AUTUMN 2019
L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D .
FIND SERENITY IN ST. KITTS Explore Washington State wines THE GENDERLESS DESIGNS OF ANDREW COIMBRA
A Bold
Statement THIS TORONTO HOME IS FILLED WITH COLOUR, ART & WHIMSICAL STYLE
AUTUMN 2019
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Mah Jong. Modular seating sytem, designed by Hans Hopfer. Upholstered in fabrics. Manufactured in Europe. TORONTO - BROSSARD - LAVAL - MONTREAL
In-store interior design & 3D visualization services.*
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French Art de Vivre
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Date: August 12, 2019 Client: Roche Bobois
LUXE Magazine 8/26/19 Format: 12" x 20"
10:13 AM
Photo Michel Gibert, for advertising purposes only. Sculpture www.antoinepierini.com *Conditions apply, contact store for details.
CONTENTS
AUTUMN 2019
20
IN EVERY ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 06 LETTERS 11 THE GOODS
Purple Reign + Luscious Lips
60 WINE
Wines of Washington State
70 ON STAGE
Live performances and events
72 COMMENT
Think hope, not hate
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34 40 62
FEATURES 20 28
34
40 44
44
50
DÉCOR
A BOLD STATEMENT A home filled with colour, art and whimsy
50
THE DESIGNERS Fall in love with your décor with Colin McAllister + Justin Ryan
Dimitra Davidson’s Indeed Labs
STYLE
ESCAPE
Serenity in St. Kitts
FOOD 62
CRITIQUE The Civic
LIVING
THE ENTREPRENEUR
TRAVEL
CULTURE 66
ARTIST PROFILE Raoul Olou
DESIGNER PROFILE Andrew Coimbra
CLOSET ENVY Natasha Black’s #AllBlackEverything
ON THE COVER: Interior by Powell & Bonnell. Photography by Margaret Mulligan. See the story on page 20. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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EDITOR’S LETTER
A REASON TO CELEBRATE IN MY CAREER I’ve been able to celebrate the milestones that go along
with any business. When a quarter century mark is met it’s certainly cause to cheer; a decade surely a reason to put on your dancing shoes. First anniversaries usually aren’t really celebrated. Not in the bold, audacious way we see celebrations for those other milestones. This issue marks our one-year anniversary of publishing, and we are celebrating! We’re celebrating the close of what was a first year filled with hard work and long hours. It was a year filled with determination, commitment and tenacity, all aimed at the goal of bringing what we imagined into reality. Conjuring that vision onto the printed page you now hold in your
hand, could not have happened without the support and assistance of many along the way. It takes hundreds of hours of time by writers, photographers, designers and editors to bring each issue to life. Not to mention the many local artists, fashion designers, interior designers, and entrepreneurs across the City who have let us peek into their lives and showcase their work on these pages. We seek to offer you, our readers, a package of people, places and things that will interest you, inspire you, or inform you about a little piece of this City that you might not have noticed before. We hope you will delight in dining, travelling, exploring and learning with us, for years to come. Enjoy this issue, and thanks for giving us reason to celebrate.
HOLLY CRAWFORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF holly@luxemagcanada.com 4
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INTERIOR | EXTERIOR | KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FULL HOME ARCHITECTURE | DESIGN
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I OFTEN JOKE that each issue we produce is a bit like giving birth. The excitement, the anxiousness, the hard work and at last the happiness and exuberance once the issue is finally in our hands. It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating our one-year anniversary! It seems like yesterday that we were deciding what to call this baby of ours. It took a long time to give it the perfect name and just like a baby, LUXE has been lovingly nurtured every step along the way. Because we are new, it seems like everyone has an opinion of what we should be. I have to tell you, it wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun and hard work! We got to know and meet many interesting and talented people while learning about their work to highlight in our articles. In the last year, I have lived vicariously through the incredible designs created by our featured designers and artists. I would like to think that even if we didn’t put our name on our cover, by now you would know immediately by the look and feel, that it was a copy of LUXE Magazine at your door. We have much to celebrate and are proud to have created such stimulating editorials and fascinating design. Our passion for enhancing all aspects of your lives is non-stop. We want to engage with you, our reader, across many platforms and learn about what is important to you. We are proud of what we have accomplished and are looking forward to continuing to surprise and delight. So as summer fades and days become cooler, I hope you will feel the warmth between our pages and look forward to receiving our issues just as we look forward to producing them. We always want to hear your comments; the good, the bad and the in between. You can email me at oriana@luxemagcanada.com
ORIANA MANTELLO PUBLISHER 6
PHOTO BY LISA CRISPO
A MILESTONE ISSUE
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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SPIRITED. SOULFUL. UNMISTAKABLY ST. KITTS. The splendor of St. Kitts is closer than you think. Now you can venture nonstop from Toronto with Air Canada, to discover a place so tranquil your laughter carries all the way down a golden-sand beach by a warm, tropical breeze. Home to historic sugar plantations, a majestic cloud-piercing volcano, and even a fortress of past civilizations. Visit today and nourish your soul with the spirit of St. Kitts.
For additional flight info visit luxestkitts.com
WEEKLY NONSTOP FLIGHTS Flight routes and duration are subject to change without notice.
CONTRIBUTORS Interior designers, style commentators, celebrity interviewers and lifestyle gurus COLIN MCALLISTER and JUSTIN RYAN split their time between Toronto, Haliburton and Glasgow. You may know them as hosts of Cabin Pressure (Cottage Life) judges on Game of Homes (W Network and Discovery Family) or experts on Cityline (City TV). Their eponymous decor line C+J Home is available at Homesense and Marshalls. Catch their latest program Great Canadian Cottages on Cottage Life.
L U X U R Y. L I V I N G . D E F I N E D. VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3. AUTUMN 2019
Editor-in-Chief
HOLLY CRAWFORD Art Director
JASON KANG Contributing Writers CHRIS CLAY, ANNE T. DONAHUE, WAHEEDA HARRIS, ANDREA KARR, COLIN MCALLISTER, MICHAEL PINKUS, JUSTIN RYAN, SHERRY SMITHER Contributing Photographers LARRY ARNAL, LISA CRISPO, NICK IWANYSHYN, MARGARET MULLIGAN
ANNE T. DONAHUE is a writer and person from Cambridge, Ontario. Her first book, Nobody Cares, was published September 2018 with ECW. WAHEEDA HARRIS has been a freelance journalist for 18 years. She writes about travel, design, culture, cuisine, style and people who are passionate about what they create. She has contributed to newspapers, magazines and websites including The National Post, Toronto Life, Canadian House & Home, Best Health, The Globe and Mail, Elle Canada, Where.ca, Travel + Escape and more. MICHAEL PINKUS has a love affair with wine that goes back more than 20 years. He is a multi-awardwinning journalist, past president of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and a national and international wine judge. His articles have appeared in numerous national and international magazines and he is the founder and sole contributor to MichaelPinkusWineReview.com (formerly OntarioWineReview.com).
Additional Contributors TARA ASHLEY, ANDREA CIABATONNI, ANGELA CIABATONNI, KATARINA MARINIC, NICOLE FOR THE BEAUTY TEAM
O MEDIA GROUP President + Publisher
ORIANA MANTELLO Advertising Director ANTONIO DIPAOLO
Account Managers ASHLEEN HUTCHINSON, YVONNE XENIDIS
Accountant ARNINI STELLATO, LLP
CONTACT US MAIL
LUXE Magazine, 242 Applewood Crescent, Suite 5, Concord, Ontario L4K 4E5 EMAIL
info@luxemagcanada.com
ANDREA KARR is a Toronto-based writer with a passion for style, travel and mental health. She has a master’s degree in Literatures of Modernity from Ryerson University and always has a book in hand. 8
JASON KANG is passionate about editorial design and is thrilled to be art director at LUXE Magazine. His work has been featured in Canadian House & Home, Chatelaine and Flare magazine. Jason has led photo shoots all over the world, including Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, New York, Paris and Tel Aviv.
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.
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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2019-08-09
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FLAMINGO RD
Fusion Mineral Paint x Lisa Marie Holmes, $24 each, shown in Divine Lavender and Twilight Geranium. Available at Home Smith; homesmithhouse.com
Goods PURPLE REIGN
Dress Code Solo eyeshadows by Lise Watier, shown in “Urban,” $24; lisewatier.com
“Treasure Trove Midi-Dress” by Marciano, $228; marcianao.com
Limited Edition Dior Nail Vernis in “9AM,” $33; dior.com for retailers.
The iconic Wrap Coat with ribbed sleeve detail by Sentaler, shown in Ripe Berry, $1,295; sentaler.ca Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliners, shown in “MistMe” and “Violet Femme,” $33 each; sephora.com
Dior Limited Edition 5 Couleurs eye palette in 977 Glorif-eye, $74 and Dior Limited Edition Liquid Mono eyeliner-eyeshadow in 170 Mauve, $36; dior.com for retailers.
Brighten the kitchen with the Kitchenaid Artisan Series Stand Mixer in Boysenberry, $600; kitchenaid.ca
Get perfect curves in “Timeless Purple,” the latest autumn colour from Wonderbra, $50; thebay.com
For autumn 2019, Longchamp introduces their latest collection, La Voyageuse. Small tote bag shown here in Brandy, $1,240; ca.longchamp.com AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 11
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THE GOODS
BEAUTY
LipLock
1. Clarins teamed up with fashion dynasty The Kooples to create two new versions of the cosmetic company’s iconic Lip Comfort Oil. They’ve “relooked” the cult-favourite oil to create an edgy new duo that styles lips in two limited edition rock chic shades. Limited edition Clarins x The Kooples Lip Comfort Oils available October 15, $25 each; clarins.com; thekooples.com 3. Hydrating, long wearing lip stain with a satin matte finish by Bite Beauty. Available in three shades, shown in “Sangria Slush.” Bite Beauty Outburst Lip Stain, $30; bitebeauty.com
AMP UP AUTUMN LOOKS WITH A RICH, BOLD LIP
2. A new finish of Lancome’s L’Absolu Rouge lipstick launches this fall, the fifth in the range. With an exclusive blend of tourmaline and luminous colours, this version is Ruby Cream and is shaped like a ruby gemstone. L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream, shown in “Ruby Queen,” $41; lancome.ca
4. The latest addition to the best-selling Luminous Lip Crayon collection from Juice Beauty is “Healdsburg,” a vibrant fuchsia named after Healdsburg, California, where the Juice Beauty Farm is located. Juice Beauty Luminous Lip Crayon, $27; available at Murale and select beautyBOUTIQUE locations.
5. A multi-tasking cream colour for lips and cheeks, created with nourishing organic ingredients. Layer the application for a youthful sheer to a more densely-coloured stain, depending on how much is applied. RMS Beauty Lip2cheek, $45; available at Murale and select beautyBOUTIQUE locations.
7. Formulated with natural extracts, rich vegetable oils, exotic butters and waxes, True Glue products are made to make you look and feel great. This Canadian brand is known for its everlasting makeup and vegan and cruelty free products. True Glue Stuck on You Natural Lipstick in “Deals in Heels,” $21; true-glue.com 12
6. High-shine shades formulated with hyaluronic filling spheres and luminous oils add natural-looking plump without the pain, along with a captivating fig vanilla scent. Shown in “Bonus Baby” and “In The Red,” Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss, $20; stila.ca
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Engage life with enthusiasm and improve your wellbeing. There is a VIBE just for you, one to help you relax and recharge. The contemporary design of the VIBE Collection will make a statement in any setting. bainultra.com
© VIBE BACK TO WALL 5828
44oo
CELEBRATING CELEBRATING
YEARS YEARS 1979-2019 1979-2019
44oo
CELEBRATING CELEBRATING
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A NEW COOL
THE GOODS
HOME
F Customized cabinetry
Keep devices charged with an in-drawer charging station.
FROM AYA KITCHENS, their newest line of cabinetry, AyA Elite offers customers the option of customizing their cabinetry with high end interiors and accessories. This range focuses on elevating what’s behind the doors with next-level in cabinet interiors and accessories. Keep your devices charged in the hub of your home with an in-drawer charging station. You’ll never worry about your device dying while reading a recipe on your phone or tablet. Trying to keep kids off their phones at night? The Elite charging drawer comes with an optional lock. Add a touch of contemporary luxury to the interior of your cabinets with the warm look of linen via an interior cabinet finish. Drawers and roll-outs are full extension with soft-close anti-slam system with a contemporary square edge profile and premium anthracite finish. Access and utilize the entire drawer for a more functional kitchen experience. ayakitchens.com
A SPLASH OF
ROM JENNAIR, two new “design expressions” allowing designers and consumers to find their preferred aesthetic. “Rise” is intended to inspire tastemakers as they build custom kitchens to reflect bespoke, personal style, ushering in a new era of striking proportions. Robust lines draw the eye with warm, luxurious brass accents, while a delicate, diamond-etched matrix wraps itself around a muscular handle, proportioned with fortitude. “Noir” is a collision of sensuality and geometry in a daring new minimalist style. It features structured angles, clean lines, and seamless glass, with a hidden lace pattern underneath the streamlined handle. Along with the new design expression are a number of category innovations including column refrigeration. Solid glass and metal door bins and shelves showcase the emphasis on quality materials and craftsmanship and a daring obsidian interior is illuminated by more than 650 LED lights. JennAir column refrigerators boast three customizable, distinct temperatures zones with three precision sensors calibrated every second ensuring optimal temperatures are maintained. Ovens and ranges offer progressive performance and design. Get precise cooking results every time through specialized algorithms that take into account desired doneness level and pan type, and control your connected appliances remotely through the JennAir App. jennair.ca
Champagne
EYEING THOSE Champagne gold cabinet pulls? Go ahead and change them, along with your faucet to match. The Marca Kitchen Faucet from Delta comes in a sleek Champagne Bronze finish, a perfect accent for a modern kitchen aesthetic. Delta ShieldSpray Technology cleans with laser-like precision while containing mess and splatter. A concentrated jet powers away stubborn messes while an innovative shield of water contains splatter and clears off the mess, so you can spend less time soaking, scrubbing and shirt swapping. Delta MagnaTite Docking uses a powerful integrated magnet to pull your faucet spray wand precisely into place and hold it, so it stays docked when not in use. Delta SpotShield Technology helps to keep your faucet cleaner, longer by resisting water spots and fingerprints. deltafaucet.ca
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2019-07-18 9:36 AM
Home Naturally sophisticated We are swooning over this statement-making bed from Bernhardt. Created with cross sections of teak, it strikes a balance between raw materials and sophisticated details. Calavaras Teak Bed, MSRP $3,330; bernhardt.com
AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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HOME
A NEW WHITE FOR THE KITCHEN CAESARSTONE RECENTLY LAUNCHED A TREND FORECAST ALONG WITH TWO NEW SURFACE COLOURS: EMPIRA WHITE AND PRIMORDIA. A COOL GREY THAT ECHOES THE CHARACTER OF CONCRETE, PRIMORDIA IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR A COMTEMPORARY SPACE WHILE THE CLASSIC WHITE OF EMPIRA REFLECTS THE TIMELESS LOOK OF MARBLE. SHOWN: EMPIRA WHITE; CAESARSTONE.CA
FARROW&BALL METALLIC COLLECTION
FARROW & BALL recently launched some of its most iconic and sought after wallpaper designs in new metallic colourways. The collection of 25 wallpapers includes nine of the brand’s best loved and most striking designs: Lotus, Tessella, Gable, Enigma, Tourbillon, Bamboo, Ringwold, Amime and Yukutori. In colourways punctuated with shimmering silvers, burnished coppers and lustrous golds, the designs are ideal for creating an impactful and luxurious scheme in your home. The papers are 100 per cent recyclable, made with responsibly sourced paper and eco-friendly water-based paint. Shown: Lotus; farrow-ball.com
The one with the apothecary table FOR THOSE of us who gathered in front of the TV each week to watch Friends, Pottery Barn partnered with Warner Bros. to introduce a collection of décor and accessories to celebrate the iconic sitcom’s 25th anniversary. A playful take on the hit comedy’s many adventures, the new Friends x Pottery Barn collection celebrates an iconic design by reissuing the famous Apothecary Coffee Table as a tribute to the sitcom’s Pottery Barn-themed episode in Season 6, aptly named “The One With The Apothecary Table.” True to its original form, the Apothecary Coffee Table features antique-inspired hardware and drawers originally designed for CDs. potterybarn.com
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HOME
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20 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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STATEMENT THIS FOREST HILL FAMILY HOME REVELS IN BRILLIANT COLOUR AND MODERN ART by WAHEEDA HARRIS photography by MARGARET MULLIGAN
LEFT The faceted bronze chair in front of the living room fireplace was kept from the homeowner’s previous space, and integrated into the new décor alongside a sculptural piece by artist Yee Sook Yung. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 21
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IN
THIS HOME’S ENTRY, a striking
tea with family and friends. A pale purple Murano glass
yellow sculpture signals a space
chandelier sourced from Venfield NYC illuminates the
that embraces bold hues in
intimate area, which includes a custom lilac tufted
every room. The Cercle Jaune et
banquette paired with a Powell & Bonnell Collection
Tiges by Manuel Merida is one of
Quarry table in steel and cipollino marble. A Manuel
many contemporary art pieces
Canovas floral is used for accent pillows and as lining
found in a colourful residence
for the purple drapes that act as a textile divider from
where a family didn’t want to be
the living room. Shapely white blinds on the arched
surrounded by neutrals.
tea room windows feature delicate tassels from New
The
10,000
square-foot
York City’s Samuel and Sons.
red brick domicile is a stately
Across the hall, the home office includes a classic
Georgian with six bedrooms
Le Corbusier lounger (also brought from their previous
and nine bathrooms, perfect for a family of seven.
house) and a Tom Dixon Screw table with stools to
The client ask: colour, pattern and distinctive art. “My
hopefully encourage the kids to do their homework
client said go for it,” says Albert Limshue, principal
while one of their parents can hit their 10,000-step
designer of Powell & Bonnell.
quota on the treadmill desk. A ground floor powder challenge:
rooms also channels lilac from floor to ceiling, with
redesigning a home he already knew intimately. He
a Phillipe Starck for Duravit toilet, a custom vanity
had worked with the clients on their previous home
(with hidden step stool) embellished with Samuel &
and when they contacted him to redesign their new
Sons tassels and installed above, pretty de Gournay
space, he was confronted with a house Powell &
wallpaper, featuring hand-painted butterflies.
Limshue
also
welcomed
a
rare
Bonnell had designed in the past. “Their first home
The formal dining room includes two seating areas,
was neutral with pops of colour,” says Limshue, “with
both wrapped in layers of black and mustard. The
this home they wanted more colour and whimsy.
main dining table seats 10 and was designed by Powell
London’s Ham Yard Hotel was an inspiration for the
& Bonnell, built by Two Degrees North, while the kids
home’s colours, patterns and layers.”
table is a banquette featuring a custom oak table. Powell
The front hall is the only neutral area, but
& Bonnell Collection Kudu chairs are the host chairs;
definitely not sedate: the Lee Jae-Hyo wood sculpture/
the side chairs are designed by Barbara Barry for HBF
bench dominates the area, while a shattered mirror
and upholstered in Trevira yellow velvet, a polyester
installation by Carlos Rolon is a distinctly different
that can withstand sticky fingers. The dining table
way to reflect natural light.
sits below a sparkling Shooting Stars light installation
The living room bursts with colour, first with a
by Yellow Goat Design. A hand-painted Porter Teleo
Vladimir Kagan Serpentine sofa in lilac and then the
fabric was chosen for the drapes, edged with a Samuel
notable art behind it: an eye-catching wall installation
& Sons Greek key border, while a fireplace is below a
by artist Ran Hwang, painstakingly created from
mirrored sculpture by Matthias Kiss.
hundreds of dressmaker’s buttons in many green hues.
Blue and green dominate the family room with
Christoph Delcourt MUC side tables reveal shades of
a custom-designed lime sectional, a substantial
pink, purple, green and gray found in the home, while
turquoise leather tufted ottoman and lime window
a Porta Romana Bishop lamp adds a blast of emerald
bench offering many places to read, play or watch
green into the living room. Mouldings add detail to
TV. A feature wall alternates art display and hidden
the ceilings, while a custom rug in a geometric pattern
storage, while a double desk area includes a pair of
anchors the space; Y&Co created all the home’s carpets.
task chairs sourced from Klaus by Nienkamper in two
Many items from their previous home are featured,
different shades of blue. The adjacent breakfast room
including a baby grand piano, a faceted bronze chair
has a set of classic Knoll chairs upholstered in emerald
and side table and two A Rudin chairs reupholstered for
green, a Powell & Bonnell Collection dining table
their new digs in purple and a leopard print by Pierre
with a Corian table top, lime-trimmed white curtains
Frey. Other items from the past include a pair of Powell
in front of French doors to access the backyard and
& Bonnell Collection Canton cabinets, newly updated
overhead, a fantastical bird and crystal chandelier by
in chartreuse eel skin. A Yee Sook-Yung Translated Vase
artist Sebastian Errazuriz.
resides in front of the fireplace on a stand allowing it
The sleek white kitchen was not altered for the
to be rotated, showcasing the Japanese technique of
current homeowners, but two things were added:
kintsugi, repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted
a stainless steel catering kitchen with every possible
with gold.
chef amenity and a playful red and orange Balloon
To the side is the tea salon, a quiet space to enjoy
Bench by Satoshi Itasaka, which defies its illusion to
22 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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LEFT In this pretty space a “Quarry” table in steel and marble by Powell & Bonnell is paired with a Murano glass chandelier in pale purple. BELOW The main floor powder room continues the soft lilac palette, its custom vanity embellished with tassels from Samuels & Sons.
RIGHT A “Serpentine” sofa in lilac by Vladimir Kagan with an eyecatching piece by Ran Hwang on the wall behind it. The art is created with hundreds of dressmaker’s buttons in varying shades of green.
AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 23
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easily support the weight of an adult. The lower level
The upper level design scheme embraces softer
features a spacious laundry room, a gym with a photo
colours in the bedrooms, bathrooms and dressing rooms.
mural wall and a snug screening room in deep purple
A whimsical butterfly bedroom is wrapped in muted
with oversized screening chairs.
shades of pink and green, featuring a Y&Co textile on
French doors lead to the side yard and a life-size
the headboard and blind, a quirky ceramic lamp with
tiger sculpture made from miniature metal butterflies
cats featured on a Restoration Hardware desk set and a
by Kim In Tae. The home’s staircase underscores the
Barbara Barry for Henredon Starlet chaise, redone from
design plan with a multi-coloured striped runner
the previous home in pale pink. A children’s bathroom
by Y&Co. Thinking of the younger members of the
is minimal in navy and white, with a Powell & Bonnell
family, Limshue created an area beneath the stairs,
Collection Cockatoo cocktail table used beside the
adorning a comfy reading nook with Les Bidules, a
bathtub, sourced from Montreal’s WetStyle.
Pierre Frey wallpaper and textile in addition to built-in storage for books and games.
The entrance of the home is the only space with a neutral colour scheme. A show-stopping bench by artist Lee JaeHyo is paired with a shattered mirror piece by Carlos Rolon. 24 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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TOP LEFT The family room is dominated by shades of green, a custom lime green sectional setting the tone. TOP RIGHT The playful “Balloon Bench” by artist Satoshi Itasaka was placed just outside of the kitchen. BOTTOM LEFT The formal dining room is wrapped in black and mustard hues. The dining table was designed by Powell & Bonnell. Host chairs are “Kudu” chairs from the Powell & Bonnell collection, side chairs are by Barbara Barry for Henredon.
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HOME
LEFT The master bedroom boasts its own sitting room done in soft shades of green. BOTTOM A life-sized tiger sculpture by Kim In Tae leads the eye out the French doors to the side yard.
The homeowners treated themselves with many luxe options for their private areas: a master suite, sitting room, his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms. His bathroom is modern and white, while hers is warmer with wood accents; his dressing room is perfectly practical, hers is spacious at 200 square-feet, with ample storage for all her wardrobe necessities, including a fun (and accessible) shoe display. The master bedroom is a soothing combination of pink and green. A curved headboard features a bold floral and fauna pattern in linen with the bed dressed by Crisp Linens and flanked by a pair of white Powell & Bonnell Juan nightstands. Two South Hill Home stools are at the foot of the bed across from a striking console table, while a Powell & Bonnell Collection Phoenix sofa in green is paired with a delicate Julian Chichester chair in pink.
The room is illuminated with the nature-inspired Ivy
chandelier, designed by Tord Boontje/Porta Romana. Next door is the master sitting room, with its many shades of green, from the marble fireplace to the pistachio covered walls. A tufted sofa and ottoman were sourced from A Rudin, the side chair from Baker and the Console X table is Powell & Bonnell Collection, with the iconic Porta Romana Duck Feet lamp adding a humourous touch to this elegant room. “Each project, each house, represents how we reflect the relationship we have with each client,” explains Limshue. With bold hues and an extensive collection of contemporary art, this Forest Hill home encourages a family’s personality to shine. 26 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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The master bedroom combines shades of green and soft pink, illuminated by a nature-inspired chandelier by Tord Boontje/Porta Romana.
Source list: A.RUDIN arudin.com BARBARA BARRY FOR HENREDON henredon.com MANUEL CANOVAS manuelcanovas.com
SOUTH HILL HOME southhillhome.com PHILLIPE STARCK FOR DURAVIT duravit.co.uk TWO DEGREES NORTH twodegreesnorth.com
JULIAN CHICHESTER julianchichester.com
VENFIELD NYC venfieldnyc.com
CRISP LINENS crisplinens.ca
WETSTYLE wetstyle.ca
DE GOURNAY degournay.com
Y&CO ycocarpet.com
CHRISTOPHE DELCOURT christophedelcourt.com
YELLOW GOAT DESIGN yellowgoatdesign.com
TOM DIXON tomdixon.net PIERRE FREY pierrefrey.com
ARTISTS:
HBF hbf.com VLADIMIR KAGAN vladimirkagan.com KLAUS BY NIENKAMPER klausn.com KNOLL knoll.com
SEBASTIAN ERRAZURIZ meetsebastian.com RAN HWANG ranhwang.com LEE JAE HYO leeart.name SATOSHI ITASAKA h220430.jp
LE CORBUSIER dwr.com PORTA ROMANA portaromana.com
MATTHIAS KISS mathiaskiss.com
PORTER TELEO porterteleo.com
MANUEL MERIDA espace-zafra.com
POWELL & BONNELL powellandbonnell.com
CARLOS ROLON carlosrolon.com
RESTORATION HARDWARE restorationhardware.com
KIM IN TAE liquidartsystem.com YEE SOOK YUNG yeesookyung.com
SAMUEL & SONS samuelandsons.com
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THE DESIGNERS
Add warmth and a touch of whimsy with Hummingbirds 112/4016 by Cole & Son.
Fall in love WITH YOUR DÉCOR
by COLIN MCALLISTER + JUSTIN RYAN
WITH AUTUMN UPON US, AND SUMMER’S WARM BREATH A DISTANT MEMORY, IT’S TIME TO COZY UP AHEAD OF THE MERCURY’S FURTHER DESCENT, SAY COLIN AND JUSTIN GO
THICK,
For a slice of endless summer in an autumnal
textural sweaters, turn up the thermostat
ON:
LAYER
ON
THOSE
feel, try Hummingbirds 112/4016 wallpaper
and get ready to embrace Mother Nature at
from Cole & Son (cole-and-son.com) or opt
her autumnal finest. You know you want to.
for Yellowstone or Caliente paint colours from
There’s little we enjoy more than dashing
Benjamin Moore.
outdoors (wrapped up snuggly, of course) to watch those last, reluctant leaves detach from their branches and tumble gently to
LAYER ON LUXURY
Imagine your chesterfield (or bed) as a
the ground. Aye, it’s time to welcome the
classic year-round jacket; a fashion staple
crispness of fall, and another Canadian
that can be dressed up, or down, as required.
winter that lies just around the corner…
How would you warm it up for fall? You’d
In decorative terms, fall is easily our
pile on the layers, right? Exactly. So treat
favourite season: a time for spaces to
your sofa to indulgent cushions and throws,
embrace change by adopting a brand new
chunky knits, textural weaves and faux furs
look. But for us – and indeed our clients –
to enhance the tactile quotient.
it’s often less about full scale renovation
In the bedroom, gorgeous sheets will
and more about how a sequence of simple
help add a luxe hotel vibe, so hit the stores,
changes can transition one’s environment
remembering “feel appeal.” Check out the
from creatively cool to effortlessly cozy.
range of beautiful cushions and blankets
BE INSPIRED BY THE COLOURS OF NATURE
uddle up with a blanket from Toronto’s C Cambie; made in Peru from an Alpaca blend, $110.
made in Peru at Cambie (cambiedesign.ca) and for bedding that we consider some of the
leep better in C&J’s favourite sheets, S this Japanese indigo-dyed, organic set from Aizome.
market’s best, visit Aizome (aizomebedding.
Adding warm golden tones, rich reds
com). Their Japanese indigo-dyed organic
and earthy browns will instantly suffuse
sheets
your room with seasonal credentials. Use
sleeping experience. Rich in tryptanthrin
accessories in berry, woodsy or golden
(the antimicrobial ingredient in indigo that
tones to stay bang on trend. Add soft
supports skin-healing) Aizome claims fewer
furnishings, rugs or artwork to provide
skin allergies as a distinct benefit to their
colour without commitment, or go the
collection. And healthier equals happier…
encourage
a
one-of-a-kind
soft
whole hog with wallpaper and paint. 28 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2019
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Add a shot of warm colour to your home with a splash of new paint. Try either Yellowstone (above) or Caliente by Benjamin Moore.
DRESS WITH DRAPES
It’s fair to report that undressed windows can appear cold, and may expose you to the elements, so dress for the occasion and adjust to match the changing climate. With shorter days and longer nights upon us, there’s less time to embrace daylight – you head to work when it’s dark and you head home in twilight – so swap out diaphanous summer curtains for heavier drapery panels to keep colder air at bay, or add light and draught baffling blinds behind existing curtains as a secondary warming layer.
GET FIRED UP
Any competent designer will attest that rooms need a focal point, and, in the autumnal context, there’s no better way to provide focus – and draw attention – than by installing a fireplace. Like a hypnotized moth, you’ll soon be seduced by its flickering flames. In our 39th floor Toronto condo, we don’t have the luxury of a real fire, but we happily make do with the 21st Century equivalent – a flickering hearth beamed directly through our wall mounted flat screen TV via our cable provider. You might also like to consider a steam “flame” option like the Opti-myst Pro Built in Firebox from Dimplex (dimplex.com). Seriously, it’s a genius piece of kit that provides convincing kinetics (faux flames) and ample real heat to cozy up proceedings.
ROLL OUT THE RUG
Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro.
Polished wood floors look amazing in summer (and encourage
PHOTO BY BRANDON BARRE
sunlight to reflect and cascade through your space) but, for your home’s fall iteration, add a rug to break up the silky smoothness. The textural element underfoot will be rewarding, whilst the introduction of pattern and colour will add interest. Choosing a rug, as we see it certainly, is like choosing a piece of art upon which you can walk. With this in mind, think form, style and colour and consider how your tufted lovely will contribute to your home’s overall style. Check out the range of Scandinavian rugs from Weavers Art (weaversart.com). This blue/gray hand knotted wool
dd softness underfoot with a rug. This A “Scandi” rug from Weaver’s Art ($3,850 for approximate 8-foot by 10-foot) hits all the right notes.
rug is a guaranteed room warmer! AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 29
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CORPORATE GIFTING • WEDDINGS • PARTIES • INDULGENCE
Have you sampled? Last year more than 2 million did!
“a little too much is just enough!” This handsome artisanal treat provides an umatched taste experience. A velvety buttercrunch with notes of organic maple syrup resides between two layers of sustainaby sourced Belgian chocolatein Milk or 70% Dark, topped with a sprinkle of raw cashews! Gluten Free, Non GMO & No Preservatives.
It’s time to start
holiday orders Ad_Fraktals_PRINT_READY.indd 2
905-727-7279 1-877-722-7279 info@fraktals.com www.fraktals.com
8/23/19 12:32 PM
THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM (ROM) recently opened the latest addition to the museum. The Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace and the Reed Family Plaza officially opened to the public in late August, offering a new way for visitors to enjoy the ROM. The new terrace and plaza on Bloor Street, overlooking Philosopher’s Walk, features a welcoming place to gather with garden-side seating and an open-air space for music, theatre, discussion, and performances. This revitalization project was generously made possible by lead donors Helga Schmidt and her late husband Mike Schmidt, and Nita and Don Reed. The opening of the new outdoor spaces is part of the ROM’s larger strategic vision to create an engaging streetscape and greater access, while enhancing the ROM’s role as a cultural and community anchor. Designed by Toronto architect Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects, the Bloor Street exterior has been reimagined and transformed into 13,595 square feet of outdoor public space, anchored by landscaping and architectural design. Set back from the street on an elevated platform, the Helga and Mike Schmidt Performance Terrace is surrounded by the greenery of Philosopher’s Walk, the striking contemporary architecture of the Michael LeeChin Crystal, and the softly textured stone walls of the ROM’s heritage façade. rom.on.ca
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LIVING
GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE2 RELEASED
P KILL the CAMERA HP RECENTLY conducted a survey, finding that 79 per cent of the respondents understood that privacy could be compromised by their laptop’s webcam. What’s more, 59 per cent said they took steps to cover their laptop’s built-in webcams with everything from tape (46 per cent), sticky notes (35 per cent), bandages (8 per cent), and even a piece of gum ( 2 per cent). HP’s latest version of the Spectre laptop features a Camera Kill Switch, letting users simply switch camera access on and off with the flick of a button. hp.com
Seed, the company disrupting the global probiotics market, lands in Canada
ART OF THE GALAXY FAMILY, Galaxy Watch Active2 brings the best of Samsung’s Galaxy Ecosystem to the smartwatch. Get things done quickly and smoothly with Samsung’s next-generation intelligence, Bixby. Connect the watch to your smartphone, and Camera Controller on the watch allows you to take photos remotely, start recording a video, check out the preview on the watch, switch between front and rear lens’ and set a timer; perfect for action or group shots. Personalization is taken to the next level: you can customize your watch face to match your outfit with the colour extraction algorithm. Pair with your smartphone and take a photo of your outfit to get a new, customized watch face to match your look. New refined features and smooth user interface are coupled with new health and wellness capabilities and enhanced connectivity. Make and receive calls freely from the watch, while
social media viewers are accessible with just a tap of the finger, and offer more interaction with your content on these platforms. Now you can respond to or like a tweet, and even watch a short video clip or movie trailer right from your wrist. You can travel across the globe with greater confidence, as Galaxy Watch Active2 now supports convenient real-time voice and text translation in more than 16 languages. A striking design with a curved touch screen, adds to the intuitive touch bezel at the edge. Available in two different sizes—44mm and 40mm in diametre—and two styles: lightweight aluminum with a breathable, flexible strap and premium solid stainless steel with a leather strap. The smartwatches can be personalized with a range of additional stylish strap and watch-face options.
Available in October, starting at $370; samsung.com/ca
A U.S.-BASED microbial sciences company setting a new standard of scientific rigour in the $70 billion global probiotics market, began shipping to Canada this summer. Seed’s approach is a shift, bridging microbiome science and consumer health in an effort to bring precision, efficacy, and education to consumer probiotics. Their flagship product—Daily Synbiotic—a probiotic plus prebiotic formulation, is available to purchase as a monthly or quarterly subscription. It contains a proprietary formulation of 20-plus clinically studied probiotic strains (not found in yoghurt, or fermented foods) with a new class of organic, patented, plant-based, non-fermenting prebiotics sourced from Indian pomegranate and Scandinavian chaga and pine bark. Following the U.S. launch, the Daily Synbiotic sold out in less than four months. Seed is led by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Ara Katz and Raja Dhir along with Chief Scientist Dr. Gregor Reid—a pioneer in probiotics research, who chaired the United Nations World Health Organization Expert Panel that authored the global definition of the term probiotics. seed.com
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LIVING
BOSS LADY by WAHEEDA HARRIS
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DIMITRA DAVIDSON SWITCHED CAREERS TO CHASE HER DREAMS, AND TEN YEARS LATER IS BLAZING BEAUTY INDUSTRY TRAILS
T
also led to 25 awards for the company, reaffirming Indeed Labs’ focus on formulations that are effective, based on active ingredients with copious clinical research. Indeed Labs currently has more than 20 products, and is proud to have been one of the first brands to detail ingredients and print them on their product packaging. Davidson is now President and COO of Indeed Labs,
HE FUTURE IS shining bright for Indeed
after the previous years of working with partners.
Labs, with a milestone for the Canadian
Like many women in business, Davidson is proud to
skincare company to celebrate in 2020: their
be a mother of three, as well as being focused on her
10th anniversary.
company. “When I present to my board of directors, all
Launching the company with just three products,
Dimitra Davidson was attracted to the opportunity to work on the development of a new brand that wanted to offer luxury skincare without high costs.
who happen to be men, I’m not intimidated. I know all the inner workings of my company.” With a background in human resources management, she’s benefitted from finding employees who are as
Instead of spending big money on celebrity
passionate as she is and knowing how to encourage their
endorsements and overly air-brushed models, she
skills to create a thriving company of mainly women. “I
focused on quality ingredients, and informing potential
wake up every day, excited to be successful. It’s extremely
customers on the real benefits of results-oriented
difficult overseeing a global brand in a competitive fast-
skincare through word of mouth.
moving market, but we’re up for the challenge.”
“We were focused on creating great products, based
Despite the fast-moving cycle of the industry
on the latest research and free from pthalates, fragrance,
(launching a product two months ago is now considered
sulphates, colourants, mineral oil, parabens and drying
old news) Indeed Labs is holding its own as an
alcohols,” explains Davidson. And with the power of
independent Canadian skincare company. Sold across
using real people for advertising campaigns, Indeed
Canada in Shoppers Drug Mart, at Boots in the United
Labs started being noticed by consumers and beauty
Kingdom and Priceline Pharmacy in Australia, Davidson
editors, especially because of one of the original three
is proud to boast her company’s products will soon be
products: Nanoblur. Containing light-diffusing and
available across the United States at Ulta Beauty, and
optical blurring technology, this skin cream is still one
there are six new products soon to be launched.
of the company’s best-selling products.
“This brand is my other baby. And I’m grateful for
From an early age, Davidson has been dedicated to
the tremendous opportunity to educate consumers and
her beauty regime, and as a 20-something invested her
see how they respond to the distinctive products from
hard-earned dollars into expensive skincare. When the
Indeed Labs,” says Davidson.
opportunity came along to work on the development of a new skincare brand, Davidson was happy to put her personal experience and finance background into a new to her industry. “Indeed Labs examined the market and identified what was needed in the skincare industry. “Focus groups with customers became one of our best investments,” explains Davidson. Working with consumers has been an ongoing benefit for the company, as they continue to look at the latest research. “Retinol has been very popular, so we’ve now introduced Bakuchiol (one of the hottest skincare ingredients of the moment) reface pads, a plant-based alternative for those who want results but not the skin irritation that is often the side effect of using retinol.” All ingredients used in the Indeed Labs product line are detailed and explained on the company website, insuring transparency about what is used in their skincare. “Sharing our knowledge with our customers has made them into advocates for us,” says Davidson. It has
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Find what makes her sparkle.
5731 Highway 7 West, Woodbridge 905-856-0116 marcellojewellers@yahoo.ca
marcellojewellers.com
Untitled-2 1
WESTHAVEN VILLA
Creating fine jewellery for more than 51 years
8/21/19 12:11 PM
Style A ROSY GLOW FROM DIOR’S PRESTIGE LINE comes La Micro-Huile de Rose, the first nourishing supplement specifically designed to recharge and revitalize skin. This revolutionary serum-oil hybrid delivers more than 20 micro-nutrients essential to skin’s health and appearance, including assorted minerals, Omega-3 and Vitamin E. With Dior’s cutting-edge dual extraction technology, each bottle boasts 10,000 micro-pearls of Rose de Granville, a wild flower indigenous to the cliffs of Granville (close to the childhood home of Christian Dior). Skin is left hydrated and appears visibly recharged. $325/30mL; thebay.com
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TAILORED TOPPER JUST IN TIME for crisp Autumn days, a tailored piece from Smythe, one of our favourite Canadian brands. This piece is also part of The Prince’s Trust Campaign for Wool, a project aimed at raising awareness amongst consumers about the unique, natural and sustainable benefits offered by wool. Peaked Lapel Coat, wool blend in Robin’s Egg, $1,995; available at Holt Renfrew.
VERIPHY SKINCARE LANDS NATIONAL RETAIL LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER ITS LAUNCH, Canadian indie skincare brand Veriphy has been added to the shelves at Shoppers Drug Mart. Founded in Guelph in 2018, the natural, high-performance skin care line is based in the discovery – at the University of Guelph – of a plant-based material called PhytoSpherix. Veriphy founders Alison Crumblehome and Jessica Kizovski introduced three products in the initial collection with plans for additional launches later this year. veriphyskincare.com
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Stackt gets Elevated
STYLE
PRETTY ELEVATED by Irisa at Stackt Market will feature a rotating selection of local women-owned businesses, each at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys and looking to scale up. Each entrepreneur will be given the opportunity to activate in the Pretty Elevated space for two weeks, rent free, to promote their business and grow their customer base. The inaugural Pretty Elevated programming includes a collective of more than 20 female entrepreneurs including Threads, an ethically sourced and subscription tights brand; Sarisha Beauty, a Canadian-made vegan beauty brand and Eugenia Chan, a contemporary jewelry line for the modern woman. Simultaneously, Pretty Elevated by Irisa will also run a range of community workshops open to the public, and provide community space to leading Toronto women’s collectives. The community programming runs until September 19. prettyelevated.ca
Tabitha Simmons
teams up with Coach
C
OACH X TABITHA SIMMONS, a collaboration between the footwear designer and Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers, features Simmons’ first-ever handbag design. Simmons is known for her femininely detailed footwear collection – that is Kate Middleton approved. The collection combines two distinct voices in fashion, mixing Simmons’ eccentric and elegant femininity with Vevers’ vision of effortless New York style. The unique combination of their visions can be seen in the collection’s urban hiker boots and Mary Janes, both in floral-printed velvet, and the Coach x Tabitha Simmons Crossbody, a reimagination of Coach’s 1973 Suspender Pouch. Handpicked by Simmons from the Coach archives, the silhouette is reintroduced with florals, rivets and colour blocking. “I was thrilled to design my first handbag,” said Simmons. “I especially loved going into the Coach archives and seeing the beautiful leathers and timeless shapes from the ’50s and ’60s.” oach x Tabitha Simmons C Crossbody in Light Blush Multi/ Brass, $595; ca.coach.com
oach x Tabitha C Simmons “Edith” Mary Jane kitten heel in haircalf and suede, $200.
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STYLE
GENDER BLENDER by ANDREA KARR
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ANDREW COIMBRA’S GENDERLESS CREATIONS PERFECTLY BLEND MASCULINE WITH FEMININE AND SIMPLICITY WITH UNEXPECTED DETAILS. NOW, THE UP-AND-COMING DESIGNER HAS TAKEN ON WOMENSWEAR WITH A PAIR OF MODERN CAPSULE COLLECTIONS FOR 2019, AND THE LAUNCH OF A FULL LINE-UP FOR SPRING 2020.
W
working as a stylist. “Drawing and painting work for some people, but it’s kind of a shot in the dark – at least in terms of making art and selling it,” he says. “I wanted to start thinking more practically about my future, and I saw it in the realm of fashion design.” Coimbra then worked with Canadian labels including
HEN TORONTO DESIGNER Andrew
Pink Tartan and Philip Sparks. Next up was New York
Coimbra launched his namesake label in
City to intern for Proenza Schouler.
2015, there wasn’t a women’s garment
By the time Coimbra returned to Toronto, he was
in sight. An organizer for Toronto Men’s
stocked with all the tools he needed to launch his
Fashion Week (TOMFW) urged him
label. And since then, he’s developed a rhythm for
to participate in an emerging designer
designing each collection. He starts by reviewing his
competition, so Coimbra went ahead
previous season and brainstorming ways that he can
and produced a series of long shorts,
build from it. “My least favourite thing is when you
asymmetrical tees, wide-lapel jackets and
switch to another season and have to change your
blue-toned abstract prints exclusively for
whole wardrobe over,” he says. “That’s not realistic.”
men. TOMFW gave Coimbra the push he needed to
Once he has that base, he develops core ideas for
bring his work to the public, but the young designer
themes and colours that speak to him before he starts
had always been fascinated by the challenge posed
researching trends. “I still do trend research because it’s
by men’s clothing. “Menswear is kind of boring, as
important to be part of the overall stream of thinking
an industry,” he says. “There are button-ups, jeans,
so buyers can see your stuff fitting in-store among
blazers… I always thought, how can I work within
other labels,” he notes, but he wants his collections to
those bounds and put my stamp on things?” The
be based on instinct first and trends second.
positive response he received with his first collection
Next, he sources fabric and hardware, all the while
triggered him to move forward in the menswear space.
sketching his ideas as he goes. Whenever possible,
Soon after, Coimbra noticed a stylist pulling his
Coimbra tries to find fabric before he becomes too set
garments and putting them onto female models, and
on a design, because often the materials will speak to
he realized he didn’t need to confine his collections
him about how and where he should use them. From
to a male customer. “It was refreshing to see that it
there, he takes all of his favourite sketches and their
doesn’t have to be strictly menswear,” he says. “It’s not
fabric swatches and puts them on a board to see how
like I didn’t know that already. I’ve worn girls’ jeans
they read – a technique that he learned from Proenza
my whole life, and I wear different gender clothing
Schouler. He then creates a schedule for the muslin
just because I like the colours or whatever. So it wasn’t
forms and final samples so that he can complete
new to me. But it’s funny that it hadn’t struck me as a
everything before it’s time to shoot the lookbook.
trajectory at first.”
PORTRAIT BY PATRICK LACSINA
Coimbra went on to study visual arts at OCAD University but soon transferred to fibre arts after
Coimbra used this process to create his fall 2019
Now, Coimbra markets his menswear as genderless
genderless collection, which is “all about dressing
on his website, andrewcoimbra.com, and uses both
seriously, but not taking yourself seriously,” he says.
male and female models in his lookbooks. Though he
It features more formal attire than his previous
still designs with menswear in mind, he likes the idea
collections including slouchy suiting, collared shirts
that people of any gender can wear and appreciate his
and polished coats, but each piece has a playful or
pieces. “Leaving it genderless allows a female shopper,
unexpected twist. The fabrics, for example, have a
or someone who identifies as female, to look at clothing
sense of childhood nostalgia. He chose corduroy for
that they might otherwise skim over,” he says.
a sleeveless belted coat and added white piping to a
This unique approach to dressing feels natural
corduroy suit. A two-tone belted trench coat has a
for Coimbra, who has been sewing, hot-gluing and
sporty tracksuit vibe. Plus, many of the pieces have
pinning his heart out ever since he saw his favourite
unique details, like an elastic waistband or hem, a
celebrities wearing outlandish outfits in their music
cropped leg or even mother-of-pearl buttons that are
videos around age 13. “I’d think, ‘Oh cool. How can
the wrong side out. These touches of flavour fit in
I make that?’” he remembers. The skills he’d picked
with the overall purpose of his brand: “to take classic,
up as a child came in handy. Coimbra learned how
identifiable pieces and give them a new life and a new
to sew from his immigrant grandmother, who would
context.”
make him play clothes on “this mysterious machine,”
But while this genderless collection works for men
and he had an affinity for sketching. “My mom still
or women, an androgynous look isn’t for everyone. So
has a drawing of Simba from The Lion King that I did
for fall 2019, Coimbra also made a women’s capsule
while I was watching the movie,” he says. “And it’s
(an idea that he first undertook for spring 2019)
actually pretty good.” AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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ABOVE Andrew Coimbra Womens Collection Spring 2020. Page 40 Andrew Coimbra Autumn 2019 Capsule Collection. Page 43 Andrew Coimbra Autumn 2019 at Lisbon Fashion Week.
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SPRING LOOKS: PHOTOGRAPHER, ANDREW COIMBRA; MODEL, ZAYHA; STYLING, ANDREW COIMBRA; HAIR + MAKE UP, TAYLOR CHOUSKY
FALL LOOKS: PHOTOGRAPHER, GARRETT NACCARATO; MODEL, ZAYHA; STYLING, NADIA PIZZIMENTI (P1M); MAKE UP, SIMONE OTIS (P1M); HAIR, KIRSTEN KLONTZ (P1M)
STYLE
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FALL 2019 AT LISBON FASHION WEEK BY MODALISBOA
SPRING LOOKS: PHOTOGRAPHER, ANDREW COIMBRA; MODEL, ZAYHA; STYLING, ANDREW COIMBRA; HAIR + MAKE UP, TAYLOR CHOUSKY
that seamlessly mixes with his genderless designs. The addition of
of black, white, cream and blue. There’s one particularly breathtaking
feminine pieces like skirts and dresses makes it easier for stylists to
piece – a vibrant blue dress with an asymmetrical hem and a curved
pull for celebrities – which is a crucial way to get exposure, especially
seam that runs over one breast and under the other – that looks
for new designers – and it offers one more way for Coimbra to flex
destined to become a classic. Other designs become excellent layering
his creative muscles. The women’s capsule for fall has “a lot of colour
pieces that easily mix and match the Coimbra’s fall 2019 pieces.
play and texture play,” notes Coimbra, pointing to two central fabrics:
With their freedom from convention, Andrew Coimbra’s latest
a black textured pebble crepe covered with uneven white ovals and a
creations are not only compelling examples of what the young
rich black velvet devoré with splashes of colour. His favourite piece
designer can do, but they also offer a glimpse at the future of fashion.
uses the velvet devoré to form a long dress with billowing sleeves and
It’s a world where customers readily purchase from a mix of men’s,
a slit up one thigh.
women’s and genderless collections. They mix their spring clothes
Because these womenswear pieces have become so core to the
with their fall buys and blend dressed-up items with paired-back
brand, even though they make up such a small proportion, Coimbra
pieces to create a personal look that’s utterly unique. Whatever they
decided to morph from a capsule to a full-blown women’s line for
do, “they establish and nurture their style and identity,” says Coimbra.
2020. The looks feel modern and fresh and uses a simple colour palette
So take note, and do fashion your way. Coimbra would approve. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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Closet ENVY
STYLE
AN ICON IN THE TORONTO PR AND FASHION WORLDS, NATASHA KOIFMAN HAS A NEW VENTURE: CURATING AN ONLINE SHOPPING SPACE THAT GIVES BACK TO THE CHARITIES CLOSEST TO HER HEART. by ANDREA KARR
“This dress is one of the few pieces in my wardrobe where I put it on and didn’t have to get a single alteration,” says Koifman. “Usually, there’s something, somewhere. But this dress fit perfectly—like it was made for me.”
T
TAKE A SPLIT-SECOND glance at Natasha Koifman’s
feel. I love every single piece that I’ve bought.”
overflowing closet and you’ll know you’ve encountered
But as Koifman’s life becomes increasingly busy,
something special. It’s a treasure trove of designer
she’s found that her sense of style has shifted. “The
finds: a 1970s Oscar de la Renta gown, an Anthony
digital world means that we’re ‘on’ 24/7,” she notes.
Vaccarello blazer covered in grommets and stars and
“I love social media. I love that connection. But I’m
a sequinned Balmain dress that remained in its box
finding that we don’t have the same kind of time to
after Lindsay Lohan wore the look first. The president
think about our wardrobes.” Now, Koifman looks for
of public relations agency NKPR and president of the
unfussy pieces in her signature black colour palette
Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Canada board saves
that are easy to style and will look fresh even when
each one of her purchases instead of sending them
she has to run directly from a flight to a meeting.
out on consignment. That means her wardrobe has
It was this desire for simplicity that made Koifman’s
become a shrine to high-end gowns, studded jackets
newest project feel like “a natural evolution.”
and glittering stilettos. “They’re like art for me,” she
Launching in September, ShopNK (shopnk.ca) is an
says. “I can pull each one out of my closet and have
e-commerce platform with a conscience that will have
that memory of when I wore it and how it made me
shoppable editorial content in three categories – style,
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beauty and entertaining. Each item will be well-made and expertly sourced to streamline the experience of dressing, grooming or styling the home. It might even put the spotlight on an up-and-coming brand that could use a little exposure. And because giving back is integral to Koifman’s values, a portion of each sale will go to one of five charities that are important to her: Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary, G(irls)20, Artists for Peace and Justice and St. Felix Centre and Best Buddies. The twist: The customer gets to pick. “It will make them think, ‘Do I care about animal causes? Do I care about empowering women? Do I care about giving back to the world on a global level?’” says Koifman. She hopes the shop will inspire the next generation to think about the impact of their spending and how they can make a difference in the areas that matter most to them. And they’ll support Canadian brands at the same time. With the first drop, shoppers will be able to peruse a collaboration between Lise Watier and custom-leather brand, Namesake, featuring makeup products that work from day to night. The site will also showcase a round-up of lifestyle items from Thirty Six Knots, one of Koifman’s favourite shops. “It’s at Yonge and Summerhill in Toronto and I always pop in after I do a workout at Ultimate Athletics or SpinCo,” she says. “It’s a furniture store, but they also make the best cortados on the planet. They have these incredible tealight holders for $6. How can you beat that?” In the style category, ShopNK will offer a cashmere modal crewneck, hoodie and oversized scarf from Line Knitwear, a season-less made-to-order blazer designed by Koifman’s tailor of the last decade and a kimono from the luxury resort-wear brand Ciao Sea. “Ciao Sea is a client. We decided to do the kimono because I fell in love with their pink-and-black version, but I asked if I could have it in all-black. I can wear it as a duster over jeans during the day, and then I can take off my jeans and wear it as a dress. I don’t have to go home and change.” The online shop will officially launch during TIFF 2019 with a four-day pop-up at the IT House x Producers Ball with Drew and Jonathan Scott—the NKPR-run destination that’s home to unique programming such as the Producers Ball Gala, the Rolling Stone Celebrity Portrait Studio and activations by global brands. Then going forward, Koifman plans to launch new items whenever the mood strikes. “What I love about retail today is that you can do a drop at any time,” she says. “It’s about surprising and delighting people, not about having tons of quantity. Once it’s sold out, it’s sold out and we won’t re-release it.” This drop formula will recreate the feeling that Koifman experiences every time she welcomes a designer piece into her wardrobe or makes memories by wearing it on a special occasion. “Clothing gives you this opportunity to feel happiness,” she says, and she hopes that ShopNK will do the same— and change the world for the better in the process. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 45
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218 Merton St., Toronto | 416.479.4499
10815 Bathurst St., Richmond Hill | 905.770.8742
Burlington | Waterloo | London | Ottawa
shophauser.com Untitled-2 1
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Travel
NEW PARIS HOTEL BY J.K. PLACE J.K, PLACE, the luxury Italian boutique hotel brand known for its extremely personalized service, is set to open a location in Paris. Located strategically in the residential and unique Rive Gauche next to the Museè d’Orsay, this urban retreat will feature Casa Tua Restaurant, which also has locations in Miami Beach and Aspen. Architect Michele Bonan has masterfully designed every detail of this Italian/ Parisian home, replicating the unique timeless décor of J.K.Places in Rome, Capri, and Florence. jkplace.paris
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TRAVEL
Philippe Starck-Designed Lily of the Valley opens on Saint-Tropez Peninsula
A
STUNNING PROPERTY just a short 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez, featuring breathtaking views of the sea opened recently. Set on the coastline in La Croix Valmer, Lily of the Valley is a year-round wellness sanctuary (many resorts in this area are seasonal). From its position on a hill surrounded by protected nature reserves, it’s just a few steps to the sandy, five-kilometre Gigaro Beach. Guestrooms and suites were designed by renowned architect Phillipe Starck, with all buildings blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. At the heart of the hotel is a wellness centre with steam rooms, a snow-shower, sauna, health-focused restaurant with vegan and vegetarian options, and swimming pool. The wellness offerings range from detox programs to energy treatments and immersive sport and yoga retreats. The hotel has just 38 rooms and six suites with private terraces overlooking the sea. lilyofthevalley.com
Four Seasons’ new perch in Philadelphia
ON THE UPPERMOST floors of the city’s tallest building – and tenth highest in the United States – the all-new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia is now open. “This exceptional new property represents the very best of Four Seasons. From architecture to design, artistry and innovation, culinary mastery and wellness expertise, we have worked closely with our visionary partners at Comcast and Liberty Property Trust to assemble an allstar team of virtuosos who are elevating Four Seasons service, quality and artistry to new heights,” says Christian Clerc,
president, Worldwide Hotel Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The new hotel is located between the building’s 48th and 60th storeys, with each of the 180 rooms and 39 suites boasting floor-to-ceiling views of the city. Michelin starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has chosen Four Seasons for his Philadelphia debut, literally taking his place at the top of the city’s dining scene with the 59th floor Jean-Georges Philadelphia and the 60th floor JG SkyHigh cocktail bar. fourseasons.com
MORE GOURMET ON AIR CANADA FLIGHTS CANADIAN CHEF Antonio Park is designing “destination inspired” meals for Air Canada on select flights to Asia and South America. “We’re thrilled to continue showcasing the very best of Canadian talent with Chef Park joining our team of celebrated chefs. Apart from elevating our customers’ dining experience with destination inspired creations on Asian and South American flights, we chose to partner with Chef Park due to his passion for promoting the Canadian culinary scene and his appreciation for fresh ingredients and sustainability,” said Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada. Park joins Air Canada’s panel of Canadian culinary and wine talent who have designed food and wine options including Chef David Hawksworth, who creates signature dishes featured on Air Canada flights worldwide in Signature Class, and the Air Canada Signature Suite; Véronique Rivest, the company’s sommelier and Chef Vikram Vij, whose inspired Indian dishes are presented in all cabins of service on Air Canada’s flights to India from Toronto and Vancouver. This culinary partnership adds to the company’s Air Canada Signature Service, an endto-end premium experience that features a five-star dining experience at the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite at Toronto-Pearson International airport and best-in-class premium pre-flight and inflight experiences across the company’s network.
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THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
IS WAY MORE FUN.
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW 2019 RANGER
Combining our legendary Ford toughness with our latest available off-road tech, the all-new Ranger has what it takes to squeeze the last drop of fun out of every adventure.
FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT FORD.CA/RANGER © 2019 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.
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TRAVEL
SERENITY IN ST. KITTS by HOLLY CRAWFORD
ON THE TINY ISLAND OF ST. KITTS, WE FIND A TRANQUIL OASIS OFFERING NOT JUST LUXURY STYLE AND SERVICE, BUT SERENITY, SOLITUDE AND AUTHENTIC CHARM TOO.
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The Rampart Pool at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour is adults-only and has a secluded feel with the large limestone walls creating private spaces. The architectural detail is a nod to the historic Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I
T’S WITH very satisfying anticipation that I step from the plane and onto the tarmac in St. Kitts. You see, I’ve visited before, and on this trip, I’m looking forward to a delicious combination of places I’ve experienced before and can’t wait to see again, and new places, said to be well worth the wait. The first blast of warm, humid air that washes over you when you land in a Caribbean destination, is like a cleansing treatment. The chill of Toronto is now far behind us, and
it’s just a few steps to the first of one of those experiences I’ve been waiting to enjoy again. This one is the ultra-luxe, ultra-VIP treatment that starts directly from the flight as I am met by a driver, and quickly ensconced in a private car for the short—a few hundred yards—drive to the KayanJet Private Terminal. We are greeted by name, luggage is loaded and passports passed on to airport security, while we are deposited in the KayanJet lounge. Here, we are quickly greeted with a chilly glass of Champagne and find ourselves settled in plush surroundings as their private chef brings us his tasty creations of the day. There will be no security line or customs for this girl—not to mention potentially horrifying air terminal restrooms or refreshments. KayanJet is fully outfitted for even the most demanding traveller, or hectic travel schedule. For leisure travellers, this certainly sets the tone to unwind. The relaxing begins from the moment you step from the plane: gourmet drinks and snacks, entertainment, WIFI, welcoming surroundings and no standing in the arrivals line. The KayanJet lounge is almost too good to leave, but as the last drops from the bottle of Moet are poured, I look forward to the next stop, one I have been waiting for. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, along Frigate Bay Road and then along the winding Dr. Kennedy A. Simmons Highway, to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 51
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TRAVEL
The view from the outdoor dining area at the Great House, the main dining space at Park Hyatt St. Kitts. The island of Nevis and Nevis Peak is always in full view.
The airport is located in the “busier” part of the island and the
colonial nod, true to the history of the island. Low slung, nothing
larger land mass, near the capital city of Basseterre. The route to the
more than two-storeys, and tucked in a long curve following the
Park Hyatt and the area known as Christophe Harbour is along a
shoreline. Polished woods meet sandy tones, and everywhere is that
narrow stretch rising high out of the sea, the road twisting its way
view, all the spaces planned to take full advantage of Nevis Peak
along rocky outcroppings to reveal ocean vistas at each turn. It’s here
across the Bay.
that the lush green island of St. Kitts reveals itself, nestled like an
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour has just 126 rooms, 48
emerald jewel in the sea of clear blue water that surrounds it. St. Kitts
of those suites. After check-in accompanied by a traditional, and
is one of the Leeward Islands, one of the dots of land in a string that
delicious, rum punch it’s a short ride in a golf cart to what I will call
separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s home to
home for the next few days. And what a home it is.
about 35,000 Kittitians, as they are known, on its 65 square miles.
The second-floor suite’s view surely can’t be bested in the hotel:
Just down Cockleshell Bay Road, our final destination: the still
it looks over the Rampart Pool below (secluded and adults only),
new Park Hyatt snuggled up against Banana Bay with a jaw-dropping
across the Lagoon Pool and beach over the ocean to Nevis Peak, its
view of Nevis.
tip brushed by clouds.
The Park Hyatt opened at the end of 2017, and boasts full, luxury,
I’ve checked into a Nevis Peak Suite with Plunge Pool, 725 square-
five-star facilities, amenities and service—just as you would expect at
feet and an additional 615 square-foot private deck. The room
any Park Hyatt property. Here on the tiny island nation of St. Kitts
features a king bed, soaker tub, very large rain shower, separate living
and Nevis though, there is the addition of the genuinely friendly
area with dinette, Nespresso machine and Le Labo bath amenities
hospitality of local Kittitians.
(ooh la la).
When I last visited, this was very much a project in the works.
The entire suite faces that incredible view via floor-to-ceiling glass.
A beautiful dream, explained with a flourish of a hand over a bit of
From the living room, access to a private terrace and plunge pool,
land and it’s one-in-a-million view. Now, it’s truly the vision it was
boasting even better—if possible—views, and a stunning secluded
meant to be. An airy combination of contemporary design with a
oasis with ample space for relaxing in the sun.
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A suite at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour.
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All rooms and suites at the Park Hyatt look out on Banana Bay and enjoy a great view. The top-of-the-line Presidential Villa includes a private sundeck and rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views. The hotel has two pools as well as direct beach access; one adultsonly with lovely architectural details that are a nod to the history of St. Kitts and the other a family friendly option. For the ultimate poolside experience, book a private cabana. For a moderate fee you can add a stocked refrigerator, fruit plate, signature cocktails or afternoon tea. If you can pry yourself away from the pool and the view, the Miraval Life in Balance Spa is set just behind the rooms and suites. The spa features nine treatment rooms and a selection of body and facial treatments and massages including the Miraval St. Kitts exclusive Fire Stone Massage. It’s a serene space with a 24-hour health club on one side, and on the other, the one-of-a-kind Sugar Mill offers a tranquil location for yoga and meditation.
IF YOU GO
Visit Basseterre, the oldest town in the Eastern Caribbean. See elements of French and British colonization and check out the Berkeley Memorial and Independence Square. Climb Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park and experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history and views from the ramparts. It’s a bit of a walk up the hillside (wear proper footwear) but offers an incredible vantage point and panoramic vistas of mountains, cultivated fields, the historical township of Sandy Point, and neighbouring islands. Learn about Batik at historic Romney Manor, home to Caribelle Batik. Take a tour and watch Batik pieces being created and browse the onsite shop. Don’t miss exploring the incredible grounds and gardens and the 400-year-old Saman tree.
Taste island rum at Fairview Great House with a tasting of St. Kitts’ own Brinley Shipwreck Gold Rum. Tour the 300-year-old restored French plantation house to see how it was used over the centuries. Period furnishings, kitchen, chapel, bathhouse and two-and-half-acres of botanical gardens. Get in the swing at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, regarded as one of the most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean. About 15 minutes away from Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Watch the sunset with a craft cocktail at Salt Plage. Located near the still-new development of Christophe Harbour—a worldclass mega-yacht marina and marina village—Salt Plage is the coolest spot on the island to order a drink and watch the sun dip beneath the sea.
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A view from Turtle Beach with Nevis is the distance.
The 17th hole at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.
The Berkeley Memorial in The Circus, in the capital city of Basseterre.
St. John’s Capisterre Anglican Church, one of many historic buildings dotting the island.
Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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SCHUMACHER X WILLIAMS-SONOMA COLLAB Iconic design house Schumacher has partnered with Williams-Sonoma to release a collection of homewares in some of their most popular patterns. The exclusive line features highly detailed versions of Schumacher patterns including signature ikats, Chiang Mai Dragon, Bixi Dragon, Chinois Fret and Scallop Filigree on everything from dinner plates to ginger jars. We love the breath of fiery colour these pieces bring to fall tabletops. From $60 for four appetizer plates; williams-sonoma.ca
Food AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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FOOD
MEET MALFY, THE AMALFI-INSPIRED PREMIUM GIN
D
BY CHLOE OPENING FIRST CANADIAN LOCATION IN TORONTO
WITH DINERS looking for more plant-based options, the opening of by Chloe seems perfectly timed. A Toronto location will be the first Canadian outpost of the “plant-based, fast casual” restaurant. After successful openings in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Providence and London, the resto is growing along with the demand for plant-based dining. The Toronto location, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, will be the 16th by Chloe location since the original opened its doors in New York’s West Village in 2015. Shown: The Guac Burger with a black bean-quinoa-sweet potato patty. Opening late September; eatbychloe.com
SEE YOU AT FOODBALL
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE WINS WINERY OF THE YEAR
ISTILLED USING ITALIAN METHODS dating back to the 11th century along with botanicals and Mosivo Water from Crissolo Spring in Italy, Malfy is now available in Canada. “We are delighted to introduce Malfy to our Canadian customers. Premium gin is growing more and more popular, and we are excited to offer this high-quality brand to all gin lovers out there,” says Valerie Brive-Turtle, director of communications, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited. Malfy is considered a premium spirit, with four varieties inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Each is made from the finest ingredients including juniper from Tuscany, coastal-grown lemons, rhubarb, Sicilian blood oranges and Sicilian pink grapefruits. lcbo.com for locations.
MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE just collected the coveted “Winery of the Year” title at the 2019 WineAlign National Wine Awards. More than 1,800 wines were entered from 259 wineries across Canada. In addition to the “Winery of the Year” title, Mission Hill collected 18 medals in the competition, including two Platinum Medals, six Gold Medals and seven Silver Medals for its portfolio of luxury wines. Presented by WineAlign, the National Wine Awards of Canada is the nation’s largest and most prestigious wine competition. “The ‘Winery of the Year’ designation is as big as it gets in Canadian wine,” says David Lawrason, co-chairman of the National Wine Awards. “We are very impressed that the performance of Mission Hill Family Estate led all others in 2019 with an incredible 18 medals. Never in the history of this competition has a winning winery amassed such an array of medals that range across wine styles, grape varieties and price points.” A complete listing of medal winners is available at winealign.com/awards
TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for the inaugural FoodBall, an epic foodie fundraiser in support of the Sinai Health Foundation. More than 40 acclaimed chefs from around the world will descend on the City to cook alongside Toronto kitchen all-stars for a one-night only event. Each chef will highlight their culinary style with innovative canapes and chef stations at Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Friday, October 4; only 600 tickets available from $199 for general admission; foodball.ca
58
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AT T H E C O R N E R H O U S E
ROMANCE
501 Davenport Rd, Toronto flordesalrestaurant.ca info@flordesalrestaurant.ca
OF FINE DINING Modern cuisine influenced by the foods of Southern Europe
/flordesalrestaurant Hugo Saenz, Chef Cristina da Costa, Owner
416.923.2604
WINE
TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH WASHINGTON STATE by MICHAEL PINKUS
ALL 50 STATES in the United States
Valley, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven
if the opportunity presented itself [to
produce wine in one form or another,
Hills, Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley
grow grapes or make wine] but I think
meaning they are either growing their
and Rattlesnake Hills, with more than
we’ve been doing a good job since we
own grapes, fruit or materials for wine
58,000 acres under vine producing
started in 1981.”
making, or they are bringing them in
some 17.5 million cases annually. It
“My father moved the family up
from somewhere else (most notably
is said that a new winery opens up in
to Washington in 1976,” says John
California) … all 50 states. It used to be
Washington State every 30 days.
R. Bookwalter, “he ended up being
These are the numbers that tell
classes: “Which state does NOT make
the story of the way Washington has
wine?” The answer was Alaska, but that
been growing by leaps and bounds –
“I moved up [to Washington] from
is no longer the case, or a question I can
but there is another part of the wine
Napa Valley in 2005 for my ex-husband
ask. That said, there are but a handful
world that statistics plays no part in:
and job,” Erica Orr, consultant and
of states that make enough wine to
the people. Having visited and tasted
winemaker of her own eponymous
garner national or even international
through the state, I could wax poetic
wine brand Orr Wines, “there weren’t
attention. California would be number
about my adventures – but it’s probably
a lot of people with my training, so I
one on everyone’s hit parade, Oregon
better to let the people that know the
started my own wine lab and enology
and New York would also make that
place best introduce you to what makes
consulting business.”
list in terms of quality and quantity
it such a special place that you should
respectively … but the place your
be paying attention to.
in the state.”
“[I went to school] in Avignon, France for my four-year study of
current wine wanderlust should be
My recent excursion put me in touch
viticulture and winemaking. I signed
looking towards is Washington State.
with the characters associated with
up for a one-year internship at a
And while the industry is still quite
Washington wines right now, from the
winery in the Yakima Valley in 1994,
young they are poised to grab the
pioneers like Rick Small of Woodward
fell in love with the Pacific Northwest
quality wine making, and growing,
Canyon and Casey McClellan of Seven
and its potential to make world class
mantle away from California – if only
Hills Winery, to sons of pioneers like
wines,” says Gilles Nicault, director of
we’d just give them the chance … and
John R. Bookwalter of J. Bookwalter
winemaking and viticulture at Long
you should.
Wines. Let me introduce you to my cast
Shadows Vintners.
By the numbers Washington State TOP Golden autumn colours on grape vines, Columbia River Gorge. MIDDLE Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, Klipsun Vineyards, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley wine region. ABOVE Columbia Crest vineyards, Horse Heaven Hills. OPPOSITE PAGE Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla.
one of the pioneer growers of grapes
a trivia question I would ask my wine
of characters in their own words.
All tell a unique yet similar story
looks like this: they rank second for
“My family has farmed in eastern
that comes from passion, potential
premium wine production, and for an
Washington since the 1800s,” says
and positivity of the area that makes
industry that re-found its legs in the
Casey McClellan, “we entered into
Washington State such a great place to
’60s and ’70s they certainly have been
grape growing in the early ’80s, and
grow grapes and make wine.
growing quickly. There are 970-plus
began making wine in 1988.”
“It is the near perfect collision of
wineries in operation (and growing)
“I’m from eastern Washington …
weather in the broader sense, latitude,
with more than 350 grape growers
fifth generation in the Walla Walla
soil and the freedom to plant, grow
growing almost 70 different varieties
Valley, my kids will be sixth and my
and farm however we see fit to best
of grapes with a 59 to 41 per cent
grandchildren seventh,” reports Rick
exercise the potential of our grapes/
breakdown of red to white. There are
Small, who hopes those grand kids
wines whatever those varieties might
14 American Viticulture Areas (AVA)
will want to continue in the family
be,” says Bookwalter.
so far (aka: defined growing regions
business. “There was never another
“There is a good sense of discovery
within the state) including Columbia
place that I would have chosen even
and building something that is unique
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and exciting,” says McClellan about
all Washington has to offer – trust me
what makes Washington so special.
you won’t be disappointed, not in the
“We have long growing days with
least, which is why they have started a
an impressive diurnal temperature shift
marketing campaign calling themselves
which does allow our nights to cool
“The New Epicenter of Wine.”
down. This in turn helps us retain acid
Now, I’m not telling you to forget all
and keep our wines fresher and more
about your California wines, but I can
balanced,” Rick Small says, answering
tell you to put Washington State wines
the same question.
on your radar so when things hit and hit
“In addition to the hot and dry
big, you aren’t left behind wondering
conditions the region is prone to wind
“where did they come from?” because
and because of these [factors, the
you were already in the know and on
disease pressure], like mildew, is very
the cutting edge of the big boom.
low,” adds Nicault. Orr sees things from the Californian’s perspective: “we are able to achieve ripeness with many different varietals, from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon, so we can produce many different styles of wine here, which is a bit of a blessing and a curse at the same time.” Surprisingly, or maybe not, the grapes most loved by all these winemakers and principals is Cabernet Sauvignon – the grape that inspires them all. But Washington isn’t comfortable or willing to just sit on its newfound laurels, they are ready to push boundaries and change minds … but what’s next for the state willing to take on California for winemaking supremacy in the hearts and minds of wine drinkers? WASHINGTON STATE WINE COURTESY OF ANDRÉA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Bookwalter
does
not
see
Washington’s next step as just one thing, but as a broader step. “Slow but
steady
regional
awareness
for
high-quality wine production.” While Erica Orr, even though she is one of those
Cabernet
Sauvignon-lovers,
wants to see a different shift in focus. “I’d like to see the pendulum shift a skosh towards medium-bodied reds (Merlot, Grenache, even Tempranillo). Red wines with freshness and lift that together with food make everything taste more delicious,” she says. Whatever the events that are to unfold for Washington State one thing is for certain – these passionate and committed winemakers continue to make excellent wines worthy of not only purchasing but a visit to experience
Here are some Washington wines here in, or coming to, Ontario; and a few worth seeking out via any means necessary (mail / travel / hook or crook).
CHARLES SMITH 2017 KUNG FU GIRL RIESLING
$16.95, #394759 A state known for Cab and Merlot can also make some pretty appealing Riesling. This one is slightly sweet but with lovely crispness of minerality and acidity helping to raise up the delicious apple and pear notes. ✰✰✰ +
CHARLES SMITH 2016 MERLOT, THE VELVET DEVIL
$16.95, #394742 There’s a little of this and a little of that peppered into this 89 per cent Merlot (including Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), but ultimately, it’s the Merlot that shines through with its blueberry skin and black cherry appeal. ✰✰✰
CHARLES SMITH 2017 SUBSTANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$23.95, coming soon Smooth and silky version of Cabernet with lots of upfront black cherry and spice; tannins appear on the finish as more mocha and cocoa than dried tea leaves. ✰✰✰
PENDULUM WINERY 2016 RED
$24.95, #46300, coming early 2020 Merlot, Syrah and Malbec make up this blend that has an appealing creamy smooth mouthfeel, is loaded with sweet fruit, smoky bacon, white pepper and dark chocolate. ✰✰✰✰
PENDULUM WINERY 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$24.95, #533711, coming early 2020 Pure silkiness across the tongue with its profile of chocolate, mocha, black cherry, black currants and a subtle coffee finish, polished off with just a touch of white smoke. ✰✰✰✰+
SEVEN FALLS CELLARS 2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$21.95, #360222 Smoky yet smooth with subtle notes of sweet fruit intermingling with vanilla – a real sipping pleasure. ✰✰✰ +
COLUMBIA CREST 2016 H3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$19.95, #210047 There’s a little bit of spice here that might come between you and your soft lush fruit, but let it sit open for about 20 minutes and you’ll just be left with the fruit. ✰✰✰
DOUBLE CANYON 2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$29.95, #131888, coming October Raspberry, cherry, strawberry and red currant notes all make an appearance along with some subtle spices and a definite shake of pepper. ✰✰✰ +
The Best From Our Cast of Characters – the wines you need to search out elsewhere:
J. BOOKWALTER 2016 CABERNET FRANC “SUSPENSE”
They soften this one with about 15 per cent Merlot and it’s a real beauty with its floral, tobacco, cassis, black cherry, black raspberry and even a hint of herbal. ✰✰✰✰+
SEVEN HILLS 2015 CIEL DE CHEVAL VINEYARD RED
Cabernet Sauvignon is the lion’s share of this wine followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot: the fruit is all dark cherry with hints of mint some cranberry and spices to bring that sweet fruit back to earth. ✰✰✰✰+
LONG SHADOWS 2016 FEATHER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This powerhouse Cab will not let you down because it also shows elements of grace and elegance that will come with time: red and dark fruit with a silky smooth mid-palate but with tannins that need time to mellow, this one is for the cellar. ✰✰✰✰
✰✰✰✰✰ = Outstanding ✰✰✰✰ = Excellent ✰✰✰✰ = Very Good ✰✰✰ = Good + The wine offers a bonus but not enough to go to the next level.
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TheCIVIC
CRITIQUE
REVAMPED MENU AIMS TO PLEASE DINERS’ PALATES AS MUCH AS THE CIVIC’S DESIGN PLEASES THE EYE
A
FTER a reported $24-million
subtly flavoured with black truffle. Lightly
renovation to the red brick
Cooked Scallops, are indeed served to the
Romanesque Revival building
right temperature and not overdone, as is
in the City’s east end, The
so often the case. They are plated with tiny
Broadview Hotel was born, the owners
shavings of cauliflower, and while the splash
hoping it would become a community hub
of pure white adds to the aesthetic quality,
and hotspot. It was quickly praised for an
I can’t quite find any care for it in terms of
historically sensitive reno, and for having
taste or texture. The Heritage Hen Egg served
one of the most spectacular views in the
with peas, ham, asparagus and arugula pesto
City from its rooftop bar. That was the
is beautiful to look at and to eat.
summer of 2017. Lightly Cooked Scallops with cauliflower and sherry vinaigrette.
Just two years later, the food and beverage
Among the mains the standout is the Pastured
Chicken.
Served
with
white
program at The Broadview, and it’s dining
asparagus and some confit chicken meat,
room The Civic, have undergone a revamp
it’s brought together with a slightly sweet
by new Executive Chef Richard Singh.
Madeira cream sauce. The chicken skin is
Singh attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary
perfectly crispy, a lovely foil to the rich
Arts Institute in Ottawa and went on to
sauce. Roasted Wild Halibut with coco
establish his career working at highly-
blanco beans hits all the right notes in terms
regarded restaurants including Michelin-
of flavour, but arrives slightly overdone for
starred Noma in Copenhagen, Alinea in
my taste.
Chicago, The Fat Duck in England and Per Se in New York. He returned to Toronto, working with The Chase Hospitality Group and then the Shangri-La Hotel before joining The Broadview Hotel earlier this year. The revamped menu at The Civic aims to embrace seasonal flavours and ingredients, Sunchoke Soup is poured table side.
using Chef Singh’s fresh approach. The Civic has an interior that’s easy to love. Lots of detail, industrial-style fused with sumptuous banquettes, bold wallpaper and brass fittings. The menu is smallish: among the mains one each of beef, pork, chicken, and pasta and two fish. A half dozen apps, and the same number of small sides to accompany the mains. The highlight among the appetizers is the Sunchoke Soup, it’s creamy and satisfying;
LOCATION 106 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
DÉCOR A fusion of old and new, industrial and chic
FOOD Canadian, with a heavy influence on local producers
CHEF Executive Chef Richard Singh took over the kitchen earlier this year
DRINKS Sommelier curated wine pairing suggestion is offered with each dish on the menu
thebroadviewhotel.ca
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Culture
THE 14TH ANNUAL Nuit Blanche Toronto will fill the city’s streets with nearly 90 contemporary art projects created by more than 300 local, national and international artists starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5. This year’s event will present two City of Toronto-produced, curated exhibitions in Scarborough and at Fort York, and a large-scale artist installation at Nathan Phillips Square will be presented under the event-wide theme, Continuum. Nuit Blanche art projects will be clustered into nine easy-to-navigate neighbourhoods to make exploring the event more efficient. The nine Nuit Neighbourhoods are Scarborough, Don Mills, East Danforth, Bloor-Yorkville, Waterfront, Downtown, Sterling Road, West Queen West and Fort York. The full event map is available at toronto.ca/nuitblanche
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CULTURE
RAOUL artist profile
DEPICTIONS OF TORONTO STREETSCAPES EARN THIS FORMER ANIMATOR A PLACE IN THE CITY’S OFFICIAL ART COLLECTION
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OLOU
PHOTO WALTER SEGERS, SOKO NEGASH
by SHERRY SMITHER
8/26/19 7:16 PM
A
AS SOON AS the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair opened, business was brisk for painter Raoul Olou.
“My paintings were moving pretty fast, I sold two in the first
hour, then three more. People came in and started asking about my work, especially about a crane painting,” says Olou. “The crane was at Dufferin and Queen Street where there used to be a lot of artist spaces that have been turned into condos and I wanted to document it. I made that, and there’s another painting of a crane that’s standing by itself and I called it, Former Honest Ed that was literally at the location where Honest Ed’s was,” explains Olou. “It’s interesting to show what is happening right now and I explained that to them.” It turned out that one of people inquiring about Olou’s crane
painting was Neil Brochu, curator of the City of Toronto Art Collection. The trio was going from booth to booth making pre-selections for the City of Toronto Mayor’s Purchase Award, presented at the annual art fair. Olou didn’t expect anything to come of it, until Mayor Tory stopped by. “After I explained what my work was about and where I was working at the moment, he was really interested in the painting of the crane in front of Honest Ed’s.” Olou laughs as he remembers one of Mayor Tory’s jokes. “Don’t you know, the official bird of the City of Toronto is the crane,” Olou recalls. “Yes, they are everywhere,” says the artist. “To me, it’s very important to document how the city is changing.” Brochu returned to Olou’s booth later that day to congratulate him on winning the Mayor’s Purchase Award and to let him know they were buying three of his paintings: Coincidence? but not really, depicting a box truck in a scene after dark; Former Honest Ed, the construction site where Honest Ed’s store was located; and I can see the moon from here, capturing the area where artist studios once stood. Each award-winning painting is 8-inches by-10 inches, oil and acrylic on panel. “I was so excited,” says Olou. “When I delivered the paintings, Neil said they hadn’t decided where they will be displayed, but he will find a place in City Hall in the fall.” Olou’s paintings are now part of the City of Toronto Art Collection, displaying about 2,600 pieces in buildings across Toronto. July was a busy month for Olou, as soon as he packed up at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair; he had to prepare for his exhibit, An Index, at
PHOTO WALTER SEGERS, SOKO NEGASH
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) July 25 until September 8, 2019. Olou is one of 30 artists selected by the Akin Studio Program for their residency at MOCA that encourages artists to interact and share their expertise.
ABOVE “Curtia” LEFT Olou painting a small study for a portrait commission. OPPOSITE PAGE Raoul Olou with “Melina” a seven-foot oil on canvas piece, part of an ongoing series exploring hierarchy, belonging and invisible labour in artistic spaces. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 67
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CULTURE
“It was pretty intense because the week before the show I had taken part in the art fair, so I was still working to finish pieces for that and for the show at MOCA. I was planning to do a small 24-inches by 36-inches painting, but since I almost sold out of all my paintings at the fair, I was left with almost nothing, I had to restart a new piece.” Olou had little time to prepare for the installation for An Index, but decided to create a seven-foot painting, Melina, a portrait of the museum art worker who previously worked with him during their residency. The painting is part of his ongoing series exploring hierarchy, belonging and invisible labour in artistic spaces. “In my head it made sense. I was so energized by the art fair and the direction of my work, I felt I had to make something massive and push myself,” says Olou. “I really like to exercise on speed, I don’t like spending too much time on a piece. This took seven days, working 10 hours a day.” Olou knew he wanted to paint a portrait of Melina but didn’t want something too staged. “One day when we were finishing our shift and were walking downstairs, I said, ‘Ohhhh do that move again’ and I took the photo.” From that image he painted the portrait. Although Olou’s background is in film and animation, he sees himself as an artist and a documentarian. “I like to take a record of things, that’s why I wanted to paint the art worker. There won’t be a museum without workers, they are very important but oftentimes when you go to the museum, you won’t notice those people. Painting is my way to document that dynamic,” he says. Approached by Toronto Freedom School, a three-week program teaching Black children about their Canadian heritage, Olou made Africville, a moving six-minute animated film, documenting the displaced Black community of Bedford Basin, Halifax. The group was ultimately forced out of their homes by city officials in the 1960s. Rather than focus on the hardships residents faced, Olou calls attention to the beauty of the people and their accomplishments over the years. in London, New York and Paris, where Olou studied animation. Paris was the first place he really learned about the art scene. “Animation is such a rigorous art form and living in Paris taught me how to be demanding of my work,” he says. Eight years later, Olou left Paris for Montreal, looking to bring new life into his animation. “I was working in animation, but I felt burnt out. When I moved to Toronto, I started painting when I met my mentor, Keita Morimoto and took classes at Studio West, which was only two-and-a-half years ago,” Olou says. “With animation, I had to give life to something on the computer and I felt depleted. With painting, I feel energized,” he says. “I literally have 12-hour days, but I have so much energy. It’s hard to explain with painting – I feel so much love!”
For more information: raoulolou.com; raoulolou@gmail.com; @instagram.com/raoul_o
PHOTOS WALTER SEGERS
WITH ANIMATION, I HAD TO GIVE LIFE TO SOMETHING ON THE COMPUTER AND I FELT DEPLETED. WITH PAINTING, I FEEL ENERGIZED.
The multi-talented artist left his birthplace of Senegal at 17 to work
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PHOTOS WALTER SEGERS
TOP LEFT “Dream House” oil and acrylic on panel, eight-inches by ten-inches. TOP RIGHT “Tina the poet” oil and acrylic on panel, eight-inches by ten-inches. BOTTOM LEFT “The fire this time” oil and acrylic on canvas 30-inches by 40-inches, part of Art with Heart 2019 Collection. BOTTOM RIGHT “Light, Hope and everything in between” 16-inches by 20-inches oil and acrylic on panel. OPPOSITE PAGE “Coincidence? but not really” oil and acrylic on panel, eight-inches by ten-inches. Winner of 2019 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair Mayor’s Purchase Award. AUTUMN 2019 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA 69
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CULTURE
Girl From The North Country will make its Canadian debut at The Royal Alexandra Theatre in September.
ON STAGE
T
HOM YORKE has enjoyed a hugely successful career as a singer with RADIOHEAD, one of the most critically and commercially-praised bands in recent memory. While he’s likely best known for his work with the seminal group, Yorke isn’t one to shy away from exploring his
The Tony Award-winning musical The Band’s Visit will have its Canadian premiere at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in September. Shown: George Abud, Harvey Valdes, Ossama Farouk, Sam Sadigursky and Garo Yellin.
by CHRIS CLAY
through ticketmonster.com. Other
concerts
happening
at
Budweiser
Stage
worth
checking out include OF MONSTERS AND MEN (September 11), RASCAL FLATTS (September 12), OUR LADY PEACE (September 15), DANIEL CAESAR (September 29) and WILCO (October 8).
own musical pursuits and will bring his solo tour to
For those who love the stage, the Tony Award-winning musical
Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on September 27. Yorke
The Band’s Visit comes to the Ed Mirvish Theatre for a run from
released the solo studio album Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes
September 17 to October 20. The show, which won a 2018 Tony for
in 2014 and also crafted the score for the 2018 horror
Best Musical, tells the whimsical tale of a lost band that stumbles
film Suspiria. The best news about the upcoming tour?
upon a small town and infuses it with new life through music. The
Yorke will play new music as part of it. Tickets can be
upcoming run is the show’s Canadian premiere. Tickets start at $49.
purchased through Ticketmaster.
They can be purchased by calling the box office at 416.872.1212 or
The venerable and Grammy Award-winning band
by visiting TicketKing.com.
FLEETWOOD MAC will also be coming to the Scotiabank Arena and
The Girl From The North Country will also make its Canadian
have a concert on November 1. Wondering about the lineup? Well,
debut when it arrives in Toronto for a run from September 28 to
it’s staples Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Christine
November 24 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Set in Minnesota in
McVie along with newcomers Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.
the 1930s, it follows a group of impoverished and down-on-their-
Fleetwood Mac has rattled off a string of hits including “Dreams
luck people struggling to get their lives in order. Music from icon
and Little Lies,” sold more than 100 million records and earned
BOB DYLAN’S songbook is woven throughout the musical that is
an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets can be
filled with hope, heartbreak and soul. Tickets start at $39. They can
purchased through Ticketmaster.
be purchased by calling the box office at 416.872.1212 or by visiting
If you enjoy more pop than rock, THE JONAS BROTHERS hit
TicketKing.com.
Scotiabank Arena on November 26. The trio had been broken up
Considering that recreational cannabis was made legal in Canada
for several years before suddenly reuniting and releasing the new
earlier this year, it feels appropriate that two of the biggest names
track “Sucker” back in the spring. It debuted at number one on
associated with marijuana culture are coming to Roy Thomson Hall.
the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Just a few months later, they released
CHEECH & CHONG are bringing their O Cannabis Tour to Toronto
their fifth studio album Happiness Begins. Tickets can be purchased
on September 22 and are ready to celebrate the country’s new
through Ticketmaster.
legislation with a night of comedy. Many will know the duo from
Budweiser Stage is going old school with a concert on September 10 featuring a pair of big names from the 1990s and 2000s rap and R&B game. Multiple Grammy Award-winner MARY J. BLIGE and
their series of movies including Up In Smoke. Tickets are $75 to $125 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 416.872.4255. It’s been almost three years since famed Canadian singer and
the Grammy-nominated NAS are teaming up for the concert in
songwriter GORD DOWNIE appeared on the Roy Thomson Hall
Toronto. Blige has released more than a dozen albums throughout
stage to perform his album Secret Path. Although Downie has sadly
her career and has sold more than 80 million records. Nas released
passed, Secret Path Live returns for a performance on October 19. The
his most recent album Nasir last year. Tickets can be purchased
album helped tell the story of Chanie Wenjack, a young Anishinaabe
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boy who died after fleeing an Indian residential school in the 1960s. The upcoming show will celebrate Indigenous history and commemorate the lives of both Downie and Wenjack. Tickets are $75 to $500 and can be purchased through the box office. Over at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, author and humourist DAVID SEDARIS will perform on October 11. Known for his sharp satire and clever wit, Sedaris will spend the evening sharing new stories and observations. There will also be a question-and-answer session with the audience and a book signing. He released his most recent book Calypso in 2018 and it’s billed as a deeply personal and darkly hilarious collection. Tickets cost $45.39 to $60.39 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 1.855.872.7669. If you love THE B-52S then you won’t want to miss their fortieth anniversary tour when it comes to the Sony Centre on September 13. Fans of many generations know and love their music including hits and catchy singles such as “Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster.” It’s hard to
Downtown Toronto Saks Food Hall 176 Yonge Street
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believe the Grammy Award-nominated group
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has been around for four decades. Tickets cost $73.39 to $153.39 and can be purchased by calling the box office. Without doubt, STEVIE WONDER AND
PRINCE are two of the most influential American
musicians of all time. The two friends and occasional collaborators had a deep and mutual respect for each other’s talents and musical abilities. At the Toronto Centre for the Arts, the music of the two icons will be performed as part of the Musical Stage Company’s annual signature concert. Uncovered: Steve Wonder and Prince is on stage November 8 and 9. Tickets cost $28-$80 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 416.250.3708.
PHOTO BY MATT MURPHY; PHOTO COURTESY MIRVISH PRODUCTIONS
The Canadian Opera Company is staging a production of GIACOMO PUCCINI’S Turandot at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts from September 28 to October 27. Director Robert Wilson helms the reimagining of the opera that follows beautiful and cruel Turandot, who is willing to marry any man who can solve her three riddles. However, if suitors fail, they will be executed. Tickets can be purchased by calling 416.363.8231.
ITALIAN WRAPS
& more
Grammy Award-nominated retro Canadian rockers GLASS TIGER will be at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts for a concert on October 2. The band shot to stardom with
905.857.9090
the release of its first album The Thin Red Line, which featured the hit single “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone).” Tickets are $55 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 905.787.8811.
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T COMMENT
Words Have Power (And So Do We) by ANNE T. DONAHUE
THE CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION is fast approaching and
causes that better the people of this country instead of appeasing
on its heels is Election 2020 and the question of whether President
sects of elitists or bigots. It can mean having conversations with
Donald Trump’s reign of terror will come to an end. As of this
your friends about what’s going on and working together to find
writing, my jaw is already in such a state of perma-clench that I
ways to lend support for non-profits and community programs that
usually wake up with a headache that only gets worse as I catch up
help and assist the marginalized folks affected most by irresponsible
on Twitter. I lay in bed and read the rantings of the most powerful
and selfish government. It can mean sharing the work of writers you
man in the world whose source of joy is to spew hate and incite
believe in and whose work spreads important messages. Or, it can
fear, and I reconcile with the fact that his all-caps messaging might
be silent communication, where you can donate to organizations
not deter anybody from re-electing him, but instead lock him in for
whose funding has been cut (or is being targeted) by officials whose
another four years. It’s at that point I usually tell myself to put the
priority is not of the people. (A fact: most women’s shelters have
phone down, make some coffee, and get to work.
lists of most-needed items on their websites, so you can drop off
Which, for me, also involves reading Twitter all day.
exactly what they’re looking for.) Hell, it can even be a straight-up
It’s nothing short of terrifying to realize that the President’s
“Nope – stop it” response to a person spewing hateful rhetoric. Your
buffet of racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia,
options are endless. Your power is more so.
and cruelty (to name a few) may secure his seat in Washington for
I know it sounds daunting. I know it sounds like a lot of work to
another four years as opposed to guaranteeing his impeachment or
do for the rest of time. And that’s because it is. As adults, we don’t
defeat. And it’s also terrifying that voices like Canada’s own Andrew
get to stop trying to maintain the well-being of other people who
Scheer’s are getting louder and more powerful as they lean further
need our help. And if you’re a person of privilege, you don’t get
and further right and echo the choir of American Republicans
to toss in the towel because what you want or need hasn’t been
itching to pry accessible healthcare and women’s rights from the
targeted or seems fine. Frankly, as people of privilege (particularly
hands of the public. Frankly, to not live in a state of perma-clench;
of the white, hetero, able sort) it’s up to us to use our platforms
to not have each day garnished with stress-induced nausea upon
to fight for everybody because otherwise we’re complicit in their
a new tweet or press conference feels like an impossible ask. But
oppression. And I know even reading that probably sounded very
the thing is, it isn’t. Because we’re not powerless. We’re powerful.
overwhelming, but as participants in a society, it’s the trade-off
And change has never come about when a community has opted to
we make: we use our platforms, our voices, our privilege, and we
resign themselves to defeat.
demand that all are looked after. Not just a small margin. So we’ve
It feels like a tall order, I know. The elections feel endless. The
got to use our gifts.
aftermath feels worse. One year ago, many of us sat glued to the
Gifts can look like all sorts of things. They may be your ability to
television watching Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify against Judge
argue a point until it’s agreed on by everybody. They may be your
Brett Kavanaugh, holding back tears as she recounted the horrifying
ability to communicate over email. They may be your ability to
events of the night he (allegedly) assaulted her. And then he was
make signs to bring to protests, or to listen when somebody whose
appointed to the Supreme Court anyway. For the last year and a
experiences you may be unfamiliar with explains why they’re feeling
quarter, citizens of Ontario have watched Conservative MP Doug
hurt or targeted by or scared of certain political developments. They
Ford rip apart school curriculums, reverting sexual education back
may be your ability to organize a benefit or a contest, with proceeds
to that of the mid-1990s and stripping classrooms of key lessons
going to mental health organizations or recovery centres. They may
in Indigenous history. And nearly every day we hear of charges
come in the form of your time, lent to canvassing or volunteering.
or allegations brought against the President that never seem to
Your gifts matter. Your actions matter. Your voice matters. And when
stick. The heartache and stress and fear are all monumental. The
it becomes a little too much, take a step back, pick up a book, take a
misery marathon feels like a treadmill with no off-switch. And
few breaths, then go back to work when you can.
right now, there isn’t: so you crank up your power anthems and you keep going.
I wasn’t lying about the treadmill we’re on feeling endless and daunting: it is. And the work will never be done. But your
Politicians work for us. We elect them, we challenge them, and
contribution to it – your power – is what can save us all from a
the beauty of democracy is that should they make choices that
descent into more terror. You can (and do) inspire change. So, raise
hurt or damage us, we get to push back and say, “Hell no.” But
your voice and help drown out the chorus of hate.
to do that requires noise, and it requires participation. But where protesting can conjure up imagery of taking to the streets with signs
Editor’s note: This piece was planned and completed prior to the events
and messages (an awesome way to protest, by the way, if you feel
that took place in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas that resulted in the
most comfortable taking that route), it can also mean language and
deaths of 31 people. While we planned a piece calling out for using our
communication. It can mean emailing and calling MPs and MPPs to
time, efforts and most importantly – our words – to inspire hope instead
ask why they voted a certain way, to ask why they’re allowing changes
of hate, we were commenting on a general state and not the specific and
to be made, and to ask why they haven’t offered their support to
horrific actions of a few individuals in early August of this year.
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Join us as we continue our story.
Italian born. Canadian made.
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Over the last 40 years, the Ferri family has been dedicated to delivering the ultimate in sales, customer service, and employee satisfaction. While we write our next chapter, we hope you’ll join us as we continue our story as R. Ferri Automotive. For us, passion for automotive excellence is a family affair. More than that – it’s a way of life.
rferriautomotive.com
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