LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA Autumn 2020

AUTUMN 2020

L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D .

Canadian Experiences

WE LOVE DELICIOUS WEST COAST ELEGANCE, AN EXCLUSIVE WILDLIFE ADVENTURE & AN HISTORIC STAY IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

COLIN & JUSTIN Tell us How to Design the Perfect Place to Escape

Plus Peek inside an art-filled Yorkville home, three stylish Canadian brands you should know & are you serving wine at the correct temperature?

ANGELA LIDDON A Tasty (Vegan) Side Dish Just in Time for Autumn Suppers

AUTUMN 2020

$6.50

PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL

PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL

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Peace, white walls and goodwill for all. That’s what a complete transformation of this three storey S addition brought to our client who fondly refers to it as their “personal sanctuary”. Soaring ceilings, window backsplash and modern appeal. A perfect example of what you can achieve working with t designers at Yorkville Design Centre.

Redesign shelter at home.

Summerhill , horizontal the

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DO YOU FEEL I T ?

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Leaping whales, hulking bears and proud moose — icons of Alaskan wildlife — sightings you’ll forever treasure.

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The world. It’s waiting for you.

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EV ERY

LUX URY INC LU DED

CONTENTS

AUTUMN 2020 DEPARTMENTS

08

LETTERS

13

THE GOODS

62

Caramel cravings, all about eyes and kitchen updates

DÉCOR

20

HOME TOUR

28

THE DESIGNERS

WINE Are you serving at the right temperature?

35

41 44 6

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

50

A home to art and style Learning the art of the escape

LIVING

56

MAN OR MANOOMIN Drew Hayden Taylor on the summer of Cottagers and Indians

STYLE

DESIGNER PROFILE Three Canadian companies you should know

CLOSET ENVY Shelley Alexanian

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50

TRAVEL ESCAPE

Getaways across Canada

CULTURE

ARTIST PROFILE Jacquie Comrie

FOOD RECIPES

Healthy updates from Angela Liddon

ON THE COVER: A dish from The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia.

Photography by Makito Inomata See article on page 50.

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L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D. VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1. AUTUMN 2020

Publisher

ORIANA MANTELLO Editor-in-Chief

HOLLY CRAWFORD Art Director

JASON KANG Contributing Writers JENNIFER BAIN, ALEXANDRA CAUFIN, CINDA CHAVICH, JOSEPHINE MATYAS, COLIN MCALLISTER, MICHAEL PINKUS, JUSTIN RYAN, SHERRY SMITHER, DREW HAYDEN TAYLOR Contributing Photographers LARRY ARNAL, NIKKI WESLEY Additional Contributors TARA ASHLEY, ANDREA CIABATONNI, ANGELA CIABATONNI, KATARINA MARINIC, NICOLE FOR THE BEAUTY TEAM

O MEDIA GROUP President

ORIANA MANTELLO Director of Sales

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CHRISTINA BONO

Office Manager MARIA DIRICO

Accountant ARNINI STELLATO, LLP

CONTACT US MAIL

LUXE Magazine, 242 Applewood Crescent, Suite 5, Concord, Ontario L4K 4E5 EMAIL

info@luxemagcanada.com PHONE

905.780.2639 LUXEMAGCANADA.COM LUXE Magazine is published quarterly and delivered to select homes in the GTA. For subscription inquiries email: info@luxemagcanada.com The reproduction of written material, illustration or photographs from this magazine is prohibited. Although precaution has be taken to ensure the information contained in LUXE Magazine is accurate, it is understood that the magazine cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions that may occur.

The articles in this magazine are the exclusive responsibility of the authors.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Change for the Season THIS TIME OF YEAR, generally acts as a bit of a milestone. Summer comes to a close and it marks the last of the cottage weekends, the kids get back to routine and to school, and we all prepare for the season to come. The seasons seem changed this year though, in so many ways.

No matter what field you work in, these past six months have looked different.

The usual trends and tides of consumer behaviour, the ebb and flow of workers on their daily routine, and the day-to-day of family life has dramatically altered.

I count myself among the lucky who in a professional sense watched disruptions amount to things easily overcome: a workwear season that was not to be, events not attended, runways not walked, stage shows not reported, restaurants not reviewed, and destinations not visited. After a “pause” in publishing the magazine for the summer months, we feel privileged to be back with this issue.

Each of these changes does speak to dramatic disruptions in all industries though; from retail of all kinds, fashion and beauty, entertainment and the arts, travel and tourism to bars and restaurants.

For the service sector, and workers in all realms, we have all had to learn how to adapt to a very new reality.

I think we have managed, mostly, to find our way with conference calls, video chats, Zoom meetings and interacting with each other, just a bit differently. And while this may suffice in the professional sense, as we move into autumn and winter, I know many routines and traditions around upcoming holidays will have to be rethought and reimagined.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I’m already thinking about how to approach this family gathering. It certainly will have to be different, but I know there are some things that will always be the same: cooking a larger-than-really-needed turkey, decadently creamy scalloped potatoes, spice-scented pumpkin pie and laying a table in warm autumnal tones. Will there be fewer places to set? I think that will certainly be the case, but the joy found in the tradition will hopefully be much the same.

We hope you find much joy, warmth and moments to be thankful for in the season to come.

HOLLY CRAWFORD, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF holly@luxemagcanada.com 8

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

Playful. Elegant. Unexpected.

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LIVE AND LEARN

PUBLISHER’S LETTER I BELIEVE small businesses are the heart of our economy. When their revenues decreased during the pandemic, it caused serious problems for all of us. Even businesses that were healthy prior to the pandemic found themselves in jeopardy because of many restraints.

When large companies close down, they historically get the attention of the media, however when our local hairdressers, restaurants or nail salons close, they often go quietly and sadly.

A few weeks ago, I called one of my favourite hairstylists only to receive a message on the phone saying: “this number is not in service.” I quickly drove to the location to find a “For Rent” sign on the door.

However, its not all bad news; the spring lockdowns made us learn to enjoy cooking our own food again. Previously, long work hours along with frantic after school schedules and many affordable prepared food options made it easy not to cook for ourselves. The shift to supermarket shopping has dramatically increased, and consequently family cooking time has also increased.

For me, I discovered that I can bake! After many years attempting and failing, I realized that it wasn’t my culinary skills lacking, it was the time I lacked. I would rush through the steps and ultimately miss something and voila—it would be a baking disaster. But during this “new normal,” with nowhere to rush to, I leisurely prepared my ingredients—and actually read all the instructions—and I can now say: I can bake!

My banana bread is scrumptious and my tiramisu delicious—well, as Holly, our editor (who is a baker) has commented, “tiramisu is actually not baking, it’s assembling.” She may be correct, but for me this is baking.

We at LUXE have been fortunate to be able to continue to produce our much-loved magazine, although a little differently than usual. We have been able to adjust to what is now the “new normal,” with a generous dash of hand washing and sanitizing. Of course, no face-to-face meetings with clients and colleagues, but we will persevere to overcome these obstacles in order to bring you the best, luxurious magazine we can.

Drop me a line and give me your feedback. It’s always nice to hear from our readers.

Enjoy!

ORIANA MANTELLO, PUBLISHER oriana@luxemagcanada.com 10

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

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G oods CARAMEL

Dior Ready to Wear Fall 2020 Collection

RICH, WARM TONES OF TAN ARE EVERYWHERE FOR FALL, RANGING FROM CREAMY CAPPUCCINO SHADES TO HUES OF DARK MAPLE BROWN. Omega Speedmaster 38 mm Co-Axial Chronograph, retains the look of the brand’s most famous chronograph in a leather strap. $6,450, available at Birks; maisonbirks.com

Clarins eye quartet in Brown Sugar, $49; clarins.ca

Dior “Saddle” bag in dark tan leather; dior.com

“Soft 7” men’s sneakers in Whisky by Ecco, $210; ca.ecco.com

“Cavalcade” cross-body bag by Longchamp, $925; longchamp.com

“Berwick” sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith, originally released in 1979. Black tortoiseshell on sand, $500; olivergoldsmith.com

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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THE GOODS

ALL ABOUT EYES

STYLE

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NOW THAT DAILY ROUTINE INCLUDES DONNING A MASK, THIS SEASON’S FOCUS IS ALL ABOUT THE EYES.

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1. Clarins Total Eye Lift with organic harungana extract and cassie wax for a double lifting and smoothing action instantly, $91; clarins.ca 2. Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel, moisture-revitalizing gel that visibly brightens and improves the elasticity, $51; sephora.com 3. Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Eye Cream is packed full of the latest discoveries in honey’s skin repairing properties, claiming to take three years off the eyes, $149; sephora.com

1. End eye makeup mishaps with Clarins 1. new limited-edition Makeup Corrector Pen, $25; clarins.ca 2. Fenty Beauty’s new Brow MVP Brow Sculpting Wax Pencil & Styler is a clear, universal brow wax that shapes and sets with a long wear, $26; fentybeauty.com 3. Guerlain’s Mad Eyes Intense Liner comes with a calligraphic brush and a rich, thick formula perfect for drawing lines of all kinds. Available in Glossy Black and Glossy Brown, $51; sephora.com

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

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1. A Dior icon in a new design with a perfected formula, now offering 24-hours of wear and daily lash-care action.

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, dior.com 2. Eye Opening Vegan Mascara by Lise Watier is enriched with 80 per cent naturally derived ingredients, $28; lisewatier.com 3. Full Frontal Mascara

by Fenty Beauty in Mi$$ Merlot, $18; fentybeauty.com 4. Mad Eyes mascara by Guerlain, $42; sephora.com

3.

4.

1. Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in “Tutu,” $72; dior.com 2. “Walk of No Shame” eye palette by Charlotte Tilbury, $66; charlottetilbury.com

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A unique eye shadow primer from Kat Von D in a liquid, universal shade. Shake Vegan Eyeshadow Primer, $22; kvdveganbeauty.com

THE GOODS

KITCHENS BRING THE HEAT

ULTRA-PREMIUM APPLIANCE BRAND MONOGRAM INTRODUCED TWO NEW COLLECTIONS IN 2020: THE STATEMENT COLLECTION AND THE MINIMALIST COLLECTION. EACH COLLECTION HAS A DISTINCT LOOK AND FEEL, BUT BOTH EMBODY ELEVATED CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH METICULOUSLY SELECTED MATERIALS AND ATTENTION TO EVERY LUXURY DETAIL. SHOWN HERE FROM GE MONOGRAM’S STATEMENT COLLECTION, A RANGE WITH THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A STAINLESS STEEL COMMERCIAL APPLIANCE COMBINED WITH STUNNING BRASS ACCENTS. PRICE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST; MONOGRAM.CA

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A HIGHLY functional kitchen for busy home-chefs deserves the semi-professional faucet experience. The new “Catris Flexo’

by Blanco features a flexible, matte-black rubber hose giving it a modern, industrial look. Catris faucets feature solid brass construction, slim body design, optimal range of motion and dual spray function. blanco.com

Get the Chills

SIGNATURE KITCHEN SUITE, a new brand in the luxury kitchen appliance market, recently became available in Ontario. Employing leading-edge technology to offer versatile, high-precision kitchen appliances, Signature Kitchen Suite embraces a new generation of forward-thinking home cooks.

Backed by award-winning home appliance maker LG, Signature Kitchen Suite delivers premium, built-in appliances that provide flexibility and modern technology. The Integrated Column Wine Refrigerator’s built-in wine columns were inspired by the ideal environment of historic old-world wine caves.

Designed for precise wine preservation, these refrigerators utilize exclusive “Wine Cave Technology” to provide protection from wine’s four biggest threats: vibration, light, and variations in temperature and humidity. Available in 18 and 24-inch models. signaturekitchensuite.com/ca-en

Work Surface

NEOLITH, a pioneering brand of sintered stone, recently launched their new “Six-S” range with colours and patterns drawing inspiration from the natural world. All Neolith surfaces are 100 per cent natural and manufactured in a carbon neutral environment. Ideal for any professional or residential surfacing application, it is also one of the safest and most hygienic materials available, without compromising on performance and visual appeal. Shown here is Abu Dhabi White, with a hyper-realistic texture capturing the feel of natural, unpolished stone. neolith.com for retailers.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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Home

CAESARSTONE HEADS OUTDOORS

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AESARSTONE just launched a combination of industry-leading breakthrough innovation and beauty, to be the first quartz manufacturer to take the popular kitchen surface outside. “Solaris,” the outdoor collection offers three feature colours that provide the convenience of being stain and scratch resistant, non-porous, easy-to-clean surfaces, with the durability to withstand all the elements — rain, snow or shine. “Caesarstone’s new outdoor collection, Solaris, is an example of our continuous commitment to elevated and cutting-edge products for the consumer that not only showcase exceptional performance but reflect beautiful design,” says Elizabeth Margles, Vice President of Marketing at Caesarstone. Engineered and tested to withstand UV rays and extreme long-term environmental conditions, the new outdoor collection helps consumers cook, dine and entertain al fresco. With no special maintenance required, this collection can be used anywhere in an outdoor space including barbecue counters, sinks and backsplashes, or even as patio tables and poolside bar tops. After thorough testing in both the lab and in the field, Caesarstone has developed a special resin with superior outdoor performance and are ready to launch the most advanced outdoor product in the market. Shown: “Clearskies,” has a smooth concrete grey base with a scatter of various tiny flecks. caesarstone.ca

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

TORONTO’S CASTLEFIELD DESIGN DISTRICT is home to Kohler’s first Signature Store location in Ontario (the other Canadian location is Vancouver). The store offers the opportunity to experience the Kohler Co. family of brands including Kohler Plumbing, Kohler Lighting, Kallista Plumbing, Robern, and Ann Sacks Tile and Stone all in one place. The location also offers in-store and virtual consultation appointments for bathroom and kitchen design. “Creating a space that embraces the local design community and culture was imperative,” says Michelle Kilmer, business director Kohler Stores, Kitchen and Bath North America. “We’re thrilled with the result and are confident that the store associates will inspire creativity within our customers.” The space’s sophisticated displays include elaborately designed suites and ensembles, working shower systems, lighted mirrors, intelligent toilets, and Kohler Konnect products, the brand’s offering in the smart home space. Located at 735 Caledonia Road, Toronto; kohlersignaturestoretoronto.com

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BRING AN ARTISAN TOUCH TO YOUR TABLE

KOHLER SHOWROOM OPENS IN TORONTO

LAUNCHED LAST SPRING, Fable is a unique Canadian dinnerware company bringing consumers elevated tabletop pieces, with a sustainable ethos. Co-founded by Joe Parenteau, Tina Luu and Max Tims, Fable offers customers artisan-crafted ceramic plates, bowls and stainless-steel cutlery, all designed in Vancouver and produced in Portugal. From recycled clay to sustainable packaging, the brand only partners with people who think the same way they do. All excess clay, broken pieces and water used during production are recycled and reused, with an aim for their teams in Canada and Portugal to have zero waste facilities. Each piece is made using a balance of machine production and an artisan touch, with each plate and bowl hand sanded and glazed; giving them their uniquely beautiful artisan appearance. fablehome.co AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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HOME

ART HAUS RULES

by ALEXANDRA CAUFIN

photography by LARRY ARNAL

A 3,500 SQUARE-FOOT BROWNSTONE IN YORKVILLE OFFERS MOMENTS OF MAGIC AROUND EVERY CORNER

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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HEN ORIGINAL PICASSO ceramics and an early-career Emily Carr oil painting find themselves in your personal art collection, you’d better believe they anchor the architecture around them.

Victoria Foley and Paul Fredricks lived in their Yorkville brownstone for more than a decade before taking on a tip-to-toe renovation—so when they did, they were ready.

“It was time for the house to become an expression of what we really wanted,” Foley says. First up in that playbook: to breathe a strong contemporary spirit into the 1890s-built Victorian, one that simultaneously honoured the architectural heritage of the neighbourhood. Second, to create intentional spaces for the couple’s 100-plus artworks without

sacrificing liveability and comfort.

From vibrant sculpture to digital art designed for the screen, the couple’s modern collection was sure

to do anything but fade into the background. What was needed was a white cube infused with a healthy dose of passion and personality. Gallery-like, yes. Cold and institutional? No thanks.

Longtime friend Thomas Tampold—architect and owner of Yorkville Design Centre—was more

than up to the task. Alongside heritage architecture firm ERA, Tampold created harmony with a radical reconfiguration of the ground floor, anchoring four levels—including a 1,000-square-foot addition in the attic—around a single bold gesture: a stunningly multi-faceted Brazilian delicatus granite that finds its way into nearly every room of the house.

But first things first. An ill-fitting arts-and-crafts porch added in the 1970s had to go, and while they were at it, traffic was redirected from the front façade to a sculptural entranceway on the side of the house. The street-facing exterior now pays homage to the neighbourhood’s nineteenth-century roots, featuring three narrow French doors that open as full-length windows.

The foyer on the east side of the building takes on a European feel, a subtle and quiet welcome point.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a cheeky peek-through to the formal dining room. The small nook also houses Saying No Quietly, a bronze sculpture by American artist Gary Weisman. Across from it, another opening showcases Douglas Coupland’s infamous paint-splattered globe Pessimism and a glimpse into the energetic kitchen that awaits beyond.

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

The home’s timeless speckled granite was sourced from Brazil, slabbed, honed and flamed in Italy and custom-fabricated in northern Ontario.

In the kitchen, Lois Andison’s SALT, SUGAR, SWEET, SOUR flashes wordplay across a four-foot light box.

In the dining room a small nook houses Saying No Quietly, a bronze sculpture

by American artist Gary Weisman.

Tiling takes on the whimsical geometric patterns of modernist painter Piet Mondrian.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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The main floor is filled with these vignettes, providing each piece a thoughtful space to call home. Architecturally, they offer visual intrigue, fleeting sightlines and an airy movement of light and sound.

“If you were to draw a caricature of this space,” Tampold says, “you could think of it as a tree, growing up through the middle of the house. You enter through the trunk and the rooms are like branches that grow around it, peeking out from left to right.”

The designer also opted to functionally enhance the kitchen by relocating it to the rear of the home, it now seamlessly blends into the patio area outside. Much of this illusive indoor-outdoor experience is achieved by the granite flooring, which flows through the 20-foot doors and onto the exterior platform, connecting the two spaces.

As for the room’s bold colours and playful curves, Tampold was inspired by Sorel Etrog’s Kabuki, a 30foot sculpture that lives in downtown Calgary; Paul and Victoria have the 24-inch home-sized version in their living room.

Of course, the kitchen’s standout is its defining delicatus palette, in which a thousand shades of porcelain and pewter wrap the island, countertop and cantilevered shelving, with Foley’s signature hue (Sienna orange) accenting the space. To balance this more is more spirit, nixed were upper cabinets, hanging light fixtures and handles of any kind. Minimalist full-length cupboards fade into the surrounding white walls.

The pared-back approach supports the furnishings as well, with slight silhouettes and compact proportions.

A three-quarter-height divider in black oak provides additional storage and a bird’s eye nook perfectly suited for one of the couple’s beloved acquisitions: an iconic owl-shaped Picasso pitcher. Across from it, Lois Andison’s SALT, SUGAR, SWEET, SOUR flashes wordplay across a four-foot light box.

“I wanted a blended space,” Foley explains. “One that would feel more like an art salon than a kitchen.”

“It’s a great example of how modern art influences architecture,” Tampold echoes. “There are so many sculptural and artistic elements to this kitchen, it’s a work of art in itself.”

Dramatic floating stairs carry the delicatus granite up to the second and third floors where it takes on an accent role. Here, a typical three-bedroom space is transitioned to a solo master, bureau, and conversation room. In the latter, a petite fireplace of hand-rubbed burnished steel mimics its larger version in the living room below.

Sketches by mid-century Canadian painter Jack Bush take pride of place on museum-grade ceramic wall panels which block heat and protect the artwork.

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

The sculptural staircase is constructed from powder-coated steel that was mounted directly to the exterior brick and wrapped in Brazilian delicatus granite.

At the end of the hallway, an interior balcony

and sculptures evolve in the dawn, afternoon and

overlooks the backyard and brings lofty vibes to the

evening light, offering new shades or surprise shadow

master bedroom. In the foreground of the A-frame

play on the wall, such is the nature of dynamic artwork.

window, a 9-foot plus Douglas Coupland A Meditation

But then, so does the granite. In one corner, it may be all

on Plastic No.3 sculpture completes the abstracted

eggplant and cream. In another, flecks of copper add a

Canadiana silhouette. Bursts of orange spring from

glimmer of metallurgy.

accessories and vibrant monochromatic paintings that

“This is my favourite,” Foley says, gesturing to a spot

mirror one another. “It’s a wise, clever colour,” says

on the floor of the granite-clad master bathroom. “Like

Foley of her signature hue. “Classic and contemporary

a little Picasso sketch.” Fredricks joins in, pointing out

at the same time.

the faces which have appeared in the tile during a shave.

Consistency among the spaces proves a guiding principle, winks of the Sienna orange and accents of

The next day, he says, it could be gone. Such is the magic of natural stone.

granite can be found everywhere. But what truly unites

And this home surely harnesses that magic, alongside

this home is its many layers of experience: the endlessly

its precious artworks, creating rooms of enchantment in

shifting textures that beg a prolonged gaze.

which—to quote C.S. Lewis—things never happen the

The interested viewer will surely watch the paintings

same way twice.

In the master bedroom, in the foreground of an A-frame window, a Douglas Coupland A Meditation on Plastic No.3 sculpture.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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Home is where the heart is.

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DO YOU DREAM OF ESCAPING THE CITY AND LIVING FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, IN A REMOTE FOREST, OR BY A CRYSTAL-CLEAR LAKE? THROUGHOUT THE PAGES OF ESCAPOLOGY, COLIN AND JUSTIN’S LATEST STYLE TOME, PEEK INTO THE ESCAPES OF THE BRAVE PEOPLE WHO’VE DONE PRECISELY THAT.

by COLIN MCALLISTER + JUSTIN RYAN

W

E’VE LONG SINCE ADVOCATED that

If you’re looking for getaway inspiration, make the

our inner sanctums should be personal,

“second home” sector your first port of call. This in mind,

practical and beautiful, and, with many

herewith a few key abodes from Escapology, each of which

of us now (due to the ongoing pandemic)

offers a wealth of design components to inspire and excite

experiencing our domestic landscapes in a new way, it appears folk are finally learning to fine tune their spaces.

And gosh, does “home” these days deliver a wealth of new functions. From boardroom to schoolroom, restaurant to clinic, the average domicile has properly stepped up.

in equal, decompressing measure.

CREATING A STATEMENT KITCHEN

At the heart of The Bunker in Montana (by Miller Roodell Architects and Abby Hetherington Interiors) lies a veritable

Yes indeed, everything, everywhere, pertaining to real

forest of woodsy ideas realized as a state of the art chef’s

estate, is changing. Property prices are rising, DIY talents

kitchen, whose beautiful lines are clean and unbroken. The

have amplified, and leisure spending on fodder such

food prep zone references the kind of design cues normally

as outdoor furniture, saunas, and hot tubs is rocketing.

reserved for glossy modern structures, but arranges them

It’s clear consumers are personalizing—and elevating—

in a muted, natural application.

their nests, and that, as we see it certainly, can only be a good thing.

Design takeaway? When chasing your escapist vibe, don’t be afraid to combine different timbers. As Mother

So, what’s the best means by which to create a truly

Nature would surely say, had she been gifted with the

escapist domicile? Well, positioning within the city tends

power of speech: “There are many different tree genus

to be a practical exercise, dictated by school catchment

in my forest—yet they co-exist, perfectly.” Sage counsel,

or perhaps commutability. In the “second home” market,

indeed, so let your wood loving predilections run free.

however, purchases tend to be made with the heart:

Texture, too, is another important consideration.

structures that commune with nature are paramount,

Wherever possible, create schematic contrast and decorative

as are places that indulge the escapist gene that exists

interest—be inspired by The Bunker’s rough-hewn ceiling

in all of us.

beams and polished oak floors, and by modern, super

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

PHOTOS BY JEREMY KOHM, GREAT CANADIAN COTTAGES/COTTAGE LIFE, DAVID O. MARLOW

THE GREAT ESCAPE

THE DESIGNERS

{

We are giving away 5 signed copies of the book to a few lucky readers. Follow us on Instagram @luxemagcanada to learn more.

smooth wood veneer walls that lead to the hallway. It’s all

make the everyday amazing. We love the expansive glazed

rather swoon-worthy: the play of timber colours, lumber

bay in the bathroom, where a deep soaker tub indulges

genus and textures are the visually delicious ingredients

bathers with unparalleled views of the peaks of the

that conspire an undeniably commanding room recipe.

Grand Tetons. Seriously: in a world where consumers (we,

PLAY WITH SCALE TO CREATE DESIGN STATEMENTS

Many escapes have a “go big or go home attitude” and, in this English barn conversion in Oxfordshire, that

PHOTOS BY AUDREY HALL; HANNAH TAYLOR; ANDERS HVIID-HAGLUND

ideology is successfully played out. An enormous fireplace

included) are obsessed with spa treatments, bath oils and supposed health giving tinctures, could there be a better stress reliever than a long hot soak with a breathtaking mountain view? We rest our case.

USE UNEXPECTED MATERIALS

and chimney are conceived as one huge sculptural object,

More often than not, true “escapologists” build respites

thanks to large stone blocks that taper to a lime-plastered

that are tucked in unexpected places—perhaps high on a

flue which echoes the sloping forms of rural brick

hill, or discreetly positioned in a copse in some remote,

chimneystacks. “Out-scaling” a focal point piece such as

beautiful forest. This observed, the journey required

this not only creates a sense of escapism, it also fires up the

(before decompression can truly begin) can be arduous.

overall experience. Imagine sitting around that beautiful

But if the hero cabin is truly exciting? Then those long

structure on a cold winter night, versus crowding around

journeys are more than worthwhile. One such journey is

a skinny baseboard heater: both, certainly, are warm, but a

to Vipp Shelter on Lake Immeln in Sweden. Are we allowed

roaring hearth (or a convincing electric or gas alternative)

to have favourites? Probably not, but, were we permitted,

offers an experience that’s way more memorable.

this one would surely be up there.

Atmospheric? Yes, and then some.

CREATE A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Upon arrival, visitors are met with an odd couple marriage of nature and manufacture. Nestled in forestation, sits a compelling glass and steel structure, whose

Design that embraces its surroundings—to make you

understated lines blend into the shadows as the sun travels

relax, upon arrival—is, as we see it, quintessentially

across the sky. In the same way that an archetypal little

escapist.

This in mind, consider “opening” dark areas

black dress is comfortable, timeless and elegant, so too does

in your home—using glass—to amplify views. Similarly,

this wonderful—and understated—structure appear to be

add sliding doors to connect your home’s interior with its

stylistically relevant and perpetually on point.

exterior.

Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages & Retreats, by Colin

The bathroom at Yellowbell, an imaginatively designed log cabin in Wyoming, perfectly demonstrates how to

McAllister and Justin Ryan is available on October 13. published by Figure 1 Publishing AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

29

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Living MORE FROM PELOTON

I

F YOU HAVEN’T made the fitness splurge into Peloton yet, the brand just announced the introduction of the Peloton Bike+, growing its portfolio of immersive, connected fitness products and experiences. The Bike+ builds on the innovation of the original Peloton Bike and includes some of the most member-requested hardware and software features and fitness class content.

Thoughtfully designed to create a challenging total body workout, the Bike+ makes it easier to complement an indoor cycling class with Peloton’s strength, yoga, stretching and meditation classes — all from the Bike+. New features include a 23.8-inch rotating HD touch-screen, so you can seamlessly transition between cycling and floor-based workouts. The screen rotates 180 degrees left and right for easy viewing. Also added is a high-fidelity four-speaker sound system, Gymkit to pair your Apple Watch with the Bike+ with a tap of a button and Auto-Follow, to help you stay focused on your workout with a touch-free, optional adjustment that automatically scales your resistance, based on Target Metrics. Throughout the class, the digitally-controlled resistance remembers where you fall within the Target Metrics and automatically adjusts based on instructor guidance. The Peloton Bike+ retails for $3,295; onepeloton.ca

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

THE BESPOKE WELLNESS CLUB (BWC) is the first service provider within Four Seasons Toronto’s new MedSpa program, launched in September.

The Spa at Four Seasons is entering the MedSpa landscape to support industry-leading and sought-after treatments and therapies. Housed in three elegantly appointed rooms, BWC’s team of medical experts offer a variety of personalized wellness and anti-aging therapies as well as cosmetic injectables.

Additional offerings include personalized medicine, wellness coaching and antiaging therapies, genetics testing, IV therapy, peels and facial treatments, dermal fillers and customized skincare.

Founded by Dr. Elaine Chin, a leader in “Precision Medicine,” BWC offerings use a science-based diagnostic approach to prevent premature aging and mark the debut of a concierge healthcare experience that upholds the service standards for which Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is trusted around the world. fourseasons.com/toronto/spa

FOUR SEASONS TORONTO INTRODUCES BESPOKE WELLNESS CLUB

HEALTHY BUBBLY

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CANADIAN AND FAMILY-OWNED BRAND ORGANIKA JUST INTRODUCED EFFERVESS MARINE COLLAGEN TABS, AN EASY WAY TO TAKE YOUR COLLAGEN WATER WITH YOU ANYWHERE. THE WATER-SOLUBLE TABS ARE FORMULATED WITH PREMIUM HYDROLYZED MARINE COLLAGEN, THE NUMBER ONE COLLAGEN FOR HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR AND NAILS. JUST DROP A TABLET IN A GLASS OF WATER FOR A FLAVOURFUL, FIZZY—AND HEALTHY —DRINK. EFFERVESS CONTAIN NO SUGAR, ARE NON-GMO, AND HAVE ADDED VITAMIN C, HELPING YOUR BODY NATURALLY PRODUCE MORE COLLAGEN. AVAILABLE IN ROSE, LAVENDER, KIWI AND CRANBERRY. ORGANIKA.COM

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

33

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COMING SOON

LIVING

MAN OR MANNOMIN? ALONG WITH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, THIS PAST SUMMER’S NEWS CYCLE HAS BEEN FILLED WITH TALES OF RACIAL DISCORD, THE CHANTS OF BLACK LIVES MATTER, INDIGENOUS LIVES MATTER AND ALL MANNER OF EMPATHETIC AS WELL AS OPPOSING REMARKS. WE DECIDED TO ASK AUTHOR, PLAYWRIGHT AND MEMBER OF CURVE LAKE FIRST NATION DREW HAYDEN TAYLOR FOR THE STORY BEHIND HIS DOCUMENTARY, COTTAGERS AND INDIANS, RELEASED THIS SUMMER AT THE HEIGHT OF DISCUSSIONS AROUND CANADA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH INDIGENOUS CITIZENS. by DREW HAYDEN TAYLOR

Y

OU’VE HEARD of blood diamonds or conflict free coffee? Let me introduce you to an inoffensive but politically divisive edible plant causing a substantial amount of turmoil in the Central Ontario heartland. Growing profusely in those lakes, part of the larger Kawartha Lakes region, grows a plant that by itself

might be considered somewhat innocuous. To the local Indigenous people, it’s called Manoomin, which translates as “the good seed”. To the larger Canadian community, it’s frequently referred to as wild rice (spoiler note, it’s not actually a rice), and there hangs the tale… a tale I have been proud to tell twice.

For the last decade or two, controversy has also been growing abundantly in the area, specifically the Pigeon Lake region. It’s a complex hullabaloo (not a Native term) combining both Indigenous rights, and the rights of non-Native and cottagers to enjoy the pristine waterways just off shore their majestic abodes. It’s been said drama comes from conflict and conflict comes from characters. So as a storyteller (me), this saga has been fertile ground for drama, resulting in a highly successful play, followed by a CBC documentary.

But first a history lesson: Since Time Immemorial, manoomin grew wild and proud in the area, taking strength and nourishment from the shallow clean lakes originally created by melting glaciers. Then exactly 100 years ago, came the Trent Severn Waterway. During and after its creation, the water level fluctuated wildly, allowing the government and big business to bring in boats, log booms, pollution and a host of other unwanted elements to travel the waterways, including a number of invasive species.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

35

The result, a drastic decrease in beds of manoomin, one

with Indigenous people, the media can’t be far behind,

of the essential food stuffs of the Anishnawbe people in

resulting in the Canadian news media feasting on this

the area. Rich in fibre, magnesium, protein and B6, it once

story for at least the past decade. This frequently featured

powered a people. Told amongst the Elders were distant

dueling interviews between James Whetung and Larry

memories of traditional harvests, of people canoeing

Woods, head of the Save Pigeon Lake organization, a loose

through the vast beds of plants, gently knocking the

conglomeration of people dedicated to limiting or even

seeds into the bottom of the canoes. Later they would be

halting the growth of the plant. Eventually, the dispute

dried, danced upon (to break the chaff from the seed),

grew beyond the borders of Canada. Al Jazeera amongst

winnowed (letting the wind further separate chaff and

other international news organizations focused their lens

seed completely), roasted, and finally eaten. This had

on the issue and broadcast it to the world.

been an activity planted deep in the Indigenous genes.

That’s where I came into the picture. Richard Rose,

Some argued this had been done so often and so long,

former Artistic Director of Toronto’s prestigious theatre

there were ruts in the very water from generations

company, Tarragon Theatre, happened to be sitting in

of harvesting canoes.

a café in New York City reading one of these articles.

That was then. This is now.

Two thoughts occurred to him. First, the topic intrigued

Since the influx of civilized water maintenance,

him, as did the potential for a dramatic interpretation.

manoomin now grew only in isolate bays, unnoticed and

Second, came in the form of a question, “I think I know

unloved, a stranger in a once familiar land. Its place in

somebody from that area… a playwright from Curve

the Indigenous diet had been colonized. A culture that

Lake.” Again, me.

nourished lean meats, fresh fish and low carb plants had

Personally, I’d practically grown up surrounded by the

been replaced by French fries, hamburgers, pop, potato

issue. Essentially, a lot of people in my community just

chips and a host of other types of dubious cuisine. The end

thought of it as James tilting at his windmills. While many

result being epidemic proportions of obesity and diabetes

felt it was indeed a noble cause, it was kind of an obscure

in our and most other Indigenous communities.

one—dedicating your life to reintroducing manoomin to and then moving on to other important aspects of life.

the Curve Lake First Nation, a small community nestled

So when Richard called, tossing the idea out to me,

between Buckhorn Lake and Chemong Lake. This is

I wasn’t exactly overjoyed at the possibility of turning

also where I come from. In fact, I grew up maybe a

this into a play. After all, what’s so amazingly dramatic

kilometre from James and went to school with many

about a bag of manoomin? I didn’t know it at the time

of his younger siblings.

but it was more a matter of not seeing the forest for the

Now in his sixties, James has frequently been described

trees. But the more we talked, the more the drama of the

as a bit of an eccentric. Most interesting people are. He is

conflict became apparent to me. And the story began to

also hardworking and driven in the things he believes in.

take shape. I began to see the forest. I spent more time

One of the things that is central to his life is the return of

with James, asking him questions, going out manoomin

manoomin and its reintegration into First Nation diets.

gathering with him, attending his workshops about the

In fact, if blame is to be doled out, he is largely the man

history and preparation of manoomin; usually attended

responsible for personally seeding the dozen or so Kawartha

overwhelmingly by non-Natives.

Lakes, once again making it, as he has ironically said, “the breadbasket” of Anishnawbe manoomin production.

36

the Kawartha Lakes. There was a shrugging of shoulders

The story was all there. And in hindsight, it was one of easiest plays I’ve had the privilege to write. In addition,

In the last 20 years, he has been so successful

it was an opportunity to work with Director Patti

in reintroducing most of the nearby lakes that an

Shaughnessy, who was also an alumni from Curve Lake.

unanticipated result occurred. So lush and thick has his

Essentially, the two of us are Curve Lake’s theatre district.

crop become, standing two feet above the surface, that

Called Cottagers and Indians, the show was up and on stage

in some places it is difficult for non-canoe boats to travel

at Tarragon theatre in a remarkably short period of time,

through, or for people to swim or fish in. In a largely

about a year, which is unheard of in contemporary new

recreational and tourist area, this can be a problem.

play development.

Rumours are that because of this, property values for those

It ran five weeks, of which four of those were sold out.

who live on shore are not as vibrant as they might be, were

It proved to be bizarrely successful. While I’d tried to make

manoomin not growing just a scant dozen-feet off their

the play even handed and fair, it was obvious my sentiments

docks. That is the pickle wild rice/manoomin has created.

leaned towards Arthur Copper’s, the Indigenous character,

Unexpectedly, tempers on both sides have flared.

perspective. But those we call the “colour challenged” or

Whenever well off White people come into conflict

“pigment denied” loved the production. It ran at Tarragon

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

PHOTO COURTESY COTTAGERS AND INDIANS/CBC

This is where things get interesting. An Anishnawbe man named James Whetung was born and raised on

again the following year with similar success, followed by

any resolution seemed to have little chance of being

a small tour of Toronto’s Golden Horseshoe area, prime

successful. At one point during the shoot we saw an almost

real estate for Kawartha cottage owners.

physical flare up of the disagreement. Still, at its core, it

Once

again,

the

response

was

overwhelming. I

was honoured and amazed at the reception. The only

was a contest between Indigenous food sovereignty and lake usage.

possibly disparaging comment came in the form of public

Using the Kawartha Lakes situation as a catalyst, we

criticism of the title, Cottagers and Indians. Several people,

also explored several other regions of the country that

it was assumed they were of the Caucasian background,

were and are currently experiencing their own difficulties

complained to either shop owners who displayed the

with Canadian society. Saugeen First Nation on Georgian

poster, or to the box office theatres about the use of

Bay has a long simmering dispute with nearby tourist

such an obviously racist term. Most did not get the play

destination Sauble Beach about who has confirmed

of words on the childhood game Cowboys and Indians,

ownership of the beach.

which I was going for. Interestingly, there was no outcry from the Indigenous community.

Further afield came the tale of Winnipeg and Shoal Lake First Nation #40. Last century it was decided the fast

In Toronto, three people of note came to see the play

growing city needed a better and cleaner supply of water.

one night. Two were TV documentary producers I had

So it dug an aquaduct more than 100 kilometres long, all

worked with in the past, and one was a CBC documentary

the way to Western Ontario, syphoning off the water from

executive. All three saw the drama I had written as a mere

Shoal Lake, turning the community into an island, with

snippet of the larger issue of Native/non-Native conflicts

no adequate water supply of its own. For several decades,

involving land and water issues. The news was constantly

it had a boil water advisory until a connecting road

full of stories about pipe lines, land claims, and other

was recently built.

similar issues. Manoomin was just one brick in the larger wall of conflict.

A year later, a film crew and myself were literally knee deep in manoomin and Kawartha lakes water, filming

What the end result of this ongoing battle will be is hard to say. Negotiations in the Middle East look easier, as both federal and provincial governments are reluctant to get involved.

the story and back story of this unique situation for

Meanwhile, the manoomin stands there, blowing back

our documentary, also called Cottagers and Indians. Very

and forth in the fall wind, blissfully ignorant that not

little had changed since I’d done my original research

everybody considers it to be “the good seed”.

several years before. Both parties were still angry and

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

37

Style EMBRACE THE ELEMENTS

PHOTO BY DAN LIM

NEVER SUBSTITUTE warmth for style again with the new “Scout” from Canadian outerwear brand Nobis. Designed in Canada to embrace the elements with seam sealed construction, waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrication, these jackets are engineered to keep you dry and comfortable in almost any condition. Premium three-ply micro denier fabric and filled with premium Canadian origin white duck down, features a removable coyote fur ruff with moldable framing. Scout ladies parka in Atomic, $1,150; nobis.com

38

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

High performance skincare from Goop

Ca Va Bien Aller

FOR ALL THE GOOP FANS, Gwyneth’s brand just launched an all-new collection of high-performance super creams called Goopgenes. The All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream and All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream are supercharged with active ceramides, botanical extracts, oils, and nutrients. The collection is clinically proven to address five key signs of skin health: hydration, tone, firmness, smoothness, and glow. All Goop products are vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, petroleum, phthalates, SLS, SLES, PEGs, TEA, DEA, silicones, or artificial dyes or fragrances. Available in Canada at Sephora and sephora.ca

THIS UNIQUE NECKLACE FROM BIRKS embodies the positive spirit of the “Ça Va Bien Aller” movement in Quebec, that has provided hope and inspiration. This slogan, meaning “it’s going to be okay,” appears alongside colourful rainbow drawings in the windows of homes and shops. Birks will donate 30 per cent of the net proceeds from each purchase of the Birks Rosée Du Matin Ça Va Bien Aller Horizontal Bar Necklace to the Canadian Red Cross, one of the leading humanitarian organizations on the ground supporting Canadians. $650, available at Maison Birks and maisonbirks.com

Colourful TIMING

AMONG THE LAUNCHES from Rolex this season is the colourful lineup of Oyster Perpetual 36 timepieces. The Oyster Perpetual 36 combines the best of Rolex craftsmanship and technology with a dynamic and vibrant new look, offering lacquer dials in five new colours. Watches in the Oyster Perpetual range are direct descendants of the original Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, on which Rolex has built its reputation since 1926. These watches benefit from all the fundamental features of the Oyster Perpetual collection: chrono-metric precision, a waterproof Oyster case, and self-winding of the movement via a Perpetual rotor. Displaying hours, minutes and

seconds, made exclusively of Oystersteel and featuring a sophisticated finish, these are chronometer wristwatches in their purest form.

The new Oyster Perpetual 36 is also equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, launched by the brand earlier this year. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. Shown here in: Green Lacquer, Turquoise Blue, Coral Red, Yellow and Candy Pink.

Available from $6,550; rolex.com

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

39

STYLE

BACK TO BASICS THREE CANADIAN DESIGNERS AMPING UP EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

Wardrobe basics: Encircled WE’VE ALL HEARD IT BEFORE, the statistic that says we only wear about half of the things we cram into our closets. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a simple, easy way to edit? When Kristi Soomer, a former management consultant, founded Encircled it was an easy, versatile wardrobe that was her inspiration.

Soomer travelled more than 160,000 kilometres a year for her job, spending a great deal of her time in airports.

Frustrated with the lack of versatile clothing that blended the style she wanted with the function she needed, she dreamed up Encircled, a brand that would help women travel lighter.

With all that in mind, she designed her first piece and it was launched in 2012—the Chysalis Cardi—an item made to transform from one shape to another to extend a travel wardrobe.

Having spent years working in the retail sector, she also wanted her brand to be ethically-made, sustainable and sweatshop-free. All Encircled pieces are created in small batches, 100 per cent sewn in Toronto, Canada. Fabrics are selected for softness and beautiful drape, but also those

LEFT: Encircled founder Kristi Soomer.

HERE: Pieces from the Encircled collection, including the popular “Dressy Sweatpant.”

that are created without emitting any wastewater into the environment, all are coloured with low impact dyes.

As Encircled grew, Soomer turned her attention to her

construction, superior fit and sustainable fabrics. The

everyday attire. “We began with a desire to create clothing

“multi-way” pieces are designs that change form and

so you could travel lighter in comfort and with style.

effortlessly convert from one silhouette to another. Very

As the brand grew, we questioned if carry-on only

useful for travel, but can easily transform your wardrobe no

travel is possible, why do we need so much clothing at

matter where life takes you.

home?” she says.

“We believe that the most sustainable garment is the

Eight years later, Encircled has a focus on modern basics

one with season-less design that stands the test of time.

and versatile “multi-way” clothing. Soomer believes your

This is why we believe in designing clothing that can

basic wardrobe staples should be pieces with timeless

simplify your life by taking you from day to night, work to

silhouettes that have been upgraded with high-quality

weekend, and New York to Tokyo,” she says.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

41

BELOW: Wuxly founder James Yurichuk.

HERE: A men’s parker from the Winter 2020 collection.

to local manufacturing enables us to partner with experts

Outerwear: Wuxly

in our community and ensure they receive the Wuxly warmth. Being made in Canada ensures our Canadian

WHAT you

DO

combine

YOU the

take drive

when

experts who are making our apparel are receiving

and

Canadian wages, have a safe work environment and are

performance expected from an elite athlete and combine it with

“A Wuxly parka not only keeps the wearer warm

the desire to make outerwear with

but it is also a part of a bigger movement that supports

the ultimate in warmth? If you ask

Canadian manufacturing, environmental consciousness,

former CFL player James Yurichuk,

animal-free

the answer is: Wuxly.

Yurichuk founded Wuxly in 2012, while he was still playing football for the BC Lions (2009 to 2012, until

products

and

sustainable

consumption.

Our brand mantra is ‘Live Warm’ and for us that means respecting people, animals and the planet through our brand,” he says.

moving to the Toronto Argonauts from 2013 to 2016). The

Over the past few months, the Wuxly team has been

Brampton native thought there was a gap in the Canadian

assembling a network of local small businesses from their

parka industry and went out seeking help from his long-

Toronto HQ to assist them with production of Personal

time friend and tailor Anthony Debartolo to help design a

Protective Equipment for Canadian front-line workers.

parka for his wife Daniela.

Partnering with small manufacturers has allowed them

The mission was to create a winter coat that would meet

to answer the Canadian government’s call for assistance

four core values: it had to be warm; it would be made in

in the immediate need for medical gowns, while

Canada; it would be animal-free and it would be produced

helping small business partners to shift production

using sustainable, high quality materials. The entire Wuxly

and remain open.

lineup is made in Canada, constructed in a combination of tech-based and recycled materials. “Our commitment 42

being treated with respect and warmth,” says Yurichuk.

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

“We are dedicated to rebuilding our national tradition of craftsmanship and quality within Canada.”

STYLE

Footwear: Maguire IF YOU HAVEN’T heard of Maguire, it’s time you did.

This independent Canadian footwear and accessories brand based in Montreal was founded by sisters Myriam and Romy Maguire in 2017.

Inspired by a new wave of direct-to-consumer, femaleled brands, Myriam and Romy aimed to disrupt the old way of producing fashion footwear. To them, this meant designing their own collections, travelling abroad to source manufacturers, being open and transparent about costs and prices, and selling a high-quality product directly to customers through their own website and

ABOVE: Sisters and founders of Maquire, Romy (left) and Myriam Maguire.

HERE: The “Valencia: in rust.

BELOW: The “Alba” in cheetah.

pop-up shops. Maguire merges Myriam’s lifelong passion and career in footwear design—she has held positions at well-known international brands such as Benetton and Aldo group—with the sisters’ mutual goal of improving the footwear industry.

The hallmark of the brand is transparency. The website offers a clear view of the production costs on every style, so customers can see exactly where every dollar goes. Without agents or distributors they eliminate non-essential costs and develop closer, more trustworthy relationships with their factories in Canada and around the world, which they visit personally and work with directly. You can see where each item in the inventory is made, including the factory location and facts about its operations.

By 2019, business had grown, and they decided to enter the retail landscape, opening their first boutique location in Montreal (5365 St Laurent Boulevard). They thought the typical store experience should change as well, opting to provide a unique self-serve shoe closet instead of typical displays. Each location is equipped with a signature wallto-wall, shoe closet that houses all styles, colours and sizes available, offering the customer an opportunity to shop with or without salesperson assistance, ensuring that customers purchase a fresh pair of never before tried on shoes from their stockroom whenever possible. Although designed for a better overall customer experience, this model also lends itself well to our “new normal” health and safety concerns.

This past summer, just as Toronto was entering the reopening stage, Maguire opened its first Toronto location (1514 Dundas Street West).

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

43

CLOSET ENVY

STYLE

by HOLLY CRAWFORD

W

photography by LARRY ARNAL

HAT YOU MIGHT know about Shelley Alexanian is the sound of

her

voice.

You’ve

probably

heard her on the radio—or seen her on television—talking about

her family’s business: Alexanian Carpet, Flooring and Window Coverings. More recently, she’s also lent her name and energy to their latest venture: Signature by Shelley Alexanian.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Shelley a few times, and she has always been warm, gracious, and quick with a smile. I also noticed, she was always impeccably dressed, with a pair of heels or designer bag that caught my eye.

She agreed to let us into her home—and her closet—to talk style, décor and how she manages to share a walk-in with a husband who loves clothes just as much as she does.

44

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

I don’t really follow trends. I like a classic. It’s a core belief for me in design, and in fashion. I like things that are timeless, it’s important to me.

This closet space might be petite by some standards, but it’s one of the sacrifices that comes with condo living in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, in a building the Alexanian family chose as their wish list location. Shelley lives here with husband Andrew, and their daughter Sydney, 23, who works in digital marketing in the fashion world.

“It’s a condo and it’s a new lifestyle. Obviously moving into a smaller home, one is more conscious of the limited space. I am constantly purging, thinning things out,” says Shelley. The space has been used to its greatest potential though, fitted with a custom built-in solution by California Closets. “An integral part of

“In shoes, gold metallics are a must. I only travel with carry-on, so I have varying neutral and gold shoes. They work with everything and are great for travel.“

the design of the closet is function, because that was my primary focus; not that it be a showcase. That’s reflected in the art, furniture and custom pieces that I have designed for the entire space. It has to be functional,” she adds.

The built-ins are finished in a light colour with just a touch of soft gold accent in the hardware. The floor covering was selected to be luxuriously soft to walk on: New Zealand wool with a bit of a sheen to reflect the light.

When looking at the contents of her closet, Shelley jokes that it must appear that she buys every white or cream shirt she finds; but it speaks to a style sensibility of someone who knows what she likes, knows what works for her, and selects pieces carefully based on their quality and versatility. “My staple is definitely a white blouse. I love a white blouse and a blazer; dress it up and dress it down by changing shoes or accessories. I love classic pieces with a really unique wow factor.”

Those classic staples are accented by a clear admiration for beautiful accessories, with shoes, bags and scarves from Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Prada and

“I have two Balmain blazers, they are the ultimate luxury piece. They go with everything and feel very put together no matter the setting.”

Gucci. When asked about her favourite footwear: “The gold or the red Gucci loafers. I like the look of a classic loafer but love a twist in material or colour that makes a statement. I also like my sneakers. The Stella McCartney pair go with me everywhere, and my white Nike that I wouldn’t be without. It’s a must to always have a sneaker.”

“I am also really particular about the unique and special finds, and that crosses over to what we do at Signature. I have the same meticulous attention to detail when I’m buying for the showroom. I am very aware of runway fashion, and fashion is the influence whether it’s in interior design or flooring. Any element of interior design is inspired by the trends, the colours and style of runway fashion.”

One of those unique finds can be spotted in the master bedroom; a stunning and colourful wall covering that is the feature in an otherwise neutral scheme.

“I was in Harrods with my son and saw this print on cushions and textiles. I had the fabric custom backed and made into wallpaper. I was elated when Andrew said, ‘I love it, let’s do it in the master’,” says Shelley.

If there’s a lesson to learn from Shelley’s wardrobe—or décor—it’s to be very selective and choose only things you love. “And, I am lucky. I have a husband who loves clothes and shoes and is happy going shopping with me. I think he

To the left side of the walk-in, a peek at the master bedroom’s vibrant wall covering. In the closet, a favourite McQueen scarf and pair of Valentino shoes.

might have more shoes than I do!”

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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Exclusive Italian Luxury Fashion Accesories

TORONTO

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VENEZIA

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MILANO

Travel THE SOUNDS OF A KIWI STROLL

A

LTHOUGH TRAVEL to New Zealand is on hold for now, you can journey through the North and South Islands by listening to sounds unique to the country including native birds, bubbling geothermal mud pools and the gentle sound of the breeze moving through the forest. The country is just one of two nations to utilize Spotify to create a unique playlist to 48

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

experience the sounds of the location from afar. Under the artist name 100% Pure New Zealand, the album Mindful Journeys features four meditative audio tracks (two with narration and two without). Tune in for a zen experience that reminds of us the spa. Shown here: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand.

A villa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Anguilla.

The Presidential Villa, Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour.

Is Privacy the New Luxury?

MOST OF US have set aside vacation planning for now, but when you are ready to travel, where will you go?

Having spent some time in villa style accommodations, we think this style of private space fused with resort amenities, might be at the top of the list. The Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour on the double island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is a smaller scale resort with 126 rooms including 48 suites. All boast airy dĂŠcor and incredible views, but a handful of them allow you to relax in absolute privacy. The three-bedroom Presidential Villa will wrap you in more than 5,000 square-feet of luxe privacy, including game room, wellness area and an expansive deck and your own infinity pool. On the smaller scale, even the Rooftop Suites offer ample space with a separate living area, your own deck with comfy furniture and plenty of space for private lounging and your own plunge pool (hyatt.com).

On the west end of the island of Anguilla, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla has 24 villas among their 181 guest accommodations. This resort showcases geometric architecture and unique dĂŠcor with a tropical backdrop.

Villa stays include access to your own Personal Concierge, spacious, contemporary interiors open onto decks overlooking the ocean and your private pool (fourseasons.com).

Autumn colour in Ontario JUST A TWO-HOUR DRIVE from Toronto, Blue Mountain offers unmatched beauty for taking in the changing of the leaves. Take a ride on the Open-Air Gondola for a 360-degree view, perfect for photos as it gently rises to the trails and scenic lookouts above. Spend the night at Westin Trillium House (marriot.com) and extend the autumnal adventure with foliage hikes, an outdoor heated pool and the village filled with shops and restaurants.

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TRAVEL

The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia.

THREE UNIQUE CANADIAN EXPERIENCES TO ADD TO YOUR TRAVEL WISH LIST

ACROSS THIS LAND THERE ARE AS MANY EXPERIENCES AS THERE ARE PEOPLE TO ENJOY THEM. WE ASKED THREE TRAVEL WRITERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO OFFER SOME OF THEIR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES FROM WESTERN COAST TO EASTERN ISLES.

Explore the wilds of the west coast

The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino

by CINDA CHAVICH

The Wickaninnish Inn is built on a rocky point at the end of Chesterman Beach, wedged between churning ocean and majestic rainforest. The Wick, as locals know it, is the epitome of rustic elegance, the hand-carved cedar entrance

doors

welcoming

guests

into

its

warm,

Indigenous-inspired interiors.

Once ensconced in a cozy suite, you may find it difficult

FOR ME, nothing is as luxurious as solitude.

Across this wide stretch of sand, a flock of tiny shorebirds dances from sea to shore in an aerial ballet. The only sound is the rhythm of breaking waves. My busy mind is quiet.

from the view. But it’s hard to resist the allure of the rippling sands, expansive at low tide and shimmering at sunset.

When the winter storms come crashing in, you can

There aren’t too many places where you can dine

pull on your complimentary hotel rain slicker and boots

at some of the top tables in the country and, in mere

and wander down the beach to chat with an artisan in the

moments, retreat into this kind of calm. But here, on the

Carving Shed, or simply go out to face the sea spray head

wild, west coast of Vancouver Island, I’ve found that rare

on, then warm up by the fire with a briny glass of local Kelp

spot, where creature comforts and true wilderness share

Stout and a plate of house-smoked and cured salmon.

a happy symbiosis.

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to get out of your fluffy bathrobe and tear yourself away

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

A seat at the bar, a few steps above The Pointe Restaurant,

puts you right in the heart of this prime oceanfront location, with a panoramic view of the dramatic Pacific Ocean beyond a curving wall of glass. Or you can head down to the impressive new wine cellar, literally blasted out of the rock beneath the dining room, to taste rare wines around a 20-foot, yellow cedar slab table.

With fresh Dungeness crab, salmon, oysters and halibut

Beef and Morels.

delivered to their door, and wild gooseneck barnacles, sea asparagus, golden chanterelle mushrooms and bull kelp at hand, chefs have plenty of local inspiration.

Chef Carmen Ingham celebrates it all in his artful

A view from the spa’s “Cedar Sanctuary.”

tasting menus. Whether it’s a pristine piece of halibut braised with kelp, or a tender agnolotti, stuffed with wild mushrooms and topped with nettle pesto, it’s food inspired by its unique setting, often foraged by the chef himself.

The friendly concierge offers ideas for other explorations, whether it’s an old growth forest trail, the best place to catch a wave, or eat a Tofician fish taco.

A new generation of entrepreneurs is making the area a mecca for food lovers, and many honed their skills at The Wick. Former hotel chef Nick Nutting created Tofino’s acclaimed Wolf in the Fog restaurant, a room with a cool vibe and a focus on foraging, communal feasting PHOTOS BY MAKITO INOMATA/WICKANINNISH INN; CHRIS POUGET; WICKANINNISH INN

and creative cocktails.

Chef Warren Barr is the latest Wick alumnus to make waves, opening award-winning Pluvio Restaurant + Rooms in Ucluelet. With Barr’s playful yet refined cuisine celebrating island ingredients, and four boutique guest rooms, it’s a new destination for discriminating diners.

Looking for more invigorating experiences? Book a

The Inn’s porte cochère.

private surfing lesson with Surf Sisters at Cox Beach, then try the boat-to-table fare at Surfside Grill and a sunset cocktail at the Long Beach Lodge. Paddle a dugout canoe, carved by a Tla-o-qui-aht master carver, and walk among the 1,000-year-old cedars with a First Nations guide. Try hooking a big Chinook salmon or free diving to catch your dinner at the Tofino Resort and Marina.

The stretch of Long Beach at the centre of Pacific Rim National Park—22 kilometers of sand and surf—is literally at the end of the road, a place to find space and serenity.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TRAVEL: Fly non-stop to Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) from Vancouver with Pacific Coastal Airlines.

STAY: More info about The Wick and reservations at wickinn.com AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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TRAVEL

Seals on the ice during a photo safari.

Experience an exclusive seal pup photo safari Îles de la Madeleine

Sunset on the Magdalen Islands, Quebec.

experience on its list of the best 25 trips to take in 2020 and so the word is out.

The isolated islands—about 12 in total, six of them linked by sand dunes—are home to about 12,500 Quebecers who call seals “loups-marins” and celebrate them with

by JENNIFER BAIN

a rollicking winter festival. For those who want to delve FOR A FEW MAGICAL MINUTES, it’s just me and a

deeper, the Centre d’interprétation du phoque and Musée

newborn harp seal on the edge of floating pack ice in the

de la Mer share details about the island’s commercial and

middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The snow-white pup

subsistence seal hunt, and the Boucherie Spécialisée Côte

wiggles and rolls in the crusty snow, trying to figure out how

à Côte and restaurants like Les Pas Perdus sell the meat

to use its body to move. When it’s on its side, one flipper

and share the island’s culinary traditions. Artists like

waves helplessly in the frigid winter air. Nearby, its mom

Rachel Drouin transform sealskin into gorgeous pieces

frolics in the water, casting an occasional unconcerned

of clothing and jewelry.

glance our way as she hunts for food. The pup sporadically

Harp seals are born here in late February and early

moans in hunger and stops to stare quizzically into my

March, but to see them you need the wind and weather to

eyes. I coo at the “whitecoat,” keeping a respectful distance

co-operate. Climate change has put the birthing grounds,

and

and the photo safaris, at risk. When the stars align, as they

between

savouring

the

moment

and snapping photos.

did this year, you gratefully savour every precious minute.

I’m at this fragile seal birthing ground with about 20 other guests of the Château Madelinot, which has bundled us up in Mustang survival suits and put us in four chartered helicopters. We fly for about 45 minutes until we see a thick, safe patch of ice with a smattering of seals. Then we land and get about one hour on the ice, as the pilots keep a watchful eye on the weather and make sure we keep our distance from the pups and avoid coming between a mama seal and her baby. We spread out, some of us devoting ourselves to a single pup and others making the rounds to meet them all.

This is one of Canada’s rarest wildlife experiences and is has been quietly happening for nearly 40 years. Just 150 people get to travel to Quebec’s Magdalen Islands (aka Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine) each year to join the hotel for this harp seal nursey experience. Japanese travellers dominate, in large part because wildlife photographer Rei Ohara has published multiple books. But National Geographic put this 52

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

PLAN YOUR VISIT TRAVEL: Pascan Aviation, a regional carrier, flies from Montreal and Quebec City to Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

STAY: The next seal pub observation season at Château Madelinot is slated to run February 25 to March 8, 2021.

Details about the all-inclusive packages and bookings made through sales@hotelsaccents.com

PHOTOS BY REI OHARA; C. POIRIER

alternating

Indulge in the nation’s capital

Château Laurier, Ottawa

by JOSEPHINE MATYAS

IT IS THE GRANDE DAME of the Ottawa hotel scene, but this venerable property knows how to stay in style, while never being so gauche as to turn its back on more than a century of history. The Fairmont Château Laurier has always been one of my favourite stays—it may not attract the hipsters but it has both comfort and class. Real class.

A stone’s throw from the Parliament Buildings, “Ottawa’s castle” has been playfully referred to as “the third chamber” because political deals have been struck, governments created and destroyed, and careers determined all within the grand chateau-like walls. It’s also hosted big names including Nelson Mandela, B.B. King and royalty from countries around the globe. When it opened in 1912, people flocked to see Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier be the first to sign the guest register.

But this grand property has no intention of standing still. Soon after turning 100 years old, the updates and refurbishments were underway. Most recently, there

PHOTO BY VIRGINIE GOSSELIN/ FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAURIER

have been complete renovations of several of the hotel’s premiere rooms, including the Karsh Suite. Want to feel

luxury touches that give the suite an up-to-date look while

like royalty? This is the spot.

retaining some of the historic elements. This is my idea of

The elegant Karsh Suite is named in honour of its past

a getaway: luxury linens, a living room with furnishings

occupants, legendary photographer Yousuf and Estrellita

to sink into, a dining room to seat eight and a kitchen to

Karsh, who lived at the Château Laurier through the 1980s

make eating-in a private, no-stress affair.

and ’90s. Karsh operated his studio from the hotel’s sixth

And when I want to venture out from my cozy corner

floor, where he photographed the who’s-who of world

of the castle, I can mosey on down to Zoe’s Lounge and

leaders, royalty and celebrities. There’s a richness and grace

ask the bartender to shake me up a signature cocktail,

to the apartment-suite, where nine signed Karsh originals

The Statesman, an oh-so patriotic mix of Canadian Club,

hang on the walls (including a very pensive George

Laphroaig single malt scotch, maple syrup, house bitters,

Bernard Shaw, with spectacles in hand, overseeing the

cedar smoke and fresh lemon. There is no other drink I

living room). Key architectural and decorative elements

can think of that makes such an entry—in a stainless-steel

that defined the lifestyle of the famous couple have been

smoker box, with smoldering cedar wood chips filling the

preserved, including the refinished wood parquet floors,

air with a most enticing aroma.

a 1929 refrigerator and checkerboard leather flooring in

When the weather turns fine again (yes, there is an end

the kitchen. The main bathroom has been completely

to Ontario winters), La Terrasse is the best spot in town to

modernized with a soaker tub and open double shower;

snuggle up with a loved one and dig into the Surf ’n’ Turf Caesar, a cocktail and meal in one. The spacious patio is the best spot in town to watch the sunset, as the glowing orb casts its end-of-day warmth across the Ottawa River.

Another perfect Ottawa getaway comes to a close.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TRAVEL: Air Canada, WestJet and Porter all make the one-hour flight between Toronto and Ottawa.

STAY: Visit fairmont.com; The Karsh Suite from $3,500/night.

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ART TORONTO GOES DIGITAL

T

HIS YEAR, Art Toronto, Canada’s largest and most coveted art fair, will combine a digital landscape with the excitement of seeing artwork in person. For the first time in its 21 years, the fair will showcase virtual alongside in-person installations and programming across the country. Traditionally occupying a single location at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Art Toronto 2020 will take place online and nationwide in art galleries. Art collectors and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to engage with the fair through a custom online platform and take part in in-person events at participating galleries in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and more. Galleries and institutions across the nation will act as satellite locations for a socially distanced fair, hosting a schedule of exhibitions and live programming. This unique model is the first of its kind for North American art fairs.

Art Toronto takes place October 28 to November 8; arttoronto.ca

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

THE CORKIN GALLERY, TORONTO

Culture

MOCA TORONTO ANNOUNCES FALL EXHIBITIONS AND MICHAEL LIN COMMISSION

FEDERATION, BY MICHAEL LIN, 2017. NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. PHOTO COURTESY THE ARTIST; PHOTO BY LAZIZ HAMANI (DIOR)

EXPLORE THE HAUTE COUTURE OF CHRISTIAN DIOR

The Scream sRGB, by Kent Monkman, 2017. Acrylic on canvas, 84" x 126" Collection of the Denver Art Museum, Native Arts acquisition fund.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE SHAME AND PREJUDICE

BY KENT MONKMAN KENT MONKMAN’S timely and powerful solo exhibition, Shame and Prejudice, is making the last stop on its three-year, crosscountry tour at Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology at UBC (MOA). Curated by Monkman, a Canadian contemporary artist of Cree ancestry, the exhibition reframes Canada’s colonial history through a First Nations lens. Shame and Prejudice offers both a searing critique of Canadian policies over the past 150 years and a moving tribute to Indigenous resilience. Shame and Prejudice features paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installations by one of Canada’s most provocative artists lauded for his fearless, and vital, commentary. As Monkman explains, “The last 150 years—the period of Modernity—represents the most devastating period for First Peoples, including the signing of the numbered treaties, the reserve system, genocidal policies of the residential schools, mass incarceration and urban squalor.” The exhibition features nearly 80 pieces, including Monkman’s own pieces, in dialogue with historical artifacts loaned from museums and private collections across Canada. The exhibition continues until January 3, 2021; moa.ubc.ca

HAUTE COUTURE takes centre stage at the McCord Museum in Montreal in an exhibition featuring the exceptional work of Christian Dior. This major exhibition on the designer explores the brilliance behind Dior’s dramatic creations that revived the entire Parisian haute couture industry after the devastation of the Second World War. In 1947, the opening of the new couture house and its revolutionary “New Look” swept away the wartime masculine silhouette for women. Featuring pieces drawn from the Royal Ontario Museum’s extensive collection of Christian Dior couture, complemented by a dozen garments from the McCord Museum’s Dress, Fashion and Textiles collection and loans from Dior Héritage, Paris, the exhibition focuses on the period from 1947 to 1957, offering a captivating insight into the Parisian haute couture industry during the 1950s.

The exhibition was produced by the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. Exhibitions Christian Dior continues through January 3, 2021; muse-mccord.qc.ca

THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART (MOCA) Toronto announced an autumn exhibition series recently, including the commission of a piece by Michael Lin. Lin is a leading Taiwanese contemporary painter and conceptual artist whose work has been exhibited internationally in major institutions including The Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo; The Vancouver Art Gallery; Towanda Art Center, Japan; Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing and in the Lyon and Singapore Biennials. Lin has been commissioned by MOCA to produce a site-specific, spatial painting for the museum’s entrance floor. His monumental painting installations reconceptualize and reconfigure public spaces, inviting visitors to alter their usual perception and become an integral part of the work. At MOCA, his installation references archipelago islands, a response to the distancing requirements created

by COVID-19, as well as providing an optimistic and energetic visual impact for visitors. The various surfaces are adorned with patterns taken from Taiwanese, Indonesian and Hawaiian-inspired textiles.

As at other museums, Lin’s acclaimed murals will be painted by local artists under mentorship from Lin and his studio.

This process will be open to visitors, who will be able to watch the patterns become more intricate and colourful during the month of October. Archipelago

by Michael Lin, October 2020 through February 2021. moca.ca

Shown here: “Delphine” from the Autumn-Winter 1956 Collection, donated

by Mrs. Harry Davidson.

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CULTURE

Mural artist Jacquie Comrie with her work Birth of Light.

artist profile

JACQUIE COMRIE

by SHERRY SMITHER

IT’S NO WONDER ARTIST JACQUIE COMRIE is called

box it was absolutely magical and they’ve supported me

the Queen of Colour. Her vibrant murals are bursting with

so much as I’ve been producing bigger and bigger works

colour, so striking that passersby are drawn to her work.

every single year.”

“I have found such healing in the power of colour and

Community engagement is paramount when painting

art. Especially right now with mental health issues on the

public spaces for this artist. “It’s so important to have

rise and so much anxiety in our future and uncertainty

social input, it’s not about imposing my ideas on people or

surrounding people, using colour can be such a powerful

putting my ideas on a wall,” says Comrie. “It’s really about

tool,” says Comrie. “During this pandemic, it has been

engaging the community, so they are part of the process.”

really incredible—colour helped me find healing for my

For Birth of Light, a Gardiner Expressway revitalization project, Comrie contacted community members who

mental health.”

Exploring feelings of isolation due to social distancing,

helped bring her concept to light. In conjunction with

Comrie created, Forbidden Togetherness, part of Yorkville

StreetARToronto, she surveyed people about their needs

Murals, an annual contemporary muralism and public art

with a mental health focus. “We asked people what kind

event held in August in the Toronto neighbourhood. This

of things make you feel uplifted and what kind of things

stunning mural is permanently installed in the Village of

help your mental health,” she recalls. “Every single one of

Yorkville Park next to “the rock”.

my concepts comes about by engaging the community.” with

Driving down the Gardiner Expressway, people can

StreetARToronto’s Outside the Box Program. She was

see Comrie’s Birth of Light, a mural that injects colour

commissioned to create a work of art on a Church Street

and energy into commuters’ day as they pass by going to

traffic signal box. “I knew I wanted to have a social impact

and from work (located at 291 Lakeshore Boulevard East).

and I wanted it for everybody, not just for a certain

Comrie’s colour selection produces a positive experience

demographic” says the artist. “After I produced my first

for people in that high traffic area.

Comrie

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began

painting

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

public

spaces

“When you’re already upset and having anxiety because you want to get home or to work, looking at colour for those few moments calms you without even knowing you feel colour,” she says.

50 artists selected for her talent and advocacy for women’s mental health.

Patients and their families at Michael Garron Hospital can see Comrie’s The Colour Wheel Project, a mural that is

Comrie believes the science and psychology of colour

near to her heart. As a child, Comrie spent hours in hospital

impacts people’s mind and body. “Turquoise, for example,

oncology wings, when her late mother was ill. “I remember

reminds you of water. Anytime I look at water it brings me

that experience, being in those rooms that were really dark

back to the beaches in Panama where I was born. Looking

and I knew that I wanted to be able to have an impact in

at water gives you a sense of serenity and calmness and

that realm just by creating murals and making the rooms

it’s bright, so it has such a frequency that makes you feel

better. When you look at colour, you feel colour, so it’s all

uplifted and calms you down at the same time,” she says.

about using it as a way to improve the quality of life!”

Growing up in Panama influenced her art a great deal.

“Panama was boiling hot and extremely colourful, I was

For more information: jacquiecomrie.com or @jacquiecomrie

always subjected to colour, but as soon as I moved here to Canada, there was a visual difference,” explains Comrie.

“I went from a tropical, sunny, country that’s colourful, to Canada in the middle of winter when there was absolutely

A Streetcar Named Toronto.

no colour; that was a visual and cultural shock. Ever since then it’s been all about bringing that feeling of colour and brightness into my work.”

Comrie’s artwork reveals her positivity even when she approaches serious subjects. After receiving a call from a fellow artist, she participated in an anti-Black racism project this summer. Sixteen artists were asked to paint a letter on Augusta Avenue to spell out Black Lives Matter in bold beautiful designs. “It was extremely powerful as we all brought our energy to our letter,” remarks Comrie. “A lot of people think that racism only happens in the U.S. but it’s not true, it’s a Canadian issue also, so we wanted to be present, bring awareness, join that movement and be a part of it,” she says. “As people of colour, we can’t keep quiet, we

Reina.

can’t allow for injustice.”

One of Comrie’s upcoming projects is the Calgary revitalization of their beltline in the summer of 2021.

When Comrie was accepted into the Beltline Urban Murals Project-BUMP 2020, she wasn’t aware she wouldn’t be able to participate due to Covid-19. “I was on a site working on a project and started feeling like something’s going on. Hey, I realized, I’m going to be a mom.” Given a no-fly order by her doctor, Comrie will have more than one bump project to look forward to in 2021. Another project the artist has in the works is a Frontline Heroes Mural in The Junction celebrating Toronto’s frontline service providers keeping our community safe during Covid-19.

Other notable artwork by Comrie includes sending off the Toronto Transit Commission’s CLRVs in style after 40 years of service, when she made A Streetcar Named Toronto a beautiful thing. Streetcar 4178 was art on wheels, composed of geometric shapes. Tropical neon and glow in the dark colours made it hard to miss, day or night. In support of Baycrest’s The Brain Project, Comrie also designed and painted a brain sculpture to raise money for research of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. She was one of AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

57

Show Some Love for Dining in TO

T

HE CITY OF TORONTO partnered with Destination Toronto to create ShowLoveTO, a group of programs to encourage local tourism and drive economic recovery and civic engagement. DineOutTO—part of the ShowLoveTO initiative—will celebrate Toronto’s culinary community and support the industry’s return to business. The city-wide promotion will showcase Toronto’s diverse food culture through a digital platform offering content, special offers and unique culinary experiences from September 23 to October 30. Participating restaurants will offer a unique promotion via the DineOutTO website, where consumers can access the offer, signature item or experience. This program is being offered along with the continuance of CafeTO, launched this summer to provide more outdoor dining space, expanding the seating at more than 760 restaurants and bars. The City recently approved the use of outdoor patio heaters to accommodate extending the outdoor dining season. dineoutto.com

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

PHOTO FLOR DE SAL/WINTERLICIOUS

Food

EACH YEAR more than 1,000 vodkas from around the world are submitted for consideration by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), and only 10 are stamped with the IWSC Gold ranking as the best in the world. This year two among the ten are made here in Canada: Polar Ice Arctic Extreme, produced at Corby’s Hiram Walker and Sons Distillery in Windsor, Ontario; and Georgian Bay Vodka, distilled

by Georgian Bay Spirit Company in Collingwood, Ontario. Polar Ice Arctic Extreme is inspired by Canada’s pristine Arctic and utilizes a unique 6°C chill filtration process to ensure a finished vodka that is exceptionally smooth. Georgian Bay Vodka is made from a unique blend of two-row malted barley and corn, and uses spring water from Elmvale, Ontario. jpwiserstour.ca; georgianbayspiritco.com

Locust Lane Winery Now Open

TWO CANADIANMADE VODKAS ARE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD

THE LATEST addition to the Ontario wine scene is Locust Lane Estate Winery near Beamsville. The new owners have set about renovating the former Mike Weir Wine location, offering a contemporary new wine tasting room and retail store where massive floor to ceiling windows offer stunning views across the estate vineyard. Outside, spacious seating areas boast views across Lake Ontario. Plans are in the works for a restaurant offering, private tasting room, expanded event offerings and for a pretty cottage already onsite to be booked out as a glamping site. Meanwhile winemaker Jeff Innes has been busy creating the first offering of wines including a Fume Blanc, an unoaked Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Sparkling Reisling, Rose, Cabernet Merlot and Pinot Noir. locustlanewines.com

Locally tapped water

WHAT’S LIGHT, refreshing, and bubbly all over? Sapsucker, a first-in-itscategory organic sparkling tree water. Born and raised in Canada, Sapsucker beverages are sustainably harvested, supporting local tree farmers and forest management. The sustainable beverage is tapped from maple trees in spring, then the slightly sweet “water” is lightly infused with natural lemon or lime flavour, carbonation is added for subtle bubbles. The result is a healthy plant-based beverage boasting 46 naturally occurring polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, prebiotics, and minerals. There is also no added sugar and only seven grams of naturally occurring sugar. sipsapsucker.com AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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Recipes

FOOD

TO GET YOU GLOWING

PEEK INSIDE RECIPE DEVELOPER AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR ANGELA LIDDON’S LATEST BOOK WITH THIS RECIPE FOR THE PERFECT AUTUMN SIDE DISH IF YOU ARE a fan of vegan cooking, whole foods recipes or incredibly popular food blogs, you’ve probably heard of Angela Liddon. If you haven’t, she’s just about the most well-known creator of nourishing, plant-based recipes to come out of the internet era, and she calls the Greater Toronto Area home. Her recipes are beloved by all, whether you are vegan, vegan-curious, or simply looking to add more energizing ingredients to your meals without sacrificing on satisfaction. Her cookbooks, The Oh She Glows Cookbook and Oh She Glows Every Day are international bestsellers, both appearing on the New York Times bestseller list. Now, in her third, much-anticipated cookbook, Oh She Glows for Dinner (on sale October 13), Liddon gives readers recipes, tips, and tricks for creating tasty, nutritious dinners that the whole family will love.

Recipe developer, food blogger and cookbook author Angela Liddon in her Oakville, Ontario home.

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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

Ultimate Creamy Salt-and-Vinegar Scalloped Potatoes

5. SPRINKLE all the parmesan over the sauce. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Using a sharp knife, cut about four 1- inch (2.5 cm) slits into the foil to vent steam.

1 batch Garlic Cashew Cheese Sauce 1 batch Vegan Parmesan 2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, peeled Fine sea salt A few generous pinches of fresh or dried thyme leaves, for garnish

6. BAKE the casserole for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and check for doneness by sliding a knife into the center of the casserole. You are looking for no resistance when you insert the knife. If there is resistance to the knife, replace the foil and bake for 5 to 15 minutes more, then test again.

1. PREPARE Garlic Cashew Cheese Sauce, followed by the Vegan Parmesan. Set aside.

7. SERVE with a sprinkling of thyme leaves, if desired, and prepare to fall into a heavenly trance while enjoying each and every bite!

2. PREHEAT oven to 425°F (220°C).

Liberally oil a 9 by 13- inch (3 L) casserole dish, making sure to coat the sides and bottom completely.

PHOTO BY ANGELA LIDDON (FOOD); PHOTO BY SANDY NICHOLSON (AUTHOR SHOT)

layer. It will look like a swimming pool of sauce, but this is normal and it will firm up as it bakes.

3. USING a mandoline, slice the peeled potatoes into very thin (less than 2 mm) slices (no thicker, or they’ll take a long time to cook through).

4. SPREAD a single layer of sliced potatoes over the bottom of the casserole dish, just barely overlapping them by about 1/8 inch (3 mm) and covering the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the sliced potatoes. Pour a scant 1 cup of the cashew cheese sauce over the potatoes so it covers the potatoes’ surface completely. The sauce will look very thin and watery, but don’t worry, because it thickens while baking. Repeat this layering process (remembering to lightly salt each layer of potatoes) until you have used all the sauce and sliced potatoes. (There should be five layers if you use a 9 by 13- inch/3 L casserole and your potato slices are 2 mm thick.) Make sure your final layer is sauce, and use all the remaining cheese sauce on this final

garlic, salt, and sriracha (if using). Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, until very smooth. The sauce will be very bubbly and thin, but this is normal. Don’t be alarmed if the sauce tastes a bit tangy; it’ll mellow once baked into the potatoes!

Vegan Parmesan 1 medium garlic clove ½ cup (80 g) raw cashews or pepitas 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast ¼ to ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste

1. IN a food processor, process the garlic until minced.

2. ADD the cashews, nutritional yeast, and salt to the food processor with the garlic. Process into a coarse meal, 10 to 15 seconds.

Garlic Cashew Cheese Sauce 1 cup (150 g) raw cashews 1½ cups water ¾ cup (60 g) nutritional yeast ¾ cup grapeseed oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup white wine vinegar 8 medium garlic cloves (32 g) 1¼ teaspoons fine sea salt 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, but recommended)

1. PLACE the cashews in a small bowl and add boiling water to cover. Soak for 1 hour, then drain. (Alternatively, soak the cashews in room- temperature water to cover for at least 8 hours or up to overnight, then drain.)

2. TRANSFER the drained cashews to a high-speed blender and add the water, nutritional yeast, oil, lemon juice, vinegar,

Excerpted from Oh She Glows for Dinner: Nourishing Plant-Based Meals to Keep You Glowing by Angela Liddon.

Copyright 2020 Glo Bakery Corporation.

Published by Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA

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WINE

SHOULD THAT RED BE CHILLED? IT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU TO LEARN YOU PROBABLY AREN’T SERVING WINES AT THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE by MICHAEL PINKUS

I

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N THE DAYS before coronavirus and the extreme

Chardonnay ($16.95, #711556); Shiraz ($18.95, #943787)

washing of hands I sat in on a tasting and

and Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95, #744235). The Riesling

experiment with Justin Taylor of Wakefield Wines,

was not part of the experiment, it was served chilled in

Australia. The event was called “Celsius” and, as

an ice bath as aperitif, and for the record it was a dryer

you can guess from the title, it had something to

than expected Riesling. For those who are serious about

do with temperature—and it seemed almost fitting it was

“dry Riesling” this definitely fit the bill. We might also

done from an Australian point of view.

see this wine come to market in Ontario, as it is under

Having visited Australia two years ago, during what

consideration by the board, and it would be a welcome

is considered their summer, I noticed that if I wanted

addition as there are currently very few Aussie Rieslings

to enjoy a red wine in the evening after a day where the

on LCBO shelves.

daytime high had hovered near the 40°C mark, I could not

I believe the most controversial wine during the tasting

leave the wine on the counter during the day. Not really

was the 2018 Chardonnay. The wine was served at two

anywhere else in the house, even with air conditioning

temperatures: 6°C and 11°C. At 6° the fruit was front and

that 40-degree heat seemed to permeate the wine getting

centre and the acidity balanced out the wine. The oak sat

right down into its DNA and affecting its flavours and

lonely in the background, in the wallflower sense, it was

taste. By the same token, to enjoy a white wine (or a rosé)

there, and it did not bother you. I’ll be honest, I enjoy my

required some preparation and forethought: the wine had

Chardonnay this way (after all Chardonnay is still fruit

to go into the fridge in the morning and remain there

and, in my opinion should retain fruit characteristics—

all day. Even the trick of a last-minute toss in the freezer

even after being in oak). Justin told all assembled about

was an ordeal and required longer to lower that wine’s

their intricate barrel regime and how it took them quite

temperature, something that never seems to be an issue in

some time to determine the barrels to use in the making

the northern hemisphere.

of this wine. At 11°C (the “proper temperature”) the wine

Wakefield decided to create a program to talk about the

exhibited more oak character and less fruit, while the

proper temperature wine should be served at, and by so

acid seemed less prevalent and the wine came across as

doing they also had to prove they were right. The only

creamier. I highly recommend attempting this experiment

way to conduct this little experiment was by serving their

at home with a Chardonnay of your own choosing, to

own wine at an “off temperature.” I don’t care who you

determine what kind of Chardonnay-Drinker you are.

are, or how confident you feel, to purposefully ruin your

It did create quite the discussion and split the room as

own product just to prove a point takes a lot of chutzpah

to preferences, even amongst professionals, their Chard-

(aka: unmitigated gall).

temp-bias came right out to the fore.

Four wines had to take either the ice bath or a trip to

The next wine proved to be a no-brainer, the

the heater for this effort: Riesling (not available in market);

quintessential Australian red, Shiraz. “As an Australian I

LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020

WAKEFIELD WINES …

FROM THE TASTING AND A BONUS WAKEFIELD WINE: can tell you we drink more than our share of overly-warm Shiraz,” Taylor said, and it was this wine that was probably the impetus for the experiment. The two wines were served at 16°C and 23°C. The warmer version showed the alcohol from nose to palate—and in an Aussie wine you know that’s not hard, as alcohol is one thing they have plenty of. The cooler version was fruit-driven and delicate with spice and

WAKEFIELD CLARE VALLEY ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 #711556, $16.95 ✰✰✰ +

Subtle butterscotch with good acid backing (rare in an Australian Chardonnay). Plenty of nice fruit with apple, pear and simple peach notes.

well-adjusted tannins that were neither overwhelming nor dissipated into the background. “Tannins are the glue that hold the wine together,” Taylor mentioned off-handedly, and it really showed in this Shiraz. Too much and it was undrinkable, just right and you could sip it all night long.

The warm version not only showed an overreaching amount of alcohol, it aggravated and exacerbated those tannins creating a harsh wine that was unpleasant to drink.

The Cabernet created the same effect, and therefore does not require an extra write-up to say the exact same thing as above.

I have long been a proponent of the idea that reds can go into the fridge, if you prefer fresher, fruitier reds it is

WAKEFIELD ESTATE SHIRAZ 2018 #943787, $18.95 ✰✰✰✰

Mainly American oak used in the making of this wine so there is lots of vanilla, dark fruit, dark berries and good spice; the tannins are non-aggressive and show finesse and elegance, not just power and alcohol.

the easiest thing to do. After all we probably drink are reds too warm anyway. Most restaurants are definitely guilty of that. White wines truly are a preference as to their serving temperature (in my book anyway), but it is worth a few minutes of your time to try wines at a variety of temperatures. The easiest way to accomplish this with red wine (if you are not one to keep them locked away in the cool, dark place known as the basement), is to toss them into the fridge. The rule given at the event was into the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before opening for reds, and for whites, to take them out of the fridge 20 to 30 before consuming. If you wish to test this yourself and don’t want to buy two bottles of the same wine try this instead: pour a glass at room temperature and then either put the bottle

WAKEFIELD ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 #744235, $19.95 ✰✰✰

Aged in 100 per cent French oak and loaded with dark fruit, cedar, cinnamon and powerful tannins. This is the wine that made Wakefield famous—store this one a few years or decant upon opening.

or the glass in the fridge for the required amount of time, while obviously leaving the other chosen vessel out.

While it took an Australian ruining his wine to prove something to me I already practiced, preached and suspected; it was nice to be reminded—and proven right.

Everybody likes to be right once in a while.

✰✰✰✰✰ = Outstanding ✰✰✰✰ = Excellent ✰✰✰✰ = Very Good ✰✰✰ = Good + The wine offers a bonus but not enough to go to the next level.

WAKEFIELD ESTATE JARAMAN SHIRAZ 2017 #377036, $24.95 ✰✰✰✰+

Wakefield wines come into the LCBO all year long but Jaraman is something to really take note of. A blend of Clare Valley and McLaren Vale fruit, that sees 30 per cent new American oak which helps pump up that flavour profile: smoky-vanillablackberry lead things off adding in eucalyptus, and mocha to the finish with a spiced-cherry linger.

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