ELLE Canada - Summer 2025

PLAY IT COOL OUR ESSENTIAL SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE THE BUSH IS BACK IN A BIG WAY

CHARLOTTE LE BON

IS DOING IT HER WAY

THE FUTURE OF CANADIAN FASHION

NEW ULTIMUNE

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Slow the skin aging cycle.* 98% felt aging signs** are visibly reduced in 4weeks.***

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COVER STORIES

50 STYLE What lies ahead for our beloved local brands?

MAROUCHKA FRANJULIEN

SHOPPING Everything you need for warm-weather style.

BEAUTY Bring back the bush.

CELEBRITY Charlotte Le Bon on the power of saying no.

STYLE & FASHION

The art of mixing and matching.

Fashion-trend forecasters share how ideas grow into full-on movements.

FRANJULIEN

STYLE Ten questions with Canadian ice dancer Piper Gilles.

STYLE MDW Jewelry is a celebration of Indigenous culture.

NGAO

FASHION Beach babe. 124 FASHION What exactly is a resort show? We head to Italy’s Lake Como with Chanel to find out.

PUBLISHER SOPHIE BANFORD

MULTI-PLATFORM CONTENT DIRECTOR CYNTHIA QUELLET

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOANNA FOX

ART DIRECTOR SAMANTHA PUTH

BEAUTY DIRECTOR KATHERINE LALANCETTE

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MARIE-EVE DUBOIS (INTERIM), ANNE-SOPHIE PERREAULT (INTERIM), LAURENCE FONTAINE (ON LEAVE)

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR SARAH AKLI

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGERS PATRICIA KAROUNOS (INTERIM), MELISSA FEJTEK (ON LEAVE)

CONTRIBUTORS

MACA ATENCIO, RANDI BERGMAN, GUILLAUME BRIÈRE, JENNIFER BERRY, MISHAL CAZMI, VAL DESJARDINS, ALEXANDRA DONALDSON, JANE FIELDING, MAROUCHKA FRANJULIEN, LESA HANNAH,ROBB JAMIESON, EMILY MACCULLOCH, MIMO MAGRI, ELISABETH MASSICOLLI, ERICA NGAO, TRUC NGUYEN, JOANIE PIETRACUPA, RENÉE REARDIN, CIARA RICKARD, EVE THOMAS, JILLIAN VIEIRA

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BEAUTY & WELLNESS

75 BEAUTY Debunking sunscreen myths once and for all. BY EMILY MACCULLOCH

79 BEAUTY No beach, no problem: This iconic spray serves up mermaid waves on dry land. BY LESA HANNAH

80 BEAUTY These perfumes don’t just smell great; they can also relieve stress. BY KATHERINE LALANCETTE

82 BEAUTY Going on a trip? Here’s how to fit all of your toiletries into a carry-on. BY MISHAL CAZMI

88 BEAUTY Bring on the bows and blush: The latest beauty hits are an ode to girlhood. BY JILLIAN VIEIRA

90 BEAUTY Bye-bye, duck lips. Presenting the new, subtler ways to enhance your pout. BY JENNIFER BERRY

92 BEAUTY Does lymphatic drainage actually do anything? BY ALEXANDRA DONALDSON

FEATURES

66 PROFILE Christine Baranski on her latest role—in NinePerfectStrangers BY PATRICIA KAROUNOS

68 ZEITGEIST Are you really trying to date, or is AI doing the work for you? BY EVE THOMAS

72 SPORTS PWHL Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin shares what’s in store for her during the off-season. BY VAL DESJARDINS

127 ART The museum shows around the world—from Paris to Seoul—not to miss this season. BY ROBB JAMIESON

138 TRAVEL Stay closer to home with six Canadian vacation destinations. BY ELISABETH MASSICOLLI

141 DESIGN Camping—but make it chic.

144 TRAVEL 48 hours in London. BY ROBB JAMIESON

147 ASTROLOGY Your horoscope guide to the next three months. BY MIMO MAGRI

ON THE COVER

MONTH

Charlotte Le Bon is wearing a jacket, tank top and pants by Balenciaga and earrings and a ring by Boucheron. Photographer Royal Gilbert Stylist Jonathan Huguet Makeup artist Leslie-Ann Thomson (using Guerlain products) Hairstylist David D’Amours Stylist’s assistant Mélodie Wronski

Editorial producer Sarah Akli Digital technician Pascal Fréchette Photographer’s assistants Thibaut Ketterer and Xavier MacDonald Set designer Jasmine Lebel

Assistant set designer Chloé Soldevila

Perfection

Glow-Boosting Tinted Serum

Summer Holidays Are Here—Literally

EVERY SUMMER , it’s the same thing: We want to get away with the family so we look at the price of plane tickets, choke (!) and end up asking ourselves, “What if we stay here this year?” Not in the sense of sitting around twiddling our thumbs in the backyard (even if that idea has a certain appeal) but here in the broader sense of the word: in our great, beautiful country.

I often hear that St. John’s is stunning. Or that the Thousand Islands in Ontario are a Canadian version of the Bahamas. Travelling within our borders means reconnecting with this land and its varied treasures, with our wild and harsh but grandiose nature and with our cultural diversity—everything that makes our nation so special. On page 138, you will find six local destinations well worth discovering—a change of scenery is guaranteed (even if it is close to home). But the list of places that make me dream is much longer. In Quebec, the dramatic beaches of the Gaspé Peninsula and the majestic fjords of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean are awe-inspiring. Alberta’s Rocky Mountains take my breath away, while the vineyards

of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia rival those in California. And what about Ontario’s oh-so-charming Prince Edward County and its quaint little inns? For a more city-centric getaway, there’s so much to discover in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax and Vancouver.

In addition to it being a chance to explore our own country, travelling here is also making a greater gesture: We’re reducing our carbon footprint, encouraging the local economy and supporting our artisans, our producers and the tourism industry. It’s a meaningful step toward becoming a more responsible and mindful traveller.

I also love the reassuring sense of familiarity I have when I travel within Canada. No matter where I am or how different my surroundings look, I feel strangely at home. Maybe it has to do with the kind and welcoming nature of Canadians. True luxury, in the end, may not be a retreat in Bali or island-hopping in Hawaii. In my opinion, it’s falling in love with your own country.

Happy travels!

Sophie Banford , publisher @sophiebanford

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HERE COMES THE SUN

This summer, take a deep breath, surround yourself with people you love, embrace the unexpected and remember the importance of those little moments of serenity. Here are a few of editor-in-chief JOANNA FOX simple pleasures.

SARONG, KNIX ($75, KNIX.CA)

NOBODY

SUNGLASSES, SAINT LAURENT ($510, SSENSE.COM)

DUCK BAG ($46, BAGGU.COM)

HEADPHONES, BOSE ($479, BOSE.CA)

SLIDES, COCLICO ($512, COCLICO.COM)

BIKINI, LEFT ON FRIDAY (TOP, $110, AND BOTTOMS, $110, CA.LEFTONFRIDAY.COM)

KIANA EARRINGS, SÉZANE ($130, SEZANE.COM)

STORY ALHAMBRA, AN ENCHANTING

With Alhambra, Van Cleef & Arpels has always championed visions of luck, positivity and timeless beauty. Fine jewellery that encapsulates emotions, the collection is also a celebration of expert craftsmanship and enduring elegance.

CREATION

In 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels presented the first Alhambra long necklace, inspired by the four-leaf clover—an emblem of good luck cherished by the maison. The design, featuring delicate gold beads and a pure and harmonious motif, championed ease of wear and welcomed a new era of natural sophistication.

REINTERPRETING BEAUTY

Alhambra has continually embraced creative renewal—from the incorporation of the guilloché gold aesthetic in 2018 to the introduction of the secret pendant watch in 2021—appealing to new generations of wearers while drawing inspiration from the rich archives of Van Cleef & Arpels. Recent creations, such as the reversible ring introduced in 2023, represent both versatility and breathtaking artistry.

ALHAMBRA GUILLOCHÉ YELLOW-GOLD AND DIAMOND SECRET PENDANT WATCH WITH SWISS QUARTZ MOVEMENT

SWEET ALHAMBRA WHITE-GOLD AND DIAMOND BRACELET WITH SIX MOTIFS; SWEET ALHAMBRA WHITE-GOLD AND DIAMOND BRACELET WITH ONE MOTIF ELLE x VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

VINTAGE ALHAMBRA LONG ROSE-GOLD, GREYMOTHER-OF-PEARL AND DIAMOND NECKLACE WITH 20 MOTIFS

ELLE x VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

INSIDE THE

CHRONICLE

Unlocking the illustrious history of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection with Nicholas Foulkes, celebrated journalist, historian and author of Alhambra—the definitive book on the subject—published in 2018 by Éditions Xavier Barral.

Few creations in the world of jewellery capture the imagination quite like the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels. Since its debut in the late 1960s, the collection’s iconic design has transcended time, embodying luck, sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship. To uncover the stories, inspirations and craftsmanship behind this enduring masterpiece, we turn to Nicholas Foulkes, whose exploration of its history and cultural resonance provides a unique lens through which to view this captivating universe.

In this exclusive interview, Foulkes unravels Alhambra’s rich narrative—from its roots in 1960s youth culture and the freespirited ethos of the era to its status as a symbol of multi-generational and global appeal. Through his insights, we’ll discover why this timeless talisman—showcased as a signature presence in Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques worldwide—continues to fascinate generations and how its polychromatic beauty and versatility have helped it weave its way into the hearts of collectors.

ALHAMBRA YELLOW-GOLD AND GREEN-AGATE 1971 NECKLACE, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS COLLECTION

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BOUTIQUE, PLACE VENDÔME, PARIS

Whether you’re a long-time admirer of the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra collection or a newcomer to its allure, this conversation offers a glimpse into the meticulous artistry, innovation and universal magic that make it timeless and iconic.

What makes a design truly timeless?

“I think that when one talks about a design ‘enduring,’ it is a testament to the excellence of it. Nobody but Van Cleef & Arpels can talk about capturing a moment with a creation—time moves on, yet that item remains anchored in that moment. It becomes a period piece and, if you’re lucky, a classic. Alhambra is a perfect example of this.

“Its beauty lies in its simplicity—often, great things are defined as much by what is left out as by what is put in. If you look at it, the elements are simple yet beautifully crafted. There is no intellectual hurdle to be crossed. It is simply a great jewel—naturally elegant and immediately recognizable.

“It is something that’s very free and very open to interpretation. And, again, it has proven its internationality, as it were. This universal quality, this simplicity and incredible versatility are what allow it to resonate across generations and cultures, adapting seamlessly while remaining unchanged at its core. That is the essence of timeless design.”

In your book, you describe Alhambra as a “palimpsest of history.” How has it evolved while staying true to itself?

“The Alhambra collection has remained true to itself while continuously shaping how jewellery is worn, appreciated and experienced. It really is historically important. You’re wearing something that is part of jewellery history—a creation that made history. It’s not just about who has worn it, from royalty to free spirits; it’s about how it has fundamentally transformed jewellery-making and the way people engage with these pieces.

“What makes Alhambra remarkable is its uninterrupted production since 1968—more than 50 years of continuous creation. That consistency is essential. Over the past two decades, it has become an even more prominent cultural motif, appearing in ways it never did before, and that has only reinforced its presence.

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How does the collection reflect the time it was created in? Do you think it captured or contrasted with the spirit of the era?

“It made its debut in the late ’60s, a period of immense cultural transformation, when old attitudes were being challenged and new ideas were flourishing. The genius of Van Cleef & Arpels was its ability to take elements of popular culture and reflect them in its creations— which is a true gift because that is what remaining contemporary is about. The maison was able to decode youth culture, the hippie movement and flower power and translate them into something enduring, finding beauty in that moment.

“With its signature beaded contour, there is a geometric versatility to Alhambra but also a richness in texture. The 1960s were very much about texture, about freedom, and Alhambra embodies this spirit. It is a very free piece of jewellery, liberating to wear, and in that sense, it truly expresses its era—one of openness and self-expression.”

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BOUTIQUE, PLACE VENDÔME, PARIS

ALHAMBRA BY NICHOLAS FOULKES

You often refer to it as a “polychromatic universe of beauty.” Can you tell us more about the role of materials in bringing this vision to life?

“Colour is a beautiful gift to Van Cleef & Arpels, because you’re not just creating a one-shot wonder; you’re crafting an entire world. That’s what I meant by ‘polychromatic universe.’ If you enter into the world of Alhambra, you will never leave, because there will always be something new around the corner. And that endless reinvention is made possible by materials. They are what truly set the Alhambra collection apart—woods, ornamental st ones, te xtured go ld.

The capacity for variety is amazing. And for me, that is what’s important about Alhambra: its versatility. It goes with anything. Each piece has the ability to be both elevated and understated, adaptable to any occasion.”

What was it like to dive into the archives for your book?

“I love researching in the archives. I could spend all day immersed in those ledgers; they are fantastic. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and heritage of Van Cleef & Arpels, revealing how each creation was meticulously conceived and brought to life. What struck me most was the sheer continuity of beauty. Day after day, something exquisite was being crafted—not just for grand occasions but as pieces meant to be worn, cherished and passed down. The archives don’t just hold records; they tell a story of enduring elegance and craftsmanship. That, for me, was a big privilege and a treat.”

“Alhambra is simply a A GREAT JEWEL—naturally ELEGANT and immediately RECOGNIZABLE.””

How has the Alhambra collection reflected changing tastes and values across different generations and cultures?

“Alhambra has great appeal because it has no set profile. That, I think, is one of its greatest strengths. You instantly recognize it as a Van Cleef & Arpels design, yet it takes on the character of the person wearing it, like a true chameleon. The way people

respond to it shifts depending on where you are and how you wear it. It’s a deeply personal piece that’s open to interpretation.

“It has survived for generations, carrying with it a subtle sense of nostalgia. That longevity is what makes it such a remarkable phenomenon; its appeal is truly ageless. It’s wonderful to see a grandmother wearing it, a mother and perhaps even the daughter’s boyfriend layering it into his own style. I see a lot of it on men these days—just the other day, I was speaking to someone outside a café in Notting Hill, and I noticed he had a couple of Alhambra bracelets stacked on his wrist.

“Alhambra wins because it is both quotidian and enduring. I imagine it will still be with us long after many other things have disappeared.”

Magic Alhambra long yellow-gold and white-mother-of-pearl necklace with 11 motifs; Magic Alhambra yellow-gold and white-mother-ofpearl Between the Finger ring™; Magic Alhambra yellow-gold and white-mother-of-pearl earrings with two motifs

A SENSE OF ELEGANCE

Dive into the beauty of the iconic Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels and immerse yourself in a polychromatic universe of infinite creativity and possibilities.

Top (Ferragamo)

Vintage Alhambra guilloché yellow-gold, blue-agate and diamond reversible rings; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold and blue-agate earrings; Sweet Alhambra guilloché yellow-gold and blue-agate watch with Swiss quartz movement

Dress (Jacquemus)

Vintage Alhambra long yellow-gold and tiger’s-eye necklace with 20 motifs; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold and tiger’s-eye bracelet with five motifs; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold and white-mother-ofpearl bracelet with five motifs; Magic Alhambra yellow-gold and white-mother-of-pearl Between the Finger ring™

Dress (Chloé)

Vintage Alhambra guilloché rose-gold, carnelian and diamond reversible ring;

Alhambra guilloché rosegold, white-mother-of-pearl and diamond secret pendant watch with Swiss quartz movement

Jacket (Chloé)

Magic Alhambra long yellow-gold and malachite necklace with one motif; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold and malachite earrings

Top (Alaïa)

Vintage Alhambra long yellow-gold and onyx necklace with 20 motifs; Vintage Alhambra guilloché yellow-gold necklace with 10 motifs; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold, onyx and diamond ring; Vintage Alhambra yellow-gold and onyx earrings

Dress (Alaïa)

Vintage Alhambra rose-gold and grey-mother-of-pearl pendant; Vintage Alhambra rose-gold and diamond ring; Vintage Alhambra rose-gold and diamond earrings; Vintage Alhambra rose-gold and diamond pendant

Vest and skirt

(Giorgio Armani)

Magic Alhambra white-gold, whiteand grey-mother-of-pearl and chalcedony earrings with three motifs; Alhambra small-model white-gold, white-mother-of-pearl and diamond watch with Swiss quartz movement Shirt (Alberta Ferretti)

Sweet Alhambra long whitegold and diamond necklace with 16 motifs; Vintage Alhambra rose-gold bracelet with five motifs; Vintage Alhambra rose-gold and diamond ring; Sweet Alhambra white-gold and diamond earrings

Dress (Chloé)

Magic Alhambra whitegold and diamond necklace with six motifs; Sweet Alhambra white-gold and diamond watch with Swiss quartz movement

Jacket (Alberta Ferretti)

DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A token of good luck since its creation in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra design has charmed many. Created with meticulous craftsmanship and the finest materials, each piece is a keepsake whose magic lies in its making.

While precious, every Alhambra jewel is made to be worn—a timeless creation to elevate the everyday and the result of collective work involving jewellers, stone-setters, lapidaries and polishers.

It’s a small treasure with a big history: Van Cleef & Arpels created its original Alhambra motif in 1968. By then, symbols of luck and sentiment had long been a hallmark of the jewellery maison, which was established in 1906 with a boutique at 22, Place Vendôme in Paris. Early creations included a line of Touch Wood jewellery (carved from wood and set with gemstones, naturally); over the years, golden zodiac medallions, ladybird motifs and brooches in the shape of benevolent winged fairies followed.

SWEET ALHAMBRA GUILLOCHÉ YELLOW-GOLD AND BLUE-AGATE WATCH WITH SWISS QUARTZ MOVEMENT

motifs, polished and rigorously controlled before being used to create harmonious ensembles.

The design integrates the beaded contour directly into the mounting, ensuring that the motifs and their frames achieve perfect alignment for an even and balanced finish.

Introduced to the Alhambra collection in 2018, the guilloché aesthetic draws inspiration from a traditional engraving technique that has long been employed by the maison. Having historically adorned dials, minaudières and other precious objects, this radiant sunbeam-like pattern brings a luminous and contemporary dimension to the collection’s timeless motifs.

The very first Alhambra piece was a long gold-chain necklace with 20 motifs inspired by the four-leaf-clover shape . Searched for and picked in gardens around the world, the clover had long been a sign of good luck to come. Jacques Arpels, a member of the founding family, was known to pick four-leaf clovers growing around his home. He then presented them to the company’s employees. The original design includes the double-beaded contour, a detail that is pleasing to both the eye and the fingertips. It’s also a marker of sophisticated jewellery craftsmanship: Artisans polish beads with extra care to enhance the brilliance of the gold. On the front of the pendant, you’ll spot prongs. The back is precisely calibrated, with beads placed for comfort of wear.

Since its debut, the Alhambra collection’s enduring success has lain as much in its design as in its expert manufacturing. Easy to wear, the collection has an appeal that is bolstered by the pieces’ intricate construction. From the selection and cutting of stones to assembling, setting, polishing and rigorous quality controls, each step is carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Reflecting all the expertise of a high jewellery maison, the savoir faire embodied in every creation reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’ tradition of excellence and dedication to timeless elegance.

From the 1970s onwards, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced vibrant colours , incorporating ornamental stones—malachite, onyx, carnelian, tiger’s eye, turquoise and midnight-blue lapis lazuli—rock crystal, coral and diamonds. Mother-of-pearl (in grey and white) also made the cut, followed later by richly patterned letterwood and French porcelain from Sèvres.

Each ornamental stone and organic material is selected according to the maison’s stringent criteria. The intensity of colour, the sheen of the surface and the consistency and regularity of striations—such as those found in malachite—are carefully assessed by highly trained in-house gem experts. Only roughs and shells of the highest quality are chosen for the collection, ensuring that the finest sections are cut into clover-shaped

The clasp is one of the refined details that distinguish Alhambra pieces, such as pendants, necklaces, long necklaces and bracelets. Forged from gold, it is sealed with the maison’s hallmark, an impression of the Vendôme Column . The chain design is also noteworthy: Instead of a traditional round chain, Van Cleef & Arpels opted for a faceted alternative, selected to enhance its radiance. This diamond-cut cable chain stands out for its ability to catch and refract light, adding a sparkling effect to every movement.

The Alhambra collection at Van Cleef & Arpels has inspired new interpretations of an icon . Since its introduction in 1998, the Alhambra watch has established itself as a favourite feminine daily-wear timepiece. Recent additions include the Sweet Alhambra watch, featuring alternating guilloché yellow-gold and blue-agate motifs, and the Alhambra secret pendant watch, named for its hidden dial. A reversible ring is among the newest jewellery creations, combining distinctive design with versatile wear. Building on its legacy of creativity, the collection reimagines classic motifs with modern flair, proving that true elegance, like good luck, evolves beautifully over time.

‘‘It’s a SMALL TREASURE with a BIG HISTORY.”

VINTAGE

CRAFTING ALHAMBRA CREATIONS

WITH

VINTAGE ALHAMBRA GUILLOCHÉ ROSE-GOLD, CARNELIAN AND DIAMOND REVERSIBLE RING ELLE x VAN

SWEET ALHAMBRA

ROSE-GOLD AND CARNELIAN WATCH WITH SWISS QUARTZ MOVEMENT

TIMELESS DESIGN & VIBRANT STONES

Described by author Nicholas Foulkes as a “palimpsest where each generation writes its own story,” Alhambra has transcended decades. From the introduction of ornamental stones in the 1970s to later variations, the collection has long balanced tradition and reinvention. It has also become a canvas for creativity, expressed through a variety of materials—from fiery-red carnelian and deep-black onyx to lush-green malachite and iridescent white mother-of-pearl, just to name a few.

“To be lucky, you have to believe in luck.”

— JACQUES ARPELS

EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP

A TOKEN OF LUCK

Alhambra remains more than a jewel—it’s a talisman of hope and positivity. Luck has long been a value dear to Van Cleef & Arpels. Did you know that Jacques Arpels often picked four-leaf clovers from his garden at Germigny-l’Évêque to give to his staff along with a copy of the poem Don’t Quit as an invitation to always keep hope? This belief in a positive vision of life continues to this day, captured in precious jewellery.

Each Alhambra creation is the result of collective work, from the careful selection and cutting of stones to the meticulous assembling, setting, polishing and quality control. This harmonious collaboration of expert hands and eyes brings to life timeless pieces, reflecting the maison’s tradition of high-precision savoir faire and commitment to aesthetics and emotion.

June/July/August

What’s on the ELLE editors’ radar right now.

STYLISH STAPLES

Mexican-American fashion designer WILLY CHAVARRIA teased a collaboration with ADIDAS at his New York Fashion Week show last fall, and it’s now finally available for purchase. (The first drop landed in May; the second is scheduled for July 10.) Featuring men’s and women’s apparel and footwear, the much-anticipated Adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria spring/summer 2025 collection includes nods to Chicano culture, updates of the archival Adidas Jabbar sneaker and Chavarria’s stylish takes on sportswear staples like the basketball jersey and track jacket. ADIDAS.COM

DREAM WEAVER

Introduced in 1975 and now a house signature, BOTTEGA VENETA’s iconic Intrecciato weave turns 50 this year. Created by weaving slender strips of leather, or “fettucce,” into a perforated leather base, the pattern speaks to the long tradition of leather weaving in Italy and the luxury fashion house’s commitment to craftsmanship. Versatile and ever evolving, Intrecciato (which means “braided” in English) has been realized in more than 50 different expressions over the years while remaining an instantly recognizable Bottega Veneta hallmark.

Fingerpaint

Over a decade ago, Paris-bred makeup artist Violette Serrat burst onto the beauty scene like a breath of fresh air. At a time when vloggers were posting umpteen-step tutorials from their ring-lit studios, she made makeup feel fun and easy with videos showing her smudging Yves Klein blue liner on her lids while sitting in a café or doing a daytime smoky eye in the back of an Uber. Her online following quickly blew up, and in 2021, Serrat launched her own line of products, named after her social-media handle: VIOLETTE_FR . The range was predictably brilliant, encapsulating her breezy, effortless ethos: no-brush-needed shadows, ultra-flattering lip colours and a multi-tasking mist that essentially gives you a full skin routine (toner, serum and moisturizer) in just a few spritzes. Great news for Canadian fans of her brand: Violette_FR is now available at Sephora Canada. Shop favourites like Baume Shine (the perfect highlighter) and Yeux Paint while racking up those VIB points in stores or at sephora.ca.

HOP BAG, BOTTEGA VENETA ($5,310, BOTTEGAVENETA.COM)

Au Naturel

French skincare brand LA ROSÉE has been a pharmacie favourite for a decade now, with many in-the-know Canadian beauty fans stockpiling its plant-based products anytime they find themselves in the hexagone . They won’t have to do that anymore because the line is now available in Canada exclusively through Shoppers Drug Mart (in stores and online). Some must-tries include its 3 in 1 Regenerating Stick Mask With White Clay (it purifies pores without stripping skin, and the stick format is super practical), its aluminum-free, odour-neutralizing and moisture-absorbing deodorant (it’s the top-selling drugstore deo in France) and its sumptuous and nourishing cleansing shower oil (you can also use it on your face). Everything is super gentle yet effective, made with natural ingredients and, even better, really affordable. The range was started by two women who met in the faculty of pharmacy at Université de Lyon and bonded over their quest for simple, fuss-free products that respect both the skin and the planet. The company is now B Corp certified, and every last detail is considered with sustainability in mind—biodegradable formulas, minimal packaging to reduce waste… The products even cross the Atlantic by sailboat to cut down on carbon emissions.

MOUNTAIN TIME

Vancouver-based outdoor brand ARC’TERYX recently opened its first store in Banff, Alta. Serving both mountain athletes and outdoor novices, the 380-square-metre flagship, which is in the heart of Banff National Park, features a seasonal “gear library” for visitors as well as a ReBird Service Centre offering on-site repairs, productcare education and services like refinishing water-repellent gear.

BEACH READ

Carley Fortune’s debut romance novel, EverySummerAfter , may be getting the Hollywood treatment, but before that adaptation makes its way to our screens, the Canadian author is giving us a stand-alone sequel—and it might be even better than its predecessor. One Golden Summer takes readers back to charming Barry’s Bay, Ont., and follows Alice, a photographer who takes her grandmother to the lakeside cottage they stayed at when she was a teen for a summer of restoration. When Alice encounters flirtatious Charlie, a man who gets under her skin and sees her like no one else ever has, her peaceful escape takes an unexpected turn. CARLEYFORTUNE.COM

LA ROSÉE REFILLABLE FRESH DEODORANT WITH PROBIOTICS ($21, SHOPPERSDRUGMART.CA)

BLOCKBUSTER SEASON

Add these summer flicks to your must-watch list and meet us at the movies.

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME Wes Anderson and his whimsical lens are returning to the big screen with a black comedy about a wealthy man who appoints his only daughter (who also happens to be a nun) his sole heir—despite also having nine sons—just as a series of hijinks ensue. Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Benedict Cumberbatch and Scarlett Johansson are among the ensemble cast.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS After years of anticipation, legendary comic-book characters the Fantastic Four are joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set in a stylish 1960s-esque retro-futuristic parallel earth, the action flick follows superheroes Reed Richards (a.k.a. the genius scientist/stretchable Mister

Fantastic, played by Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (the brilliant Invisible Woman, played by Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (the charming Human Torch, portrayed by Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (the ultra-strong rock man The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they fight to prevent their world from being consumed by the evil Galactus.

MATERIALISTS Korean-Canadian filmmaker Celine Song is following up her Oscar-nominated debut, Past Lives, in a major way. Materialists is a sleek romcom that follows a New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) whose world suddenly becomes very complicated when she meets her own perfect-on-paper— and rich—match (Pedro Pascal) right as her not-so-put-together ex (Chris Evans) re-enters her life.

F1: THE MOVIE Fans of Formula 1 racing (or the Netflix docuseries about the sport, Drive to Survive) and/or slick and exhilarating blockbusters are going to want to check out the latest from TopGun:Maverick director Joseph Kosinski. F1: The Movie tracks a once elite racer who comes out of retirement to help transform a rookie prodigy into racing’s next big star. Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Simone Ashley and Javier Bardem star.

DISCOVER 20 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN LA MALBAIE, CHARLEVOIX, FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP THIS SUMMER

Whether you’re passionate about gastronomy, an outdoor enthusiast, curious about culture or looking for a place to unwind, LA MALBAIE , with its majestic landscapes and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, will reach beyond all of your expectations. Located near Quebec City, this ideal summer destination, which is in the heart of the Charlevoix region, offers a multitude of enriching and entertaining activities. Experience a new adventure every day and let yourself be captivated by the beauty and richness of this special place.

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME

RICK IN PARIS

American fashion designer Rick Owens, who moved to Paris from Los Angeles in 2003, will be honoured this summer with a retrospective at the French capital’s Palais Galliera (from June 28, 2025, until January 4, 2026). With Owens himself acting as the artistic director, RickOwens, TempleofLove will feature over 100 of the designer’s archival and recent pieces alongside personal documents, videos and installations. The must-see exhibition will also extend beyond the museum walls: The statues on the building’s facade will be wrapped in a sequined fabric, and sculptures will be installed in the garden.

PALAISGALLIERA.PARIS.FR

Cell Service

Since 1986, Japanese brand SHISEIDO has been collaborating with the Cutaneous Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Their latest breakthrough? Understanding how memory T cells—immune cells that selectively eliminate senescent cells responsible for skin aging—function. Published in the scientific journal Cell, this discovery unveils a previously unknown link between immunity and the skin: “The age of a cell is determined by the number of memory T cells, not by the passage of time,” explains Tatsuya Hasegawa, a researcher from the Shiseido MIRAI Technology Institute. Researchers have also identified CXCL9, a factor that enhances memory T cells’ activity. Inspired by these findings, the latest iteration of Shiseido’s cult-favourite Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate now features a fermented camellia-seed extract designed to stimulate CXCL9. The result is stronger skin, a reinforced moisture barrier and visibly reduced signs of aging.

SUMMER STRIPES

This June, Vancouver-based BRUNETTE THE LABEL—best known for its cozy sweats and loungewear sets—is debuting a breezy capsule of lightweight 100 percent cotton poplin separates you’ll want to wear all summer long, both at the cottage and to the office. Everything is available in multiple colourways and in sizes XS to 5XL. The vertical-stripe pieces in pink or red are the clear standouts, but the whole collection is designed to be mixed and matched to your heart’s content! BRUNETTETHELABEL.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY,

OF MARIO

LOPEZ HUN LES DEUX CAFÉS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, LAS PALMAS, HOLLYWOOD, 1995)

HUN, LES DEUX CAFÉS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, LAS PALMAS, HOLLYWOOD, 1995

Slick Moves

Trust BYREDO to take an everyday essential like lip balm to new, epically cool heights. Launching June 12, the brand’s Lip Care Collection blends nourishing powerhouses like shea and cocoa butters, rose-flower extract and castor- and sunflower-seed oils to impart lasting softness.

“The goal wasn’t just hydration, though that was important,” says Byredo creative image and makeup partner Lucia Pica. “It was about creating an object of care—something you instinctively reach for and feel better for having used.” Mission accomplished. The striking sculptural tube itself is enough to induce a smile, and then there’s the texture: Delectably creamy, it melts onto lips and feels divine. There is a clear option, which leaves behind a subtle satin veil, as well as four tinted variations that yield a wash of juicy, radiant colour.

“[For me], applying this balm isn’t just about care; it’s about being present,” says Pica. “It’s about turning something as simple as putting on lip balm into a sensorial experience—one that helps me slow down, breathe and really connect with my body and senses.” Can your lip balm do that?

BYREDO LIP CARE ($72, BYREDO.COM)

STYLE AT HOME

You likely already have a few hefty tomes from French luxurybook publisher ASSOULINE on your coffee table and bookshelves. Now you can complete the tableau with objects and home fragrances from the company’s new Library Collection. The debut range, created in collaboration with designer Pierre Favresse, includes bookends, bookstands, trinket boxes, picture frames and more made with luxe materials like pebbled leather and walnut wood. There are also libraryinspired candles and diffusers, evoking the scent of roaring fireplaces and leather-bound books. ASSOULINE.COM

CAPITAL ART

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Van Cleef & Arpels’ new Perlée creations offer a fresh spin on one of the maison’s iconic motifs: the golden bead. The signature detail has adorned some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ most fabled jewellery and watches since the 1920s. Indeed, the gilded spheres made up the voluminous Couscous pieces (conceived in 1948) and have bordered the Alhambra collection’s emblematic clovers since 1968. Part of their magic resides in the jewellery house’s time-honoured craftsmanship, particularly its polishing technique, which enables the beads to catch the light with every motion, revealing their radiance from every angle. The latest Perlée pieces nod to the brand’s archives while still feeling thoroughly modern. Bracelets, rings and earrings showcase meticulously selected and masterfully set gems alongside the elegant beads rendered in yellow, rose or white gold for stunning pieces that shimmer with timeless allure.

The National Gallery of Canada’s solo exhibitions from three Canadian artists (starting May 30) demonstrate how rich and groundbreaking artmaking is in this country. Skawennati’s WELCOME TO THE DREAM HOUSE is a survey of the Montreal-based Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) artist’s practice from 2000 to today. Skawennati was a pioneer of using cyberspace as both a location for art and a medium; she does so to question and visualize our relationship with technology and how Indigenous culture will evolve and thrive in the future. HER LIVES AND WORKS explores the artwork of Erica Rutherford (1923–2008), who has recently gained international recognition, including, in 2024, being the first Prince Edward Island artist to be featured in the Venice Biennale. Rutherford was originally from the United Kingdom, where she worked in television-set design. As a trans woman who transitioned in the early ’70s, Rutherford created work that deals directly with themes of persona and gender while also depicting the landscapes of rural PEI and quiet moments of domesticity. And Montreal-based Nadia Myre’s WAVES OF WANT presents work from the artist’s past 20 years of practice. Myre, who is an Algonquin member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, is multidisciplinary and expresses herself through video, sculpture, installation and beadwork, exploring memory, the history of nation building and the politics of belonging.

CARRIED AWAY

If there’s one thing we learned from Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, it’s that mixing and matching prints and patterns is a true art form. And now it’s back in a “Big” way.

By RENÉE REARDIN

LATELY, THE FASHION WORLD HAS SKEWED VERY NATASHA. Sex and the City fans understand. With her minimalist uniform, job at Ralph Lauren and preference for beige interiors, Mr. Big’s once wife is the ultimate quiet-luxury icon. But this season, designers are moving away from the look, mixing prints and patterns in a masterful way that feels very C-C-C-Carrie.

Styled by costume designer Patricia Field, Carrie Bradshaw’s looks cleverly blend new-season items with vintage finds, muted colours with vibrant ones and printed separates with clashing printed counterparts. And her style is consistently eclectic no matter where she goes, be it lunching with friends at a trendy Manhattan restaurant, perched at her WFH desk or meeting the parents of a guy she’s seeing who has erectile dysfunction. Consider the look she wears to thank ex-boyfriend Aidan for inviting her to his bar opening: a white Marni coat with a coral-starfish pattern, a white Agnès B. crop top and a black-and-white knee-length floral Prada skirt. Her style challenges traditional notions of taste and cohesion in a way that could have earned her the title of “original man repeller” (a predecessor of sorts to fashion-blog-and-lifestyle-website founder Leandra Medine Cohen). The pieces she wears together don’t match—they clash—yet somehow they work.

FOLLOW ALL THE RULES YOU WANT, BUT THE KEYS TO PERFECT PRINT AND PATTERN MIXING ARE TO NOT OVERTHINK IT AND TO RELY ON TRIAL AND ERROR, WHICH WERE FIELD’S TACTICS WHEN CREATING CARRIE’S OUTFITS.

“[Field] has an innate understanding of colour theory and pattern mixing,” says Betsy Braly, the founder of Finding Carrie’s Closet, an Instagram page and newsletter dedicated to hunting down clothing items worn by the four main characters in SATC. “She knows how to make clashing prints feel cohesive by anchoring them with shared colours, playing with scale and layering in a way that feels intuitive, not chaotic.” Braly’s favourite Carrie outfit is the one she wears when reading Big’s wedding announcement in The New York Times: a pair of navyand-white-plaid fringed pants, a maroon-and-navy-paisley blouse and a cream jacket with small maroon polka dots. “The blue anchors the whole outfit, as it’s in the pants and the blouse, but there’s also maroon in the blouse and on the jacket,” says Braly. “I love that [Field] added a pop of bright red, too, in the form of a cinched belt.” This type of styling is the reason we’re still talking about Carrie’s wardrobe today. And it’s trending now. Take the Versace spring/summer 2025 presentation, for example. It featured fitted polo shirts and cardigans with a colourful zigzag pattern teamed with brown floral silk skirts. A funky polo shirt came down the Miu Miu runway too—it had a buttery-yellow plaid pattern and was layered over a blue buffalo-check polo and teamed with a knee-length skirt in a larger geometric print, loafers, calf-height socks and costume jewellery, delivering a look that landed somewhere on the Bradshaw-Man Repeller scale. Plaid also made a strong appearance elsewhere—at Acne Studios, Chanel and Dries Van Noten in the form of button-down shirts, suits and jackets, bow-adorned miniskirts and bubble skirts. At Prada, a leopard-print coat buddied up with a black-and-white-striped bodysuit delivered a silhouette that felt very Carrie-as-fashionroadkill. And at Valentino, a strapless polka-dot shirt topped relaxed jeans trimmed with a floral print; punctuated by a white turban-like hat that attempted to tame the model’s lionesque mane, the look screamed modern-day CB.

So why is Carrie’s style back? “It’s like a fashion blueprint happening all over again,” says Sara Roberts, a fashion stylist in Toronto. She explains that when SATC premiered in 1998,

we were taking our last sip of minimalism before Y2K fashion exploded into our closets. Two decades later, many of us are leaving behind the latest bout of minimalism and returning to a maximalist approach to fashion. And it’s just in time: After years of beige, white and black separates dominating our closets—with many of us sticking to a simple fashion uniform—the spring/summer 2025 collections are pushing us to embrace print mixing and personal expression in a way we haven’t seen in years.

But here’s the thing: In practice, print and pattern mixing is more difficult than it seems. “There’s a mathematical equation to it,” says Roberts. “Sometimes you put things together and you’re like, ‘I don’t know why this doesn’t work, but it doesn’t,’ and other times, you put things together and it’s perfect.” Roberts has figured out a potential pattern equation—a way to almost guarantee a perfect mismatch. “Both patterns should have one colour that’s the same,” she says. This colour theory proves true on today’s runway looks too. “At Versace, polo shirts have brown in the pattern, and so do the skirts, so they go together even though they’re completely different patterns.” Alternatively, you could focus on the scale of the prints or patterns—one should be larger. “If they’re too similar in size, the look seems too busy,” says Roberts.

Follow all the rules you want, but the keys to perfect print and pattern mixing are to not overthink it and to rely on trial and error, which were Field’s tactics when creating Carrie’s outfits. “You prepare for an episode with a few racks of possible clothes for different scenes,” Field told British Vogue in 2018. “You schedule a fitting and you go through the script with the actor; they have certain needs, certain feelings. It’s not like cutting out a paper doll.” The right way to mix prints is to collect pieces that reflect your taste and play around to make them work together. “This is why I love fashion—[so I can] be experimental and mix things that people might not think can be mixed,” says Roberts.

So here’s to taking a break from channelling Natasha in 2025. As Big would say, “Beige is bullshit.”

Trend HUNTERS

How does buzz around a certain colour, style, theme or fashion movement come to be?

By MAROUCHKA FRANJULIEN Illustration by GUILLAUME BRIÈRE

AT THE SPRING/SUMMER 2025 RUNWAY SHOWS, a desire to disrupt norms and introduce lightness, boldness and a breath of fresh air was evident. Free-spirited models cast their charm on the catwalks with the nonchalance of those who aren’t afraid to go against the grain. At Prada, Coperni, Burberry and Brandon Maxwell, the idea was to slip on a slightly oversized anorak over a silver dress. Naturally, the contrast between the functionality of a windbreaker and the chicness of an evening outfit was eye-catching. Versace, Valentino and Miu Miu opted for a variety of retro prints—risky yet perfectly executed mixing and matching. Even at Tod’s, a brand known for classic fashion, creative director Matteo Tamburini blended styles, for example, by pairing cycling shorts with a well-tailored blazer.

All these silhouettes seemed driven by a deep desire for individuality, as if the designers were looking to break the rules and chart their own course. It was refreshing and deliberately cool—and not surprising at all, says Quito Quinn, senior stylist for women’s fashion at Peclers Paris, a trend-, innovation- and style-forecasting agency. “The trend of mixing and matching emerged in reaction to the uniformity of previous seasons marked by minimalist aesthetics like ‘quiet luxury’ or ‘clean girl,’” says Quinn. “After a period dominated by sobriety and discretion, it’s normal to see a desire for freedom and differentiation through hybrid combinations.”

At fashion weeks, trends seem to emerge almost magically through the shows. Do designers have a WhatsApp group where they agree on ideas and pass on the word? The reality is, fashion houses and ready-to-wear brands tend to rely on trend agencies like Peclers Paris to understand in advance what tomorrow’s consumers will want. “We’re here to help our clients minimize risk; there’s nothing worse than having unsold stock and missing the boat by being too late or too early,” says Vincent Grégoire, director of consumer trends

and insights at NellyRodi, a Parisian agency that works with brands like Ba&sh, Nike, Jacquemus, L’Oréal, Sephora, Netflix, Diptyque and those under the LVMH umbrella. “Our job is to help our clients anticipate so that they’re always one step ahead, allowing them to remain desirable and perform well.” But how do you anticipate the future when you don’t have a crystal ball? To know what consumers will want, you must first analyze and dissect the present. Stay on the lookout, be curious about everything and follow your instincts. “We’re like detectives,” says Grégoire. “We look for clues and objective elements.” This type of blanket investigation leaves no stone unturned—film and television, fashion shows, podcasts and radio, magazines, social media, retail stores, art exhibitions, conferences and trade fairs. They observe what’s happening on the streets and talk to consumers. They also study the evolution of language, taste, colours, sounds and even smells. In short, they are a sponge for the zeitgeist. And although artificial intelligence may be useful for gathering data in this context, it doesn’t allow for perspective. For that, natural intelligence is necessary. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to recognize and spot anomalies—those small inconsistencies that stand out as curious or unsettling and raise a red flag. “In all this information, we look for these weak signals—which usually [end up being] precursors—that intrigue [us] and grab our attention,” explains Grégoire. “It’s totally subjective at first, and it allows us to write surprise reports, which we then cross-check with the rest of the team.” A second wave of investigation focuses on events that could impact the future, such as exhibitions, film or series releases, albums, commemorations or elections. “We cross-reference this objective data with our surprise reports to create scenarios,” he says. “Trends are like seeds: For them to sprout, all the parameters need to align.”

For Quinn, the focus is already on spring/summer 2027. “Trend work in fashion is generally [done] two years in advance,” she says. However, the rise of social media changes the game. Who could have predicted, for example, that Kendrick Lamar would wear flared jeans for his Super Bowl 2025 performance and that these pants, from Celine’s women’s collection, would go viral? On TikTok or Instagram, trends take shape quickly, and brands are forced to react almost instantly to stay relevant. Style agencies like Peclers Paris and NellyRodi help identify both short-term and long-term trends and offer solutions that are tailored to their clients’ brand image. “Often driven by social media, fleeting trends are quickly accepted by a large part of the market, but this saturation can reduce their desirability,” says Quinn. “Significant trends tend to have a longer adoption time and are set within a broader socio-cultural context, often in response to social, economic or technological changes.”

But if all brands turn to consulting agencies to try to understand future consumer desires and receive predictions, who really creates the trends? “We’re sometimes told ‘You create the trends,’ but that’s not true; they are the result of a combination of factors, both objective and subjective,” says

Grégoire. “We’re simply part of an influence network.” In the past, experts advised the creative teams of brands. Today, NellyRodi presents its “investigations” to the management and communications teams, who now hold the power within brands. The idea of a designer working alone to develop their next collection doesn’t reflect the reality in most cases. “Of course, designers have desires and intuitions, but to last, you also need to ask your clients,” he adds. “Fashion is a delicate balance of business, creativity and communication.”

In 2022, Grégoire and his team really nailed it. “For 2024, we had planned a whole theme around aliens and the return of slime with a dominant fluorescent green colour,” he says. They couldn’t have predicted that Charli XCX’s album Brat would propel this hue—seen at the Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen and Fendi fall/winter 2024/2025 shows—to the height of trends. In 2027, there will be various exhibitions about Joan of Arc, witches and powerful femininity, elections in France and the U.K. and the buildup to one in the U.S. as well as the release of new Batman and Star Wars movies and a film about Mrs. Claus. What influences will these events have on fashion, and what trends will emerge from them? While it will take time to find out, consulting agencies are already on the case.

Favourite summer sport?

“Definitely beach volleyball—it’s just pure fun, and I love how sociable and energetic it is. Plus, I’ll take any excuse to be in the sun!”

If you weren’t a professional figure skater, you would be…

“Probably a costume or clothing designer or a stylist. I love storytelling through fashion—it’s like choreography but with clothes.”

Current favourite skincare products?

“My skin is loving Biotherm’s Life Plankton Regenerating Serum and Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream. So good.”

Favourite summer fashion trends?

“I’m loving the sheer-dressand-skirt trend—it feels so freeing and empowering. I wore a sheer dress on the red carpet recently and felt amazing. I’ll definitely be investing in more of those. Oh, and anything orange. It’s a colour I’m always drawn to in the summer—it instantly lifts my mood and adds a playful pop to any look.”

friends or paddleboarding with my husband. I love anything that mixes fresh air, connection and a little adventure.”

Your style in two words?

“Playful and curious! There’s literally no style I won’t try. I love experimenting and letting my mood and personality shine through what I wear.”

Best budgetfriendly beauty product?

“CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara in Very Black— it’s a forever favourite.”

10 QUESTIONS WITHPiper Gilles

Clothing brand for everyday wear?

Canadian Olympic ice dancer, fashion lover and creative spirit @pipergilles is passionate about self-expression—whether that’s on skates, through a great outfit or over social media.

By JOANNA FOX

Brand you would love to collaborate with?

“Prada. It was the brand that sparked my fashion obsession—it’s timeless but still always ahead of the curve. I bought my first ‘adult’ bag from Prada, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

“With my job, I live in Lululemon—it’s basically my second skin. But when I’m off duty, I love slipping into a good pair of Mother jeans. The fit is just right, and they instantly make me feel put together.”

Do you have a pre-competition ritual?

“Lately, it’s been listening to romcom audiobooks while I do my hair and makeup. It helps me feel relaxed and happy—it just sets the tone.”

Retail THERAPY

In these uncertain times, as inflation rises and a recession looms, we check in on some designers and business owners who contribute to the vibrancy of Canadian fashion.

By MAROUCHKA FRANJULIEN

THE HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY was once known as Canada’s largest department-store chain. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case: After 355 years, the company is bowing out. Despite its complex history—marked by the shadow of colonialism and the oppression of Indigenous peoples, notably through the fur trade—the retailer has been an integral part of Canada’s fashion landscape and served as a showcase for many local brands. While its imminent closure doesn’t come as a huge surprise—most of its stores, stuck in the past, failed to evolve and adapt to the increasingly demanding expectations of customers—it does signal the end of an era in a particularly challenging economic context.

Once favoured, our trade relations with the United States have now been hit by an uncertain and chaotic trade war with disastrous consequences. Does all of this herald the beginning of a recession in the fashion industry as purchasing power— weighed down by inflation and the threat of an economic crisis—declines across the country? We asked a handful of local brands, designers and business owners.

AN UNCERTAIN CONTEXT

Last December, shoe and accessory brand Maguire announced the opening of a new location in Williamsburg, right in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. The decision had been made in the summer of 2024, months before the U.S. presidential election. At the time, it was hard to imagine a trade war with our closest ally. “Our Manhattan store was buzzing, our online sales from Brooklyn were strong too and an opportunity came up for an ideal space at an [unbeatable] price,” explains Myriam Maguire, one-half of the sister duo behind the footwear and accessories label. “The current economic climate might require a bit more patience, but we remain confident: It’s a strategic location for long-term growth.” While the brand is determined to weather the storm, it’s also looking to fasttrack some previously postponed projects—like launching in Europe—in order to diversify.

As for intimate-apparel brand Knix, the company decided to move its annual sale of leak-proof underwear up by a month, allowing customers to take advantage of the best possible discounts before potential new tariffs that could affect production costs come into effect. “Tariff news is changing by the moment, and with so much uncertainty, we’re choosing to focus on

what we can control,” explains Joanna Griffiths, founder of the Toronto-based brand. At retailer Absolutely Fabrics, the impact of increased tariffs is already being felt. “It has slowed down online ordering a bit while people try to figure out how it impacts them,” says Kaelen Haworth, founder and creative director of the boutique, which has a physical location in the heart of Toronto. Of the niche brands featured in-store, several—such as Proenza Schouler, Grace Ling, Christopher John Rogers and Zankov—are from New York. Given the current boycott of American brands, does Haworth plan to change strategy and drop these labels for the time being? “I don’t,” she states firmly. “We’ve worked really hard to bring in the right mix of designers, and they have become very important partnerships. We are not going to cut them loose. We’re going to ride out the wave as partners.” She warns that prices will

ASHLYN AT ABSOLUTELY FABRICS

MAGUIRE

likely rise slightly, but she’s doing everything she can to avoid major increases. As the head of a small business, she has less leeway than a large retailer, but she’s counting on the DNA of Absolutely Fabrics—offering bold pieces and exceptional creations since 2023—to stay on course. “We’re trying not to be too reactive in the moment and jeopardize our relationships, our ethos and our vision for the future.”

THE RESILIENCE OF LOCAL FASHION

“As a brand that’s proudly designed and manufactured in Canada, we don’t face the same challenges as those importing goods from overseas,” says designer Eliza Faulkner, founder of her eponymous label, which creates most of its garments in Montreal or elsewhere in Canada. That’s not the case for Knix, which manufactures its underwear and swimwear overseas for

a very simple reason: “The infrastructure for full-scale manufacturing isn’t yet available locally,” says Griffiths.

This lack of resources affects the fashion industry at all levels in Canada. Montreal-based leather-goods brand Bouquet, founded by Véronique Orban de Xivry, is forced to source its leather and hardware elsewhere, often south of the border. “Here, we have distributors for unsold leather with limited stock, but I’m looking for a [material] that’s high quality and available for reordering,” she says, noting that she often turns to American suppliers who offer splitting services for European leathers. “There are no tanneries in Canada apart from small artisanal operations. And you won’t find high-end hardware here either.” The designer understands the logic of imposing tariffs to support the local economy but finds it frustrating when they apply to products that simply can’t be made in Canada.

Is the current wave of patriotism, which emphasizes buying local, being felt in the fashion industry? It’s still too early to tell, but awareness is growing. “[It’s] wonderful to see, but as we all know, the economy is far from thriving and consumers tend to spend less—especially on higher-priced items, which are often the ones made in Canada,” explains Mary Young, whose lingerie brand has been 100 percent Canadian since its launch in 2014. Lately, she’s seen a drop in sales, which she attributes to inflation.

That’s also the case for milliner Samantha-Tara Mainville, founder and owner of Heirloom Hats. “[It’s] related to the current uncertainty,” she says. “I was planning to start reaching out to U.S. retailers, but I’ve put that on hold for now.” A year ago, Mainville decided to close her physical store in Montreal following a burnout—a tough but necessary choice. “The biggest challenge is finding a healthy balance between my professional life and my personal life,” says the designer, who continues to sell her creations through stockists and her online shop. “My business is closely tied to who I am, and I love what I do, but that can sometimes make it hard to recognize when it’s time to slow down.”

Her words echo those of Young, who decided to pause her business at the end of April for an indefinite period. In her case, it wasn’t so much the tough economic climate but a personal need to reconnect with herself beyond the demands of running a company. For many proprietors of local brands, the real challenge is finding their place and growing without sacrificing their mental health. “Amid the everyday struggles, you sometimes wonder why you do all this, and then a little sign shows up: a message from a customer eagerly awaiting a style, a surprise visit to the store, a glowing review online or someone proudly telling us they own multiple pairs,” says Maguire. “It’s those small gestures that make all the difference.”

By shopping from a Canadian brand, you’re supporting an entire ecosystem—designers, pattern makers, seamstresses, manufacturers, sales staff, photographers and models. “It’s a tangible way to invest in our economic and cultural fabric,” says Mainville. If placing an order isn’t financially possible, says Young, there are still ways to support local brands: follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletters or just spread the word about them. “Your support keeps Canadian fashion alive, evolving and full of heart,” says Faulkner.

More than ever, our brands and designers need us—just as much as we need them.

HEIRLOOM HATS X NOUVEAU RICHE

ELIZA FAULKNER

NATURE CAN TAKE CARE OF WOMEN

A woman’s body is like a flower: delicate, in a constant state of change and requiring care in order to fully flourish.

THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS OF LIFE—menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, menopause, joint pain—women live through physiological storms. To support them, natural solutions such as homeopathy can provide effective relief.

HOMEOPATHY: A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH IN GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Christelle Besnard-Charvet, an obstetrician-gynecologist and homeopath, is an expert in women’s health. A lecturer and author of medical books, she has been the head of pathology in the R&D department at Boiron, France, since 2006. Her interest in homeopathy stems from her clinical experience: “When patients [would tell] me about breast pain, PMS or hot flashes, I only knew to offer hormonal treatments,” she says. “[Then], one day, a patient mentioned homeopathy to me, and I discovered a complementary approach that takes the whole person into account.”

HELP FOR MENSTRUAL PAIN AND IRREGULAR CYCLES

Painful periods are common and often treated with painkillers or hormonal contraceptives. Homeopathy can soothe symptoms and regulate the cycle. “I’ve seen young girls go from taking three anti-inflammatories to just one or even stop taking any at all,” says Besnard-Charvet. She emphasizes that menstrual disorders, often exacerbated by stress, can be alleviated through homeopathy.

SUPPORT FOR FERTILITY AND ENDOMETRIOSIS

Homeopathy can optimize a woman’s fertility by helping her body prepare naturally for conception after she stops taking oral contraceptives. It can also relieve some of the discomforts associated with endometriosis, especially moderate ones, or be used as a complement to hormonal treatment.

experience them again once she stops treatment,” BesnardCharvet explains. “Homeopathy doesn’t eliminate the symptoms, but it can make them more tolerable. The goal is to improve quality of life.”

PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH AND IMPROVING RECOVERY

Homeopathy can help with childbirth and improve postpartum recovery by reducing fatigue and promoting breastfeeding.

AN APPROACH THAT RESPECTS A WOMAN’S WELL-BEING

While respecting conventional medicine as well as nature and the planet, homeopathy gently supports women in a personalized way at all stages of their lives. However, follow-up with a health professional is recommended to ensure appropriate care.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINAL SOLUTIONS* AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER

HOMEOPATHY FOR MENOPAUSE: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Homeopathy makes it possible to adapt treatment according to symptoms and to make hot flashes or sleep disturbances more tolerable. “A woman on hormone therapy who no longer has hot flashes will

ACTEANE Relieves perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disorders, headache, irritability and mood swings.

($27.80, BOIRON.CA)

ARNICARE FLEX

Helps to temporarily relieve symptoms in adults associated with arthritis pain and osteoarthritis-related joint pain.

($23.50, BOIRON.CA) QUIETUDE

For minor sleep disorders (restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, nocturnal awakening and occasional sleeplessness) and stressrelated nervousness (hypersensitivity and irritability).

($19, BOIRON.CA)

*These homeopathic medicines may not be suitable for everyone. Always read the label and follow the instructions. Available at Boiron.ca, in natural-health-product stores, pharmacies, major popular banners across Canada and Amazon.

DR. CHRISTELLE

summer shopping guide

From the trendiest sunglasses to the latest styles in swimwear, playful shorts and the cutest sandals, we’ve put together everything you’ll need for the easiest, breeziest warm-weather style.

PUMPS, LA CANADIENNE ($465, LACANADIENNESHOES.COM)

TOWEL, SOHO HOME ($115, SSENSE.COM)

VINTAGE SHORTS, B SIDES ($275, ABSOLUTELYFABRICS.COM)

DEUX LIONS ($235, DEUXLIONSJEWELRY.COM)

SMYTHE ($995, SHOPSMYTHE.COM)

BIKINI, J.CREW (TOP, $125, AND BOTTOMS, $110, JCREW.COM)

MAGUIRE ($110, MAGUIRESHOES.COM)

($70, CA.BRIXTON.COM)

NECKLACE,

BEACH

DRESS,

SUNGLASSES,

BACKPACK, LAMBERT ($140, DESIGNLAMBERT.COM)

MESH TOP, ST. AGNI ($430, STAGNI.COM)

JUMPSUIT, MANGO ($220, SHOPMANGO.COM)

SHIRT, COS ($135, COS.COM)

TOP, ZARA ($70, ZARA.COM)

VISOR, ALO ($115, ALOYOGA.COM)

SWIMSUIT, KNIX ($135, KNIX.CA)

ANKLET, JENNY BIRD ($298, JENNY-BIRD.CA)

BASEBALL

DRESS, GANNI ($475, GANNI.COM)

Jean POOL

Tried-and-true, denim never goes out of style. Here are three of the most fashionable ways to wear it this summer.

By TRUC NGUYEN

DENIM IS A UNIVERSAL FABRIC. It can be worn casual and cool or elevated and chic. The denim-everywhere-all-at-once vibes of the past few years continue, and the spring/summer 2025 runways were no exception. You might have seen models wearing low-slung, wide-legged jeans at Stella McCartney, Versace and Gucci, taken note of the embellished and maximalist takes on the Canadian tuxedo at Chanel, Libertine and Marques’ Almeida or been drawn to the distressed denim at Balenciaga, Ann Demeulemeester and Philipp Plein. Presented in washes ranging from bleached blue to dark indigo to faded black, denim has fully entered its high-fashion moment—and we are here for it. While there are some trends we’d rather upcycle (looking at you, skinny jeans), certain styles dominated the catwalks and would make worthy additions to your wardrobe.

GO WIDE

Although barrel and bubble fits continue to be popular, the musthave jeans of the season, according to Sarvi Ghahremanpour, buyer and manager at Toronto denim shop Over the Rainbow, are the “loose straight fit.” They’re your classic wide-legged style but updated with a lower rise, an extra-long inseam and fresh details like wide cuffs or eye-catching embroidery. Loose but not baggy, these floor-grazing jeans—mostly in classic- or vintage-blue denim—work as a versatile and comfortable trouser alternative for all occasions. On the Chanel runway, a light-blue version was paired with heels and a feathered cape, while Gucci’s mediumblue-hued jeans were worn with tank tops and oversized coats. Canadian stylist Leila Bani, who has worked with everyone from Lori Harvey to Pamela Anderson, suggests pairing these wide-legged styles with chunkier shoes or ones that are pointy enough to peek out beyond the hem. “When the shoe

KHAITE

CHLOÉ

disappears, it makes me a little sad,” says Bani. And you may want to balance the wideness of the jeans with a more fitted top or something with a defined shoulder.

DOUBLE DENIM

Like so many other ’90s trends, head-to-toe-denim looks are bigger than ever right now. (How could anyone forget Britney Spears’ and Justin Timberlake’s matching outfits at the 2001 American Music Awards?) On the catwalks, it was all about sets, with jeans and skirts worn with a top or jacket in a matching denim fabric. The rigid, darker denim duos at Sportmax and Toga read as modern and minimalist, while the lighter-blue printed pieces at Marques’ Almeida and Philipp Plein felt more summery and informal. Off the runway, Ghahremanpour suggests being flexible when it comes to mixing denim weights and colours. “It used to be that it had to be the same wash denim—it had to match perfectly,” she says. “[Now] you could do a mix and match. I love a dark-blue denim with a charcoal [one].”

DISTRESS TEST

A perfect companion to the season’s boho mood, artfully distressed blue jeans are also making a strong comeback. At Ann Demeulemeester, hand-distressed denim offered a visual counterpoint to diaphanous blouses and sharply tailored coats. At Balenciaga, faded black jeans and skirts were paired with matching fitted jackets, and at Philipp Plein, light-wash baggy jeans had shredded legs and trench coats sported a distressed patchwork pattern. Here, for maximum impact, Bani suggests leaning into the trend—and making a stronger fashion statement—by combining multiple pieces of distressed denim in one look. “Commit to the bit,” she says.

SHIRT, SMYTHE ($450, SHOPSMYTHE.COM)

JACKET, ALEXANDERWANG.T ($740, HOLTRENFREW.COM)

($468, VERONICABEARD.CA)

JEANS, DENIM FORUM ($128, ARITZIA.COM)

JEANS, COS ($135, COS.COM)

VEST, CITIZENS OF HUMANITY ($454, NET-A-PORTER.COM)

SKIRT, ACNE STUDIOS

JACKET, STELLA MCCARTNEY ($1,470, STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM)

JEANS, UNCLE STUDIOS ($372, UNCLEXSTUDIOS.COM)

TOP, MANGO ($66, MANGO.COM)

STYLE THE TREND

BERMUDA SHORTS

Yes, they’re back—and more wearable than ever.

DAY

Stay in sync with the office dress code in belted wrap-style Bermudas paired with a classic button-down and edgy accoutrements.

NIGHT

A mélange of styles—trouser-like shorts, an origami-folded top and feathery sandals—take your goingout look to new levels.

WEEKEND

Hit the festival circuit in crisp denim Bermudas plus a structured top and cowboy boots—the end result is equal parts comfortable and chic.

STYLE THE TREND

FLIP-FLOPS

These reimagined beach staples are ready for their close-up.

DAY

Flip-flops for the nine-to-five are a big swing; pull them off with a pedicure (natch) and sophisticated separates to balance out the leisurely vibe.

NIGHT

Evening plans call for a more-is-more approach. Butter-yellow platforms offer a cool contrast to a fringed dress

WEEKEND

Your après-swim style doesn’t have to be an afterthought—a sleek pair of flip-flops and punchy extras bring polish poolside.

What’s your number one summer trend and how would you style it? “I’m loving the resurgence of florals. They’re a great way to add colour and print to your wardrobe. I love matching sets, so a shirt-and-shorts/skirt combo would be my pick. You can style it with a bandeau or a tank underneath, and you can wear the pieces together or separate them for a different look.”

What is the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received? “Wait for the sale! My mom would always take us shopping for back to school when everything had gone on sale so we could get more stuff. That has always stuck with me. I love a good deal.”

Is there one piece of clothing you own that you never get sick of? “My vintage T-shirts. I have a Mickey Mouse shirt I wear on airplanes, and I would be devastated if I ever lost it.”

How do you elevate style through colour? “Spring and summer are great times to incorporate colour into your wardrobe. A bright polo or bathing suit is a fab way to elevate your style. If you’re a little bit hesitant, accessories—like eyewear—are an easy way to add a pop of colour to your look. The right tinted lenses don’t just make a style statement—they can enhance your features and even change the way you see the world all while complementing your skin tone.”

What’s your summer sunglasses vibe this year? “I’m taking my sunglasses game to the next level, and the 2025 trends are some of the most interesting I’ve seen in a long time. First up, metal frames are everywhere—from sleek titanium to reflective aluminum, these futuristic designs strike the perfect balance

Style Matters

Canadian-born celebrity stylist, Canada’s Drag Race judge and all-around fashion pro BRAD GORESKI talks trends, sales, sunglasses and his new-found love of Transitions lenses.

By JOANNA FOX

between edgy and elevated. The sculptural shapes and unique details give off retro-futurism vibes. Then there’s the sporty trend, which has exploded in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. Think wraparound [styles], aerodynamic lines and bold, dynamic shapes that bring effortless cool to any look. And, of course, I can never resist a classic! Modern classics are all about timeless design with a fresh spin, and I’m especially loving the oval-frame comeback: simple, chic and perfect for everyday wear. As for colour, green frames are my current favourite. They’re fresh, modern and a subtle nod to nature. Nude-tone frames are also having a moment, with transparent and neutral shades that feel understated yet sophisticated. And I can’t forget pink lenses—especially my Ruby Transitions lenses. They’re playful, fashion-forward and totally genderless, making them a must-have this summer.”

Let’s be clear: These aren’t your grandfather’s Transitions lenses. Can you speak to the new technology? “Oh, trust me, these aren’t the Transitions lenses you remember from years ago! The technology behind them has evolved so, so much. They’re faster, sleeker and more stylish than ever. They darken and fade back so smoothly that you never get stuck in that awkward in-between phase. And the colour options? That’s where they really shine. Transitions now come in a range of chic, fashion-forward shades that let you express your personal style in a whole new way. From classic grey and brown to trendier options like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red and even amethyst, there’s a tint for every mood or occasion. Whether you want something subtle and sophisticated or bold and eye-catching, you can customize your lenses to complement your frames and overall aesthetic.”

JOANNA FOX

Underthe Sun

One of the easiest ways to change up your look is with a different pair of shades. With these options, we’ve got you fully covered.

MICHAEL KORS ($208, COOLFRAMES.COM)

PILGRIM ($59, PILGRIM.CA)

TIFFANY & CO. ($482, SUNGLASSHUT.COM)

MAX MARA ($370, NORDSTROM.COM)

LOEWE ($640, LOEWE.COM)

RAY-BAN ($192, RAY-BAN.COM)

NANUSHKA ($440, NANUSHKA.COM)

JENNY BIRD ($280, JENNY-BIRD.CA)

LE SPECS ($109, LESPECS.COM)

SAINT LAURENT ($400, MYTHERESA.COM)

BONLOOK ($200, BONLOOK.COM)

OAKLEY ($240, OAKLEY.COM)

VERSACE ($255, CETTIRE.COM)

IN THE BAG

A fresh crop of Canadian designers are reinventing luxury for a new generation of It bag devotees.

By RANDI BERGMAN

MUCH HAS BEEN SAID about how no one is buying luxury bags right now. And, sure, a $15,000 (at least) Birkin might be beyond your wildest dreams even at the best of times. But fear not: Amid an international trade war, a looming recession and a slew of other things no frequent shopper ever wants to hear about, Canada’s very own brands are breaking new ground with handbags that are cooler, more accessible and, best of all, made right here at home. We’ve rounded up a few of the best and brightest minds who are offering everything from elegant silky bow clutches crafted by a collective of home sewers in Vancouver to goth-girl-approved leather messengers hand-sewn in Toronto’s west end—and flipping the idea of the status bag on its head.

WANZE

Wanze Song launched her line, WANZE , in 2022 after working as a pattern maker for London designers Kiko Kostadinov and ASAI. Since then, she’s built a reputation for having a quiet, considered approach to showcasing her expertly tailored, minimalist clothing and accessories: Rather than staging elaborate fashion shows, she invites clients into her Toronto showroom for twice-yearly fittings and personal consultations. “I like having an intimate one-on-one experience with each customer,” she says. “I get a true understanding of who I’m designing for.” Her “Dumpling” bag—a crescent-shaped carryall inspired by the beloved Chinese treat—has become a standout for its clever versatile design. Song produces the bag in leather and two types of nylon: a silky yet durable Italian radzimir and a shiny ultra-fine blend. With price tags ranging from $275 to $750, depending on the size and fabric, the “Dumpling” bags are pleated and puffed to resemble the real thing. While Song notes that prices will rise as materials and production costs increase (everything in her line, aside from the leather versions of the bags, which are produced at a family-run factory in Portugal, is designed and made in Toronto), she has implemented her own markup method to avoid the luxury industry’s increasingly high margins. “I plan on continuing to work within my own model and offer reasonable price points and good value for the products we’re creating.”

“DUMPLING”

WANZE

SONYA LEE

After designing her bag line for a decade, Stephanie Ibbitson really started blowing up when she bucked the traditional fashion schedule and began dropping new styles when she was ready—regardless of the season. SONYA LEE (a combination of her middle name, Sonya, and her husband’s nickname, Lee) perfectly straddles the edgy-minimal divide: Each bag is crafted in black leather with bold silver hardware and would look right at home on the arm of a ’90s star. “I want the wearer to feel powerful, confident—like that bitch,” says Ibbitson. Case in point: Julia Fox’s crew are fans. Ibbitson recently introduced a distressed brown leather into the mix, but it’ll be saved for limited editions so the brand stays true to its all-black origins. In the future, she plans to release one or two special colours a year in similarly small runs. Each bag is handmade in Toronto by an all-female team using leathers tanned in Argentina exclusively for the brand. Production is kept tight to avoid excess, so bags often sell out quickly. It’s quality above all else for Ibbitson, who wants her bags to become enduring staples in the closets of It girls everywhere. “My customers care about craftsmanship, functionality and originality,” she says. “They’re not chasing trends—they’re curating pieces that reflect who they are.”

“WINONA”

LE FEBOUR

In the year-plus since launching, LE FEBOUR has established a cult following for its single style: a slouchy oversized hobo bag with a thick shoulder strap. Each handbag is made-to-order from glossy genuine leather or a supple faux version, has metal grommets and other hardware sourced across Canada and is customizable in a variety of ways. Founder Hannah Lefebour, who also offers variations on a menswear-inspired denim short and boxy cotton jacket, is passionate about keeping production slow and local—each piece takes four to six weeks to make, and a small number are made each month by a group of craftspeople in Hamilton, Ont. Lefebour says the fact that her bags are so hot internationally in an era of instant gratification is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and ethical production rather than something that would inspire her to cut costs or raise prices. (The “Everything” bag starts at just $215.)

“We’re dedicated to providing high-quality pieces to a broad audience,” she says. “We believe everyone should have access to durable, well-made products regardless of their income level.”

“EVERYTHING” BAG, LE FEBOUR (FROM $215, LE-FEBOUR.COM)

SONYA LEE

LE FEBOUR

CLAIRE BESCO

There’s sustainable, and then there’s transforming leather discard destined for landfill into veritable couture. Torontobased designer CLAIRE BESCO is redefining post-consumer fashion with her new line of wildly creative sculptural bags, all handmade in Toronto. “I’ve always loved thrifting and vintage shopping—that search for something unique has really shaped how I shop for leather now,” she explains. Her process begins with sifting through scrap bins and second-hand markets for usable materials. Anything can be fodder for her creativity, from belt straps to motorcycle gear to old leather jackets. “I like the unpredictability; sometimes it feels like the bags design themselves,” she says. Once the materials have been chosen, Besco spends hours designing and hand-stitching each piece; most items are made-to-order. (The process begins with a $450 consultation fee that is included in the cost of the bag.) Each one-of-a-kind creation can take up to 70 hours to complete. As she sees it, she’s crafting the next generation of heirlooms. “I like to say my pieces are meant to be reworn and passed down, a notion that challenges the fast-paced nature of fashion and how, on an individual level, we treat clothing as disposable,” she says.

CUSTOM RECTANGULAR BAG, CLAIRE BESCO (FROM AROUND $500 TO $1,200, CLAIREBES.CO)

A BRONZE AGE

Renee Power launched A BRONZE AGE as a side hustle, initially importing Moroccan babouche slippers. But she pivoted to making it her full-time focus in the summer of 2020, when demand for pandemic-ready breezy dresses and oversized scrunchies was at an all-time high. Today, she runs her small but mighty fashion and accessories brand out of Vancouver, where home sewers, new immigrants, local factories and small sewing studios come together to create pieces that deliver a potent dose of the ultra-feminine. Each item is made-to-order, and bags typically feature detailed gathering on lustrous silky fabrics. One of the most popular designs, the “Kiku Croissant,” blends origami-style folding with a sturdy satin that allows the bag to hold its pastry-inspired shape even when full. It comes in nearly every girlie hue imaginable, making it the perfect companion for wedding season and beyond. “There is nostalgia, sustainability and Canadian support embedded in people’s decisions to shop from us,” says Power. The brand is carried widely in the U.S. and internationally (and has fans like Ayo Edebiri and Beanie Feldstein), but most of its customers are looking for a local and sustainable option. “People have a strong interest in purchasing garments sewn down the road from them.”

“HALO” BAG, A BRONZE AGE ($175, ABRONZEAGE.COM)

CLAIRE BESCO

MDW JEWELRY

MEGHAN WEEKS ’ designs are a way for her to reclaim her culture and connect with the Indigenous fashion-arts community.

By ERICA NGAO

IN MEGHAN WEEKS’ NEW VANCOUVER STUDIO, among her various tools and works-in-progress, stand two boxing trophies. The jewellery designer keeps them on display as a reminder to herself to approach life’s obstacles with determination and confidence. Her experience in boxing has mirrored her path as an artist. “To have my mind focused only on reaching my goal and winning the fight has been huge,” she says. “I feel like they’re connected.”

After studying digital design and photography at art school, Weeks decided to pursue woodworking. She honed her skills working on custom kitchens at a cabinet shop and then became a wood-shop technician at the city’s Emily Carr University of Art + Design. In 2018, she started MDW Jewelry in her living room after taking a silversmithing course, during which she “fell head over heels in love” with the craft. “I think of [each piece] as a miniature sculpture that you can wear,” she says.

For Weeks, jewellery is also a way to learn about and reclaim her culture as a Cree woman from Treaty 8 territory and a member of Sucker Creek First Nation. Her work often draws from Indigenous teachings and family, especially her grandmother. “I always go back to childhood memories and time that I spent with my kokum growing up,” she says. “She was a vital part of my childhood when we had the privilege of her in physical form.”

Each piece brims with personal significance and is wrapped in whimsy and humour. One series of charms, inspired by memories of accompanying her grandmother to bingo, includes a little purse with a dauber. And a bracelet is modelled after a strip of Wrigley’s Spearmint chewing gum, a treat that her grandmother would always carry with her. One of Weeks’ favourite pieces to create is a ring featuring the head of a bison, an animal that holds deep cultural and spiritual connections for many Indigenous communities. When the ring is worn, the wearer’s knuckle becomes the bison’s hump.

small-business owner. It was a full-circle moment that began, as many accomplishments do, with the desire to challenge oneself to grow. Weeks says that one of the most meaningful aspects of this journey has been connecting with the Indigenous fashion-arts community and collaborating with others. “It’s very intimidating to put your heart and soul out into the world and get critiqued on it,” she says. “I want to inspire other Indigenous people to tell their stories and not be afraid.”

ART AS

HEALING

“In 2019, I went through a health scare. I had to get surgery and take six weeks off work. During that time off, I was doing beadwork and feeling very lost. I went to the Pacific Association for First Nations Women, and we would have monthly [sweat-lodge ceremonies], and that helped me get in touch with the Creator and start healing. I told myself to just focus on making, and what came out of that was incredible because I felt like I had finally found myself.”

PERSONAL TOUCH

In 2024, Weeks received the BC Achievement Applied Art + Design Award for her work over the years as an artist, designer and

“Everything is truly made from the heart. I want my customers to feel that love is involved and care is put into [each piece]. It has a personal connection from me to the client. I also hope people find humour in some of my pieces, because laughter is medicine and how we heal. I don’t want to go into mass production because I’m a very firm believer in slow fashion and I want to make sure that because I’m dealing with silver, I think about the environment.”

A CREATIVE KINSHIP

“I’ve met so many other Indigenous artists, and we all get each other because we come from the same type of background of reclaiming identity and having residential-school survivors in our families, like our parents or grandparents. It’s absolutely incredible to work with Indigenous designers like Justin Jacob Louis, co-founder of Section 35. He used some of my work in his New York Fashion Week debut, and we recently travelled to Milan to showcase. It’s mind-blowing that my jewellery has taken me to these places and brought me to my community.”

All About CHRISTINE

Actor CHRISTINE BARANSKI is redefining what it means to portray intimidating, formidable women onscreen.

By PATRICIA KAROUNOS

CHRISTINE BARANSKI WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT SHE LOVES Canada. “I’m a Buffalo girl,” the actor proclaims in her grand yet amiable voice. That means she frequently crossed the border during her childhood and built “such happy memories” on camping trips to Muskoka long before it earned its cottagecountry-hot-spot status. In fact, Canada even plays a starring role in her career-origin story. “I think I’m an actress because when I was in high school, we took a train up to the Stratford Festival and I was just hit with an arrow in the heart when I saw a production of Romeo and Juliet,” says Baranski, adding that she kept returning to the renowned southwestern Ontario theatre fest over the years and even got to watch the late, great Dame Maggie Smith perform.

It’s apt, then, that the last time Baranski—whose decades-long career includes iconic roles in projects like the ’90s sitcom Cybill, Emmy-nominated legal drama The Good Wife and Mamma Mia! movies—was in Canada, it was for a quick costume fitting in Toronto for her latest role, in Nine Perfect Strangers. The second season of the anthology series, which is now streaming on Prime Video Canada, sees Nicole Kidman returning to her 2021 role of Masha, an enigmatic wellness guru who claims to help (mostly wealthy) people transform their lives with microdosing. While the first season was adapted from the Liane Moriarty novel of the same name, this batch of episodes enters completely new territory. Masha’s lavish retreat has moved to the snowy Austrian Alps, and she’s ready to welcome a different group of clients, played by a cast that includes Baranski, Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians), Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness), gen-Z singer-songwriter King Princess and Canadian star Annie Murphy.

Baranski plays Victoria, a beguiling woman who immediately leaps off the screen. She’s loud, boisterous and not afraid to draw attention to herself—as long as she can control it. She has attended Masha’s retreats before (usually after the dissolution of yet another marriage), but this time the visit is meant to be a bonding experience with her estranged daughter, Imogen (Murphy), in an attempt to repair their relationship. So when Victoria arrives on the scene fashionably late with a younger (and uninvited) paramour on one arm and a mysterious cane on the other, Imogen is understandably frustrated. It soon becomes clear that Victoria isn’t being forthcoming about something in her life, and that’s when this complicated mother-daughter story really kicks into high gear.

“Victoria is putting on a show—about why she’s using a cane and in the way that she sits and the way she presents herself,” says Baranski, explaining that she found the character so compelling because of the psychological place she’s in when audiences meet her. “She’s this glamorous woman with a great sense of humour. She’s irreverent, but she’s also hiding something deeply sad while longing to connect with her daughter.” Because Imogen’s and Victoria’s stories are intertwined, Baranski and Murphy’s dynamic was key to the plot’s success. Baranski had never worked with the Schitt’s Creek star before, which she says was a plus because their characters haven’t seen each other in years. The two may be estranged, but Imogen is definitely her mother’s daughter, matching her sense of fierceness and her air of self-assured sophistication. And

in Murphy, Baranski found a dream scene partner. “Annie just has such an extraordinary life force and intelligence,” she says. “She’s got these piercing blue eyes, and there’s a vividness to her personality. She was so believable to me as that character and so formidable that I could see how Victoria would be intimidated by her own daughter.”

And if anyone knows something about portraying formidable women onscreen, it’s Baranksi. Whether she’s playing elite lawyer Diane Lockhart on The Good Wife or its spinoff series The Good Fight or old-money matriarch Agnes Van Rhijn on the HBO period drama The Gilded Age (which returns for season three this month), she projects a powerful, unwavering steeliness in many of her roles. While Victoria may be concealing a certain vulnerability, she’s no exception. “It takes a lot of strength to put on your makeup and put yourself together knowing that you’re literally falling apart,” says Baranski. “Victoria, like so many characters that I play, has a real moxie—a kind of fighting spirit.”

Baranski calls this spirit “push-back energy,” and it’s something she searches for in every part she plays (which, she adds, isn’t hard as it’s the type of role she tends to be offered). “It’s a fierce energy—it means you have something to push back on,” she says. “There’s a wall of resistance or [there are] obstacles you have to find the strength to push up against, so you have to look deeper within yourself. It requires that extra bit of inner strength.” It’s a quality Baranski started developing herself after she lost her dad when she was just eight years old. Everything in her life changed. Onscreen, she says, that obstacle was the corporate glass ceiling in a man’s world for Diane, while for Agnes it was having to marry a difficult man to ensure she and her sister were provided for. “I love playing these characters because I love the energy that [doing so] calls upon; I love [taking on] the obstacles, coming through to the other side and finding that I did have the strength to make it,” she adds. “I’ve often said that I’m not an actress who’d be comfortable playing the victim—you know, the long-suffering wife or the nice mom who puts up with a lot of shit. I’m the actress who’s going to walk into the room and take over.”

Since Baranski has carved out her niche playing women who push back, many people admit to being intimidated when they first meet her. In fact, her Gilded Age co-star (and the daughter of her friend and Mamma Mia! cast mate Meryl Streep) Louisa Jacobson has confessed to feeling just that while shooting the first season of the period drama. But even in just a 20-minute conversation with the actor, it’s obvious that not only is Baranski not intimidating but she goes out of her way to make sure others feel welcome and cared for in her presence. “People see this image of me, but I am not these characters,” she says with a laugh. “I just want to make my fellow actors comfortable. I’ll be as friendly and as kind as I can be. If another actor is struggling with lines, I’ll say, ‘What can I do to help you?’ or ‘Hey, we’ve all been there. Take your time; take some deep breaths. We’re in this together.’ It’s almost a professional responsibility to make your fellow players feel comfortable, even if your role is someone who’s giving them a hard time. They have to know that there’s a safety net when you’re not working and that you’re not going to be that character. You’re going to be a colleague who’s on their team.”

Dating, Disrupted

Will AI save singles from dating-app burnout or send them fleeing offline?

By EVE THOMAS

A FEW YEARS AGO, an alarming video was making the rounds on social media: A man seated on the Montreal Metro, phone in hand, was swiping right on women’s faces at a dizzying speed. He was going too quickly to see a photo, let alone read a bio, okaying dozens of dating profiles per minute. He might as well have been playing a slot machine.

This strategy—casting a wide net and then selecting from any matches—isn’t unheard of, especially for straight men, but to see it on display like that felt a bit unsettling. Was online dating nothing more than a numbers game? What was the point of carefully crafting a profile if people barely read it?

In 2022, when Moscow developer Aleksandr Zhadan put that same energy into programming OpenAI’s GPT-2 to be his dating assistant, using it to chat with over 5,000 women on Tinder, coordinate 100 dates through his Google calendar and, ultimately, meet his fiancée (who seemed to take his tactics in stride, stating, “I think the most important thing is our

real-life connection, which is great”). Zhadan’s experiment inspired myriad imitations, including chatbots and tools that promised to act as virtual “wingmen” by taking on labour, both digital and emotional. And now, in 2025, dating apps are officially following suit. With user numbers dipping for the five biggest (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid and Grindr) and millennial singles spending less time swiping, companies like Match Group are vowing to use new tech to facilitate pairings, cultivate better conversations and reduce “dating fatigue.” But will introducing AI to the equation keep singles engaged or make them question who’s really behind their screen?

Upon hearing “AI” and “dating” in the same sentence, one could be forgiven for envisioning a potential Black Mirror plot: catfishing using Midjourney photos, making deepfakes as revenge for rejection, falling in love with—or getting ghosted by—an AI companion. Unlike the much-talked-about sexbot invasion that never seems to materialize, AI has already inserted

itself into people’s everyday lives—it’s used by students to do their homework, virtually everyone with a desk job and anyone contacting customer service. And in the first half of 2025, the headlines around AI have not been particularly encouraging: Duolingo drew ire when it replaced contract workers with AI, Mark Zuckerberg claimed Meta’s “digital companions” can cure loneliness and Replika AI was hit with an FTC complaint accusing it of targeting vulnerable users and encouraging emotional dependence on its chatbots.

When I’ve spoken to friends about AI and dating apps, the overwhelming response has been skepticism. “My boss is very hyped on AI, but so far it’s making my job harder,” says Cherine*, a marketer who also says she has to regularly explain to her parents that the AI-generated Facebook photos they’re sharing aren’t real. “I work in tech, so I don’t know how much I trust some of these companies to understand love,” says Chloe* (who met her long-term partner through Instagram DMs). “If you look at Silicon Valley or even parts of the U.S. government, there’s a certain type of guy who really wants to measure everything and gets angry when he can’t.”

Anya*, a high-school teacher, is also wary. “My students try to use ChatGPT for their work, so I’m very paranoid about anything that sounds off,” she says. And what about tools like spell-check or basic photo filters? “Okay, I use those...but you know what? I am a pedant. If someone can’t string together a sentence, that’s actually very important to me. Why fake it?”

Most of the apps’ front-facing tools (versus more opaque programming stuff) have one of three functions: helping you craft your profile, suggesting or editing photos or helping you chat with matches. Sometimes the help comes in the form of basic feedback, and sometimes it’s less direct, as with Tinder’s The Game Game, released in April, which lets you test your flirting skills out loud with voice-enabled “meet cute” scenarios and then rates you (for being too shy or too sarcastic, for example). It’s not hard to see how these tools might help—or hinder—someone’s quest for connection.

“Potential benefits of AI include the capacity to analyze preferences and behaviours to suggest more compatible matches and help identify and mitigate biases in dating algorithms,” says Jess O’Reilly, a Toronto-based sexologist, the founder of Happier Couples and Tinder Canada’s relationship expert. She sees the broader digital dating world’s instant abundance as a bit of a double-edged sword. “It benefits us by increasing our exposure to potential partners we might never meet otherwise. But the overload of options or the paradox of choice may also be associated with indecision, superficial swiping and the belief that someone ‘better’ might be a click away—which can reduce satisfaction and detract from presence and connection.”

While O’Reilly suggests singles get their friends and family to offer an outside perspective on their dating profiles, when it comes to getting help from AI, she considers it carefully. “Using AI to help craft messages can be a helpful starting point, but if we simply copy and paste or suspect others are doing that, we risk losing the potential for genuine connection,” she says. Her advice: Use it to “enhance rather than replace your skills” (which is a good suggestion for school work as well as flirting).

This mirrors the experience of my friend Renata*, a newly single mom who met her current partner through Hinge’s AI-enabled Most Compatible feature. “Online dating is somehow simultaneously overwhelming and underwhelming, which quickly becomes exhausting,” she says. “The compatibility prompt might have influenced my decision, but, honestly, I think it had more to do with his initial message, which felt intelligent, thoughtful and personal.”

But many detractors aren’t approaching it from a personal place. Ethical Dating Online is a global group of academics (including Carrie Jenkins, a professor of philosophy at the University of British Columbia) raising concerns around issues like virtual harassment, algorithmic biases and mental health. They put out a statement last February that said: “The main risk of hasty adoption of gen-AI, is that without adequate guardrails and education in place, it may degrade an already precarious online environment. Misrepresentation and deception are rife online, and use of gen-AI risks worsening this to the detriment of dating app users who value authentic intimacy.” Other, more tangible risks they detail include data security and environmental impact. (You’ve likely heard some of the numbers by now, like how a 20- to 50-word conversation with ChatGPT consumes the equivalent of a 500-millilitre bottle of water.) Unsurprisingly, the dating apps have been quick to get ahead of common criticisms. For example, O’Reilly emphasizes that Tinder’s The Game Game doesn’t use users’ interactions to train AI models. And Bumble uses AI to boost

It’s worth noting that the marriage of tech and romance—and the skepticism around it—is nothing new. Before smartphones, singles ads funded newspapers and “missed connections” posts were the backbone of Craigslist.

user safety with features like Private Detector (which blurs potential unsolicited nudes) and Deception Detector (which flags potentially fake profiles).

It’s worth noting that the marriage of tech and romance— and the skepticism around it—is nothing new. Before smartphones, singles ads funded newspapers and “missed connections” posts were the backbone of Craigslist. The first computer-based matchmaking services emerged in the 1960s, and the ’80s VCR boom led to video-based dating services. In 1995, a company called Electric Classifieds launched Match.com; membership was US$9.95 a month, and it gained 100,000 registrants within a year. And then came the dating apps—a.k.a. “the apps”—with Tinder debuting in 2012.

ZEITGEIST

That’s the same year sociologist and Université du Québec à Montréal lecturer Maude Lecompte began studying the app for her post-doctoral thesis and eventual book, Les applications de rencontre: Révolution, lieu de perdition ou simple gadget? (which translates to “Dating apps: Revolution, place of perdition or simple gadget?”), which was released in January. She is hesitant to make any grand proclamations or predictions about AI, at least not for a year or so, but she wonders how well an algorithm can guess what we really want, especially since it can be so bad at considering changing tastes or growth. “You might click on a photo of a guy with a beard one day and not be into them the next, but suddenly you’re going to get a lot of beards,” she says, highlighting an experience that will be familiar to anyone who’s bought an item online only to then be served ads for it for months afterwards. She also notes that just because you have things in common doesn’t mean you’ll get along. (Hello, opposites attract.) “Sometimes it is about vibes, and vibes are hard to measure.” Overall, though, she’s optimistic about human nature, even in the face of technology. “The apps will have to change. But people are still looking for romance and long-term relationships.”

Perhaps the biggest problem facing dating apps today isn’t the apps themselves but the tech ecosystem around them. The online world that forces us to cultivate our personal brand through selfies, Goodreads, TikTok, Letterboxd and even Uber can lead to digital burnout before we even think of checking Tinder. A friend who works in advertising told me that she had to delete all her dating apps while she was seriously looking for a job. “The norm is at least five interviews now, so I was selling myself all day and then sending emails and checking LinkedIn at night. I did not have any energy left to scroll, let alone go on a date and talk about myself even more.”

In his book Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, New Yorker staff writer Kyle Chayka considers how letting algorithms shape our experience has led to blandness in art, music and other areas of life but has also put us out of touch with our own taste. “In so many cases, the culture disseminated through

algorithmic feeds is either designed to produce a sensory void or to be flattened into the background of life,” he writes. Chayka ended up logging off for an “algorithm cleanse,” intent on consuming culture beyond the internet.

The apps are vying for a piece of this offline world too, with IRL events and features. Tinder’s Summer Series parties were launched to “bridge the gap between online and offline dating.”

Hinge’s One More Hour initiative aims to combat the loneliness epidemic by funding local social groups, noting on its website, “Today, gen Z gets 1,000 fewer hours of in-person connection time every year, compared to previous generations.” In Quebec, a sort of hybrid app called At First Sight is in the works; it only springs into action when users are in the same public space, letting them communicate if they match and meet up then and there if they choose. And across Canada, grassroots groups are resurrecting retro events that put singles in the same reallife spaces. In Montreal, gen-Z community organizers Léa Rizk and Christina Sawaya launched regular queer-speed-dating and “speed friendship” events in 2024 after noticing a “shared frustration with mainstream dating platforms, not just because they weren’t inclusive but because they felt emotionally exhausting, unpredictable and often unsafe.”

“There’s an emotional fatigue that comes from constantly performing your identity through curated pictures and bios,” says Rizk. “It’s transactional. You’re swiping through people like products, and when you do try to connect, it’s often met with inconsistent communication, ghosting or even scams.” And while showing up to a live event might seem scarier or more laborious than staying behind a screen, especially for a generation that’s often dismissed as phone addicts, that’s far from the whole story. “With IRL events, you get to pick up on energy, body language and vibe in a way that’s immediate. For neurodivergent folks especially, it’s much easier to gauge interest or compatibility through a real-time conversation than through text or emoji decoding. You can just exist in the same space with other people who are also craving intimacy or connection. That shared energy is hard to replicate online.”

Brianne Howey

The Ginny & Georgia star is turning up the dial.

By PATRICIA KAROUNOS

WHEN BRIANNE HOWEY LANDED IN TORONTO to film the third season of Netflix’s smash-hit teen dramedy Ginny & Georgia, it was her first time there with her baby in tow. Having played one-half of the titular mother-daughter duo for years now—the Californian stars as Georgia Miller, a young, previously single, risk-taking mom who has a Gilmore Girls-esque relationship with her teen (played by Antonia Gentry)—Howey feels her character’s presence in her everyday life, including with her now almost two-year-old. “I’ve never gotten to spend this much time with a character—ever,” she says of Georgia. “[She] is a huge part of my life—I think about her [all the time]. Like, when I’m getting frustrated with my own daughter, I have Georgia lines in my head. You just continue to become enmeshed with these characters and marinate on them a little longer.”

According to Howey, that extreme familiarity has made returning to the series season after season an easier, less jittery process. And you can tell by the commanding powerhouse performance she gives in season three, which starts streaming on June 5 and finds Georgia at risk of losing everything she’s worked so hard to build (including her relationship with Ginny) after being accused of murder. We’ve had a sneak peek at this new batch of episodes and can attest that both Howey and the show—which has been lauded for the way it explores big issues like race, sex, social media and mental health—just keep getting better. This upward trend is something they’ll have a chance to keep proving since the show has been renewed for a fourth season.

NEW CHAPTER “There’s a lot of contrast in Ginny&Georgia—but life is [full of] contrast. Our writers have written the most beautiful season; it’s going to be really, really heavy, but it’s also really fun. What I’m excited for everyone to see is that Ginny and Georgia truly take a page out of each other’s books, which is scary and encouraging at the same time. There are pros and cons to the way each of them handles things. Georgia’s whole life has been about secrecy and protecting her family, and after the season two finale, all bets are off. Everything has been exposed, and we inevitably see the downfall of Georgia Miller.”

FULL DIMENSION “Desperate times are calling for very desperate measures. The stakes are so high for Georgia, and there are truly no other options. When she starts to make some of these tricky decisions, it’s the only path she can see clearly. I’ve had to do a lot of things as Georgia that at first glance can be hard to get behind. But I never want to judge her. My only goal is to always bring humanity to her.”

COMMUNITY BONDING “People come up to me and share stories about their experiences with their single mom. Sometimes it brings me to tears; it’s very touching. I never thought I’d get to be on a show that has such important dialogue [about the subject]. And it’s honestly very motivating. [In] times when it feels like, ‘Phew, this day is tough,’ I truly think about all the people who approach us and tell us how meaningful the show is to them and kind of use that as [my] ammo.”

HELPING HAND “Being a modern-day parent with screens and non-stop cellphones is always in the back of your mind. I mean, I’m a grown woman and social media gives me anxiety. If it had been around when I was a child? My God. I definitely don’t have the answers, but that’s something I’m constantly thinking about. One thing I have [taken away] from Ginny & Georgia is a hope that my daughter will feel comfortable having those conversations with me. That’s my main goal: to breed a connection that’s a safe space.”

MAKING A SCENE “[When it comes to work], I always look to be moved. Real people move me. I’ve worked on a lot of fun, heavy things, and I’ve done a lot of genres—I’ve been a vampire, I’ve been a zombie, all these things. Many, many years ago, my grandma would be like, ‘Why can’t you just look pretty and get the guy in the end?’ And I’d be like: ‘Grandma, because I don’t want to! That doesn’t sound like much fun, and it’s not very relatable.’ I want to be able to relate to the character, I want to be able to see myself in them. I think that’s what we all find cathartic and enjoy watching.”

HOME AWAY FROM HOME “I’ve done Yorkville, West Queen West—that was when I was solo Bri out and about in Toronto. Now that I’m with my family, we love the east end. We’re closer to The Beaches, and The Beaches over the summer is the most magical, family-friendly [place] I’ve ever witnessed. I could go on a five-minute walk and the dog has an amazing dog park and [my daughter] has the coolest splash pads, and she soaks it all up. I also love the indoor-outdoor eating and the patio lifestyle.”

GAMECHANGER

Professional hockey player MARIE-PHILIP POULIN on how visibility, community and teamwork are driving a new era for women in sport.

By VAL DESJARDINS

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, the rise in significance of women’s professional sports leagues has brought a heightened level of visibility to high-performance female athletes around the world. One such player is Marie-Philip Poulin, captain of Montreal’s women’s hockey team, the Victoire. With Poulin at its helm, the franchise has achieved several milestones over the past two years, most notably breaking the women’s-hockey-attendance record last April by filling all 21,105 seats in the Bell Centre, the country’s largest indoor arena.

It’s worth noting that Poulin’s illustrious career was already well established prior to her involvement with the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) in 2023. Originally from Beauceville, Que., she is best known for her role as the captain of the Canadian national women’s hockey team, which she has led since 2015. Her participation in the past four Olympic Games has earned her no fewer than four medals as well as the nickname “Captain Clutch,” which she acquired for her ability to perform well under pressure. We were fortunate to sit down with Poulin ahead of the playoffs to get her thoughts on the evolution of women’s sports, life as an athlete and her plans as she heads into the off-season.

Looking back on the events of the past year, can you share your perspective on the evolution of women’s hockey? “The arrival of the new professional women’s hockey league has given extraordinary visibility to the sport and our players. The response from fans has been spectacular. This creates a ripple effect: More girls now see that it’s possible to play professional hockey and make a living from it. They now have opportunities that players before us didn’t have. In fact, the addition of two new teams [Vancouver and Seattle] proves that it’s working and that people are showing up. I find this very encouraging for the future of our league.”

What strategies help you manage the pressure that comes with being captain? “I always say that pressure is a privilege, but you

need to be able to handle it in a healthy way. Personally, I focus on the small accomplishments. When you concentrate on doing each step well—prepping, training, taking every shot— you know you’re well prepared. That said, I don’t dwell on the magnitude of being captain; it’s a great recognition, and I take this responsibility with humility because I’m not the only one contributing to my team’s success. I make sure that every player feels like an integral part of the team and knows they have an important role to play. We are a team, and every player brings something valuable.”

Do the excitement and electric atmosphere of the games help improve team performance? “Our fans’ support is simply incredible. I often say we have the best crowd in the league. Montreal is a hockey city, and we can feel it when we play at home. It’s true when people say the crowd can become the seventh player. Just think of the games we played at the Bell Centre—those were moments that gave us chills and that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.”

Do you have any pre-game rituals? “Not really. We try to keep the atmosphere relaxed before a game. It’s important to prepare well, but we should also enjoy it. We really have a great team for that.”

How would you like to see women’s sports evolve in the coming years? “I think we’re on the right track. When you look at attendance records for women’s basketball, soccer and many other sports here and around the world, you can see that women belong in the professional-sports scene. It just takes a few people who believe in it and are willing to put in the energy to give female athletes a platform. Also, we recently reached gender parity at the Olympic Games, which had never happened before. I think it’s beautiful that women can now hope to reach a professional level in their sport.”

Can you describe a typical summer as a hockey player? “I usually take advantage of the break to rest and spend some weekends with family. I really enjoy camping, so I try to do that during the off-season. We still train, though in a less rigid way. This summer will be a bit different since we’re preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games, so we’ll have training camps with Hockey Canada and I have several commitments related to the Games.”

Can you share some of your favourite summer destinations?

“There are so many great places, like Verdun and downtown Montreal. But as I mentioned, I really like getting out into nature

and going camping. We usually decide spontaneously, but it’s often somewhere in Quebec. There are so many beautiful places close to home to discover.”

You’re clearly someone who inspires many young women and future athletes. Who inspires you? “There are several! I’d say strong women who break barriers in general. The other night, we had the honour of welcoming [Quebec writer and feminist icon] Janette Bertrand for the ceremonial puck drop. It’s women like her who’ve paved the way for us. I think they’re all inspiring in their own fields. As a young hockey player, I also had a lot of admiration for [former hockey player] Caroline Ouellette.”

beauty

Screen Time

Canadian summers are pure magic, and we’re firm believers in soaking up every last bit of that patio-drinks, lake-swims, backyard-barbecues and outdoor-festivals joy— just, you know, safely. Enter our comprehensive SPF guide, in which we tackle the most, ahem, burning questions surrounding sun protection: Is chemical sunscreen dangerous? How can you reapply SPF over your makeup without wrecking it? Why can’t we get next-gen Asian formulas over here? We’ve got answers, friends.

By EMILY MACCULLOCH

IT APPEARS WE’VE ENTERED A TIME MACHINE and shot back to the days of baby oil and foil reflectors. At least, that’s what recent statistics on gen Z’s attitude toward SPF seem to suggest. According to a 2023 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, 71 percent of people born between 1997 and 2012 are unfamiliar with the risks of getting a sunburn and 40 percent are unaware of the damage tanning can cause. That’s not to mention all the misinformation on the topic going around social media, from claims that sunscreen is just straight up bad for you to recipes for homemade formulas. (Just...please don’t.)

When we were in our teens and early 20s, my friends and I would hit up tanning salons in search of Marissa Cooper’s California-girl glow on The O.C. As a very-fair-skinned person sprinkled with moles from head to toe, I was told at a young age that I was at high risk for developing skin cancer. And yet I still sat my pale ass down in a UV bed from time to time. I later learned that the damage I incurred from the burns and tans of my younger years will live in my skin forever—and can later manifest in the form of dark spots, wrinkles and cancer. Cut to my veryearly-stage melanoma diagnosis at age 40 and, needless to say, seeing all the myths spread about sunscreen hits differently now.

But it’s not all doom and gloom online. There are trustworthy voices cutting through the noise with hard facts and science. We tapped a few of these experts to help us set the record straight.

FINELY FILTERED

Settling the age-old mineral-versus-chemical debate once and for all.

WHAT’S THE REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?

Contrary to what you might have heard, both types of filters are safe and effective ways to protect your skin from UV damage. For years, it was said that chemical filters—like avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate—absorb UV rays and then convert them into heat, while mineral filters—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV light. The

latter might have been the case for the zinc oxide of decades past (picture the classic ’80s white-striped nose at the beach), but mineral filters these days are far more advanced in their formulation. “Mineral and chemical filters work in the exact same way,” says Montreal-based cosmetic scientist and product developer Julian Sass. “Both absorb UV rays and convert them into heat.” He adds that with mineral sunscreens, you will get some of that reflection and scattering effect but only for about five to 10 percent of the UV that’s hitting the skin. Charlotte Palermino, co-founder and CEO of Dieux skincare—who regularly posts about the ins and outs of sunscreen on her social channels—points out that some mineral sunscreens on the market are actually hybrids that contain both mineral and chemical technology. For example, although butyloctyl salicylate is a chemical filter, it’s often used in mineral sunscreens to improve a formula’s look and feel on the skin.

CAN CHEMICAL FILTERS GET ABSORBED INTO THE BLOODSTREAM AND CAUSE CANCER?

If you’ve tapped into any of the sunscreen conversations on social media, you’ve no doubt seen the shade that chemical filters have received of late. The main concern is that they could get absorbed into your bloodstream and lead to hormonal disruptions. “The study that most people refer to was done on a very limited sample size—only 24 people—and it was conducted indoors rather than in conditions exposing the participants to sunlight, heat or humidity,” explains Dr. Geeta Yadav, a Toronto dermatologist and the founder of FACET Dermatology. She says that these limited studies have led to the viral spread online of advice against wearing sunscreen altogether, which is extremely dangerous. “There’s no strong evidence that chemical filters harm human health,” says Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, a Toronto dermatologist and the founder of Canadian Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Centre. “Many dermatologists recognize that both types of SPF are safe and effective, and the best sunscreen is ultimately the one you’ll wear consistently.”

PHOTOGRAPHY, ROYAL GILBERT (MAIN IMAGE)

ARE CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS BAD FOR CORAL REEFS?

Certain chemical filters have been flagged as potentially problematic for ocean life. It’s why you might spot “reef safe” claims on some SPF labels and also why places like Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands have put laws in place restricting or banning the use of specific filters. But, according to Sass, the science is telling a different story. “There’s zero evidence— none, nada, zilch—that sunscreen, when used as intended, is having any negative impact on coral reefs,” he says. He points to some studies in which unrealistic concentrations of sunscreen filters—specifically, oxybenzone and octinoxate—were put into vats containing coral reef and damaged the reef, but he flags that zinc oxide had a similar outcome. He explains that these studies are not representative of what happens in real-world scenarios. “You have to think about how much sunscreen gets washed off your body when you go into the ocean, and then you have to think about the vastness of the ocean,” he says. Palermino has posted about this topic on multiple occasions on her social platforms. “The irony is that mineral sunscreen is just as toxic to coral reefs as chemical sunscreen when you put it in the water at incredibly high doses, but the reality is that no coral reefs are [being exposed] to that amount,” she adds. “It’s also ignoring the fact that it’s our rampant consumption that’s killing reefs, not sunscreen.”

CAN DEEPER SKIN TONES WEAR MINERAL SUNSCREEN?

By now, it’s hopefully understood that all skin tones need to wear daily sun protection because, as Ahluwalia reiterates, while melanin provides some natural protection, it’s not enough to prevent sun damage or skin cancer. But finding a just-right sunscreen can prove more challenging for people of colour as many formulas, especially those with mineral filters, can leave a greyish cast because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are naturally white in colour. “Those with deep complexions may prefer chemical filters as they are truly invisible, unlike mineral formulas, which can appear chalky, even in a tinted base,” says Yadav. That’s why Sass, who is Black and has spent years creating a database of over 500 sunscreens that he’s painstakingly tested for wearability, prefers to stick with chemical SPF. “If you really want to use mineral, you’ve got two options: Look for a tinted one—some formulas might work on some skin tones—or accept the white cast and apply a foundation overtop to make it look more cosmetically elegant.”

ON THE HORIZON

The future of SPF looks bright—new filters, more enjoyable formulas... But will Canadians get to benefit from these innovations anytime soon?

HIGH-TECH SUNSCREENS FROM ASIA ARE GETTING MASSIVE PRAISE. WHY CAN’T WE GET THEM HERE?

Every country regulates sunscreen—because it’s considered a drug rather than a beauty product—differently, which means products can vary drastically depending on where they’re from. Sass explains that Europe, Asia and Australia have green-lit a much larger selection of chemical filters than Canada has, which is why their formulas tend to be more advanced. He also points to consumer preference and cultural components

as reasons for differences across countries. “[Sunscreens] from South Korea and Japan are much more lightweight because sun protection is such a large part of their culture,” he says. “Whereas in Europe, it’s more of a ‘we only wear sunscreen at the beach’ kind of mentality, so their formulas tend to be a bit heavier.”

As the co-founder of Ultra Violette, Ava Chandler-Matthews knows a thing or two about formulating on a global scale. Her sunscreen brand originated in her home country of Australia before landing in Canada last year. “Canada has a more conservative approach to sunscreen regulation, which can be a real challenge,” she explains. “It meant we had to adapt some of our formulas to meet requirements without compromising on quality or performance.” When Ultra Violette finally arrived at Sephora Canada, it was an instant hit. “We work with incredible chemists who understand how to marry efficacy with elegance, so you’re getting hard-core protection in a formula that feels silky and luxurious,” says Chandler-Matthews.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SUNSCREEN CATEGORY?

The beauty biz is constantly evolving, and that goes for sunscreen as well. “SPF is being thought of more as skincare—it’s getting the ‘skinification’ treatment,” says Sass. “We’re starting to see more tinted formulas—kind of like skincare-sunscreen-makeup hybrid products.” With custom beauty being a growing part of the industry, Chandler-Matthews sees that as the next logical step. “I think we’ll start to see more targeted sunscreens—different textures, finishes and ingredients based on skin type or concern,” she says.

FAKE, DON’T BAKE

Look like you’ve just stepped off a plane from Ibithhha without paying for it later. “You can go the self-tanner route, mixing it with your moisturizer for a gradual, natural-looking tan on the face and décolleté,” says Montreal makeup artist Virginie Vandelac. Or if you’re looking for something more temporary, reach for a bronzer or bronzing drops. “Use the product as an all-over base or to add warmth where the sun would naturally hit,” she adds, referring to the tops of the cheeks and forehead and the bridge of the nose. Lastly, a smattering of faux freckles gives the illusion of sun-dappled skin and a “fresh, just-back-fromvacation vibe,” says the pro.

1. WESTMAN ATELIER SUN TONE BRONZING DROPS ($79, SEPHORA.CA)

2. CLARINS SELF-TAN RADIANCE PLUS GOLDEN GLOW BOOSTER ($38, CLARINS.CA)

BEST PRACTICES

Follow these suncare dos and don’ts and we promise that future you will thank you.

A MOISTURIZER OR FOUNDATION WITH SPF ISN’T ENOUGH—YOU NEED A PROPER SUNSCREEN.

The idea of a one-and-done multi-tasking product with SPF is appealing from a convenience standpoint, but chances are it won’t give you adequate protection—simply because you won’t use enough. “It’s the amount of sunscreen you apply that matters, not the format,” says Yadav. When filters get mixed with other ingredients, their safeguarding powers can become diluted, which means you have to slather on even more of the formula than you would a regular sunscreen (that is, half a teaspoon on your face). The risk of dilution is also why you shouldn’t mix your sunscreen with anything (like moisturizer or makeup). Ahluwalia adds that creams with SPF often don’t contain high enough concentrations of UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection. “A dedicated sunscreen is always the best option,” she maintains.

A TINTED SUNSCREEN IS YOUR BFF IF YOU’RE PRONE TO MELASMA.

Tinted mineral sunscreens are a popular choice because they help prevent a white cast and can make for more-even-looking skin, but a few studies have shown that they can be particularly beneficial for those with melasma. The condition, which can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics and exposure to sun and heat, produces patches of darker skin and can be tough to treat. “Tinted mineral sunscreens contain iron oxides, which offer additional protection against visible light,” explains Ahluwalia. “This is especially important for people with melasma, as visible light—not just UVA and UVB—can trigger pigment

production.” To help prevent worsening hyperpigmentation, she recommends wearing a tinted formula daily, even when indoors. “This is especially [crucial] for darker skin tones,” she says.

LAYER VITAMIN C UNDER YOUR SUNSCREEN FOR EVEN MORE PROTECTION.

Think of vitamin C and SPF as the ultimate skincare power couple. Multiple studies have proven that the antioxidant—L-ascorbic acid in particular and to a lesser extent other stable derivatives like ascorbyl palmitate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate—helps enhance the protection of sunscreen. “When paired together, vitamin C and sunscreen reduce oxidative stress, prevent DNA damage and slow down collagen breakdown,” explains Ahluwalia. “While vitamin C is in no way a substitute for sunscreen, the pair make for more comprehensive protection against sun damage,” says Yadav.

TOUCH UP YOUR SUNSCREEN THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

YES, EVEN OVER MAKEUP.

On days with plenty of direct sun exposure, topping up your SPF every two hours is a must, but that can be tricky if you’re wearing makeup. “One of my favourite ways to reapply sunscreen without disturbing makeup is by using an SPF spray,” shares Vandelac, who owns Vandelac Ateliers beauty studio in Montreal. To ensure you’re getting sufficient coverage, Yadav says to spritz it over your face in an “X” pattern and repeat several times to obtain a light, even coating. Be mindful of your environment during application, she flags. “The air should be still, otherwise the wind might carry away much of the formula.” Vandelac suggests selecting a formula with a fine mist and a hydrating finish that won’t dry out the skin. “It’s perfect for touch-ups throughout the day and keeps your protection on point without compromising your look.”

with innovative technology that ensures an even layer of protection, this face-and-body mist also hydrates skin for up to four hours.

Spiked with smoothing niacinamide and soothing allantoin, this mineral SPF was specially made with acneprone and sensitive skin types in mind.

This invisible gel acts like a primer, giving extra grip to makeup while infusing skin with barrier-boosting ingredients such as cica and squalane.

SECURITY TEAM

The latest addition to the muchlauded SPF brand’s lineup, this tinted mineral formula banks on innovative zinc from Japan to deliver featherlight, forget-it’sthere protection.

Beachy Head

ON A SHOOT IN TULUM, MEXICO, around 1998, Laurent Philippon was creating texture for model Georgina Grenville’s hair using a curling iron, a bit of wax and some talc. “We were in the height of grunge,” says the French hairdresser, who is based in Paris. “It was the first wave that I know of in the history of style where it was really about having that kind of sexy, tousled, undone done hair.” To achieve this at the time, hairstylists would cocktail styling products, like Philippon was doing, or use plain old sugar water. (“It’s a little too punk, too sticky,” he says.)

While on location, the editorial team took advantage of being near water and swam in both cenotes—natural sinkholes filled with groundwater, which are common in the Yucatán Peninsula—and the sea, and when Grenville’s hair dried, it looked amazing. Whatever was in the water provided the result Philippon was really after, so he decided to bring some back with him. Since he wasn’t sure if the effect was from the water in the cenote or the sea, he bottled up a bit of both and brought the samples into the New York City office of Bumble and Bumble, where he served as global artistic director at the time. He presented the vials to founder Michael Gordon. “And then I showed him the photos of the texture, and he got super excited,” says Philippon. “It was the beginning of Bumble, when everything seemed possible. You had an idea, and you could make a product. It was such an exciting time.”

After a few versions—early ones left a white deposit on hair—Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray came to life. The bottle was shaped like a deep-sea-diving tank and was covered in black neoprene to echo a wetsuit. It was 2001, which Philippon believes was the right time for the product, with piecey, slightly-dirty-looking hair growing in popularity. “What is great about Surf Spray is that it gives that tousled sexiness and beach feel, but you can still have clean hair,” he says. Philippon remembers the reaction to Surf Spray as being overwhelmingly positive.

The effortless-looking air-dried waves you get from a day of sun and sand are one of the hallmarks of carefree summer beauty. In 2001, Bumble and Bumble bottled the look with the launch of Surf Spray, making beach hair achievable without the need for a swim.

By LESA HANNAH

Hairdressers wanted it in their kit, and beauty editors loved the concept. “It was something that people hadn’t seen before,” he says. “The packaging, the smell that made you think you were on holiday—there were so many really innovative things about it. It was just what people were looking for.” The spray also made hair feel thicker. “So a lot of girls loved it for that reason as well.”

Almost 25 years later, Surf Spray continues to endure. The formula (which includes minerals, seaweed and kelp extracts and magnesium sulphate, a.k.a. Epsom salts) has never changed, and Women’s Wear Daily recently called it one of the 100 greatest hair products of all time. It has been widely copied since its inception, with most hair brands launching their own version. Philippon has tried several of them, but he finds them all “too sticky” or “too salty” or that they make hair “so stiff.” The pro still relies on Surf Spray to this day (“I really can’t live without it”), even for more structured styles. “I use it in a very subtle way, just to make [hair] look more lived in.”

And therein lies its timeless allure. Because even if they’re not aiming for that “I swam in the ocean all day” look, Surf Spray appeals to anyone who doesn’t want hair that looks too done, too blown out with a round brush.

“When I started, I learned with Alexandre [de Paris, the famous French hairdresser who crafted Elizabeth Taylor’s hair in Cleopatra] when it was all about the perfect set,” says Philippon. But when fashion tastes eventually changed in the ’90s—grunge and Peter Lindbergh photography were influences—women wanted something different. “Editors started to say to me, ‘I want undone done hair,’ and it kind of clicked in my head. Then I started working with Julien [d’Ys, the avant-garde French hairstylist who cropped Linda Evangelista’s locks], so I totally got it. Those girls don’t want to look perfectly coiffed. They want to look sexy, attractive and believable—like they really own this look.”

Fragrance has entered the wellness space. Discover a new generation of scents designed to lower your stress level and brighten your mood.

By KATHERINE LALANCETTE

DEEP BREATHS

“MY AROMATHERAPY USED TO BE going out for a cigarette,” jokes Shannon Bachorick. That was back when the vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists worked stressful corporate jobs. Nowadays, whenever she feels her shoulders tense up or needs a little pick-me-up, she reaches for an essential-oil nasal inhaler instead.

Though it might sound a bit woo-woo to some, aromatherapy is actually rooted in biology. See, when we breathe in odour molecules, they interact with the lining of our nose, generating a message in the olfactory bulb, which transmits a signal to our limbic system, the centre of emotion and memory. It’s why scents can trigger physiological responses, like a lower heart rate or a boost of energy. In aromatherapy, essential oils are selected to elicit specific responses and help treat a host of conditions like anxiety, depression and insomnia.

“The fastest way to get the benefits of an essential oil is by inhaling [its scent] because it’ll go straight to your brain,” says Bachorick, who crafts bespoke blends for clients in her Regina practice. Lately, these principles are increasingly being applied in the world of perfumery, with the advent of a category that’s been coined “functional fragrance”: spritzes aimed at impacting a wearer’s mood, emotions or overall well-being.

One such scent is Guerlain’s Rosa Verde Eau de Toilette, a recent addition to the house’s celebrated Aqua Allegoria range. One whiff of the fresh, feel-good mélange and you’ll imagine yourself lying supine at a spa, cucumber slices on your eyes, a rose-infused face mask working its magic.

That was precisely the feeling Paris-based perfumer Delphine Jelk was after. “Cucumber is very hydrating, and I thought it’d

be interesting to use it to hydrate your mind, in a way, and then combine it with rose, which is very soothing,” she says. “I liked the idea of taking ingredients found in skincare and using them as a means to care for your soul.”

Jelk has developed a keen interest in aromacology, a.k.a. the study of scent’s effects on human behaviour and emotions. When her kids get carsick on winding drives, she has them sniff a little peppermint oil. “It works right away,” she says. If she feels stress creeping up, she applies a few drops of mandarin oil to a blotter and instantly breathes easier.

A few years ago, she even enrolled in an aromacology course to learn more about the emerging field. “I was mostly with naturopaths and medical professionals,” she says of her classmates. “As a perfumer, I focus more on the feelings a scent will evoke than the properties of a raw material, but what’s fascinating is that now we can prove that smells really do impact our mind.”

Prior to launching its Narciso Eau de Parfum Radiante, Narciso Rodriguez ran a consumer study to substantiate the scent’s purported calming properties. After using it for a week, 64 percent of testers reported experiencing a “sensation of relaxation.” The scent—an airy fusion of cloudlike cotton flower, delicate blooms and sensual musk—reads as the olfactory equivalent of a security blanket: petal-soft and wonderfully comforting.

Historically, fragrance has been considered an object of seduction—something to be spritzed for the nose of the beholder. Now, it seems it’s more about what a scent can do for you. “You use perfume to be smelled by others but also for yourself—to feel

good,” says Aurélien Guichard, the perfumer behind Narciso Eau de Parfum Radiante. “To me, fragrance is a true mood enhancer in that sense. It’s a ritual for your mind and body.”

That’s certainly what it’s proven to be for Latia Nelson.

“I’m all about using fragrance for self-care,” says the founder of candle and body-care brand BB Boutique & Co. “I even spray on some perfume before bed because I feel like I wake up feeling really good the next day. I also love to find a quiet corner, light a candle and sit in solitude for a while to take it in.”

Nelson’s journey to entrepreneurship began a decade ago, when she was a young single mom coming out of homelessness. She was holding down three jobs and going to school while caring for her two sons. Christmas was around the corner, and some of her colleagues decided to organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. “Obviously, I didn’t have any money because I was just getting back on my feet,” recalls Nelson. “I worked with mostly women, so I thought, ‘Why don’t I make them something pretty to make them feel good?’” She hit up a craft store and DIYed some scented body powders, decanting them into glass shaker bottles topped with ribbon. “It was a hit,” she says.

The “light-bulb moment,” as she calls it, led to her teaching herself how to make scented candles and soaps and eventually building a business. Her goal? Simply for her products to provide a spot of sunshine or solace in someone’s day. “It’s always been about making people feel good,” she says.

With sources of stress seemingly multiplying by the day and jam-packed schedules often leaving little time for meditation or wellness treatments, most of us could probably use a quick

and easy way to calm our minds—you know, one that doesn’t involve picking up our phone to scroll social media.

“The great thing about aromatherapy is that it can be used pretty much anywhere, anytime,” says Bachorick. “You don’t have to go to someone’s office or take off your clothes for a massage.” You can just inhale an essential oil or spray a fragrance or light a candle. “The effect is immediate,” she says. “You feel your body just...melt.”

Beauty

“Keep calm and carryon” is many a seasoned traveller’s motto. It means no worrying about your luggage making it and no hauling a gargantuan suitcase up the cobblestoned steps of some ancient seaside town. The tricky part though? Respecting the stringent rules around toiletries. But don’t worry; the pros have tips for that too.

By MISHAL CAZMI

on Board

TRYING TO CLEAR AIRPORT SECURITY with toiletries in your carry-on is a bit like standing before a jury, waiting with bated breath to learn whether you’ll be declared innocent or—heaven forbid—forced to part ways with some of your beloved beauty products.

When it comes to cosmetics, my instinct is often to bring all the things just in case. The amount of toiletries I’m tempted to pack for a weekend jaunt to New York is the same as what I’d take on a two-week trip to Tokyo. In recent years, however, I’ve come to value efficiency and carrying a lighter load—both physically and mentally. That feeling of breezing past the luggage carousel after landing? So worth it. In my quest to travel better, I’ve tried to make toiletries less of a pain point with ample preparation and a few helpful hacks. Here’s how I’ve learned to pack smarter so my beauty products work harder and I can relax just a bit more.

EDIT YOUR STARTING LINEUP

If there are products you don’t use daily in real life, you likely won’t use them while travelling either. “I always ask myself which three or four products I would bring with me if I were stranded on a desert island,” says Isabelle Cheng, a Torontobased photographer and content creator who travels once a month for work. That means skipping the nice-to-haves for

things you’ll actually need. In other words, sorry, pink glitter eyeshadow—maybe another time. Summer Fridays co-founders and frequent flyers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland like to focus on “skincare, shampoo, conditioner and anything [they] use daily that might be hard to find at [their] destination.”

REMOVE THE GUESSWORK

Study up on security requirements before you travel so you don’t get caught off guard or forced to Tetris your products into a baggy. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), for example, allows each passenger a single onelitre bag containing liquids, food and personal items in their carry-on. That includes beauty-related toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, fragrance, creams/lotions, hairspray and liquid cosmetics. (Mascara is considered a liquid, FYI.) Meanwhile, a regulation-size plastic bag is clear and resealable and measures 15.24 by 22.86 centimetres or 20 by 17.5 centimetres. Once you’re up to speed on the rules, prep in advance. “I keep a stash of airport bags at home and pre-pack them to avoid any potential hiccups,” shares Cheng. “It’s not cute, but it’s efficient and will keep your products safe from the scrutinizing eyes at security.” Also make sure your containers are clearly labelled with their quantity—100 millilitres or less—so your products don’t meet an untimely demise in an airport trash can.

Trying to clear airport security with toiletries in your carry-on is a bit like standing before a jury.

SWAP LIQUIDS FOR SOLIDS

Recent innovations in beauty mean that there are plenty of alternatives to liquids you can use, such as solid or powder cleanser, shampoo and conditioner, biodegradable makeup wipes, self-tanning towelettes, peel pads and toothpaste tablets. You can even find fragrance in solid form. For some extra TLC on and off the flight, pack reusable face masks and eye patches. If you don’t have time to get a mani or don’t want to deal with chipped nails, press-ons are a great alternative to nail polish that you can simply throw into your carry-on. When it comes to makeup, Hewitt and Ireland like to pack sticks or compact makeup like bronzers, blushes or eyeshadow that won’t spill or leak. They also prefer powder dry shampoo for longer travel days or when they’re headed straight from the airport to an event or dinner. “Travelling light doesn’t mean compromising your routine,” says Hewitt. “It’s about finding products that are efficient and effective and fit your lifestyle, wherever you’re headed.”

DOWNSIZE TO TRAVEL-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

The beauty industry has tons of minis to choose from, with retailers like Sephora giving them prominent placement in their stores. If you don’t want to break from your current skincare routine, decant your favourite lotions, serums and salves into travel-size containers. (Muji and Cadence have great offerings.) Cheng also recommends going to a beauty counter or store that carries your go-to products and asking for samples. “If it’s just for the plane or a few days, they are usually happy to provide you with a few tiny tubes of moisturizer or face wash. Plus, they don’t take up too much space in that one-litre bag.”

CHOOSE MULTI-TASKERS

Multi-use products can also help you streamline your toiletry case. “The more versatile the product, the more likely it’s going in our bag,” says Ireland. An all-in-one tinted balm for lips, cheeks and eyes, for instance, offers a full-faced look yet doesn’t take up too much room. Meanwhile, a multi-purpose oil keeps strands smooth and skin moisturized. Hewitt and Ireland also love a leave-in conditioner—especially if they’re travelling somewhere humid—because it detangles, adds shine and hydrates.

ARRANGE FOR A BACKUP

Most hotels and Airbnbs offer shampoo, conditioner and body wash as part of their amenities, which means you can forgo packing those, giving you more room for other must-haves. If you’re not sure what your accommodation has in stock, call or email beforehand to check. Another hack is to pick up those toiletries at the local drugstore, which—bonus!—allows you to sample local brands. Hewitt and Ireland use this option when they’re going on a longer trip, especially if it’s international. “We’ll go to a store once we arrive and stock up on full-size body wash, shampoo, conditioner and even toothpaste. It’s such a great way to avoid overpacking and still have everything you need while also seeing what different products they have in other regions—it’s always fun to try something new!”

SOLVE FOR SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen is one of the few toiletries that’s hard to compromise on, especially when it comes to sizing down. In April 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States briefly made an exception for full-sized sunscreen, deeming it a medical necessity, before quickly retracting, much to the disappointment of derms everywhere. Luckily, sunscreen is now more readily available in stick and powder formats. If you’re carrying liquid sunscreen, divide it into smaller bottles or restock during your trip if needed so that you’re sun-safe. Another option is to carry your favourite facial sunscreen and buy one for the body at your destination, especially if your trip is longer than a week. Your skin will thank you.

TRAVEL BUDDIES

THE GLOW-GETTER

With a BIC SOLEIL GLIDE razor in her playbook, here’s how PWHL player Emma Maltais found her confident stride.

NO MATTER YOUR SELF-ESTEEM BASELINE , sometimes you just need a leg up to feel your most confident. No one knows this better than Emma Maltais, a BIC  SOLEIL ambassador and Professional Women’s Hockey League athlete. “Confidence is a major part of what we do on a daily basis,” Maltais says of herself and her Toronto Sceptres teammates. “Sometimes you need an advantage that makes you feel more confident and prepares you to be a better version of yourself, giving you an edge against your opponent.”

For Maltais, that’s the BIC Soleil Glide—the bona fide beauty essential that helps her feel her best, most assured self. “These razors help me prepare for my time as an athlete but also keep me feeling my best and confident in my skin,” she says.

When she’s not on the ice, there’s a good chance you’ll find Maltais in the gym, “choosing shorts over

leggings every time,” she shares, adding that she also prefers a game-day walk-in outfit that’s punctuated by a skirt. “It honestly might be because my legs are always looking so smooth!”

Designed with built-in moisture bars that are enriched with shea butter, this one-of-a-kind razor glides ever so smoothly over the skin while helping to keep it hydrated both during and after shaving. It’s a bonus for Maltais, who says that her already sensitive skin tends to get even more irritated by the constant on-off of hockey equipment. “The moisture bars make my life a whole lot easier,” she says.

The best part is that BIC Soleil Glide razors can be easily slipped into your toiletry kit (or, in Maltais’ case, hockey bag) for quick touch-ups. “With my hectic schedule, it can be easy to forget to pack everything I need before I leave the house,” says Maltais, which is something we can all relate to. The solution is simple: She keeps one BIC Soleil Glide at the rink, another at home and a couple at her parents’ and boyfriend’s houses. Another bonus: There’s no need to lug around shaving cream. “You can prep, shave and hydrate in one easy step!” she says.

A RE TURN TO FORM

It’s been waxed, shaved, lasered and largely demonized for decades. Now, it’s official: The bush is back.

By JOANIE PIETRACUPA

“FULL BUSH IN A BIKINI.” That’s the phrase artist Sujindah repeated over and over in a TikTok post earlier this year in response to a photo of an au naturel swimsuit model on Etsy. The video has since racked up over 15 million views on the platform—evidence of a certain curiosity, or fascination even, around the topic of female pubic hair lately.

Seeds of the trend had already been planted: Last year, for its spring/summer 2024 haute couture show, Maison Margiela sent models down the runway in high-fashion merkins (a.k.a. toupées for the nether regions) crafted with actual human hair embroidered into silk tulle. The bush had also been making cameos in film and TV (like in Poor Things and Game of Thrones), on red carpets (look up Doja Cat and Julia Fox) and in advertising (shout-out to Kiehl’s, whose intimate-care campaign was censored in January but can still be seen on its Instagram).

“I think this trend is part of a broader movement—namely, women’s strong desire for freedom and autonomy right now, especially as it pertains to their body,” says sexologist Myriam Daguzan Bernier. “Personally, I find it beautiful and really reassuring to see this kind of expression of body diversity.... I’m 45 years old, and, my gosh, there definitely wasn’t this kind of openness when I was growing up.”

FROM SOCIAL MEDIA TO THE SALON

Natural is where it’s at these days, from body-positive images to raw, ring-lightless videos that capture the messiness of real life. But there can be a world of difference between online virality and actual consumer behaviour. So, is this whole return-of-the-bush business a mere online fad or a bona fide beauty revolution?

According to a survey conducted by Guardian columnist Jessica DeFino last summer, 82 percent of straight women remove some of their pubic hair and 15 percent go completely bare. As for specific styles, 40 percent opt for a bikini shape (as in they only get rid of what would stick out of a swimsuit bottom), 29.5 percent prefer a full or partially trimmed bush and 11 percent keep a small landing strip. Interesting factoid: 65 percent of women reported worrying about whether new male partners would judge their pubic hairstyle, but half of the men polled said they had no preference regarding the matter. By contrast, a study published in Psychology of Sexualities Review in 2017 found that “lesbian and bisexual women had more positive attitudes to body hair, and were less likely to remove hair from particular parts of their bodies, than heterosexual women.”

“These past few years, there’s been a real wind of change in self-expression and body positivity, especially in young people,” says Soyoung Kang, director of marketing and innovation at skincare brand Eos. Kristen Gale, founder and CEO of The Ten Spot beauty bars, adds that younger generations, especially gen-Zers and millennials, tend to be less inhibited when it comes to talking about pubic hair. They often focus on maintaining their bikini line rather than asking for a full Brazilian, as was the trend 10 years ago. “Social media, especially TikTok, has helped break taboos and normalize this kind of conversation,” she says. Léa Caron, an aesthetician at Espace Skins Montreal,

has also noticed a resurgence in fuller styles. “Some clients feel better with more hair, while others still choose to take everything off. I’d say it’s more a matter of personal preference and comfort rather than a question of what is trendy.”

Elise Parker, a U.K.-based content creator, left her job as a social worker in 2023 when her OnlyFans account started blowing up. The key to her success on the subscription service? Her stretch marks and her luxuriant bush. “My hope is to give women more confidence through my content,” she says. “I’d love for every woman to look in the mirror and say to herself, just like I do, ‘This body is the vessel I was blessed with, so I’m going to love it just the way it is to the best of my ability.’”

PUBIC HAIR:

THE PROS AND CONS

Contrary to a widespread myth, having hair down there is in no way synonymous with poor hygiene. The bush exists for a reason—namely, to protect the vulva from friction and irritation, like during intercourse, for example. It can also be a source of pleasure. “A lot of people enjoy playing with their partner’s pubic hair—by gently pulling on it, for instance,” says Daguzan Bernier. Hairlessness may have become the norm in mainstream porn, but, she notes, that certainly doesn’t mean a bare pubic region is by definition more attractive than a lusher one. When it comes to sexual preferences, the gamut runs wide. According to the sexologist, pubic hair also plays a part in regulating body temperature, balancing hot and cold sensations during intimate relations. As for the idea that pubic hair helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases, Daguzan Bernier says that isn’t backed by any scientific studies. “The bottom line is that having hair down there or not is a personal choice,” she stresses. “The most important thing is to just do what feels right for you without worrying about social expectations or trends or anything else.”

Girl POWER

Sparkly nail polish, flavoured lip balms and hair bows galore: Hearkening back to childhood, the latest beauty trends provide a welcome rosy refuge.

By JILLIAN VIEIRA

WHO RUN THE WORLD? If we’re talking about the beauty world of late, the answer is a resounding “Girls!” At its most recent show, Prada’s younger, more spirited sister brand, Miu Miu, adorned every model’s fingers in Hard Candy-reminiscent sparkle polish, an addition that spoke to the collection’s “evaluation of the feminine.” During her stratospheric rise, Sabrina Carpenter became known for her bubble-gum blush—the super-saccharine, full-cheek statement requiring four Armani Beauty Luminous Silk products to achieve. And on the latest season of The White Lotus, Aimee Lou Wood’s spritely character, Chelsea, in search of some fun away from her much older boyfriend’s stuffy vibe, sported a chunky-glitter-coated eye and an alien-graffitied tee to the Full Moon Party. Viewers instantly clocked the sentimental throwback. “I imagined [fellow character] Chloe and Chelsea in the bathroom putting on makeup like a couple of teenagers,” the show’s makeup artist, Rebecca Hickey, confirmed.

This childlike approach to beauty has migrated to IRL spheres too. That babydoll flush à la Carpenter? The term “blush blindness” was coined after copycats took the look to cherubic new heights. On the fall/winter 2025/2026 fashion-month circuit, hair bows proved to be the street-style-snap bait du jour, with

some partakers fastening upwards of five ribbons at once. The girlish grosgrain obsession continued at Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us tour shows, where thousands of fans wore bows in their hair—American Girl-doll style—as a symbol of girlhood.

So what gives? It’s all sleepovers and playing Girl Talk and picking through overflowing Caboodles until you remember the unsettling times we’re currently living in. Tapping into our inner child is a comfort when the promised fruits of adulthood—autonomy of all kinds (economic, bodily, you name it), the ability to “have it all,” a viable planet—have, for many of us, amounted to an illusion.

That’s the easy, all-encompassing explanation. But when you zoom in a bit closer, our new-found girlhood fixation also says a lot about online depictions of identity, offers Christine Tran, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto whose research focuses on digital cultures. “If you’re a person scrolling the internet, you have all these ways to be a girl but very few ways to navigate womanhood,” they say. The endless procession of girl-focused microtrends—strawberry girls, rat girls, cherry girls, e-girls, vanilla girls, girl math, girl dinner— embracing girlhood as a secret soul-satisfying club confirms it. Being a girl “is a limitless place to occupy,” says Tran.

The only real equivalent for women to take part in? Trad wives, a hyper-traditional, gender-norm-conforming lifestyle that tends to make its followers’ world smaller, not bigger.

Cosplaying as our much younger selves—one saturated swipe of blush or prim hair barrette at a time—brings us a tiny bit closer to the simple, fantasy-laden existence we lose access to when we cross some invisible line into adulthood. You can almost picture it: a baby-faced preteen sprawled across her bed, her freshly painted toes kicking back and forth as she shakes a Magic 8 Ball, dreaming up a big bright future. “The ‘girl’ is this index of possibility,” says Tran. “A woman has to pay rent and file her taxes.”

It’s easy to get caught up in the bleakness of it all—the state of the world equals bad, therefore these small hits of beauty nostalgia feel oh so nice—but this movement is really about reclaiming some everyday magic. It’s no coincidence that girlhood-coded direction comes on the heels of the prevailing clean-girl, quiet-luxury and no-makeup-makeup trends, says makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. She sees our new-found coquettish inclination as a decided swing away from all that self-imposed restraint. “We’ve gone through a time of everything being so effortless, simple and chic—[now] people really want to play,” says Hughes, the founder of KJH.brand and right-hand woman to big-name stars like Dua Lipa and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Beauty brands are catching on, nixing the familiar, minimalist-makeup-bag aesthetic for a playful approach to product development and packaging design. Need proof? Follow the virality. Laneige revealed new Lip Smackers-esque flavours like Peach Iced Tea and Gummy Bear for its über-popular Lip Sleeping Mask. Last year’s bestselling Cooling Water Jelly Tint by Milk Makeup—a blush-meets-lipstain resembling a corner-store Push Pop—got a summer spinoff in a serum format with the same candy-like delivery system. Hughes’ line will soon launch a pastel-packaged shimmery lip crayon that invites you to get messy, fool around and, ultimately, see your beauty routine as a way to experiment without consequences.

“In this time of uncertainty and instability, I think having an escape to play with makeup is really freeing and disconnecting,” says Hughes.

And that’s precisely what we’re all chasing, isn’t it? Freedom, release, small moments of joy—we want to embody the happygo-lucky girl with over-blushed cheeks and her whole life ahead of her. “She’s still being asked what she wants to be when she grows up,” says Tran. “I think we should still be asking that of each other when we’re in our 30s, 40s and beyond, tbh.”

LipService

“HOW COULD I HAVE MORPHED MYSELF SO FAR and gotten so carried away with it?” That’s what Shelby Hall wondered after getting all her lip filler dissolved. The thing that struck her most when gazing upon her natural pout for the first time in years?

“I actually loved how I looked.”

A nurse injector herself, Hall has observed a lot of patients come to a similar realization lately. “I’m seeing a huge surge of people who don’t want their lips to look like somebody else’s,” she says. “They just want to look like themselves.”

Hall, who owns Skinfidelity medi-spas in Mississauga, Ont., has built a considerable following on TikTok by sharing transparent medical-aesthetics content, including her own journey of overfilling her face with hyaluronic-acid filler—and reversing the transformation. In a January 2022 video, she invited viewers to “watch me ruin my beauty with filler” and likened her previous look to a “human blow-up doll.”

Lip filler has been shown to be dysmorphic. “I don’t think people see the changes that accumulate over time,” says Hall of the “sausage or Simpsons-looking lips” she has noticed as a result of too much filler. “And I didn’t either.”

Now known for having a subtle approach to injectables, the mom of two began her career at some of the most prestigious medical spas in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood; it was a period she calls a “people-pleasing era when we just did whatever the person asked for.” This led to the dreaded “pillow face” phenomenon wherein exceedingly plumped faces take on a uniformly inflated appearance, leaving people looking eerily alike.

Around 2019, Hall started dissolving lip filler on overfilled clients, a process that involves injecting hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down the hyaluronic acid found in dermal fillers. “I didn’t know much about migration because at the

After years of chasing the biggest pout possible, people are increasingly embracing their natural lip size and shape—both at the medi-spa and in their makeup bags.

By JENNIFER BERRY

time, we were under the impression that filler only lasted six months,” says Hall. “I’ve dissolved filler that’s up to 20 years old.”

We now know, thanks to MRIs and long-term studies, that dermal filler can migrate all over a person’s face due to poor initial placement or excessive dosage. “The [reason migration occurs] is you’re putting too much volume into a space that [can’t accommodate it],” says Montreal-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Quynh Nguyen. As Hall puts it, “The lips that you’re born with are the lips that you have.”

Dissolution can sound a bit like a magic wand. Not pleased with your outcome? Just—poof!—dissolve it. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. For starters, the procedure can be more painful than the initial injections. But the biggest downside can be skin laxity or crepiness. “If you overfill the lips too much, not only can you stretch the lip and cause wrinkling but, if you dissolve the filler, you can also be left with permanent stretches,” says Hall.

That’s why it’s often recommended that people get rid of filler slowly, sometimes over multiple appointments. “We don’t have to melt it all in one session; instead, we allow the tissue to re-adapt to the new volume,” explains Nguyen.

Though she and Hall both report an uptick in patients wanting to dissolve previous botched filler, that doesn’t mean clients are turning their back on this intervention entirely. “It’s more about people regaining their natural lip shape slowly,” explains Nguyen. Think of dissolving as a reset, she says. “They’re then reinjecting filler but in a more mindful manner, respecting anatomy and shape.”

In lieu of traditional filler, some patients are opting for alternative lip-enhancing treatments. One such procedure that’s been gaining in popularity is the “lip flip,” which involves injecting a neuromodulator such as Botox to relax the muscle at the rim

of the mouth to allow more of the top lip to show and stop it from curling under when the person is smiling or speaking. It can also correct a gummy smile if that is someone’s concern. There are some drawbacks, such as not being able to purse your lips to drink out of a straw (you have to place the straw in the corner of your mouth), but the result is a plumper-looking pout without the addition of volume.

Then there’s the new kid on the block: lip hydration, which technically still uses injectable hyaluronic-acid filler but at a lower viscosity. The technique is employed to soften fine lines and curb dryness while also plumping ever so slightly. “Lip hydration helps smooth out all the creases and lines in the lips and [makes them] look quite youthful,” explains Hall. “I love how it looks, especially on more mature women.” Nguyen is also a fan: “People are leaving my office saying, ‘I’m so happy because it just gave me back my lips from about 10 years ago without changing anything about them.’”

This “your features but better” ethos is being echoed in the world of makeup, where something is afoot (amouth?) in the lip category. Refy’s Blur Liner has been consistently sold out at Sephora since it launched in 2024. Its array of true-totone nude shades and wide-domed tip (no sharp point here) create an illusion of fullness in a totally natural way. Rhode and MERIT Beauty have also recently released much-lauded liners in sheer, creamy formulas that niftily contour lips without making them look egregiously overdrawn.

and a slick of high-shine moisturizing gloss, balm or oil. Lips are left looking luscious and juicy yet still ultra-natural. It appears the days of opaque painted-on pouts and filler that nearly tickles the nostrils are officially behind us. Hall is happy to see the shift and excited to continue using a light touch to help clients enhance their own unique beauty, although she notes: “I don’t judge anybody with too much lip filler. It’s about how we can move forward and reclaim our authentic selves. I find it super empowering.”

“Lipliner had become really pigmented, really intimidating and, frankly, uncomfortable to wear every day,” says Aila Morin, CMO of MERIT, of the chalky long-wear lipliners that were trendy in the mid-2010s. Then a shift happened. “In 2020, the categories that dropped the most were things like long-wear liquid foundation and matte lipstick—all the things that were uncomfortable,” says the Muskoka-born, Los Angeles-based marketing maven, who has been with the minimalist makeup brand since its inception. “At the same time, everyone stopped wearing those high-waisted stiff jeans.” This was, of course, when we started working from home in droves—hard pants and drying, full-coverage lippies have been collecting dust ever since.

It was MERIT’s unfussy skincare-infused approach to makeup that dictated its Signature Lip Liner’s lush gel texture. “We loved the idea of a gel because it glides over all lip types, so it doesn’t get stuck in fine lines, and also doesn’t crumble when you [apply it with pressure], which a lot of pencils do.”

Of late, the lip combo favoured by many an It girl consists of a liner in a hue close to one’s skin tone or natural lip colour

This sheer gel liner yields soft definition and a natural satin finish. It’s so easy to apply that you barely need a mirror.

MERIT BEAUTY SIGNATURE

LIP LINER IN BESPOKE ($33, MERITBEAUTY.COM)

WORD OF MOUTH

This made-in-Canada scrub not only gently sloughs away flakes but also infuses lips with moisturizing coconut oil and vitamin E.

VEAUTY STRAWBERRY

SUGAR LIP SCRUB ($16, VEAUTY.CA)

Made with 99 percent natural ingredients, this sumptuous oil banks on recycled cranberry oil from Quebec to deeply nourish lips and top them with gleaming shine.

SANS-FAÇON THE LIP OIL ($38, SANSFACONCOSMETIQUES.COM)

DIFFERENT STROKES

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE is said to help with everything from energy and immunity to cellulite and water retention. But does it really work?

By ALEXANDRA DONALDSON

E VERY MORNING, CARLY CARDELLINO drags the sisal bristles of a dry brush all over her body. They swish along her arms in swift staccato motions, climb up her legs and backside and then slide down her stomach from ribs to groin. On Instagram, she has immortalized the routine in a reel pinned to the top of her profile. “The ONE beauty thing I swear by that made/makes a huge difference in the tightness of my skin postbabies; lymphatic drainage,” she wrote in the video caption.

The content creator and former Cosmopolitan beauty director began the daily ritual nearly five years ago. After having two children, she was looking for a way to reduce “puffiness” and tackle loose skin. She was inspired by Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, founder of popular online fitness platform Melissa Wood Health and a fellow mom of two who has documented her love of all things lymphatic drainage on social media.

She’s not alone. On TikTok, 118.3K videos bear the “lymphatic drainage” hashtag. Many celebs, including Gwyneth Paltrow (Goop even markets its own Ultimate Dry Brush), Lizzo and Hailey Bieber (she’s partial to the Brazilian method—more on that later), also swear by the practice.

While lymphatic drainage has been trending of late, it has actually existed for many millennia as part of ancient health philosophies like Ayurveda (the traditional Hindu system of medicine) and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It gained popularity in Western medicine in the 1930s thanks to Danish doctors who developed a manual-lymphatic-drainage technique (the Vodder method) to treat chronic colds and swollen lymph nodes.

As time went on, the practice expanded beyond the medical context and entered the world of beauty and wellness. Cue lymphatic-massage treatments appearing on nearly every spa menu and dry brushes and gua sha stones being sold at Sephora and Indigo.

So what exactly is lymphatic drainage, you might be wondering? First, a little primer on lymph itself. Lymph is a clear, watery fluid that moves through your lymphatic system—a network of vessels, organs and tissues that sits right below the surface of the skin—collecting fluids from your tissues and returning them to the bloodstream through the lymph nodes, which are small structures that act as filters. This system

performs a slew of important jobs that support your overall health: It carries nutrients and proteins to your cells, is connected to the immune system (producing white blood cells that help eliminate bacteria and viruses) and filters out abnormal cells, harmful substances and waste products.

Certain factors can impair the system, clogging it or slowing it down, such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), medical treatments (like cancer surgeries involving the removal of lymph nodes) and inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause swelling of the lymph nodes). In these types of cases, a physician might recommend lymphatic drainage, a.k.a. “the intentional movement of lymph to the lymph nodes, which are concentrated in the neck, groin and armpits,” explains Toronto dermatologist Dr. Monica Li.

Research has shown that gentle external massage can help the movement of lymph in those affected by lymphedema, which is swelling caused by lymph buildup. The thing is, though, if you aren’t suffering from this kind of condition, your body likely doesn’t need any help in this department. “Under normal, healthy circumstances, lymph will flow and output itself into our circulation,” says Li.

While there often aren’t any medical reasons to seek out this sort of treatment, many proponents list a plethora of other incentives, namely, its supposed aesthetic benefits. Take, for example, the undeniably impressive before and afters published on Cynthia Castro Acosta’s Instagram—they showcase noticeably flatter midsections and leaner limbs after a single massage. The RMT performs these transformations at Toronto’s Tight Clinic, the first medi-spa in the city to offer Brazilian lymphatic drainage, a method developed by Renata França in São Paulo, Brazil, and beloved by celebrities like Bieber, Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner, who swear by it for getting red-carpet ready. “With lymphatic drainage, we’re staying very superficial,” says Castro Acosta. “We’re not trying to get into the muscle—it can feel deep, but lymphatic massage is not meant to be painful or uncomfortable.”

unless the tether pulling down on the skin and causing a divot is surgically cut, as with a procedure like Cellfina, the skin will always appear dimply.)

All this discourse around the purported physical results of lymphatic drainage has caused some body-positivity and -neutrality advocates to call out the trend for promoting thinness. “We’re seeing a surge in weight-loss movements again,” says body-acceptance-content creator Kenzie Brenna. “But the urge to be skinnier has never gone away—we always value people when they are thinner, more toned and younger.”

That said, Brenna doesn’t view lymphatic drainage as simply diet culture disguised as wellness. “People have an intrinsic desire to live their lives as happy as they can be, and a lot of happiness comes from feeling good in your body, and that’s complicated.”

“IT’S LIKE YOUR COFFEE BEFORE YOUR COFFEE. THERE’S THIS SURGE OF BLOOD FLOW, AND YOU’RE INSTANTLY ENERGIZED.”

Things can get even trickier when pillars of the fat-positive conversation—who have built entire communities around the message of loving yourself at any size—are suddenly in much smaller bodies and being either celebrated for it or called out as traitors. Consider a slimmed-down Lizzo’s video of her lymphatic-drainage routine using various wooden tools (paddles, a roller and a cup) posted to Instagram earlier this year. It wasn’t long before the clip racked up thousands of comments, ranging from praise for the singer’s commitment to “health” to accusations of Ozempic use and criticism from plus-size fans feeling abandoned. “It’s everyone’s right to do what they want with their body, and there are many reasons why someone will choose to lose weight,” says Brenna. “But I think people are genuinely curious, and it’s okay to also feel a bit betrayed or disappointed when it seems to go against the values they had previously.”

When giving a treatment, she begins by awakening the lymph nodes with gentle pulses on the areas where they’re clustered: the underarms, groin and neck. Then, with quick and repetitive hand motions, she uses light but firm pressure to massage the body, starting with the arms. The strokes are always directed toward the lymph nodes, so moving from the wrists to the armpits. The abdominal massage follows, with movements flowing downward, and, finally, the legs are kneaded upward from ankles to groin. Post-treatment, clients are instructed to drink lots of water to keep lymph moving and flush out any buildup, which passes through the kidneys and then exits with urine.

Benefits of this kind of service are said to include a reduction in water retention and a decrease in the appearance of cellulite. Li says those effects can indeed be real, though she notes that they are temporary and often don’t address the root cause of these issues. (In the case of cellulite, for instance,

Whether the practice feeds into societal pressures to be slim or actually serves as self-care all comes down to intention, says Brenna. “Can you do lymphatic-drainage massage without the desire to see your appearance change or see yourself thinner [and] without the body checks to see if it’s working [and] just know that it’s working because you actually feel better?”

While Cardellino says the ritual helped her get rid of that postpartum “puffiness,” she is quick to point out that she’s always had a smaller frame and her lifestyle (a high-protein diet and regular exercise) has likely also contributed to her results. “You can’t dry-brush yourself into a different body,” she says. Besides, the aesthetic effects aren’t the only reason she’s kept it up all these years. She’s found that it’s also made her feel less sluggish. “It’s like your coffee before your coffee,” she says. “There’s this surge of blood flow, and you’re instantly energized.”

Brenna, who’s been dry-brushing for almost a decade and has worn every size from 6 to 18 throughout that time, cites similar effects. “I find it super energizing; I feel great afterwards,” she says, encouraging others to give it a whirl simply because it’s a nice thing to do for yourself. “If you’re noticing that you’re feeling better and enjoying the practice, that’s beautiful.”

JUNE/JULY/ AUGUST

Celebrate the return of summer with main-character energy.

CHARL WEB

Canadian actor, artist and filmmaker Charlotte Le Bon has a knack for captivating audiences—whether she’s in front of or behind the camera.

By KATHERINE LALANCETTE

OTTE’S

Photographer ROYAL GILBERT

Stylist JONATHAN HUGUET

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PREVIOUS PAGE: SHIRT (BALENCIAGA), SKIRT (RE-PULL), SOCKS (GERBE) AND EARRINGS AND RING (BOUCHERON)

CHARLOTTE LE BON

HAS LOCKED HER KEYS IN HER CAR. “I thought Virgos were supposed to be super organized,” I tease, knowing her penchant for astrology.

“You should see the inside of my car!” she retorts. After getting off the phone with CAA, she settles down with a coffee, laughing off the ordeal with the innate positivity of a true Sag rising.

“I think it’s the idea that this vast, mystifying universe we’re floating in has to have some sort of impact on every human being at the precise time they are born,” she explains of her fascination with birth charts. “There’s something magical about it and not at all rational that really appeals to me.”

Seated in the cozy Montreal café she’s chosen for our interview, the 38-year-old is at once incandescent—all gleaming bare skin and sage-green eyes—and totally unassuming, casually dressed in Levi’s, a crewneck and sneakers.

In other words, she is about the furthest thing from her most recent (and perhaps best known to date) character: the chaos-breeding, attention-mainlining Chloe on season three of The White Lotus (streaming now on Crave). Recall the scenes of her in that blush thong bathing suit and see-through skirt (a custom Jacquemus creation that set the internet ablaze) cosplaying the part of queen-bee hostess on her much older boyfriend’s megayacht.

“There is absolutely nothing reasonable about her, which made her really fun to play,” says Le Bon, noting that she’d never wear such a revealing ensemble in real life. “I’d be way too shy to have my butt hanging out like that, but Chloe has zero hang-ups about her body.”

The things she and Chloe do have in common are their pasts as models and their Québécois roots. Mike White, the show’s creator, even wrote in a scene, inspired by Le Bon, in which Chloe reprimands sugar daddy Gary (slash Greg) for calling her French. “It’s not the same thing!” she tells him.

A Montreal native, Le Bon moved to Paris in her 20s to pursue a career as a print model. (She was “too short and too plump” for the runway, she was told.) The leap into acting came when she was hired by Le Grand Journal, a nightly talk show on which she charmed the French public as the zany “Miss Météo” (weather girl). It wasn’t long before casting agents came knocking. She soon appeared in a string of French comedies and later shared the screen with the likes of Christian Bale, Cillian Murphy and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in American and British films.

But after a while, Le Bon started to feel like she was getting pigeonholed. “I remember telling my agent: ‘I don’t want to play the pretty girl next door anymore. I don’t want to be the French girlfriend in the States. Don’t call me for these kinds of roles—I’m not interested.’”

The decision led to a near-total hiatus from acting of about three years. Tired of being a mere image, the trained visual artist began creating her own: whimsical, at-times-cheeky drawings in which the cosmos—stars, moons—makes frequent cameos. “I think it allowed me to re-centre on what was inside me, what I had power over, which was my own passion. And it became a source of revenue, which was great.”

Then came the ultimate exercise in creative control: Falcon Lake, a movie she co-wrote and directed. Hauntingly alluring, the coming-of-age tale was adapted from a graphic novel by French comic-book artist Bastien Vivès. The original story takes place by the sea in Brittany, but Le Bon chose to transpose it to a lakeside location in the Laurentians.

Situated about an hour north of Montreal, the mountainous area holds special meaning for her. She moved there at 11 with her mother and stepfather, both actors, following her father’s death. “Leaving Montreal was heartbreaking for me,” she says, recalling how she was originally terrified of her rugged new surroundings. “I couldn’t sleep because I feared there were wolves and killers in the woods. The silence was menacing to me. I needed to hear cars driving by and see headlights sweeping.”

But little by little, the region started to cast its spell—the trees, the lakes, the twinkly night skies... “My imagination took root in the indomitable environment that is a forest. It’s so dense that you can’t see everything that’s going on, so everything seems possible.” It became the backdrop to her most formative years, the place that saw her through the trials and tribulations of adolescence: first loves and heartbreaks, identities tried on, shed and reshaped.

JACKET, SHIRT AND SHORTS (CARVEN), SOCKS (GERBE), SHOES (J.M. WESTON) AND EARRINGS AND RING (BOUCHERON)

Shortly before the pandemic, after more than a decade of revelling in the vim of Paris, Le Bon found herself pining for a gentler, greener setting (not surprising for an earth sign). She returned to the Laurentians, snatching up a “teeny-tiny cottage” by a lake. Though Montreal still holds a huge chunk of her heart (“I find her sublime,” she says of the city), the verdant idyll has become her “refuge and muse.”

That’s where she shot her audition tape for The White Lotus. The series had already begun filming, but a last-minute decision to recast the role of Chloe meant White needed to find a replacement, stat. Le Bon set up a camera, filmed two scenes and sent off the footage. “Self-tapes like that are often a message in a bottle you throw out to sea and never hear about again,” she says.

As we all know, that’s not what happened this time. Ten days later, she was on a plane to Thailand. “When an opportunity like that presents itself, you have to embrace it—live it,” she says.

“I don’t think there are many upsides to being famous.”

As the cast stayed in the same hotels and saw each other nearly every day, everyone grew quite close, says Le Bon. “By the end, we were all aware of each other’s neuroses,” she jokes. One person she especially bonded with was British actor Aimee Lou Wood, who plays the free-spirited hopeless romantic Chelsea and whom she calls “the sunshine of season three.” The two connected over their atypical smiles (something White also weaved into the show) and shared interest in horoscopes. ( Like Le Bon told Vulture, as a bubbly Aquarian [Wood] and grounded Virgo, they were pretty much destined to mesh.) “She really embodies her name—aimée [which translates to ‘loved’ in English],” says Le Bon. “I feel like she was put on this earth to be loved. It was just an honour to spend time with her and play her friend.”

The feeling is mutual. “Charlotte is the deepest and most beautiful of souls,” Wood wrote me in a message. “She pours magic into everything—acting, painting, directing or simply just chatting in a hotel room [while] eating room service.”

Being cooped up on the other side of the world like that made it hard for the cast to grasp the magnitude of what they were making, says Le Bon. “It all felt very vague to us because it was this sort of weird trip where everyone kind of lost their mind for six months. It didn’t feel concrete enough to be like, ‘Oh, my God, we’re going to be in the third season; everyone will be talking about this.’”

Though she admits she’s getting recognized a bit more these days because of the show, Le Bon is confident the frenzy will soon die down and she’ll go back to enjoying relative anonymity again. She recalls a question one of her cast mates posed to the group during a lull in shooting. “They asked if we wanted to be a movie star or a superstar, and some people responded ‘superstar.’”

The only stars Le Bon seems interested in are those in the sky. “I don’t think there are many upsides to being famous,” she posits. “I just want to make movies and work with inspiring people, be it in front of or behind the camera.” She is happy retreating to her little cabin in the woods, filling blank pages with film treatments or oil pastels (her favourite medium these days).

In last year’s French biopic Niki , directed by Céline Sallette, Le Bon slipped into the role of late painter, sculptor and filmmaker Niki de Saint Phalle, a multi-hyphenate who, like her, got her start in modelling and acting before giving way to her own creative impulses. There is a scene in which the artist tells her husband: “I don’t want to be an actor anymore. I can’t stand being told what to do anyway. ‘Do this! Do that! Stand there!’ I want to do my own thing.” They are words one could easily imagine Le Bon uttering herself.

It’s definitely how she felt as a model being made up and dressed up much like a doll with no say in the way she was portrayed, she says, calling the profession “super dehumanizing.” Acting, on the other hand, she has found to be more fulfilling, especially when it involves working with directors like White, who encourages actors to put their stamp on a part. That said, she doesn’t envision doing it forever. “It’s a job I like a lot, but it’s not my passion. My passions are really screenwriting and directing,” she says, pointing out their particular suitability for her star sign. “It’s very Virgo to look for the exact right words to communicate ideas in the most precise way possible.”

JACKET (ACNE STUDIOS), BRA (ERES), SHORTS AND BOXER SHORTS (COACH), SOCKS (GERBE), SHOES (J.M. WESTON) AND EARRINGS AND RING (BOUCHERON)

FOR DETAILS, SEE SHOPPING GUIDE.

MAKEUP ARTIST, LESLIE-ANN THOMSON (USING GUERLAIN PRODUCTS); HAIRSTYLIST, DAVID D’AMOURS; STYLIST’S ASSISTANT, MÉLODIE

WRONSKI; EDITORIAL

PRODUCER, SARAH AKLI; DIGITAL TECHNICIAN, PASCAL FRÉCHETTE; PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS, THIBAUT

KETTERER AND XAVIER

MACDONALD; SET

DESIGNER, JASMINE LEBEL; ASSISTANT SET DESIGNER, CHLOÉ SOLDEVILA

Of late, Le Bon has been searching for the right words with which to render a most delicate and intimate story, that of her relationship with her father, who took his own life when she was 10. According to a news article published shortly afterwards, he had developed a theory to explain the “enigma of the universe” but grew frustrated by the scientific community’s lack of interest.

“There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think about him, but instead of feeling pain or a void, what I feel when I think about him now is really just love and even a certain level of gratitude because I don’t know what my life would look like if he were still here. I’m not sure that would necessarily be a positive thing.”

Working on what will be her second feature film has meant immersing herself in her father’s world at the time of his unravelling. She reconnected with some of his old friends and met up with his then girlfriend. I ask if it has helped her grieve him in any way, wondering how a 10-year-old could possibly process this sort of trauma.

“I feel like my grieving process had started before it even happened,” she shares.

“I could sense his unhappiness; I could sense that I couldn’t fully trust him, even though I loved him unconditionally, the way a 10-year-old girl reveres her dad.”

She was recently cast in a French movie, which is due to start shooting this summer, but ultimately chose to bow out. It was a role she would have dreamed of nabbing 10 years ago, she says. “But I felt this profound call to write. I needed to force myself to find the mental space to do that.”

Similarly, while Falcon Lake was in post-production, she was set to take to the stage in a play while overseeing sound editing on the film in her off time. She wound up turning down the part to dedicate herself to her movie. I can’t help but marvel at her ability to say no. “I feel like I’d be so afraid to disappoint people,” I admit.

“I am disappointing people!” she replies. “But I think it’d be worse to disappoint myself. You can never go wrong with listening to yourself. Every time you make a decision that’s really in line with who you are, you end up being rewarded in some way.”

It’s a lesson she learned the hard way after years of silencing her gut and being careful not to ruffle feathers. “I did a lot of projects I didn’t feel like doing, I worked with a lot of people I didn’t want to work with, I stayed in toxic relationships where my boundaries weren’t respected and I wasn’t happy anymore, but I was in denial.”

Maybe it was entering her mid-30s or maybe it was the experience of directing her first feature film, but something changed inside her after completing Falcon Lake, she says. “I’d finally done something that felt entirely like me, and after that, it became much easier to make decisions about projects because I’d tell myself: ‘If I do this, it’s not for the right reasons. If I do that, it’s for the right reasons.’” From now on, she’s giving herself permission to focus solely on the endeavours that truly matter to her.

One such project is her new partnership with Guerlain. Other beauty brands had approached her in the past, but the opportunities never felt aligned with her values, she says. This time, things are different. “It’s my first contract as a brand ambassador, and what I love about it is that it’s not for cosmetics—even though Guerlain is this renowned perfume and cosmetics house—but it’s to be its Bee Ambassador. It’s such a noble position!”

The nature-lover couldn’t be keener to champion Guerlain’s sustainability endeavours, particularly its commitment to preserving bees through global initiatives like Bee Schools, which teach children about the importance of these pollinators, and Women for Bees, a beekeeping and entrepreneurship program aimed at empowering women. “I feel like [its] mission comes from a very authentic place,” she says. Authenticity appears to be a guiding principle for Le Bon, whether it’s informing her choice of roles, the subject matter of her movies or even her approach to aging. “I wouldn’t go back to my 20s,” she says matter-of-factly. “I didn’t have a clue who I was. I’m not even nostalgic about the way I looked because I feel like my face is really my own now. I don’t know how else to say it.”

It is the face of a woman fiercely in tune with her inner voice and unafraid to heed its call. “I feel most beautiful when I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing things for the right reasons,” says Le Bon. If it’s any indication, she seems to be glowing brighter than ever these days—both feet firmly planted on the ground, an eye toward the stars.

The magic of summer style this season is light and playful and will easily take you to whatever adventure awaits.

FAR AND AWAY

Photographer ROYAL GILBERT Stylist AMANDA LEE SHIRREFFS

HEADPIECE AND DRESSES (BOTTEGA VENETA)

DRESS, JEWELLERY AND SHOES (SCHIAPARELLI)

TOP AND PANTS (LOUIS VUITTON)

DRESS (SARA LARIJANI) AND JEWELLERY (DANIEL BOSCO)

TOP, PANTS AND SHOES (LOEWE)

Elegant Movement

Chanel’s resort collection this season is a gentle nod to Italian refinement.

By SOPHIE BANFORD

SOME TRADITIONS BECOME RITUALS. For nearly 20 years, Chanel’s resort shows have been true celebrations of style; they are manifestos of freedom, invitations to travel and dream and new chapters in the history of fashion.

It all began in 1919 when Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel imagined light, flowy outfits for her clients who were going on a cruise or taking a sunny sojourn to the French Riviera. Designed for

movement, breathability and warmer temperatures, the resort clothing had a timeless elegance.

A century later, the original spirit remains but is amplified. With Karl Lagerfeld at the helm of the maison, the resort collections set sail starting in 2006, travelling to such locales as Saint-Tropez, Dubai, Havana and Seoul. Each show was a declaration of love to a city, a culture, an

atmosphere. The settings were grand, the staging meticulous and the allure inimitable.

For the presentation of its 2025/2026 resort collection in April, Chanel added another stop to its style odyssey: the sumptuous Villa d’Este. Suspended between sky and water on the shore of Italy’s Lake Como, it’s a place steeped in history and dotted with sculpted balconies and lush gardens.

In front of this postcard panorama, 69 looks floated down the catwalk: pastel tweeds, black taffeta dresses, gold-lamé ensembles and precious accessories, including raffia minaudières adorned with the famous double C. There was, of course, a touch of la dolce vita, with a nod to Italian cinema, a summer sensuality and a (very controlled) nonchalance. In the audience, Keira Knightley, Lupita Nyong’o and Sofia Coppola were spectators of this moment suspended in time.

This show also marked a transition: It was the last collection designed by the departing design studio before the highly anticipated arrival of new creative director Matthieu Blazy, whose first collection will be presented in October. But season after season, the resort collection remains true to its DNA—always an ode to escapism, a celebration of luxury without ostentation, a lesson on how to travel with style. Whether the shows take place on a quay in Saint-Tropez, on a terrace in Marseille or in a palace on the shores of Lake Como, one thing is certain: Chanel’s elegance never stops.

A Visual FEAST

Summer travel has returned in full force, so soak up the art wherever you plan on heading this year. We’ve carefully combed through exhibition offerings around the globe to create our definitive list of not-to-be-missed shows.

By ROBB JAMIESON

DAVID HOCKNEY

Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France (April 9 to August 31, 2025)

At the northern tip of Paris’ Bois de Boulogne park is the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton. The museum is a collection of 12 enormous glass sails enveloping a series of white buildings that house over 11 galleries, and David Hockney 25 has taken over the entire space. With a special focus on the British artist’s acclaimed art from the past 25 years, the retrospective brings together 400 of his works from 1955 to 2025 in multiple mediums, including oil and acrylic paintings, drawings and

digital work created on his iPad or iPhone. Hockney’s puckish, cigarette-in-hand wit is on full display, as is his ability to create beautifully crafted paintings that get at the true essence of his subjects or landscapes. With great effort, the Foundation Louis Vuitton has been able to bring together all of his most iconic works from around the world, allowing viewers to travel through a seven-decade career and witness the evolution of one of the most influential artists of our time.

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST (POOL WITH TWO FIGURES) (1972) BY DAVID HOCKNEY

RON MUECK

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, South Korea (April 11 to July 13, 2025)

With support from Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain, U.K.-based Australian sculptor Ron Mueck is presenting his first major solo exhibition in South Korea. Mueck sculpts lifelike human bodies using fibreglass resin. They are so true to life that they seem to breathe and move before your eyes, yet they remain completely static. Their skin appears bright, as if blood courses just below the surface. Mueck has no formal art-school training but learned his techniques by making models for television and film. He has been making fine art for almost 30 years, and his process is so labour-intensive that he’s created only 48 works over his entire career. A master of scale, Mueck uses it to heighten the human condition by either shrinking bodies to show vulnerability or creating work at a giant scale, allowing us to relate to a human body in a completely different way that’s not possible in everyday life. The exhibition also includes the installation Mass (2016–2017)—a room-filling collection of human skulls the size of smart cars—as well as seminal sculptures from across Mueck’s celebrated career.

SANDRA VÁSQUEZ DE LA HORRA Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina (April 10 to July 28, 2025)

This is Berlin-based Chilean artist Sandra Vásquez de la Horra’s first solo exhibition in Argentina. Her main medium is drawing, which she considers a malleable form of artmaking. Many of her drawings are larger than the human body and are often folded multiple times into accordion shapes and dipped into beeswax, giving them a slight sheen and more rigidity, thus becoming free-standing pieces. Other drawings have been pushed further into sculpture by being built into houselike structures, some with inner paper dioramas of layered drawings, making the viewing experience more participatory and adding a sense of discovery around every corner. Vásquez de la Horra’s imagery is carefully crafted with fine lines and shading, weaving together the human form and natural elements as a demonstration of our connection to nature. The paper she uses looks aged, and when combined with her use of graphite and watercolours, her work looks like timeless blueprints of a hidden mystical world.

MASK II (2002) BY RON MUECK

LA SACERDOTISA (2022) BY SANDRA VÁSQUEZ DE LA HORRA

Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (May 21 to August 24, 2025)

Pamela Rosenkranz is a Swiss artist who’s interested in immersive environments and giving art viewers a mental workout. LiquidBody , her first solo exhibition in the Netherlands, brings together new work and influential installations like Our Product (2015). First shown at the Swiss Pavilion at the 56th Venice Biennale, it features a large pool of murky skin-coloured liquid in a shade closest to a Caucasian doll’s peach-pink plastic body; other ingredients in the pool include Evian water and Viagra, products of purity and enhanced performance. Her work deals with how commercial products can influence our inner desires. In this exhibition, coloured lights and manufactured scents give you the feeling of walking through an experimental greenhouse or cosmetics laboratory. Paintings done on experimental surfaces, such as silvery emergency blankets, plexiglass and synthetic skin, are also on display, as is a new painting series—which was inspired by Yves Klein’s blue monochromes—that dives into the spiritual power of colour.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark (May 27 to October 26, 2025)

This will be the first museum retrospective for American artist Kaari Upson since her untimely death from breast cancer at 51 four years ago. Upson was a master of multiple mediums, including sculpture, video, performance, drawing and painting, and was globally recognized as one of the most successful artists to emerge from the early-2000s Los Angeles art scene. Her work delves deep into identity, the inner workings of the mind, the body and illness. In terms of image creation, she moves freely between figurative and abstract. The beauty and horror of everyday life can be seen in her unnerving punky DIY videos, intricate drawings and slouchy resin sculptures of household furniture beautifully tinted like gasoline on the surface of a puddle.

PAMELA ROSENKRANZ

OUR PRODUCT (2015) BY PAMELA ROSENKRANZ

KAARI UPSON

X (2013) BY KAARI UPSON

SAM GILLIAM

Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, Ireland (June 13 to January 25, 2026)

Sam Gilliam (1933–2022) was an African-American abstract artist and educator who was the first Black artist to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale, in 1972. This exhibition offers a chance to catch one of the greatest innovators of postwar American painting. In the 1960s, Gilliam started creating his “Drape” works: paintings on unstretched canvas that he hung in different shapes on walls, placed on the floor or suspended from the walls or ceiling like gigantic handkerchiefs. He also worked patches and sewing into these pieces to great effect, creating deeper, more complex compositions of abstract colour. His belief was that paintings could be free from gallery walls—an approach that created limitless possibilities of presentation, which allowed him to dream big and push painting into new realms of architecture and installation.

LEIGH BOWERY

Tate Modern, London, England (February 27 to August 31, 2025)

Tate Modern’s Leigh Bowery! exhibition captures a time in London during the 1980s and ’90s when music, club culture, fashion and art were perfectly in sync—and Australian artist/club kid/muse Leigh Bowery was at the centre of it all. Bowery, who passed away from an AIDS-related illness in 1994 at the young age of 33, possessed an energy that allowed him to leave a large body of multi-faceted, convention-smashing creative work that continues to influence and remains as relevant today as it was when it was being produced. Bowery himself was a walking artwork, and his awe-inspiring looks were rooted in queer club culture, in which pageantry and being noticed reigned supreme. He ingeniously mixed flashy, sparkling outfits, an extreme use of makeup and drag to subvert gender and sexual norms. Walk through galleries displaying his original costumes, documentation of his art performances and appearances in mainstream media and works created by artists who used Bowery as their muse— most famously, paintings by Lucian Freud.

SILHOUETTE/TEMPLATE (2) (1994) BY SAM GILLIAM

LEIGH BOWERY SESSION 1 LOOK 2 (1988) BY FERGUS GREER

FLYING HIGH

Partake in the perfect Parisian itinerary, inspired by Air France’s commitment to Business Class gastronomy.

Photographer ROYAL GILBERT Stylist COCO LABBÉE

FOR THE DISCERNING TRAVELLER , there’s only one airline that’s resolutely reimagining the flying experience: Air France. Yes, it has a new Business Class cabin, next-level on-board service and singular lounges in Paris, but those who’ve experienced Air France’s top-tier cruising-altitude cuisine know that it’s the airline expert in gastronomy. For Air France, inflight food is not an afterthought; it’s core to the company’s ethos—and its home country too.

Four top content creators—Liv Judd, Lisa Corbo, Hawley Dunbar and Tristan Banning—got to experience this fundamental connection to gastronomy and, indeed, fashion firsthand. After winning an incredible grand prize with ELLE Canada and Air France, they flew to Paris in Business Class and were treated to a three-day trip and photo shoot that documented their stylish stops around the city. Looking to plan your next trip to Paris? Get inspired ahead.

Air France’s link to all things gourmet starts with its esteemed Signature Chefs Program. This one-of-a-kind resource has drawn respected culinary minds and Michelin-starred chefs from around the world (Dominique Crenn, Julien Royer and Daniel Boulud among them) to design restaurant-quality dishes that passengers can enjoy in Première and Business Class cabins.

Here in Canada, this prestigious role belongs to chef Olivier Perret, the executive chef at Renoir Restaurant, located in the Sofitel Hotel in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile neighbourhood. Born in the Bourgogne region of France, Perret brings a multi-faceted perspective to inflight cuisine with “one foot in Canada and one foot in France,” he says. A dedicated advocate of highlighting local producers throughout his storied career, Perret brings a thoughtful approach to French classics that have been adapted from his renowned recipes at Renoir. “The idea was to start with what I do in the restaurant in Montreal and bring in good local produce,” he says of his Air France offering.

In April, an exclusive inflight event called Culinary Heights invited media guests—including ELLE Canada’s winning content creators—to experience Air France’s exceptional

dinner service alongside Perret from Toronto to Paris. Joined by chef François Adamski, Corporate chef with SERVAIR and an acclaimed chef in his own right, Perret accompanied an Air France crew to interact with customers and put his final touches on two of the four meal offerings—the exact same menu regular passengers are presented with when departing from Canada.

Creating world-class gourmet experiences in the sky, Perret says, comes with different logistics and challenges than in your typical restaurant kitchen. For one, the limited galley confines are, understandably, not primed to operate as meticulously as a well-stocked professional set-up. As such, all the dishes are crafted and pre-dressed ahead of time and then reheated on board by the dedicated crew. Even still, maintaining a level of epicurean elegance is essential to Air France, so Perret imagined new ways of plating and presenting the food in a manner that could be preserved all the way from production to final service.

Another gastronomic element to contend with? At 30,000 feet, fluctuating air pressure and humidity levels in the flight cabin mean that passengers’ typically sharp senses of smell and taste experience a reduced sensitivity. A dish that tastes perfectly seasoned on the ground suddenly slips into bland territory when you’re sky-high. To deliver an impactful dining experience, chefs like Perret have to get creative. “In the recipe, we have to be very focused on taste—we have to have something on the plate that’s more punchy,” he says.

But for Perret, some things remain the same. His loyalty to all things local is celebrated in his on-board signature menu with fresh ingredients like family-farm-raised pork from Gaspor in Saint-Jérôme, Que., special cheeses from Fromagerie de l’Isle-aux-Grues and other homegrown staples like mushrooms, sumac, squash and maple syrup.

This farm-to-table-tray philosophy is best exemplified in one of the dishes Perret served at the Culinary Heights event: beef cheek with a red-wine demi-glace sauce, variety of carrots and glazed onions. Inspired by the French classic boeuf aux carottes, he reimagined this dish for Business Class passengers with the same level of attention and detail that he shows in his buzzy dining rooms. Beef cheek is slow cooked until it’s incredibly tender and then served with a rich red-wine demi-glace and elegantly garnished with seasonal carrots and glazed onion. Unsurprisingly, Perret’s commitment to elevating proximate producers shines through in this dish too. “The carrots, onions and beef cheek are all sourced from our region, ensuring that we highlight the best of what our local farmers have to offer,” he says. The result? Some of his esteemed colleagues have shared that dining aboard Air France rouses the same elevated feelings that they experience in his restaurant.

As a continued celebration of all things French cuisine, ELLE Canada’s special correspondent content creators were treated to a culinary tour of Paris—at destinations selected by Perret for their inspired offerings and connection to other renowned signature chefs in Air France’s Signature Chefs program. Here, transport yourself to the City of Light with an Air France-approved itinerary for dining, imbibing and fully immersing yourself in Parisian life.

“See the city, walk the little streets, find the little parks. Every corner has a little treasure, and you have to do it by foot.”

– LIV JUDD

BRASSERIE VAGENENDE

It’s impossible to wander Saint-Germain without stumbling upon the timeless charm of Brasserie Vagenende. Nestled along Boulevard SaintGermain, this belle époque jewel is a portal to the Paris of another era, where wood-panelled walls and stained-glass accents tell a story of enduring elegance. When Perret returns to the City of Light, after spending years abroad in Canada, he craves that genuine Parisian atmosphere that instantly feels like home. Brasserie Vagenende offers just that. “You feel like you’re stepping into history,” he says. He’ll settle into a banquette and, soak in the nostalgic beauty of the space. “I love the simple things,” he says.

JUDD AT BRASSERIE VAGENENDE

“I could live at Le Procope. I’m a collector. I love antiques. It is Old World but still very relevant.”

– LISA CORBO

LE PROCOPE

Score an essential Parisian reservation at Le Procope, nestled in the captivating 6th Arrondissement. This must-see brasserie, which dates back to the late 17th century, spotlights a refined menu of authentic French dishes with equally classic service (think eggs en cocotte, coq au vin and Normandy beef tartare served by blazer-clad waiters). With its museum-like interiors and vintage-dotted decor, the inspired space only adds to the long-beloved experience. “This place is so authentic! I love to come here because it reminds me a lot of my childhood,” says Perret.

SOFITEL LE SCRIBE PARIS OPÉRA

For a five-star stay that delivers on contemporary design and undeniable charm, check into the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra, a luxury landmark that Perret’s been booking into for 15 years, since first visiting to celebrate his birthday with his wife. “To me, it’s the perfect Parisian hotel,” he says of the Haussmann apartment-style building located in the spirited Opéra district. Between the deep bathtubs, the Balmain beauty amenities, the unique objets d’art dotting the space and the little chocolates left in your room at turndown, “it has so many French touches.” Beyond the impeccably designed hotel suites that you’d be tempted not to leave, Sofitel Le Scribe is situated in an arts and culture paradise for enthusiasts like Perret. During any given stay, you might find him catching a jazz show at L’Olympia, a grand concert venue originally opened in 1893 by one of the two co-creators of the Moulin Rouge.

“We travel a lot and always feel really taken care of on Air France. It’s a little like coming home.”

– HAWLEY DUNBAR AND TRISTAN BANNING

DUNBAR AND BANNING AT THE SOFITEL LE SCRIBE PARIS OPÉRA

BANNING AND DUNBAR ON A PARIS STREET

“The food was Michelin star presented on a plane—full stop.”

NINA MÉTAYER TO GO

Voted last year as “The World’s Best Pastry Chef” by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Nina Métayer is the premier name in the fine-pastry realm. In Paris, you can get a taste of her award-winning creations at Printemps du Goût, a gourmet food hall dedicated to 100-percent-French goods that’s bolstered by panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. There, take your pick from a lineup of Métayer’s visually breathtaking confections, like one of her latest, the Pear & Hibiscus Flower: a crispy millet-seed crumble topped with soft Genoa almond cake plus an airy fromage blanc and blackcurrantflower-water mousse and delicate fruit compote (divine!). You can also indulge in desserts designed by her in Air France’s Business Class offering that flies out of France. “The quality of desserts you can get on board with her...it’s spectacular,” says Perret of Métayer’s balanced, not-too-sweet provisions. “She’s one of the best.”

CLOSE TO HOME

With more and more Canadians pivoting away from U.S. summer vacation plans, there’s no better time to (re)discover our expansive, beautiful country. Here are six enchanting destinations for your next holiday.

By ELISABETH MASSICOLLI

WHITEHORSE, YUKON

It’s easy to fall in love with Yukon’s capital, a small city that has a population of about 30,000 people and is a draw for its natural wonders and unique experiences. Located on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Whitehorse offers plenty of summer festivals, exhibitions and tours that showcase First Nations history, art and culture; the MacBride Museum and Indigenous Yukon tourism company are good starts. From mid-August to mid-April, many visitors come to experience the northern lights, which are celebrated with the city’s many nocturnal activities. (Think camping under the stars.) Very close to this small wilderness-surrounded town are thermal baths, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and Emerald Lake, whose name certainly does it justice.

GETTING THERE You can fly into the Whitehorse airport. If you go by car, follow the Alaska Highway; from Vancouver, it should take about three days.

STAY There are many options: hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and camping sites. For a luxurious experience, opt for the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. This property features chalets with large windows—perfect for taking in the auroras’ natural show. TRAVELYUKON.COM

GARIBALDI LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA

In the heart of B.C.’s Garibaldi Provincial Park—which is north of Squamish and south of Whistler—lies a breathtaking alpine sight more than 1,500 metres above sea level: the turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake. To access this extraordinary place, lace up some hiking boots and take the Rubble Creek trail, which gradually climbs nearly 1,000 metres and is a roughly 18-kilometre round trip. After walking through a dense forest, you’ll be rewarded with views of the shimmering lake surrounded

by volcanic mountains. Fans of cold plunging can take a dip in the crystal-clear icy water.

GETTING THERE Garibaldi Lake can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. The Rubble Creek trail, about a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, is open from July to October. This is a moderately challenging hike that takes about seven hours.

STAY Three campsites are available near the lake in the kind of alpine setting that dreams are made of. You can also stay in backcountry huts in the heart of the park. BCPARKS.CA

DINOSAUR PROVINCIAL PARK, ALBERTA

This large park in Alberta’s Red Deer River Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for having the most expansive badlands—dry, uncultivated land sculpted by millions of years of erosion—in the country and for its fossiliferous layers full of dinosaur remains. More than 150 complete specimens from 50 different species have been unearthed at this huge site over the years, making it one of the most bountiful sites for dino fossils in the world. The park has a unique topography, with its arid steppes and desolate landscapes, and is absolutely striking. Explore its natural beauty by foot on various marked trails or with a guide by bus. (Visitors must be accompanied by a guide to visit the fossiliferous areas.) Along the way, you’ll come across different types of ecosystems, including grasslands and riparian areas, that are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, such as deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes and 160 species of birds.

GETTING THERE The park is just over a two-hour drive from Calgary and is easily accessible by car or RV.

STAY There are more than 120 campsites in the area, including some better-equipped and more-comfortable options. ALBERTAPARKS.CA

TRAVEL

BRUCE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK, ONTARIO

This little piece of paradise in southwestern Ontario has a Mediterranean feel—but with a boreal touch. The Bruce Peninsula, which separates Georgian Bay from Lake Huron, is known for its turquoise water, steep limestone cliffs, hidden coves, forest trails and enchanting vistas. It’s home to a rich biodiversity, including black bears, many birds, some of the oldest trees in North America and various species of orchids. Scuba enthusiasts can explore the well-preserved shipwrecks in Lake Huron’s Fathom Five National Marine Park, a marine-protected area; those who want to observe the remains of these wrecks from a drier vantage point can join a tour on a glass-bottom boat.

GETTING THERE From Toronto, it takes about three and a half hours by car to get to this park via Highway 6, and there are also organized day trips available.

STAY Camp in the national park or stay at one of the many hotels in the charming community of Tobermory, at the northern tip of the peninsula. PARKS.CANADA.CA

MINGAN ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK RESERVE, QUEBEC

The majestic limestone monoliths sculpted by the St. Lawrence River in Mingan Archipelago National Park, on Quebec’s North Shore, date back 20,000 years. The most visited portion of the park is the western sector, which runs along the coast between the picturesque villages of Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and Aguanish. Its 40 islands and islets are home to many species of plants, birds—including puffins—and marine mammals, such as whales and seals, which can be spotted on sea excursions. Go island-hopping by boat (with carriers recognized by Parks Canada) and check out all the well-maintained trails that wind their way among the many wonders of this extraordinary heritage site.

GETTING THERE The park reserve is easily reached by car via Route 138. If you want to fly, Havre-Saint-Pierre and Sept-Îles airports are both close by.

STAY On the islands, there are traditional camping and glamping options, all managed by Parks Canada. You can also stay in a lighthouse that’s been transformed into a pretty inn on Île aux Perroquets. PARKS.CANADA.CA

LUNENBURG, NOVA SCOTIA

Known for its colourful 19th-century wooden houses and rich maritime heritage, Lunenburg, a small fishing town founded in 1753 by German-speaking settlers, is a must when visiting Nova Scotia. In the summer, tourists wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of this one-time fishing port to enjoy its charming colonial architecture (the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and best-preserved settlements in Canada), cute boutiques, art galleries and lively port. Be sure to stop by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, which celebrates the heritage of fishing on the Atlantic Coast, and sail on the Bluenose II, a replica of the ship that adorns Canada’s 10-cent coin. Lunenburg is also a seafood lover’s dream, with daily catches on offer at the Salt Shaker Deli & Inn and the Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar.

GETTING THERE Lunenburg is about a one-hour drive from Halifax and can be easily reached by car via Highway 103 or the more scenic Highway 3. In the summer, there are also day trips from Halifax.

STAY In the vicinity of Lunenburg, there are a number of picturesque bed and breakfasts and traditional inns, like the Bluenose Lodge, which has been welcoming visitors for more than 75 years.

TOWNOFLUNENBURG.CA

FLOWERPOT ISLAND, ONTARIO

GLAMPER

TENT, BIG AGNES ($950, LACORDEE.COM)

PORTABLE SOLAR PANEL, BIOLITE ($100, SAIL.CA)

HARD COOLER, YETI ($425, YETI.CA)

TEAPOT, STP ($46, EXVOTO.CA)

MUGS, CROW CANYON ($24 EACH, FUNSTY.CA)

SLEEPING BAG, MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COMPANY ($90, MEC.CA)

BIG Beautiful WORLD

Expand your horizons with destinations ripe for genuine connection. You’ll return forever changed.

THESE DAYS, ASK JUST ABOUT ANYONE HOW THEY’RE DOING and you’ll hear a common refrain: “Busy but good.” In a society defined by hustle culture, it has become nearly impossible for many of us to press pause and check in with ourselves and each other.

Mindful travel provides an opportunity to flip the switch. If you have the privilege to trek beyond our country’s borders, the literal shift in view offers a unique chance to disconnect from the day-to-day. In its place? Meaningful connection with the people and places around you—and a POV that’s forever changed.

Try one of these six destinations—from spiritual Bali to vibrant Morocco—and slow down to savour the experience and the people. You never know where it will lead.

AMSTERDAM

The capital of the Netherlands is famous for its laid-back energy, rich history and love of the arts. As a KLM hub with many connecting flights, it’s also the perfect stopover destination.

• TASTE-TEST LOCAL FLAVOURS: Take a food tour with a local guide and taste your way across the city. You’ll discover authentic Dutch cuisine, from deep-fried meatballs (bitterballen) to crispy waffle cookies (stroopwafels).

• LEARN YOUR WWII HISTORY: The 17th-century canal home where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis has been transformed into a museum tribute to her bravery. It shares the Jewish teenager’s story through quotes, photos, videos and artifacts.

• EMBRACE YOUR INNER FILM GEEK: Ride the ferry from Central Station to Eye Filmmuseum and take in an art-house film (in English or with subtitles). You’ll be wowed by the artful exhibitions, modern architecture and unique gift-shop finds.

• OGLE POST-IMPRESSIONIST ART: Boasting the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings, the Van Gogh Museum chronicles the Dutch painter’s life and work. It also features pieces by his contemporaries and major influences.

BALI

Let Bali’s natural beauty, spiritual undercurrent and welcoming locals renew your soul.

• RELAX IN A FLOWER BATH: A popular menu item at many

Balinese spas, the flower bath involves soaking in water topped with a thick layer of flower petals. If you want the OG treatment, head to The Udaya Resorts & Spa, where the wellness ritual was created.

• PRACTISE YOUR TREE POSE: Considered one of the yoga capitals of the world, Bali is the perfect place to re-centre yourself and connect with nature. For the ultimate experience, book a class in an open-air space like Blue Earth Village or Bamboo Nest.

• CLIMB A VOLCANO: Over 3,000 metres tall, the peak of Gunung Agung is the highest point in Bali. The volcano has special significance for Balinese people, and its slopes are home to Pura Besakih, the largest and most holy Hindu temple in the region.

• SAMPLE BALINESE COFFEE: There are many coffee plantations located in the Kintamani highlands thanks to its cool climate and nutrient-rich soil. Visit one (or a few) and learn how coffee is grown and produced; then savour a range of brews.

DUBAI

A desert oasis bordering the Persian Gulf, Dubai brings more to the table than luxury.

• CROSS A CREEK BY ABRA: Dubai is famed for its modern innovations, but the historic neighbourhood Al Fahidi is worth a visit for a different POV. From there, you can ride a traditional wooden boat (abra) across Dubai Creek to the spice and gold markets.

• SIP TRADITIONAL TEA: Enjoy a blend of sugar and spice at Al Fahidi’s Arabian Tea House. Everything from Arabic coffee to Zuhurat (a Middle Eastern herbal tea made from mixed herbs and flowers) is on the extensive menu.

• TREAT YOUR SENSES: Since 2016, the Dubai Opera has been programming performances—from operas and ballets to comic sets and musical tributes—in its beautifully appointed space. Cross your fingers that a show will be on while you’re in town.

• TAKE A DESERT SAFARI: Platinum Heritage, the only ecotourism desert-safari company in Dubai, allows visitors to witness the wonders of the Arabian Desert with less impact on the landscape and wildlife.

COPENHAGEN

Immerse yourself in the city known for its bike culture and effortlessly cool sense of style.

• CYCLE THE CITY CENTRE: Copenhagen was designed to be explored on two wheels. Pedal through the inner city (a.k.a. Indre By) and see landmarks such as the Rosenborg Castle and the Little Mermaid statue.

• SWIM IN THE HARBOUR: Locals enjoy splashing around in the harbour’s many designated bathing areas. Blend in by taking a dip in the refreshing (read “chilly”) waters; then indulge in ice cream from a nearby food truck.

• CATCH A THRILL AT TIVOLI GARDENS: A national treasure, the Tivoli Gardens theme park has been delighting kids and adults alike since 1843. Thrill-seekers will love flying through the air on the electrifying Demon roller coaster.

• PERUSE DANISH HOME GOODS: A pedestrian shopping street that’s over a kilometre long, Strøget is lined with elegant stores. Visit Hay for its colourful candles and department store Illums Bolighus for its pillowy duvets.

MOROCCO

From Fez to Tangier to Marrakesh, Morocco’s vibrant cities offer a crash course in flavour and hospitality.

• GET LOST IN FES EL BALI: To fully immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, wander the narrow streets of Fez’s walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s filled with souks (a.k.a. markets), historic buildings, mosques and friendly locals.

• SHARE A TABLE: Taste authentic Moroccan cuisine at Tangier’s Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah, a hole-in-the-wall restaurant known for its tajines and couscous. Because there’s limited seating, you may be asked to share a table with strangers. Take the leap.

• GET INSPIRATION FROM YSL: Fledgling fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was deeply inspired by Marrakesh, and now his memory is preserved in a museum bearing his name. Grab tickets in advance and learn how his love for Morocco fuelled his work.

• RIDE A WAVE: A fishing village on Morocco’s coast, Imsouane is a surfer’s paradise with two iconic surf spots: Cathedral and La Baie. Take a lesson, catch a few long waves and then stroll through the picturesque harbour to truly get a sense of the region.

DELHI

Find yourself at the intersection of modern life and ancient history in the bustling capital of India.

• DINE WITH A LOCAL FAMILY: A number of companies offer tours that allow a glimpse into home life in Delhi. You’ll learn about cooking and local traditions as you help prepare a flavourful meal at a host family’s home.

• CHEER ON THE DELHI CAPITALS: The most popular sport in India, cricket is almost a religion. Grab tickets to a match and soak up the crowd’s passion for the game.

• SEEK CALM IN THE CROWDS: Take a break from the chaos of Old Delhi, the historic city centre, and enter the walls of the region’s principal mosque. Climb the steps of the southern minaret and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.

• RESTOCK YOUR PANTRY: Haggle for spices and teas at one of the oldest markets in India. It’s also the perfect place to sample street food like stuffed paratha (flatbread) and chewy jalebi (fried fermented batter soaked in syrup).

BALI

MOROCCO

48 Hours in LONDON

With its vibrant energy, avant-garde fashion, top-notch architecture and world-renowned food-and-drink scene, this buzzy capital offers everything you could possibly need for a short city visit.

By ROBB JAMIESON

THE LANESBOROUGH

STAY

THE LANESBOROUGH

The Lanesborough London is refined luxury at its British best. This period mansion has been beautifully updated by celebrated interior designer Alberto Pinto and is steps away from Hyde Park and all the elegant shopping areas of Central London. Grand spaces abound in the hotel’s common areas, and its main restaurant, The Lanesborough Grill, has skylights that let natural light pour in, making it all the more idyllic for enjoying executive chef Shay Cooper’s modern British cuisine. Upstairs, cozy wood-panelled hallways lead to spacious rooms and suites appointed to a standard usually reserved for royalty or heads of state. And the award-winning Lanesborough Club & Spa is one of London’s most exclusive private fitness and health clubs, offering hotel guests and members access to the most innovative spa treatments, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and a cutting-edge gym. OETKERCOLLECTION.COM/HOTELS/THE-LANESBOROUGH

THE HOXTON, SHOREDITCH

This trendy hotel in East London—a go-to area for artists and creatives since the early 1990s—sits among many cultural hot spots, including some of the best galleries, restaurants, bars and independent boutiques. It’s also located near some of London’s coolest markets, including the Columbia Road Flower Market, Spitalfields and Broadway Market, which is at the bottom of London Fields. The Hoxton was an early pioneer of the loftchic style, and it balances urban industrial design with touches like parquet flooring, soft fabrics and leather accents for that home-away-from-home vibe. Restaurants include the allday Hoxton Grill, which serves everything from morning coffee with a full English breakfast to a late-night spicy marg and double cheeseburger. For a fancier option, head to the rooftop Llama Inn for modern takes on Peruvian cuisine, including punchy ceviches and spicy street food, and a fun cocktail list that offers South American staples like the pisco sour.

THEHOXTON.COM/LONDON/SHOREDITCH

EAT

BUBALA

London’s restaurant scene is vast and intimidating, so start with Bubala, an affordable Middle Eastern vegetable-focused spot. Originally a pop-up, it expanded to two locations—in Soho and Spitalfields—and has a third opening soon in King’s Cross. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike can get fully excited by its bold and flavourful fare, like beetroot and blood-orange fattoush with black garlic or smacked cucumbers with tahini and chili crunch. Most of the dishes are vegan, with only a few plates that incorporate honey, dairy or eggs. Thoughtful wine and cocktail lists help round out this veggie-packed dining experience.

BUBALA.CO.UK

TRISHNA

In the heart of Central London’s Marylebone Village, Trishna is the place to go for coastal Indian cuisine. The restaurant is cozy, cute and lined with antique mirrors and vintage travel posters and furnished with a smattering of mid-century tables and chairs. It was awarded a Michelin Star in 2012 and—with

specialty dishes like the Dorset brown crab with coconut oil, pepper, garlic and curry leaf and the Hiran Ki Boti tandoori venison haunch—is definitely not your average curry house. It also smartly pairs wine options with all of its starters and mains, easing the pressure of picking something suitable—or spice-friendly.

TRISHNALONDON.COM

ST. JOHN BREAD AND WINE

St. John, a legendary restaurant that defined British cuisine, now boasts two more locations and three bakeries as well as a winery in France. St. John Bread and Wine was originally set up as a bakery with wine and food takeaway options near Spitalfields Market but quickly expanded into a full-service restaurant to meet the area’s demands. Now an East London institution, the restaurant prides itself on expertly executed plates of nose-totail British cuisine that’s true to the ethos pioneered by Fergus Henderson, the founding chef/owner. Share heartwarming dishes like chicken-liver toast with brandied prune, and pair them with glasses of wine from the St. John Winery, which is in the heart of the Languedoc region.

STJOHNRESTAURANT.COM/A/RESTAURANTS/BREAD-AND-WINE

SMOKING GOAT

This Thai landmark in East London’s creative hub of Shoreditch is where office workers release stress via its chili-induced endorphin rushes and fun, fiery shareable dishes. A meal of kra pow smoked mutton or monkfish laab with green garlic is not complete without one of the restaurant’s unique cocktails, like the Maggot Brain, which has rye, chili and Bangladeshi lime. It’s also perfectly situated for hitting late-night hot spots once you’re heated up. SMOKINGGOATBAR.COM

BUBALA

DRINK

THREE SHEETS

The clean, minimalist decor and grey-veined-white-marble-top bar set the stage for Three Sheets’ truly wonderful contemporary-cocktail experience. With offerings that change weekly, ingredients ebb and flow with the seasons, giving the cocktails a grounded sense of place. Three Sheets has two locations: one in Soho and another in Dalston, East London’s coolest neighbourhood. The drinks are cleverly categorized by level of alcohol (“one sheet,” “two sheets” and “three sheets”) and include signature plays on classics, like the Aegean Martini, which contains vodka, fig-leaf oil, preserved lemon, picpoul (an ancient white-wine grape variety) and lemon thyme.

THREESHEETS-BAR.COM

YUKI BAR

Tucked under the railway tracks in a brick-arched space near London Fields in Hackney, this natural-wine bar serves small Japanese-influenced dishes that service the carefully selected wines perfectly. Its owner is master sommelier Yukiyasu Kaneko, formerly the sommelier at one of the world’s best restaurants, Noma in Copenhagen. Rare bottles abound; you may even bump into that long-lost “unicorn wine” you’ve been trying to track down for years.

INSTAGRAM.COM/YUKIBAR.LONDON

THE FRENCH HOUSE, SOHO

This Soho institution has a wonderful well-worn-pub atmosphere on the first floor and an intimate French restaurant above. (Fun fact: This is where St. John restaurant first started over 30 years ago.) It’s long been a favourite of writers and artists (think Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas), and its walls are plastered with mementos and old photos of French luminaries like Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier. At this relic of Soho’s bohemian past, beer is still famously served only in half-pints and wine is very reasonably priced. Today, the crowd is still made up of a healthy amount of regulars mixed with a younger set looking to soak in some of the wild creative energy from generations past.

FRENCHHOUSESOHO.COM

SHOP & DO

CAMDEN ART CENTRE

London has one of the world’s largest networks of museums and contemporary-art galleries, and many are free to enter, but it pays to go off the well-worn paths of the larger establishments and seek out the nimble programming at smaller venues, which offer some of the best viewing experiences. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Camden is one such non-profit art institution—the Camden Art Centre. Originally a library built in the late 19th century, the Victorian red-brick building is ornate and inviting. Exhibitions are always of a high calibre and in the past have included solo presentations by Canadian-born artist Allison Katz, Swedish painter Mamma Andersson and Turner Prize winner Jesse Darling. The centre also offers off-site projects and educational programs and houses artists as part of its residency program. A beautiful café and an English garden are worth the visit alone and are great places to relax post-art-viewing.

REJINA PYO

Seoul-raised London-based designer Rejina Pyo has been making elegant waves since her graduation show at Central Saint Martins in 2011. Now more than a decade into her fashion career, Pyo crafts clothing steeped in refined femininity and has a knack for creating upscale everyday wear with whimsical details. Wander into her Soho boutique for a first-hand experience, and bring a little bit of London’s effortless fashion back home.

REJINAPYO.COM

GUERLAIN SPA, RAFFLES LONDON

A first for London, the Guerlain Spa in the Raffles hotel at The OWO (Old War Office) building brings luxurious wellness techniques to the capital along with access to many of the French brand’s most coveted products. The meticulously designed spaces were created by award-winning interior-design studio Goddard Littlefair and span over four floors (and 2,500 square metres!). The spa is equipped with everything you need for relaxation and beauty and is the place to go for a little first-class pampering.

GUERLAIN.COM/CA/EN-CA/C/GUERLAIN-SPA-RAFFLES-LONDON-THE-OWO-LONDON

CAMDENARTCENTRE.ORG

THE FRENCH HOUSE

REJINA PYO

Summer ASTROLOGY GUIDE

What’s in the stars for your sign over the next few months.

By MIMO MAGRI Illustrations by ROBB JAMIESON

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 20

Summer is shaping up to be a season of small (but mighty) wins, from money-making moves to owning your personal style. With Jupiter stepping into your prosperity quarters, luck and growth are on the rise, hinting at a stellar year for confidence and self-worth. This burst of inspiration could even spark a total makeover come July, amping up your natural magnetism. Some collabs could redefine your values and reframe how you fit into your own community. How can you strengthen your sense of belonging within your circle? July brings answers and a few clues! While Mercury moves through your communication realm, it’s time to revisit promises you’ve made but no longer feel compelled to keep. By early August, creativity kicks into high gear and so does flirting season. Which crushes do you want to see in your DMs? Romance may be blooming midmonth, feeding fresh ideas and adding a little spice to your everyday life.

KEYWORDS: boldness, belonging, flavour

CANCER

JUNE 21 – JULY 22

It’s your summer of rebirth! Whether you’re emerging from a long, muddy trek or things have been smooth sailing, this season opens up a whole spectrum of possibilities—your new solar cycle has you dreaming big right from the start. Switch up your wardrobe, your hair and your habits! By midJune, you might feel the need to take up more space, especially in your professional world. July calls for personal check-ins, maybe even a solo retreat somewhere peaceful. What chapter are you finally ready to close? Which choices no longer feel like you? By the end of the month, a reality check around your assets could be in the cards. Laying solid foundations now means your resources, whether emotional or financial, can branch out and evolve.

KEYWORDS: embodiment, persistence, validation

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

Deep introspection is on the menu all summer long. If your spiritual side’s been snoozing, early June feels like a gentle wake-up call. Between the search for satisfaction and bouts of self-doubt, this month kicks off a profound inward journey. Which paths could help re-calibrate your inner compass? This thirst for meaning could draw you closer to new friendships and more aligned communities. As July rolls in, big questions come about: What truths need to be spoken so you can realign with your deepest desires? July 24 offers the perfect momentum to rewrite your personal manifesto under your new moon. As you turn the page, mid-August clears the fog, making space for renewed confidence and energy to carry you through the rest of the month. This summer feels like a pivotal rite of passage: a powerful homecoming to yourself, filled with strength and new-found wisdom.

KEYWORDS: breakthroughs, commitment, devotion

VIRGO

AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

The first rays of summer are warming up your social life and widening your network. Between group chats and little outings, real connections seem to be locking in with ease. On June 17, Mars enters your sign, giving you boldness and drive to share your ideas and wear your true colours with pride. This surge of energy could hint at a professional shakeup on the horizon. Early July kicks off a new era in your career and public persona. Another position? Or maybe a personal rebrand? Mercury, your cosmic guide, goes retrograde starting July 18. This shift may prompt you to tie up loose ends and wrap up unfinished projects so you can welcome new goals by mid-August. As summer winds down, harmony and forward motion pick up, more specifically around material prosperity. It’s just the grounding you need for a back-to-school season full of surprises and fireworks.

KEYWORDS: showcase, stature, reviews

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

Welcome to the spotlight! As soon as June hits, you’re pulled straight into the public eye. Whether it’s a dream offer on the table or some well-deserved recognition, your name is on everyone’s lips, and your elevated status might even be sealed through a powerful new alliance or partnership. This summer also sparks a shift in your beliefs and personal evolution. You might feel called to publish, teach or share your insights or even your culture. What project could help you reach a wider audience? Framing your message in a way that allows it to travel beyond borders might just be the move. Heads-up: The end of July could stir up some emotional sensitivity, like revisiting your heart’s roller-coaster ride. But you’re braver than you think, and Mars pushes you to speak your truth starting August 6. When in doubt, tap into your sex appeal and let it anchor you in your power.

KEYWORDS: acknowledgement, publishing, agreements

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Adventure awaits as early summer screams, “Go explore!” What corner of the world or school of thought could jump-start a new wave of growth? This quest may awaken a desire to study or master a whole new way of life. Right on cue, on July 7, Uranus (the cosmic agent of transformation) enters your realm of intimacy, psyche and sexuality. Welcome to a seven-year-long aphrodisiac era, during which your boundaries and certainties around closeness begin to change. Watch closely—this summer might offer early glimpses of that metamorphosis, with therapeutic breakthroughs and blissful rebirths. Maybe your body is the messenger. What lingering discomfort have you been carrying? Early August brings with it self-regulation. If thoughts around productivity start weighing on you, give yourself a little extra compassion.

KEYWORDS: self-awareness, discovery, modalities

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21

This summer brings with it long-awaited healing. Jupiter, your ruling planet, makes a dazzling entrance into your inner world, magnifying everything tucked away in your psychic garden. What if your creativity is the force behind it all? This upswing seems to ripple into your career, casting a glow of well-earned victories over late June/early July. In that same spirit, your partnerships and close relationships begin to shift direction in July. The next seven years could feel like a slow renegotiation of your commitments. Is it time to refresh your love standards? August blends structure with spontaneity, fuelling personal growth all month long. Let your new insights become an anchor, especially at home, to support the major turns September’s eclipses are likely to bring.

KEYWORDS: collaboration, vulnerability, metamorphosis

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19

Break out your signature looks, flirty banter and sharpest comebacks— your power of attraction is peaking all summer long. With curious eyes following you around, June kicks off a year-long journey of improving on your closest relationships. Is this your very own summer of love? With heart-racing connections and gigs that affirm your value, this season hints at a year full of thrilling twists and turns. Behind closed doors, your roots could be growing deeper too, with more responsibilities tied to your living space. Dreaming of a new set-up or a land purchase? What healthy habits could you plant in this fertile environment? As August begins, a burst of energy takes over your professional realm. Use that cosmic momentum to clarify your ambitions, and go after them.

KEYWORDS: tenderness, attachment, hospitality

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18

Starting June 9, your health routines are getting a serious glow-up. Are you in the midst of a lifestyle shift? Think hot-girl summer but with a wellness-guru twist. Homemade potions, diet changes and new rituals might be feeding your future goals. However it manifests, the summer heat pushes you toward more intentional living. Conditioning your body to work smarter, not harder, also seems written in the stars. By early July, your creativity is itching to break free. Uranus, your ruling planet, ignites a sevenyear cycle of reinvention in this realm. It’s time to express yourself in unique, groundbreaking ways. Meanwhile, starting July 13, Mercury zooms in on your communication style and key relationships. Passion and indecision may swirl through peak summer days, so try to hold off on impulsive moves until after August 12. Once your heart’s made up, go all in.

KEYWORDS: germination, adaptation, expansion

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Your creative projects and romantic outings are budding beautifully this summer. The temperature’s rising, and so is the heat in your flings and adventures. With a recent weight lifted off your shoulders, your mind feels clearer and your vision sharper. Business plans in hand, you’re finally ready to chase your ambitions. Around mid-June, attraction and a dash of friendly competition could make things extra spicy. When words fall short...there’s always make-up sex. July marks a new step for your inner foundations. Expect some changes that could feel both destabilizing and freeing, planting seeds for the years ahead. Is it time for a new nest, one that actually suits your needs? By the end of July, your resources (emotional or financial) are guiding you toward answers. Starting August 11, Mercury wraps up a deep dive into your work environment and wellness habits. If you’re tempted to hit reset, trust that fall will bring the fresh start you’ve been waiting for.

KEYWORDS: introduction, leisure, investment

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 19

What a meteoric rise since April—and by early June, you’re stepping into a powerful phase of personal evolution. Like an old flame sliding into your DMs, discipline makes a surprising return, bringing initiative and self-trust back on top. This summer sets the tone for an era centred around boundaries, wellness...and, likely, more quality time with your couch. On the flip side, your social life could start buzzing with energy and opportunities come July 7. This is your cue to test drive those new grounding practices and upgraded work methods. But watch out: The end of the month could have your inner saboteur try to shake your certainty. The best remedy? Reconnect with your creative essence and move your body! Infatuation and sweet excess could make August 11 a day filled with a warm embrace. Regardless of shape and form, welcome more softness and daydreaming into your summer.

KEYWORDS: upgrade, entertainment, shelter

TAURUS

APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Your mind could be drifting between comforting nostalgia and deep personal growth. Words may start pouring out of your subconscious onto paper, canvas, blogs or even a podcast. How could your self-expression support your community? From June onward, opening up your creative channels feels like the way to move. A long, winding journey around self-worth, embodiment and identity finally wraps up in July. What have you fine-tuned since May 2018? What has your body taught you? Around July 15, your beliefs and approaches around money could begin to soften. Craving more artsy assets in your treasure chest? Mercury’s retrograde (through early August) is here to re-evaluate what brings value to your spaces. Emotional breakthroughs and soul-deep conversations could help you realign your lifestyle and even upgrade your home set-up by mid-August. Lean into networking to manifest your mood-board inspo all summer long.

KEYWORDS: emergence, manifesting, design

ELLE CANADA EXTRA

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COVER STORY

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FAR AND AWAY

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SOFT POWER

THERE WERE SEVERAL COMMON THEMES in the spring/summer runway collections this year: loud prints and mismatched patterns; exaggerated silhouettes; power suiting; light, silky, layered and sheer fabrics; and statement pieces clearly designed to turn heads. We saw a lot of nods to the past while the overall mood was still forward-looking, and we received an introduction to a way of dressing that feels like the sartorial equivalent of screaming into a pillow—a fitting way to express ourselves as we look toward an uncertain future.

With Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2025 collection, Nicolas Ghesquière celebrated 10 years as women’s creative director at the French house. He marked the milestone with a dynamic show at the Cour Carrée du Louvre in Paris last October, presenting pieces inspired by the Renaissance era: flowy, feminine and soft yet at the same time powerful, strong and very much grounded in the present by more contemporary elements.

“The collection thrives on contrast, seemingly generating constant movement,” says Ghesquière in the show notes.

“Sartorial soft power can also be a striking back-and-forth between two contradictory yet harmonious opposites. The

suppleness of structure. Intractable lightness. Mastering vibrations. Spidery depths. Ethereal opulence. Razor-sharp delicacy. Resolute femininity. The mechanics of fluidity.”

Ghesquière’s version of retro-futurism was presented on a runway made up of over a thousand LV trunks in various shapes, patterns and hues, hinting at the collection to come, which included colourful jackets with puffed sleeves and cinched waists paired with biker shorts and flat leather sandals, ruffled collared shirts with contrasting three-quarter-length trousers and flowy capelike coats anchored by chunky necklaces. The pieces showcased several different materials, including tweed, silk and lace, as well as embroidery and jewel-like appliqués. The final three looks featured prints of paintings by French artist Laurent Grasso from his series Studies Into the Past, which challenges our perception of time with the insertion of modern, alien elements into landscapes done in the style of Renaissance painters. It was a fitting ending that beautifully fused the past with the present and made us all wonder what lies ahead—and contemplate how we will choose to face it.