Vancouver Boulevard/English February 2017

DEFINING WEST COaST LIFE aND LUXUry

ISSUE NO.3 FEbrUary 2017

V A

NA iseroiu n inSPiRED LOOK

A

CURA

SWAROVSKI’S

SPARKLE

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Dream to Chase

A BEAR OF A

MOUNTAIN

ew main Street emerging on fraSer

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BOULEVARD February 2017

CONTENTS

20

Love is in the Air According to Lisa Manfield

BOULEVARD

24

Transport yourself into the Future 50th Annual CES Show in Las Vegas

Beautiful Ana Viseroiu hamming it up with Photographer Alfonso Arnold as glam hockey mom.

28

Canada's National Gem The Pinnacle of Perfection

31

Piero Lissoni's Minimalist Master

COVER PHOTO

Photography/ Alfonso Arnold Model/ Ana Viseroiu of Ana V Beauty Boutique Stylist/ Sarah D’Arcy Dress/ Zara, Earrings/ Kate Spade Shoes/ Nina Makeup/ Ana V Beauty Hair/ Chris Funk

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CONTENTS

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41

Jaw-Dropping Reboot of Cult Classic

47

New Main Street Emerging on Fraser

53

Ana Viseroiu The Beauty of the Business

66

A Wonderful Bear of a Mountain

CONTENTS

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76

As versatile as Music Interview with Steph Song

81

Swarovski's Sparkling BC Jewel

86

Urban Luxe that is out of this World

94

Tea with Supermodel Coco Rocha

Contemporary sofas at every price point, for every personality

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ISSUE NO.3 FEBRUARY 2017

PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Harry van Hemmen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelly Bai, Catherine Barr, Shawn Conner, Bob de Wit, Nathan Fong, Sabrina Furminger, Leeta Liepins, Lisa Manfield, Reisa Pollard, Mandy Ross, Harris Van, Ana Viseroiu, Graham Williams DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Michelle Gjerde, Claudia Gross

Grace Fertility Centre Dr. Anthony Cheung

ADVERTISING SALES Kimberley Lim kim.lim@vancouverboulevard.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfonso Arnold, Felix Chang, Martin Knowles, Kuna Lu, Yinan Scott Shi ILLUSTRATIONS Mandy Lau, mandy-lau.com

Specializing in: Infertility

DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion Marilou@blackpress.ca 604-542-7411

IVF and related technologies “Mini-IVF” Egg Freezing Donor Eggs

E aND LUXUry DEFINING WEST COaST LIF

ISSUE NO.3 FEbrUary 2017

ANAViseroiu

Genetic Screening (PGS, PGD, NIPT)

n inSPiRED LOOK

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

SWAR OVSK I’S

SPARKLE

N

ACURA Dream to Chase

A BEAR OF A

MOUNTAIN

fraSer ew main Street emerging on

VANCOUVERBOULEVARD.COM #210-604 West Broadway 604-558-4886 Toll Free 1-855-530-4376 FERTILITYWITHGRACE.COM

Boulevard Magazine is published 6 times per year by Black Press Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

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F EATURE CONT RIBUTORS

GrahaM wILLIaMS

is a Vancouver-based writer,

published author, marketer, and tech consultant, and currently holds the position of director of Marketing at Pure Image design Lab. an Instructor of Social Media and content Marketing, Technology, Media and Professional Programs at University of British columbia as well as a frequent guest on Global news, cBc Vancouver and cBc news now, offering insight to technology trends, breaking news, and other technology related stories. www..pureimage.ca

LUcY LaU

is a Vancouver-based design and lifestyle journalist who writes regularly for the Georgia Straight. her work has also appeared in a number of local online and print publications, including western Living and BcLiving.ca.

caTherIne Barr

SUSan LUndY

LeeTa LIePInS

MandY roSS

Shawn conner

KeLLY BaI

“cat” Barr is known as one of Vancouver’s most popular celebrity/events columnists and writes about society life in Vancouver and all the best charity parties in town. She is also editor/ owner of westVancouver.com and northVancouver.com which represent canada’s wealthiest communities online with over 3 million hits per month. www.catherineBarr.com

is an international success coach, yoga instructor and TV, a lifestyle expert and Media Personality. Mandy works in various industries, research and education, with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds including ceos, celebrities, and athletes. www.Mandy-ross.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ mandyrossofficial Twitter: www. twitter.com/MandyJross

reISa PoLLard

graduated with a Ba in Fine arts & economics University of British columbia and a Bachelor of Interior design program at BcIT. owner of Beyond Beige (BBId), a highly successful interior design company, reisa leads a team inclusive of designers, a project managers and cad technicians with a distinctly out of the box approach.

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is a freelance writer and editor of several magazines, including the Victoria, Kelowna and central Island editions of Boulevard. She has a Ba from the University of Victoria’s creative writing and journalism program, and spent several years working as a journalist and newspaper editor.

She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack webster award, and the author of heritgae apples: a new Sensation (Touchwood editions, 2013).

is a Vancouver-based freelance writer whose work appears regularly in the Vancouver Sun. also: blogger at Inside Vancouver, hmv.com/ca and shawnconner.com, publisher/ editor of entertainment website thesnipenews.com. Follow him @ ThatShawnconner.

has been covering the Fashion, entertainment and Lifestyle scene for a number of publications. including.MetroLivingZine which is.home to “our city Tonight”, the monthly online entertainment Show on which she.is co-host/coproducer. Leeta is also a wellness consultant/health & Fitness writer and participates in the local fashion industry as a runway, fitness and art model. Follow her@ LeanwithLeeta &@ourcityTonight.

is a media professional with over 20 years experience and has a Master’s degree in Public communications. Kelly worked with first-tier media publications in china before immigrating to canada. She was responsible for launching the Sino Times canada west edition in 2007, and went on to launch Bc home chinese edition in 2009, and Bc Living chinese edition in 2013 as co-publisher. Kelly is now the managing editor of Boulevard chinese magazine.

LISa ManFIeLd

is a writer, editor and content strategist. Formerly the founding editor of BcLiving. ca, she has also been a contributing editor at Backbone Magazine and marketing manager at TheTyee.ca. She also teaches writing and editing for the web at Simon Fraser University.

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Co lumn

What the World Needs Now is Love (and a Little Chocolate)

U

By Lisa Manfield

nmistakable signs of love are in the air at this time of the year.

Rows of satin-bowed boxes line grocery store shelves. Diamond encrusted pendants wink seductively in jewellery store windows and rose petals flutter in florist shops, ready to scent declarations of love this February 14.

To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. As much as I love love (and chocolates, and diamonds and flowers), I don’t believe the expression of love should be mandated on one particular day. Nor do I believe it must it be expressed commercially, with expensive gifts and saccharine cards.

What I do believe, however, is that we need help and reminders to express our love sometimes. As a new parent, when work and parenting take up the bulk of the day, and it feels like all the efforts to make others happy are taken for granted (or worse yet, barely noticed), Valentine’s Day can be just the nudge love needs. And this is when a heartfelt bouquet, a poetic card or a flashy declaration can serve to fan withering flames.

But love also comes in many forms: the appreciation between friends, the bond between parents and children, and even the neighbourly love we have for our fellow humans. Valentine’s Day comes at a time when the world desperately needs more of every kind of love. Because lately it feels a bit like hatred is winning. We’re living in a time when racism and sexism have grown more rampant.

When scenes of faraway war and terror attacks are a stable fixture in our media. And when, suddenly, our southern neighbour’s elected leader promotes the building of walls and the banning of foreigners.

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Hate-filled messages and racist rampages have been on the rise as though we hadn’t made decades of progress on these issues in recent times. And it leaves me wondering what ever happened to treating other people the way we would like to be treated: with decency, respect and yes, even love. Have we really become so alienated from one another that we ignore or even accept the active expression of hatred?

What the world needs now is love, more than ever. Romantic love. Platonic love. And boundless love for our neighbours. So go ahead and buy those chocolates, diamonds and flowers -- for your lovers, and your friends, and especially for your neighbours. Spread the love far and wide this Valentine’s Day, and let’s remember that to be human is to love, no matter who we love and how we express it. As Charles Schultz said, “All you need is love.

But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” n

Lisa Manfield Content Strategist Digital Storyteller SFU Instructor/Public Speaker

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Chandeliers jewellery For The home

J

ust as an outfit isn’t complete without the finishing touch of jewellery, the same holds true for a home. The interior design of a home needs to be complimented with the perfect lighting. Many people think of a chandelier in its traditional incarnation, an anchor shaped light with candelabras and crystals. But today a chandelier comes in many forms, from very traditional to shockingly modern. It may be made of all metal, chain, crystal pieces, or anything that gives it some sparkle.

Today’s design styles have also taken the chandelier out of the dining room. It can be used in the entry, the kitchen, the master bedroom, the master bathroom, or even in the powder room. The glamorous touch of a chandelier adds an emphasis to an area as being “special”. You can instantly give your home a new feel by putting a more contemporary chandelier

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in your dining room and a traditional chandelier in an unexpected area.

A statement chandelier can stand alone, but in certain circumstances it’s more impactful to group a few together. With the evolving technology of LED, chandeliers can appear to be floating in mid-air. The light no longer needs to be wired into the main frame, the lighting can be recessed into a top plate.

Scale is also very important. If a chandelier is too small for a space it can look like a lonely ornament. Conversely, a huge chandelier can be too imposing in a small space or one with low ceilings. To accommodate a beautiful chandelier in a space with a low ceiling, look for a fixture that is wide but shallow. If your space has a very high ceiling, look for a chandelier that cascades so that it appears to fill the space. And when in doubt – ask a designer! n

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t e c hn o lo gy

50th annual CES show

O

in Las Vegas Nevada.

ver 150,000 attendees flocked to see exhibitions from 3800 companies worldwide, for exciting new advancements in transportation, robotics, & entertainment technology.

The show floor experience is a diverse one, with areas devoted to home automation, new television technology, computers, and more. Two main categories seemed to show major growth this year: robotics and 3D printing were extremely popular, in some cases being featured together as 3D printers printed out new components that allowed new robots to be built on demand.

The range of categories that these robots fit into is wide; Lego’s Boost program teaches kids to build their own toy out of blocks, then bringing it to life with a simple iPad interface, while other robots were billed as personal assistants, cleaning up around

the house and performing simple tasks like cleaning floors, watering plants, and feeding pets.

Transportation was also a focus, with many car manufacturers showing a sneak peek at what we’ll see throughout 2017. A focus on connected cars, fuel economy, and automated driving will help push this industry forwards this year.

up to 25 minutes on a single charge.

Other fun personal transporters included the Ojo, an electric scooter that tops out at over 30km/h, and can be recharged from any outlet while you get a bite to eat.

The 50th annual CES is over, but the path for 2017 is set. It’s going to be an exciting year in technology! n

Personal transport devices were everywhere as well. The Segway line grew with off-road models and a unique new unicycle-like device that can travel for

Graham Williams graham.williams@gmail.com www.goblink.com

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The 2017 CR-V is bound to be a showstopper. It’s full of original CR-V spirit, channeled into the most beautiful form yet. It has an all-new sporty design and athletic personality jam packed with tons of innovative technology and features. The 2017 CR-V has what it takes to be a hit. No matter the audience.

850 SW. Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V6P 5Z1 Tel: 604.324.6666 | www.vancouverhonda.com **MSRP is $28,415/$34,715/$37,015/$39,815 including freight and PDI of $1,725. License, insurance, registration and taxes are extra and may be required at the time of purchase. */#/**Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent's fee of $5.25, tire/battery tax of $25, or air conditioning fee (where applicable) of $100, all of which are due at time of delivery. Additional charges for waste disposal fees, environmental fees and handling charges (all of which may vary by dealer and/or vehicle) may apply. Offers valid from January 4th through 31st, 2017 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit Vancouver Honda or www.vancouverhonda.com for full details.

Design art

S

3D BoDy Scanner

tanding naked in front of your mirror may not be something you look forward to, but technology may change that.

For those who are looking to improve their fitness regime, the naked 3D Fitness Tracker my just help you reach your goals. Developed by naked Labs, this smart mirror and scale will measure all aspects of your fitness plan. and I mean everything. The mirror has Intel realSense sensors, which use infrared light to scan your entire body as you stand on the rotating scale, sending the information to an app on your android device or iPhone. It recreates your body in full 3D. The scale also plays an important part, not only providing your weight, but giving you an accurate body fat percentage. as you work out, it will show your progress, visually. Through a

heat map displayed over your body on the app, you will be able to see the areas where you are building muscle mass, and which areas you need to develop.

There is also a asymmetry screen where you can gain insights into understanding what parts of your body that you need to work on to avoid injury in the future. It really is something out of a science fiction movie.

The software is open to developers to add extra functionality and tie the mirror into fitness tracking devices like apple Watches and Fitbits.

The naked 3D Fitness Tracker can be used my multiple members in your home, making health a family affair. available for order now, the $499 US price tag may seem steep, but a good investment into keeping your family healthy and strong. n

www.nakedfit.com 26

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anada’s national treasure, the Ammolite gem, is formed over a 71 million year process from prehistoric nautiluses known as Ammonite. Combining the essence of heaven and earth and carrying years of wisdom, this is the crystallization of positive energy from the earth and heavenly bodies. Possessing seven vibrant colours, this is the only gemstone to have rich natural colours, suitable for jewellery and home dÊcor use, ranging from small jewellery pieces of $100 to large, 4-feet home dÊcor pieces worth $300,000. Its appealing luster emits a positive energy and is seen as a positive influence on health and prosperity.

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Canada’s KorIte was established in 1979 and owns the world’s one and only Ammolite mine in the southern part of the Canadian province of Alberta. Last year, it further expanded its mining operations, becoming the world’s largest producer and creating numerous employment opportunities in the local area. In 1981, the CIBJo - the World Jewellery Confederation

awarded the Ammolite official gem status. From mining, processing, designing, mounting and selling – everything is fully comprehensive and done with the utmost professionalism. All of KorIte’s Ammolite jewellery pieces can be given a lifelong warranty and repair. Its products are sold in over 28 countries – a valuable treasure worth appreciating and collecting. n

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D e sign

Italian Minimalism Master

Piero Lissoni

A

By Kelly Bai

nyone who has taken part in Milan’s Salone Internazionale del Mobile is virtually guaranteed to know of Piero Lissoni.

His catalogue of designs reads like a furniture exhibition guidebook, and he has worked with the biggest names in furniture manufacturing: Artemide, Cappellini, Flos, Foscarini, Kartell, Living Divani, Matteograssi and Porro.

In the field of contemporary design, Lissoni is known for his minimalist style, the materials he chooses and his simple but effective application.

The Milan-based designer is involved in all aspects of the industry from furniture and graphic design to interior and architectural designs.

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Mamilla Hotel designed by Piero

Designs by Lissoni for well-known furniture brands: Top: furniture designed for Porro Bottom: Morelato Codex

In addition to collaborating with the world’s top furniture manufacturers, Lissoni’s projects also include luxury hotels, the world’s leading corporate headquarters and private homes.

After graduating from the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Lissoni became a designer and artistic director, and in 1986 partnered with Nicoletta Canesi in opening the Lissoni Associati Studio in Milan. Lissoni then went on to establish Graph.x Studio in 1996 with a primary focus on graphic design work.

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nese and Milan cultures – with the highest standards of luxury. He explains, “In Tokyo, older people are very minimalistic. They focus on content, so I made full use of the lighting and glass to highlight their personalities.”

His projects span worldwide and include museums, hotels, exhibition halls, shops, villas, residential buildings, yachts, furniture and lighting, as well as art direction, company logos and catalogues.

Lissoni has received numerous awards and recognition Lissoni’s most recent project is the Mamilla Hotel in over the course of his brilliant design career. In 2012, Jerusalem where he not only utilized his interior and his works were featured in the architectural design experience, but also offered his The light in Jerusalem is very unique, “Italian Architecture Exhibition” expertise on product and [and] stones are everywhere,” he says. at the Italian Pavilion in the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale, as furniture design. His iconic “I’ve adopted both elements in designing well as in the “Traces of CentuItalian minimalist aesthetic the Mamilla Hotel. ries and Future Steps” exhibiwas applied throughout. tion at Palazzo Bembo. From 2007 till now, his Graph.x He also designed the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Tokyo – Studio has been responsible for the design of the logo, known for its perfect fusion between traditional Japaicons and billboards for the Venice Film Festival. n

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E

By Bob de Wit

ach year brings new design trends. Knowing which trends are here for the long run, and defining what style is right for you are important considerations when building, or renovating your dream home. Just how and where does one begin?

Reisa Pollard, Founder and Designer of Beyond Beige Interior Design, and long-standing GVHBA member, shared her recommended three step design process to help define and realize a style right for you.

StAGE 1: PlAnnInG Reisa advised it’s a good idea to begin with the budget. Identify which areas of the project are more, or less, important to you. this will help in the long run to achieve your goals within your defined parameters. Discussing goals for the project, both short and long, are important too. Be sure to take into consideration family and lifestyle needs.

Agree on a timeline. Understand what you are hoping to achieve, by when is important to avoid potential frustration. Custom work will take longer than ordering product from the shelf. Knowing when to go custom vs stock will impact both time and money. And finally, design inspiration – share ideas and images that inspire you. It can be a single object, or a whole house. Sharing things that inspire you will help a designer to define your style and ultimate dream space.

“Even the best well-laid plan will come up against unforeseen issues”

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StAGE 2: IntERIOR DESIGn PHASE During this stage, the designer will work with, and review the builder’s plans. Consideration for all things that make a home function, such as plumbing and electrical are as important as the design finishes themselves. With function and space defined, materials and finishing are then considered, such as flooring, tile, cabinetry and countertops. Here an experienced designer, armed with your information gathered in the planning stage, will skillfully guide you through what can feel like endless options.

Once all of the function and design finishes are confirmed, detailed documents are prepared for the contractor and sub-trades, complete with installation instructions.

StAGE 3: COnStRUCtIOn AnD PROJECt MAnAGEMEnt PHASE A designer will be available for the contractor and trades as required. Changes are inevitable at the construction and renovation stages. Even the best well-laid plan will come up against unforeseen issues, especially when renovating. A simple change can impact other design elements. Having a designer, with the overall vison in mind is important to keep the project on task.

As with any design project, the more time spent upfront planning, the smoother the project tends to flow.

Working with a professional designer will not only save you time and money, it will ensure your vision becomes a reality. n Bob de Wit is the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), representing the residential construction industry in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Celebrating 40 years in 2014, GVHBA has more than 970 members and is proudly affiliated with the provincial and national Canadian Home Builders’ Associations. You can reach Bob at bob@gvhba.org.

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cover sto ry

A JAW-DROPPING BEAUTIFUL, HIGH-TECH REBOOT OF ACURA’S CULT CLASSIC

by Shawn Conner

B O U L E VA R D

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F

or Acura, 2016 was a pretty good year.

Among other accolades for Honda’s luxury car brand, “Road and Track magazine” named the Acura NSX the 2017 Performance Car of the Year.

It was a pretty good year for Richmond Acura, too. The dealership was named the No. 1 volume dealer for Acura in Western Canada, with Acura’s RDX and MDX as some of the top-selling SUVs in their category in Canada. “We’ve come a long way,” said General Manager Craig Parsons. BPL, Richmond Acura’s parent

I have two teenage boys, one’s into basketball and mountain-biking and one’s into hockey,” he said. So I need the room I have an MDX.

company (which also owns Richmond Honda and Surrey Honda), bought the dealership four years ago.

After 30 years on No. 3 Road, last year they moved into newer and bigger digs on Parkwood Crescent in the Richmond Auto Mall. “When we took over, we were not even close to being number one in Western Canada,” Parsons said. “We weren’t even number one in our local market. Since then, our focus has been on customer service, and we’ve been quickly growing the business.”

Parsons, who has been working at Richmond Acura for four years, started in the industry 25 years ago at Westminster Toyota. He brought previous experience in the luxury car business to the dealership. “We offer a lot of things that we never used to offer,” Parsons said. “Our tag-line is, ‘At Richmond Acura, we get it.’”

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Among the services offered are car drop-offs for test drives, demo model loans and car pick-up for servicing.

The dealership also offers tire storage, “for about a third of the price of what others charge for storage of winter tires,” Parsons said. “It’s definitely not a money-maker for us. But it is one of the services we want to offer, so customers don’t have to store their winter tires in their condo.”

The dealership saw lot of action this past December, when a cold snap resulted in slippery, treacherous roads in the

Lower Mainland. “Tires have become a big part of our business,” he said. “We make sure we guarantee the lowest tire prices. If a customer gets a quote somewhere else we’ll always match it. In general, we’re pretty competitive anyway.”

The dealership has also expanded its used-car selection. “We’re trying to stock a lot more so that our customers will have other options,” Parsons said.

“A lot of times we’ll have an Acura customer who wants something for their son or daughter but they don’t need another $40k Acura, they just want something for 10, 15 or 20 thousand. We’ll try to work with them and get it for them, if we don’t have it. We want to be their car people.” Total staff at the dealership is between 55 and

60, Parsons says. The core of the sales staff has been with the dealer for over ten years, and many technicians just as long. “We like to build our own technicians, so we’re putting a couple of people through apprentice programs. It’s has it’s costs, but they learn our culture and how we treat customers as opposed to bringing in someone from the outside. They start as lot guys and get to work their way up to a full technician status.

Which is great for us, and great for them.

And for me personally, it’s quite satisfying to see some young 22-year-old become a full tech five years later.”

Parsons himself drives an MDX, Acura’s seven-passenger SUV. The company’s other SUV model, the RDX, seats five. “I have two teenage boys, one’s into basketball and mountain-biking and one’s into hockey,” he said. “So I need the room I have an MDX. It’s reliable, it’s comfortable, and it’s safe. It’s not in the shop all the time. It’s a comfortable drive, and it’s easy to drive.”

The other main Acura products include the TLX and ILX luxury sedans and of course, the new NSX. Not only does “Road and Track” love the car, but also “Business Insider” named it the 2016 Car of the Year, calling it a “jaw-dropping beautiful, hightech reboot of Acura’s cult classic.” “My older son, he’s 14, he already wants an NSX,” Parsons said. “He figures that would be a good first car.” n

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raser Street merging Text and Photography by Yiyi Ling

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to the more cost-effective Fraser Street area. Beehive Barber Shop, which operated on Main Street for 11 years, is just one example.

Mitch Drew, who works along Fraser Street, frequents a nearby Chinese restaurant, and just recently heard a neighbouring diner blurt out, “Fraser Street is changing!”

I

n the past, Fraser Street has had a bit of a questionable image, but the general impression of the old and sometimes run-down street has been gradually changing.

“Fraser Street has become much tidier in recent years,” says Wendy Mills, who has been keeping a close eye on the development of the area. “A lot of old buildings on the street have been torn

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The vast majority of small businesses on Fraser Street are specialty restaurants, with a number of them opening in the last few years. From Chinese to Vietnamese, to Greek, to Portuguese cuisine, there’s something for everyone here. In addition to lunch and dinner fare, there are also quite a few specialty cafés, bakeries and ice cream shops to tempt even the most discerning of gourmets.

down and replaced by stylish lowrise apartment buildings. The ground floor of these buildings is often retail units, accommodating more small businesses.”

The affordable rents and central location have contributed greatly to the changes, says Mills, with many specialty shops that are unable or unwilling to keep up with the high rents on Main Street choosing to move

“Just a few months ago, there was a long lineup outside the door of Earnest Ice Cream every night,” says Drew. “Because of limited seating in the shop, you would often see people sitting on the bench in front of our shop eating ice cream.”

Earnest Ice Cream is so popular that in the summer, the shop is packed with ice cream aficionados. The shop creates innovative and unique flavours with local and seasonal ingredients, with new treats available every week.

And the shop itself has a charm all to its own, with ice cream patterns on

the display glass, hand-written blackboard signs and light bulb-themed decorations.

Then there’s Batard Boulangerie & Café Moderne just next door, offering a variety of caffeinated treats and delicious baked pastries. Blueberry tarts,

And for those looking for some creative inspiration, Spool of Thread is a must-see for anyone with an interest in sewing and fashion design. This fabric and sewing shop – located at the intersection of Fraser and Kingsway – has stylish mannequins posing in the windows and a shop full of

Nowadays, Fraser Street has transformed into a fashionable spot rich in character, and many people compare the stretch between Kingsway and 41st to the trendy South Main Street. croissants and chocolate cakes satisfy any sweet tooth, while the shop’s sandwiches, salads, seafood soups and other lunch fare get rave reviews from customers. Both the interior and exterior create a chic feeling with a European style door and a wall covered with artistic paintings. The whole atmosphere invites you to take a seat with your coffee and a pastry, sit back and relax as though time itself has slowed down.

colourful clothes. It offers an in-house sewing machine for those who want to make their own fabric crafts, and those with no experience are encouraged to join in on classes held in the shop.

Nowadays, Fraser Street has transformed into a fashionable spot rich in character. Many independent cafés, galleries, unique corner stores, sewing shops and others have chosen to settle on Fraser Street, and many

people compare the stretch between Kingsway and 41st to the trendy South Main Street. Fraser Street is conveniently located close to major spots like Broadway and Main, with easy access to everywhere, but compared to the busier areas, it remains relatively tranquil.

With Cambie and Granville Corridors having undergone dramatic changes in recent years, Fraser Corridor is often forgotten by the public. But along with the wide selection of shops, a wave of urban expansion has made its way onto Fraser Street, with four-storey apartments built on the street and several low-rise apartments under construction. In the future, more old buildings on Fraser are set to be demolished and rebuilt, sprucing up the area and making it more welcoming to residents, shops and restaurants, which will in turn attract more people to visit and shop. n

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Specialty Shops In addition to the stores mentioned above, what are the fun, gourmet shops worth visiting on Fraser Street, which has been crowned “The new Main Street”?

Ba-Le Deli & Bakery Offers special Vietnamese snacks such as sandwiches, spring rolls and Vietnamese iced coffee. Gourmet taste with fair pricing.

Address: 701 Kingsway, Vancouver European Breads Bakery Fresh baked goods daily. Ukrainianstyle meals and freshly made crepes are also available. Address: 4320 Fraser St., Vancouver Niche Market Food Located at an unnoticeable corner on Fraser Street, a small grocery store selling Portuguese food. Why not visit the store and experience the Portuguese lifestyle in person? Address: 3970 Fraser St., Vancouver Commodity Juicery Light and delicious milkshakes made from the freshest ingredients. The owner’s creativity brings a taste of novelty. For those who love the healthy lifestyle.

Address: 3975 Fraser St., Vancouver The ArtWay Art Studios Offers painting courses for adults and children. The art studio allows students to explore art in nature and stimulate their creative potential.

Address: 649 E 15th Ave., Vancouver Prado Café Simple and bright, this shop serves every cup of coffee with charm. Despite a minimalistic menu, the food is able to satisfy those with either a sweet or savory tooth. Address: 4208 Fraser St., Vancouver Nammos Estiatorio Greek restaurant that offers healthy, delicious and innovative dishes.

Address: 3980 Fraser St., Vancouver

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The

BeauTy OF The BuSINeSS

By Lucy Lau

A

Dress by Zara, Earrings: Kate Spade, Shoes: Nina; Second look; All Topshop

na Viseroiu’s downtown Vancouver studio is, in many ways, the interior equivalent of her signature look.

Decorating the makeup artist’s private-appointment space is elegant damask-print wallpaper drenched in hot-pink hues. Steps away, two armchairs sit opposite a lilac upholstered bench, commanding attention with their kaleidoscopic, Missoni-inspired seats. Elsewhere, the word beauty is emblazoned on a grey striped panel in a thick serif typeface reminiscent of 1980s Vogue covers.

Partially obstructing the latter part of the word is AnaV, the letters splashed in relaxed, crimson red strokes as if someone had nonchalantly put lipstick to mirror. “I love that modern-classic kind of feel,” Viseroiu shares, sitting across from Boulevard Vancouver in one of the aforementioned armchairs. “With everything that we do, we always try to give it that classic spin.”

It’s a crisp December afternoon and Viseroiu, rocking dewy highlighter, soft shadow, and a pink lip, has just wrapped up a one-on-one makeup class with a client. Prior to that, the Vancouver B O U L E VA R D

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Film School graduate was working on-site at a wedding though she maintains that, nowadays, it’s rare she steps outside the studio: her love of teaching ensures that her number-one priority is, and likely always will be, educational beauty.

“I kind of combined a little bit of the glam with a little bit of my everyday knowledge…and created my own training system, which not only gives people the makeup experience but also the knowledge,” explains Viseroiu.

It’s a passion that sprouted following more than five years of balancing freelance opportunities on film and TV sets with full-time positions at the cosmetic arms of Chanel and Dior. Frustrated with the sales-driven nature of beauty counter gigs, the Romanian-born artist opened Ana V Beauty’s first studio on Burrard Street in 2012 with the intention of offering Makeup 101 workshops. She immediately sold almost 1,000 spots.

Although she was surprised at the initial response, the cosmetic pro and teacher—who’s also dabbled in fashion-styling and modeling—is happy to cater to what continues to be a need among women of all ages: learning how to enhance natural features using shades, products, and techniques that look most complementary the wearer. (The guru is a big believer in “colour-matching”, a process that determines which hues look best on whom.)

“

I think that a lot of women think that makeup is something they should know on their own,” she says. “It’s like, ‘Oh, you should just know how to apply it.’ It’s something that feels like it should be an instinct, but it’s not.

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”

“I think that a lot of women think that makeup is something they should know on their own,” she says. “It’s like, ‘Oh, you should just know how to apply it.’

It’s something that feels like it should be an instinct, but it’s not.”

Viseroiu, for her part, was lucky to grow up with a mother who often left lipsticks and eye shadows exposed on her vanity and a maquillage-happy grandmother whom she considers her beauty role model. She appears to

have inherited a businesslike spirit from the two as well.

“I always knew I was an entrepreneur, because I would leave Chanel at my lunch break,” the artist recalls of her time with the luxury label. “I would take off and do [makeup for] photoshoots: headshots, glamour shots. I would always get in trouble because I got back late. But I was fulfilling my dream, right?”

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na Viseroui’s downtown Vancouver studio is, in many ways, the interior equivalent of her signature look.

Four years after conducting her first makeup class, Viseroiu has not only fulfilled her dream but is living it, too. She continues to greet full houses at her instructive beauty sessions, which now take place at her company’s current home on Howe Street, instilling confidence in women young and old through the transformative power of makeup.

Viseroiu’s philosophy is simple: the more we share, the more we have, which is why she doesn’t hesitate to invite other makeup pros into her studio to share their tricks of the trade with her students.

She’s even developed an in-house beauty school, the AVB Academy, for aspiring makeup artists—many of whom she takes under her wing after they graduate from the program—as well as her own affordable cosmetics line.

Packaged in luxe gold-and-black casing, many of Ana V Beauty’s eye, cheek, and face palettes may be customized in order to suit different needs. In the New Year, Viseroiu will also offer makeup sets designed to flatter four unique combinations of skin, eye, and hair shades.

“When you’re shopping for products, you want more than a result or colour,” she says. “You want an experience; you want to learn about yourself.”

And while it’s perfectly fine to experiment with the sculpted cheeks, matte lips, and strong brows that currently saturate beauty magazines and social-media channels, Viseroiu maintains it always pays to stay true to you—the classic, if you will. “Honestly, with trends, they change,” she adds. “But what looks good on you doesn’t.” n

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Find your best Smokey Eye

I

Valentines edition

by Ana Viseroiu

t’s almost that special time of year, Valentines Day! Whether you’ll be spending it with your significant other or hanging with close friends I’m sure you’ll to be wanting to look fab and feminine in whatever you do!

Instead of the typical black smokey eye look I thought it would be nice to switch things up. In this article, I created a Valentines Day Smokey Eye Colour Chart for woman to look their best by choosing the right colours for their Smokey eyes.

Spring, Your colouration is bright and sunny. Your best colour will mirror the colour of your eyes. Your best Valentines Day look is a turquoise Smokey eye paired with a watermelon colour lipstick Try AVB lipstick and our Smokey eye Trio from the Ana V Beauty Boutique.

Summer, Your overall colouring is the most delicate and understated of all the seasons. Summer is the serenity palette, so you should always avoid harsh contrasts by keeping the entire look calm and in complete harmony. This Valentine try a Matt Grey Smokey eye with a pink rosy lips. If you like to see this look join one of my free makeup classes every Monday at 5:30 pm during the month of February. See more online anavbeauty.com.

tumn foliage or exotic spice colours. Your best Smokey eye will be in shades of the autumn season: gold, rust, and terra cotta. Ana V Beauty Eye shadow palette in handcuffed.

Winter, Your colouring is crisp and distinctive. Winters are rich and intense in hair and eye colour. Your best Smokey eye will be in bold shades, black white, and jewel tones. Don’t be shy and pair it with a red lipstick!

Ana V Beauty Boss babe red is the perfect lipstick for this Colouring. n

Autumn, Your natural colouring is fiery, earthy, golden and natural. The autumn palette is easy to remember if you think about a beautiful autumn landscape. You can wear both muted and rich, warm colours like the au-

Ana V Owner/ Founder ANAV Beauty School www.AnaVbeauty.com 7788557676 Follow us on Facebook & Twitter! iTunes App & Google Play: Anav beauty B O U L E VA R D

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D R IV IN G IN FLU E N C E

Pino Posteraro/Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca

Buon Cibo!

Cioppino’s serves up fine Italian food in Vancouver

By Shawn Conner

S

ince opening Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca 18 years ago, owner and chef Pino Posteraro’s philosophy hasn’t changed.

“I wanted to build a team of people who shared the same philosophy about food, wine and hospitality, and do what we love best.”

Born in Lago, Italy, in 1964, Giuseppe (Pino) Posteraro first came to Canada when he was 12, to visit his brother. Later, he began training as a medical student in Italy, but came back to Canada to work for his brother in his restaurant. He later returned to Europe to study with Italian chef Armando Zanetti, and then worked

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in several restaurants in Europe and Singapore before returning to Vancouver to open Cioppino’s.

Over the years, the Italian-Mediterranean restaurant has earned several awards for its food and wine. Accolades include Vancouver Magazine’s 2008 Chef of the Year for Posteraro and 2009 Restaurant of the Year for the business.

Posteraro has survived in one of the most competitive neighbourhoods in an already competitive industry.

“It’s pretty much because of the product that we offer,” he said. “And because we essentially position ourselves as the premiere Italian restaurant, according to people in media, not only for BC but in Canada.”

Though many of his original customers have moved from the area, familiar faces do still pop in — quite a few, in fact.

“The reason why people are still coming after all these years is because I am intimately tied to the traditions, but I constantly evolve.”

Posteraro doesn’t “believe in trends per se,” he says. But he’s a believer in the sustainable seafood and locally sourced foods movement.

We can not eat animals that are not raised right, we can not overfish our oceans without thinking that there are going to be consequences.

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Besides its food, Cioppino’s is known for its wine cellar, a 3,300-label treasure trove with an international reputation.

“Now that people are discovering it, it’s been perceived as a trend,” he said. “But it’s a way of living that we cannot ignore any longer. We can not eat animals that are not raised right, we can not overfish our oceans without thinking that there are going to be consequences.”

Besides its food, Cioppino’s is known for its wine cellar, a 3,300-label treasure trove with an international reputation.

“To me, a perfect experience is a combination of food, service and wine,” said the long-time wine-lover. “Therefore, I invested every return I’ve had over the years in buying these wines.”

It hasn’t been easy, though, because of high provincial liquor taxes. Recently, he says, some customers from Montreal put him on the spot.

“I had to explain why the same bottle of wine here costs 120 per cent more than in the rest of Canada,” he said. “We’ve had to live with this for the longest time — to try to explain to markets like California, or other places where

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it’s a free market and there aren’t as many taxes —why our prices are so much higher. I’m very happy with what I did. At the same, it’s extremely hard in this kind of environment to operate.”

Helping him in his mission to collect the best in food and wine is his vehicle. A car aficionado from an early age, Posteraro’s taste these days runs more towards the practical, like the seven-passenger Honda Pilot SUV that he and his wife share.

“With maturity, I’ve opted to drive a car that fills the needs of my family,” said Posteraro. The vehicle has all the comfort, advanced technology, and safety features he requires for his family.

And the Pilot’s size makes it ideal for family trips as well as picking up the best in locally sourced food and prize-winning wines.

“We have four kids, we have pets, and we live in North Van. You can use it to go hiking, or if you need to run around for your business,” he said. “It’s amazing.” n

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W. hOFFmANN

N e i g hb o urhood

Bear Mountain An otherworldly paradise of idyllic living

By Kelly Bai Translated by Anthea Lo

H

ave you heard of Bear Mountain? It should be no stranger to many golf enthusiasts. But it wasn’t until I visited Bear Mountain a few days ago that I finally got to know this heavenly place surrounded by luscious trees among a carpet of green grass, with a picturesque view of mountains and rivers. Not only is it one of Canada’s world-class golf courses, but it also provides a setting right out of a poem with unsurpassed access to nature.

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Bear Mountain is located at the foothills of Mount Finlayson on southern Vancouver Island, only some 10km, or 20 minutes, drive from Victoria. It’s hard to imagine that one could escape the hustle and bustle of the city to a whole different world in the blink of an eye. Situated in between mountains, rivers, valleys and lush of trees, the landscape of the vast golf courses has rolling hills, scintillate sunshine on flourishing greenery, and beautiful deer searching for food and water as if no one’s around. The spectacular view of nearby Victoria Harbour, Olympic Mountains, the Georgia Strait and Juan de Fuca Strait adds to the awe-inspiring backdrop reminiscent of a true paradise.

No shortage of attractions, Bear Mountain has Canada’s only 36-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the most successful American professional golfers. Nicklaus is nicknamed The Golden Bear, from which the name Bear Mountain was derived. By taking advantage of the terrain’s natural

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setting, Nicklaus has created the more rugged Mountain Course while offering the gentle Valley Course. Among the 36 holes, each has its own unique character. The courses are suitable year round for all golfers from beginner level to the tournament professional.

If golf is not your thing, no worries, as Bear Mountain is situated in Mount Finlayson near Goldstream Provincial Park and offers a variety of alternatives such as hiking, mountain biking, tennis, squash, beach volleyball, etc. Both Golf Canada and Cycling Canada named Bear Mountain home to their national training headquarters.

Bear Mountain also has many luxurious amenities. You can indulge in West Coast cuisine while enjoying the sunset at Bella at the Westin, or have a pub-style meal at Jack’s Place, or maybe Japanese food at Kuma Sushi. The Sante Spa at the Westin is soothing after sports activities and offers body and facial spa treatments to freshen you up. The Westin has 156 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows to help you to take in the beautiful scenery of the golf courses, distant forests and snowcapped mountain ranges.

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M

Bear Mountain is comprises of 1,300 acres, which is about the same size as downtown Vancouver but with only 1,200 residential homes and a population of about 3,500, as compared to 54,690 in Vancouver. Plans for the next stages of development will see Bear Mountain undergoing a major change, bringing more people and prosperity to this beautiful paradise.

Ecoasis Developments bought Bear Mountain Resort in 2013. Out of the 1,300 acres, it manages 836 acres, among which 306 acres are used for real-estate developments. Ecoasis wants to establish a high-end integrated community incorporating health concepts and luxurious quality.

The plan features an additional 3,450 dwellings including luxury condos, townhouses and single family lots. The projected increase of population

is 10,000 residents over the next 10 to 15 years.

In the meantime, it will provide 30 square feet of business space to attract high-tech companies.

Over the past 30 months, Ecoasis has invested in two 18-hole golf courses and has built a worldclass tennis facility serving both the community and Tennis Canada. There will also be over 15km of trails, linking the resort to neighbouring parklands and other Greater Victoria trail networks.

A week after I left on Sept. 19, the PGA Tour Champions 2016 Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship was held here. Many famed players, including Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, gathered at Bear Mountain, drawing the world’s attention to this beautiful place with a bright future prospect. n

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© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang © Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

Jewel Trends

© Lao Feng Xiang

Diamond Jewellers

By Lucy Lau

While hot-off-the-runway furs, cozy knits, and printed overcoats are expected to storm streets this fall, a fresh crop of sparkling jewels—many designed to brighten drab, coldweather wear—is also trending.

“You’re going to see a lot more colour in our pieces,” notes Diane Tackaberry, store manager at Vancouver’s Lao Feng Xiang Jewelry, “because as we get into the winter season, we find a lot of people like to put some vibrancy in their Wardrobes.”

Known for its unparalleled selection of 24-karat pure-gold accessories, the Chinese luxury retailer is showcasing a rainbow of stones in rouge, royal blue, and emerald for autumn. Blood-red rubies shine alongside faceted diamonds in rose-gold rings; deep-green jadeite decorates yellow-gold link bracelets; and violet tanzanite and sunshine-blond tourmaline drip from white-gold chandelier earrings with a cheery elegance fit for dinner parties and black-tie galas alike.

© Tiffany & Co.

© Lao Feng Xiang © Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Tiffany & Co.

© Lao Feng Xiang

“The colours pop with a special kind of joy”

At De Beers Diamond Jewellers, sunset-evoking shades of yellow and sepia feature prominently in teardrop pendants and diamond-encrusted rings, while at Tiffany & Co., design director Francesca Amfitheatrof embraces colour wholeheartedly with a range of glittering gems that run the gamut from earthy green tsavorites to Barbie-pink sapphires.

“The colours pop with a special kind of joy and there’s a freshness and playfulness to the design,” she says of the candy-hued pieces, many of which are part of Tiffany’s 2016 Masterpieces collection.

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang © Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

© Lao Feng Xiang

“I love it because I can wear it outside my turtlenecks,”

Ring in 18k rose gold with pink sapphires, from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection, Tiffany Prism Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Meanwhile, the shapes of this season’s most-wanted jewels embody a childlike whimsy of their own. Bulbous, eye-catching spheres sit atop gold bands, for example, and brooches are fashioned after the forms of slithering salamanders.

Tackaberry is particularly fond of a lapis lazuli pendant that features an oxblood garnet-and-agate tassel and an “enhancer-style” bail that allows the wearer to attach it to various necklaces and pearl strands.

“I love it because I can wear it outside my turtlenecks,” she explains, adding that the high necklines ruling department-store racks makes statement jewellery all the more appropriate. “In order to show off the jewellery, it needs to stand out outside your clothes,” she says.

Mixing and layering gems continues to prove a popular trend, too. Whether you opt for glowing strings of pearls, yellow-gold stacking rings, or an “arm party” of semiprecious stones, it’s an easy to elevate your basic T-shirt-and-jeans combo or a little black dress. “This is something that we really encourage,” says Tackaberry, “where you can mix a diamond ring with a sapphire or even a tourmaline ring to create a different look.”

Pendant in 18k yellow gold with yellow sapphires, spessartites and diamonds, from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection, Tiffany Prism Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Rings in platinum with tsavorites, from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection, Tiffany Prism Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Ring in 18k yellow gold with pink sapphires, diamonds and a South Sea Golden Pearl, from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection, Tiffany Prism

Rings from left: in platinum with tsavorites, in platinum with sapphires, in 18k yellow gold with yellow sapphires and spessartites, and 18k rose gold with pink sapphires, from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection, Tiffany Prism Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Photo Credit: © Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection – available in October 2016

Price available upon request

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Text / Kelly Bai Photography/ Alfonso Arnold Styling / Sarah D’Arcey Fashion from Holt Renfrew Jewellery from Lugaro

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“

As a mother, you would keep thinking what kind of a world you would like to give to your daughter.” “ What I needed to do was to get changed and dance with Madonna.

It was so interesting!

W

ithout makeup, she entered quietly in a plain outfit and a black backpack.

And she asked, are you waiting for Steph Song?

Steph Song used to be a Singaporean TV star, taking on leading and supporting roles in many international movies. She played the leading role of Jo Bradley in the popular Omni drama, Blood and Water.

I was a bit surprised to meet a star like her in such a low-key manner. She sat down quietly, ordered a cup of tea and we chatted comfortably like close friends.

Born in Malaysia to intellectual parents, Steph’s father has a doctorate degree in genetic engineering and her mother holds a master’s degree in political science.

When she was two months old, Steph moved to Canada with her family, first to Edmonton and then to other places later. When she was five, her parents moved to Columbia in South America. They moved back to Canada — Saskatchewan — four years later, first settling in Regina, then Saskatoon. The family moved to Australia when she was 14 and subsequently to several other places.

To Steph, her childhood was not particularly pleasant as she was constantly relocating.

“I realized twice that I didn’t speak the local language,” she said.

The first time occurred when the family moved to Columbia. All the other children spoke Spanish, whereas she could only speak English and Hokkien dialect. The other time happened when she moved back to Canada — everyone spoke English but she already forgot the English she learned before age five.

“I quickly picked up the language, but I never forget that sense of isolation.”

Although she kept smiling, I saw sadness in her eyes.

“I was counting with my mom the other day how many

”

different schools I had attended and we counted 20,” she said.

This made it hard for her to make new friends, “I knew I would be moving in a few months or half a year, so I didn’t bother,” she said.

Sensitive and isolated, she spent her time reading and writing. This laid a solid foundation for her future acting career.

She still remembers her excitement watching Gene Wilder’s version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

But although her dream to become and actress started when she was young, she never really worked her way to it. Instead, she studied hard and completed a double major in journalism and nursing.

“It was mainly to keep my parents happy. They thought that I should study something practical (so as to find a good job),” said Steph.

As the first child in an intellectual family, her parents definitely wanted her to have a good education.

Right upon graduation, and before even starting work, love took her to LA. The relationship ended four months later, however, she stayed. There was Hollywood, and her long hidden dream re-emerged. She became an assistant to a deputy director, and while they were filming for Madonna’s MV, one of the models didn’t show up.

Steph came on to save the set.

“What I needed to do was to get changed and dance with Madonna. It was so interesting! When I received the pay cheque, I looked at the amount and I was even happier — WOW — it is really a good job. I want to do this!”

She told me the rest with a light touch, without mentioning her talent or hardships, and without describing her brilliant achievements. But this is what I found out: Steph moved to Singapore in August, 2002 and became a popular actress in English TV dramas. Filmography includes First Touch, Concerto for a Bus Driver, Heartlanders, Love Poetry, Six Weeks and 2004 best ATV drama Singapore Short Stories.

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When I received the pay cheque, I looked at the amount and I was even happier “ WOW ” it is really a good job. I want to do this!”

In 2003, her performance in Achar! brought her more success. The drama was aired in 10 countries around the world, including Australia and the States. It was awarded second prize at the New York International TV Festival 2005, just behind NBC’s Frasier.

In 2005, Steph moved back to Canada and played the leading role in Everything’s Gone Green with Paulo Costanzo (NBC’s Joey). The film premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival and was awarded Best Canadian Film in Vancouver and Edmonton film festivals.

She participated in action movie War with Jet Li and Jason Statham, and played the leading role in CBC’s TV drama Dragon Boys with Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang.

She participated in a horror thriller movie The Thaw in 2009, and joined Steve Seagal and Steve Austin in 2012’s action movie Maximum Conviction.

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In 2012, her career came to a halt with the birth of her daughter.

“I stopped working and went back to Australia to raise my daughter. This way, I would be closer to my parents and our child can always see her grandparents,” she said. “I hope to spend more time with my kid, so I plan to come back to act when she goes to Grade 2. She is only four now.”

However, it Blood and Water brought her back.

“I really like this drama. Many dramas play a heavy focus on men fighting for their career and female characters are just for embellishment. But in this drama, female characters play a heavy role. I like the story and the role that I played. Jo is Chinese, and was adopted by a Caucasian family.

So she is white inside so to speak.

She has doubts about her identity. As for me, even though I have a Chinese background, I haven’t had experience living in China. I have lived in so many countries and yet I still don’t know which country I belong to. I am a global citizen, I guess,” she laughed and took out a flat and square bottle of water from her black backpack.

Curious as to what she had in her big bag, I asked her to show me the content. It was like a treasure box: stainless steel spoon, stainless steel straw, camera, coffee, handkerchief, vitamins, American Green Card and all kinds of foreign currencies like Thai Baht, Singaporean and US dollars.

“After I became a mom, I am more environmentally friendly, and try not to use disposable utensils and less tissues. I would teach my daughter to use only one piece of tissue after washing her hands to teach her a sense of responsibility,” she said. “As a

mother, you would keep thinking what kind of a world you would like to give to your daughter.”

Even though she and her husband often travel or take business trips around the world, she doesn’t want her daughter to grow up like she did.

“We take her everywhere, and then let her go back to the same place, so that she can see the world and also have a stable place to stay. I will try my best to give her the best life.”

Voted as “the sexiest woman in Asia” by FHM Magazine in 2006, Steph is now a down-to-earth, warm and gentle mom taking care of her own family.

As well, she still has lots of ideas and directions for her own career.

“I will be back to acting full time when my daughter goes to Grade 2,” she said again.

She gave me a big warm hug before saying goodbye. n

URBAN LUXE

And On, GOin On And On On n a d On, gOing On and On, aw ay from yOu to live apart ten t hOusand miles and mOrebe tween us, each at OppOsit e ends Of the sky the rOad i e trav l is steep and lOng; whO knOws when we meet again? the hu hOrse leans intO t he north wind, the bird nests in sOuthern branches day by da y Our parting grows more dista nt, day by day robe and belt dangle lOoser shifting clOuds blOck the white sun, the tr aveler dOes nOt lOok tO re turn thinking of yOu makes

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t r Av e L

SPARKLING WELLNESS

wealth of health at crystal-infused resort

by SUSAN LUNDY

the $125-million resort and spa is truly a wonder of comfort and exclusivity, indulging every whim, pampering every contour of the body and ultimately offering a haven of relaxation.

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Hot pool and view from the pool area.

‘m walking clockwise in a tiny, foggy chamber and moving to the sound of Bob marley singing, “Don’t worry about a thing / ‘cause every little thing … gonna be alright.”

seeking an immune-system boost, flock to this cold sauna.

i’m trying to take Bob’s advice, but this is a cryotherapy cold sauna and the temperature is minus 110 degree celsius.

at this point, a few days into it, i’ve been kneaded, oiled, baked, steamed — and frozen, of course. i’m relaxed, invigorated and on the path to whole body wellness. Perhaps, more importantly, i’ve grasped the concept of “mindfulness.”

a mask covers my mouth and nose; i’m wearing shoes, socks, bulky mitts, a headband, board shorts and loose T-shirt. The temperature stuns me, but Bob and i are in this together for a full three minutes, so i try not to worry. about a thing. one and a half minutes into it and my skin — which will ultimately drop to 5 degrees celsius — is aching. The portion of my body covered by clothes is actually colder. i’ve been encouraged to remove my mitts and expose my hands, which suffer from arthritis, to the healing cold for the last 30 seconds, but i simply can’t do it. Five, four, three, two, one … a disembodied voice counts down and i stumble out, cold to the core, but also — a little proud of myself.

For me, cryotherapy is just one of close to a dozen different treatments i’m experiencing during a custom-built, weeklong “stay Young and Healthy” wellness package at sparkling Hill.

The backdrop to all this is sparkling Hill itself, the crystal-infused resort developed by gernot langes-swarovski, patriarch of the swarovski crystal family, who selected this spot overlooking lake okanagan as the place to bring european-style wellness to the rest of the world.

the scents, the heat, the humidity. this is a little piece of heaven.

cryotherapy is the signature treatment — unique in north america — at kurspa, the 40,000-square-foot health and wellness centre at sparkling Hill, located just south of Vernon. The health benefits are overwhelming and people with chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, athletes with sports injuries and others merely

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opened in 2010, the $125-million resort and spa is truly a wonder of comfort and exclusivity, indulging every whim, pampering every contour of the body and ultimately offering a haven of relaxation. nature is visible from every room, framed by huge windows like stunning pieces of art. The sweeping vistas capture the curve of the valley, the peaceful blue of the lake, tree-lined hills and the occasional roll of fog. and then there are the swarovski crystals — $10 million worth. They’re everywhere, starting outside with crystal-decorated panels on the driveway and a massive crystal shaped window above the lobby. inside, crystal chandeliers spill like gleaming waterfalls over public spaces.

They line the stairwells, sparkle like stars above the pool and sit encased in glass — glimmering in a gentle fiery red — in the rooms. even the spa reception computer glints with a crystal screensaver.

the steam and sauna area is the heart of kurspa. Here you can find exquisitely rendered themed steam rooms — rose, salt, crystal — and dry saunas (herbal, panorama, Finnish), igloo and aqua therapy showers. The scents, the heat, the humidity. This is a little piece of heaven.

each room features a two-person, crystal-shaped tub that overlooks either the lake or the valley, a walk-through, glass shower — also situated to capture the view — and sitting area. There are four penthouse suites, a crystal-studded ballroom, conference rooms, library, fine dining restaurant, café/wine bar and lower-level pet friendly rooms with direct access to a 20-kilometre trail network, which encircles the resort. wiFi is easily accessed everywhere inside, and soft classical music plays in many of the public areas.

my weeklong stay Young and Healthy package starts with psychiatrist Dr. Pieter strauss, who — after chatting with me and studying my health form — determines a dazzling, me-specific array of 10 treatments plus the cold sauna. These are broken down into “body health,” including treatments like the detoxifying Fango mud wrap; “beauty,” which

Best of all? guests are encouraged to mill about in the resort’s cosy white robes and slippers, eliminating the need to dress and undress between all that baking, steaming and freezing. kurspa sprawls across the main level of the resort; it’s a bright and spacious area filled with the scent of rich essential oils. it offers 100 treatments that range from acupuncture and reflexology, to mud wraps and hot stone massage, custom facials and pedicures. There’s a small gym; a movement room (think yoga); a silent, “serenity” room; and a tearoom, where the view is enhanced by a stunning sculpture that changes colour as you move around it. a year-round, outdoor infinity pool perches at the edge of a cliff above the lake, and from my room i can see people gently paddling about as early as 7 am, before light even dawns in the sky.

The silky saltwater of the indoor pool, lit from underneath by lights, glimmers like red and blue phosphorescence as you move through it. crystal lights twinkle on the ceiling and music plays beneath the water’s surface. There’s also a large hot pool and a healing kneipp waterway walk.

But if kurspa is the heart of sparkling Hill,

Crystal-themed steam room.

involves a turn-my-toenails-purple pedicure and customfor-my-skin facial; and “massage,” such as my personal favourite — the crystal cranium neck, shoulders and scalp rub. in between the two-a-day treatments, i hit the exercise room, float in the pools, luxuriate in the saunas and sip african tea in the tearoom. i hike a trail — admittedly much faster after seeing a “bear spotted in the area” sign — and savour local wine in the Barrique & Java café.

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Each room has a bathtub with a view.

Dinners in the exclusive PeakFine restaurant and a daily buffet breakfast are part of the package. so, on top of everything else, i feast on divine flavours served up by executive chef Romaine newell. room a bathtub with a view. in the same way as itEach starts, thehas weeklong experience ends with Dr. strauss, who guides participants in an hour-long group session, tying everything together under the banner of whole body wellness and sending people home with techniques for maintaining health.

strauss says there are four common issues among people participating in the stay Young and Healthy group, which is geared to the over-55 set. These include: caregiver burnout, physical illness (heart disease, chronic pain) and subsequent stress around lifestyle changes; relationship angst; and various forms of loss — even that associated with retirement. in the group session, strauss presents several tips for ongoing wellness, but focuses on mindfulness, or the art of living in the moment, as a way to diminish negative aspects of life such as worry or chronic pain. “in mindfulness, you accept the pain, but as part of everything else. so you focus on other senses as well — the beauty of the visual, the smells and tastes. as you open up to everything else, the pain becomes smaller.” learning the lesson of mindfulness is made easy at sparkling Hill as every sense is satiated, from the murmurs of music to the heavenly scents and flavours of fine dining. it’s a place to just relax and “be.” and as i leave, Bob’s words strum in my head, and this time, they make sense. i’m not worrying … about a thing. n

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URBAN LUXE

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old, Years and month s go bY abandoned, e i will saY no mor , but pluck up strength and eat mY fill the poem is about solicitude, departure and scourge of war during the turmoil Years o f the late eastern handY nastY the poem is full of a woman’s deep concern over her hus band in the foreign land On And On, GOin On And On on and on, going on and on, aw a Y fr o m You t o l i ve ap a rt t e nthousand miles and more between us, each at opposit e ends of the skY the road i

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“He Has acHieved success wH o Has lived well, laugHed often , and loved much wHo Ha enjoyed the trust of pure women, tHe respect of intelligent men and tHe love of little children wHo Has filled His nicHe and accomplisHed His task wHo Has never lacked ap preciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it wHo Ha s left tHe world better tHan He found it, wHetHer an impro ved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul wHo has always looked for the best in otHers and given tHem the be st He Had whose life was an inspiration whose memory ab e en dicti o n.” – b e ssie an ders on stanley, more Heart tHrobs volume two in prose and verse, a supplement to tHe original b ook Heart tHrobs “He Has acH ieved success wHo Has lived well, laugHed often and lo ved much wHo Has enjoyed the trust of pure women, tHe respe ct of intelligent men and tHe love of little children wHo a Has filled His nicHe ndacco mplisHed His task wHo Has never lacked apreciation of ea rth’s beauty or failed to ex press it wHo Has left tHe e world bett r tHan Hefound it, wHetHer an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or

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theatre

January 31 - February 19

ODYSSEO BY CAVALIA 65 horses and 48 humans come together on 1,626 square metres of stage in a marriage of equestrian skills, performance, and technical beauty.

White Big Top at Olympic Village 299 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver. $39.50-$139.50 at www.cavalia.net.

February 8 - 18

ELLE Severn Thompson stars as a French noblewoman who in 1542 set out for Canada with her uncle, Jacques Cartier, to colonize the newfound country. She soon finds herself abandoned on the deserted Isle of Demons as punishment for taking a lover during the voyage.

Firehall Arts Centre 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver. $23-$33 at www.firehallartscentre.ca.

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February 16 - 18

PTERODACTYL NIGHTS World-renowned sketch superstars the Pajama Men perform their critically acclaimed stage show blending stand-up, sketch, improv, and outlandish characters with strange situations.

Waterfront Theatre 1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver. $25 at www.theatrewire.com.

events

February 22 - 26

BC HOME & GARDEN SHOW February 16 - March 13

CHUTZPAH! FESTIVAL Chutzpah! The Lisa Nemetz International Jewish Performing Arts presents local, national, and international artists in music, dance, comedy, and theatre performances. Highlights include a comedienne Judy Gold, a performance by Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, and a contemporary film series.

Norman Rothstein Theatre 950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver.

From $23-$50 at www.chutzpahfestival.com.

The 46th annual celebration of home and garden design returns with high-interest exhibits, highprofile industry personalities, and the latest home and lifestyle trends. Celebrity presenters including Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV’s Bryan Inc., Carson Arthur from HGTV’s Home to Win, and Mike Holmes Jr. of HGTV Canada’s Holmes + Holmes.

BC Place Stadium 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver. $13-$16 at www.bchomeandgardenshow.com.

music & Dance

February 3

QUIQUE ESCAMILLA The 2015 Juno World Music award winning vocalist fuses traditional Mexican styles of music such as ranchera and huapango with modern sounds of rock, reggae, ska, pop, and more.

Guilt & Co. 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver. $12 at www.caravanbc.com.

February 24 & 25

ROUGE February 4

DIRTSONG Australia’s Black Arm Band, an internationally renowned ensemble of acclaimed Indigenous artists, performs intoxicating harmonies and vocals in nearly a dozen languages.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. $25-$45 at www.ticketfly.com.

Powerhouse dance company Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal returns to Vancouver with an international triple bill: Rouge, choreographed by Rodrigo Pederneiras of Brazilian company Grupo Corpo; Kosmos, by Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis; and Mono Lisa by Israeli choreographer Itzik Galili.

Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver.

From $50 at www.dancehouse.ca.

Sabrina Furminger (www.sabrinafurminger.com) is a busy Vancouver-based columnist. She’s a regular contributor to The Westender, for whom she writes about cultural events and show business. Follow her on Twitter @sabrinarmf.

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New Luxury

C. Bechstein Sphinx:

“The world’s most expensive piano”

A

ccording to an article by Thiemo Heeg published in the FAZ on 17 April 2015, sales in the music industry increased by seven percent in 2014. Heeg further states: “Marketing specialists often say that in most industries, mid-range products will disappear and only companies offering extremely low-priced or expensive products will survive. Manufacturers of music instruments could be the winners if this prognosis proves to be true”. In order to follow up on this statement, the reporter visited Frankfurt’s C. Bechstein Center and took a photograph of Karl Schulze, CEO of the German manufacturer of the top-segment C. Bechstein pianos, standing near the company’s lat-

est achievement: the Sphinx. This replica of a grand piano delivered to a London customer in 1886 boasts modern interior components taken from the C. Bechstein B 212 model.

According to the FAZ, the making of a B 212 in Seifhennersdorf (C. Bechstein’s production site, located in Saxony), requires 350 to 400 hours. In the case of the Sphinx, however, 1250 hours were necessary for the decoration of the case alone, and the entire production took nearly 1800 hours. “Accordingly, Bechstein set the retail price of the instrument at €930,000. […] This definitely doesn’t mean that Schulze is unrealistic. On the contrary, Bechstein’s CEO is a piano-maker with a sound understanding of his work: he knows that even a successful traditional company must generate buzz, and that the Sphinx could be a good marketing measure”.

A r ts

The strategy seems to be right, as not only Germany’s most famous newspaper (FAZ), but also the country’s top selling daily (Bild) published articles on Bechstein’s latest special model. According to Carina Hering, “the world’s most expensive Bechstein shines like a mirror and is gold-plated like in the tales of the Arabian Nights”. Moreover, Bild’s website published three pictures of the precious instrument and stated: “The piano that stands in the display, visible to all, boasts a mahogany case with floral ornaments and feet in the shape of lion paws - all made of 24-carat gold”. To give an indication of the price’s magnitude, a picture legend indicates that “the world’s most expensive piano costs as much as four Lamborghinis”. www.bechstein.com.

f resh ta kes

Supermodel

CoCo

RoCha helps to Introduce a

V

ancouver, 8 December, 2016 - TWG Tea celebrated its inaugural arrival into North America with a most glamorous red carpet affair held at its first Salon & Boutique at 1070 West Georgia Street on 8 December 2016.

“A sensory experience with live acts from notable artists such as GirlOnWax DJ Emilita and internationally renowned saxophonist, Karla Sax.”

Located within Vancouver’s upscale luxury retail hotspot, the star-studded launch attracted hundreds of guests, members of the media and notable celebrities including international top model Coco Rocha. Guests were also treated to a sensory experience with live acts from notable artists such as GirlOnWax DJ Emilita and internationally renowned saxophonist, Karla Sax. Echoing the world of high fashion, music and tea, the event harmonized perfectly with TWG Tea’s phenomenal reputation for creativity and excellence.

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Coco Rocha, Canadian supermodel

New World of Luxury Tea

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All photos credited to: TWG Tea. 1. Jason Matlo, Fashion Designer and Wen-chee Liu, Chef D’Atelier at Jason Matlo.

2. Brady Hawker, VanSing Distribution Group, David Perlon. 3. Rosette Luve, Canadian singer and songwriter.

4. James Lesure, Actor (Uncle Buck, Blue Bloods).

Guests were invited to sample a variety of delightful tea-infused canapés and petit-fours, all expertly paired with a variety of hot or iced teas and tea-infused cocktails. The exotic array was inspired by TWG Tea’s globally influenced offerings of single estate harvest teas and exclusive tea blends, and showcased the decadent options available on the salon’s curated menu.

TWG Tea brand. “TWG Tea deserves to be part of the fashion world because it’s all about being beautiful and enjoyable. As a new mom and model, we are always in a rush and it is important to slow down and make a cup of tea. You guys are so lucky to have such an amazing brand to be opening in Vancouver,” said Coco Rocha at the grand opening gala.

The 50 seater TWG Tea Salon & Boutique is comprised of an intimate tea salon, retail boutique, and takeaway

patisserie counter featuring tea-infused sweets. Dominated by an extraordinary tea wall crowned by a priceless collection of hand-painted tea tins, the boutique showcases a curated selection of objects d’art, including a rare antique brass patisserie counter, glittering floor lamps, and ornate mirrors. The gorgeous space is finished in rich woods, gleaming polished brass and fine Italian marble highlights. n Other notable celebrities that attended the grand opening gala; Chan Hon Goh (Director, Goh Ballet Academy), Fei Ren (The Romeo Section), Erin Cebula - ET Canada Host.

Mandy Ross TV & Media Personality / Journalist Yoga Instructor & Model / Lifestyle Expert & Brand Ambassador www.Mandy-Ross.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mandyrossofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/MandyJRoss Instagram: www.instagram.com/MandyJRoss B O U L E VA R D

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S O C I E T Y Join socialite Cat Barr at all the best VIP events and celebrity gala parties!

CatherineBarr.com westvancouver.com • northvancouver.com catherinebarr.com • cbarr@westvancouver.com Athletics 4 Kids (A4K) director Craig Knapton, left, and wife Becky greet gala guests with Vancouver Hard Rock Casino’s Raj Mutti.

Best Voice award goes to Lee Tockar at the annual UBCP/ Actra Awards for local actors.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland, known for movies like Stand

by Me, A Few Good Men and more, walking the red carpet at Whistler Film Festival. Photo provided by Whistler Film Festival.

A4K boxing gala host and MC Steve Darling, left, with auctioneer Howard Blank

Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood on stage at the Whistler Film Festival.

Photo provided by Whistler Film Festival.

Exploring yourself was all part of the Ulterior Motif art show featuring artist Pamela Masik and her fabulous alter ego photo.

136 O生 U活 L E VA R D 96 新B居

Chuck Keeling, Vice President, stakeholder relations and responsible gaming, Great Canadian Gaming Corp, poses with the pretty casino ladies at the opening of the new Elements Casino in Surrey

YouJohn know him for receives his movie Wardlow the John roles in Trainspotting, The at Juliani Award of Excellence F u the ll M o n t y a n d J Awards. ames UBCP/ACTRA Bond’s The World is Not Enough. Actor Robert Carlyle on the red carpet at the Whistler Film Festival.

Photo provided by Whistler Film Festival.

Pa rti n g Shot

I

Code for simple

yet elegant

n the realm of women’s couture, the term little black dress is code for simple yet elegant. The Vancouver based Little Black Dress Gala, while elegant, is anything but simple. It seeks to fundraise for the non-profit “Help Change My City” organization by showcasing local emerging and established designers.

From time to time, everyone needs a little help from a friend. Life is too often a balancing act full of stumbles and falls. Help can be, for some, inconsistent and fleeting. Help Change My City (HCMC) is an organization that reaches out to help support those in need right here in our own community. The HCMC Alliance and its partners have created programs that help to protect our city’s most vulnerable. These agents of change work with the multi-barriered, the at risk, and the homeless youth in Metro Vancouver. The HCMC Alliance enables those at risk to overcome the blend

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of challenges they face daily. They coach this cohort to become self-sufficient contributors to society. With access to mentors, guidance and basic to advanced skill training, the kids are able to forge a future they can look forward to.

These issues are not always popular with the mainstream money-raising crowd. The images provoked are too stark. More money tends to be raised through the pomp and circumstance of large politically correct galas that only the wealthiest can attend. The difference is that when a donation goes to this group, it is specifically being used to create a positive impact for Vancouver’s challenged kids. What a great cause. n Leeta Liepins leanwithleeta@outlook.com Photography: Mike Wu www.mikewuphotography.com

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