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You Are Invited: Power Ball XIX – Stereo Vision

26 May, 2017 Nelia Leave a Comment

Power Ball is hands down my favourite fundraiser year after year. The combination of art installations, great fashion, music, and food makes for one fun soiree, and if you’ve never been, the party is next week on June 1st and you should definitely get your tickets ASAP!

This year’s Power Ball XIX: Stereo Vision promises to “be the portal where hidden worlds and alternate realities converge and collide, and are made visible to us in our earthly dimension”…not certain what that means exactly, but I know it’s going to be a blast.

If you’re not sure what to wear to Power Ball, pretty much anything goes, but dressing up according to the theme is definitely encouraged. One year, the theme was “Appetite for Excess” and I wore one of my favourite dresses from Hayley Elsaesser with a lip print all over, and colourful glitter in my hair. Excessive? That’s the point! Last year’s theme was the “Pleasure Principle”, and I donned another fave – a feathered Erdem gown, with hair piercings in my do – still one of my favourite party looks to date. But back to “Stereo Vision”…my outfit for this theme will be inspired by colour and 3D – loud and fun…and will be comfy enough to dance in and to eat in, because the food is always a high point of Power Ball. The only thing I haven’t figured out yet is my hair…but there’s still plenty of time.

I can’t wait until Thursday to finally see what this year’s Power Ball will have in store for the partygoers…See you there?

WHAT: Power Ball XIX Stereo Vision fundraiser
WHERE: The Power Plant, Toronto’s Harbourfront
WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 9PM-Late
TICKETS: https://powerball.thepowerplant.org/reg/en/registration.html

Photo Credits: Image 3 – Mauricio Calero

You Are Invited: TIFF Cinematheque Presents Volcano: The Films of Anna Magnani

18 January, 2017 Nelia 1 Comment

One of the first posts on this site (way back in 2009) was about TIFF Cinematheque’s Italian Cinema showcase. I noted then that Italian films from the 50’s and 60’s were probably some of my favourite movies of all time. In part because I grew up watching them, and also because they still hold up so many years later. Well, starting this month TIFF Cinematheque will be showcasing more gems of Italian Cinema, this time focusing on films starring the incomparable Anna Magnani. If you’re not familiar with La Magnani’s body of work, this is your chance to see some of her most brilliant performances on the big screen. It’s the perfect wintertime date idea! More info after the jump!
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What I Wore: Cat’s Pajamas

11 October, 2016 Nelia 2 Comments

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve been obsessed with this Drake’s for J.Crew pajama outfit for a while now, so, of course, as soon as the collection landed in stores, I snapped it up. And while most people wouldn’t consider wearing silk pajamas to a fancy party, I wore mine to the Nordstrom Eaton Centre store opening, and spent the night saying “thank you”, because this outfit was a huge hit. Props to J.Crew for making a comfy outfit look and feel so exquisite.

But enough about my amazing PJs, let’s talk about Nordstrom! That store is a joy to shop in, and I’m really excited about its arrival in Toronto (they carry Madewell, y’all!). With a stunning shoe department full of both high-end and more affordable designer names, several fancy boutiques like Miu Miu and Loewe, a monogramming station (something I’ll surely be using come Christmas shopping season), an Alexander Wang shop-in-shop, and my new obsession – Sugarfina candy (the Jamaican Rum Snowballs are thebomb.com), this store has become my must-visit in the city, and pretty soon, there’s going to be a second location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre!

If you’d like to celebrate the opening of Nordstrom’s second Toronto location, make sure to grab your tickets before they sell out! The Nordstrom Yorkdale Shopping Centre Gala will take place on October 19th at 7pm, and gala proceeds will be donated to several charitable foundations. More details can be found here. See you there?

More after the jump!
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You Are Invited: TIFF Soirée with Michael Fassbender

30 August, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

TIFF time is the best time to be in Toronto, and what better way to kick off the festival than at TIFF Soirée on September 7th with actor extraordinaire Michael Fassbender as the guest of honour?! In case you’re not familiar with what TIFF Soirée is all about, I asked maxine bailey, the Vice-President of Advancement for TIFF, to share her thoughts on what to wear to this gala and why TIFF Soirée is a not-to-be-missed event this September.

Q: What is your inspiration for this year’s TIFF Soirée Outfit?
A: Comfortable Glamour. Is that a thing? If it is, I’m going for it. TIFF Soirée is ALL about dressing up, but making sure my feet comfortably make it through the following 11 days. Lashes, big hair, sparkles and glitter, AND, comfy shoes. After all, this is the launch of our 41st Toronto International Film Festival and a fundraising gala to support our year-round outreach activities the other 354 days.
Q: Does the choice of a special guest influence your style decisions for the event?
A: I believe, most of the men and women in attendance, will be dressing for our fabulous guest of honour, Mr. Michael Fassbender. I mean, who wouldn’t. Mr. Fassbender makes you want to up the ante!

Q: What makes TIFF Soirée one of the best galas of the festival?
A: It’s a fantastic kick-off to the Festival, it gives you a sense of all that is to come for the next 11 days! And, much more importantly, funds raised from this event enable TIFF to reach out to youth in under-served communities and provide access to high-quality opportunities to learn about and engage with film, bringing film screenings, director discussions and workshops to community partners across the city FREE of charge through our outreach programmes. Our core outreach programs (Pocket Fund, Special Delivery, Reel Comfort) emphasize access, inclusion and diversity.
Q: Is it important for you to incorporate Canadian-designed clothes into your TIFF Soirée look?
A: Absolutely. For the 7th year in a row, I’m working closely with my lovely co-designer, Susan Dicks, who makes the bulk of my Festival clothing. It’s important for me to feel and look good as we race through those 11 action-packed days so leading up to the Festival, I scour fabric stores and land on the doorstep of Susan’s studio with ideas, Pinterest pics, and tons of ambition.

And there you have it, if you love Michael Fassbender, would like to contribute to future TIFF initiatives, and can’t wait to dress up to celebrate the 41st Toronto International Film Festival, then you should definitely attend the TIFF Soirée on September 7th. The evening will start with an exclusive onstage conversation at TIFF Bell Lightbox, followed by a rooftop cocktail party…and of course, Michael Fassbender will be there too. Tickets are still available and can be purchased HERE. See you there?

More photos from past TIFF Soirées after the jump!
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You Are Invited: Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show

23 August, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Sponsored Post
Do you remember The Jetsons? I used to watch that cartoon as a kid, dreaming of flying cars and helpful robots, thinking that it was all just a far-fetched fantasy. Well, in many ways, the future is here. Though we still don’t have flying cars, and only some people have robots in their houses, wearable tech is everywhere from smartwatches to wearable cameras, to virtual reality headsets – there are gadgets out there that we could only dream of just a decade ago. And if wearable tech is something that interests you (and if you live in Toronto), you should definitely stop by the Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show at Yonge and Dundas Square this Thursday. The expo is a full day interactive event, showcasing the latest wearable tech available at Best Buy.

I’m already a huge fan of Fitbit Alta, but I can’t wait to learn more about gadgets like Muse Brain-Sensing Headband, iON SnapCam, and Smart Rope! The event will include demos, panel discussions, a fashion show, and some cool surprises. If you can’t attend in person, make sure to follow hashtag #LifeandTech on Twitter. See you on Thursday!

EVENT: Best Buy Life & Wearable Tech Expo and Fashion Show
WHERE: Yonge and Dundas Square, Toronto
WHEN: August 25th, 2016 11am-9pm

Photo Credits: Best Buy Plug In Blog

Yayoi Kusama Exhibit is Coming to Toronto’s AGO in March 2018

16 August, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

When I first read the press release, March 2018 seemed much closer than it actually is…but no matter, 1.5 years is a small price to pay to finally have a proper showcase of Yayoi Kusama’s art in Toronto. Yup, a Yayoi Kusama exhibition is coming to AGO in March 2018, and I can’t wait!

“In March 2018, this exhibition will offer a unique opportunity to experience six of the renowned artists Yayoi Kusama’s most iconic kaleidoscopic environments at once, alongside large-scale, whimsical installations and key paintings, sculptures and works on paper from the early 1950s to the present. It also marks the North American debut of numerous new works by the 87-year-old artist, who is still actively creating in her Tokyo studio.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors makes its ONLY Canadian stop at the AGO from March to May, 2018. A selection of more than 60 paintings, sculptures and works on paper will also be on view, showcasing many of Kusama’s lesser-known collages, made after her return to Japan in 1973. These works trace the artist’s trajectory from her early surrealist works on paper to recent paintings and soft sculptures, highlighting recurring themes of nature and fantasy, utopia and dystopia, unity and isolation, obsession and detachment, and life and death.”

This is a big deal, and mark my words, in our age of selfie sticks and Instagram stories, this exhibition is going to be EVERYWHERE – in people’s Facebook profile photos, on Snapchat, and obviously all over your Insta. Kusama’s art is colourful, fun, and highly photogenic…so mark your calendars and get your credit cards ready – you don’t want to miss this one!

More about the exhibition after the jump!
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You Are Invited: Power Ball 2016 – Pleasure Principle

26 May, 2016 Nelia 1 Comment

We are less than a week away from Power Ball XVIII: Pleasure Principle aka one of the best art parties of the year in support of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. If you know me, you know that I do not enjoy most galas, but Power Ball definitely falls into the DO NOT MISS category. Last year’s Power Ball XVII: Appetite for Excess was ridiculously fun – with over-the-top food displays (think story-high pastry towers, humongous loafs of bread, octopus chandeliers, and white-gloved hands popping up from tables to feed the attendees), colourful ball pits, and so many more exciting art installations. This year’s theme invites guests to explore their desires through various art-filled spaces at the gallery.

“VIP ticket holders start the evening at 7 p.m. with modernist cocktails prepared by BarChef, and a special production by New York-based artist Ryan McNamara. Remaining spaces open at 9 p.m., showcasing work by several Canadian artists including an opium den installation by Karen Tam and an exploration of (over)stimulation and sensuality by Laura Kikauka, among many other works. Chicago house music pioneer DJ Mark Farina and two of Toronto’s most talked about DJs, Teo Nio and CRSB, will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening. Max Mara will also have an on-site presence throughout the event with visual installations that represent the brand’s heritage, as well as performances by contemporary ballet dancer and choreographer Javon Jones, winner of the Max Mara Young Visionary Award for the National Young Arts Foundation.” Sounds pretty amazing, non?

Considering this year’s theme, I feel like I can probably get away with wearing the same dress I wore last year…and while I am certainly tempted, I am still on the hunt for something else to wear. Right now, I am thinking feathers, velvet, chokers, body chains and sexy heels. If you’re stumped for ideas, I put together a list of my fave Power Ball-inspired pieces below.

Tickets are still available HERE, and if you’ve never been to Power Ball before, I highly recommend this event as a date night, girls night out, or just a fun and fancy outing on a Thursday night. Pro tip: make sure to take Friday off, because going home early is not an option. See you there?

WHAT: Power Ball XVIII: Pleasure Principle
WHEN: June 2nd, 2016 at 7pm (VIP), 9pm (General)
WHERE: The Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto
TICKETS: www.thepowerplant.org

You Are Invited: Operanation 2016 – Queen of the Night

3 May, 2016 Nelia Leave a Comment

Last time I wrote about the annual Operanation party, I proclaimed it the “Met Gala of Toronto fashion”, and with good reason – I’ve never seen so many impeccably-dressed people in one place. Well, this year’s theme is Queen of the Night, and I just know it’s going to be a night to remember.

Canadian electro-pop band Dragonette is slated to collaborate with soprano Ambur Braid and the COC’s Ensemble Studio artists for an intimate performance. Other highlights will include open bar and culinary delights, a massive chocolate display by Brandon Olsen, live art installations by Gillian G, as well as custom-designed “Queen of the Night”-themed temporary tattoos and colouring books.

Following the on-stage performances, partygoers will be able to dance the night away to DJ Diego Armand or step into the Four Seasons Centre rehearsal space for live band karaoke with Toronto fave Good Enough Live Karaoke. I am not sure if I’ll be brave enough to follow in Dragonette’s footsteps by singing karaoke in front of a bunch of strangers, but perhaps after a few drinks, I’ll be slightly more daring? Either way, this year’s opera party promises to be an epic night of indulgence and wicked fun. Will you be there to enjoy it?

WHEN: Thursday, May 19th at 9pm
WHERE: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St W, Toronto
TICKETS: $150 per person
DRESS CODE: Queen of the Night

All funds for the 12th annual event go directly to supporting the COC Ensemble Studio, the nation’s premier training program for Canada’s young opera professionals. Tickets for the party portion of Operanation: Queen of the Night start at $150 per person and are available online at Operanation.ca or by calling COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231.

You Are Invited: Mademoiselle Privé CHANEL Exhibition in London

28 September, 2015 Nelia 1 Comment

If you’re a hardcore CHANEL fan like me, fascinated by Coco Chanel, and have always dreamed about getting a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s origins and craftsmanship, then you MUST visit the upcoming Mademoiselle Privé CHANEL Exhibit in London! To be held at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery from October 13th – November 1st, this event promises to deliver an intimate and fascinating journey for all CHANEL obsessives.

The exhibition will “highlight the Haute Couture, the re-editions of the High Jewellery “Bijoux de Diamants” collection created in 1932 and CHANEL No5. Opening the doors to reveal a dazzling experience and immersion into the origins of CHANEL’s creations, “Mademoiselle Privé” will capture the charismatic personality and irreverent spirit of Mademoiselle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld.” With complimentary workshops four times a day, visitors will learn about Lesage embroidery, Maison Lemarié feather and flower creations, as well as the iconic CHANEL No5 perfume and its ingredients. Tickets to these workshops can be reserved in advance, starting October 7th, so mark that date on your calendars.

Even the setup of the exhibition sounds magical – starting with a contemporary English garden, that will lead into the gallery reminiscent of Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment, and several rooms, each representing symbolic places, such as 31 rue Cambon and the Place Vendôme in Paris. The “Mademoiselle Privé” exhibition will end with a ‘Jardin à la Française’ – 18th century garden, inspired by the interlocking C’s that Mademoiselle first saw in the stained-glass windows at Aubazine orphanage. This garden will combine “the symbols of Mademoiselle’s childhood, the enigma and the mystery of her years at the orphanage, with Karl Lagerfeld’s knowledge and passion for the French 18th century garden.”

More after the jump! [Read more…]

You Are Invited: Hermès Canada Charity Silk Sale in Toronto

6 April, 2015 Nelia 2 Comments

Amazing news, guys! Hermès Charity Silk Sale is coming to Toronto on April 23rd, and if you’re a fan of the brand, you won’t want to miss it! In the past, merchandise included scarves, ties, bracelets, and small leather goods, with really good discounts offered. The sale will be held in support of Multiple Sclerosis Research at St. Michael’s Hospital, so it’s for a good cause too. Not much else to say, except…see you in line?

WHEN: April 23, 2015 8am-7pm
WHERE: Metro Convention Centre
255 Front St West
North Building, Room 201
ALL SALES ARE FINAL