing short of an immediate feeling of interconnectedness with the collections.

“We want the whole space to flow, feel open and have sightlines so guests can see right into the gallery. We want the new makerspace to be placed right where guests enter so it will encourage them to join a drop-in class, maybe watch an artist in residence or admire a wall of freshly made pots and cups by the children,” says Gabrielle.

Along with the entire ground-floor transformation, the Gardiner will feature a special gallery of Indigenous ceramics at its centre to pay tribute to Mr. Humphries’ legacy of unwavering support for Indigenous communities.

Gabrielle adds. “To begin collecting contemporary Indigenous ceramics is very exciting for us. It’s not an area of our collection where we have a large representation. So we’re overjoyed that we are going to be able to do that. This opportunity is once in a generation.”

The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art is embarking on a fundraising campaign that will invite its donors, partners, volunteers and the broader community to be part of this visionary transformation.

For four decades it has been revolutionary, changing the perception that cultural institutions are more than repositories for relics. It is a home for adults and children to gather, share ideas, create and inspire artistic expression. www.gardinermuseum.on.ca @gardinermuseum

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MSC Yacht Club’s all-inclusive style of cruising includes luxurious suites, personalized service and dedicated on-board venues, including a private lounge, restaurant and pool area, for guests to enjoy at their leisure

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF PRIVACY AND LUXURY MSC Yacht Club ― the pinnacle of cruise-ship comfort and service

Naturally, guests can also take advantage of the countless recreation, relaxation and entertainment opportunities offered throughout the ship. MSC Yacht Club is the perfect choice for travellers seeking a world of unique experiences.

Since the Yacht Club’s inception in 2008, it has earned an illustrious reputation for being a luxury haven that anticipates guests’ needs with heightened sensitivity and personalizes its various services and benefits accordingly.

When Cristian Comirla, Brand Performance Director of MSC Yacht Club, was asked to describe it in one word, “exclusivity,” is what he chose. With 14 years of cruise-line industry experience under his belt, he contends that MSC Cruises, the familyowned company that operates MSC Yacht Club, is unmatched by other cruise-line competitors.

“MSC was one of the first cruise lines to deliver this service, but the difference is [that] with MSC, everything is in one place. Competitors may have

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iscover a ship within a ship. From its elegant suites to its roundthe-clock butler service and concierge reception, the MSC Yacht Club offers the kind of firstclass experience expected by the most discerning travellers. Its privileged guests can enjoy the benefit of dedicated venues that include a private restaurant, lounge, pool and solarium, all of which feature an all-inclusive drinks service.

Cristian Comirla, Brand Performance Director of MSC Yacht Club

From personalized recommendations to organized services, on-board or ashore ― from shoeshines to 3 a.m. treats ― and always paying meticulous attention to detail, your butler is dedicated to enhancing your voyage and creating cherished moments

similar products and services, but they’re scattered all over the ship,” says Comirla. “Once guests enter the MSC Yacht Club, it is a ship within a ship, where everything is conveniently located in one place. Our aim is to minimize the need for guests to navigate and overthink. We strive to take care of everything for our guests, making their experience as seamless and effortless as possible.”

The foundation of the “guest first” philosophy is evident from the moment guests arrive at their dedicated check-in and drop off their luggage. They are warmly welcomed with a glass of champagne and snacks. As they step on board, their personal butler escorts them to the lounge while providing a brief welcome orientation, explaining all the benefits and services available to them. Finally, guests arrive at their suites, which are luxuriously appointed with only high-quality materials and many advanced features and include an all-inclusive minibar. With a dedicated 24-hour team including a concierge, culinary teams and butler service at the guests’ disposal, every desire can be met with the utmost care and no detail is overlooked.

“We try to start your vacation as soon as possible.

The idea is to never say no - rather, to always find the solution,” says Comirla.

That means that whether guests want to dine in the ship’s private restaurant offering premium Mediterranean and international cuisines or want a

WE STRIVE TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING FOR OUR GUESTS, MAKING THEIR EXPERIENCE AS SEAMLESS AND EFFORTLESS AS POSSIBLE snack at 3 a.m., MSC will make everything perfect at a moment’s notice. The MSC Yacht Club offers a variety of sophisticated menus, ranging from the deliciously healthy to the superbly indulgent.

Naturally, the gourmet cuisine is accompanied by a sophisticated selection of drinks, including fine wines from around the world.

What is more impressive as a company is that of MSC Cruises’ fleet of 22 ships, 14 of them feature MSC Yacht Club sections. Over Crew members of more than 100 nationalities are ready to serve

guests from more than 100 countries, making it one the most diverse cruise lines in the world.

MSC Cruises is also proud of its sustainability initiatives, which have set the standard in the cruise line industry, with a clear focus on improving the fleet’s environmental performance, caring for all employees, working to ensure that their impact on the coastal communities they sail to remains positive and responsibly sourcing the products and services they purchase.

MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, is more than just luxurious and all-inclusive accommodations, it is an experience that offers the best of all worlds.

Guests can enjoy accommodations that will leave them feeling perfectly spoiled. If guests wish to take advantage of the other amenities, they can indulge in specialty dining to casinos and whiskey lounges to high tea rooms. For those who just want to relax and read a book in the lounge, to the accompaniment of background piano music, the choice is theirs.

Just know that there is no upsell - everything is complimentary. The most difficult decision a guest will make is deciding what to do first.

MSC Yacht Club is where luxury and privacy transcend all expectations to create memories that will last a lifetime. www.msccruises.ca @msccruisesofficial

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FILMMAKER

Bekele’s message to everyone in the world is don’t ever feel that you’re stuck ― life is on your side

Beautiful mဩents captured ON AND OFF CAMERA

Model, social activist and documentary filmmaker Gelila Bekele candidly shares her journey with her thoughts on life and the art of storytelling

PHOTO BY YULIA NAR

INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

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Q: How would you describe your childhood?

A: My childhood was adventurous, with time in nature and memories of running on grass hills and of waterfalls — especially my early childhood.

Q: What life lessons did you learn along the way that shaped your perspective on the world? Did you encounter moments of self-realization?

A: Having the opportunity to travel at a young age has had a significant impact on my outlook on life.

Being exposed to different cultures and ways of living has taught me valuable lessons. Through my travels, I have realized that as a global community, we share more similarities than differences.

Unfortunately, women and children are often the ones who bear the burdens of society regardless of where they are from.

Q: What has motherhood taught you about life?

A: Motherhood taught me the ultimate meaning of love and how I can best add to the wheel of good.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in modelling?

A: Modelling found me. I was discovered at 17 and had no clue about the industry before modelling.

Q: What led you to transition into directing?

Can you recall some of the emotions you felt when you jumped behind the camera?

A: I have always felt a special connection with holding a camera. Observing people and places is something I enjoy immensely. I realized my passion for this while modelling on the sets of some beauty campaigns I was shooting. I was constantly shadowing the cinematographer and director, about the lighting and camera. Modelling was my film school, and it helped me develop a keen eye for detail.

Q: How would you describe your directing style?

A: My directing and filmmaking style depends on

the project; I love exploring different cinematic ideas. I enjoy capturing people in their natural environment, and I am particularly interested in the quiet moments in between.

Q: As a documentary filmmaker, what was the biggest challenge when working on Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story?

A: When making Maxine’s Baby the challenge was keeping up with Tyler Perry; he moves fast and works on four to five projects simultaneously. He kept me on my toes!

Q: When you look back on the process of making Maxine’s Baby, what are you most proud of?

A: I am proud of my crew. Ten years is a long time to work on a film. They believed in this project and gave it so much love and care.

Q: What makes storytelling such an important element of our humanity?

A: Storytelling is how we connect. Music and film allow us to dream. Art is healing; for some, creativity is how we let the poison out and hope our end product can heal others.

Q: In your homeland of Ethiopia and abroad, your passion for advocacy for young women’s right to equal opportunities is undeniable.

Can you share some insights into how your humanitarian work came to be and how it has impacted the world?

A: I realized early, around five or six years old, the rivers were drying up, and some of the older girls were carrying jerry cans to fetch water; some walked two to three hours to bring water. That also meant fewer girls were attending school. Climate change is more than an agriculture issue; it robs children of childhood, and it is also a big reason for migration.

I am fortunate to have the life God has granted me, but that feeling never left me. In 2008, I started programs with a focus on education and clean water initiatives, and 15 years later, the need is still strong, and we still have a lot of work around gender inequality. For as long as possible, I will do my best to bridge the gap, to keep moving forward.

Q: How do you balance your professional life with your philanthropic/humanitarian endeavours?

A: Balance is a daily challenge. My philanthropic work fuels my life. It motivates me to never take the opportunities I’ve been given for granted, and how many people can I take with me on this journey? It’s an ecosystem.

Q: How would you define beauty?

A: I think no matter how I feel or see beauty, it’s always honest. www.gelilabekele.com @gelila.bekele @bekelefilms

PHOTO BY HAYDEN_WORSFOLD

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uriosity is Gelila Bekele’s greatest passion. And chasing her curiosity through the art of storytelling is a deep connection that is indescribable. Born in Ethiopia and previously dividing her time between Europe and the U.S., Bekele settled in New York City. Seeing other cultures and witnessing other people’s struggles on her travels around the world have humbled her. She constantly advocates for young women’s right to equal opportunities in her homeland and abroad, with a special focus on the fundamental right to clean water and education.

Dolce is honoured to have spoken with Bekele.

We learned that while her radiant beauty is the first thing you notice, her true beauty is her honesty and her embodiment of the positive change we all wish to see in the world.

The change Bekele would like to see in the world is for all of us to see past the other person’s pain

RAPID-FIRE QUESTIONS Q: How would you define yourself in three words?

A: Adventurous, curious, patient.

Q: What is inspiring you in life right now?

A: My son and his age group.

Q: What is one change you would like to see in the world?

A: I wish we could see each other, past our pain.

Q: If you could send a message to everyone in the world, what would it be?

A: Life is on your side. I think young people, especially, feel like they are stuck between hard walls.

Q: If you could raid one person’s closet (dead or alive), who would it be?

A: Bianca Jagger.

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PHOTOS BY BRITNEY TOWNSEND

DURABLE DESIGN

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STONE SOLID Caesarstone’s third year of partnership with the Princess Margaret Home Lottery highlighted by the 2023 Grand Prize Showhome WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER

Versatile Caesarstone has been used for the kitchen countertops, hood ranges and backsplashes as well as the floor cladding surrounding the island for ease of clean-up

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hen community-focused companies come together with communityminded charities, the partnership becomes much bigger than the separate entities, to the benefit of the common good. That is the result of Caesarstone, the industry leader in premium quartz surfaces for 35 years, and its three consecutive years’ partnership with the Princess Margaret Home Lottery, one of the most recognized and admired charitable initiatives in North America.

Caesarstone company has donated 65 slabs of its quartz and porcelain products, valued at $165,000, to the Tudor-inspired, 7,765-square-

foot Grand Prize showhome located in Oakville, just west of Toronto. Esteemed interior designer Brian Gluckstein has masterfully incorporated and seamlessly integrated the diverse array of Caesarstone’s quartz and porcelain surfaces to enhance the elegance of this show home, whose design revolves around the art of hosting and entertaining, marrying breathtaking natureinspired designs with their surfaces’ durability, sure to be enjoyed for many generations.

“This year, we are deeply honoured to continue our partnership with the Princess Margaret Home Lottery for the third consecutive year,” says Gail Conroy, Caesarstone’s vice president

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Caesarstone 505 Archetta Porcelain was chosen for the fireplace mantle and hearth because of the material’s remarkable heat tolerance and scratchresistant properties

of marketing for the Americas. “Joining forces once again allows us to channel our resources and expertise to support The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Together, we look forward to making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer and providing support to those in need.

Our portfolio expansion further enhances the show home’s vision, delivering surfaces that not only captivate aesthetically, but are also engineered to last a lifetime.”

In the kitchen of the show home, Caesarstone’s versatility goes beyond just countertop surfaces, hood ranges and backsplashes ― its 5171 Arabetto Quartz has been thoughtfully employed as the floor cladding surrounding the kitchen island to provide a highly functional solution

for ease of maintenance and clean-up where the majority of food preparation occurs. The material’s durability and stain resistance ensures that any spills or mishaps during gatherings can be swiftly cleaned up.

The show home also contains a stunning bar in the study, where Caesarstone used 505 Archetta Porcelain, which has the visual richness of natural stone. Caersartone Porcelain also gives chefs the freedom to cut directly on its surface, and its stain-resistant properties withstand wine and beverage spills, which allows hosts to experiment with their skills in mixology.

Gluckstein’s beautiful interior design has incorporated Caesarstone as one of the home’s main elements, one that contributes to the

home’s warm and welcoming look and feel, while at the same time showcasing the versatility of its quartz and porcelain product line. For example, in the living room, the stunning fireplace features Caesarstone 505 Archetta Porcelain, chosen for the mantle and hearth because of the material’s remarkable heat tolerance and scratch-resistant properties. Is there anything more comforting than a roaring fire positioned behind a scuff-free and easy-to-clean hearth?

The show home’s spa features 110 Whitenna Porcelain for the vanity countertops, floating stone hearth and tub deck along with the steamshower ceiling, giving the room a clean, white and calming appearance, while the principal bedroom’s ensuite uses 501 Snowdrift Porcelain for the vanity countertop, floor border, shower walls and its distinctive hallway fireplace. Upstairs in the shared ensuite, 5161 Icellion Quartz is used for the vanity countertop, shower niche and shelving, while 1001 Riverlet Quartz is featured for the same surfaces in the third bedroom ensuite.

Caesarstone, established in 1987, pioneered quartz countertops more than thirty years ago.

Since then the brand has expanded into porcelain and is on the ground in more than 50 countries worldwide, becoming a global leader in premium surfaces. It is proud to specialize in countertops that create dynamic and inspirational spaces in the heart of the home, which Brian Gluckstein has so perfectly realized with this Princess Margaret Lottery show home.

The Princess Margaret lotteries have become some of the most recognized and exciting charitable mega-lottery brands in North America.

In their long history, more than $472 million in net proceeds has been raised to date to help conquer cancer in our lifetime by supporting the Princess Margaret Centre, which has an international reputation as a global leader in the fight against cancer and in delivering personalized cancer medicine. The Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto is one of the top five cancer research centres in the world, and is a member of the University Heath Network (UHN), a globally respected research hospital network affiliated with the University of Toronto, which also includes Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education.

The partnership between Caesarstone and the Princess Margaret Home Lottery goes far deeper than any “surface”or any show home. It is a stone-solid relationship of two entities working together, each contributing what they can to make a difference in an inspirational way and for the greater good.

www.caesarstone.ca @caesarstoneca

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BEAUTY

Glow with

VIE EN ROSE Vie En Rose’s resultsdriven skincare routine delivers what the skin needs for total radiance

With her passion for skincare, the writer, actress and producer Malea Rose has shifted her focus and is now CEO of Vie En Rose WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

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eauty, as we understand it today, comes not only from our appearance but also from within. Our ideas, generosity and passions contribute to what makes us beautiful. However, there has always been a greater emphasis on physical appearance when it comes to matters of beauty, whether it is the length of our eyelashes, the hue of our cheeks or the complexion of our skin.

Former actress Malea Rose, who worked on popular productions like New Girl, Two and A Half Men, Hello Ladies and Entourage, unexpectedly developed skin issues, ranging from allergic reactions and dryness to sensitivity and hyperpigmentation, due to her long days on set and her bustling travel schedule. Rose tried an array of products to get her skin back on track, but nothing seemed to work. There were times when she felt they were making it worse.

So she went back to her roots.

Rose’s passion for and knowledge of the world of skincare was sparked at an early age when she would observe her mother making organic skincare elixirs and other products. So she relied on her mother’s natural method, and, just like that, her skin was properly remedied and glowing. With that, her desire to share her mother’s remedies with the world combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, which was how her female-founded and female-led company, Vie En Rose, was born.

Her brand centres around luxury anti-aging products formulated with high-performance ingredients taken from both science and nature, such as CBD and Cannarose Complex (a formulation exclusive to her brand). Above all, she was determined to develop a product line that is well-suited for all skins while carefully hand-picking ingredients that are vegan-friendly,

clean and cruelty-free.

Vie En Rose has been extolled by celebrities including Sydney Sweeney, Tracey Cunningham, Alice Kremelberg, Connie Britton and Paris Hilton, and was such a hit on the set of The White Lotus, Season 2, that she is set to work on special projects for Season 3 of the hit series.

“I love building things. I love dreaming up something that seems impossible and then figuring out how to make it possible. I think that’s why building a brand and storytelling work so beautifully together. I’m an artist at heart, with a business-savvy mind,” says Rose.

Today, the multitalented entrepreneur says she hopes to expand her brand into a full lifestyle brand that serves customers beyond cosmetics and wellness products. www.vieenrose.com @vieenrosebeauty

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RESEARCHER

PUSHING RESEARCH FORWARD

After a devastating injury left Dr. Alex Mihailidis in the hospital for four months, the senior scientist, Barbara G. Stymiest Research Chair in Rehab Technology at the University of Toronto and Toronto Rehab-UHN, has committed to bringing researchers and clinicians together WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

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PHOTO BY EMAD MOHAMMADI

SCAN SCANTHE THEQR QRCODE CODEFOR FORDOLCE’S DOLCE’S EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVEFOOTAGE FOOTAGEOF OFOUR OUR INTERVIEW INTERVIEWWITH WITHDR. DR.ALEX ALEXMIHAILIDIS MIHAILIDIS

During his rehab journey, Dr. Alex Mihailidis came to realize that more needs to be done to connect cutting-edge research and patient care

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hough he didn’t know it at the time, on August 31, 2019, Dr. Alex Mihailidis’s life would change forever. He and his family had been up at his cottage in northern Ontario, something they typically did for the Labour Day weekend, when his 8-year-old son decided to wander the nearby paths and trials with friends. When he heard yelling and went to see what had happened, he saw his son stuck on a ledge up on a cliff.

Mihailidis started climbing, aware that his son was starting to panic. He got to a place where he helped his son to safety but then the ledge that he himself was standing on gave out. Mihailidis fell

‘‘

I UNDERSTOOD AND LEARNED VERY QUICKLY WHAT A POOR JOB WE WERE DOING AS SCIENTISTS IN TERMS OF TRANSLATING OUR RESEARCH INTO KNOWLEDGE THAT COULD BE USED BY CLINICIANS

‘‘

30 feet, suffering serious injuries including broken vertebrae and a spinal cord injury, a broken pelvis and a perforated bladder. He ended up spending four months in hospital.

Three of those months were spent at Lyndhurst, one of Toronto Rehab’s sites, where Mihailidis himself had spent years researching how technology such as robotics and artificial intelligence can support older adults in their homes. Suddenly, in a matter of weeks, Mihailidis had gone from a researcher to a patient, and a different kind of pain point quickly started to present itself.

“I understood and learned very quickly what a poor job we were doing as scientists in terms of translating our research into knowledge that could be used by clinicians ― and letting those clinicians know we’re there doing research,” Mihailidis says. He shares a story of how, after questioning why his picture was on the wall, his physiotherapist was surprised to hear that research was happening at the facility.

“The fact my physiotherapist didn’t realize all the great research that happens at Toronto Rehab, Lyndhurst and all the other sites struck me … being a scientist, and one of those who probably wasn’t doing a great job in terms of translating our science into practical outcomes.”

Despite that disconnect between research and real life, Mihailidis is quick to advocate for the quality of work that happens at Toronto Rehab.

“It’s the best rehab hospital not just in Toronto or Canada but the world,” he says. “I’ve seen lots of rehab facilities, and nothing compares to what we do here in terms of the research, science and facilities we have, and the outstanding people we have working here.”

Since he left Lyndhurst, his road to recovery has been long and has had its challenges, but Mihailidis has put everything he’s learned into making sure there’s a symbiosis between researchers and clinicians. “That’s what I’ve rededicated myself and my research to doing,” he continues. “Ensuring that knowledge translation is part of everything that I do.”

Naturally, the injuries came as a powerfully personal learning experience. “Don’t take anything for granted. Things can change in a heartbeat, and you can very quickly find yourself in a position that you’d never thought you would find yourself in.”

As Mihailidis continues his work and research continues to develop, he talks about the struggles of funding and the importance of donors.

“Research funding in Canada and around the world is tough to get,” he explains. “Sometimes it’s almost impossible, especially for our junior scientists and early-career researchers.”

Mihailidis shares how it can take up to three years to get a research grant for a project, by which point the technology or project may no longer be leading-edge. “Support from donors is critical because it helps us get the funding we need, get it quickly and allows us to stay at that cutting edge.” @kite_uhn @uhn.foundation

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INTERIORS

A Holist ic Approach

TO DESIGN Joy Chao, the lead interior designer at JHA, discusses inspiration, technology and facing fresh challenges in the future WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

Whether commercial or residential, renovation or new build, local or international, all projects are bespoke, catering to a client’s desires within the project’s context, resulting in thoughtfully crafted spaces for life

PHOTO PHOTOSBY COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY SISAM ARCHITECTS

Ex et ut venihilissum qui te doloreped quis soloribus maxim et verum id quibernat.

Busam venet aboreriatur ma quam, quatur maximai onemporerem quatendant aribus inctiis

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JHA offers an esthetically pleasing blend of Eastern and Western design elements that enhance a space's functionality

Joy Chao, Lead Interior Designer of John Henshaw Architect Inc.

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hen asked how she would describe her work, Joy Chao uses the words “simple and tactile.”

Chao has a passion for keeping things uncomplicated but still layered, and despite recent changes in technology, “It’s always very two-dimensional,” she says. “We used to look at photographs and magazines ― now we look at images on social media.”

It's not uncommon for a client to approach her with a reference image that’s impressive but open for Chao to layer with tactile experiences. “It could be the texture of wood or fabrics, stone, marble or just how you finish surfaces.”

Chao is lead interior designer at John Henshaw Architect (JHA), an award-winning interdisciplinary architectural and interior design firm based in Vancouver. Its portfolio of projects ranges from contemporary condos to cosy family homes. Her partner and husband, John Henshaw, is its principal architect. Bringing both an architectural and interior design perspective, Chao says their approach to projects is holistic.

Naturally, it’s not just texture and tactility that play into a project, and Chao notes that there are other elements at work. That can include a client’s budget or planning how you’re going to effectively set up a space.

“Lifestyle is always a big concern,” she says. “Are they single, or are they a family with children? Is it multigenerational?” Lighting is another concern, and Chao needs to think about how much natural light enters the space and how that light will alter it.

Naturally, with exposure to different projects, clients and influences, Chao is someone who is constantly learning. “I learn new things every day,” she says. “New technologies, new ways of doing things, new ways of dealing with people. … We all have the capacity to learn, and I’m constantly surprised by how many new things I learn every day.”

And she observes that inspiration can come from anywhere, not just her work. “I like to travel and try to do so at least twice a year,” she says.

“I’m always inspired by my surroundings when I travel and learn new things from people around me.” That continues into Chao’s daily life, where she can take something from the food she eats, the clothes she’s wearing or a new technology she encounters.

Naturally, building a notable design firm and becoming respected in the industry isn’t easy, and Chao is honest in noting that setbacks can be instrumental to success. “I think mistakes define you as an interior designer,” Chao says. “I don’t think anyone is perfect. Inevitably, we will make mistakes. It’s how we learn from them and make the next project better.”

She adds that the best advice she’s received is being told to be open-minded and willing to learn something new. “That’s the best advice I’ve received and what I’d give to anybody.”

Chao shares that she wants to see the firm continue to expand in the next 15 to 20 years, and hopes that both she and her team will keep working on great projects ― and experiencing new challenges ― as it does so. www.jhainc.ca @jhainc

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Since 1975, Bonpoint has remained faithful to its exceptional expertise and core values: the precision of beauty, a passion for quality, and meticulous attention to details and finishes. Bonpoint styling turns happiness into an everyday lifestyle. @bonpoint eu.bonpoint.com

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We shop the world so you can shop here.

AISLE BY AISLE, FLAVOUR BY FLAVOUR: SHOPPING AT PUSATERI’S IS A TREAT. Avenue Road | Bayview Village Yorkville | CF Toronto Eaton Centre Shop online at pusateris.com

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