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You Are Invited: Art Toronto 2019


Yesterday marked my first ever visit to Art Toronto – Canada’s international contemporary and modern art fair that was founded in 2000. I am in the process of redecorating my living room and thought this would be a great place to check out some art and get inspired. And it really (REALLY) was. There were so many participating galleries and artists from all over the world, I was determined to visit every single booth. It took a while, but I think we managed to check out everything that was on display. And while I walked away empty-handed (the Picasso print I had my eye on was just a tad LOT out of my price range), a lot of amazing pieces I saw (and loved) were fairly affordable.

If you are looking to add a piece of beautiful art to your collection, this fair is not to be missed! And with tickets starting at $17, Art Toronto might just be the perfect way to spend your weekend.

WHAT: Art Toronto
WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
WHEN: Oct 25-27
TICKETS: https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/Art_Toronto_2019



Image #3 – Pamila Matharu

TIFF 2019: Nespresso Coffee With Creators With Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel


A very intimate affair, the Nespresso Coffee With Creators chat was one of my personal highlights of the festival. The event started bright and early on a Saturday morning, but thankfully, Nespresso took great care of us, with plenty of delicious java on offer. Jason Segel, who was the first cast member to arrive, made a beeline for the coffee area, introduced himself to the Nespresso baristas, and requested a “medium coffee with a splash of cream”. As a fan of Segel’s work ever since Freaks and Geeks, I was delighted to see how friendly and personable the actor was with everyone he interacted with, introducing himself with a smile, appearing relaxed and in good spirits.

The morning’s conversation was held in support of the world premiere of Gabriela Cowperthwaite-directed film The Friend, starring Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel, based on a true story about a husband dealing with his wife’s terminal cancer, and the couple’s best friend who moves into the family’s home to help out. The director and the stars were joined by Matthew Teague, the real-life husband whose story the film was based on, screenwriter Brad Ingelsby, and producer Michael Pruss. From the challenges of playing a “real” person, to the fun ways the stars got to shake off the difficult subject matter after a day of shooting, the conversation proved to be both insightful and entertaining, making the time fly by. And while I didn’t catch the film during the festival, it’s definitely on my list now.

It’s always a pleasure and a privilege, to watch the cast and crew share intimate insights about their work, and this year Nespresso (the official coffee sponsor of TIFF) and the Coffee With Creators panel series focused on supporting local, up-and-coming filmmakers, as well as established talent like Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel. If you’re curious, you can watch the chat on Deadline’s website, and if you’d like to read the heartbreaking 2015 Esquire article the film was based on, you can read it here.

More photos after the jump!
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TIFF 2019: Endings, Beginnings After Party with HUGO BOSS


While my fave thing to do during TIFF is watching as many movies as I can squeeze into my schedule, going to celeb-studded film after parties is a close second. This past Sunday, I got a chance to do both! After watching the latest Drake Doremus film Endings, Beginnings starring Shailene Woodley, Jamie Dornan, and Sebastian Stan, my friend Sharon and I attended the film’s after party hosted by HUGO BOSS at downtown’s Montecito restaurant. The film, about a woman torn between two very different men was right up my alley – in the infamous words of Stefan – it had EVERYTHING: a complex female protagonist, steamy romance, gorgeous scenery, drool-worthy wardrobe, and of course, two of the hottest leading men in the industry. So just imagine our excitement when we found ourselves feet away from these men (and Shailene) later at the HUGO BOSS party, trying (and failing) to keep our cool.

After a round of pinball, a couple of ginger beers, quick hellos to friends and acquaintances, and what felt like an eternity of getting up the courage to chat up the stars in attendance, we inched our way closer to Sebastian Stan until we were standing back-to-back with the Winter Soldier himself. Another eternity later, a glass of red wine in his hand, Sebastian was grilling us on our thoughts about the movie, admitting that after several TIFFs he still hasn’t really seen Toronto properly, and being very tight-lipped about his upcoming MCU show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, revealing only that the story is going to be “complex and incredible” (can’t wait!). Stan was understandably jet-lagged after his morning flight from London, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the party, and being very generous with his time. As I shared on Instagram, meeting your fave celebs isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be, but I walked away from our quick interaction with Sebastian a true stan.

Meanwhile, Jamie Dornan, just behind Sebastian, was chatting with Soho House Toronto’s Markus Anderson and publicist Evelyn Karamanos, keeping to his corner of the VIP, and Shailene Woodley, having taken off her oversized denim jacket, was all smiles nearby, swaying to the music, and taking photos with delighted attendees. Drake Doremus, Lindsay Sloane, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Shamier Anderson were also working the room, everyone in great spirits. And that’s the thing about this beautiful cast…they all seemed to genuinely like each other, with Dornan professing his adoration of Stan’s character in the post-film Q&A, telling the giddy audience that while watching the film, he “fell deeply, madly in love with Sebastian Stan”. Same, Jamie, same.

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What They Wore: Power Ball 2019

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When it comes to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery’s Power Ball, you go big or go home. And this year, with new presenting sponsor Holt Renfrew, guests of this notorious art bash brought their outfit A-game. I spotted lingerie as clothes, a frock fit for Marie Antoinette, sheer dresses, lots of neon, extravagant headdresses, and lots more. Partygoers had fun with their clothes at 21 Club, and it showed.

Beyond fashion-watching, Power Ball: 21 Club was full of immersive artist projects, vibrant performances, and delicious food and cocktails. Toronto-based artist Bruno Billio presented an enlarged version of his Tron209 room, “a work that engages with bygone visions of the future by manipulating everyday objects and spaces with tape and black light”. Outside, guests took selfies with Max Streicher’s large-scale inflatable sculptures, Sleeping Giants, sipped bubbly from the FIOL Prosecco bar, and indulged in delicious sandwiches from Arthur’s and desserts from Ricarda’s. And just in case that wasn’t enough, there were also 2000 Krispy Kreme donuts to indulge in, if you were still hungry.

The party also showcased the talents of Toronto’s diverse LGBTQ community curated by Tobaron Waxman of the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency, with stage performances by Carlotta Carlisle, Tynomi Banks, Flarington King, Gay Jesus, and Dainty Smith and Imogen Quest of Les Femmes Fatales Burlesque.

We came, we danced, we sipped bubbly, watched great performances, indulged in yummy bites, and interacted with fun art…and it was all just as promised – Toronto’s most thrilling art fundraiser. If you missed Power Ball: 21 Club, there’s always next year, but for now, check out the rest of the photos from this year’s party below.







More photos after the jump!
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You Are Invited: Power Ball 21 Club


If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you already know that I absolutely love Power Ball. It truly is one of the most fun Toronto fundraisers, complete with intriguing art installations, incredible food, live music, and the best outfits. And I think this year is going to be one for the books! For one, the artist line up is stacked, with artist projects by Sarah Keenlyside (at the pre-party) Bruno Billio, Chelsea Culprit, and Max Streicher (at the main event). Part of the fun of Power Ball is exploring the various installations and interacting with art, and this year’s selection of artists looks to be particularly interesting. Another reason I’m extra excited for Power Ball: 21 Club is this year’s main sponsor Holt Renfrew, which can only mean even better fashion and people-watching.

One thing I’m still unsure about this year is my outfit. With less than 2 weeks to go, I don’t have too much time to decide. This year’s theme is 21 Club, a one-night-only speakeasy, and I’m thinking slinky cami dresses, loads of pearls and fringe, or a sleek double-breasted suit with equally sleek hair. The great thing about Power Ball is that it’s completely acceptable to dress over-the-top and almost costumey, so keep that in mind when figuring out your own look. This is not the party where a boring cocktail dress will suffice. Bigger is better!

Tickets are still available, so get yours before they sell out so you can experience the one-night only art installations at the most exciting party of the year! Hope to see you there!

WHEN: June 6, 2019
WHERE: The Power Plant
231 Queens Quay West
7pm-9pm – Pre-party
9pm-Late – Main party

What They Wore: Holt Renfrew H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia


To celebrate the launch of H Project Uncrate Southeast Asia collection, Holt Renfrew threw a fab cocktail party hosted by Alexandra Weston, and complete with delicious (and almost too pretty to eat) bites by Chef Nuit Regular of Kiin, a special performance by Toronto Thai Dance Troupe, DJ Karim Olen Ash on the turntables, and some of Toronto’s best-dressed in attendance. 10% from all sales during the event was donated to Room to Read, a non-profit organization focused on girls’ education and literacy in Southeast Asia.

We got to check out the impressive newly-renovated H Project space on the third floor of the Bloor Street flagship, and of course, shop the new arrivals from the Uncrate Southeast Asia capsule. There were so many things to love – from stunning Kalita dresses, to chic Angelys Balek swimsuits, to adorable plush toys by Cambodia Knits. The Uncrate Southeast Asia collection highlights almost 20 brands like Beachgold, Kayu, Kandila Co, The Brave Collection, Girlfriend Collective and many more, with socially responsible products that are made with sustainable materials, produced by local artisans and communities. Beautiful products that create positive change in the world? What’s not to love?!

You can now shop Holt Renfrew’s Uncrate Southeast Asia collection in store at Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Square One, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and online until mid-summer. 





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CHANEL in The Snow Fall 2019 Collection

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As someone who is really into snowboarding at the moment, the setting of the CHANEL in the Snow Fall 2019 Collection was thrilling to see. An entire collection of perfect apres ski clothes showcased in a faux alpine village, complete with Chalet Gardenia, CHANEL skis tucked into the snow, mountain backdrop, and of course, the snowy runway.

This was the first CHANEL show since Karl Lagerfeld’s passing, and most likely the last collection he co-designed with Virginie Viard (though rumour has it he had input into the upcoming cruise collection as well). It’s strange to think of CHANEL without Karl. The two have been inextricably linked since 1983 (longer than I’ve been alive!), and while I’m really excited to see where Virginie Viard will take the brand, I’m also sad that one of the most iconic designers to ever live is gone. To honour the late designer, there was a minute of silence before the show, and tearful models on the runway after, but the true celebration of his talent was the show and the collection itself.

Heavy on the menswear-inspired looks, with timeless oversized houndstooth suits and coats, substantial plaids, and high-waisted pants, but also with a good helping of cheerful bright tweeds, sheer tulle, iridescent sequins, and shiny leather, the Fall 2019 collection had the makings of a dream fall-winter wardrobe…mostly for off the slopes, but if I can get my hands on that fuzzy red CHANEL sweater, I’ll wear it all the time and for all occasions. No surprise, there were also a lot of gorgeous bags and accessories on the runway. As we know, Karl loved a cheeky minaudiere, and this collection was no exception. For CHANEL in the Snow, a ski lift minaudiere was introduced in three colourways, with “Coco” “drawn” on a steamy window. I’d love to see a “Karl” minaudiere in the future, and I wonder if that’ll ever happen.

What did you think of CHANEL in the Snow? Will you miss Karl Lagerfeld’s genius designs? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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More photos after the jump!
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You Are Invited: TIFF Oscars Viewing Party 2019


This year’s Academy Awards seem especially unpredictable. First, Kevin Hart was cancelled as the host, then several categories weren’t going to be presented on TV, before the Academy re-instated them back to prime time, not to mention all of the controversy surrounding audience faves Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody. For the first time in 30 years, the Oscars will go on without a host, and to mark such a historical occasion, why not join other cinephiles at the TIFF Oscars Viewing Party?! With plenty of Oscars-themed drinks and award-worthy snacks, an Oscars pool, and an occasion to dress up on Oscars night…it’s going to be a night to remember. Sadly, I am out of town, and won’t be able to attend, but you still can!

WHEN: Sunday, February 24
Pre-show: 6:30pm
Telecast: 8pm–12am
TIFF Bell Lightbox

Photo Credits: Time Magazine

Golden Globes 2019: What They Wore


Did you watch the Golden Globes tonight? I totally forgot, so sadly, I completely missed the red carpet and had to catch up on the outfits online. Unsurprisingly, I feel like I didn’t miss all that much. Most stars don’t like to show their cards too early in the award season, and thus many of my usual faves went with snoozy gowns for tonight’s awards (looking at you, Emily Blunt and Emma Stone).

But of course, it wasn’t all forgettable. My fave looks from tonight included Timothee Chalamet in a custom Louis Vuitton harness, Lucy Boynton and Rachel Weisz in Celine, Richard Madden pulling off an all-velvet suit, Janelle Monae in a hot-off-the-runway CHANEL look, and Saoirse Ronan in a slinky chainmail Gucci. I also really loved Olivia Colman’s Stella McCartney look on TV, but not so much in photos.

And while there were a lot of underwhelming looks tonight, Amber Heard’s ill-fitting gown, paired with pretty terrible hair and harsh makeup was my worst-dressed of the night. After seeing (and loving) her in Aquaman, I can’t believe this is what she ended up with on the red carpet.

Did you watch the 2019 Golden Globe Awards? Which outfits won your vote? Share in the comments.






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What They Wore: Holt Renfrew Footwear Hall Launch Party


Last week, Holt Renfrew revealed their spacious, newly-renovated Bloor Street Footwear Hall in Toronto with a chic shopping party, complete with delicious hors d’oeuvres, elderflower cocktails, and a fun portrait studio helmed by George Pimentel himself. We got to check out the shiny new Gucci and Christian Louboutin boutiques within the Footwear Hall, browse the stylish bags and shoes from brands like Aquatalia, Acne, Balenciaga, Chloe, Valentino, and lots more! The renovated space boasts 7,800 square feet on the mezzanine level and offers plenty of plush seating perfect for trying on as many shoes as your heart desires.

If you still haven’t visited the new Footwear Hall, make sure to stop by the Holt Renfrew Bloor St location and put a pair or two on your wishlist for Santa!




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WHAT I WORE

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