ANSWER:
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SUMMER 2020 • VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 1
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca Director of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca
ART DEPARTMENT Co-Founder/Creative Director FERNANDO ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Senior Graphic Designer CHRISTINA BAN Senior UI/UX Designer YENA YOO Junior UI/UX Designer MARIA KOROLENKO Web Developer JORDAN CARTER
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Beauty & Travel Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Copy Editors and Proofreaders CATHARINE CHEN, JENNIFER D. FOSTER, NINA HOESCHELE Contributing Writers CEZAR GREIF, JAN JANSSEN, SHAUN MELADY, RICK MULLER, DONNA PARIS, CECE M. SCOTT, JESSICA SPERA, JOSH WALKER Contributing Photographers GREG ALEXANDER, CHARLIE GRAY, ANTOINE HUOT, JESSE MILNS, RYAN PFLUGER, CARLOS A. PINTO, MICHAEL ROGERS, RAMONA ROSALES, ROBERT STURMAN, SIMON WATSON, KAI WEISSENFELD, TIMOTHY WHITE Social Media Managers CASSANDRA GIAMMARCO, JESSICA SPERA
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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES T: 905-264-6789 info@dolce.ca • www.dolcemag.com Front Cover ALEX TREBEK Portrait by NATHAN DENETTE
Dolce Magazine is published quarterly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789, info@dolce.ca, www.dolcemedia.ca Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675. All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publisher. Dolce Magazine reaches over 900,000 affluent readers annually through household distribution across Canada. Dolce Magazine is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu. Inquiries about where else Dolce Magazine is available for sale may be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolcemedia.ca or 905-264-6789. Visit www.dolcemag.com for single copy and yearly subscription fees. The opinions expressed in Dolce Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content. The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 24 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ISSN 2370-4063 Next Issue: Fall 2020 ©2020 Dolce Media Group. Printed in Canada.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Believe In a world that is fast becoming soulless Be challenged to find your own soul Then make it selfless. When the television portrays only tragedy Be challenged to turn it off Spend your time working on your own humility. If you’re surrounded by people who are envious Be challenged to cull the herd around you Fill your life with those who bring joyousness. During the times you feel utterly hopeless Be challenged to claw your way out Understand that genuine happiness is timeless. Find your soul. Believe in yourself. Trust in your God. Love your family. Share your plenty. Lean when you need. Live out loud. Fernando Zerillo Love heartily. Grow your humanity. Co-Founder/Creative Director Infect the world with your faith. — from The Wife by Iris Imeneo
natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, one could ask the same question now. In De Lio’s case, where was God when deadly bacteria infected his body, nearly taking his life and resulting in the amputation of both of his legs? In that article years ago, one of the questioned religious leaders replied that God was in the firemen going up the stairs to rescue the people in the towers. It’s a response that to this date gives me comfort. Likewise, now, God is in the rescue workers bringing relief to Puerto Rico, Mexico and Florida. And God was in the In our interview Anthony Hopkins, he the family doctors who fought towith save Paul De Lio. He was with mentions philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who and friends who prayed for De Lio’s life and later, for his recovery. wrote reach a certain age and lookis filled with Today,that just once a few you months after his ordeal, De Lio back on your life, you feel though it hasothers beenfind ways to positivity and gratitude. He as is ready to help written someone else. Hopkins likesGod the feeling live withbymotivation. Dare I say, then, also resides in De that can’tSee take for page anything. Lio’she heart. hiscredit story on 32. “It removes theOfego. I don’t have a clue about I am stillmy thoughts course, it’s possible you do not it. agree with on the clueless.” whereabouts of God. We all know that one should not pretty speak casually politics or religion, forofthese We hope youof enjoy our summer edition Dolce.are sensitive topics (although thethe weather isn’t a safewho topic anymore, We’ve brought you stories of exactly individuals either). But perhaps willworld, be interested our story about are creating changeyou in the startinginwith the Bahá’Í Faith, a relatively religion with 5toto 7 million their own communities and new rippling outward adherents practising globally. If you believe in thethe betterment of create waves. They remind us that we all have the world, in unity, love and service, you might fi nd your place power to contribute meaningfully to this world. here. Bahá’Í’s believe in equality of all sexes, races The changes that have rocked the globe in recent and creeds, and in the harmony of science and religion. Story on page 74. events are proof of that. Times may be uncertain, In this day and age, we could all use more unity, love and faith, but there is still very much to see, explore regardless of what form it takes. May you enjoy this edition of and celebrate. City Life Magazine. It, like life, is yours to experience and do with what you will.
The answer is to love life
I
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa,
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
sometimes wonder if trivia experts feel clueless in this time of uncertainty, like the rest of us. Take, for instance, top contestants on the long-running quiz game show Jeopardy!, which in 2019 won an Emmy for Outstanding Game Show and had a weekly audience of 23 million. The show has a unique ell, in the case of Yolanda Gampp, this could be format in which contestants guess the question a real possibility. If you’re not yet familiar with to a provided answer, and it appeals to viewers at her work, she is a multi-millionaire YouTube home eager to test their own knowledge. Another Alex subscribers, Trebek baker (3.3 — million that is) … all feature of the show, many agree, is its Canadianthanks to her incredible imagination. born host, Alex Trebek — articulate, quick witted and always impeccably dressed. Fans admire Th hisis is a woman who dreams up cakes for a living — not traditional tiered shapes and flavours, but cakes that look like philanthropic heart, his courage (in March 2019, hot dogs, huge candy apples, watermelons, in flavours like the Trebek announced that he has Stage 4 pancreatic ultimate red velvet and chocolate cake … You get the idea. cancer), his deep commitment to the environment Internationally celebrated photographer Sweet mother of God, this lady has the power to tempt even and his genuine love of geography. “The study of Robert Sturman photographs different walks of the strongest-willed person with her cakes! Her belief is that geography helps us gain an appreciation for the people, including police officers, prisoners and anything is possible, and with the love and support of family natural world around us, and how to interact with, breast cancer survivors, who all practise yoga. He and friends, the highest levels of success are attainable. Read and better utilize, our planet and its resources,” explains that reading this passage by Indian mystic her story on page 38. Trebek says. “It provides a framework for how Speaking we and longour time agoneed changed hisbe ofphilosopher belief, we allOsho prayathat faith never care for the Earth. Most importantly, because it life: “To be creative means to be in love with life. tested the way Paul De Lio’s is. Many of us go through life encompasses both the social and natural sciences, You can be creative why onlytragedies if you love lifeour enough without ever having to question strike lives or the study of geography helps us build a deeper youinwant to enhace beauty, want to the lives ofthat others the world. A fewits years back,you we published understanding of how we live together, providing bring athe little to it,I remember a little more poetry an article about defimore nitionmusic of God. asking the us a clearer and necessary sense of direction for to pose to it,this a little more it.” Weleaders: here at“Where Dolce writer question to dance variousto religious the future.” share this philosophy. was God in moments such as 9/11?” Given the recent state of
CAN YOU HAVE YOUR AND “FindCAKE something that EAT ITgood TOO? you’re at, and
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the world is yours.”
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
@dolcemag / @amorebagstoronto / @fernandozerillo @dolcetweets @amorebagstoronto
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petertriantos SUMMER 2020
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CONTENTS SUMMER 2020 / VOLUME 24 / ISSUE 1
34
COLIN KAEPERNICK: How a simple act of taking a knee became a powerful social justice symbol
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JEWELRY: Find your finishing touch with our curation of contemporary and classic luxury rings
ALEX TREBEK: The muchloved host of Jeopardy!, Trebek is a game-changer to his fans and fellow cancer survivors
112
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN: His high-end stilettos place this legendary designer at the height of style and sophistication
25
ASHLEY LONGSHORE: Meet Ashley Longshore, the New Orleansbased mixed-media artist with celebrity clientele who is often compared to Andy Warhol
42 102
LORI MORRIS: The renowned artist, visionary and dreamer shows us her Glamour in the Sky project
LA MÉTAMORPHOSE COUTURE: Whether you go for Gucci or Valentino, a statement piece or something more subtle, we’ve got you covered
22 CHÂTEAU SUPRÊME: Ferris Rafauli and La Cornue launch Château Suprême and create a timeless masterpiece 28 MURDA BEATZ: From small-town Canada to the international stage More stories inside ...
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Invest in a CAMEO Kitchen
17 SUMMER 2020
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Since its beginnings, Ken Shaw Lexus has been founded on family and unparalleled customer service
KEN SHAW LEXUS: A ROAD TO SUCCESS
T
he beginning of Ken Shaw Lexus stretches back to the 1940s, when Ken Shaw Sr. opened a service repair shop in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. In 1954, he immigrated to Toronto and later started working at a gas station on Spadina Avenue before acquiring his own station on Dundas Street West in 1958. By 1963, he made the decision to officially open an automobile dealership. Fast forward to 2020, past grand reopenings, and the legacy Ken Shaw Sr. started all those years ago still lives on. Today, Ken Shaw Lexus isn’t just known as Toyota Canada’s first Lexus franchise dealership, proudly serving Toronto for years, but it is also a successful business founded on family and unparalleled customer service. “Our business is an anomaly because we’re very fortunate to have a stable, long-term workforce,” says Danny Jamal, general manager at Ken Shaw Lexus. “If you go to our website and look at our staff section, you’ll see a lot of the employees have been with us for decades. We have excellent relations with not only our employees, but also our customers. We believe in honesty, transparency and treating everyone with respect.” When you look at how people-centric Ken Shaw Lexus is and the way it operates, you start to realize why it’s so successful. As well as management being
How one Toronto-based dealership has been putting customers in the driver’s seat for more than 60 years available to both employees and customers seven days a week, customers are known company-wide as “guests.” And all feedback surveys completed after a service visit are circulated to all 150 employees, complimentary or critical. “Being a family business
OUR PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO TREAT A GUEST IN OUR DEALERSHIP AS WE WOULD IN OUR OWN HOMES is a huge advantage. At this stage in Canada, a lot of dealerships tend to be corporate owned, and your store is a store number, and your employee is an employee number because they’re a huge conglomerate,” Jamal continues. “My door is always open for staff. And if a guest has a compliment or complaint, they can reach out directly to us,
and they’re always impressed by the speed at which we respond.” With the Lexus philosophy also being one founded on offering clients exceptional experiences, it makes sense that the brand and the Shaws would do so well together. “Our philosophy has always been to treat a guest in our dealership as we would in our own homes,” Jamal explains. “Delivering a great guest experience is one thing, but you have to have the product to match it. The Lexus product never breaks down; it’s reliable with low maintenance costs. We’re fortunate to represent such a great product.” And though Kew Shaw Lexus has seen notable growth and success, it looks as though the dealership is just getting started. As well as undergoing recent major renovations, adding 18,000 square feet to its facilities, two guest lounges were also added: one is open concept on the showroom floor, and the other is private, where guests can enjoy refreshments and find a business centre if they want to continue working. “Everything is brand new, uncluttered. With over 60 years in business, when we made the decision to renovate, we felt it had to be good for the next 60 years. We’re very proud of the result,” says Jamal. www.kenshawlexus.ca @kenshawlexustoronto
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEN SHAW LEXUS
Danny Jamal, General Manager at Ken Shaw Lexus
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FARZAD GHAZI Sales Representative
647-989-8449 | farzad@barrycohenhomes.com AWARDS
“Real estate is not about buying and selling property; it is an extension of lifestyle.” — Farzad Ghazi
About Farzad Ghazi Over the years, Farzad Ghazi has built a reputation for selling distinctive properties in the city. His success speaks to consistent dedication and effort, ensuring each and every one of his clients’ wishes is always met. Ghazi’s philosophy is to continuously improve the client’s experience.
Extremely knowledgeable, with versatile communication skills and a network of qualified buyers and sellers, Ghazi is positioned to thrive in the complex market of luxury real estate in Toronto.
www.BARRYCOHENHOMES.com SUMMER 2020
PHOTO BY MARTIN ADAMS
PHOTO BY MWANGI GATHECA
A relentless dedication to service, accountability and open dialogue are all part of his culture and raison d’être.
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ART & STYLE
FERRIS RAFAULI AND LA CORNUE LAUNCH PHOTOS COURTESY OF LA CORNUE
CHÂTEAU SUPRÊME
In a landmark design collaboration, luxury designer Ferris Rafauli and La Cornue, a French purveyor of luxury kitchen appliances, create a timeless masterpiece that puts art in the heart of the home WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER 22 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
SUMMER 2020
L
ong ago, the kitchen became the heart of the home and the centrepiece of family life, where there is safety, comfort and familiarity. It is usually the first room we visit each morning, and the last one we leave each night. Now, in a landmark design collaboration, renowned Canadian designer Ferris Rafauli and La Cornue, a historic French manufacturer of customized cookers and kitchens, have launched Château Suprême by Ferris Rafauli, sure to become the artistic focal point of any home. Each version of this remarkable Château Suprême range is tailor-made and is part of the haute couture of kitchens. Rafauli, celebrated for his blend of ancient and contemporary elements in his projects, has designed an entirely new version of the iconic Château cooker by creating a new interpretation of the French art of living in breathtaking fashion. The result is a range that combines ultra-sophistication with superior functionality. The internationally acclaimed designer considered and revised each element of the range to bring this exceptional piece to life. “My goal was to respect over 100 years of La Cornue heritage and DNA, yet create a timeless art piece for the modern-day culinary connoisseur,” says Rafauli. “The end result is breathtaking, making it the centrepiece of the home and jewel of the kitchen.” The Château Suprême range continues the La Cornue philosophy of valuing design excellence configured through the use of fine materials and innovative production techniques. It includes two exclusive warming cupboard modules, holds a special cooktop with a walnut chopping block and features dual-material control knobs in enamel and reeded metal details. Every feature has been studied in depth to enhance the overall lines and qualities typical of the Château collection, giving it the highest degree of excellence and sophisticated style. Details such as the colour palette, in different nuances of grey, give colour variations, and elements such as the plate engraved with stars and control knobs evoke the art deco style. “Ferris is renowned as one of the world’s most influential designers,” says La Cornue managing director Benoit Favier. “We have fully immersed ourselves in his exacting standards and his desire to have exceptional products. For us, Ferris is truly representative of his era.” Château Suprême by Ferris Rafauli maintains the timeless elegance of the product made famous by La Cornue, founded in 1906 and known for its longstanding collaborations with leading international designers. And Rafauli’s design brilliance has now elevated the range into a classic art object, destined to become the most original addition to any home. www.lacornue.com @lacornueofficial
“MY GOAL WAS TO RESPECT OVER 100 YEARS OF LA CORNUE HERITAGE AND DNA, YET CREATE A TIMELESS ART PIECE” — Ferris Rafauli
Rafauli’s design represents a classically new reinterpretation of the iconic Château range, with every element evoking the art deco style with their geometries
www.dolcemag.com SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR THE VIDEO ON THIS DESIGN COLLABORATION WITH FERRIS RAFAULI
23 SUMMER 2020
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CREATING AN ABSTRACT HOME IN
A MODERN WORLD
Bring the conceptual into reality with these desirabe objects WRITTEN BY SHAUN MELADY
HOME DECOR
� CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA ORB MODERN AND BUBBLE LIGHTS Add sparks to each room by choosing from an array of colours with Curiousa & Curiousa’s Orb Modern and Bubble Lights. www.Curiousa.co.uk
� BLU DOT NEAT LOUNGE CHAIR Get your creative juices flowing by adding comfortable and visually appealing living spaces with the Neat Lounge Chair by Blu Dot. www.BluDot.com
� GUCCI INVENTUM, XXL STAR EYE CANDLE Align with your inner peace and bring Zen into your living space with Gucci’s Inventum, XXL Star Eye Candle. www.Gucci.com
� GUCCI VELVET CUSHION WITH ANGRY CAT EMBROIDERY Let your Italian taste do the talking in your home by displaying the Gucci Velvet Cushion with Angry Cat Embroidery. www.Gucci.com
� BLU DOT SPLASH COAT RACK It’s never too early to plan for seasonal changes. Why not do it in style with Blu Dot’s Splash Coat Rack? www.BluDot.com
� KELLY WEARSTLER ISADORA TABLE Enhance your abstract and contemporary artistic style at home and step into modernity by featuring the bronze Isadora Table by Kelly Wearstler. www.KellyWearstler.com
� JOHN DERIAN COMPANY OUTLET AND SWITCH PLATE COVERS The finest of details create a world of difference. Introduce John Derian Company’s festive Outlet and Switch Plate Covers to your home. www.JohnDerian.com
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ART Her creations are, well, very creative and unlike anything else. Like this one, Gucci Leopard Weezy
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY LONGSHORE
BOLD AND GUTSY, DARING AND BRAVE
You’ve never seen this before. Like the artist herself, Ashley Longshore’s own brand of vibrant pop art makes a lot of noise — and it’s all infused with an incredible sense of fun. Huge canvases of icons, like her muse, Audrey Hepburn, and Kate Moss in a sassy nun’s habit are just the beginning. Longshore is an artist, a gallery owner and a successful entrepreneur with brilliant ideas and collaborations that have made her a smart businesswoman, too WRITTEN BY DONNA PARIS
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hen you’re talking to Ashley Longshore, you want the interview to go on forever, because, well, what comes out of her mouth is just so out there that you never want it to stop. It’s not just what she says, either; it’s her delivery. With a southern drawl, she knows how to tell great stories — all sprinkled liberally with some epic swear words. But one thing is for sure: Longshore is authentic. “I’m very trusting and I don’t have anything but love,” she says. “I don’t care who you have sex with, I don’t care what god you believe in, I don’t care what colour your skin is.” She grew up in the American South, the daughter of an advertising executive and a stayat-home mom. “I was always into activities like
tap dancing and ballet,” she says. But it wasn’t until her later teens that Longshore discovered art on her own. “When I was 18 years old, I started painting and I found a joy that was so great; I’d never felt that.” Longshore knew pretty quickly that hers was not a life to be spent being groomed to become a trophy wife. “I knew marrying a rich man wasn’t going to make me happy. And when I realized that nothing brought me as much joy as my art, I completely immersed myself in it.” And if there’s one thing Longshore knows how to do, it’s how to have fun. “I just want to play, I want to dance, I want to have fun,” she exclaims. But don’t underestimate her. “Do I run a multimillion-dollar company? Yes. Do I have a lot of pressure on me? You would not even believe
1. Longshore’s art is a reflection of herself: bold and self-confident 2. Ashley Longshore Twinning. That’s her 3. One of Longshore’s most famous lines: “I do not cook, I do not clean, I do not fly commercial,” and in fact, the title of one of her books
it,” she says. “But I operate well among all of that pressure and all of that anxiety.” Asked what makes her a great businesswoman, she says simply, “The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel, and when you don’t have two nickels to rub together and you’re sitting around looking at a room full of your work, you know you have to sell these pieces.” Longshore is an Instagram favourite and feels she gets a lot of love there, because she puts up good energy. In fact, she regularly uses Instagram to sell her art. For Longshore, who owns her own art gallery, Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery, in New Orleans, it’s a win-win situation, where she doesn’t have to give some of her profits to an art dealer. Longshore is busy and she’s not afraid to work hard, sometimes putting in 16-hour days to create and deliver her mixed-media art. This practice
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY LONGSHORE
“I THINK NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE HAVE TO APPRECIATE ALL OF OUR UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF WHO WE ARE AS HUMAN BEINGS COLLECTIVELY, CELEBRATE ALL OF THE DIFFERENCES AND JUST LOVE THEM ALL”
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has led her to many associations with high-end blingy brands, including Gucci, Rolex and Veuve Clicquot. Earlier this year, she was the guest judge on Project Runway, and designers had to create looks to celebrate her original prints. Recently, Longshore published her second book, I Do Not Cook, I Do Not Clean, I Do Not Fly Commercial, which highlights her life story and showcases her art. One thing you need to know about Longshore is that she has loads of self-confidence and she likes to nurture it in others, too. Her most powerful message is, “Love yourself.” And she pushes her own brand of feminism with logos like, “You are gorgeous” and “You are perfection” and “You are a queen.” All of her clients love it: “My work is loud and over the top and it’s not anything to be ignored,” she says. “My collectors are the kind of people who love colour and big dinner parties and they still have this very playful side to them.” Longshore really wants to take care of the world by giving back and supporting her community. And it’s so important, especially at this time, she says. Right now, she’s handing out $50,000 scholarships through the Ashley Longshore Charitable Trust fund, and she’s pumped more than $100,000 into her own community by donating to several different charitable organizations. Her final words? “I think now, more than ever, we have to appreciate all of our unique attributes of who we are as human beings collectively, celebrate all of the differences and just love them all.”
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg sports a Lady Liberty pin 5. Longshore just wants everyone to love themselves. Fun messages like, “You don’t look fat, you look crazy” appear on many of her creations 6. Inner Child – Wonder Woman gets whimsical
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www.ashleylongshore.com @ashleylongshoreart
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Murda Beatz grew up in Fort Erie, a small town on the Niagara River
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SUMMER 2020
PHOTOS BY JESSE MILNS | SHOT ON LOCATION AT ONE KING WEST HOTEL, TORONTO FASHION & WARDROBE STYLIST: ASHLEY GALANG | HAIR & GROOMING: ROBERT AMADO / AMADO SALON AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORTATION: POLICARO GROUP PORSCHE | VIDEOGRAPHER: DANIEL COOPER
Blazer - Dior
MUSIC
MURDA BEATZ:
FROM SMALL-TOWN CANADA TO THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE Shane Lee Lindstrom, better known as Murda Beatz, might have grown up in small-town Ontario, but that didn’t stop his meteoric rise in the music scene INTERVIEW BY CASSANDRA GIAMMARCO WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
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aised in Fort Erie, Ont., a small town that sits on the Niagara River, Murda Beatz was always familiar with the power of music. Growing up, he was surrounded by his dad’s taste in classic rock and taught himself how to play the drums at an early age. Soon, he’d created his first beat, knew it was what he was destined to do and took the first step to making his ambitions a reality. Fast forward to 2020, and Murda is an internationally renowned music producer, songwriter, DJ and beat-maker who’s collaborated with the likes of Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Nicki Minaj. Though his talent is highly sought after today, his beginnings were rather humble. “I was selling beats on the Internet for $50, $150, $250,” Murda says. “I’d go to Western Union and pick up the money.” It was a time when Murda was just getting into producing records and doing mixtapes, but also a turning point in the industry, because streaming was changing the game. “Everyone was saying that music wasn’t a good career choice, because it was hard to make money as a producer,” he explains. “[Streaming] changed everything. Streaming builds up the numbers; it makes everything more accessible. And you can make money as a producer.”
“I WAS SELLING BEATS ON THE INTERNET FOR $50, $150, $250. I’D GO TO WESTERN UNION AND PICK UP THE MONEY”
Whenever he makes his music, Murda ensures he’s crafting something special, something that’s distinctly his. “I have a signature chant I’ve been putting in all my beats since 2013,” Murda says. “Just little things that people who are really big fans of music and study the game understand. When they hear that chant, they know it’s a Murda beat. Whether it’s the way your drums hit or the way your beat sounds, they can just tell.” He also looks to other genres for inspiration, recently lo-fi, and how he can bring elements of those genres into the music he makes. “I was going to start making a SoundCloud — and start selling beats for $50 — but at the last minute, I decided not to do it,” Murda says, describing both a personal and a professional turning point. “I didn’t want that to be my worth. So, I decided to stop selling beats altogether. I wanted to build that worth up, because I knew what I was able to make. I wanted to graduate from an Internet-based beat-maker to a real producer.” And graduate he did. In 2016, he embarked on big collaborations with PARTYNEXTDOOR, Gucci Mane and French Montana. In 2018, while chilling at Drake’s house and playing NBA 2K, he made “Nice For What,” a song that would debut at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and top the U.K. and ARIA Singles Charts. In 2019, his
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Throughout quarantine, Murda has been working on various projects to support upcoming musicians Shirt and jacket - Palm Angels, available at Nordstrom Watch - Roger Dubuis, available at Royal de Versailles Jewellers
“I WANTED TO BUILD THAT WORTH UP, BECAUSE I KNEW WHAT I WAS ABLE TO MAKE. I WANTED TO GRADUATE FROM AN INTERNET-BASED BEAT-MAKER TO A REAL PRODUCER” 30 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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Floor Seats Tour was a huge success, highlighting guests like A$AP Rocky, and while in Toronto, local artists, including Puffy L’z, Chromazz and Young Smoke. “It was an amazing experience,” Murda says. “The mosh pit was crazy.” Despite these milestones, Murda hasn’t forgotten what it takes to climb to the top and has embarked on a number of projects to support upcoming talent. Recently, he signed English hiphop/pop artist Adam Halliday to his Murda Gang collective and is excited at the prospect of working with a fresh voice. Even in quarantine, he’s helping hopeful musicians. As well as releasing music under his own name, he released the digital drum kit Murda
Jacket, shirt and jeans - Palm Angels, available at Nordstrom Watch - Roger Dubuis, available at Royal de Versailles Jewellers
Beatz Quarantine Pack via music-production site Splice. He wanted the drum kit to inspire those in lockdown and offer a solid foundation for someone ready to make their own music. Since the kit went live, it’s reported to have been downloaded more than one million times, with a portion of its proceeds going toward COVID-19 relief. He’s also been busy judging entries for Step Up to the Mic, a digital competition for upcoming artists. The prize for the competition includes a record label and management deal and the opportunity to collaborate with Murda, as well as songwriters, singers and rappers Starrah, Quavo and Takeoff. And if that weren’t enough, Murda is set to
appear as a mentor on an episode of Forbes’s Rap Mentors, where he hopes his input “inspires youth and anyone else who needs inspiration, inside or outside the music industry.” He also recently donated $20,000 to the music department of the high school he attended, Fort Erie Secondary School, and is planning a visit when he can to see what instruments the school purchased and meet those keen to follow in his footsteps. www.murdabeatz.com @murdabeatz www.dolcemag.com SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE OF MURDA BEATZ
Murda has collaborated with many artists, including Drake, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj
VEHICLE PROVIDED BY THE POLICARO GROUP 2018 PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO COLOUR: CHALK WHEELS: 21-INCH EXCLUSIVE DESIGN WHEELS PAINTED IN BLACK HIGH-GLOSS PRICE: C$189,980
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INTERVIEW
HEMKY MADERA: EXPLORING A SECOND SKIN Speaking from his home in Nashville, Madera talks Queen of the South, growing up in the Dominican Republic and why he prefers to play the bad guy INTERVIEW AND WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
Q. We should probably start with Queen of the South. A. Of course. I play Pote Galvez. He’s the righthand man and protector of Teresa Mendoza, the queen. I started hunting her, and through a series of events, became her confidante and protector. It’s a great role to play. I enjoy playing bad guys. He’s a bad guy with a heart, if that’s a thing, because he has his own morals. He’s still a killer but it’s fun to play these characters that are so opposite to me as a person. You get lost in playing make-believe. Q. How do you prepare for a role like that? A. I did a lot of research. I watched a lot of documentaries on the cartel, the Mexican cartel especially, and got my hands on everything I could about it, from news reports to documentaries about hitmen. I got into this world but I also know how
to let go of things very easily. This is my career and what I love to do, but it doesn’t take over. I’m a true believer in your costume, jewelry and your hairstyle. When everything came together and I slicked my hair back, had the mustache, sideburns and golden bling, my voice got deeper, my movements got slower. It happens a lot with roles I play. It’s like a second skin. Q. Queen of the South started as a novel and had already been televised. How did you go about becoming a character that’s been explored before? A. I did it totally different. The guy who did the original soap opera was more light, and did an amazing job, but I didn’t want to copy what he did, so I did the opposite. The quiet beast who walks in and rips your head off but also licks your wounds afterward. You see a picture of his character against mine, you see a lightness in his eyes and a darkness in mine. Q. Did you always want to be an actor? A. From when I was five years old. I didn’t speak English at the time, and we were watching On the Waterfront. There’s the famous scene with the glove and I remember looking at Marlon Brando grabbing that glove and trying to put it on, and I figured out he didn’t want her to leave. I remember turning to my parents and saying, “I want to do
what he does.” I didn’t pursue it until I was 18, after high school. I changed majors four times, dropped out of every semester, until one time I turned to my dad and told him I wanted to be an actor. His response was: “Finally, you tell me something I’ve always known.” Q. You were born in Queens, grew up in the Dominican Republic, and have gone between the two since. Where do you consider home? A. I feel very blessed that I lived in both worlds. The Caribbean island life is very mellow and chill but the city is fast-paced. I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years, which was the longest I’ve ever lived in one place, until I moved here to Nashville. I don’t want to sound cliché but I’ve travelled so much that home is wherever my family is. For me, we loved our house in L.A. but right now, being here with my kids and [my wife] Jesse, this is home. Q. Do you have anything else in the pipeline we should know about? A. I have a couple of ideas for personal projects. I want to direct and have shadowed a couple of directors during my shows. But I want to create some shorts and direct as much as act. Everything about this industry I love, the storytelling mainly. @hemky
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PHOTO BY BOBBY QUILLARD
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orn in Queens, N.Y., and raised in the Dominican Republic, Hemky Madera is someone brimming with culture. Featuring in Weeds and the award-winning Queen of the South — which has just been renewed for a fifth season — and scheduled to appear in the upcoming HBO limited series Perry Mason, he’s also someone with a story to tell. We spoke to the actor on getting into character, personal projects and where he considers home.
Hemky Madera’s love for acting began when he was just five years old, after watching On the Waterfront
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SOCIAL ISSUES
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s gesture before a game four years ago is still being felt across the cultural landscape today
BLACK LIVES MATTER AND COLIN KAEPERNICK: PROTESTS IN COURAGE WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
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PHOTO BY TIMOTHY WHITE / TRUNK ARCHIVE
With social issues being complicated, complex, controversial and sometimes polarizing, the simple taking of a knee was a powerful symbolic statement
“I HAVE DECIDED TO STICK WITH LOVE. HATE IS TOO GREAT A BURDEN TO BEAR” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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ravery can be demonstrated in many ways and it can come in many shapes and sizes — some big and some small. In a preseason National Football League (NFL) game in August 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did something small — which grew into something huge — becoming a symbol of a global movement for change: Black Lives Matter. Kaepernick simply did not stand for the American national anthem. And by not standing, he stood up for something much bigger than himself. He didn’t kneel, either, at least not at the beginning. His No. 7 jersey sat on the bench — alone — while the rest of his teammates stood for the American national anthem, traditionally played before sporting events in the United States. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of colour,” Kaepernick said in a post-game interview. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the streets, and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” He was referencing a series of African-American deaths caused by law enforcement that led to the Black Lives Matter movement and said he would continue to protest until he felt like “the American
flag represents what it’s supposed to represent.” Kaepernick’s protests were widely interpreted as being in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and came at a key time for the movement. When examining both Black Lives Matter and Kaepernick, it is important to understand how two separate movements, evolving on parallel tracks — one protesting for a cause and the other symbolizing a movement — began and became so closely linked. Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 by activists Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi as an organized movement dedicated to non-violent civil disobedience in protest of police brutality and to raise awareness of racial inequality and injustice. It was formed with the hashtag #blacklivesmatter on social media after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Black teenager Trayvon Martin in February 2012, and it now has 30 chapters worldwide. Today, the phrase “Black Lives Matter” can refer to a Twitter hashtag, a slogan, a social movement or a loose confederation of groups advocating for racial justice. Black Lives Matter issues can be complicated, complex, controversial and potentially polarizing. Perhaps it was the pure simplicity of Kaepernick’s knee which captured it so well and made the Black Lives Matter message so instantly recognized and understandable.
In the following pre-season game, Kaepernick kneeled during the American national anthem to show more respect to former and current U.S. military members, while still protesting the anthem. He continued to do it for every game, and, inspired by Kaepernick, other NFL players and pro athletes conducted various forms of silent protests during the American national anthem. The NFL experienced an eight per cent decline in viewership during that 2016 season, with the No. 1 reason, cited by 30 per cent of fans in a J.D. Power survey, being the player protests. The momentum grew, given Kaepernick’s high profile as one of the biggest stars in the game. The highly touted quarterback burst upon the league in 2012, with a memorable combination of arm strength and running ability, baffling defences and leading the 49ers back to the Super Bowl for the first time in a generation, in 2013, where the team lost a close game to the Baltimore Ravens. However, his go-for-broke style eventually led to injuries, and Kaepernick lost his starting job shortly thereafter. And when San Francisco hired a new coach who wanted a more conservative offensive approach, Kaepernick remained on the bench, where he continued his kneeling protests. Had his protests come at any other time, Kaepernick may have made the 12 seconds at the end of ESPN’s SportsCenter. But this was fall 2016, in the final stretch of a divisive U.S. presidential
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“NOT BY THE COLOUR OF THEIR SKIN, BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
election campaign, and one of the candidates saw opportunity born from controversy. Republican nominee Donald Trump’s campaign shrewdly thought it could create a wedge issue by falsely stating Kaepernick’s kneeling was showing disrespect to the American flag, which would appeal to Trump’s base of ultra-conservative, flag-waving voters who regularly attended his rallies. And despite Kaepernick repeatedly saying that his protests were about police brutality and racial injustice, a presidential candidate has a louder megaphone and a brighter spotlight than an athlete. Sports and social protesting aren’t strangers, with a history that goes back more than 50 years, when American boxer Muhammad Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army, because he disagreed with America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong,” said Ali famously in refusing the draft. He was stripped of his heavyweight crown at the height of his powers and barred from boxing in the U.S. for three years, making his comeback to regain the title in 1974 even more legendary. Both Ali and Kaepernick were protesting for the greater good and potentially sacrificing their athletic careers in the process. Perhaps they were inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who once said, “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” Ultimately, Kaepernick’s career met the same fate as Ali’s, aided and enabled by the NFL owners, the vast majority of whom are white billionaires
with considerable business interests and many of whom were Trump supporters. For them, Kaepernick had become toxic. He was now a politically polarizing figure, who, to put it harshly, was quite simply “bad for business.” Kaepernick had been effectively blackballed by the NFL and hung out to dry for four long years at the height of his powers. In 2017, he filed a lawsuit accusing league owners of collusion to keep him out of the league, but in 2019, he reached a confidential settlement with the league and withdrew the grievance. Both Kaepernick and Black Lives Matter have recently returned to international headlines and prominence during the worldwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd. Once again, as they did in the 1960s, leadership and change are coming from the young through peaceful protests, as Dr. King Jr. would have wanted. In the face of presidential tweets, it is helpful to remember the contrast of Dr. King Jr.’s words when he said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” While Black Lives Matter features prominently during these protests, these are not Black protests, these are people protests, with many protesters, police forces and government leaders taking a knee, just like Kaepernick did in his simple act of bravery. In June 2020, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued an apology saying, “the National Football League should have listened to its players” when they protested four years ago, but he was chastised for not mentioning Kaepernick by
name. He quickly tried to recover by encouraging an NFL team to give Kaepernick a tryout. It was further evidence of the seismic shift in public and institutional attitudes that is now taking place; however, it is notable that no NFL owner has yet made any public statement. While Kaepernick looked good in a November 2019 workout he staged that was attended by seven NFL teams, he is 32 years old, having been out of the game for four years now, and success is not guaranteed. Nonetheless, most NFL observers predict that should the NFL season go ahead this fall, almost every player will kneel during the American anthem. The protests are extending to other sports, notably, the National Basketball Association, and in the English Premier League’s mid-June 2020 return to play, every player on the Manchester City and Arsenal teams had their names replaced on their jerseys with “Black Lives Matter.” The world has stepped up to this line of racial and social injustice many times before. Inspired by such changemakers as Black Lives Matter and Colin Kaepernick, will we cross it for real change this time? But something does feel different now. Something has changed. It is palpable, it is organic — it is a living thing. Dr. King Jr. dreamt there would, one day, be a world where his children would be judged “not by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Perhaps the dream has now finally come alive? www.kaepernick7.com @kaepernick7
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PHOTO BY TIMOTHY WHITE / TRUNK ARCHIVE
Kaepernick has not yet had a tryout with an NFL team, despite the league commissioner encouraging teams to give him a shot
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INSPIRATION
POSE FOR THE PHOTO
Photographer Robert Sturman has earned international recognition telling stories through photos of everyone from police officers and painters to prisoners and breast cancer survivors — all practising yoga. Because for Sturman, yoga is life INTERVIEW BY CASSANDRA GIAMMARCO WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
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hen Robert Sturman was 14 years old, his father bought him a camera, a Pentax K1000. He asked his dad what he was supposed to take pictures of. His father’s response: “Everything that you love.” Sturman certainly didn’t know then how this little instrument would inspire him to go on to lead a rich and fulfilling life as a photographer and to give back so much, making the world a better place. By the time Sturman was finishing up high school, he was spending many hours in the photography department before going on to study art history and drawing at the University of California, Santa Cruz, then attending the Memphis College of Art. In fact, Sturman says he always wanted to be an artist. “I was exposed to a lot of art and literature throughout my childhood,” he says. “But my parents were quite apprehensive at first, because a lot of parents would like their children to be doctors and lawyers.” It wasn’t until The New York Times printed a feature on Sturman’s work that they were really OK with it. “For me, it wasn’t until the second time that they did a feature
“I REALIZED THAT MY LIFE WAS MY ART AND I NEEDED TO MAKE A MASTERPIECE OF MY OWN LIFE”
on me that I knew it was for real. I just pinched myself,” he says. It was a trip to India and Nepal in the Himalayas about 20 years ago, however, that inspired Sturman to create his first comprehensive body of work. “It was such a far-out place,” he says. “It was the closest that you can be to being on another planet.” At a meditation centre, he was greatly moved by Osho, the Indian mystic and philosopher. “I read one of his quotes that said, ‘To be creative is to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it,’” he says. That was huge for Sturman. Actually, it changed his life. “I realized that my life was my art and I needed to make a masterpiece of my own life.” And that is where his journey began, when he noticed the beautiful practice of yoga, how it is a figurative poetry, telling a story of people in pursuit of being better at being human all over the world, including “people in prison, to the military, to politicians, to orphans, flight attendants, house painters.” And everyone’s pretty much doing it for
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PHOTOS BY ROBERT STURMAN
Photographer Sturman
Jan Warakomski, Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Brianna Renner aboard the USS INTREPID, United States Marines
the same reason, he says, because they want to have a better life. Right now, Sturman is at peace. “I love a quiet world,” he says. And he’s excited to share a meditation practice that he started last year — the Wim Hof method. “I do a daily practice of sitting in the ice, in 28-degree water. It’s one of the ways that I’ve really started to rewire my nervous system, relax and feel a tremendous amount of peace.” What’s up for the future? “Well, nobody knows really,” he says. “But, hopefully, I can create exhibitions in museums around the world to show a comprehensive celebration of humanity
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1. Izabel Olson, The Chicago Skydeck 2. Sarah Llewellyn, Venice Beach, Calif. 3. Veracruz, Mexico 4. Firefighter Eric Brenneman, New York 5. Julius Kapaito Seleka, Amboseli, Kenya, the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa Yoga Project) 6. Dan Nevins, veteran
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Cassandra Justine (left) and a passing monk, Chicago
United States Army yoga program, Oahu, Hawaii (Warriors at Ease)
in pursuit of being better at being human and tell stories of hope that open people’s hearts.” Asked what la dolce vita means to him, Sturman replies simply: “Having enough of the things that we need to survive and liking ourselves … a lot, so that we can appreciate all the good things around, like walking on the beach, eating a nice meal, being with someone you respect and love — it starts from having a very dolce inside.” www.robertsturmanstudio.com @robertsturman
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TRENDSETTING
Large gold chandeliers combined with unexpected pale blue cabinetry are both stunning and subtle features of the stylish yet functional kitchen
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Morris’s innate sense of style and sophistication always translate into beautiful design
BRILLIANCE BY DESIGN — THE MAJESTY OF
LORI MORRIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF LORI MORRIS
Unveiling her latest project, Lori Morris once again elevates elegance and artistry in design to new heights WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
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RUNNING HEAD
“WE MERGED THEIR DESIRES AND STYLES, AND FUSED THEM WITH A MODERN AND FRENCH LOOK, WHICH IS SUMPTUOUS AND SEXY”
Every room of Glamour in the Sky has something memorable and luxurious, and provides the ideal balance of feminine and masculine
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Eclectic, engaging and invigorating, Lori Morris’s designs create artistry and imagination, inviting people in
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ore than an interior designer, Lori Morris is an artist, visionary, dreamer and creator. In her industry of worldwide design, she and her House of Lori Morris Design (LMD) have reached that rarified status, where her name has become a descriptive, where a look is simply “LMD,” synonymous with beautiful bespoke design, artistry and imagination. That status reached new heights recently with the completion of her Glamour in the Sky project, a full renovation of a 54th-floor condominium in a top Toronto hotel residence. For Morris and the House of LMD’s Torontobased team of 25 artists and craftspeople, it was just the latest example of her talents for extraordinary design that is original, intricate and personal. Morris and the House of LMD are internationally recognized by Architectural Digest and Andrew Martin’s Interior Design Review of the world’s top 100 designers. “They knew about House of LMD and wanted some magic,” says Morris in a recent conversation with Dolce. “I’m a full-blown artist and can see a space and know what we can do. We merged their desires and styles, and fused them with a modern and French look, which is sumptuous and sexy.” The 2,500-square-foot condominium was completely transformed, both in design and lifestyle flow. The space was reconfigured utilizing the expansive ceilings to incorporate additional storage, as per the clients’ requirements, and to bring an average space to an entirely different level with an elegant and edgy feel, better suiting the owners’ lifestyles. Understanding those lifestyles is part of extensive conversations Morris has with clients, which she then uses as an arsenal of information in her design stylings. House of LMD’s design process begins with a concept design package that includes hand-drawn sketches to convey the clients’ desired vision and feeling for their space. The next phase includes a full design detailed drawing package for construction, considered exceptional by design industry standards. “Emotion sets the stage for style, but it has to be functional as well, so it all evolves, and function co-exists with emotion,” says Morris. “The priority is, it has to look great, but very livable. There is a saying I always remember: ‘If it’s stunning and doesn’t work, it doesn’t count.’” The first thing that strikes you when speaking with Morris is her captivating personality, with an unbridled passion, infectious energy and confidence. She calls herself a bit of a design “rebel,” always pushing the boundaries when it comes to design. And she is never afraid to cross traditional lines
with her innovative thinking and approaches to design throughout her global portfolio. There are as many layers to Morris as there are to her signature layering design style. She is a maestra of majesty — part chanteuse, part chameleon, always totally in command and the centre of every room, even if she didn’t design it. This is part of the allure and magic elixir that brings her clients from around the world to revel in her perfection and grace. “I understand the rules, but in my world there are no rules,” reflects Morris. “I have an excellent sense of colour and styles, and a natural ability to fuse them together, and my clients recognize that talent and are very trusting with me. They come to LMD to get the full experience, any style they want. Every project is an original, and that’s unique. Nothing scares me.” Glamour in the Sky is an ideal example of her abilities in that every room has something memorable and luxurious, completely redesigned to delicately balance the pretty and feminine with the functional and masculine. “That’s our signature style,” says Morris. “Hearing both men’s and women’s wishes for a marriage of styles. To me, it’s not about a colour — it’s a feeling.” Great design invites people in, and every Lori Morris design features a grand entrance as an opening statement. Here, the condo foyer features a custom laser-cut marble floor in white and green against a jet-black background with a stunning black-and-gold modern chandelier hanging from the soaring ceiling, which is more than 13 feet high. The black, gold and white colour palette continues in the living room with black in the velvet, lacquer and glass, and a splash of colours gives the room a sultry and sensual glow. Morris’s ingenious vision for the condo was a juxtaposition of opposites: light and dark, soft and hard, soft pink and blues with rich browns and blacks. “Colour is personality and makes rooms come alive,” she explains. “The beauty of it is the overall finished product, which creates interest and personality, and it’s true magic.” The master bedroom is both a private sanctuary and a functional space with generous storage space, drawers and shelving. A round crystal and gold light fixture is above the bed, and the room is an opulent world of silk linens and plush, sumptuous pillows in muted neutral creams and the palest of pinks. The kitchen is bright and airy with a large wall of windows offering spectacular views of the city. The black, white and gold theme continues with the unexpected introduction of pale blue cabinetry and pink marble on the oversized island, monumentally impacted by stunning gold chandeliers above the island. White marble counters satisfy the owners’ taste for classic design, while the pale blue custom cabinetry offers Morris’s delightfully playful and original sense of whimsy. The kitchen melds convenience, art and technology as the centrepiece of today’s modern living. “Formal lifestyle is gone, but formal dining still exists,” says Morris about lifestyle changes. “Rule-oriented houses are gone. Living rooms are like lobbies, and bedrooms are more comfortable as master wings with gyms, closets and coffee bars.” Glamour in the Sky reflects the inspiration Morris finds in the everyday and the influence fashion has on her designs. “They are interrelated. My gowns are represented in my drapes,” she says. “What you see on a runway is what you see in my houses — just an application. And as an artist, inspiration is everywhere. Anything out there can inspire you if you’re a true artist.” Eclectic, engaging and invigorating, Lori Morris creates designs that are a feast for the senses, capture the eye and never fail to stimulate the soul with an exclusive splash of sexiness and passion. Her designs are thought-provoking, provocative and always emotional, and her reward comes at the end of each project, when she reveals her creations to her clients. “When you see a client’s face when presenting the reveal, that is the most satisfying,” says Morris. “I’ve yet to not see tears or watering eyes.” www.lorimorris.com @houseoflmd
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FROM THEORY TO ORDER
ARCHITECTURE
Since AMAA’s inception in 2012, the Venetian architecture firm has moved from strength to strength by taking an approach that’s as collaborative as it is creative WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
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escribed as a “Collaborative Architecture Office For Research and Development,” AMAA was founded by Marcello Galiotto and Alessandra Rampazzo in 2012, after their experience working with Italian architect Massimo Carmassi and Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. Since then, AMAA has embarked on a number of projects across the globe, gaining recognition for work that has spanned private commissions, national and international competitions, and small and large projects. The company believes that architecture is a collaborative attitude, rather than the expression of a single person, and has seen notable success for its approach. At the beginning of 2020, the firm was awarded third prize for Lighthouse, its mixed-use building proposal in Kaliningrad, Russia. In 2019, AMAA was awarded first prize for its vision of a new elderly home in Chiese, Italy, and fourth prize for its vision of a new headquarters for Alperia in Merano, Italy, among many more. In
the same year, as a temporary grouping, AMAA also won first prize for the design and construction of a nine-residence housing building for IPES in Bressanone, Italy, which is currently in the final draft stage. As a firm, AMAA is founded on the idea of bringing academic theory and architectural practices together. It’s an approach that forms the way the brand works, moving through a design process from theory to order to final outcome. “Architecture is the result of a complex phase, such as the project,” reads a statement from the brand. “It is not a unique and linear process but it is based on the continuous review of multiple options available.” The “theory is a synthesis in the making of the background made of models, references, words and other contributions coming from other disciplines, all weaved together. Order transforms this background into design, weaving a deep connection with the city, its history and its layers. The real challenge is to preserve the essence of that idea during the entire process, from the
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PHOTOS BY SIMONE BOSSI
The AMAA team has gained international recognition for their work
AMAA’s Arzignano workplace highlights the unseen potential of unused industrial buildings
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ph. Simone Bossi
AMAA
9 / 13
Everything at AMAA is built on the idea of collaboration, rather than the expression of one person
The firm is founded on the idea of bringing together academic theory and architectural practices
dm_19_2_1627_u first sketch to the detailed constructive drawings and finally during the construction on site (the final outcome).” AMAA took this approach to its own studio, where the firm converted an abandoned plumbing factory into a new workplace, complementing the one already in Venice, Italy. Based in the Italian town of Arzignano, in the province of Vicenza, the result is a steel-framed, two-storey glass structure nestled in the heart of an old factory. While designing, the duo wanted to ensure they didn’t just preserve the structure’s industrial character, but also that it sat within it as seamlessly as possible. As a result, the same materials — cement, steel and glass — were used, and the beams introduced appeared as rusted as those already in the building. As well as providing a new workplace for the studio, Galiotto and Rampazzo wanted the design to highlight the unseen potential of industrial buildings scattered across the north of Italy, closed as a result of the recession. In continuation of its love for collaboration, AMAA recently joined forces with fellow Italian design studio Studio Wok for a “Young Italian Architects” webinar, part of a series on contemporary architecture experiences. www.amaa.studio @amaa_office
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SUBTLE, TIMELESS AND LUXURIOUS ELEGANCE
At Contempo Studio, we are dedicated to our clients from the first consultation to the moment they are handed the keys to their custom dream home. We are with them every step of the way, keeping their interests at the centre of every decision. We offer a unique and creative approach to home design, ensuring both curb appeal and interior functionality work in harmony with the homeowner.
416-770-0071 | 1140 The Queensway, Toronto
www.contempostudio.ca 49 SUMMER 2020
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ARMOUR HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENTS:
THE PASSION AND PRIDE OF PERFORMANCE
P
Frank Mazzotta stands in the Cumberland Street Presentation Centre for 89 Avenue, to be built in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville
assion can take many forms and stirs in all of us as a key ingredient to a happy life. Passion about your family and friends, your special hobby, your daily workout, your favourite sports team or your chosen charitable cause. But it would be a challenge to find someone as passionate about their work as Frank Mazzotta, president of Armour Heights Developments, one of Ontario’s most respected real estate developers, soon to make its mark in Toronto’s exclusive Yorkville neighbourhood with its luxurious 89 Avenue condominium residence.
“I really love what I do and am always out on job sites in my workboots,” says Mazzotta. “We live on the philosophy of achieving the best and taking no shortcuts, and every day I’ve built each project with pride, setting the standard for the neighbourhood and delivering the highest quality to our clients without compromise.” Since 1988, Armour Heights Developments has been delivering exceptional levels of quality construction, bespoke design and superior craftsmanship, setting an enviable standard among multi-dimensional real estate companies.
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PHOTOS BY CARLOS A. PINTO
With its new 89 Avenue residence in Yorkville, one of Ontario’s most respected developers is taking luxury to a new level
Mazzotta’s vision when he started the company was to design and develop top-tier residential and commercial properties across the GTA, which started with 14 semi-detached homes in the desirable Toronto neighbourhood of Bayview and Eglinton. Today, the company has more than delivered on that vision with an impressive portfolio of majestic custom homes of timeless elegance, townhomes, retirement residences, adult lifestyle residences and commercial building properties throughout the Toronto region. Through the decades, it has remained a family-owned and operated business, which has allowed it to maintain a boutique approach and excellence in customer service. “We’ve all got a stake in this and we’re going for the same goal to achieve the highest standards,” says Mazzotta. “Our theory is quality over quantity and building a home as if it’s our home. By focusing on one project at a time, we can ensure excellence. Our reputation is rooted in delivering quality projects by working with the right trades, and they all know what we will accept.” Armour Heights Developments’s attention to detail is clearly evident in its superior design of fine custom homes. As one of the area’s most experienced builders, the company prides itself on old-world craftsmanship in delivering the finest in quality finishes and working with its clients in designing homes that are not only known for their exceptional elements and beautiful design features, but also their efficiency and functionality to accommodate everyday modern living. When it comes to interacting with clients, “most important is to meet with them as many times as required to understand their needs and wants,” explains Mazzotta. “Understanding them is vital, and we ensure every interaction reinforces our understanding and clients’ shared values. No aspect of the project ever strays from quality, luxury and commitment.” Armour Heights Developments is elevating elegance to a new level with 89 Avenue, a luxury condominium in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville, one of the most desired neighbourhoods in North America. With tailored interior designs from Brian Gluckstein, paired exquisitely with the architectural elegance of Richard Wengle, this will be a premium luxury address which again raises the bar for Armour Heights in continuing to exceed client expectations in both product design and customer service. “This will be a quintessential building and a real head-turner influenced and defined by the Yorkville location,” says Mazzotta. “We’re bringing a little bit of New York’s Central Park area to Toronto, with a postwar design rather than a glass box, to better blend into this incredible Avenue Road location.” With valet, porter and concierge services, as well as bespoke designs, 89 Avenue will offer grandeur and opulence, and its 3,900-square-foot footprint
Tailored interior designs by the acclaimed Brian Gluckstein will create a stylish and sophisticated feel for this premium luxury address
THIS WILL BE A QUINTESSENTIAL BUILDING AND A REAL HEAD-TURNER INFLUENCED AND DEFINED BY ITS YORKVILLE LOCATION
allows options for various suite sizes and units per floor. The residence will also feature destination elevators, customized kitchens and the latest in automation and technology that will reflect this premium address. “We’re passionate builders and our attention to detail is the best, and the design and craftsmanship will be meticulous to exceed all expectations,” says Mazzotta. There’s that “passion” reference again, a common thread in any conversation with Frank Mazzotta. In an industry of blueprints and permits, equipment and tools, he firmly believes it’s the heartbeat that matters most, and his people make the difference in allowing Armour Heights to always deliver a superb final product at every turn. Success for 89 Avenue in Yorkville, or any of Armour Heights’s other properties, is not just in the “numbers” for the company. Rather, it is more in the intangibles, where the true character of the company can be found.
“Success is keeping our customers happy,” beams Mazzotta. “Where we can walk through a finished project, and people tell us they are happy to live there. We are always passionate about what we are building.” In such a fast-paced industry as today’s real estate market, it’s comforting to know that a trusted and reputable company like Armour Heights Developments, with its unwavering commitment to quality construction, beautiful designs, superior customer service and three decades of experience, is always there for homeowners and is continuing to set the standard for perfection.
www.armourheightsdevelopments.com
51 SUMMER 2020
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BARROSO HOMES’S POSH-HAUS
Rose Barroso’s new Posh-Haus services are further evidence of the customization and client services which have made her an industry leader
52 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
BRINGS AN ELEVATED LEVEL OF LIFESTYLE TO HOME OWNERSHIP
The personalized services of Posh-Haus property management and concierge experts make managing a luxury home easier by handling all the projects and finally getting rid of that ‘honey-do’ list
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orty years ago, John Lennon observed that “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” which may accurately describe the life journey of Rose Barroso, founder and president of Barroso Homes. Over the past 17 years, Barroso Homes has become one of the most respected and sought-after designers and builders of luxury custom homes in the Greater Toronto Area. It has just launched its newest venture, Posh-Haus Inc., an exclusive property management service and concierge centre and yet another uncommon service offering befitting its stature as an industry leader. Posh-Haus is a natural extension of the customization and exclusivity Barroso Homes has always brought with its distinctive dedication to exceptional customer service, which Barroso says begins with a deep understanding of her clients’ lifestyles. “Posh-Haus is a lifestyle,” says Barroso. “If you’re building a luxury home, you expect a different lifestyle. You can’t worry, and your time is too valuable. And with Posh-Haus, you get the lifestyle you’ve always envisioned. We learned through Barroso Homes that customization means everything is very detailed and customer-focused, and this is what Posh-Haus will deliver in its lifestyle concierge services.” All homeowners are far too familiar with the many annual or seasonal chores that come with home ownership, which together begin to consume free time and weekends. Posh-Haus’s personalized services and teams of concierge experts make managing a luxury home easier by handling all the projects and eliminating any concerns. It offers three areas of customer care: property management, which includes renovations, updating, emergency services, pet sitting, mail pickup or deliveries and vacation checks; real estate management, which covers anything that needs to be done to a property, whether you are buying or selling, including property inspections or arranging packers and movers; and care programs, which include annual or seasonal projects such as general maintenance, pool openings and closings, patio setups or even that annual barbecue cleaning. Today’s smart homes all have touch screens, and a Posh-Haus menu will be on those screens to allow clients to simply touch and tell Posh-
Haus what needs to be done. The responsibilities undertaken by Posh-Haus free up homeowners’ time immensely by eliminating that nagging “honey-do” list. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind, convenient concierge services are done the right way, every time. It is yet another example of how well Barroso understands her business and her clients in an industry that presented itself to her while she was
POSH-HAUS IS A LIFESTYLE. IF YOU’RE BUILDING A LUXURY HOME ... YOU CAN GET THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE ALWAYS ENVISIONED
busy making other plans. While she was initially passionate about languages and eyeing a career as a government translator, Barroso’s husband was a home builder, who would review his construction plans and blueprints in the evenings. She began to notice those plans and offered design and building suggestions. “My husband would give me explanations of what he was doing, and I thought maybe I could help him by offering suggestions such as using different colours on the plans for different procedures,” she recalls. “And he said I could read plans as well as anyone, and my first home became a design project, as he told me I really made homes look beautiful.” That first project was renovating a small home in downtown Toronto, which sold in just days, and she was off in a new world for a few years until she moved into home building. Barroso had discovered a new language — the language of design. People
speak through design, and it can become an expressive form of communications. In retrospect, she did in fact have a career in languages. But it is a language that is not verbal and is instead visual. “Design is an expression of your personality. And my personality shines through when I design modern, simple, fun and personable homes; it’s an expression of my personality,” says Barroso. “You’re speaking somebody’s language when you’re working on a design, and the key is to never push your design ideas, but instead listen to clients and speak their language.” Today, Barroso Homes designs some of Toronto’s most spectacular and notable custom luxury homes. Barroso and her team are known for clean, simple, modern and contemporary designs with fine craftsmanship and innovative technology. With interiors that are both efficient and functional, and through open concepts that are family-oriented and inviting, Barroso’s high standards of quality and dedicated attention to detail create homes that are refined. As opposed to almost every other custom builder, Barroso Homes works on only one project at a time, which Barroso explains was a conscious choice that has many advantages. “Whoever is my client, I have all the time for, as I’m not just here to do another build,” explains Barroso on her single-client focus. “If you’re not happy, we’re not done, and we’ll figure it out, as I can put in the time. It’s my baby until I give you the keys and then it’s your baby, and I stamp everything I do with my name.” Posh-Haus is an organic growth from this strategy, which Barroso firmly believes will add significant value to the investment clients have already made with Barroso Homes. “It’s very much an extension of our customization for clients, and you don’t need to already be a client of Barroso, but you can be a client of Posh-Haus,” she says. “It is a luxury extension of what I already do for them, by creating more space for what is important in their universe.” Posh-Haus’s services will give its clients perhaps that most valuable of commodities — time. Time to live the quality of lifestyle they deserve and have earned, while they are busy making other plans. www.posh-haus.com @poshhausto
53 SUMMER 2020
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W STUDIO:
THE ART AND BEAUTY OF HANDWOVEN CARPET DESIGN Now is the perfect time to find the carpet of your dreams without leaving the comfort of your home or office
54 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ROGERS
A
lready secure of its place in modern history, 2020 may also be remembered as the year that gave us a better sense of appreciation — for personal relationships, small daily rituals we took for granted and essential workers. Appreciation has always been important to Alan Pourvakil, founder and creative director of the award-winning Toronto carpet design house W Studio, especially for the interior designers and architects who are the core of his business, as well as the fine art enthusiasts who proudly display his pieces of artistry in their homes. “The foundation of my business is the thousands of extremely talented interior designers and architects with whom I have worked,” says Pourvakil. “I’m very visual and see the visions of these designers and architects. I listen to them and put creative possibilities back in front of them for their clients’ considerations. I cannot stress enough the importance of having an interior design professional working on your behalf.” Born in Iran, Pourvakil personifies the definition of “refined gentleman”: gentle, dignified and proud of his craft. His artistry and designs have won more than 30 national and international design awards, including the America’s Magnificent Carpets Award for best contemporary design. Always inspired by art, history and culture growing up in Iran, Pourvakil fully realized the beauty of a fine carpet and how important it is in any home. Through his intuition and experience, he can create a feeling through his carpets of great energy. “In many ways, a carpet can shape a room for wall colours or furniture and it harmonizes a room,” he says. “We are designing art for your fifth wall — the floor. With some bigger sizes, carpets are the largest piece of art you have in your home, which has a tremendous impact and can create a room where everyone feels comfortable.” W Studio draws from numerous sources for its points of reference on any project, including the realm of furniture in a room, and, above all, art. The company’s expertise matches a carpet to a client’s décor and to suit specific tastes and lifestyles, while at the same time invigorating the feeling of a room, creating spaces that are close to everyone’s heart. To that end, Pourvakil sees himself somewhat as a matchmaker in a client’s home, marrying homeowners to great works of art and always with attentive personalized customer service to ensure the entire experience is flawless. “It’s almost like choosing a partner or a roommate. It’s not just buying a carpet; it’s something you live with for years to come and should lift your spirit,” he says. Working with such talented designers and architects results in W Studio carpets that tell stories, define trends and evoke emotions. “Eighty
Pourvakil’s W Studio is located at the corner of Castlefield and Caledonia in the heart of the Design and Décor District of Toronto and houses the industry’s leading carpet and design experts
per cent to 90 per cent of our business is with designers and architects, and they have taught me everything I know,” says Pourvakil. “Our job is to combine designers’ visions with clients’ personal likes and dislikes. Through the design trades, we can design the carpet of your dreams together.” W Studio’s carpets are divided into two collections: The W-Artisan Collection, which is hand-knotted and hand-sheared using the finest natural materials such as Tibetan wool and Chinese silk. It features beautiful handwoven designs made by the finest artisans working in the industry today. The second collection is the W-Dream Collection, featuring state-of-the-art high-definition custom-printed carpets that can be used as wall-to-wall installations, area rugs or acoustic wall art. An important step within the creative process of both collections is the research required toward the achievement of the desired result on behalf of clients, which is then adapted to a wide range of designs and materials. Its reputation allows W Studio to partner with the best, and The W Studio Artist Series brings new perspectives and never-before-seen creations to life by working with such artists as Christopher Bates, Les Ensembliers, Mohammad Mofrad, Ariel Muller, Karim Rashid, Samara Shuter, Regina Sturrock and Peter Triantos.
IT’S ALMOST LIKE CHOOSING A PARTNER OR A ROOMMATE. IT’S NOT JUST BUYING A CARPET; IT’S SOMETHING YOU LIVE WITH FOR YEARS TO COME AND SHOULD LIFT YOUR SPIRIT
“We are constantly reinventing ourselves and coming up with new designs and collections, and currently we are re-merchandising the studio,” says Pourvakil. “As such, we are clearing out some of our one-of-a-kind pieces of handwoven art at prices never seen before.” Its entire inventory is also available online 247, with a huge overstock sale offering 50 per cent to 70 per cent in price discounts. Designers and customers can also work virtually with W Studio via a FaceTime walk through its showroom. For its Canadian clientele in the spirit of giving back to the community, when customers purchase a carpet online from the overstock selection, five per cent of the net purchase price will be donated to the customers’ choice of a food bank in their local community. Customers are also able to experience the carpet of their choice in their homes for a couple of days to ensure complete satisfaction. And Pourvakil also offers full refunds to guarantee the perfect piece is selected. He invites anyone to text him at 647-967-9290 or email him at askalan@wstudio.ca for personalized service. “If people take pride and want to own something valuable that is extremely exclusive, W Studio is the place,” says Pourvakil proudly.
www.wstudio.ca
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CAMEO KITCHENS
AND FINE CABINETRY: The Pride and Passion of Customized Hand Craftsmanship
An industry leader known for bespoke luxury design and superior quality, with the mission to never abandon handmade products for mass production
T
he concept of “home” has taken on a deeper, richer meaning during this turbulent 2020. More than just the place we return to at the end of the day, now that the world has been on lockdown for months, home is currently where we’ve been spending our days, becoming our safe sanctuary space. As a result, people have more time to notice and consider their home environment. Many have been using the lockdown as a time to beautify their nests and move forward with long-delayed home renovation projects, especially when it comes to favoured areas such as the kitchen and the bath. A lot of free time previously spent shopping is
now being replaced by de-cluttering, cooking and baking, which create a sense of well-being. Watching this trend carefully is Cameo Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry of Toronto. One of the most respected companies in the industry, Cameo is known for its high-quality designs and skilled craftsmanship of expertly fabricated custom cabinetry and millwork. Founder and principal Marwan Rizek says that when the lockdown began in March, Cameo began to receive a growing number of inquiries regarding kitchen and bath renovations. The timing was not a coincidence. “The renovation market is going to grow because of COVID-19, as people are spending more time at home,” says Rizek. “People will be upgrading, as
they are becoming more aware of their strengths and weaknesses of their residence, and there is a strong desire to feel happy and safe within the comforts of their home.” With his decades of experience in luxury lifestyles and understanding of how people actually live in their home, Rizek expects this trend to continue throughout 2020, as people entrench and are more comfortable working at home. “People are now actively aware they need to improve where they live,” he observes. “Home offices will be a necessity. Cameo’s team adapts a methodology of simple and effective processes when it comes to designing each client’s dream kitchen or home office.” Pride and passion, for both his company and his profession, resonate clearly when speaking with Rizek. He founded Cameo when he was just 24 years old in 1983, and not as a cabinetmaker, but with a background in marketing and management. “What I saw was an industry with a lack of good business skills and sense,” he recalls. “I wanted to build a business and a brand and a real company with innovation. Whatever I do, I want to be the best.” That business strategy was born from Rizek’s keen eye for detail and quality of product. “I did a lot of research to find out how we can be better, starting with the products: ‘How can we make our products the best they can possibly be?’” says Rizek. “Reputation in this business is everything, as referrals are extremely important. You get the best materials and craftsmanship and design, which result in repeat business and life-long clients.” All of Cameo’s interiors are built using only the highest-quality materials that maintain their good looks. For the ultimate in functionality and durability, all Cameo cabinets feature worldclass Blum drawer slides (in aluminum, stainless steel or dovetail wood construction) and Blum cabinet hinges, delivering a kitchen that looks and works beautifully for years to come. The company offers a full five-year warranty from the date of installation, and all hardware comes with a lifetime warranty. The experience is enhanced with Cameo’s design ethos. Years of hard work establishing the company paid off about a decade ago, when the Toronto real estate market took off, and condominium prices rose to today’s $1,500-plus per square foot, up from about $500 per square foot. Developers of luxury residences were catering to empty nesters who were downsizing, but maintaining their lifestyles. They needed to deliver the best for purchasers in design, materials and superior craftsmanship, when it came to kitchens, baths, vanities and closets. Quality recognizes quality, and those boutiqueliving developers chose to work with Cameo, to deliver the customization their purchasers were demanding. A Cameo kitchen brings immediate value to a project. At the same time, clients who had a Cameo kitchen in their luxury home
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PHOTOS BY CARLOS A. PINTO
SPONSORED CONTENT
Founder Marwan Rizek started Cameo at age 24, with a strategy to make their products the best they can possibly be
All of Cameo’s interiors are built using only the highest-quality materials for the ultimate in functionality and durability
wanted that same level of craftsmanship when they downsized into their condominium, leading to a large number of repeat clients for Cameo. Customers trust the company for its expertise and bespoke luxury design. Today, with 60 employees, Cameo’s craftsmanship can be found in some of the finest homes and boutique-living condominium developments in the Greater Toronto Area, including 128 Hazelton and 181 Davenport in Toronto’s exclusive Yorkville neighbourhood. Cameo is also the premier kitchen supplier to Avenue & Park, 321 Davenport, The Davies, Forest Hill Private Residences and Charbonnel on Avenue Road, 4 The Kingsway and the WaterColours, a luxury private residence located on Grand Cayman’s famed Seven Mile Beach. Cameo’s highly regarded reputation in the industry for design, quality and business integrity allows it to collaborate with some of the city’s most notable and prominent developers, architects and designers. The personalized customer experience with Cameo is designed to eliminate the fear of renovating and to make the process as smooth and joyful as possible. It starts in the splendid 3,000-square-foot showroom, with the customer sharing their vision with Cameo’s professional designers who are experts in ensuring the interior work is efficient and functional for each customer’s lifestyle. Their designers make dream kitchens a reality. At the showroom and throughout its
operations, Cameo is adapting to the rapidly changing conditions, while also proactively addressing new protocols to ensure both client and employee safety. At Cameo, fine cabinetmaking is a partnership between the customer and the artisan. Cameo’s 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility then produces the top-quality millwork in its customized, handmade fashion, as per exact specifications. Cameo uses expert craftspeople to deliver and install, continuing its customer relationships with excellent after-sales service. “We treat every project individually,” says Rizek. “It’s like a handmade, custom suit, and we have full control. We can do whatever the client wants in building a custom product. Our mission is to never abandon hand craftsmanship for mass production.” This is where the passion of Rizek and his team is on full display, taking deep pride in their craftsmanship. “It means everything,” says Rizek. “That’s how we built the business. I take a lot of pride, passion and care in this business, always trying to satisfy the client. I take a lot of joy from seeing that customers are happy.” We all have many plans for when we start getting back “out there,” and Cameo Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry can make coming home feel more special than ever before. “After all,” Rizek concludes, “at Cameo, we approach each assignment with the desire to deliver projects that are over and above the client’s expectations. That’s the Cameo mandate.”
www.cameokitchens.com @cameokitchens
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CINEMA
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE GRAY | STYLING BY SANTA VERSACE-BEVACQUA GROOMING BY SONIA LEE | SEAMSTRESS: SUSIE KOURINIAN
Born and raised in Wales, Hopkins originally wanted to be a musician before an actor
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ANTHONY HOPKINS:
A LIFE PLAYING KINGS, CAPTAINS, PRESIDENTS AND POPES Living in Malibu, Calif., with his wife, Stella, Anthony Hopkins arrived an hour early to our shoot, located at Robert De Niro’s nearby Nobu Ryokan hotel. Easy to work with and talk to, the Welsh actor’s piercing gaze hasn’t changed since the days of The Silence of the Lambs WRITTEN BY CEZAR GREIF
I
n an age where special effects are often used to make older actors look younger, Anthony Hopkins stands alone. The Oscarwinning actor is doing it the old-fashioned way, memorizing lines and bringing his trademark intensity to his new roles, seemingly unaffected by age. Has an actor over the age of 80 ever delivered a performance as earth-shattering as his version of King Lear? Probably not. But don’t count on Tony, as he insists on being called, to explain how he does it. He doesn’t know and is as surprised as anyone that his career is still going this strong at 82 years old.
And whether he’s walking on the beach with the Pacific Ocean’s waves in the background, or resting on a bed during the interview, you can’t avoid noticing Hopkins’s strength. It’s the same strength that enables him to play kings, captains, presidents and popes. We sat down with the legendary Welsh actor to find out the secret to his enduring craft. Q. Do you think success is down to luck? A. There’s a saying, I think by [philosopher Arthur] Schopenhauer, that when you reach a certain age and look back, you feel your life has
been written by someone else. You can’t make the connections. Everything seems to be connected. But I can’t explain it. What I like about it is the feeling that I can’t take credit for anything. It removes the ego. The only conviction I have is that my life is none of my business. I don’t have a clue about it. I’m still pretty clueless. Q. What do you remember of your childhood? A. Wales is a small country in the British Isles. In America, often they don’t know where Wales is. It’s understandable. It’s like, ‘Do I know where Lithuania is, compared to Latvia?’ The place
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PHOTO BY CHARLIE GRAY | STYLING BY SANTA VERSACE-BEVACQUA GROOMING BY SONIA LEE | SEAMSTRESS: SUSIE KOURINIAN
Hopkins won an Oscar in 1992 for his work in The Silence of the Lambs and has been nominated for his work in a number of films, including the more recent The Two Popes
where I was born was a bit isolated, a bit cut off, but it’s not anymore. I was there recently. I go back once every few years. It’s nice. But I don’t feel any different than anyone else. I’ve got a different accent. Fifty years ago, it mattered more, because there weren’t many actors from Wales. But now there’s quite a few. Q. Michael Sheen … A. He’s from the same town as I am. I met Michael recently, in Wales. But I’m not passionate about these things. I don’t have any identity at all. I’m my own entity. Empty. Most of the time, I feel empty. That’s what happens as you get older. Things begin to empty away. It’s not very important, you know. It’s a great state of mind to be in. I’ve reached that now. Kind of peaceful. Sometimes I
get impatient, but not really. I’m mystified as to who I am and how I came here. Now I look at it and think “Well, it’s a good life.” Very lucky. And again, I can’t say I can take credit for any of it. My ego’s gone. Q. Did your interest in acting start before you were 13? A. I wanted to be a musician, to play the piano. Something different. I knew that academically, in school, I was zero. During the school holidays, I would go on long walks and wander in the mountains. I was very isolated, I didn’t have any friends. I didn’t play any sports. I was a dreamer. At the same time, I went to ask Richard Burton, who was born in the same town as me, for his autograph, in 1954. Twenty years later, he’s in the
same dressing room as me in a theatre in New York. It’s impossible. How did that happen? Q. Was it an easy choice for your parents to understand? A. My father was pessimistic. My mother, like all mothers, believed in me. I started being recognized, and they came to see me. They caught on to the fact that I was becoming successful, very successful. They both lived to see my big successes. But I could no more explain it to them than to anyone else. Even at this moment, answering your interview questions, I have no idea how to explain how all this happened. I’ve had a phenomenal life, an extraordinary life, starting from where I came from. So what I’ve learned - I’m going to be 83 in December - is to look back at it as a mystery.
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It’s a puzzle to me. I can’t believe I’m playing these parts. Q. Acting is so competitive. Mentoring could be almost impossible. Have you mentored younger actors yourself? A. I try to help actors. I say, “Stop trying to be cool; it doesn’t work. It’s boring.” They’re so “cool” … lazy. Stupid. I tell them, “Learn your craft, be disciplined.” Being in competition with people is a waste of time. How can you compete? Like the awards. Why? You’ve got five people, happy to have been nominated. You’ve got four losers, pretending to be happy. It’s all bullshit. Q. But you won an Oscar [for The Silence of the Lambs]. A. I won, yes. I didn’t expect it. It’s OK. I never watch the awards show and I never go to them. Some people take competition so seriously, they become unreasonable to work with. Q. You’re famous for preparing your roles very thoroughly, but you’re not a method actor per se. Can you explain your process? A. Well, I learn the text so deeply that it does have a chemical effect in your brain, I think. I’ve been playing some pretty toughs guys. King Lear, and then in The Father, this guy with dementia. It’s exhausting. But I’m not a method actor in that sense. I believe in learning the text which is there. Once you know it so well, you can improvise and make it real, and it’s easy. You just have to be prepared. You can’t pretend that you know it. I couldn’t do it, it would be impossible. And I’ve worked with actors who don’t know their stuff. They’re wasting our time. I’ve just worked recently in Britain on King Lear with Emma Thompson, Jim Carter, Jim Broadbent. It was wonderful, because they’re all so “bomb” [punches his fist into his open hand]. It’s like being in a fight. The technique, it’s like playing tennis. You’ve gotta be an athlete. I know I’m not athletic, but I can still move. I can still punch out. You have to have that strength. And I am strong. I’m very, very strong. And my strength, my physical power, has helped me to survive. You have to look after your health, make sure that you don’t get fooled by people. Because once you start believing that you’re God, that you’re hot shit, you’re dead. Q. Do you think of yourself as someone who can easily be scary? A. I know I do. It’s a technique. When I read the script for The Silence of the Lambs, I thought, “Ah, I know how to play this guy.” You get a sense on how you could do it. The more subtle you are, the more quiet you are, the more scary. Q. Were you worried at all about typecasting, or worried that people would confuse you,
Branagh, the first director. Excellent director and wonderful actor. Chris Hemsworth is a terrific actor. He’s an example of someone who’s never been touched by ego. I think he told me he used to eat 2,000 calories a day and take in massive amounts of proteins to prepare for the part. He’s good, and I like him, because he seems very unaffected.
“I FEEL LIFE IS A DREAM, MORE SO NOW THAN EVER BEFORE. I LOOK BACK AT MY LIFE LIKE IT’S ALL A DREAM”
Anthony Hopkins, with Hannibal Lecter? Did you experience this? A. Oh, yes. People say, “You only play scary characters,” but it’s not true. I’ve played many, many parts. It’s one of those things; it was a very popular film. It’s stupid, though. I’ve played President Nixon, the Pope, Hannibal Lecter. I’m none of those people. I refuse to be typecast. Q. One of my favourite parts you played is that of President Richard Nixon. Could you relate to the paranoia of the character? He wanted to be liked, but ended up being hated. A. That’s why Oliver Stone picked me. He called me, and I asked him, “Why me?” He said, “Because I’ve read you’re very insecure, that you never believed you belong, that you’re an outsider. That was Nixon.” I said, “But I’m not an American actor.” He said, “But you’re good.” James Woods told me “that part is not too far removed from you.” I guess, I like to hide away. Q. Someone like my 12-year-old son knows you as Odin, from the Thor superhero movies. Did you have to do a lot of green-screen acting? A. A lot. I did three of them. I like Kenneth
Q. You’ve had a complex relationship with the theatre, sometimes saying you’re too impatient for it. A. I’m not good at it; I couldn’t do long runs. My relationship to acting is pretty loose. Acting to me is just the thing I do, but in the theatre, you’ve got to dedicate yourself to it. But when I’m working on a big part, like Lear, I give it all my power. Q. On to The Two Popes. Not many people have played the Pope. Was there a specific preparation for this role? All I had to do was learn Latin and Italian. I worked with Jonathan Pryce [who plays Pope Francis], which was terrific. I didn’t know Jonathan that well. We’d met a couple of times. We just did one job together. I turned up in Rome to work with him. He’s such a lovely man to work with, just easy. He’s the only actor I had to work with. We had Fernando Meirelles, terrific director. Two takes, that’s all he needs to work with. We booked the Sistine Chapel and Cinecittà Studios. You let the scenery do the acting, all you have to do is show up. Just like John Wayne said about his Westerns. “You go to Monument Valley and you let the American landscape do the acting.” And that’s true. Fernando turned it into a very watchable movie. It could’ve been very boring. It’s about the argument between two ideas, done very quickly, with humour, and with a sense of friendship. Because Ratzinger doesn’t trust Bergoglio. Bergoglio’s Marxist, Ratzinger is a conservative. And gradually, I realize that he’s just another human being who has a different idea. Q. I’ve listened to your music. I felt I knew you better after hearing your music. A. I compose and I paint. I do it for free. My wife said, “You should paint.” There’s nothing wrong, just to do it. Q. Do you believe in dreams? A. I feel life is a dream, more so now than ever before. I look back at my life like it’s all a dream. Can you explain what we’re doing here? You look in the mirror, and think, “Who’s that looking back at me?” Billions of years of evolution, and we’re out here. How? Why? It’s a fascinating question. None of us know. Is this it? It’s all a dream. www.anthonyhopkinsart.com @anthonyhopkins
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FIND ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM THESE PHOTO SHOOTS ONLINE AT WWW.DOLCEMAG.COM
DESERT DAMSELS Out of parched terrain comes refreshing fashion. These lacy and feminine designs triumph against summer heat VISIT WWW.DOLCEMAG.COM TO WATCH BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE OF OUR FASHION SHOOT
Poncho SAINT LAURENT Belt DOLCE & GABBANA
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Top IRO
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Dress ISABEL MARANT ÉTOILE
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Trench coat ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
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Blazer SAINT LAURENT Shoes ZARA
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Dress ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
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Top ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
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Dress PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI Belt VERSACE
Photographer Kai Weissenfeld www.kai-weissenfeld.com Instagram @kaiweissenfeld Styling Anna-Jill Gierhards hannajill.myportfolio.com Instagram @annajill_styling Hair & makeup Katja Oeckinghaus Models Catherina Zeitner @ A Management Instagram @catharinazeitner Andjela Milanovic Instagram @angiemilano Production design Carsten Dopamin www.dopamin.net Location Lanzarote, Canary Islands
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JEWELRY
THE FINISHING TOUCH
A collection of luxury rings hand-picked by the Dolce team to seamlessly complement your style WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
AMBER DIAMOND RING: Featuring a number of round diamonds set within a ring of 14-karat yellow gold, this piece is handcrafted in the brand’s Toronto studio. penwardenjewellery.com
ROYAL DE VERSAILLES RING: This ring has been designed to the Royal de Versailles philosophy that jewelry should be easily introduced to everyday wear. royaldeversailles.com
CUSTOM COLLECTION — CC104: Custom-made to order, this pavé cluster ring is comprised of 18-karat white gold and diamonds. valentejewellers.com
PENWARDEN FINE JEWELLERY: An amalgamation of old pieces of sentimental jewelry repurposed into one ring, this piece is made of white and yellow gold, sapphires, amethysts, peridots and diamonds. penwardenjewellery.com
MARGHERITA: Wanting to fuse traditional and contemporary design, the Margherita collection is inspired by the ring Enrico Grassi Damiani dedicated to Queen Margherita at the start of the 20th century. damiani.com
CARRERA Y CARRERA: A cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, designed by Spanish luxury brand Carrera y Carrera. joiejewelry.ca
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RETAIL SPACE
ERIC CARLSON’S ETERNAL DESIGN FOR DOLCE & GABBANA
In the 13 interior spaces, Carbondale employed the baroque technique of “forced perspective,” which distorts the perception of depth with three contiguous spaces, decreasing proportionally in size. The entrance is only one of a series of baroque experiences Carbondale has creatively layered throughout
Architectural design firm Carbondale has elevated retail design to the next level in a new boutique at Rome’s Spanish Steps
E
uropean design has been raving about Paris-based architectural design company Carbondale, which recently unveiled its latest project — a Dolce & Gabbana boutique within Piazza di Spagna at the base of the Spanish Steps, in the centre of Rome. This stunningly beautiful boutique elevates retail design to a whole new level, which is most appropriate, given its historical location. No stranger to Dolce & Gabbana, Carbondale certainly appreciated the history of this assignment, having recently completed boutiques for the luxury retailer in Venice, Italy, and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Its design for the Venice Dolce & Gabbana boutique won the 2018 awards for Best Retail Interior Worldwide and Best Retail Interior for Europe. And yet, this Dolce & Gabbana boutique had to be completely different, bringing the grandeur of
Rome’s creative excellence and the Spanish Steps into the design objective. What Carbondale has created within the 1,000-square-metre, two-level space is a visual feast. “Our desire was to create a beautifully impressive contemporary interpretation of the rich traditions of Roman culture, power, craftsmanship and the Italian baroque,” says Carbondale founder, Eric Carlson. Picking up on one of the Eternal City’s most ubiquitous and emblematic features — the stone column — the Carbondale team used the column as the unifying design element for the exterior, as well as 13 interior spaces of the boutique. At the entrance, Carbondale employed the baroque technique of “forced perspective,” which distorts the perception of depth with three contiguous spaces, decreasing proportionally in size, ceiling heights, column sizes and floor
patterns. Even the eye-catching red-and-gold hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers were designed in three different sizes for effect. The entrance is only one of a series of baroque experiences Carbondale has creatively layered throughout the boutique’s design. The Grand Room is next, a majestic space dedicated to women. It is 22 metres long with six-metre-high ceilings, capped with two skylight domes, each lined with coloured rings of stone mosaics. Carbondale even paid tribute to Rome’s rich culture of literature, philosophy and poetry in its design. In all, 32 Latin inscriptions are captured in the floors, wall friezes, door passages and window frames throughout the stone architecture. “Dolce & Gabbana want to pursue a bold and innovative strategy to create a unique and distinctive architectural retail environment for each
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PHOTOS BY ANTOINE HUOT
WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
The Digital Gallery is a stunning digital transformation of painter Paul Troger’s 18th-century ceiling fresco
“WHEN DESIGNING, I AM CONSTANTLY WEIGHING THE VISITORS’ PERCEPTIONS WITH THE MEANINGS AND FEELINGS THAT WILL DEFINE THEIR EXPERIENCE” Carlson has been living and practising architecture in Europe for 25 years, establishing Paris-based Carbondale in 2004
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The Carbondale team used one of Rome’s most emblematic features, the stone column, as a unifying design element throughout
store,” says Carlson. “This quest for authenticity is the next level for luxury retail architecture.” The piano nobile (“noble floor”) section of the boutique is a linear series of rooms with 11 windows allowing natural light, each space a modern palatial room of stone, colour and light. Climbing a grand marble staircase, visitors are treated to Carbondale’s design masterpiece in the boutique — the Digital Gallery. Inspired by Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel, this linear vaulted
gallery features a full-length mirrored wall and a vaulted ceiling fresco. While visually stunning, inviting and engaging, Carbondale has designed this boutique to not only showcase luxury products, but also to solicit emotions from its visitors, which it most definitely does. “When designing, I am constantly weighing the visitors’ perceptions with the meanings and feelings that will define their experience,” says
Carlson. “This is what determines ‘identity,’ and correctly capturing this is the most important thing for me to achieve in all my projects.” Perhaps it’s most appropriate to recall the Latin phrase “Caveat emptor,” which means “Let the buyer beware.” At the Dolce & Gabbana boutique at Rome’s Spanish Steps, it’s true to beware, while also prepared to be amazed. www.cbdarch.com @ericcarlsonarchitect
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FASHION
BAGS OF STYLE
Whether you’re looking for classic or contemporary, a statement piece or something more subtle, these are the bags that will see you through the season WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
VALENTINO GARAVANI CARRY SECRETS BEADED LEATHER CLUTCH: Made in Italy, this Valentino piece brings together sequins and jewels, and comes with a removable shoulder chain. valentino.com
ROSANTICA HOLLI EMBELLISHED TOP HANDLE CLUTCH: A statement handle and embellished grid compartment are combined with more delicate details. rosantica.com
GUCCI HORSEBIT 1955 SMALL TOP HANDLE BAG: New for Spring/Summer 2020, this bag mixes some of the most-recognized Gucci elements and inspirations from the equestrian world. gucci.com
VALENTINO GARAVANI MINI ROCKSTUD SPIKE BAG: A quilted bag outfitted with metal studs that can be worn as a crossbody piece or carried by hand. valentino.com
BOYY BUCKLE COLOURBLOCK LEATHER CARD CASE: Accessorize your look with this leather card case, featuring a statement buckle and a wraparound zip. boyy.com
VALENTINO GARAVANI SMALL VLTN CANVAS TOTE: A simple but effective Valentino tote bag, accented with leather and the “VLTN” logo. valentino.com
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MODEL INTERVIEW
RUBEN RUA: PORTUGUESE MODEL, TV HOST,
BUSINESS MOGUL AND CONNOISSEUR OF LA DOLCE VITA www.dolcemag.com
Ruben Rua — a model, actor, TV host and businessman extraordinaire living in Lisbon, Portugal — sat down with DOLCE and shared his positive outlook on life during these unprecedented times INTERVIEW & WRITTEN BY JESSICA SPERA 76 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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PHOTO BY LOUIE THAIN
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION WITH RUBEN RUA
Q: Outside of modelling, what else is on your resumé? A: I have a degree in communications. I never stopped trying to grow my career as a model, but was never satisfied with just that — I liked to explore other areas. At the end of 2015, I was in a movie called A Única Mulher that made it to the cinema here, which was my first experience as an actor. In 2016, I wrote a book titled Podes Ser Tudo, which translates to “You Can Be Everything,” and it tells my story from when I was young. I then began working as a TV host, because television is a big passion of mine. Q: How are you coping with the COVID-19 pandemic? A: Portugal is a safer country in Europe, compared to the numbers in China and Italy. I have been at home for about two months and I had to accept my reality. I thought, “What could I do to be active?” I started to do online courses, improved my cooking skills, watched lots of movies and have been exercising in my living room, because it’s very important. It is proven that if you exercise three times a week for 30 minutes, you are a happier person. Q: What is your favourite photo shoot to date? A: The first things you do in life are always very special — the first editorial, the first interview, the first photo shoot, the first cover . . . they just stay in
PHOTO BY RUBEN RUA
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Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. A: I was born in Porto, which is a city in the north of Portugal, and lived there until I was 19 years old. I did my schooling there, while living with my parents and my sister. Back in 2005, I was part of a contest called Elite Model Look, which is one of the largest in the world, and that’s how [my modelling career] started. In 2007, I did my first fashion week in Milan and Paris, where I walked for Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Jean Paul Gaultier, and things really took off. I’ve travelled around the world — London, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, Greece, Germany and New York.
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PHOTO BY LOUIE THAIN
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your memory forever. My first editorial was shot back in 2006, in Madrid, and it was for GQ Spain, and for me, it’s a very beautiful memory. One of my recent shoots was with Madonna for VOGUE Italy, but it was actually shot here in Lisbon. Q: What gives you your inspiration for the content that you share with the world on social media? A: When I share things, I try to be truthful. What the industry is looking for now is talent, personality, attitude, charisma — who are you, what’s your message? It’s not about what you say, but how you say it. I think I’m inspiring, because of the people I have around me. I try to spread positive messages, while remaining faithful to myself. I don’t try to be something else. Q: If you could change something about your past, what would it be? A: I don’t want to sound arrogant, but so far, I believe I was destined to make the right decisions at the right time. Maybe you could say that I could have travelled more to further my international reputation. At the same time, I took a degree, I studied . . . so, many things happened in my life here, and I think it’s important for people to understand that you can’t have the best of both worlds. It’s about making choices . . . I think I was a full-time model at the right time. And maybe now, I might be ready to [focus on] business and family planning. I’m 33 and when I look back, I am happy with what I achieved, and I feel confident for the next 33 years of my life. The past is gone, and you can’t be stuck on something you did 10 years ago.
1. Equipped for all that 2020 throws his way, Rua is a chameleon in the modelling industry 2. When he’s not at a photo shoot or divulging in entrepreneurial ventures, Rua spends his off time brushing up on his skills in the kitchen 3. He’s got our attention. There’s just something about a poolside reflection that provides the clarity you’re looking for ...
Q: If DOLCE were to visit your hometown for 48 hours, where would you take us? A: If you come to Lisbon, we have to do this properly and start in Porto, where I was born. We’d stay there for at least one day, so you can feel the vibe and understand the nostalgia of the city. I would take you to the beautiful tourist points, so you can breathe in the north of the country. Then, we could walk through downtown Lisbon, where I live, and visit Meco beach, where the sea is so blue. In the evening, there are two restaurants that you can choose from, where we could have dinner and watch the sunset. Q: What is on your bucket list, when this pandemic is over? A: First things first: I want to see my girl. Travelling is something I also love to do. I would really like to do a romantic trip in the Maldives. I also want to party. I’m not usually a party guy, but because we haven’t been allowed to, it suddenly makes me think about it more. I’m a simple guy; I just want to be able to work, travel again and be with my loved ones, when it’s safe. Q: How would you say you live la dolce vita? A: I love that term — “The good life.” I try to live it every day. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of it. All my life, people around me have said I am a guy who knows how to live a good life. I’ve studied the science of wellbeing and how to be happier. First, you need to be grateful for what you have, and second, you have to share your experiences. La dolce vita is the memory of life. @ruben_rua
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Canadian-born Alex Trebek, the long-standing and muchloved host of Jeopardy!, is thoroughly committed to the champion of both the environment and the vulnerable at-risk members of society
IT’S A QUESTIONABLE GAME WRITTEN BY CECE M. SCOTT
nswer: What is Jeopardy! Question: What is the name of the popular quiz show that has featured long-time host Alex Trebek? Welcome to Jeopardy!, America’s favourite quiz game show, hosted by Alex Trebek. A challenge with a twist, Jeopardy! is a game where contestants are provided with clues in an answer-type format and they are then required to come up with the correct question to that answer. While it may sound easy — as a contestant, you already have the answer — there is a catch: the contender needs to have a robust and diverse depth of knowledge
in at least six categories (played in a three-round format), to formulate the question that delineates the answer. Got it? In the third round, which is called “Final Jeopardy!” contestants can name their own jackpot within the parameters of their accrued earnings. The show, which won a 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Game Show, plays to a weekly audience of 23 million viewers. A winner of seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host — Trebek recently won Outstanding Game Show Host at the June 26, 2020, Daytime Emmy Awards, with Jeopardy! winning the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show — Trebek holds a Guinness World Record™ for Most Game Show Episodes Hosted by the Same
Presenter. To date, he has hosted nearly 8,000 episodes of Jeopardy! (and is committed to host the show through the 2021–22 season). With more than 400,000 questions asked to date, Trebek has become one of television’s most enduring and well-recognized figures. Without a doubt, even people who are unfamiliar with the popular game show have heard of it. And most, even if they have only seen it as they channel-surf, know who the loud and proud born-in-Canada host is. Always nattily dressed, Trebek, whose suits are bespoke and tailored with cutting-edge creases that are elegant, stylish and crisp, has a lion’s head of thick white hair that is always spectacularly groomed
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PHOTO BY RAMONA ROSALES / AUGUST
Trebek, with his wife Jean, who has been a loving and caring support for her husband during his journey with pancreatic cancer
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PHOTO BY RYAN PFLUGER / AUGUST
Relaxed but determined, Trebek is determined to conquer his battle with cancer
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— the quintessential silver fox. By every account, Trebek, who is turning 80 on July 22 and has a book coming out on July 21 titled The Answer Is . . . Reflections on My Life (Simon & Schuster), is a gentleman and a scholar, a philanthropist and a champion of both the environment and the vulnerable at-risk members of society. “I have met other celebrities and television personalities, and Alex is special,” states John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). “Alex embodies the spirit of what the society is about. He is our inspirational leader and an impressive person on so many levels. We are so lucky to have him in the role of honorary president.” Born in Sudbury, Ont., in 1941, Trebek attended the University of Ottawa, where he earned a philosophy degree. He went on to work at the CBC, where he covered both the national news and special events for radio and television. In 1973, Trebek made his American television debut as the host of NBC’s game show The Wizard of Odds. He also appeared in High Rollers, Battlestars and To Tell the Truth, before landing the job hosting Jeopardy!. A deadpan sense of humour and a propensity for playing pranks on his friends, Trebek is also known for his wit and his “Trebekisms,” which include: “Being Pope. That’d be OK, because I look great in white”; “It’s far easier to be nice to people than to be mean, with far greater results”; “I am an analog man in a digital world”; and, “If you can’t be in awe of Mother Nature, there is something wrong with you.” Along with his seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, Trebek holds a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and is an inductee of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2013), as well as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2018). In 2011, Trebek received a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge.” He is one of a handful of celebrities to have a coveted star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. And to put a feather in the cap of this ultra-proud Canadian, one who has a deep-seated abiding love for Canada, Trebek was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s second-highest civilian honour (2017). “Alex is someone who is elegant, courtly and highly intelligent,” says Geiger. “He touches people’s lives in incredibly positive ways. He is one of those people who is always prepared
to help other people become at ease. He has none of that haughtiness, none of the celebrity airs or entitlement that one often sees. He has a wonderful deadpan sense of humour and he personifies so many of the attributes that represent the best in people.” A deep commitment to the environment and a genuine appreciation for cultural diversity fuel Trebek’s ubiquitous love for geography. It is his unfailing belief that in order for people to be informed and proactive to current events in a positive and intelligent manner, it is necessary for them to have a strong grasp of both their country’s geography and a salient grasp of overall world events. Trebek actualizes his personal commitment to the importance of geography through his support for the RCGS, of which he was named honorary president in 2016.
Geography Challenge, began in 1995 as a way to get students interested in geography. Since then, the challenge, which has grown to more than 500 schools from 20 participating schools, reaches more than two million students across Canada. The summer that Woodward won the challenge, he and the other contestants met Trebek for a boat cruise that went out of Sydney, N.S., and along the eastern coast of Canada. “Mr. Trebek is my hero,” Woodward says. “He is altruistic, passionate, energetic and very kind to be around. He is very committed to big issues, like increasing geographic literacy,” says Woodward. “The thing that really impressed me, that was memorable, was when Mr. Trebek sat down for two hours with my fellow contestants and myself, and helped us put together a trivia contest for one of our evening events after the geography challenge. He even took the time to host part of our trivia challenge that night,” he says. “It was amazing to see that Mr. Trebek put as much effort into our trivia challenge as he puts into Jeopardy!, and we were just high schoolers.” One of Woodward’s favourite quotes from Trebek is, “Find something that you are good at, and the world is yours.” Trebek’s generosity and his influence as a role model are such that he inspired Woodward’s decision to seek out a career in academia, with a focus in geography. Deb Chapman, communications manager at the RCGS, also shares — Alex Trebek her experience with Trebek at the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Geographic Challenge. Considered RCGS’s highest honour, former “Mr. Trebek mingled and cracked jokes with presidents include Vincent Massey, who was the champions, as if he was at a family reunion,” also Canada’s governor general from 1952–59. Chapman says. “He praised the students for doing The importance of the RCGS’s role as a national well in life and went out of his way to make these educational organization, with a network of young men feel special. While Alex may be 25,000 classroom educators, is integral to Trebek’s a Hollywood star to most of us, he’s a hero to championship of the organization. The society the champions for supporting the challenge — a milestone event in their lives. He was published the impactful Indigenous Peoples Atlas absolutely amazing.” of Canada in collaboration with Canada’s major A generous alumnae supporter to his old national Indigenous organizations, one of many alma mater, the University of Ottawa (uOttawa), influential programs it undertakes. The society’s Trebek has established scholarships, sponsored student geography competition, the Canadian the Alex Trebek Distinguished Lecture Series in Geographic Challenge, was held in 2019 for 2015 and supported the construction of Alumni the first time in the theatre at RCGS’s new Hall, which was named in his honour in May Ottawa headquarters, named the Alex Trebek 2015. In 2017, Trebek increased his commitment Theatre, in honour of Trebek’s deep and tangible to the university, with a $5-million endowment to commitment to RCGS’ mission and objectives. In inaugurate the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, further appreciation, the Alex Trebek Medal for whose mission it is to initiate, enrich and nurture Geographic Literacy was announced in 2019. public debate in Canada. Opinion leaders, CEOs, Ben Woodward, a high-school student at government officials, foreign dignitaries and London Central Secondary School, won the heads of state are all change-makers who provide Canadian Geographic Challenge in 2017. The a diverse breadth of perspectives and ideas challenge, formerly known as the Great Canadian
“BEING POPE. THAT’D BE OK, BECAUSE I LOOK GREAT IN WHITE”
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“HE IS JUST ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO MAKES EVERYONE AROUND HIM FEEL AT EASE; HE BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE” — John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
through workshops, conferences, lectures and speeches. By fall 2019, Trebek’s total commitment to uOttawa reached $9.5 million. Up until spring 2019, life was good for Trebek; it was a life that was rich with purpose and commitment. It was a life as full of answers as there were questions. However, in March 2019, when Trebek announced that he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer (the approximate five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is 10 per cent), his legions of fans, the many foundations that he has supported — partnerships that have evolved from strictly business to ones of friendship and affection — were crushed under the devastating news. Trebek’s wife, Jean (Currivan), to whom he has been married for 29 years; daughter, Emily, a real estate developer in Los Angeles; and son, Matthew, the owner of OSO, a Mexican restaurant, and Lucille’s, a restaurant-bar, both in Harlem, N.Y., were all in shock. Trying valiantly to stay positive, Trebek nevertheless felt he owed viewers an honest and candid look at the struggles he was experiencing while battling cancer. In a March 4, 2020, video that he posted on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ Jeopardy/status/1235233566193152000), Trebek stated that “there were moments of great pain, days when certain bodily functions no longer functioned, and sudden, massive attacks of great depression that made me wonder if it really was worth fighting on.”
Jean faced her own challenges while watching her husband struggle through both the ongoing pain and the depression. “It’s when I see him in pain and I can’t help him,” Jean said in a goodhousekeeping.com article, referring to the challenges of watching her husband suffer. “And when he doesn’t eat right. When he has too much diet soda.” In turn, Trebek credits Jean “for teaching him the value of looking outside of himself in a charitable way, one that involves helping others financially or personally — and never expecting anything in return,” Trebek said in an interview with uottawa.ca. After an aggressive initial round of chemotherapy, Trebek seemed to be responding well and stated in a June 2019 Good Morning America interview that things were going so well that he was stopping chemo treatments and switching to immunotherapy. But shortly thereafter, things deteriorated quickly. Trebek lost 12 pounds in a week and was back taking a second round of aggressive chemo. In a June 2017 letter to her father for Father’s Day, Emily, who wanted to pursue a career in flipping houses, shared on www.jeopardy.com what an invaluable asset her dad was toward actualizing her real estate and property renovation dreams: “I have always been interested in homes. When I was little, I wanted to be an architect. After graduating, I decided to get into real estate,” she says. “As I was getting ready to flip my first
house, I told my dad that I wanted to do it with him. If Dad can fix something, he will not have anyone else do it. I remember back when I was learning to drive and I would accidentally run over a sprinkler head or path lighting in the driveway, we all knew dad would be out five seconds later fixing it. And I always watched him fix things, and wanted to learn. Overall, I learned a lot from him. I love knowing how to do things on my own, but I’m nowhere near Dad’s level. We saved a bunch of money with his advice and guidance. He basically demo’d the whole house. He demo’d the kitchen cabinets; he did the tile in the bathrooms. The things we clashed over were just design choices. And all of the opinions he had that we went with . . . I’m so happy that we did. If anything, I just have more appreciation for him, and I know if anything goes wrong I can get on the phone with him and say, ‘This outdoor lighting isn’t working.’ He’ll say, ‘Okay, I’ll take a look at it,’ and 20 minutes later I’ll see him in the front yard fixing it. I have so much more appreciation for him and his dedication to working. I don’t have words to express how much it means to me that he helped. Just telling him how much I appreciate it and how much I thank him for guiding me through this and helping me sounds so insignificant. I don’t have the words to make it sound as significant as I feel.” The importance of the support that he received from his legions of fans and from his many lifetime viewers — both in Canada and the United States —
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encouraged Trebek to fight his cancer with everything he has, including an optimistic spirit, a get-out-in-front-of-it attitude and an outspoken campaign to bring awareness to the challenges of pancreatic cancer. “He came to the RCGS headquarters even after he’d just had a round of chemo,” Geiger says. “He was stoic and forthright, an inspiring example for people who are also going through cancer. Alex never shied away from talking about what was happening with him. He is just one of those people who makes everyone around him feel at ease; he brings out the best in people.” In a July 8, 2020, press statement, the RCGS announced that it would be building upon its decades of collaborations with the National Geographic Society, with the intent of working toward common goals and increasing their impact and influence. To that end, The Trebek Council has been established, a grant-making fund that will support the innovative and ambitious work of Canadian scientists, explorers, storytellers and educators who are revealing, examining and celebrating the natural world. The objective, the statement says, is to give people engaging stories that inspire a greater appreciation of nature. “The study of geography helps us gain an appreciation for the natural world around us and how to interact with, and better utilize, our planet and its resources,” Trebek is quoted as saying. “It provides a framework for how we care for the Earth. Most importantly, because it encompasses both the social and natural sciences, the study of geography helps us build a deeper understanding of how we live together, providing us a clearer and necessary sense of direction for the future.” Answer: A gracious and inspirational power of example, a visionary who is suave and philanthropic, with a wicked sense of humour and a lifelong love of geography. Question: Who is Alex Trebek? Q. There are people watching Jeopardy! who assume that you already know all the facts being presented — even though the show actually doesn’t provide evidence for that. Does knowing what qualities viewers project onto you give you any insight into the public’s relationship with television? A. Whoa. Okay, let’s start there. I’ve learned that people draw conclusions that satisfy their prejudices, and those conclusions don’t always coincide with reality. People think because I’m the host of a fairly serious, intelligence-based quiz show that I must know all the answers. I do — because they’re written on a sheet of paper in front of me. And audiences are always surprised when they discover that I like to fix things around the house, that I’m not a nerdy person who spends all his time researching information that might come in handy on Jeopardy!. But I don’t mind surprising people in that way.
Q. You were single in Hollywood in the ’80s. Do you remember the gender dynamics as being markedly different back then? A. I was not a player. I dated not that often. I was a shy, small-town Canadian kid. A friend of mine, Alan Hamel, who is married to Suzanne Somers, had come to California before I did, and I always thought, He fits right into this society. I never felt like I belonged. Q. When did you start to fit in? A. When I had someone older guiding me. There was a man named Richard Gully, who had been a publicist for Jack Warner. We met, and because he threw a lot of dinner parties at the Bistro, an “in” restaurant in Beverly Hills at the time, he often needed single guys to fill out the table. So Richard would invite me, and his being there to introduce me to people made me comfortable. And Burt Sugarman, who produced the very first show that I hosted here, The Wizard of Odds, introduced me to the backgammon-playing community. I met people that way; I didn’t have to go out on my own. And once I’d achieved a certain degree of popularity, I would play in celebrity golf tournaments and meet stars. Frank Sinatra told me he was a fan of the show. Jimmy Stewart, too. I thought, Oh my gosh. These major stars watch me on occasion. I felt good about that. Q. What about fitting into the role of Jeopardy! host? Is there an art to that? A. Yes. You have to set your ego aside. The stars of the show are the contestants and the game itself. That’s why I’ve always insisted that I be introduced as the host and not the star. And if you want to be a good host, you have to figure a way to get the contestants to — as in the old television commercial about the military — “be all you can be.” Because if they do well, the show does well. And if the show does well, by association I do well. Q. When you say you want the contestants to be all they can be, does that ever extend to trying to influence them to bet big on Daily Doubles? It sometimes seems as if you do. And you can also seem disappointed when contestants wager conservatively. A. I have been disappointed when contestants made conservative wagers because they don’t realize the obvious. And that is, if a clue is in the second box from the top, it’s going to be easier than a clue at the bottom of the category. So if you’ve landed on what should be an easier Daily Double clue, why not take a chance? But I try not to influence contestants’ wagers. I do joke about it. You’ll hear me say things like, “You made it a true Daily Double in the first round when you only had a $1,000. Now that you’ve got $13,000, I’m sure you’ll want to make it another true Daily Double.” But I’m not seriously suggesting they make that wager.
Q. What about your tone when contestants whiff on what you clearly think are easy clues? There was a game earlier this year when none of the contestants knew anything about football, and you conveyed this beautifully subtle, slightly pedantic air of disappointment. A. Oh, that got a lot of play. I had fun with it. The last clue in the category had to do with the Minnesota Vikings. I looked at the players and said, “If you guys ring in and get this one, I will die.” The gaps in people’s knowledge never cease to amaze me. And on occasion, all three players have the same gap. But football? America’s game? Q. In those moments, how intentional is the “You’ve disappointed father” tone you take with contestants? Are you consciously playing a role there? A. Yes, it’s conscious. Not that it’s preplanned — it’s a reaction — but I know that “You’ve disappointed daddy” is a tone I’m striking. It’s also, “How can you not get this? This is not rocket science.” Q. Is there a formula for success on Jeopardy!? A. Yeah, know the material. Q. What’s the part of your job that feels the most like a grind? A. Nothing really. Lucky man. Yes, lucky me. I have to work, but it’s work I enjoy and that still has challenges. I have at least two new players on each program and all new material that I’ve got to read properly. As I’ve gotten older I realize, as professional athletes do, that the difficult thing is not losing your physical skills. It’s losing your ability to concentrate. I remember the old allstar guard for the Green Bay Packers — Q. Jerry Kramer? A. Yes, David, Jerry Kramer. He said something like, “The adrenaline will flow and you’ll physically gear up for the play, but the hard part is thinking, with split-second timing, Wait a minute, who do I block here?” It’s the same with Jeopardy!. We have a clue every 10, 12 seconds. I can’t dwell on the one I screwed up; I have to dwell on the next one. Interestingly, the lady who handles the keyboard backstage in the computer room — she presses the button that reveals the clue that the contestant has selected — she never used to make a mistake. She’s been on the show for over 30 years, and in recent years age has made an impression. A contestant will say, “I’ll take Geography for $600,” and you’re ready to go to the $800 clue next. But if the contestant instead skips ahead to the $1,000 — it’s hard to maintain concentration when you’ve done something so repetitive for so many years. Q. What about dealing with off-camera crap? I’m thinking of a flare-up I read about a few
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years back when the mother of a contestant on Jeopardy! Kids complained that you’d been rude to her daughter after she lost. And the producers asked you to reshoot or apologize, and you told them that you were frustrated because you’d always defended the show against its attackers and now you expected the show to defend you. I didn’t realize that Jeopardy! gets attacked. For what? A. I’ve been criticized for treating women more harshly than men. I’ve also been criticized for treating women better than men. In fact, I remember looking in a stack of letters once and finding two: One said, “Boy, you fawn over women [contestants] and try to help them out.” And the other was, “Boy, you’re mean to women.” Q. What accounts for that discrepancy? A. A viewer’s reaction is dependent on their biases in everyday life. If they think that women are put upon unfairly, they’re going to watch the program and if they see anything that they believe satisfies their bias, it becomes their reality: “I always suspected you were nasty and now you’ve confirmed it!” But one reason why a host can succeed for a long time is by not offending. You saw it with Johnny Carson. He was bright enough to cover almost any potentially offensive moment with his wit. That’s one of the things, unfortunately, that we lack in politics today. There isn’t enough humor. Q. There’s a lot of humor. President Trump makes jokes all the time, and his critics make jokes about him all the time. Isn’t the issue more that the tenor of the jokes has gotten nastier? A. I wouldn’t say that he [President Trump] makes jokes. He picks on people. I think back to George W. Bush, who had a good sense of self-deprecating humor. Now, some would say, “He should have been self-deprecating because he was worthy of self-deprecation.” But I wouldn’t agree with that necessarily. Obama also had a good sense of humor, with a pretty sharp edge. Reagan had a good sense of humor, and not a mean-spirited one. But pity the fool who comes up with a funny line now. We are so polarized that he or she is only going to be savaged for it. Q. Have you met President Trump? Or Prime Minister Trudeau? A. I have not met Donald Trump. I’ve met Trudeau. I spent almost an hour with him in Ottawa. I’m keenly aware of little nuances, and I noticed at one point, after about 45 minutes, that Justin did something like this [scratches under his shirt], and about ten seconds later, there was a knock on the door and one of his assistants came in and said, “Mr. Prime Minister, you have a meeting.” I don’t follow. He has a buzzer under his shirt that he can use to
signal his assistants when it’s time to come and get him. But Trudeau did say to me, “Count me in if you ever do a celebrity tournament featuring world political leaders.” I said, “I can’t think of anybody who would want to take you on.” Q. How would President Trump do on Jeopardy!? A. He might not agree that any of the correct responses are correct. Q. How about Jeopardy! in the wider context of the culture? This is a show that explicitly rewards knowledge. Does the country hold knowledge and learning in the same esteem that it did when you started on the show in 1984? A. I mentioned something about this on the air not too long ago. Basically, what I said was that you never have to apologize for acquiring knowledge, even if it’s not going to be of immediate benefit. Having knowledge makes you better able to understand the world in which we live. The more I know, the less surprised I’m going to be. There are precedents, and most people won’t understand them. They might say, “What a mean son of a bitch that person is” — without realizing the person is mean because they were attacked beforehand. Q. Can you give me an example of what you’re talking about? A. How many times do we hear about killers? Something like 90 percent of murderers were abused as children. You don’t become a nasty human from birth. Something occurs early in your life to change you. But my point is that you want to be open to new knowledge. Q. What do you make of skepticism about something like climate change? A. Ninety-seven percent of the scientists and climatologists of the world agree on this, and yet there are people, like our president, who say, “There are scientists who don’t agree.” When you have a preconceived notion about something, any information that reinforces your position is the one you’re going to go with. Q. Your fellow game-show host Pat Sajak [of Wheel of Fortune] has needled people on Twitter about climate change. A. I’ve heard that. There was a report that came out once about Pat and me being ultraconservatives. I said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Pat’s a Republican. I’m an independent.” I’m not ultraconservative. I’m not ultraliberal either. I told Sean Hannity once: “I’m a social liberal and a fiscal conservative. I want to help people, but I’m not necessarily eager to pay for it.” He [Hannity] got really pissed at me for that. It was as if I had said something that goes against everything he believes. There are people with entrenched points of view. We keep talking about compromise, but people don’t want to compromise.
Q. Do you watch a lot of Fox News? A. I used to. Now, for news I’ll probably watch CNN or ABC. Politics now are like the days of the O.J. Simpson trial — it’s all we do every day. I was talking to a friend of mine recently about the Khashoggi investigation. I said, “Trump is letting it slide a bit.” And my friend’s response was, “Well, who ever investigated Benghazi?” He went from Khashoggi to Benghazi. I was going to say to him that there were extensive investigations on Benghazi, but he kept taking it back to Hillary Clinton. I’ve joked about this kind of thing with my wife. I said, “I don’t think Sean Hannity can do a program without mentioning Hillary Clinton. I don’t think it’s possible.” Q. Do you have any sort of relationship with Pat Sajak? I think of you and him as the two iconic game-show hosts that are still going. A. Look, we’re friends, but we don’t socialize. We’ve never discussed politics. I know where he stands. I don’t think he knows where I stand. Q. Is there a difference between the kind of person who loves Wheel of Fortune and the kind who loves Jeopardy!? A. Yes, there’s a lot more excitement with Wheel of Fortune because luck plays a much greater role — there’s the spin of the wheel. On Jeopardy! it is all what you know. People relate more positively to the element of luck. They’re a little intimidated by Jeopardy!. Q. How strong do you think the correlation is between intelligence and trivia knowledge? A. That depends how you define “trivia knowledge.” Q. The ability to retain and recall facts. A. Well, bright people are able to do that better than most. So, yes, I think there’s a strong correlation. Q. Pat Sajak and you are part of the tiny number of human beings who know what it’s like to spend a lifetime hosting a game show. Do you ever have a desire to talk shop with other hosts? A. No. We game-show hosts are in the same business, but we all handle our jobs differently. The danger for viewers when they look at game-show hosts is to regard them in a narrow way. Peter Marshall is a singer, a television performer, and he hosts programs. Wink Martindale expanded his career beyond hosting game shows. I interviewed all of these guys in a documentary called Game Changers. Q. Are there things about you or your career that deserve more appreciation? A. Nothing I need anyone to know about. As I said earlier, I like to fix things around the house. A week ago I took a gas leaf blower up to our place at Lake Nacimiento to blow leaves and pine needles off the driveway, and it didn’t work. I was
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PHOTO BY EVERETT COLLECTION
Count on conversations with Trebek to be animated and passionate in Game Changers
ticked. So I brought the blower back here and took it apart: Oh, there’s a tube that became detached. I put it back together and it worked, but only for a few minutes: There’s something fundamentally wrong. Then yesterday afternoon I got it working properly. That’s what gives me pleasure: fixing things.
and I dropped in somewhere in the top ten.
Q. What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever said to you? A. A guy came up to me and said, “Where does the American flag fly 24 hours a day, every day of the year?” The moon. Yes. I got it right, too. The guy saw he hadn’t stumped me and walked away.
Q. But doesn’t something like that just confirm that viewers’ opinions are almost totally arbitrary? No one who watches Jeopardy! really knows anything about you. A. But it becomes about having a concordance between the way you are and the way you appear to the public. I feel at peace with that. I live a quiet life. I was never part of the Hollywood social scene. I don’t do drugs.
Q. How much does your job give your life meaning? I get the sense you’re looking elsewhere. A. The meaning I get from my job is that it has provided me with opportunities to explore the world geographically, socially, and philanthropically. Doing that has allowed me to develop as a human. Now, Reader’s Digest did put out a list of the most trusted people in America,
Q. How will you know when it’s time to retire? Will there be clues? A. They’ve already appeared. Instead of saying “1492” I’ll say “1942.” But my mind — I love doing crossword puzzles, and recently I’d be looking at a clue, it’d be 23 across, and I’d be trying to fit the answer into 26 across. I was always off. Because of that I went to be tested for early Alzheimer’s. The first time they tested me they said, “It doesn’t
Q. You were No. 8. Between Bill and Melinda Gates. A. Yes, he was ahead of me and she was behind me. To be trusted in that way by the general populace, to me that’s important.
look good.” Then we did more testing and they said, “You’re okay. No need to worry.” I’m glad to hear that. It’s natural. I’m 78. It’s not like this happened at 50. When it’s clear that it’s time for me to go, I’ll go. Q. What’s your opinion on the current state of game shows? A. In this day and age, when there is so much societal tension, game shows are valuable because they’re pleasant. If you want to compare them to court shows, those are always about conflict — it’s nastiness. And I think in today’s society we feel a need to get away from nastiness. Q. Will you feel proprietary about leaving Jeopardy! to another host? A. No. All you need is a competent host to help keep things moving. But we’re in the #MeToo movement now, it’s the year of the woman, so I suspect that the producers might give serious consideration to having a woman host. She’ll obviously be younger; she’ll have to be personable, bright, have a sense of humor. My recommendation is Betty White.
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That’s another go-to joke of yours. Yeah. It gets a laugh. Betty commented recently that she has a crush on me. It got a little bit of play. Q. I’ve also heard you say, in talking about other ways your career might have gone, that you were hypothetically interested in hosting a talk show. Who would be your dream guest? A. People used to ask me, “Who would your dream Jeopardy! contestant be?” I used to say Kevin Spacey. He’s bright, and there would be so many funny moments because of all his great impressions. But now you can’t say that. So to answer your question: the pope. I was raised Catholic. Q. What would you ask him? A. Why aren’t you making more changes in the Catholic Church? Q. What changes are you thinking of? A. Women priests. Allowing priests to marry. Why not? What’s that [clerical celibacy] about anyway? I remember seeing a Belgian cardinal, Cardinal Suenens, interviewed and he talked about how doctrine is one thing, but if you examine your conscience, and your conscience says, I must do this, you must follow your conscience. And I said, “That’s the kind of guy who should be pope.” Q. What’s the point of making contestants phrase
“THAT’S THE KIND OF GUY WHO SHOULD BE POPE” — Alex Trebek responses in the form of a question? How does that make the game any better than if they answered normally? A. I don’t know that it makes it better. The impetus for doing that was a reaction to the game-show scandals of the 1950s. Merv [Griffin] was trying to come up with an idea for a game show, and his wife said, “Why don’t we give the contestants the answers?” He said, “That’s how people got in
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trouble with the Feds!” She said, “No. The answer is 5,280; the question is how many feet in a mile?” Ding! That difference makes Jeopardy! unique. The host — me — used to be unique by having a mustache. I no longer have it, although I like to play around with my facial hair. At the beginning of this season I had the full beard, and that came down to a Van Dyke, and then a mustache, and now I’m clean-shaven. Q. You change your facial hair because you know people will pick up on it? A. Yeah, just to have fun. I often joke that Jeopardy! is a serious program hosted by someone who does not take himself seriously. I hope I haven’t come off in this conversation as sounding too pretentious. Q. I don’t think you have. What will you do on the day after your last Jeopardy! taping? A. Well, it’ll take me a while to get home after taping because I leave the studio at rush hour. Then I’ll come into the house and, probably, have a glass of wine with my wife. Then we’ll look at each other and say, “What next? What now?” www.jeopardy.com @jeopardy This licensed interview excerpt was reprinted with permission as follows: (c) 2018 from Vulture-New York Magazine/New York Media LLC. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.
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PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE Dr. Keshavjee, surgeon-in-chief, Sprott Department of Surgery, UHN
DR. SHAF KESHAVJEE: BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO LUNG TRANSPLANTATION Dr. Keshavjee and his team’s transplantation technique for donor lungs has since been adopted by other leading specialists for heart and liver transplantations WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK
T
he average person takes 16 breaths per minute, 960 breaths per hour and 23,040 breaths per day. It’s the job of Dr. Shaf Keshavjee — one of the world’s leading thoracic and transplant surgeons, and the surgeon-in-chief of the Sprott Department of Surgery at Toronto’s University Health Network, which includes Toronto General and Western Hospitals — to keep those breaths flowing easily and lasting as long as possible. Dr. Keshavjee’s passion for the lungs began when he heard about the world’s first lung transplant surgery in a 1983 radio broadcast. He was in his third year of medical school at the time, but something about this particular procedure piqued his interest. Just three years later he was scrubbing for his first — and the world’s first successful — double-lung transplant at Toronto General Hospital. “I had never thought of that and filed it away, thinking, ‘That’s pretty cool,’” says Dr. Keshavjee in recalling that broadcast. “Then they did a doublelung transplant, and I was inspired [by the fact that] they were doing something so brave and had the courage to do it. It really inspired me; I was like a kid in a candy store.” Dr. Keshavjee completed his medical training at the University of Toronto in 1985. He subsequently trained in general surgery, cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery at the University of Toronto, followed by fellowship training at Harvard University and the University of London for airway
surgery and heart-lung transplantation, respectively. He joined the faculty of the University of Toronto in 1994 and was promoted to full professor in 2002. This intensive medical education, training and study proved invaluable to Dr. Keshavjee, shaping his future and his focus on lung transplantation. “I really think you can learn from everyone and you never stop getting better,” says Dr. Keshavjee about his education. “I can learn just as much from the guy standing behind me and watching me as he can learn from me. We all have different capabilities, and that applies to every occupation.” Lung transplantation has evolved greatly over the years. In the 1990s, there was only a 50/50 chance of survival after a transplant. Today, there is a 97 per cent survival rate, due in large part to professionals like Dr. Keshavjee, and in particular, his focus on the condition of the donor lung. He is a pioneer in developing the latest transplantation treatments and has gained international recognition for the development of his lung preservation solution for donor lungs en route to transplantation. The Toronto Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion System, which Dr. Keshavjee and his team developed, allows donor lungs to be kept alive outside the body in order to be assessed, treated and repaired prior to transplantation. This is now a standard technique utilized by transplantation programs around the world, but at the time, it was a huge leap forward in lung transplantation. Most notably, perhaps, is that this technique for donor lungs has been adopted by leading specialists
for other organs, such as the heart and liver. “Other specialists knew we hit on something, and that’s been very satisfying. We’ve created organ support systems, and that has been the biggest change in the field,” says Dr. Keshavjee. His achievements have garnered him many professional accolades and honours, the highest being made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2014, the country’s second-highest civilian honour. But true to his character, he spends a great deal of his time raising money for his department in order to push the boundaries further. “As a leader of a department of surgery, I am able to help surgeons in many fields, and I am able to be in an environment which fosters this level of education, which impacts patients,” says Dr. Keshavjee about the importance of philanthropy. “When we’ve been supported, we’ve been very good to be able to go back to our successes and show what the Sprott Department of Surgery has done. We must be able to demonstrate that, then we can move faster in running with an idea, allowing us to be world-leading in a number of areas.” Dr. Shaf Keshavjee and his team are among those tireless, quiet professionals in the medical profession who are making a tangible difference in our society and improving the lives of so many every day. Through groundbreaking innovations, and with expertise, passion and dedication to their chosen field, they are making an impact on the generations to come. www.uhn.ca
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Continuing a 45-year tradition, the new Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet are among the world’s best high-performance sports cars WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
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The new Turbo 911 features enhanced adaptive aerodynamics, including a larger active front spoiler and larger variable rear spoiler
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The next generation Porsche Turbo 911 has sleek and stylish lines that make it appear even more dynamic and muscular
he Porsche 911 Turbo has always stood out among the world’s highperformance sports cars. Even the word “turbo” has been perhaps the most apt description of power and performance in automotive circles for the past 45 years. Now, following the market launch of the 911 Turbo S, comes the next generation 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet even more powerful and faster than before, with both model variants dipping under the magic threesecond 0–100 kilometres per hour (km/h) mark, with a time of 2.8 seconds. That is serious speed — in a serious sports car. The new models are following a prestigious tradition of luxury and performance, since the Porsche 911 Turbo was first introduced in 1975, with each generation continuing to be the global benchmark for high-performance sports cars. It is notable that advancements by Porsche over the years mean that this latest generation of the two-plus-two seater is actually more than twice as powerful as the original Turbo. And while the 911 Turbo may have become faster, larger and more comfortable over the years, it has always maintained the fundamental characteristics that make the Porsche 911 Turbo so distinctive and so respected.
These enhanced versions of the 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet represent significant advancements in pure power, with both models featuring 572-horsepower (hp) engines — 32-hp more than their predecessors. A torque of 553 pounds per foot (an increase of 47), now without an over-boost time limit, makes quick acceleration even more effortless. Power transmission is performed by an eight-speed PDK gearbox with a Turbo-specific set-up, while its top speed remains unchanged at 320 km/h — a hallmark of Porsche performance. The new 911 Turbo’s 3,745-cm3 six-cylinder boxer engine now also features symmetrical VTG turbochargers, with electrically controlled bypass valves. In conjunction with its redesigned charge air-cooling system is the use of piezo injectors, improving responsiveness, performance, torque characteristics and its ability to rev freely. The chassis and body have become wider on this new generation, and the front axle now steers even more precisely, thanks to an additional 42 millimetres of front track width and new 20-inch 255/35 tires. Traction at the actively steered rear axle is increased by a track that is 10 millimetres wider, as well as 315/30 tires on 21-inch wheels, one inch more than on the front axle.
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Both new models have 572-hp engines with top speeds of 320 km/h and feature wider chassis and bodies to provide even more stability and tighter performance in highspeed driving
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Options such as the sports chassis and sports exhaust system are available with the 911 Turbo for the first time. Two different chassis variants are also new: while the standard PASM chassis offers a greater spread between classic Porsche sportiness and comfort, the significantly firmer, electrically controlled 10-millimetre lower sports suspension benefits the agility of these new Porsche 911 Turbos. Its set-up is aimed at enhancing the car’s dynamics and provides even more stability in
high-speed driving, such as when the vehicle is used on race circuits. If possible, the design of the 911 Turbo has become even more dynamic and muscular. The body has been widened by 45 millimetres, to 1,840 millimetres at the front wheels, to accommodate the new chassis. And the car’s sporty character is further emphasized by the new bonnet’s striking swage line. Other distinguishing features of the new 911 Turbo
Interiors are luxurious and feature 14-way sports seats, a multifunction GT sports steering wheel with shift paddles and Porsche Advanced Cockpit and Touch Control to reduce distraction
are the enhanced adaptive aerodynamics, which feature electronically controlled cooling air flaps at the front; its larger active front spoiler; and the significantly larger variable rear spoiler. The interior cabin has perfectly placed touch controls, which have always identified the Porsche 911 Turbo, and these new models have interiors corresponding to those of the famous 911 Carrera models, with Porsche Advanced Cockpit and Direct Touch Control. The centre screen is now 10.9 inches and can be operated quickly and without distraction. The extensive equipment list includes a fully electrically controlled 14-way sports seat and a multi-function GT sports steering wheel with shift paddles and mode switches, as well as the powerful BOSE Surround Sound System. The new generation of the 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet are now available to order and are scheduled to arrive in Canada early next year. Pricing for the 2021 911 Turbo Coupe starts from $194,400, and the 2021 911 Turbo Cabriolet starts from $209,000. For drivers who appreciate highperformance sports cars, the Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet should be at the top of any test-drive list. www.porsche.com
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ART
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT ARTIST, THROUGH THE EYES OF PETER TRIANTOS cover story Peter Triantos is known for creating some of the world’s most modern and positive pieces of art. He finds inspiration through authenticity and passion for contemporary and creative arts
PHOTOS BY CARLOS A. PINTO
INTERVIEW BY CASSANDRA GIAMMARCO WRITTEN BY SHAUN MELADY
Taking a dive into the mind and creative eye of artist Triantos and his insights into what it takes to become successful in the world of abstract art
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Triantos stands proud, showcasing his 20,000-square-foot studio in the heart of bustling downtown Toronto. His gallery also acts as his creative workspace, event location and sanctuary
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tepping into a room, you are typically filled with all sorts of sensory and/ or emotional overloads, whether that be nerves you experience before going into a meeting you might be spearheading; or an aroma of lavender you smell when entering a spa; or captivation you feel when seeing a beautifully designed piece of architecture. You usually have a feeling. For Peter Triantos, he is usually the one crafting that feeling — through his contemporary art mastery. This Toronto-based artist works with art
lovers, from residential buildings and personal investments, to large corporations that have established partnerships with major architects and developers spanning the globe. Triantos also works on installing his pieces of art. He says he typically only installs about 80 per cent of his pieces, because clients always ask him to install for them, unless they have their own installers. And, he says his relationships with his clientele are incredible, because they know the love he has for the work he has done, and he is treated with the utmost respect.
While viewers of Triantos’s work soak in his masterpieces, they will not find any unsettling, dark meanings behind the pieces he produces; they will see a joyous occasion being lifted off the canvas to their cognitive perception. Here are some collection names from his series of work as examples: Jelly Bean, where you can see bright bursts of colour in strategically placed areas on the canvas, instantly bringing a positive spin into your mind. Winter Paradise, which articulates energy through thin strokes of the brush covering each
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“WHEN I PAINT, I PUT LOVE INTO MY WORK. LOVE IS KEY. LOVE IS IMPORTANT”
a flower from a distance, Triantos, through the power of the brush, takes you on the journey of the flower itself by painting detailed elements, veins and movements of the flower. Triantos says he brings a “euphoric breath of fresh air” to his clients and partners by expressing his belief that art should show passion, uniqueness and an overall positive outlook through every planned-out stroke of his brush. Through his artistic endeavours, Triantos has also experienced enlightening moments that have inspired some of his series. One in-particular is the Napa Valley series, which is not the winecentric collection that you would expect. It does, however, capture the lush landscape of the valley with hues of blue, green, moments of red and other exceptional colours. “There is no set rule. I think the magic happens. You put something out there, and it kind of creates a life of its own,” says Triantos. “The Napa Valley series was an imaginary landscape. Yes, it took us to Napa Valley, and we really got to enjoy it there.” To create his pieces of art, Triantos uses a 20,000-square-foot gallery in the heart of downtown Toronto. The floor plan of this space is open concept and allows for various events to take place, such as pop-ups, workshops, exhibitions, classes, etc. “I’m very prolific. I always have 15 commissions going on at the same time. I work on many, many paintings at the same time,” he says. “I’m a big collector. I think it’s important to know the history. It’s important to know who came before you. There’s a lot of great history. You don’t have to study it in schools. I have limited schooling, but I learned through collecting. And
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canvas, but provides the feeling of interconnectivity with the world. Soft Sand, which allows viewers to see layers of art in a calming way. Triantos does this by incorporating the feel of natural elements along a tranquil shoreline. Simply Formal, which is a series that shows easy-on-the-eye order. It contains minimalistic elements, bringing contemporary art in a sophisticated yet playful manner. Flower is a delightful story of the journey of this beautiful piece of nature. Instead of viewing
if you love something, you tend to keep it in your mind a lot easier than if you are forced to learn it.” Some of Triantos’s clientele, he shares, are open to eccentric but positive pieces of art. They enjoy the emotions that are associated with each piece they have received. “When I paint, I put love into my work. Love is key. Love is important,” says Triantos. Mentioning love, Triantos’s wife of eight years, Seraphina Triantos, works with him as the art curator at the gallery. Speaking about the key to a successful working relationship with a significant other, Triantos says: “I think the respect has to be there. You have to have kind of the same ideals and morals. You have to kind of think in a kind of way. Although we’re totally different people, we have to have the same kind of respect for people. We treat everybody with lots of love and an open heart. We’re friendly. That’s what keeps us in the game.” While he is in the gallery, painting and conceptualizing his next piece, Triantos enjoys staying authentic to his feeling and his vision. According to this mastermind in the contemporary art world, everyone is an artist, and he believes that if you are genuine in your form, you can create beauty. “Show what you are really thinking. Don’t overthink it. That’s authentic. That’s what we want . . . we want authenticity. The more authentic you can get, the better it is. That’s what I’m striving for . . . more authenticity.” Visit Triantos’s website, www.petertriantos.com, to learn more about him and see the available series. www.petertriantos.com @petertriantos
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This issue’s notable objects of desire, from classic skates to floral scents WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
OBJECTS
OCTOBER LIGHT CANDLE: Created by OVO and Kuumba, this candle champions the October Light scent, with a burn time of 12 hours. | octobersveryown.com
6 PICK-ME-UP INDOOR SWING: A single-seat indoor swing, complete with Tibetan lamb cushion, is hand-dyed and available in various colours. | 1stdibs.com
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ART DECO CORAL: An18karat yellow gold and platinum ring, with 13 vivid orange spheres set around white diamonds. | 1stdibs.com
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PEARL CHOKER: Individually handstitched, mounted on crepe with a hanging pearl strand and a secure fastening at the back. | galialahav.com
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DOME PAPERWEIGHTS: A selection of artisan paperweights featuring designs that span the beauty of the natural world. | johnderian.com
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FOREST HILL PRIVATE RESIDENCES: Soon-to-arrive private, luxury residences set within nine storeys, overlooking Toronto’s Forest Hill Road. | foresthillresidences.com
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GUCCI MID-HEEL PUMP: Gucci heels designed with chromatic contrasts and crystal embellishments, complete with the renowned interlocking “Gs.� | gucci.com
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MOXI ROLLER SKATES: A combination of classic rollerskate design and modern materials makes for Moxi skates that perform under all sorts of pressure, from ramps to street skating. | moxiskates.com
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CHANEL CHANCE EAU TENDRE: With key notes of jasmine absolute and rose essence, this Chanel hair oil promises to smell as fruity as it does floral. | chanel.com
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DESIRE
MILLIONAIRE SILVER LUXURY SAFE: Safety meets statement with the Millionaire Safe, inspired by the California Gold Rush. The piece is built with gold-plated polished brass and a silver-plated gearwheel mechanism. | bocadolobo.com
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BELGA QUEEN: A brasserie that promises a gastronomic trip through Belgium, set in a landmark 18th-century building. | belgaqueen.be
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NIMA KITCHEN & BATH: Nima Kitchen & Bath uses Canadian craftsmanship and Italian esthetics to provide homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area with high-quality, custom cabinets. | nimakitchens.ca
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PASSIONATE TASTES
CHEF’S TABLE
The world’s best chefs are getting younger and more creative, and Dolce has spanned the globe to shine a spotlight on three of them and their individual passions WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
Love and joy, teamwork and a passion for cooking are the essential ingredients at Cosme, one of New York City’s hottest restaurants, where the World’s Best Female Chef just happens to rule the kitchen
LOLA’S KAMILLA SEIDLER — COPENHAGEN, DENMARK At Kamilla Seidler’s new restaurant, Lola, in Copenhagen, cooking great food and creating culinary excellence are only half the equation. Returning to the kitchen after a twoyear absence to advocate for equality and sustainability in Denmark, while Lola is already garnering rave reviews for the international influences in its cuisine, it is Seidler’s program for the vulnerable in society that is attracting equal admiration. Called Lola Impact, it is a job inclusion and training project that targets people on the periphery of society. The project gets them involved in culinary courses, strengthening not only their cooking techniques but also their life skills, helping them build relationships and integrate back into society. It is a passion for Seidler that she calls “social gastronomy” — creating great
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELA SOTO-INNES OF COSME RESTAURANT
COSME’S DANIELA SOTO-INNES — NEW YORK CITY There has always been great debate in the world’s best kitchens about what ingredients make the best recipe, but for Daniela Soto-Innes of Cosme restaurant in New York, there are only two essential ingredients: love and joy. It’s a philosophy she takes seriously, paying close attention to her kitchen staff ’s state of mind, cheering them up when they’re down or stressed, playing music and even doing warm-up exercises with her cooks. Perhaps we should all add love and joy to our recipes, as Soto-Innes was recently named the elit Vodka World’s Best Female Chef, and at just 28 years old, she is the youngest chef ever to receive the award. Arriving in Texas from Mexico City at the age of 12 years, her passion for food and Mexican cuisine comes from her mother, aunt and grandmother, who always told her to put love and joy into her cooking — and that happiness (and great food) would be the end result. Cosme holds down the No. 25 spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and is among the most notable in New York City, where former U.S. President Barack Obama once popped in for a surprise visit. Her success with Cosme and her other New York restaurant, Alta, is leading her to open two more, Damian and Ditroit, both in Los Angeles, when conditions are right again. Put Daniela Soto-Innes on the front burner as a chef to watch. www.cosmenyc.com
dishes, while still focusing on social issues. She put this into play when she moved to Bolivia seven years ago to open a restaurant and culinary school for underprivileged young people that went on to become the best restaurant in the country. And even before Lola opened last November, Lola Impact had already held courses for two groups of vulnerable girls. Lola’s setting is almost as spectacular as what Seidler creates in her kitchens. It is located in a renovated mill dating back to 1669, along with two other buildings, one of which is used to promote social inclusion through communal dining at long tables. The restaurant’s innovative dishes, such as Pupusa and Kimchi — featuring an El Salvador–inspired cornmeal flatbread filled with refried beans and topped with kimchi and horseradish sour cream — are already adding something original to the Copenhagen dining scene, as Seidler’s influences from her international travels are translated to her creations. Lola and Lola Impact are two parts of the greater good that share equal importance in the life of Kamilla Seidler. www.restaurantlola.dk
considerable personal charm to his diners. Martinez often educates guests on unusual products, such as wild roots and flowers, or plants that are used for dyes, medicines and food, focusing on nature, social ecosystems and accessibility, and extending beyond where an ingredient is grown. The Central team takes a proactive approach to sustainability, with recycling, composting and closing the loop of waste ingredients just the onsite start of the sustainable commitment. They leave their comfort zone of the restaurant’s walls in Lima and explore for themselves in the fields and countryside exactly how hard or easy it is for an ingredient to arrive at their kitchen. And they all have intimate knowledge of the farm-to-fork process. This is the type of dedication to his craft that has made Virgilio Martinez a culinary superstar in Latin America, both in his kitchen and in the fields of his country. www.centralrestaurante.com.pe
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CENTRAL RESTAURANTE
Chef Martinez does not remain stationary in the kitchen of Central, but is also out in the countryside, exploring and discovering sustainability in order to improve Latin America’s No. 1 restaurant
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOLA RESTAURANT
CENTRAL’S VIRGILIO MARTINEZ — LIMA, PERU There is so much more to Virgilio Martinez and his Central Restaurant in Lima than just outstanding food and creative presentation, which have made Central the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America three times. Sustainability is at the core of the restaurant’s existence — and more than just the concerted effort to manage waste, reduce costs and minimize a carbon footprint. Central is recognized throughout Latin America for its efforts. For Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, Martinez’s Lima flagship restaurant achieved a sustainability rating of 98 per cent as part of the audit completed by Food Made Good Global. And no restaurant has ever received a higher score. Martinez’s passion for sustainability also extends to the traceability of food sources, often a challenge given the diverse topography of Peru, which chefs are just beginning to understand. And he extends that knowledge with his
Besides her acclaimed creativity and imagination in bringing an international bounty of cuisines to life at Lola, Seidler’s determination to assist the vulnerable is her guiding passion
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FASHION
FIND ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM THIS PHOTO SHOOT ONLINE AT WWW.DOLCEMAG.COM
NICHOLAS MELLAMPHY: APPROACHING FASHION AS AN OUTSIDER The founder of CABINE and former creative director of The Room at Hudson’s Bay discusses the role of luxury retail and the power in being able to step away
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Luxury has nothing to do with value. It’s about experience, esthetics and standards.” As one of Canada’s most highly regarded industry experts, Nicholas Mellamphy is no stranger to the world of luxury. With a career that’s travelled along a consistent upward trajectory, he’s revolutionized and rebranded retail spaces, working under the likes of Joe Mimran at Club Monaco and Bonnie Brooks at The Bay in what he calls an “amazing master class from the experts in Canadian retail.” Though he’s made his mark on the world of fashion, he originally planned to pursue a career in dance. “I always liked nice things. I grew up in the ’80s, which was the epitome of wanting more, but my background was theatre. I went to performing arts schools, and that’s what I always thought I would do. That’s why I don’t think of myself as a fashion person,” he explains. “When I go to the shows or markets, I know I’m a part of fashion, but
I see myself as an outsider. I view fashion from a pop-culture perspective, as a sensibility.” In 2009, Mellamphy was appointed creative director of The Room and played a pivotal part in turning the space into an enticing retail environment, brimming with cutting-edge brands. While the position came with a lot of responsibility, it fell together organically after a lunch-turnedbusiness-meeting in 2009. “I remember The Room existed, and I started pulling thoughts together about recreating it. Bonnie walked into the boardroom and said, ‘Have you heard of The Room?’” he continues. “I’d put together this little book about the history and significance of it, what brands we could bring to it. I pulled it out, and she was flabbergasted, because we’d never mentioned it in our initial conversations.” From there, Mellamphy ended up working on The Room for almost seven years to the day, seeing it become successful both in Canada and
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ROGERS
WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
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Before launching CABINE, Mellamphy reinvented The Room at Hudson’s Bay by bringing new, exciting brands into the space
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Mellamphy wants CABINE to feel familiar, like walking into his own apartment
internationally. In 2015, his mindset started to change. “[That summer], I literally went to the desert, did meditation, yoga, and I decided in that moment I was going to leave The Bay,” he says. “I believe everyone has a moment, and everyone should give way. I couldn’t take them to the next part, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn’t leave saying I was going to go to Holt Renfrew or Nordstrom. I just knew I wanted to step away.” Though he didn’t know it then, Mellamphy would soon go on to launch CABINE, a retail proposition described as “a by-invitation, byappointment luxury retail experience with bespoke buys as its centrepiece.” He shares how the name CABINE was inspired by traditional couture, when houses would have a cabine, or studio, of mannequins. He wanted to evoke the idea of entering another world behind the scenes of a fashion house or backstage at the theatre. “One of my clients asked me to find a dress for her,” he continues, when describing how the idea for CABINE was born. “So I reached out to
“WHEN I GO TO THE SHOWS OR MARKETS, I KNOW I’M A PART OF FASHION, BUT I SEE MYSELF AS AN OUTSIDER. I VIEW FASHION FROM A POPCULTURE PERSPECTIVE, AS A SENSIBILITY”
a designer, and we had it made. Through that, a light went off.” Mellamphy says that entering CABINE feels a lot like walking into his own apartment. He wants it to feel personal, approachable, with interior design details that change frequently. “I don’t want people to think it’s elitist. I wanted to just shrink it, so it’s about service to make sure I can get these women what they want. I go to the shows, showrooms, and I report back what I see. Then we edit it down until it’s comfortable for both myself and them. It’s sustainable, luxury retail. It’s not about having racks of clothes, but a highly selected wardrobe for the season.” www.cabinebynicholasmellamphy.com @cabinebynicholasmellamphy
www.dolcemag.com SCAN THIS QR CODE TO WATCH BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH MELLAMPHY
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SUMMER 2020
PUSATER IS.COM
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LA MÉTAMORPHOSE COUTURE AW 2020–21
A Chance to Dream
As one of the final phases of the lunar calendar, the Balsamic Moon brings with it an anticipation of letting go, to make way for something new. It’s the same feeling that defines this collection. With fluid silks and light tulles, it asks us to surrender to the astrological and open our minds to dream WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER
VISIT WWW.DOLCEMAG.COM TO WATCH BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE OF OUR FASHION SHOOT
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La Métamorphose’s new collection is dedicated to exploring ‘the hidden and mysterious nature of women’
FIND ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM THESE PHOTO SHOOTS ONLINE AT WWW.DOLCEMAG.COM
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The collection is inspired by the Balsamic Moon, the moon of prophets and prophetesses, with the power to stimulate imagination
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The moon typically reveals a vision of what’s to come, allowing us to look ahead to new possibilities
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Set against the backdrop of the Château d’Amboise, the collection is also a celebration of French culture
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Located on the Loire river, the château was a residence for French royalty from the 15th to 19th centuries
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In continuation of its homage to France, the collection’s fabrics are made in France, with part of the collection produced in French ateliers
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The collection’s 15 looks play with the transparency and lightness of tulle and the fluidity of silk and chiffon
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Many of the pieces are embroidered with pearls or sequin spikes, elevating the collection’s luxury
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Similar to the Balsamic Moon, this phase asks us to ‘surrender to the power of the universe, whose dream springs from the dark’
Photography by Greg Alexander Art direction by Sebastien Vienne Hair & makeup Carine Larchet for LaRoche Posay & Eugène Perma Model Tiffany@AvaModelsLondon Assistant Betty Saganaki Post production Romane Sorin Production www.mephistopheles.fr Wardrobe La Métamorphose Couture Shoes Alde Baran Special thanks to Château Vaux-Le-Vicomte vaux-le-vicomte.com
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DESIGN
SOLE MAN
With their trademark scarlet soles and glamorous buyers, Christian Louboutin’s eponymous footwear are shoo-ins to the pantheon of modern fashion greats WRITTEN BY JAN JANSSEN AND RICK MULLER
stilettos, serve to oppress women, Louboutin argues that such shoes are a “form of liberty,” allowing women to express their feminine power and elevate their stature. “There is something fragile and powerful [about] women in high heels,” Louboutin once declared, recognizing that female fashion has always embraced a high degree of tension between form and function. “Women do not want to give up wearing high heels,” Louboutin declared prior to the opening of the Paris retrospective. “To be a woman is also about enjoying one’s freedom to be feminine if you want. Why renounce (high heels) when you can have them and flats . . . I don’t want people to look at my shoes and say, ‘They look really comfortable.’ The important thing is that people say, ‘Wow, they’re beautiful.’” The appeal of Louboutin’s shoe designs is such that his work has become part of the pop-culture landscape. Cardi B was one of the first rap stars to acknowledge this with her reference to “red bottoms” in her hit single “Bodak Yellow,” while other singers, such as Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, have similarly embraced the cult of Louboutin. His shoes have become synonymous with luxury, daring and sexiness — the kind of mass recognition that few designers ever attain. “Pop culture is neither controlled or controllable, so I am very happy about that,” he has admitted. Throughout his career, Louboutin has designed pumps with a bulging eye above the pinky toe, cascading rows of black and goldfish-like scales and even a super-platform pair with thousands of crystals. Famed also for his nude-coloured heels, he delights in being daring that is equal measure Marie Antoinette and Lady Gaga, but linked by a unifying desire to cater to bold, sexually confident women.
“I’ll do shoes for the lady who lunches, but it would be, like, a really nasty lunch, talking about men,” Louboutin once said. “But where I draw the line, what I absolutely won’t do, is [make shoes] for the lady who plays bridge in the afternoon.” SEX AND THE SHOE Louboutin became a fixture on the international fashion scene after various luminaries, such as Princess Caroline of Monaco and Princess Diana, began walking around in his shoes in the early 1990s. But perhaps the key to transforming Louboutin from obscure French shoe designer to fashion superstar came via the hit TV series Sex and the City, whose star, Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, stamped her seal of approval on Louboutins. This set in motion the process of transforming his shoes into fetish objects for women, whereby footwear was equated with sex and sensuality. Hollywood actresses have long understood this connection, and that is why Louboutins are more popular than ever and worn to red carpet events by leading stars, such as Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Daisy Ridley et al. Jennifer Lopez has also gone on record proclaiming her love of Louboutins and in particular the stilettos that he has helped popularize, despite the difficulties that come with wearing them: “[The stilettos] kill you. But they’re the sexiest shoes around,” she once told Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Neither does Louboutin himself disguise his singular fascination with high heels and his understanding of why they will always remain a fixture for women. “People project themselves and their stories into my shoes,” he said at the Paris show, pointing to a high pair of intricate lace boots
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PHOTOS BY SIMON WATSON/ TRUNK ARCHIVE
T
he history of fashion is replete with famous designers: Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld et al. But when it comes to shoes, one man stands above the rest — Christian Louboutin. One of the most-revered and successful shoe designers of the modern era, Louboutin has created a brand whose signature red soles have lent him an aura that not even Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik can match. Propelled by Carrie Bradshaw’s fanatical devotion to Louboutin on Sex and the City, not to mention that of Princess Diana, he has become a household name among fashion-conscious women, particularly celebrities who can afford the expensive price tag that comes with his quintessential footwear. His designer credo is to “make a woman look sexy, beautiful, [and] make her legs look as long as I can.” Not only did Louboutin spearhead the drive to bring high heels back into fashion in the 1990s, but he has also elevated shoe design into an art form. His impact on the cultural landscape has been so profound, his work was the subject of a landmark museum retrospective in Paris earlier this year. Slyly entitled Christian Louboutin: L’Exhibition[nist], the show opened on February 25 at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris, where 500 of Louboutin’s original creations were on display, until France and the rest of Europe were locked down due to the novel coronavirus. But the palais has recently reopened, and the Louboutin retrospective is further confirmation of the 57-year-old French designer’s visionary esthetic and undeniable influence on the evolution of fashionable footwear. Though some feminists may complain that his more radical creations, for example, his six-inch
“PEOPLE PROJECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR STORIES INTO MY SHOES”
The reconstruction of Louboutin’s apartment, near the Paris Opera, took three years to transform a series of smaller rooms into a massive showpiece
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The apartment is a menagerie of artifacts from Louboutin’s years of global travel, taken to widen his world view
DESIGNER PATH Born in 1963, Louboutin was raised in Paris by his father, a carpenter, and a homemaker mother who was “definitely not” a woman who wore high heels. He recalls how his sisters walked around in “cork wedges,” whose brutalist design was “immediately” offensive to him. He spent his youth sketching shoes rather than studying and attended the Académie d’Art Roederer to study drawing and decorative arts. Even at the age of 10 years, Louboutin was already aware of his innate sense of style and esthetic awakening when he visited the very same Palais de la Porte Dorée that is now holding his retrospective. He was struck by what he perceived as the absurdity of a sign he saw at the entrance to the museum, which forbade high-heeled shoes
being worn, for fear that they would damage the historic parquet floors. “I started to draw [high-heeled shoes] because of that sign,” he says, which was put up to save the museum’s parquet floors. “I became obsessed. How could they design a shoe that everyone wore in the ’70s and forbid its use?” A self-confessed iconoclast, he was 13 years old when he started indulging his wilder impulses. He and his schoolmates would often frequent the Folies Bergère music hall and Le Palace disco, where he found himself staring at the shoes worn by the women who were dancing on-stage more than at the showgirls and Parisian club girls themselves. “Some of the shoes I make today are still inspired by the Palace — the disco look, the metal, the glitter.” In his late teens, Louboutin left home to seek “adventure” in Egypt and India, after which he returned to Paris and approached most of the major couture houses armed with a portfolio filled with innovate sketches of shoes and outlandish heels. Ultimately, he landed a position at Charles Jourdan, France’s leading shoemaker, before departing to serve as an apprentice designer for
Chanel and then Yves Saint Laurent. He never managed to last long at any one salon, because he hated the idea of merely executing someone else’s ideas. “I was a terrible assistant. An assistant is supposed to assist — I always wanted to do my own thing.” It was not until he joined the atelier of Roger Vivier, the designer who claimed to have invented the stiletto, that Louboutin began to develop his shoemaking skills in earnest. RED SOLE DIARIES The distinctive red sole has an unmistakable erotic energy to it and provides the irresistible subtext to his brand. Interestingly, Louboutin came up with his “invention” more by chance, rather than the result of 10,000 hours of brainstorming. The origin of the red sole dates back to 1993, when the aspiring shoemaker was intent on producing a shoe design that he wanted to pattern after Andy Warhol’s archetypal Flowers silkscreen. Working out of the Paris atelier that he opened 18 months earlier inside the Galerie Véro-Dodat, a skylit arcade that connects Rue de Jean-Jacques
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called “Corset d’Amour” and embroidered with scenes of love-making. “I think the fact that high heels were (once) forbidden played on the unconscious . . . there was also the mystery and the fetishistic side . . . the simple drawing of a high-heeled shoe is often associated with sexuality.”
The apartment features a walk-in closet designed as the interior of a luxury train car, but there’s never enough storage space for Louboutin’s collection of up to 200 pairs of his signature shoes
Rousseau to Rue de Croix-des-Petits-Champs, Louboutin was still struggling to create a shoe collection that would enable him to survive in a highly competitive market. He had just received a prototype in the form of a pink stacked heel with a cartoonish cloth blossom and black sole from Milan, which more or less corresponded to his original design — but something was missing. “I was very happy, because it was similar to the drawing,” Louboutin recalls, “but the drawing was still stronger, and I could not understand why. There was this big black sole, and then, thank God, there was this girl painting her nails at the time.” Sensing the need to add a dash of colour to his creation, Louboutin grabbed the bottle of red nail polish from his assistant and started painting a portion of the sole of the prototype. “Then [the bottle] popped,” splashing the entire surface. It was his eureka moment: “I thought, ‘This is the drawing.’” THE BUSINESS EMPIRE That marked the beginning of the red shoe line, first handcrafted in Italy, which captured the public’s imagination and the fancy of a fashionconscious clientele, who has turned his company into a billion-dollar operation that sells more than
a million shoes per year. For the past three decades, Louboutin has expanded his operations well beyond the confines of his original Paris atelier, out of which he continues to ply his trade. “It’s very much a laboratory. It’s superinteresting for me, because I can try new things.” Today, his business empire extends to flagship stores in London, New York, Las Vegas, Tokyo and the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, his fifth boutique there. He operates out of self-branded boutiques in 35 countries overall, and his company sells to more than 150 department stores around the world. His signature red-heeled shoes are so distinctive that he has successfully sued and won major copyright infringement cases against rival brands that have attempted to copy his trademark concept. In 2011, Louboutin filed a $1-million trademark infringement suit against Yves Saint Laurent, after the latter began selling shoes with the signature red sole. The basis for his complaint was that it is not simply the colour which is at issue; it is how it has become an essential element of the (shoe) product itself. “It is a red in a specific context. There is Ferrari red [and] Hermès orange,” Louboutin said at the time. “Even in the food industry, Cadbury recently
won a lawsuit against Nestlé for using purple packaging. All this proves that the colours play a part in a brand’s identity. I’m not saying that red usually belongs to me. I repeat that this is about a precise red, used in a precise location.” In the end, a New York federal court of appeals decided that Louboutin was entitled to its trademark on red soles, which it had patented in 2008, except when the entire shoe is red. Louboutin would later score another key legal victory against the Dutch shoemaking firm Van Haren, after suing the company in the European Court of Justice after it, too, began selling a line of high-heeled shoes with red soles. Louboutin’s lawyers successfully argued that Louboutin was entitled to trademark protection under European law. The luxury brand understandably saw the decision as vindication of its founder: “For 26 years, the red sole has enabled the public to attribute the origin of the shoe to its creator, Christian Louboutin. We warmly welcome the recognition of this fact.” LEGACY Still fond of travel, Louboutin divides his year among various palazzos he owns in Egypt, Portugal and France, where he likes to be alone with his long-time partner, the celebrated landscape architect Louis Benech. He generally
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Louboutin’s apartment is as eclectic and elegant as you would expect from one of the world’s top designers
STUNNING PARISIAN PENTHOUSE Louboutin’s legendary Paris apartment is another interesting story in a life full of them. When he started his business 30 years ago, he lived in a modest apartment behind his original store on Rue de Jean-Jacques Rousseau, but as his business grew, he sought a more expansive and expressive home base. True to his diligent nature, the search for the perfect place took three years, until he found a magnificent painter’s studio in the 9th Arrondissement. The studio featured 26-foot-high ceilings and a wall of glass windows. However, as Louboutin was about to sign the contract, his business partner, Bruno Chamberlain, reviewed it and discovered that due to the rather bizarre complexities of French real estate law, Louboutin was about to purchase an apartment in which he could not legally live on certain days of the week. A friend came to his rescue and took up the hunt, eventually finding his current apartment, near the Paris Opera. But it was a space that was in a terrible state. Its reconstruction took three years to transform a warren of smaller rooms into a massive suite under a vaulted ceiling. The apartment today includes an enormous master suite with a walk-in closet designed as the interior of a luxury train car, as well as a skylit marble spa. His apartment is a menagerie of artifacts from his world travels: Egyptian chairs, feathered headdresses from the Amazon, masks and spirit dolls from the Hopi and Zuni tribes of North America and a fireplace imported from Iran. Despite the largeness of the apartment, there is never enough storage space for all of his shoes, with as many as 200 pairs lined up along the walls of his bedroom and bathroom. us.christianlouboutin.com
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“I HAVE MUCH MORE IN MIND THE DESIGN OF A CAR WHEN I DESIGN MEN’S SHOES . . . THEY NEED TO BE POWERFUL AND SLEEK AND SHOULD ALSO MAKE A STATEMENT”
spends two to three months preparing each new collection at one of these residences and is rarely at a loss for inspiration. In recent years, he has also launched a men’s shoe collection, which takes a different point of departure: “I have much more in mind the design of a car when I design men’s shoes . . . They need to be powerful and sleek and should also make a statement.” When it comes to explaining the high prices his shoes (particularly for women) command, Louboutin replies very matter-of-factly: “If you take a bottle of wine, one bottle of Chateau Pétrus will cost you 3,000 euros, while an ordinary bottle will cost you 10 euros. It’s the same shape, it’s the same silhouette, but everyone understands the difference between a great wine and a bad wine. It has nothing to do with the shape [or the bottle]; it’s [due to] the way the wine is made, processed and whether it’s going to give you a headache or not.” Jennifer Lopez might still complain about how her feet might feel some pain, however.
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