Karen Kwan

What They Wore: Power Ball 2019

7 June, 2019 Nelia

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!
[Read more…]

What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic

1 August, 2017 Nelia

I love picnics! I would picnic all the time in the summer, but I am way too lazy to put together a basket of provisions, blankets, utensils, drinks, and a million other things you need for an outdoorsy meal. Well, earlier this summer Grey Goose made my most exquisite picnic dreams come true and more!

The brand’s annual summer party was held at a Bridle Path mansion, its backyard set up with chic blue blankets and picnic baskets stuffed with a delicious meal prepared by Chef Justin Kent, along with an iced bucket of Grey Goose Rouge au Vin cocktail at the ready. With three lovely blanketmates, I enjoyed every moment of our picnic, sipping those refreshing cocktails, and devouring the incredible Poulet au Moutard, and other French-inspired nibbles.

After dinner, the guests spread around the grounds to enjoy the rest of the fun activations like a game of petanque, live music, a dove/goose balloon release, and Grey Goose Esspresso Martinis. There was even an artist on hand to sketch everyone’s stylish outfits! As afternoon stretched into late evening, the backyard was still abuzz with excitement – people dancing, mingling, and enjoying the free-flowing Grey Goose cocktails. And if that’s not a sign of a great summer party, then I don’t know what is.

If you’re planning on hosting your own al fresco soiree this summer, I highly recommend the Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz cocktail collection – these delicious concoctions will impress even the pickiest guest, and require only a few ingredients to whip up. I am also including Chef Kent’s recipe for Poulet au Moutard, because it was just too good not to recreate.

Happy picnicking!

More photos and recipes after the jump!
[Read more…]

What They Wore: H&M Eaton Centre Re-Opening Party

26 February, 2016 Nelia

It’s no secret that I have a special kind of love for H&M. You can usually find me stalking this or that item at one of their stores at least twice a week. It’s an addiction, and probably a problem, but I like it that way…really. Well, after what felt like a million years, H&M Eaton Centre has finally revealed its spectacular renovation, with bright decor, stunning lighting fixtures, and lots and lots more square footage. The flagship location now boasts 57,000 square feet, and carries H&M Home, H&M Beauty, along with all the usual suspects. It’s now one of the largest H&M stores in the world, and it’s right here in Toronto! So to celebrate this major achievement, Team H&M threw a huge party organized by the inimitable Candice & Alison, with celeb performances by Taryn Manning and Alessia Cara, Sam and Cailli Beckerman on the red carpet, Jay Strut DJing, and a ton of stylish guests toasting the newly re-opened store.

Of course, the first thing I did as we entered the store was run over to the H&M Studio section and grab a few coveted pieces, followed by a trip down the escalator to check out the new H&M Home section. It may have been the excitement, but the home section looked larger than the ones I saw in New York, while the selection was essentially the same – a wide assortment of cushion covers, cute bedding and towels, adorable knick-knacks, and lots more. One more reason to keep my weekly appointments at H&M. Now that Toronto has every single H&M category available, the next logical step is ONLINE SHOPPING! US has had an e-commerce site for nearly three years now, here’s hoping for a Canadian one soon. Fingers crossed!

More after the jump! [Read more…]

What They Wore: Power Ball 2019

What They Wore: Grey Goose Sunset Soiree Picnic

What They Wore: H&M Eaton Centre Re-Opening Party

WHO IS NELIA?

Subscribe to Blog via Email

WHAT I WORE

WHO IS NELIA?

LET’S GET SOCIAL!

Subscribe to Blog via Email