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DOLCE MAGAZINE 7
Giving with impact PearTree offers a unique and proven gifting format assisting major gift donors and their charities and is proud to support important causes across Canada. Abilities Centre
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Ilios Ball
Jewish General Hospital Foundation
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 9
WINTER 2015/16 • VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 4 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca Director of Editorial SIMONA PANETTA simona@dolce.ca Director of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca
ART DEPARTMENT Co-Founder/Creative Director FERNANDO ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Web Project Manager STEVE BRUNO Senior Graphic Designers CHRISTINA BAN, LUAY SAIG Web Designer YENA YOO Web Developer JOHNSON TA
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Copy Editor SIMONA PANETTA Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Beauty & Travel Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Proofreaders NINA HOESCHELE, SIMONA PANETTA Senior Writer MICHAEL HILL Contributing Writers MARK DUNCAN, CEZAR GREIF, ALESSANDRA MICIELI, AMANDA STOREY, KATE WILSON Editorial Intern AMANDALINA LETTERIO Contributing Photographers BRANDON BARRE, ROBERTO CARUSO, KATHLEEN CAULDERWOOD, GREG COX, MARCO GROB, SPACES BY JACFLASH, JENNA LEE, JESSE MILNS, JELLE MOLLEMA PHOTOGRAPHY, JOHN OAKLEY, INGE PRINS, CAROLE & ROY TIMM PHOTOGRAPHY, RUTH WARD
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Dolce Magazine is published quarterly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789, Toll-Free: 1-888-68-DOLCE, F: 905-264-3787, 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. The yearly subscription fee is CDN $24 and US $48. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9, Canada 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 19 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 1206-17780 Next Issue: Spring 2016 ©2015 Dolce Media Group. Printed in Canada. Printed in Canada
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 11
PHOTO BY GEORGE PIMENTEL
PUBLISHER’S Note
I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become
What I have learned
as this winter edition marks our final issue for 2015: I am incredibly humbled by all the people I’ve met and the stories I’ve heard over this past year. This is truly my university. Through these interviews and stories, I am able to hear first-hand accounts of the struggles, determination and foresight that propelled iconic individuals to achieve a level of success that most of us can only dream about. From Suzanne Rogers (spring edition) to The Right. Hon. Paul Martin (summer edition) to Barry Avrich (fall edition) and now Morgan Freeman, our cover man of the winter edition, the one trait that binds them all is their scale of passion for life. Take Alexandra Weston (story on page 30). Her intoxicating enthusiasm for the H Project at Holt’s and her involvement with Prince’s Charities and its Campaign for Wool, which supports rural communities in revitalizing the dwindling wool industry in Canada and 11 other countries, is truly something to aspire to. (Dolce Media Group was also a proud sponsor of this important Prince’s Charities initiative; as a publisher of magazines in a luxury market, we want to recognize companies and programs that focus on social responsibility.) Spending a Saturday with Toronto Raptor Patrick Patterson revealed that he is game on and off the court, as well as a huge movie buff. Anyone that says Canada is just a cold, boring place has not spent time here with Patrick, as he vouches to friends and family, “Come out here for a week and stay with me and I’ll show you around, and you will never want to leave.” Story on page 72. as Like most of you, I too am wondering where the time goes. Another year has come and gone and as much as I try to fit everything in there is so much more I wish I could have accomplished. But perhaps this is a great time to reconcile our thoughts, dreams and aspirations, like a yearly check-up to take account of where we are emotionally, financially and spiritually. For I don’t believe you can have one without the other. I was happy to learn that Morgan Freeman, with the most soothing and sought-after voice, spent $300, all the money he had, on dance lessons instead of something practical upon arriving in New York City. It brought back memories of the acquisitions I made as a twenty-something. His ability to achieve his dream of becoming an actor later on in life proves that it’s never too late to live the life you were meant to. Story on page 40. As you collect your raison d’être come 2016, I hope you do so with a positive mindset and love in your heart. You can live the life you were meant to live if you try a little harder. Or as barber Robert-Jan Rietveld, who sees customers wait up to five hours to sit in his chair in Rotterdam, Holland, explained when asked about his lifestyle and career, “Rock ’n’ roll isn’t about the looks. It’s something you drink and breathe everyday and for us being barbers is part of that lifestyle.” Story on page 56. Live the life you want and rock on. That’s la dolce vita!
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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ce 1996
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 13
CONTENTS WINTER 2015/16 / VOLUME 19 / ISSUE 4
58
52
OBJECTS OF DESIRE
A WHOLE NEW CATEGORY
A melody of magnificent, The BMW X6 M surprises design-friendly with speed and utility desirables
40
MORGAN FREEMAN The Oscar winner sings the blues along the Mississippi Delta
82
THE NEW KID Fearless design catapults Ryan Saghian into the spotlight
26
LIFE OF THE PARTY The city’s best answer to full-service catering
33
STYLE MAKER Toronto entertainment host Tanya Kim on celebrity interviews and an average day
36
FASHION OF THE FUTURE
64
Jessica Minh Anh’s out-there approach to fashion show production
GRAND CENTRAL Touring Cape Town’s most famous apartment in Africa’s only art deco skyscraper
ON THE COVER Photographed by Marco Grob, Morgan Freeman at his Ground Zero Blues Club in Mississippi 30 SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE Alexandra Weston curates a compassionate retail experience 72 BEYOND THE ARCH Inside Raptor Patrick Patterson’s Trump Tower residence More stories inside ... 14 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 15
DOLCE WAS THERE
Nicholas Mellamphy
Hosted at the Annex residence of Michael Cooper and Krystal Koo, the La Piscine event showcased select pieces of the Greta Constantine SS16 collection in amuse-bouche style. Designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong celebrated alongside the who’s who of Toronto’s fashion social scene while admiring models as they strutted through the venue in lavish ensembles. The night oozed class and style, honouring Canadian design and the final days of summer. www.gretaconstantine.com
Lisa Tant
Catherine Nugent Kirk Pickersgill
Bonnie Brooks
Michael Battista
Jessica Mulroney
Tim Hewer
Ben Mulroney
Kelly Jordan
PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Stephen Wong
GRETA CONSTANTINE’S LA PISCINE PARTY
Shay Lowe
Adrienne Smith
Krystal Koo
Michael Cooper
16 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Kirk Pickersgill
Jeanne Beker
Stephen Wong
winter 2015
TORONTO | 38 Avenue Road WOODBRIDGE | 7540 Weston Road winter 2015 shop shan.ca
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 17
DOLCE WAS THERE
Francesco Carrozzini Anna Wintour
EARTH GALLERY OPENING FEATURES FRANCESCO CARROZZINI’S “MUSIC” EXHIBITION In the heart of Paris’s 8th district, famous photographer and Emmy Award-nominated director Francesco Carrozzini was praised for his work in his latest photography exhibit, “Music.” The opening and exhibit launch took place at Earth Gallery, where celebrities such as Kanye West, Robert De Niro, Katy Perry and Beyoncé popped up in a show of support. Carrozzini’s exhibit runs from Sept. 30 to Nov. 10, 2015. earthgallery.paris
Jenny Mannerheim
Maripol
Jean-Charles Lou Lo L ou ouiis-Mar is-M iiss Mar sMarie Ma e de Castelbajac Louis-Marie Cas Ca C asstel te bajac telbaj baj ajjaacc de Castelbajac
Guilhem de Castelbajac Abraham Sako
Anna Pahlavi Pahl Pahl a avi a av Anna
PHOTOS BY ELENA ALIKHANIAN
The busy Earth Gallery opening featuring Francesco Carrozzini, which debuted in France on Sept. 30, 2015
Betony Vernon
PANAMA JAZZ CONNECTION
Daanilo Dani Danilo Dan iilllo o Pé P Pérez Pérez, érez, rez, C rez Chi Chizuko hiiz hiz izuko ko Na ko N Nakayama, akayama kkay ayama, am ama ma, R Ross o s Po os oss P Port Porter, orte rtter, rter, terr,, Yasun te Yasuno Yas Y Yasunori a uno as unori un ori ri Nak N Na Nakaya Nakayama, akkayama, ay ma, aya ma, JJos oseph os seph ep ph Manzoli, ph Manzo M Ma anzo nzoli, nzoli, llii,i Halcyon Halcy Hal Ha lcyon on Tan, Tan Ta Tan a , John John oh hn n Patitucci, Patit Pa atit tittucc titucc ucci ucci, c i,i, Chr C Chris Chri hrist istine istine sttine ine e Na N akam kkaamu kamu ura raa, Joseph Christine Nakamura, Daaavid Davi Dav D id Nakamura Naakam Nakamu Nak amuraa and amu and Marco Marrco Ma co o Pignataro P gna Pi gn gnat g nataro nat taaro ttar David
PHOTO BY GLEN SISON AND NATALIE TOPOLSKI
www.jazz.fm
Christopher Chri Chr isttoph ophe her P mme Plu mmerr Plummer
PHOTOS BY MISHA TEIXEIRA
The Panama Jazz Connection, hosted by Jazz.FM91 and Level 1 Collective, took over Toronto’s Liberty Village this past summer. The musical talents of Danilo Pérez, Brian Blade, John Patitucci and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute came together for a live on-air performance before an exciting after-party hit the streets for a block-party-esque celebration. The party accommodated guests’ tastebuds with food and drink, and a live and silent auction. The Danilo Pérez Foundation, Berklee Global Jazz Institute and Jazz.FM91 in Toronto benefited from the $30,000 raised at the event, which will be used to provide hope, health, purpose and education to children through music.
LITTLE MIZZ INNOCENT Invited guests gathered at ViaVai Pizzeria and Wine Bar during TIFF in anticipation of the upcoming 2016 release of Goldove Entertainment’s feature film Little Mizz Innocent. Starring Tyrese Gibson, Olga Kurylenko, Carrie-Anne Moss and Canadian legend Christopher Plummer, the action and crime thriller is scheduled to shoot in Toronto later this year. www.goldove.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 19
DOLCE WAS THERE
A NIGHT ABOVE SHANGRI-LA
Gavin Swartzman
Chris Kapches
Robert Deluce
Catherine Deluce
Chestnut Park and Christie’s Canada saw close to 400 people attend a special evening featuring Andy Warhol’s work at the Shangri-La Hotel and Private Estates in Toronto on Oct. 21, 2015. The event was the largest private sale of Warhol art in Canada, with 30 pieces of the legendary artist’s work on exhibit and nine sold.
Nathan Yeung
Bailly Roesch
Kristen Duern
Dan Conn
www.chestnutpark.com / www.christies.com
Myles Mindham
Justine Deluce
Nick Golding
Wendy Davis
Emmanuelle Gattuso Giancarlo Milazzo PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Aileen Halpennyy Alex Filiatrault Michelle Zerillo- Sosa
A piece by Andy Warhol
Brett Sherlock
Cynthia Loyst
Rick Hiebert Melissa Grelo
Tell Your Story Video brochures combine audio and video with print to deliver your corporate message in a sleek and comprehensive package. Cutting-edge and impactful, video brochures elevate your brand above the competition and leave a lasting impression. 20 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
www.videobrochurecanada.ca
Susan Swartzman Gavin Swartzman
TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH VIDEO BROCHURE CANADA, A DIVISION OF
2015 www.dolcemedia.cawinter | 905.264.6789
DOLCE WAS THERE
LIVE AND LET LIVE 2015 Dr. Michael Virro Jane Virro
The Live and Let Live Casino Evening, held at Casa Loma in Toronto, raised $245,000 in support of Victoria Angel Registry of Hope, a charitable public cord blood bank bringing hope to those in need of umbilical cord stem cell transplants. The gala drew in over 400 attendees and 30 generous sponsors who enjoyed dinner and a live auction all in 007 style.
Anthony DiCenzo Marisa Ma Mar isa R caa Ro Roc Rocca
Carmelina DiCenzo
www.victoriaangel.org
Amm A mmoye ye Ammoye Tash Lorayne
Carolyn Gallagher
Diana Donnelly
Mark Watkin
TJ Donnelly
Leah Watkin
Michela Guglietti
Marco Guglietti
Casino room
Overwhelming support from 30 sponsors, including presenting sponsor Apotex Dr. Michael Virro
PHOTOS BY BRENDAN WIELD
Melissa Baldassarra Laura SciaccaDi Battista
Anthony DiCenzo
Silvana DiCenzo
winter 2015
Carmelina DiCenzo
John DiCenzo
Michela Guglietti
Carla De Gasperis
Marisa Ma Mar Marisa R caa Ro Roc Rocca
Jane Virro
Siglia Di Battista
Leigh Anne Chiaravalle
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 21
PHOTO BY TELMO CARQUEJO
DOLCE WINE & SPIRITS
Wine lovers have been crushing on Ramos Pinto’s stellar wines since 1880
PORTUGAL, DISTILLED Dolce Magazine has a new favourite port: meet the House of Ramos Pinto, the historic producers of “divine” vino WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
If
Portugal isn’t on your list of places to go before you die, consider pencilling it in. And if it still doesn’t seem like a feasible trek, worry not: you can taste Portugal by sipping it from a wineglass. The House of Ramos Pinto is a winery based out of Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal — the postcard-perfect type of place we all like to imagine ourselves in after a long day. The winery was founded in 1880 and almost immediately found fame for its stellar bottled wines and groundbreaking approach to winemaking. A Ramos Pinto wine comes to life in a unique way, and it’s partially thanks to the winery’s location on the Douro River.
22 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
While Ramos Pinto started off with a bang back in the 19th century, things only continued to evolve for the Portuguese brand. Over the years, the winery paid attention to its region, meticulously researching its qualities that enabled such formidable wine. Eventually, Ramos Pinto acquired more estates with unique wine-producing characteristics: Bom Retiro, 109 hectares situated in an ancient garden; Urtiga, in which all vines are averaged at 80 years old; Bons Ares, which dates back to the Roman times and where the winery established its vinification centre; and Ervamoira, 150 hectares of flatter land. All four estates come together with their specific qualities to produce Ramos Pinto’s unique nectars, which are perfected to
the point where they have often been described as “divine.” Ramos Pinto is a leader not only on Portugal’s wine scene but on the international stage as well — and as such, its team is as passionate about educating as it is about crafting the perfect wine. This inspired the unveiling of the winery’s on-site Ervamoira Museum in 1997, a space dedicated to the environmental, oenological, anthropological and archeological research of the region. The winery’s facilities are open yearround to satisfy curious wine lovers, welcoming locals and tourists alike into its iconic cellars, museum and historical archives and library. Whether you’re taking a guided tour and tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia or pouring a glass at home, Ramos Pinto’s wines ensure that while sipping a helping of port, you are savouring history. www.ramospinto.pt winter 2015
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 23
DOLCE REAL ESTATE
“OUR GOAL IS TO REALLY MAKE SURE THAT RESIDENTS FEEL LIKE THEY’RE AT HOME” — Jordan Morassutti
Units at North Drive Investments’ 4 The Kingsway boutique residence range from a 1,264-square-foot one bedroom plus den/library to a 2,107-sq.-ft. two bedroom plus den/library. The majority of units also feature his-and-hers closets and five-piece ensuites
THE KINGSWAY’S CROWN JEWEL
West-end development 4 The Kingsway reflects the area’s prestige and elegance with beautiful European craftsmanship WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
W
hen developer Jordan Morassutti and his partners obtained the slice of land at the apex of the Kingsway and Bloor Street West they knew they had a chance to do something special. That point is largely viewed as the eastern gateway into the prestigious community of the Kingsway, one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Toronto’s west end. It was the perfect spot for an exclusive boutique building. “This particular site is something that we had followed closely for quite some time,” says Morassutti, one of three partners at North Drive Investments. “We saw it as a rare opportunity to build something that was specifically designed 24 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
for the more luxurious downsizers from the Kingsway area.” That vision culminated into North Drive’s second development, 4 The Kingsway, an eight-storey neoclassical mid-rise of 30 suites and five townhomes with 13-foot ceilings. Designed by architect Richard Wengle, who’s become known for the numerous transitionalstyle custom manors he’s created in the city, this sophisticated stone-clad condo blends the European esthetic of the Beaux-Arts buildings lining the streets of Paris with the wedge shape of New York’s iconic Flatiron Building. Morassutti explains that a mandate of North Drive is to create legacy buildings both that are compatible
with the surrounding neighbourhood and that add to location. So, he adds, elevating the design of 4 The Kingsway wasn’t difficult given what surrounds it. “The neighbouring community has such a strong architectural character in and of itself, so to design a building that was compatible with that existing fabric made it easy to make it of a high architectural standard,” he says. While Wengle shaped the exterior, design maestro Brian Gluckstein orchestrated the inside. Much like its facade, 4 The Kingsway reverberates with that old-meets-new feeling, a balancing act between traditional luxury and modern design. Within each unit, you’ll find plenty of lavish materials, like pristine hardwood floors and choice of granite, Caesarstone or marble countertops in kitchens and porcelain and marble options for washrooms. To elevate the exclusivity, all the lower levels were given the same attention to detail as the upper levels to provide penthouse-type units throughout the building. As Morassutti notes, “We’re really trying to go above and beyond here.” Morassutti founded North Drive back in 2011 with his two partners, brother Taylor and childhood friend Robert Fidani. They went with the name North Drive after the street they grew up on. Their debut of an architecturally ambitious building was The High Park, a modern 11-storey condo just east of 4 The Kingsway that’s currently under construction. The interiors were designed by Cecconi Simone and earned a Building Industry and Land Development Association award for Best Model Suite in 2014. But when it comes to their target for 4 The Kingsway, they’re keeping their eyes on a modest prize: “Our goal is to really make sure that residents feel like they’re at home,” says Morassutti. Construction for 4 The Kingsway is expected to begin in late 2015. Units are running for roughly $1 million. Occupancy is still slated for fall 2017. 4thekingsway.com winter 2015
LUCIO SILLA TICKETS START AT $38! Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca or 1-855-622-ARTS (2787)
Season Underwriter
winter 2015
Season Presenting Sponsor
W. A. MOZART April 7 – 16, 2016 Our staging of Lucio Silla created a sensation at the Salzburg Festival in 2013. Mozart's astonishingly inventive opera contains some of his most memorable music for soloists, chorus and ballet. Join us for this new Canadian production, following our debut at La Scala Opera House in Milan.
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 25
DOLCE CATERING & EVENTS
With an expansive Toronto kitchen facility, Pusateri’s can produce anything your heart desires
Pusateri’s catering directors Lee Kelly and Daniel Galletti have 20 years of combined experience in the industry
More than just Toronto’s leading luxury supermarket, Pusateri’s offers full-service catering, a floral department, event planning and execution for events big or small
LIFE OF THE PARTY
Make your next gathering or special occasion a memorable one with the endless possibilities granted by Pusateri’s cutting-edge culinary team
P
usateri’s Fine Foods has wowed the palates of discerning customers in search of artisanal and specialty foods for decades. But the family-run business isn’t just Toronto’s premier luxe grocer — it’s the city’s best answer to full-service catering, event planning and coordination. Just ask catering directors Lee Kelly and Daniel Galletti. With access to the finest ingredients and seasonal bespoke menus that reflect the hottest culinary trends, and to a state-of-the-art kitchen,
26 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
floral department and a bottomless list of resources, the catering department at Pusateri’s goes above and beyond the traditional role of garden-variety caterers. From breakfast get-togethers and corporate lunches to private holiday parties and blown-out affairs, Kelly and Galletti first dazzle the imagination with customized menus crafted from clients’ wish lists. They then conduct site checks for day-of logistics and go on to organize rentals, musicians and entertainment, and lush floral arrangements so that hosts can enjoy a complete and stress-
free experience. “No matter how big or small, we can facilitate any desire; we never say no to a request,” says Kelly. “We’ve even gone as far as hiring contractors to cover an outdoor pool with Plexiglas to mimic the effect of dancing on water,” adds Galletti with a proud smile. The cutting-edge catering team, led by corporate chef Tony Cammalleri, can also execute an intimate sit-down dinner party with chefs and waiters, or provide at-home cooking classes complete with paired wines and recipe cards. Apart from new menu items that include sweet and savoury nodini (bread knots) and tantalizing holiday hors d’oeuvres, Kelly and Galletti are excited with the endless possibilities deriving from Pusateri’s impressive commissary, which has the capacity to feed up to 1,000 people in one night. The 15,000-square-foot kitchen facility houses revolutionary Rational ovens, an in-house butcher, 60 on-site chefs and separate production rooms where foods are prepared for store-level consumption and private catered events all in a quality-controlled environment. Whether you’re staying in with friends or throwing a memorable party, Pusateri’s has all the ingredients to enliven your next gathering down to the very last detail. pusateris.com winter 2015
A Journey to the Middle East
YORKVILLE LOCATION NOW OPEN winter 2015
www.paramountfinefoods.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 27
DOLCE DESIGN TRENDS
Yos Shiran, CEO of Caesarstone, and Tom Dixon
The exciting collaboration between Caesarstone and Tom Dixon was announced at a press breakfast in October The project will feature four unique kitchens, each inspired by an element: fire, ice, air and earth
THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE Caesarstone has something incredible up its sleeve for 2016, and it’s Tom Dixon
B
ecause having fun in the kitchen doesn’t only mean playing with your food, design legend Tom Dixon has joined forces with quartz giant Caesarstone to create something a little bit out there — in the best possible way. Every design fanatic knows about Caesarstone’s 2016 Designer Programme. An annual embodiment of CEO Yos Shiran’s vision, it blows minds with new experiential design events, which in past years have included collaborations with the likes of Nendo, Raw Edges and Philippe Malouin. This year, Tom Dixon is Caesarstone’s partner in crime as the Designer Programme goes international for the first time, travelling from Toronto’s Interior Design 28 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Show in January to Milan Design Week and other events in North America, Europe and Asia. Dixon’s great vision for this team-up was, essentially, to create four different kitchens, each one a unique culinary playground themed after an element — ice, fire, earth and air. Each kitchen and element was also chosen to reflect the culture of one of the cities the Programme will be visiting in 2016. The “Fire” kitchen, for example, represents Milan, while “Ice” is Toronto-inspired (go figure), experimenting with the translucent, luminous Caesarstone quartz and food being served on a floating water conveyer belt across frozen surfaces. It’s all very outside the box, a.k.a. ingenious, but nothing less can be expected from two design darlings like
Caesarstone and Dixon. It’s a match made in interior design heaven, with Caesarstone’s solid reputation in the industry and Dixon’s own legacy of irresistibly wacky furniture, and the whole shebang seems to make that elusive promise we’ve been made so many times: that something truly different is coming to interior design. “Caesarstone has primarily been used for kitchen surfaces and food preparation,” says Shiran. “This installation marries our own design essence and creative platforms with Tom Dixon’s innovative vision of elements and culture-inspired kitchens.” And based on the buzz that’s already surrounding the collaboration, it won’t be breaking our hearts. www.caesarstone.ca winter 2015
PHOTOS BY RUTH WARD
WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
AN IDYLLIC SETTING Just a short drive north of the city, XXI Chophouse serves firstrate meals in the peaceful village of Kleinburg, one of the GTA’s most beautiful and coveted communities. EXTENSIVE WINE AND SCOTCH SELECTION An ever-evolving wine program features vintages from Canada, France, Chile, the U.S. and beyond. A sizeable Scotch Wall boasts a rich selection of single malts, fine cognacs and specialty liqueurs. PREMIUM AGED BEEF An in-house dry-aging locker ensures precise aging times of 35 to 50 days of the highestquality cuts of beef sourced from top purveyors, including Paradise Farms, the American Angus Hall of Fame’s Best Breeder of Aberdeen Angus in North America.
Located in The Doctor’s House in the village of Kleinburg, XXI Chophouse blends the area’s historical setting with contemporary design to deliver a premier steakhouse experience north of the city.
winter 2015
www.XXIchophouse.com info@XXIchophouse.com 905 893 CHOP (2467) www.thedoctorshouse.ca 21 Nashville Road, The Doctor’s House Kleinburg, Ont.
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Alexandra Weston, director of brand strategy at Holt Renfrew
SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE
Curating a more compassionate and charitable retail experience with Holt Renfrew’s director of brand strategy, Alexandra Weston WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
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PHOTOS BY JESSE MILNS
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lexandra Weston brims with delight as her eyes lock on to a blue and black clutch on display in Holt Renfrew’s in-store shop, the H Project. “These came in,” she beams, magenta lips spreading cheek to cheek. She explains the clutch is from Mercado Global, a social enterprise that works with indigenous artisans in Guatemala, helping to build businesses and connect with international markets. “And they have a whole series of different givebacks — social empowerment, education — that go along with their brand,” adds Weston, director of brand strategy at Holt’s. While esthetics are important (this is Holt Renfrew, after all), it’s this charitable component that is crucial for Weston. She’s on a philanthropic retail mission, one that’s all about the story behind the product. It’s a bright and clear October morning as Weston, dressed casual chic in head-to-toe black, guides us to a quiet table in the back of Holts Café at the high-end retailer’s flagship location on Bloor Street. Equally welldressed patrons begin to filter in and, considering the exclusivity of the Holt’s brand, it becomes increasingly clear I’m likely the least important person in this room. But Weston’s humble warmth eases any anxiety. There’s this almost tangible niceness glowing from her, a sensation that makes you forget that you’re sharing a table with a member of Canada’s unofficial royal family, the better half of heir apparent to the Weston kingdom, Galen Weston Jr. It’s a genuine kindness that blossoms further
Weston holds a Mercado Global clutch in the H Project shop at the Holt Renfrew’s Toronto flagship location
as she opens the book of her soulful retail tale. For the past two and a half years, Weston has cultivated the H Project into a permanent fixture within the Holt Renfrew brand. She curates this in-store shop with products from over 70 international brands, all of which have some health or humanitarian component. It’s a people-before-profit concept that grew out of Holt’s charitable collaboration program that launched in 2010. “It was really successful,” she says of that program, and not just for the bottom line. “The biggest success for me came from employees when they would call me, write me notes, they’d see me in the store and they’d say, ‘You know what? I love this program. I feel really good about coming into work every day.’” When Weston was on maternity leave with her second child, she began to think about ways of expanding the program. Many people told her they loved the stories behind certain items — where they came from, who made them — and she wanted to develop something less in-and-out and more within the ethos of the Holt Renfrew brand. “I wanted winter 2015
“WE’RE REALLY GOING BACK TO REBUILDING WHAT WAS IMPORTANT IN THE FIRST PLACE” — Alexandra Weston something that was subtly always there that our employees could walk by every day, not just when the campaign was on, and they could feel proud about the products there, the stories,” she says. “And also to take our customers on a different journey.” Weston determined three criteria of which products would need to meet at least one to make it in this new space. The first is where, by whom and how
the product is made. The second: What are the materials used to create the product? (Are they upcycled or recycled or otherwise sustainable?) And the third: The charitable giveback. Like Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Project, which Holt’s carries and supports: “Her product is made by artisans, it helps empower people in developing parts of the world,” but it’s all about the charity. “Her whole MO is a certain number of meals are provided by purchasing this bag.” What Weston has found is, much like people’s growing interest in their personal well-being, there is an emerging concern in the products we buy. Where do they come from? How were they made? Whose life do they affect? It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of fast fashion, where it’s all about speed and low prices, and everything else is an afterthought. “We’ve gone through a bit of a blip where I think people became so disconnected from the things they were eating, the things they were touching, the things they were wearing that now the pendulum is swinging,” she says. “Health, well-being. That started it. But now fashion is following.” www.dolcemag.com
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While these items may have a moral slant, they’re not just mantel pieces. Weston wants you to be, first and foremost, attracted to the product. In order for it to be successful, it needs to be luxurious — “This is Holt Renfrew and the product needs to match,” adds Weston, granddaughter of Bata shoe king Tomas Bata. But luxury doesn’t necessarily mean additional zeros on the price tag: “It’s really the stories, the depth of what’s behind it.” Each year, Weston and her team unearth these stories firsthand by collaborating with designers on the H Project’s Uncrate initiative, which highlights distinct cultures and their artisans. In 2014, they connected with Waris Ahluwalia for Uncrate India. Earlier this year they took a similar excursion to Africa, teaming up with the likes of designers Jodie and Danielle Snyder, the aforementioned Lauren Bush Lauren and Grammy-nominated recording artist John Forté. They met with local co-operatives in Kenya and Rwanda to find handmade jewelry,
hopelessness they seem destined to endure in the slums. “He’s just this incredible beacon of hope,” Weston adds. But you don’t need to fly halfway around the world to offer a helping hand. One initiative that the H Project has continuously supported is the
ALEXANDRA WESTON ON WOOL Favourite wool item for the home in the H Project? “For home, blankets. I have way too many blankets, but I can’t stop buying them,” she says. “I think they’re really chic and they show the luxury and I love that they’re made in Prince Edward County.” One wool item you shouldn’t be without? “I think a cosy wool knit,” she says. “Like a big, oversized, I’mswimming-in-this sweater.”
what we’ve been able to build in these last few years,” says Matthew Rowe, director of operations and partnerships for the Prince’s Charities Canada. Rowe explains that by providing a platform for Canadian wool products in the luxury market, Holt’s has not only created awareness for this environmentally friendly fabric, but also revenue to allow this struggling industry to find footing. And it’s not just the annual pop-up shop Holt’s provides either. Holt’s and Weston have been right there from the beginning, offering ideas for activations, including this year’s launch of Wool Week at the Royal Ontario Museum, where knitting circles were held and an Alice in Wonderland-type chair was yarn bombed in Holt’s signature magenta. As Rowe explains, “When you have partners like that it makes putting together a complicated and multilevelled collaboration like this not only easier but a pleasure.” When it comes to the future of the H Project, Weston’s goal is simple: “I want to see it grow, just like a child.” She feels the
The official “yarn-cutting” ceremony at the ROM during Wool Week 2015. From left to right: Susan Horvath (ROM Board of Governors president and CEO), Amanda Sherrington (president and CEO of the Prince’s Charities Canada), Jennifer LeBrun (co-founder of Ulat Dryer Balls), John Muscat (co-founder of Line Knitwear), Alexandra Weston, Carole Precious (owner of Chassagne Farm), Arthur Potts (Beaches-East York MPP), Kimberley Newport-Mimran (president and chief designer of Pink Tartan), Matthew Rowe (director of operations and partnerships of the Prince’s Charities Canada)
clothing and accessories they could retail in Canada. But it’s the stories they brought back that hold the real weight. Weston recounts walking the slums in Nairobi, Kenya, with Simone Cipriani, an officer of the United Nations and creator of the Ethical Fashion Initiative, and Italian designer Stella Jean. They sat down with a man named Vincent, who was born and grew up in the destitute region. Scars from stab wounds offered a map of the hardship of his upbringing. But Vincent’s story is no tragedy. He now has his master’s degree and works with the UN to help others like himself find a better life beyond the perceived 32 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Prince’s Charities’ Campaign for Wool. This global mission was founded by the Prince of Wales to generate awareness to the benefits of wool — its versatility as a fabric, its financial support to rural communities, its sustainability — and to revitalize the dwindling industry in Canada and the 11 other countries where the program runs. Holt Renfrew hosts an annual pop-up in the H Project during the campaign’s Wool Week, displaying blankets, scarves, hats and more made of Canadian wool, some produced as close as Prince Edward County. “Without their support the Campaign for Wool would not be a fraction of
luxury market is already well on its way to social responsibility, explaining, “We’re really going back to rebuilding what was important in the first place. Why were we making these things? Who was making them? Who was the best of the best with their own hands? In the luxury sphere, I think we’ve arrived there.” It’s now a question of whether this idea will transition into the mass market. When you hear the passion in Weston’s voice, it feels like it’s more than just a possibility. And if she can help make that happen, it would make for one heck of a story. www.holtrenfrew.com winter 2015
STYLE MAKER
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What book is on your nightstand at the moment? Yes Please by Amy Poehler and How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran (thanks for the lend, Teri Hart!).
Q&A WITH
TANYA KIM INTERVIEW BY SIMONA PANETTA
PHOTO BY ROBERTO CARUSO
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Describe your personal fashion style. I would describe it as a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, a little bit street, classic. Depending on my mood, my daytime go-to outfit would include my fave pair of Fidelity Denim, a pair of my Vans or Chucks, a vintage T or cute top, my Mackage Moto Jacket, my Chanel Classic Flap Bag and possibly one of my snapbacks (depending on what kind of hair day it is!).
What was by far your most favourite celebrity interview? One of the most memorable has to be my time with Jamie Foxx in Las Vegas. We spent an entire day together and he remained the same kind, engaged, downto-earth, hysterically funny Jamie whether the cameras were rolling or not. He kept it real the entire time.
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Which artist or painting are you drawn to? I’ve always been drawn to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work. Some of his prints are sprinkled throughout my home. I love how emotional and tortured yet hopeful his works feel, especially with his usage of such vivid colours.
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What’s an average day like for you? Lucky for me, a day in my life is far from average! My ever-changing schedule always keeps me on my toes, making life much more interesting. That said, my days could include recording voiceovers, researching, hosting Entertainment City for City and Breakfast Television, hosting Rogers Your World This Week (Digital Channel One), conducting interviews with celebrities and loads of travelling.
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You recently joined Entertainment City and Rogers Your World This Week as their host. How’s that been going thus far? Not only am I honoured and excited to be a part of something that is fresh and ever-evolving, I’m also stoked to flex my producing chops. The best part of this new professional chapter in my life is being a part of one’s brilliant vision, helping to bring it to life, grow and evolve alongside it for hopefully years to come. Catch Entertainment City on Breakfast Television Toronto at 5:30 a.m. Rogers Your World This Week airs Monday to Sunday on Rogers Digital Channel 1.
Our passion is beauty. Our promise is quality.
Winter 2015
33 www.dolcemag.com | DOLCE MAGAZINE 446 Spadina Road, Suite #209, Toronto | lougoldberg.com | 416.901.0080
Mikael D. never ceases to amaze, and his shimmery SS16 collection is no exception
INSIDE
Mikael Derderian’s
FORBIDDEN PARADISE
Canadian fashion label Mikael D. unlocks the true meaning of fashion
I
magine this: a woman needs a gown for an event and finds herself skimming the racks of her favourite boutique. As her stylist holds up a rainbow of options, the internal tug-of-war between the devil and angel on her shoulder ensues. Mikael Derderian, the co-designer behind Canadian fashion house Mikael D. (previously named Pavoni), knows
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the fashion versus function scenario by heart. While many designers struggle to balance those two vital elements of women’s fashion and often end up sacrificing a garment’s wearability for the sake of creating a spectacle, Derderian has found a formula for marrying the two. It’s all about perspective: a gown is like a blank canvas and a designer is the artist. When Derderian puts pen to winter 2015
PHOTO BY KATHLEEN CAULDERWOOD
WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY WITH FILES FROM MICHAEL HILL
paper, he holds himself back. He could let his imagination explode onto the sketchpad, creating an ultra-trendy, ultraartsy collection. But he doesn’t because over-the-top, high-fashion creations like that, as pretty as they are to see strutting down the runway or gracing the cover of a magazine, are completely unwearable by real-life women. It’s weeks before World MasterCard Fashion Week, where Derderian’s SS16 collection “Forbidden Paradise” will make its Toronto debut when the Canadian fashion designer calls from his New York City studio (the Mikael D. brand’s headquarters is in Montreal). “My strength is the way I’ve restricted myself when designing, restricted to making clothes that women can actually imagine themselves wearing. That’s been the most important point in my career, in my esthetic, in my vision.” But there’s a glorious catch: Derderian’s version of wearability is different from what we’re used to. To the fashion-savvy, the terms “practical” and “functional” are often synonymous with dull, safe and even boring, but Derderian has completely reinvented their meaning. This much is obvious while sifting through the galleries of his past collections. The designs are immensely beautiful — the kind of beautiful that tugs on one’s heartstrings, draws sighs and has every woman remembering her forgotten romance with self-confidence. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Derderian’s parents owned a fashion workshop where he grew up amidst a whirlwind of patterns, fabrics and garments. It was there that he brought his first skirt to life. “I was on the sewing machine when I was five years old,” says Derderian. “I couldn’t even reach the pedals.” The family came to Montreal during the outbreak of war, and Derderian was quick to adapt to the North American lifestyle. When he was a teenager, he designed for his friends. At 17, he was designing for major performances and taking on commissions from local elites. But when the time came to pick a path, Derderian’s parents discouraged him from pursuing fashion. “They were concerned about the future of the business, which drove me into fields like science and medicine, business and marketing,” says Derderian, who speaks five languages. “I eventually graduated from marketing and entered a job in fashion. And that’s when I realized it winter 2015
was my calling, and that I had to go back and do what I loved to do.” He’s now the star of the annual Fashion Week ferry-go-round, his poignant pieces stealing the show in many of fashion’s capital cities. He says the proudest moment of his career thus far was in 2011, when he stepped off the plane and into his very first Paris Fashion Week. Meanwhile, six years later, he’s gushing that his favourite moment of this year’s Mode à Paris was having the brand picked up by Harrods — “definitely a milestone for any Canadian designer,” he says. His SS15 collection is expected
“FASHION IS ALWAYS A FIGHT BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT, FUTURE AND TRADITION” — Mikael Derderian
to appear in the luxury department store in January 2016. “Forbidden Paradise” is Mikael D.’s latest wearable commentary on femininity. Derderian didn’t source his inspiration in the trend forecasts; rather, he found his spark in nature, specifically in florals. Some pieces toy with embroidery, cut-outs, high-lows, soft textiles, strong colours or, in many cases, all of the above. He also found a muse in the architecture of Zaha Hadid, which explains the collection’s use of curvature, from svelte cut-outs to rolling silhouettes. “[Fashion] is always a fight between past and present, future and tradition. And that’s the same way here,” says Derderian, whose designs have been donned by Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Ariana Grande and a whole sky of other starlets. “Forbidden Paradise” is a contrast even in words. While
the collection has a sort of faux-pas sexual connotation, at the same time it’s very romantic and flowy. It’s those two energies coming together in one presentation.” As for his own personal style? Derderian’s answer might come as a surprise. “I’m a very casual guy, believe it or not,” he says. “I’m not a very ‘fashion’ kind of person. I like comfort with a bit of an edge.” Night has fallen on David Pecaut Square. It’s time for the last show of WMCFW, and even the VIP line is bewilderingly long. We’re all here for Mikael D., one of the most highly anticipated shows of the week — the grand finale. As the crowd of 900 files into the sensually lit runway, fashion moguls find their seats: Cailli and Sam Beckerman, Jay Strut, Alexander Liang, Chloe Wilde and Dwayne De Rosario, to name a few. Everyone’s expecting quite the show. Mikael D.’s runways are always more of a dramatic performance, a carefully practised dance, than a fashion presentation. For his FW15-16 collection, for example, he produced an Asian-inspired runway that kicked off with drummers, professional dancers and a crescendo of music. Toronto is not disappointed this time around. The lights dim to almost complete darkness, and Sia’s “California Dreamin’” plays in the background as the models file out. Derderian’s comment about twining the past with the present comes immediately into effect: old-time lace and embroidery, classic silhouettes and antique-y hues mesh with futuristic shimmer and inventive accents. Piece after piece, the collection epitomizes Derderian’s desire to dress his clients into a riveting new persona: their best self. At the end of the show, while the audience claps and comments breathlessly to one another, Mikael Derderian steps out wearing a sharp denim shirt and trousers — comfort with an edge. As he takes his bow, then the hand of one of his models and walks them backstage, his audience is captivated: Derderian’s answer to fashion is so ordinary, it’s extraordinary. It’s simply about designing for the people. And in doing so, he’s discovered the forbidden paradise of women’s fashion: the synergy of style’s two sides, fantasy and reality. www.mikaeld.com www.dolcemag.com
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FASHION OF THE FUTURE
With the crystal ball of fashion in her hands, Paris-based model and entrepreneur Jessica Minh Anh impresses the world with her history-making productions INTERVIEW BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA
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Reawakening the fashion world with out-of-this-world runway shows, Jessica Minh Anh is leading the way in transforming the world’s most iconic venues into cutting-edge catwalks
The model and fashion show producer of “Catwalk in the Sky” over the Grand Canyon recently hosted a 100-metre floating runway on the Seine River in Paris and the Hudson River in New York. This summer, Minh Anh delivered the world’s first solar-powered runway show at the Gemasolar plant in Spain
DM: Where did you find inspiration for your unique fashion shows? JMA: I’m inspired by art, architecture, culture and fashion. These elements contribute a great deal to my many catwalk concepts. I take the process of brainstorming and researching for the next catwalk very seriously.
PHOTOS BY JOHN OAKLEY
DM: What was it like the first time you strutted down the catwalk? JMA: Models play an important role in presenting outstanding designs to the world. I feel alive each time walking down the catwalk, especially my first time. DM: What is the reason for creating these extraordinary locations for your fashion shows? JMA: I believe the most exquisite designs should be showcased at the best of locations. A phenomenal location always complements a fashion collection. On the other hand, a designer can be inspired by a spectacular location winter 2015
or culture to come up with a series of new looks. DM: How do you describe your personal style? JMA: I have quite a youthful and colourful personal style. I like vibrant dresses and love experimenting with colour blocking. DM: How do you stay positive when something doesn’t go your way? JMA: I’ve always been positive under challenging circumstances because I believe there is always a solution to a problem. I think it’s a waste of time to stay upset when you can quickly find a way to fix things and make them better. DM: Do you have a favourite memory from one of your shows? JMA: As each show is produced in a different location using different catwalk concepts and showcasing designs from many talents, it’s hard to pick just one moment. My most recent memory that www.dolcemag.com
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A unique event specialist combining fashion with location to produce innovative design stories, Jessica Minh Anh has gained exclusive access to national symbols such as the Eiffel Tower, London’s Tower Bridge and the One World Trade Center
reassured me in my belief that all things are possible is my experience at J Summer Fashion Show 2015 in the Spanish solar plant Gemasolar. A big and unexpected storm came two hours before the show and destroyed our backstage area. I immediately decided to turn our big bus into the new backstage area and carried on with the show. I was very touched with not only the devotion of my team toward the project but also the understanding and support of all the VIPs and the press. It was a very special moment. DM: What did you want growing up? JMA: I’ve always wanted the business side of the entertainment industry. I in piano, fine arts as well and corporate finance. I’d of myself as a chameleon.
to be when to work on fashion and was trained as in IT, PR like to think
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“IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE THINKING, YOU MAY AS WELL THINK BIG” DM: Have you ever regretted a decision in your life? JMA: I don’t think so. I don’t usually make a decision unless I’m sure it will have a great result, and if something goes wrong I will learn from it. DM: How do your friends describe you? JMA: Loyal and a lot of fun. DM: Define happiness for you. JMA: My current life, doing what I love
and being surrounded by people that mean a lot to me. DM: If you could change anything about society what would it be? JMA: To eliminate discrimination and racism. DM: What are the three things you cannot do without? JMA: My phone, my laptop and my personal trainer. DM: Which brands do you like to wear? JMA: Kenzo, Yumi Katsura, Armani, Miu Miu and Tony Ward. DM: What is your favourite saying? JMA: If you’re going to be thinking, you may as well think big. jessicaminhanh winter 2015
winter 2015
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 39
Morgan Freeman, 78, may have gotten a late start in Hollywood, but his star power proves to be enduring. His most-known movie performances include Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, Deep Impact, Bruce Almighty, The Dark Knight trilogy and Invictus. In 2005, he received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Million Dollar Baby 40 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Winter 2015
CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE
n a reem
F
There’s more to love about Morgan Freeman than his smooth, deep voice and award-winning performances. The acclaimed American actor and best-known narrator shares his love for the blues and living life away from the bright lights of L.A.
STYLING: ISE WHITE FOR COOL HUNT INC. | GROOMING: MELANIE SHELLEY PRODUCTION: COOL HUNT INC.
INTERVIEW BY CEZAR GREIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO GROB
hen word got around that our photo shoot and interview with Morgan Freeman would happen in the small town of Clarksdale, Mississippi, everyone was surprised and almost shocked. “What’s he doing in Mississippi, is he making a movie there?” “What, he lives there? Doesn’t he live in L.A. or New York?” It seemed impossible for people to believe that such a huge star would live in the middle of the Deep South, in the Delta region. But to me, there was something so cool about the man who had played God living where the “Devil’s music” — as the blues had once been labelled — grew up. Clarksdale is a small town of about 18,000 people and is located an hour and winter 2015
a half south of Memphis. It’s where blues legends like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Ike Turner, Robert Johnson and countless others developed their musical craft. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page from the band Led Zeppelin named their 1998 album Walking into Clarksdale as a tribute to the city’s musical heritage. At the very edge of Clarksdale, after driving across a small countryside town, past the cotton fields and the Mississippi riverbanks, you’ll find the Ground Zero Blues Club. To foreigners’ eyes, it could pass as a saloon in some old Western movie, except for the stage in the middle of the hall where bands play almost every day of the week. The appearance of the place isn’t modern — there is some authenticity to be found and all the walls have been written on. At 9:30
a.m., while the photography team sets up, a Porsche parks right in front of the venue. Not long after, Morgan Freeman pushes through the front door, arriving on his own. Taller than most and wearing a suit, there is no mistaking the man who has won an Oscar in 2005 for the movie Million Dollar Baby and has been nominated numerous times for Best Actor. The stylist proceeds to show him the clothes, but immediately he replies: “What do you mean, the clothes? I’m already wearing a nice suit, why do I need to change?” Everyone is taken aback only to realize that Freeman is joking, talking in a very serious manner as he often does, but with a twinkle in his eye, to let you know that in reality he’s just being playful. After sharing numerous www.dolcemag.com
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anecdotes, including how he arrived in New York from Mississippi with $300 in his pocket when he was in his early 20s, only to spend it all on dance lessons for him and his friends, Freeman opens up a bit about his fashion tastes. “I’m not a fashion person, I only own two suits,” he confesses. But he says this while wearing Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and a Dolce & Gabbana tailor-made suit! Not bad for someone who doesn’t like fashion. “My favourite designer is Giorgio,” he adds. There is no doubt that he means Armani. After this, Freeman asks me to have breakfast with him. What can you talk about when you’re having breakfast with a man who was God (it was in a movie, I know)? Well, anything and everything, as there is almost no topic you can’t discuss with the iconic actor.
Morgan Freeman takes a break at Ground Zero, his blues bar in Mississippi
winter 2015
THE BLUES Q: We’re doing the interview here at the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale. This is where, as legend has it, famous blues pioneer Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for mastering the blues. Why did you decide to open a blues club? Did you have any reason to open it here? A: I started hanging out with Bill [Luckett, his business partner] after meeting him in 1996. He and I both noticed that there were a lot of people in Clarksdale from out of the country wandering around the streets saying, “where can we find some blues?” Bill has always been a very big ambassador for Clarksdale. There was a little place called the Crossroads that would have some of the blues guys play, but there was nothing stable around. So he decided that “this place needs a real downtown joint, a real blues club! I’m gonna find a building.” I said, “Why don’t you let me help?” He said “sure.” Anyway, we found this building, and he decided on the architecture. It looked pretty much like it looks now except for the writing on the wall, the plaques. He didn’t want to make it look like … it had to look like an old juke joint. This was twelve years ago, in ’02. That was the genesis of Ground Zero. We also had a very nice restaurant for ten years, but it never made any money so we closed it. Q: You live not very far from where you grew up, in Tennessee, and then in Mississippi. Why did you choose to settle here? Do you feel a special connection to this region? A: It goes back to my great-great grandparents. Probably further back than that. But that’s as far as I was able
to track it. My grandmother was born in the Delta, my mother too. My biological father and my stepfather were born there too. I have deep roots here. Q: That’s why you moved back out here? A: No, that’s not really why. I did a lot of travelling myself. I left when I was eighteen. In my travels, it occurred to me that this whole racial issue in the United States, we didn’t have … we weren’t the capital of it. It’s everywhere, almost. Q: It wasn’t unique to Mississippi. A: It wasn’t. So my parents moved back from Nashville, in ’56 or ’57, bought some property not far from where I grew up as a little boy. My second wife and I started coming to visit in the seventies, and every time we came here, I had the same feeling of comfort I had as a child. And I thought, “this is the best place in the world!” Q: I interviewed Robert De Niro and he said the same thing — his office is very close to the neighbourhood in New York where he grew up. A: I had to decide where I was going to put roots down and build a house. I lived in New York and really got sick of New York; I was getting actual stomach pains from the tension and the stress! That was in the eighties, when things were changing so rapidly. I lived on the Upper West Side. There was a wonderful neighbourhood there for a little while. Then we started getting this gentrification movement. The oil crisis in the seventies started putting landlords in a bind. They couldn’t sustain buildings. In New York, they had rent control — you couldn’t raise the rent. If you can’t raise the rent and everything else is going up, pretty soon a building is a loss. All those old people living in those rent-controlled buildings were now at loose ends. It was in the eighties that New York became one of the capitals of homelessness. Not a good place to be. But coming down here was like moving to paradise! We did this in the mid-eighties. Q: You decided to open a blues club. Are you a blues fan yourself? A: I’m a music fan. Yes, I’m a blues fan. I grew up with this music in the Delta. All those old blues guys. None of the guys that play here at the club are as old as I am, but they remind me of the guys who were playing just like this — amateur guys who played guitar, sitting on the front porch or the back porch drinking moonshine, playing the blues [Laughs]. Q: Do you have a favourite blues man? www.dolcemag.com
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A: It used to be … argh! [Silence] … I just learned that when you get as old as I am, we can’t remember stuff. Not because we’re getting forgetful, it’s just that there is so much stuff up there [Points to his head] that you got to go through before you can find it! Q: There are some murals of great blues musicians all around Clarksdale. A: Muddy Waters and B.B. King are from here. We just lost a great one a few years ago, Pinetop Perkins. He was ninety-seven years old. Bobby “Blue” Bland, that’s the guy I was trying to think about. Albert King, of course. Q: Being here reminded me that the blues started in a rural setting, before moving to the cities. A: Blues started in cotton fields. Did you see the picture Ray? Q: Yes, I like that movie. A: There you can see the marriage between blues and gospel. That’s how rock was created. Q: Very few movies have been made about the blues. A: Not a whole lot. A couple of them, but they weren’t that successful. There was one with this kid Ralph Macchio. Q: Crossroads in the eighties. A: Yes. Ry Cooder played the blues man … there probably will be a new movie made about the blues. I read these two scripts about young white guys coming down here looking for old black guys … Q: Would you consider playing a blues musician in one of those movies? A: Yes, I was going to. ACTING CAREER Q: Your filmography includes just about every genre available. What has taking on such a variety of roles taught you as an actor? Has it influenced you as a person? A: It would be hard to say it didn’t. But I couldn’t tell you what! Q: What has your favourite part been about being an actor? A: The favourite part of my job? When they say “that’s a wrap” I’m a happy camper. Q: Some actors like to be extremely method when portraying a character. How do you like to prepare for a role? A: I’m not a method actor at all. I just learn the script and go for broke. Q: One of the things I was thinking about, maybe specific to you, is that you got more interesting parts as you got older … A: I was old when I started! I was fifty, maybe forty-eight or forty-nine, when I 44 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
got my first movie role, my first good movie role. Prior to that I was on stage — nobody knew me outside of New York. But toward the end of that twenty-year period, I had a pretty good reputation in New York. Then I got into the movies, with a picture called Street Smart with Christopher Reeve that sort of launched my movie career. But, boy, I’ve been around a while! Q: Most actors dread getting older, they think the roles are going to stop coming. Maybe time was an ally … A: Maybe that. The difference between men and woman is that men have much more longevity. Q: Only Helen Mirren and British actresses seem to be able to push back time. A: Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, people like Julia Roberts, she’s doing well. Because there are roles. But conventional wisdom in Hollywood is that once you get past forty, nobody wants you. That’s not really true. You just can’t get the beauty queen roles. But if you’re really a terrific character actor, there are those, Meryl being the top of the heap, that can work. There is so much work available. Now you got Netflix, for Chrissakes! There’s work to be had! You just have to relax and go with the flow … Q: Now that you’re one of the most established actors in the business, you can be selective of your roles. What usually draws you to a specific character? Is it the script? Or the director? A: It’s not so much the director, although there are situations now where I’m doing things for directors. But it’s primarily script and character, what is the story, is it really inviting? After that, who is in it, who is directing. Q: I was thinking of the irony of you, a believer in science, being asked to play God in a movie … A: Ah, ah. But they chose me to play God in a comedy, two comedies, actually. If I was Evangelical, I don’t think they’d ask me to be involved in a comedy where God was a major character. Q: How do you approach playing God? A: Learn the words. There is no way you’re going to say, “Now I’m going to play God, what am I going to use as a template?” [Laughs]. Where do you go to find out about God? There is no place. Be yourself. Q: Your voice is lauded as one of the most iconic and sought-after in the business. You’ve done a lot of voiceover roles. One I remember the most
is March of the Penguins. A: Oh yeah. That was a big success. It was such an amazing story. Q: Was there a point where you realized, “Oh, people want my voice?” A: No, I had no idea. I did the voiceover for The Shawshank Redemption. After that, people started wanting me to do voice work. Then the whole “myth” about my voice being … “unique” … no voice is unique! Q: I used to be a singer in a band and I remember other singers having techniques to maintain their voices. Some wouldn’t talk two hours before a show or would add honey to their tea. Do you have any tips to take care of your voice? A: No. The biggest thing for the voice is relaxation. After that, I don’t know about anything. Stevie Wonder drinks honey and cinnamon. He gets a cup of tea loaded with honey and then adds cinnamon. I heard it’s very good for the health. I don’t do anything out of the ordinary; I take vitamins. Q: You’ve done a number of movies with Clint Eastwood. [Freeman makes the number three with his fingers, for the trio of movies he did with Eastwood]. Do you have a special connection with him, a reason for going back to him? A: My special connection with him is that he’s one of the best directors, and one of the best to work with. I like the way he directs. He doesn’t direct actors — he directs a movie. If he hires you to be in a movie, then acting is up to you. He’s very quick. [He chuckles]. He has a certain unique way about him that’s very endearing to most actors. Everybody I know who’s ever worked with him adores him. Q: He was a great actor and became a fantastic director. A: He’s been directing a lot longer than you would think. Q: He started in the seventies. A: Yes, Play Misty for Me was the first movie he directed. And it seems that whenever he plays a movie, he plays a vulnerable character. Q: True. And he often makes fun of his tough guy image. Like in the movie Gran Torino, which I thought was fantastic. A: You got this tough guy … he’s not a tough guy, he’s a meanie! He’s intolerant. Q: Then you find out he has a big heart underneath all that … A: A lot of those people do, if you can just get to it. Q: That’s a movie where the main winter 2015
Starring in blockbuster films and narrating top grossers, Morgan Freeman also owns a movie production company and is co-owner of the Ground Zero Blues Club Winter 2015
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 45
In his early 20s, Morgan Freeman left Mississippi for New York with just $300 in his pocket. Since then he’s risen to become an eminent Hollywood A-lister
character is not in the typical “leading man” age range. But it works very well. A: Yeah, but now he’s taking on these parts where he’s aging. He’s not trying to dye his hair black and be Stallone or Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger is going to do Terminator 5! Q: Our photographer Marco just shot the Terminator 5 movie poster last week! A: Those are his best roles because they don’t call for any acting. [Freeman then does a very funny Arnold Schwarzenegger imitation]. Q: The movie The Shawshank Redemption has a particular resonance in many countries around the world: two men fighting a corrupt system and winning in the end. Do you have an idea why this movie still moves people twenty years later? 46 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
A: Only the white guy beat the system. The other guy spent his whole time in the prison. Q: Maybe you just get this feeling while watching the movie that they both did it. A: That is a feeling, maybe the redemptive part of the movie. But only one got redemption. The innocent man. The guilty man served his time. Q: So you think it’s a more conservative movie than is generally thought? A: Well, yes. Q: But they did share the money … A: I wish I had some of the money the movie is making! [Laughs]. It’s probably the most-watched movie on television ever. Q: Do you still go out of your way to see new movies?
A: I saw a Chinese movie, a short movie, recently. It was late at night. It couldn’t have been more than twenty minutes long. It was in inland China. This guy goes out on the highway. This bus comes along. He flags the bus down. He gets on the bus. There’s a woman bus driver. Cute, young lady. He tries to make a pass at her; she says, “Go sit down.” So he sits down. Then the bus is flagged down, three guys come on the bus. And they rob the bus, the people. They take the bus driver, the young lady, to the nearby woods and rape her. The people on the bus are sitting there. The guy says, “What are we doing? They’re raping her! We have to do something!” So he gets up and runs out. Another guy gets up but his wife grabs him. So he runs out and attacks the guys. They winter 2015
beat him and stab him. They finish with the girl and they go away. She gets up, goes back to the bus. He also tries to go back to the bus. She closes the door. He bangs on the door. She tells him, “Go away.” “But I’m the one who helped you,” he says. She goes back and gets his bag, throws it out the window. The bus takes off. He’s walking. Another car comes along. He flags it down. It stops. And just as they take off, cops come by. [Freeman makes siren noises imitating a police car]. They get around the curve up there, and the bus has gone off into a ravine. Q: The movie ends that way? A: He realizes the woman wouldn’t let him on the bus because she was going to kill everyone on the bus who didn’t help her. She saved his life. Q: Can you talk about the movie Lucy? A: Primarily, the subject matter is “what happens if you’re able to use more than the standard amount of brain power that humans use?” which is 10 per cent. What happens if you could use more? Scarlett Johansson’s character gets a drug that starts expanding her brain, she can get more and more of it. I play a professor of neurology who is very interested in the subject of the brain. She comes to me when she realizes what’s happening to her, and then it goes from there. Q: Many of your roles are that of a wise man or a sage. Your character in Lucy is a professor. What attracted you to this particular part? How does this role differ from your previous roles? A: Well, I had lunch with director Luc Besson at his home in Los Angeles. He called me on the phone and told me he had this new project and he wanted me in it. I’m a big fan of Luc Besson, so it was a shoe-in! Q: Lucy marks the second time you work with director Luc Besson after the movie Danny the Dog. How did it feel working with Luc Besson again? A: It was the first time I worked with him as a director. I had worked on a movie where he was the producer before, but he didn’t direct that movie. This time he did everything. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM Q: You have spoken out many times about our planet and environmental issues. What do you think are the most pressing issues at hand? What needs to be addressed and changed as soon as possible? A: Population reduction. There are now winter 2015
over seven billion people on the planet. And if you fly around the world, you’ll see there’s a lot of uninhabited space, but it’s uninhabitable. There are no people there because there is no way to sustain life. Some of it is covered by ice; some of it is desert covered by scrubs, sands, etc., particularly in Africa, Australia and China. All the other places are overstuffed with people. The way we live now, with longevity, the population growth is speeding up. We’re actually already straining Earth’s resources. I had an epiphany the other night: what if global warming is not just from the outside, but also from the inside? The Earth’s core is molten metal, iron. We have almost from the last one hundred years sucked oil out of the planet, again and again. What does the oil do for the Earth’s mantle? Suppose it’s a buffer, suppose it’s a heat disperser and suppose it’s something that ameliorates the core temperature of Earth so it doesn’t bleed so much to the surface. And now it does. There’s no way to stop global warming, if that’s at all true. Q: They’re trying to find alternative sources of energy. A: The people responsible for it are not in a big hurry, because everything is pretty much petroleum-based. And I just heard this morning about the dangers of fracking. That shit is now getting into the water supply. Q: They do a lot of that in the Rocky Mountains, here in America. A: All over the place! And coal mining, where they just cut the top off of a mountain and put the stuff in the valley and rivers. They say it’s all in the name of energy, but it’s actually all in the name of money. The people who we hold responsible, Mobil, Exxon, Shell Oil, Standard Oil — all of those different companies are now just two or three. These conglomerates control governments — governments don’t control them. We’re pretty much at the mercy of them. Right now, they could put wind farms in the ocean, not off the deep end, but in the shallow parts. They could easily put wind generators out there. They’re not doing that yet. Q: You see those wind farms more in the flat areas, like between L.A. and Vegas. A: And Las Vegas has these giant mirrors now, right outside the city. Have you seen those? Q: I have. I was there in March. A: I fly that way, I don’t know how many times a year, but often. It’s dramatic. It’s amazing. They’re probably running half
that city with those. But the main point of your question: what do we do about it? The biggest problem is this: human existence. We’re polluting everything and we’re over-fishing the oceans. We’re moving out everything else that lives, or killing it. We’re turning everything on the planet into food for humans! People complain about mountain lions killing their pets here. But that’s because they moved up in the mountains where the mountain lions live! They’re the ones that have been pushed out. There pretty much won’t be anything left but humans. And then what? Q: Isn’t there hope that humans could do some good and reverse the damage? A: No. Every form of life has only its own existence at the core of its being, but it turns out that it also needs something else to survive; there is a dependence on something else. In order for that “something else” to live, we form a kind of symbiotic relationship, like bees and flowers, hummingbirds and birds. There are plants that, because they need nitrogen, they will summon birds, so the birds will come, and not only will they eat the flowers and seeds, their guano will contain the nitrogen the plant needs. That’s nature’s evolutionary way of going on. The only thing outside of that system is us. We don’t do that. We’ve cut down most of the forest around the planet. What’s left? Parts of the Amazon, parts of the Borneo rainforest? The scientists say, “these are the lungs of the planet where we create oxygen.” Now what we’re creating more of is carbon dioxide. Q: The problem is that from the perspective of emerging countries, they say, “We want to live like you, you created those huge cities first, but now we want to have big TVs, good cars, nice apartments and houses. But you’re telling us we can’t have it?” If everyone on this planet lives and pollutes the same way as Americans, there will be no more Earth left! A: They’re trying, they’re on their way. China is becoming an economic giant, so it needs consumers. People have money and they’re buying cars. We’re not telling them, like you say, “you can’t have it.” We’re telling them we want you to have it. We want you to buy cars. Q: You are the host and narrator of the show Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, which tackles a lot of large and complicated questions. What was it that drew you to this production? Do you help contribute to the questions that are www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 47
asked on Through the Wormhole? A: It was kind of serendipity. Some years back, my producing partner and I started a company called ClickStar. That was kind of a bleed-off from the music thing, Napster. It was in reaction to that. We thought: “The same thing is going to happen with movies, someone is going to come up with a way to just download movies.” We started a company whereby you could download movies, but digital rights management would be a big deal — you could download it, but you’d have to pay for it. There would be no way for you to share it. You wouldn’t be able to download a movie and put it on a disc and then give it to someone. Couldn’t happen. We were way ahead of our time, by about maybe ten years.
= 2,” and I’m stumped! Stuff like algebra, calculus, geometry … none of that actually resonates with me. To say I love science is truly a misrepresentation. I like the science of physics and cosmology, and I like the theoretical stuff you can come up with about the universe. I had an argument with a physicist. It’s about my own belief. The argument has to do with the expansion of the universe. We thought the expansion would be slowing down by now, but it’s increasing, it’s speeding up. This brings up the question of: is there a difference between space and the universe? And the physicist said no, space and the universe is all one thing. If the universe is expanding, what’s it expanding into? They say, “no, you don’t understand.”
A: We’re ninety-nine per cent the same as them. So we may not be programmed for peaceful existence. Here in this country, we started with a premise that, two hundred and thirtyeight years later, we’re still struggling to realize, to make true the idea that all men are created equal. If all men are created equal, then you and I don’t have anything to argue about, in terms of who is better. It’s ridiculous, it’s always been a ridiculous argument among humans, but we insist on having it. If you look at India, India is maybe a hundred years behind in regards to the idea of all men being created equal. They have a caste system that works very well for them. Slavery, for example, was the wrong system for this
Q: The download speed of Internet connections was probably still too slow for this back then. A: Yes, for one thing. But we also had incorporated in this that we would have channels available for documentaries. I was going to have a channel on outer space. The solar system, plus the universe. Just for people to talk about. Of course we went under with that company. My partner was talking with a lady from the Discovery Channel and just mentioned it. She thought it was a great idea. So that was the beginning of Through the Wormhole. Q: Do you contribute to the questions? A: I contribute to everything. Not the answers, though, just the questions! Q: Your love of science is clear through your collaboration with this show. What do you have to say to those who don’t find it interesting or compelling? What do you think the common person could learn if they were more engaged in science? A: I don’t know how that came about. I’m an actor. I’m completely right-brained. I don’t do math at all. You get past “1 + 1
Q: Finally, a totally different topic. You once asked an interviewer on TV to stop thinking of you as a black man and you would stop thinking of him as a white man. I was very impressed by that. A: That was the TV show 60 Minutes, with Mike Wallace. Q: Do you think if we stop labelling people, it will bring everyone together and improve things? A: Yes and no. The world used to be a really, really big place. If you think about what’s happening around the world right now, the stuff that’s happening in the Middle East specifically, and what’s happening between Russia and the Ukraine. Many years ago that stuff was already going on, but we didn’t know about it. News didn’t travel as fast. Nothing is new except we now know about it. The whole thing about relationships, racial, religious — they exist just because. You see these nature shows about chimpanzees? They’re war-like. They kill and eat. We’re not very different, except we don’t find humans that tasteful! Q: We’re only a few chromosomes apart from chimpanzees …
country [the U.S.]. Either you live up to your premise or you have to scratch it out. Q: I’m from France and we’ve had that same type of struggle. A: Yes, your premise is “liberté, egalité, fraternité” [freedom, equality and brotherhood]. Speaking of France, I want to remake the movie The Three Musketeers. Q: They made so many versions of The Three Musketeers … A: But they never made the right one! I want to tell that story from Alexandre Dumas’s point of view. Three mixedrace guys, brought from the colonies, raised at the court of Louis the XIIIth among the best, well trained. They stuck together, like birds of a feather. Then comes the new guy, d’Artagnan, who wants to join them, to be among the best. You could use the analogy on the basketball court, same thing with the Count of Monte Cristo. I would make him a half cast. One more reason to be pissed off! I’m coming up with that idea. I can push it — I have a film production company!
48 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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A DV E R TO R I A L
Q&A with MK Total Wealth MK Total Wealth Management Group’s holistic approach and red carpet service brings peace of mind. The MK Total Wealth Management Group manages half a billion dollars and is led by Senior Vice-President, Investment Advisor Jeff MacDonald and Vice-President, Investment Advisor Peter Konidis, both of whom have been providing wealth management solutions to clients for over two decades. Who is your clientele? It ranges from small and large business owners to individuals with a million dollars and above in investable assets. Whether it’s $1 million or $50 million, every single one of our clients receives what we call the “red carpet service.� There’s no waiting time - our knowledgeable staff is on hand to make sure that our clients’ needs are addressed immediately.
How does MK Total Wealth work to preserve, protect and build wealth? Our holistic offering and disciplined approach is key. Apart from our investment strategies, we are equipped to handle a variety of objectives, such as estate and succession planning, private banking, tax strategies, insurance, philanthropic planning and more. Our discretionary managed platform means clients won’t be bothered with
Left to right: Jeff MacDonald, Carla Fernandes, Peter Konidis, Daniela Leonetti
the micro- aspects of their dayto-day portfolio. Elaborate on the discretionary platform and how it is unique to your business. Our equity platform focuses on bluechip dividend stocks because we believe that you need to be compensated while waiting for capital growth. Our selection process is quite unique as it uses both quantitative and qualitative analyses
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MK Total Wealth Management Group 4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1600, North York, ON M2N 6K1 T 416 279 1473 | mktotalwealth.com MK Total Wealth Management consists of Jeff MacDonald, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor and Peter Konidis, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor. MK Total Wealth Management is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto - Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member Canadian Investor ProtectionFund. Ž The TD logo and other trade - marks are the property of The Toronto - Dominion Bank. 15112297MC
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 49
SUPER YACHTING:
AN INDUSTRY THAT HAS COME OF AGE
Whether you’re looking to charter or buy your very own floating holiday, the billion-dollar super yacht industry continues to attract interest across the world
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wenty-five years ago, professional yacht management companies didn’t exist. Today, for yachts over 40 metres, they are a necessity. In that time, the size of a yacht has almost doubled from 25 metres to 40 metres, the technology that powers them has changed out of all recognition and the regulations governing crew and compliance have become so complex it’s a full-time business keeping up with them.
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When the Monaco Yacht Show was launched a quarter of a century ago, the yachting business was much less developed. There were only 30 yachts on display along Quai des États-Unis, Nice, and around 50 exhibiting companies. By contrast, this year’s anniversary edition features 500 companies, with 33,000 visitors casting an eye over 120 of the world’s finest super yachts on show in Port Hercules. The growth of the show mirrors the
rapid expansion of the industry itself. Super yachting is no longer confined to a small group of passionate aficionados; today, it is a $35-billion industry, doubling in the last 15 years despite the global meltdown, and employing 300,000 staff members. Sale volumes have risen dramatically, with more than 2,000 yachts actively for sale in the marketplace. Many of those are well-maintained, pre-owned yachts of good quality but with a reasonable winter 2015
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YACHTING PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL
WRITTEN BY MARK DUNCAN
The Axioma super yacht experience, available for charter through YPI, comes complete with the services of a dedicated captain and crew
price tag attached to them. This has introduced a new generation of younger owners, many of them from Russia, the Middle East and Asia, to super yachts, reinvigorating the industry. Invariably, mega yachts, such as the $600-million, 180-metre Azzam, or the 147-metre White Pearl – which will be the world’s biggest sailing yacht when it is launched in 2016 − have attracted headlines, but they don’t give a true picture of the market. They account for only around 1 per cent of brokerage and new-build sales. Custom and semicustom models in the 24- to 40-metre range account for 70 per cent of all yacht sales. This is the typical entry point for most new owners at a price of $8-million-plus. This year, for the first time since the global crisis, demand is beginning to outstrip supply and prices are edging up. We are selling a 46-metre yacht, Balista, at Monaco for $38.3 million. In this market, the role of a broker is more important than ever. Yachting Partners International (YPI) is one of the longest-serving yacht brokerage houses – there were just 14 brokerage houses when we started more than 40 years ago – and we have sold more than 600 quality yachts in the 24-metres-plus range for clients all over the world. When a buyer comes to us they are acquiring in-depth market intelligence – both of yachts for sale on the market and those secret off-market deals. In the case of a pre-owned yacht, they are buying knowledge of its maintenance and refit history, an accurate projection of future running costs and likely resale price. Often, a yacht’s price does not equate winter 2015
“SUPER YACHTING IS NO LONGER CONFINED TO A SMALL GROUP OF PASSIONATE AFICIONADOS” to value – in fact, a price drop might actually flag up a risky investment, not a bargain buy. That’s a very difficult lesson for a newcomer to grasp. Equally, buyer profiling is at the heart of a successful yacht purchase; a broker needs to understand how a client intends to use the yacht. More and more owners are chartering their yachts; it provides useful revenue to help cover running costs, keeps the crew in good shape, ensures the yacht is properly used and builds brand awareness. That can be invaluable when it comes to selling. Some 1,400 of the world’s 6,000 super yachts are available for charter. Two years ago Axioma, a 72-metre yacht, created a sensation when it was sold on the penultimate day of the Monaco Yacht Show. Far from disappearing from view, the awardwinning yacht was made available for charter by its new owners and
generated more than $7 million in its first year. The YPI Selection app, which is free to download from the Apple and Google stores, includes an interactive map that allows you to find out about all the yachts for sale around the world and those available for charter. Chartering has introduced a new type of customer to super yachting. It’s a unique holiday, a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy sumptuous luxury against an ever-changing backdrop of Mediterranean or Caribbean coastlines. Axioma is available for charter through YPI at around $1 million per week (depending on the time of year), allowing families and friends to savour the super yacht experience and the services of the 20-strong crew without the commitment of ownership. Today’s owners need to run their super yachts like a business. The introduction of new regulations, such as the MLC 2006, giving yachting crews the same rights as seafarers in the shipping industry, has led to more paperwork, administration, checks and procedures. The number of tax charges has increased and there is now a plethora of regulations for yachts entering territorial waters. The super yacht industry has come of age. It’s no longer the preserve of the enthusiastic amateur. It’s a more sophisticated world and, whether you’re buying, selling, managing or chartering, it’s never been more important to find an expert to help you navigate these choppy waters. www.ypigroup.com Mark Duncan is the commercial and marketing director of Yachting Partners International (YPI) www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 51
BMW X6 M
An animal of power and practicality BMW’s sporty high-end SUV walks the line between utility and performance thanks to sports-car-like speed and handling WRITTEN BY AMANDALINA LETTERIO
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1. Inside the X6 M you’ll find BMW’s expected level of luxurious comfort and design. 2. BMW made the game-changing decision to fit the X6 M with carbon ceramic brakes for more direct braking power. 3. BMW added advanced technologies, including the Active Roll Stabilization for heightened safety. 4. The M-specific Long Beach Metallic Blue paint complements the X6 M’s new feature lines and deeper grooves 5. Soft Merino leather seats reflect the vehicle’s merger of luxury and performance.
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you had to trade in that beauty two-seater once the kids came, and although you wouldn’t change your life even for a second, a big part of you still misses that hair-raising growl when you turned the key forward, that adrenaline surge when you hammered the pedal on open country roads. Today you need utility, space and safety to carry your precious cooing cargo. So you opted for an SUV — still stylish, not as boring as a minivan, 52 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
but still lacking that heart-pounding sensation of zero to 100 in just over four seconds. What’s a driver to do? Enter the BMW X6 M. This twinturbo, V-8 beast straddles the line between performance and practicality. With 553 lb-ft of torque and 575 horsepower, it drives like an exotic sports car but still offers the convenience of an SUV. Under the hood you’ll find BMW’s 4.4-Litre TwinPower Turbo V-8. This engine bellows a monstrous roar and the
X6 M is as fast as it sounds, ripping from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. All that power translates to an invigorating rush so strong it will make you forget about your regular morning coffee on the drive to the office. BMW added advanced technologies, such as the AWD traction, Active Roll Stabilization and Dynamic Stability Control, which offer fantastic control of the SUV when turning corners. Factor in the 360-degree surround view for manoeuvring in tight spaces, night vision winter 2015
running through the dashboard display and lane-change warning and you’ll feel confident cruising with the family in any condition. The interior is filled with luxury and innovation, as well. If you’re familiar with the German luxury brand, you’ve noticed the higher-quality leather seats of their other vehicles, and the X6 M follows suit. Its exclusive M multi-functional seats, made of Merino leather, reflect the comfort and dynamism of its sporty exterior. But by far the most interesting aspect of the X6’s interior is the Head-Up Display GPS system that projects navigation directions directly onto your windshield. This allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road — another welcomed safety feature. The X6 M has been compared
to high-end sports cars not only for its speed and power, but also for its performance. When it made its debut at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) racetrack earlier in the year, BMW made it clear that this is no ordinary SUV. Not only were power and speed a discussion, but brakes were also a big topic of conversation. They made the game-changing decision to fit the X6 M with carbon ceramic brakes, which are often used on high-performance sports cars. The carbon-fibre compound makes the braking power more direct. These brakes are an improvement in brakefade stabilization as well, so you won’t find them less effective after piling up the klicks. You can order the X6 M in a range of standard hues, but if you are looking to stand out on the road, opt for
the M-specific Long Beach Metallic Blue paint colour. This electric shade complements the X6 M’s new feature lines and deeper grooves that enhance its intimidating persona perfectly. It’s guaranteed to turn heads in the parking lot after soccer practice. Overall, if you’re a fan of power, speed and luxury but need extra space for the little ones, the snarling X6 M should draw your attention. However, it is a larger and stronger SUV, so it is bulky and its fuel economy dwindles in comparison to its little brothers, such as the X3. Priced at just above $100,000, it definitely appeals to a specific type of consumer. But if you want a vehicle that can dance as well as it can carry the groceries, take a look at the X6 M. www.bmw.ca
GENERAL SPECS Engine: 4.4-L TwinPower Turbo V-8 / Horsepower: 575 / Torque: 553 lb-ft 0-100 km/h: 4.2 seconds / Top speed: 250 km/h / Price: Starting from $108,200
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THE BIKE THAT ITALY BUILT Canadian cyclepaths, rejoice: our biking game is about to be upgraded WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
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1. The SK Pininfarina is the first collaboration between De Rosa and Pininfarina 2. Cristiano De Rosa, president of De Rosa, and Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of Pininfarina, pose with the fruition of their partnership 3. With elegant lines, elevated aerodynamics, easy handling and high speed, the SK Pininfarina is the Mona Lisa of racing bikes 4. Because one can’t have function without fashion, the bicycle comes in a variety of sleek hues
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O
ver the past few years, the bicycle has made like a pair of bell-bottoms and reappeared on North America’s radar. Canadians have finally caught on to the fact that a bike is a sleek solution to some of life’s most prickly problems, from the environmental to the physical — and Italy, one of cycling’s greatest loves, is really happy about it. Cristiano De Rosa, CEO of his self-titled, Milanbased bicycle company, is especially thrilled to see Canucks mounting their bikes again: he’s just launched his latest masterpiece, which was designed with Canadians in mind. The creation in question, the SK Pininfarina, is actually a collaboration between two artists: De Rosa, whose medium is bicycles, and Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of Pininfarina, the luxury Italian car company that specializes in automobiles so bellissimi they’d make even Trump’s knees weak. It all started in 2014, when Pininfarina decided to release its own racing bicycle and were seeking the perfect company to bring this concept to life. De Rosa was an unquestionable match: both companies are considered icons in Italian-made excellence, and that’s precisely what they wanted to bring to the table with the collaboration. With De Rosa’s celebrated legacy in the cycling world and Pininfarina’s signature craftsmanship, the SK Pininfarina was born. “This bicycle is for people that love freedom, love the city and love to ride,” says De Rosa. “The creation process was simple. We wanted a bike that would cover all the problems of riding on city streets, but also have a geometric style.” The end result is a flawless composition of elegant lines, elevated aerodynamics, easy handling and speed, all coming together to tackle the woes of cycling in the city. And it’s the answer to Canada’s growing demand for quality bicycles: Torontonians in particular have outgrown the standard unit and are craving a more luxurious ride, whether it’s for their daily commute or a more adventurous trek. According to De Rosa, he was adamant about bringing
TODAY ... the SK Pininfarina to the Canadian market because we’ve grown to love the lifestyle as much as Italians have. We have graduated from departmentstore-level bikes, and the SK Pininfarina, the new crowned king of tandems, is our diploma. Now we’re worthy of the craftsmanship that our friends across the pond have been savouring since the beginning. The new addition will rock the cycling world. After all, it’s the lovechild of two celebrities: the sleek bicycle and the luxury sports car. The SK Pininfarina, which hits Canadian stores in spring of
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“NOW PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT CYCLING IS A LIFESTYLE, AND IT CAN CHANGE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE” — Cristiano De Rosa
2016, is the embodiment of the beauty of the cycling lifestyle, which for the first time in a long time is being appreciated — and sought after — by Canadians. “Cycling has changed over the last ten years. Now people understand that cycling is a lifestyle, and it can change your quality of life,” says De Rosa, a lifelong cyclist who began racing at age 10. “And it’s cool, because you’re alone with your bike. You can find the mountain, you can find the flat terrain, the wind, the rain, the sunshine. And with every time you spend on your bike, you learn.” www.derosanews.com
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How the manliest barbershop in Holland keeps classic cuts flowing through an authentic, unapologetic, no-women-allowed approach
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Holland’s blue-collar port town of Rotterdam stands the most masculine barbershop on Earth. Specializing in classic cuts and hot-towel shaves, Schorem is a revival of the old-school barbershop, where men and men only can socialize, drink and get their mane and whiskers trimmed — and clients have been known to wait in line for four to five hours to do so. We spoke with RobertJan Rietveld, co-founder of Schorem, to find out what this unapologetically authentic joint is all about.
Dolce Magazine: What does “Schorem” mean, and what is the concept behind your barbershop? Robert-Jan Rietveld: Schorem is a bit of wordplay that gets lost in translation. It means “scumbags,” “bad boys,” but it’s also the tense form of “I shave him” literally meaning “I shaved him.” We are an old-school, men-only barbershop specialized in traditional, classic and signature haircuts and hot-towel straight razor shaves. We’re trying to bring back a vanishing craft from a lost era of time. DM: Tell me about your shop’s history.
RJR: My business partner and I had the idea of opening a traditional barbershop for years but were involved in other businesses. It was kind of a joke to end our days — wearing white jackets, talking about football and foxy ladies we used to date and bitching about the good ole days gone by with the other grumpy old farts from the neighbourhood that we’ve been cutting for the last decades. Then one day we decided “Why not do it right now, have some fun?” and it went crazy from there. We just wrote down all the ideas we had on beer coasters,
The Schorem crew in their men-only barbershop in the heart of Rotterdam, Holland
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PHOTOS BY JELLE MOLLEMA PHOTOGRAPHY
INTERIVEW BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA
tried to find out all there was to know about the history of the trade and continued our search for antiques and paraphernalia to get things started. DM: How did you find your team? RJR: We get them off the streets: skateboarding rats, dropouts — the lost boys. We don’t believe in beauty school turning them into robots. We teach them ourselves, if they’ve got what it takes. A barber has to be a craftsman, a shrink, a bartender. It’s so much more than just cutting hair. DM: What is your clientele like? RJR: We got them all, man. From hardcore punks, psychos, greasers, scumbags, freaks, vagabonds, bikers, billies, inkslingers, skateboarding kids, ruffians, lowlifes to businessmen. We welcome them all, as long as they want a classic men’s haircut. DM: When a client sits in your chair, do you ask him what he wants or do you usually do what you think is best for him?
“WE’RE TRYING TO BRING BACK A VANISHING CRAFT FROM A LOST ERA OF TIME” — Robert-Jan Rietveld
RJR: Both. We will never do a haircut that’s not going to suit the client though. We made two posters, the “Barbershop Classics” and the “Signature Haircuts,” with a total of 22 haircuts and we always say, “When it’s not on one of the posters, you’re in the wrong place.” Men don’t want to go
through books with models they will never look like with the perfect abs and jawlines and bleached fringes — that’s not real life. They want to point at the wall, sit down and don’t have to worry about the end result. When guys come to Schorem they know they’re going to leave with a perfect haircut. DM: Haircuts, beards, moustaches, tattoos, clothing — everything looks extremely stylish on you. Do you think being a barber is in vogue nowadays? RJR: We don’t know and we sure as hell don’t care. We’ve been looking like this for years. Nothing’s changed. We didn’t get tattooed because we’re barbers — that would be pretty stupid. We’re part of a custom subculture. I still like to customize my jackets, clippers, etc. It’s gotta be in the heart. You gotta live that lifestyle. Rock ‘n’ roll isn’t about the looks. It’s something you drink and breathe everyday and for us being barbers is part of that lifestyle. www.schorembarbier.nl Read more of our interview at dolcemag.com
The shop features plenty of antiques and paraphernalia, from the chairs to the photos, to give it that authentic feel. Clients have been known to wait in line for four to five hours for a cut and shave winter 2015
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OBJECTSof
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Spy-approved vodka, whimsical roadsters and golden scale bathtubs round out this list of attention-grabbing must-haves
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RIPPLE EFFECT: Like gentle ripples left by a pebble breaking the surface of still water, the Ebel Onde pulsates with a fluid elegance that’s understated and hypnotic. www.finchcentrejewellers.com
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DECORATIVE TWIST: The high and low Sexy Doll stools by Rouge Absolu are instant conversation starters, melding a wooden toy-like appearance with handcrafted French oak. www.rougeabsolu.com
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POETIC STYLE: Ole Yde’s springsummer 2016 collection is an ode to bold colours and flows against elegant feminine frames with lavish materials, such as leather and silk chiffon. www.yde-copenhagen.com
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TRADITIONAL WHIMSY: Design house Squint detonated a rainbow explosion in a classic Morgan 3 Wheeler for this year’s London Design Festival. The result? A mélange of childlike colours and patterns. www.squintlimited.com
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SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED: Belvedere joined forces with Spectre, the 24th James Bond movie, to develop these 007-worthy limited edition bottles of vodka — licence to kill sold separately. www.belvederevodka.com
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POETIC BREWING: Daniela Nardi rdi serves a shot of smooth jazz with Canto, her third Espresso Manifesto album featuring 10 covers of classic Italian tunes plus an original piece of herr own. www.danielanardi.com
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TIME’S UP: Arnold & Son’s limited edition Dial Side True Beat timepiece is an instant staple item with the mechanical artistry of its moon-overcalm-seas face held in an 18-carat white gold case. www.arnoldandson.com
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DESIRE
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GLAM-CUFFED: Toronto jewelry designer Mark Lash ends your search for that perfect outfit centrepiece for those holiday parties: this geometrically flawless white gold and diamond cuff. www.marklash.com
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EDGE OF YOUR SEAT: Bring some retro style to your living space with the design-friendly Svend Skipper Model 91 lounge chair. With a wingback and teak details, it’s not lacking personality. www.midcenturymobler.com
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SCALE UP: The Koi Bathtub from m Maison Valentina shimmers like a fish’s scales in golden sunlight — a symbol of your enduring love for your bathroom. www.maisonvalentina.net
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IN THE CARDS: Business cards are still must-haves in this digital age. The Orange Line’s slightly playful card holder is for that professional in your life who appreciates smart design. www.the-orange-line.com
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GET THE BOOT: Gents, don’t be afraid to up your footwear game with a slick pair of designer kicks. These Peal & Co. ankle strap boots are the foundation for a stylish getup. www.brooksbrothers.com
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I’LL DRINK TO THAT: Chic cocktail aficionados will go wild for this limited edition bottle of Italian liqueur Disaronno, designed by Roberto Cavalli in support of Fashion 4 Development. www.disaronno.com winter 2015
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Fashion-forward products from across the globe, hand-picked by our lighting design specialists.
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THE GERMAN WAY Eggersmann has landed in Toronto, and Canadian design will never be the same
PHOTOS BY CAROLE & ROY TIMM PHOTOGRAPHY. WWW.CAROLEROYTIMMPHOTO.COM
INTERVIEW BY AMANDA STOREY
If you’re a design enthusiast, you probably know the names Anthony Binns and Victoria Shaw. They’re the Canadian gurus of kitchen and bath design and they’ve just upped their game by bringing something poignant to Canadian soil: Eggersmann, Germany’s celebrated design brand, which has officially launched in Toronto. Headed by Binns and Shaw, Canada’s first and only Eggersmann branch has the entire design industry holding its breath to winter 2015
see what these two dynamic designers do next. DM: This is Eggersmann’s first location in Toronto. Why do you think this city could benefit from Eggersmann? Anthony Binns: We wanted to open a studio that offered something a little different. With the open spaces people are now living in, we are finding a need to go beyond the kitchen and include
more area into this open-living concept. It’s about how our clients live and move within their space. DM: What initially attracted you to the Eggersmann brand? Victoria Shaw: We loved everything about Eggersmann. Right from the beginning, we knew we chose the right company when we discovered that their thought process matched ours when it came to designing kitchens. The fact www.dolcemag.com
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Combining Eggersmann’s famous German design principles with Binns and Shaw’s own expertise, Eggersmann Toronto promises big things for Canada’s design scene
that the cabinetry is custom produced played in our favour. Being the only [Eggersmann] studio in Canada makes us the pioneer of a changing thought process about how we live and work in kitchens and baths. DM: Can you both share your backgrounds in design? AB: Victoria has always had a passion for design, ever since she was a child building miniature model home interiors. She obtained her pastry chef papers through an apprenticeship and later furthered her education in the field of interior design. By combining her talents in the kitchen with design, it has strengthened her design vision to one that is noted for having clean lines, functionality and being esthetically pleasing. VS: Anthony grew up in the construction world. His parents came to Canada from England to live the dream of being entrepreneurs. Anthony’s father was a bricklayer by trade and started 62 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
his home improvement business in the ’60s, which grew to be a specialized kitchen and bath business. Anthony continued to develop his design sense to become one of Canada’s top kitchen and bath designers. After over 30 years of being a partner in his family business, he decided to pursue his own dream of entrepreneurship. DM: What do you find personally fulfilling about your work? AB: Creating designs from ashes. DM: How have you made the Eggersmann Toronto brand unique from the other branches? VS: Eggersmann Toronto is unique in our approach to meeting and working with clients. We also feel that by choosing to team up exclusively with Miele, Dornbracht, Cambria and The Galley Sink, we are able to offer great products at one destination. Most studios do not practise this. We truly believe that we are offering the best of
everything to make our clients’ designs work, and work well. DM: While Eggersmann is known for creating masterpieces out of any type of room, kitchens seem to be your specialty. Homeowners often put the spotlight on the living room or bedroom — but why do you think kitchens are an essential part of the home, design-wise? AB: We feel that people are looking for simplicity — a simpler lifestyle, a gathering space for family and friends to just hang out. We have noticed that decisions are being made to go back to the European way of life, where everything happens in the kitchen. Food has always played a huge part in bringing people together, so designing a kitchen that will facilitate small and large gatherings is very welcoming. So we chose to incorporate function and esthetics in a kitchen so that lasting memories will be made. winter 2015
While Binns and Shaw have always specialized in kitchens and baths, Eggersmann Toronto offers bespoke services for any room of the house
DM: What features must a kitchen include? VS: Great work centres, correct lighting, easy circulation and a designated place for all items. DM: Eggersmann Toronto carries Schmalenbach Wardrobe and Home Furniture. Why is this an integral part of your brand? AB: The symbolic relationship between Eggersmann and Schmalenbach allows us to offer our clients a whole home concept by offering a custom approach to wardrobes, wall units, TV cabinets and bedroom and office furniture. DM: Do you follow a formula for a perfect design? winter 2015
VS: We follow basic design principles to start and flourish into a design concept that will work for each individual. We start with the “wish list” conversation, finding out the clients’ wants and needs. From there we take that information and move to sketches of concepts, reworking with them until we reach a final design. DM: You both also specialize in bathroom design. What about this component of your work do you love? AB: The bathroom is a very intimate space for most clients to discuss. It is an emotional design process with many challenges. As a designer, it is a wonderful place to design — there are so many things this small space is used
for. Our goal is to make the bathroom a special place for each client, whether it’s a retreat at the end of the day, a gathering space for parents and tots, a place to bathe the dog … the list goes on. It really is a challenge, but also a tribute to what we do well. DM: What kitchen trends are coming up for 2016 that you’re particularly excited to work with? VS: Eggersmann has designed a new kitchen concept called “The Works.” It is absolutely brilliant! It breaks down our work areas into zones with some really interesting features, keeping the kitchen uncluttered yet very sophisticated looking. www.eggersmanntoronto.ca www.dolcemag.com
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The soaring art deco windows are a magnificent feature of the living space. The brown velvet sofa and 1950s chairs were second-hand finds, and the skin was bought on eBay. The lacquered coffee table was designed by Laureen Rossouw and the two side tables from Tonic Design create a “stage� effect. They also introduce some brass into the otherwise neutral palette. The crystal chandelier from Delos adds to the sense of old-world glamour
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GRAND CENTRAL PRODUCTION BY SVEN ALBERDING / BUREAUX.CO.ZA: PHOTOGRAPHS BY GREG COX / BUREAUX.CO.ZA; PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH BY INGE PRINS
Laureen Rossouw takes us on a wild décor journey through her family’s Cape Town apartment
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This impossibly glamorous inner-city apartment in Africa’s only art deco skyscraper marries the owners’ love of fashion, art, history, Bauhaus and public spaces to dramatic effect. It’s a space full of extraordinarily beautiful things that belong to the city as much as to the family that has lived here for almost 10 years WRITTEN BY KATE WILSON / BUREAUX.CO.ZA
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his may be the most famous apartment in Cape Town. For starters, it’s on the eighth floor of Mutual Heights, a masterpiece circa 1939 that is recognized as Africa’s only art deco skyscraper. Then there are the absurdly striking views of Table Mountain visible from two terraces and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows. Then there is the fact that this former office block was one of the first to be converted into a residential space in the heart of the city — when no one actually lived in the city. Since it was reclaimed almost 10 years ago, it has played host to everyone from international www.dolcemag.com
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The view through the living area into the TV room/library, flanked by the restored apothecary cabinet, which displays homemade ceramics and local artworks
design luminaries to Hollywood actors. (It recently guest-starred as Mandy Patinkin’s New York apartment in an episode of Homeland.) And all because it was discovered in 2005 by the Rossouws — in particular Laureen Rossouw, a gifted design consultant turned magazine editor with a singular talent for seeing past the surface of things. It was thanks to this gift that, after viewing only the building’s former banking hall preserved with its original gold leaf, red marble columns and mahogany counters, Laureen and her husband Koos bought three apartments off-plan. “I saw it and I moved in,” Laureen says now. Because they were the first buyers, the building architects helped them to merge the three units and customize the interiors, turning it into a light-filled, double-volume, 200-square-metre space that is part railway station and part Bauhaus movie set. “It was an amazing project and an opportunity,” says Laureen. “To actually live like this in an African city has been an enlightening experience.” In keeping with the building’s severe architecture, 66 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
“IT’S NOT A FRIVOLOUS SPACE — THE PIECES ARE FUNCTIONAL” — Laureen Rossouw she kept the interiors understated and the palette muted, then introduced moments of eccentricity and humour. Bathrooms with subway tiles and laboratory details, a Victorian wall clock in the library/TV room, a Swarovski crystal chandelier and an all-white mezzanine bedroom that hovers over the living space like a cloud. “You can have fun within the strict lines of the Bauhaus style,” she says of her favourite period, “but it’s not a frivolous space — the pieces are functional.” She gives the
building its due: “It was a great shell. You could put anything ugly in this space and it would still look beautiful.” And it is beautiful. Truly. A vast expanse of honey-coloured parquet greets you as you walk through the double front doors with their school-hall glass panels — the first nod to Laureen’s fixation with public spaces. To the right is the cooking kitchen and to the left the scullery, “like a Jewish meat and milk kitchen,” she laughs. The kitchens are both steely utility spaces and were divided into two and separated from the entrance by glass windows in order to create a defined “passage” into the apartment. “I didn’t want to walk in through the kitchen,” says Laureen, “I wanted to feel very special when I walked in here. I thought about it non-stop for three weeks. An architect couldn’t have done that, but I love solving those kinds of problems.” Beyond the entrance is the living area she describes as her “waiting room,” which is furnished with curvy 1950s chairs, a brown velvet sofa like a prized Dachshund (all second-hand finds) and a winter 2015
The walls in the library/TV room are covered in local art and memorabilia. The double-sided Victorian “railway” clock was a starting point for much of the interior motifs. The owners’ favourite space, the room leads onto one of the two terraces. The double-volume black-painted steel bookcase is both functional – storage for the Rossouws’ vast collection of books – and a signature feature of the apartment
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Left: Because it was originally three units merged into one, the apartment has two corner terraces clad in wooden decking. This one overlooks Cape Town’s Signal Hill, from where a cannon is still fired every day at noon Middle: The Perspex desk is a mid-century modern classic and serves as Laureen’s work space. Her mood-board and collection of framed art-gallery posters, bought on her travels, completes the academic effect Right: The Mutual Heights building was one of the first to be reclaimed as part of the inner-city revival that happened in Cape Town 10 years ago. “We’d heard about the building and thought it would be a safe option for the girls, instead of leaving them alone in a house in the suburbs,” says Laureen. “This building has unbelievable security.” A glass “skywalk” connects the residential apartments to secure parking in the adjacent building
lacquered coffee table Laureen designed herself, flanked by two gold side tables from Tonic Design to make “my gold stage.” The result is a space that seems poised for a grand reception. “My father was a dentist and when I finished in here I said to my husband, ‘this looks just like his surgery.’” The dining area features more precious pieces — an assembly of church chairs discovered in a junk shop, a steel Trek-style table by contemporary South African designer Gregor Jenkin, a classic apothecary cabinet used to display paintings and ceramics by local artists and a beautiful French dresser, stripped to its original wood grain and customized with handles made from semi-precious stones. Every room and piece of furniture has received the Laureen treatment. Besides design, Laureen’s other great love has always been fashion and so she re-dresses and styles everything in her home as a better version of itself. Her love of history and fashion informs many of her choices, from the chandeliers that reminded her “of my mother’s diamanté brooch” to the collection of sepia photographs of 68 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
her Boer War relatives in the bedroom. “They were so stylish,” she says, “even the men wore earrings.” Continuing the public space design metaphor, glass doors in steel frames on either side of the living spaces lead into the main bedroom to the left and to the library/den/TV room to the right. The idea for the library started with a doublesided railway clock that is fixed to the wall, presiding over an overflowing steel bookcase that reaches to the ceiling. “I wanted the apartment to feel like a smart station hotel,” Laureen says. “And then I saw a picture in a magazine of a steel bookcase with a ladder and a platform and that fitted my idea of the railway station. That became my storyboard for the apartment.” The master bedroom continues the theme, with simple, custom-made furnishings, dramatically offset by a wall papered entirely in gold leaf. It’s an unexpected flourish Laureen calls her “Bollywood project.” In place of a headboard are two large, black-andwhite botanical paintings by a local artist, while ’50s drink trolleys serve as open side tables.
The only deviation from the theme is the whimsical, glass-walled mezzanine above the kitchens and the entrance. This is a little girl’s fantasy bedroom, created for the Rossouws’ younger daughter, Laura. “It wasn’t an indulgence,” Laureen insists, “it was the only thing I could do with the mezzanine; it needed light and a view but also privacy.” (She does confess, though, that the white carpet may not have been the most practical choice for a child’s bedroom.) If this isn’t the most famous apartment in South Africa, it’s certainly the most thoughtful, the most elegant, the most memorable. Filled with art, bespoke designs, original collector’s pieces (“I don’t buy copies”), memorabilia and beloved objects, it’s a tribute museum to all the great loves in Koos’ and Laureen’s lives: history, art, design, books, their children and, most of all, their heritage and their city. “What I love about living here is that it’s as though you are part of the city. It doesn’t belong to us alone, we must share it.” And so they have, with great generosity. winter 2015
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ZIGG CONDOS
THE DAVIES
THE DAVIES
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Take a tour of the contemporary towers, tasteful townhomes and refined estates that are reshaping how residents experience city living WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
WHITEHAUS CONDOMINIUMS
ZIGG CONDOS Steps away from the intersection at St. Clair Avenue and Avenue Road in Forest Hill, the 11-storey Zigg Condos offers an amenities-laden lifestyle, including suites and townhomes with balconies or terraces, within an architecturally interesting structure. Starting in the low $300,000s, it’s an affordable way to put down roots in one of Toronto’s most coveted neighbourhoods. www.madisonhomes.ca, www.fieldgatehomes.com THE DAVIES Downsize without sacrificing your luxurious lifestyle at The Davies. This latest development from Brandy Lane Homes exudes an elevated retro vibe that’s complemented by first-rate 70 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
THE ROSEDALE ON BLOOR
amenities, such as private underground parking, direct elevator access to suites and luxury shopping and private schools just a stone’s throw away. With only 44 lavish residences — 36 suites and eight penthouses — this development embodies exclusivity. www.brandylanehomes.com WHITEHAUS CONDOMINIUMS The Whitehaus Condominiums offers promises to cater to those communal midtowners who embrace everything their neighbourhood has to offer. Poised to rise up 29 storeys on bustling Yonge Street just north of Eglinton Avenue, the Whitehaus Condominiums’ location puts it smackdab in the centre of shopping and dining
BESPOKE TOWNS
while also tapping into subway and LRT access. www.lifetimedevelopments.com, www.k-cap.com THE ROSEDALE ON BLOOR The Rosedale on Bloor bridges two worlds: the sophistication of Rosedale and Yorkville with the new wave of downtown progress. When complete, The Rosedale will stand at 52 storeys and house 476 condos. The mixed-use building will also feature retail space and the new Canopy by Hilton hotel. Located within arm’s reach of some of Toronto’s best dining and shopping, this structure is pushing the neighbourhood to new heights. www.eastonsgroup.com winter 2015
GATES OF NOBLETON
THE CLOVER
BESPOKE TOWNS Bespoke Towns has filled a niche for couples and families in Leslieville. With their traditional-meets-contemporary facade, two-bedroom floor plans and option of garden patio or rooftop terrace, these 22 units check the boxes of those hunting for a spacious, brandnew residence in a culturally rich area. www.bespoketowns.com THE CLOVER The Clover brings every facet of modern urban living under one elegant glass roof. Located on the corner of Yonge and Dundonald, this 50-storey building features spacious residences with ninefoot ceilings, plus a movie theatre, outdoor infinity pool and a newly designed park. www.cresford.com GATES OF NOBLETON Your country castle awaits in the Gates of Nobleton by Tribute Communities. This elegantly planned neighbourhood raises the classic charm that the area is known for to new luxurious levels. Nestled in the picturesque Oak Rides Moraine, you can discover 60-, 70- and 80-foot home designs spread among four private cul-de-sacs, many with woodland or greenway backdrops. These beautiful French Château, Tudor and Romanesque-style homes are built inline with the area’s idyllic atmosphere. Inside, it’s all high-class — 10-foot main floor ceilings, warm hardwood floors and granite countertops. You can winter 2015
GATES OF NOBLETON
609 AVENUE CONDOS
discover the high standard of luxury at Gates of Nobleton by visiting Tribute’s designer show homes on the weekend. mytribute.ca 609 AVENUE CONDOS Rising from the southeastern edge of Forest Hill, 609 Avenue Condos straddles the old and new of an evolving city. This contemporary, glass-faced development embraces the progressive energy of downtown living — in-house fitness centre, media lounge, rooftop patio — with the refinement and shopping, dining and green space of one
THE EGLINTON
of the city’s premier neighbourhoods. www.foresthillhomes.ca THE EGLINTON With the tagline “Yonge at heart,” the Eglinton looks to represent the fullbodied lifestyle that’s settling within the vibrant Yonge and Eglinton area. With its designer-like interiors — stylish main lobby, party lounge, outdoor terrace, all bolstered by 24-hour concierge — and warm, contemporary suites, this development is indicative of how the neighbourhood and its residents are evolving. www.menkes.com www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 71
BEYOND THE ARCH
Dolce Magazine spends a day with Patrick Patterson to see how this towering Toronto Raptor lives the high life WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
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hen Patrick Patterson was traded to the Toronto Raptors in December 2013 there were only two things he knew about the city. “It’s in Canada and it’s freezing cold,” he says with a chuckle. At the time, he was living in Sacramento, where he was traded from Houston earlier in the year. The coldest days in the California capital tend to dip just below 10 C, so the heaviest coat he owned was a fleece jacket. As his flight descended into Toronto, all he could see from the window was snow. “White covering everything,” he recalls. The buildings, the trees — everything. “And I thought, ‘Man, what did I get myself into?’” A smile creeps to the six-foot-nine power forward’s lips as he reminisces about first joining the Raptors roster. He wears a clean white polo and black chinos, and his trimmed beard, which seamlessly transitions into his short, wavy fade, looks like it’s stencilled on. He’s casually leaning against the granite kitchen countertop of his sweeping Trump Residences Toronto suite. Even at this slightly reduced height he’s still a towering figure, muscular and lean. His smooth, baritone voice fits his imposing vertical dimension. “Right off the bat,” he continues, “I call my agent, I’m like, ‘Get me out of here. Wherever you can get me to is better than this place.’ And that was my 72 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
initial thought.” But as he started to settle he began exploring the city, checking out Yorkville, Parkdale, East Liberty Village, sampling the food along Queen. As the season progressed, and the mercury crept upwards, he began to warm to his new digs. Better yet: the team was on a roll. “We ended up winning the Atlantic Division. We made it to the playoffs. Although we lost in the first round, I felt like we had a successful year. And I’m like, ‘You know what? I want to be here,’” says the 26-year-old. So too did the Raptors. The sevenplayer trade that brought Patterson north of the border was a watershed moment for Canada’s only professional basketball franchise. It was the first time the Raptors made the playoffs in six years and it was their first division title since 2008. During that run Patterson was a pivotal stretch-four coming off the bench. His size and three-point range added needed depth to the offence for a sustained, relentless barrage from beyond the arch. In July 2014, the organization rewarded him with a threeyear, $18-million deal. And Patterson couldn’t be happier. “Whenever you’re in a situation where you’re appreciated and respected, it makes your job a whole lot easier and enjoyable,” he says. “So with the amazing fans and the tight-knit family that we have in this organization, it
makes playing basketball for the Toronto Raptors fun.” It’s only two days before the Raptors head to Vancouver for training camp and Patterson is enjoying a leisurely Saturday before the 2015-16 season gets underway. It’s one of those clear September days where the fading summer leaves a jacket-appropriate chill along the shadowed city streets of downtown Toronto. So clear that if you look west from his kitchen window you can see Mississauga’s Marilyn Monroe towers spiralling skyward. When asked why he chose the Trump as his home, he gives a practical answer. “One main reason being the location,” he says. “It’s in the heart of Toronto, close to my work, the amenities and the friendly staff.” He loves being outdoors and will often just walk the city’s downtown or head to the lake. Maybe take a drive up through Yorkville. He’ll journey along Queen and hit up some of the various restaurants — Khao San Road, Lee, Valdez. “I just love being outside. So I’m constantly doing something that’s not just in here watching Netflix,” he adds. He explains that he opted for Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces by Jacflash to add personality to his new home after stumbling upon her work online. As we tour the home, you can tell there’s a strategic woman’s touch. It embraces that contemporary mélange of styles to give a full-bodied, sophisticated, winter 2015
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPACES BY JACFLASH
masculine character to the space — soft and warm hardwood floors covered by shaggy throw rugs; spidery, industriallike chandeliers; an eccentric royal blue conversation-piece chair; tables with clean, thin lines and mirrored surfaces. But there’s also plenty of Patterson individuality. A selection of his “infinite amount of shoes” are decoratively stacked on the wall of his bedroom, including his favourite pair of black-and-red Fieg x Buscemi 110MM — which I imagine Michael Jordan would strap to his feet if he were a super hero. Memorabilia is scattered throughout his home: an autographed Mike Tyson boxing glove, Ray Lewis’s Baltimore Ravens helmet from Super Bowl XXXV and a Spalding basketball covered in faded black ink. The ball, Patterson explains, is from the McDonald’s All-American Game he played in in 2007. The signatures are from some of the next-wave talent that played alongside him, such as Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, Kevin Love and James Harden. “That basketball, it should go in a case,” he decides while reminiscing about his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. The room that resonates most with his style and personality, though, is the living room. There’s a street sign that reads “Patterson Way.” A large “P” hangs next to two New York subway scrolls behind his leather L-shaped couch. And two neon graffiti-like paintings combine his fictional favourites, the Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny et al.) and Freddy Krueger. “One of my favourite pieces within my home would be the spotlight,” he says of a three-legged light beside his couch. “I’m a big movie fan.” When he’s not hitting the hard court or in the gym or doing all the extracurriculars that come with being a professional basketball player — interviews, charity work, promos — he’s watching the big screen. “I’m constantly going to Dundas Square, to the Cineplex. I’m always in the movies, always watching movies,” he says. He was even CBC Toronto’s correspondent at this year’s TIFF, where he estimates he saw about 18 or 19 movies. This film fanaticism began in his childhood. He explains, “It wasn’t even a movie. It was a music video. ‘Thriller.’” As the zombies crawled from the sewers and emerged from their graves in the Michael Jackson classic, Patterson freaked. “I just ran and hid in my closet. I didn’t even finish the whole video,” he says. From there he winter 2015
Toronto Raptor Patrick Patterson rocks a check-me-out royal blue suit in his Trump Residences Toronto suite
“WITH THE AMAZING FANS AND THE TIGHT-KNIT FAMILY THAT WE HAVE IN THIS ORGANIZATION, IT MAKES PLAYING BASKETBALL FOR THE TORONTO RAPTORS FUN” www.dolcemag.com
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SPACES BY JACFLASH PHOTO BY FARZAM HOSSEINDOUST
was hooked, especially when it came to horror. A Nightmare on Elm Street is by far his favourite movie and he still has the original black-and-white Night of the Living Dead. In college, he’d even organize a regular movie night: “Order some cheese sticks and pizza at least once a week.” Patterson goes on to explain that when growing up in Huntington, W.Va., his parents would often take him to the theatre to catch the latest releases or they’d spend the night at home with the VCR humming. As he reminisces about his early days, it’s obvious that he’s exceptionally close with his parents. He explains that they travel to Toronto often to visit and watch him play. “I’m an only child, so they want to be here as much as possible,” he says, adding he plans on flying them up for the season opener in October. “Throughout the season, they’ll come up and stay with me for two or three weeks just because they love it out here.” And that’s the message Patterson has for a lot of his American friends who may scoff at his newfound Canadian home. “Everyone I talk to now, they’re like, ‘Toronto’s cold. Toronto’s this. Toronto’s that.’ I’m like, ‘You know Since 2013, what? Just come out for a week. Patterson has made Come out here for a week and a home for himself in stay with me and I’ll show you Toronto. His modern and eclectic-styled around, and you’ll never want suite was designed to leave.’” by Jaclyn Genovese It doesn’t seem like Patterson of Spaces by does, either. Jacflash @pdpatt 74 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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Why Trump Trumps All
LUXURY LIVING in Toronto Trump Residences Toronto delivers the ultimate in luxury living in the world’s best city INTERVIEW BY SIMONA PANETTA
Living and dining room of the Elegant Suite, which features two bedrooms and northwest views of the city skyline winter 2015
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 75
Q&A with Kim Kopyl
Perfect for families, the Rockstar Suite features multiple rooms for privacy and play
Kim Kopyl, director of sales, Trump Residences Toronto
Trump Residences Toronto is often recognized as one of the finest places to live in the Canadian luxury market. Tell me about the range of suites available for interested buyers. There are 118 residences that sit on top of our five-star, five-diamond property, with the best-priced suites starting from $1.78 million for 1,310 square feet. This particular suite boasts one bedroom plus library and beautiful views of the city skyline. It’s suited for a single professional or executive, an elderly couple looking to downsize or a young, discerning couple looking to be surrounded by beauty with close proximity to an exciting downtown core. Our upper residence houses four suites per floor that run from 2,264 sq. ft. up to 3,273 sq. ft. Then we have a floor of two penthouses that are both approximately 4,500 sq. ft. with substantial outdoor terraces and our one-of-a-kind Super Penthouse above that. Trump Residences Toronto is above and beyond others in terms of location and quality. We have the highest coffered ceilings — 15-ft. in our suites and 30-40 ft. in our Super Penthouse — and with our attention to detail, finishes and our exclusivity and privacy, Trump Residences are truly spectacular compared to anything else on the marketplace. Tell me more about the Super Penthouse. What makes it so unique? In my opinion, there’s nothing like the Super Penthouse that exists in Canada. Set high above the Trump International Hotel and Tower at a size that’s much larger than the average singlefamily home, the Super Penthouse is a 12,000-sq.-ft., three-storey mansion in the sky complete with a highspeed in-house elevator. This luxury residence’s most impressive feature has 76 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
“TRUMP RESIDENCES TORONTO IS ABOVE AND BEYOND OTHERS IN TERMS OF LOCATION AND QUALITY”
The living area of the Contemporary Suite — the best-priced suite in the property starting at $1.78 million
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRUMP RESIDENCES TORONTO
A double-sided fireplace overlooks the formal dining area of the Rockstar Suite
to be its distinctive onion dome with structural steel elements and twin arch windows reminiscent of the art deco crown atop the Chrysler Building in New York. It also boasts a 2,100-sq.-ft. private wraparound terrace that affords 360-degree urban views of the entire city and surrounding areas. On the market for $38 million, the Toronto Star previously reported this particular residence to be the most expensive condominium unit in Canada. Our decision to keep it raw and unfinished appeals to buyers looking to customize, expand and furnish it to their specific needs and desires. Which suite would you say complements the lifestyle of a young family best? Definitely the Rockstar Suite. It’s a beautiful 2,228-square-foot home priced at $2,949,750, and it boasts two large split bedrooms and a library layout providing winter 2015
The eat-in kitchen area of the Elegant Suite
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Top: The Elegant Suite features a custom kitchen by Downsview, integrated Miele appliances and a fireplace Bottom: The Penthouse master bedroom
privacy for a family. A southwest cornerfacing suite, it offers stunning lake and city skyline exposures, with multiple private areas making it the perfect place to host a formal dinner party while the kids play or study in the other rooms. Tell me how Trump Residences Toronto goes above and beyond in its luxury living offerings. The five-star, five-diamond services and amenities at Trump Residences Toronto include a two-level spa and state-of-the-art fitness centre; an infrared sauna and North America’s only 65-foot indoor saltwater infinity pool that plays underwater music while you work out. Residents have full access to 24-hour services such as security, valet, housekeeping, dry cleaning, inroom dining and catering, kids and pets programs, and a dedicated concierge. Upon asking the residential concierge for a list of all the services provided he laughed and said, “That’s probably the 78 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
one thing I can’t do because the list is endless! It’s whatever a client needs and wants.” We also have the only in-house car program in the city that will drop off and pick up our residents anywhere in the downtown Toronto core. What type of entertainment and dining features do the residences provide? Every resident is provided with access via a private elevator to America Restaurant, a chic and stylish supper club experience driven by modern esthetics and fine dining. Whoever comes out of the private elevator entrance is immediately given preferred seating at all times in the restaurant. Residents also have access to their own private set of high-speed elevators that can shoot them up to the Sky Lobby, located in the tower’s midway point in height. This beautifully appointed reception/lounge area features highend finishes and a $130,000 Steinway
piano. Outside the Sky Lobby’s south windows, an expansive terrace overlooks the city and Toronto’s financial core for a truly spectacular cosmopolitan view. For a casual drink or late-night snacks, the sleek and sophisticated Calvin Bar on the main floor is the perfect place to unwind. The Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto was recently named Canada’s top hotel for 2015 by the Annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Apart from quality, services and amenities, what other factor elevates Trump Residences Toronto into the most prestigious address in the city? It’s location. Being in the Financial District with close proximity to businesses, top restaurants, entertainment centres and sport complexes, the Four Seasons, schools and Porter Air, we are situated in what is now the premier location in Toronto. An example of the trend shifting to the Financial District can be seen with the Toronto International Film Festival and related parties moving down to this area. Is attention from buyers mostly local or international? I would say it’s a mix. The majority of attention is from here, usually from guests reselling their home in Forest Hill and looking to downsize to a pied-à-terre. But there’s also a large international influx of people right now wanting to live with us in the best city in the world, and that type of attention has extended quite rapidly as of late. We also have lots of celebrities and athletes living here but I can’t mention any names due to confidentiality. They are, after all, here because of the privacy and exclusivity that we offer. What incentives do potential buyers receive with the purchase of a Trump Residences Toronto penthouse? Apart from our numerous amenities, our developer, Talon International, recently partnered with an esteemed automaker that reflects our values on the pinnacle of prestige and luxury. This year we announced that individuals who purchase a Trump Residences penthouse will receive a 2016 Rolls Royce to own. This effort is just one way of showing how we, one of the world’s pre-eminent brands, take unparalleled services and providing exclusive incentives to our guests seriously. www.trumptoronto.ca winter 2015
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t’s that time of year when everything is aglow with the joyful sights and sounds of the holiday season. As Toronto’s authority on luxury and comfort, David’s Fine Linens uncovers a winter wonderland of wondrously warm must-haves that will make gathering around the fireplace with loved ones a heartwarming experience. Give the gift of cosy with luxurious Marzotto cashmere throws and comfy slippers from European labels Ruby Brown and Rondinaud. For the glam gal in your life, St. Pierre’s mohair and faux fur throws make the perfect chic companions on wintry nights.
While it’s the season of giving, don’t forget to pamper yourself. End the day with your true love under the oh-so-soft down duvets from St. Genève. Whether you’re wishing for silent nights or chestnuts roasting by the fire, David’s Fine Linens’ superior collections for the home will wrap you in comfort and style. www.davidsfinelinens.com Renaissance Commercial Plaza 8099 Weston Rd., Unit 25, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-264-7778 Bayview Village Shopping Centre 2901 Bayview Ave., North York, Ont. 416-590-7311 Toll-Free: 1-877-591-1115
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 79
LORI MORRIS MAGIC
Toronto-based Lori Morris discusses her approach to marvellous interiors and bringing design dreams to life with an artist’s eye
Homegrown interior designer Lori Morris has been transforming spaces into original works of art for close to 30 years
INTERVIEW BY AMANDA STOREY
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2. How do you first approach a new design? People will often think about colour first when designing a room. Colour is not significant, rather, it is style and feeling that creates the design. This could be anything from tranquil to Zen, opulent, elegant, contemporary, sexy, sumptuous or warm. I install details that emulate that feeling. Once the client’s vision is understood, I interpret it into a design reality. Every Lori Morris creation is an original work of art that is unique to the homeowner. 3. What other factors do you consider before designing a space? It’s about taking inspiration and working with the architecture and scale of the space. Existing architecture truly sets the tone for the rest of the design, creating the canvas for colouring and process. Whether clean and simple or complex and ornate, these details need to hold up and make a statement on their own. From ceilings to archways and wall panels, I approach each element with an artist’s eye to ensure they are strong, definitive and full of style. winter 2015
PHOTOS BY BRANDON BARRE
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1. If you had one design rule to share with our readers, what would that be? I don’t believe in rules. Because I am a creative artist, I never limit myself to using traditional colours, textures or one particular style. I can create modern homes and more neoclassical, French-inspired spaces — it’s all about the client’s vision and from there we provide inspiration and focus. I approach a home like an artist approaches a painting. I work by balancing the proportions and infusing key details and ultimately the space will come together like magic.
4 3 4. From luxurious, art deco-inspired chandeliers to stylish accent lamps, your lighting tells a story in each room. Can you tell us more about how you select these pieces? Design is about creating a feeling and lighting is one of the most essential elements. Lighting must be used correctly to establish the atmosphere and overall tone. First and foremost, you need to determine the function of the room. Will the space be used during the day or mainly in the evening? Do you want a soft, ambient glow of a lounge or a bright, well-lit kitchen? Once the function is clear, you can approach lighting as a way of incorporating original artistic elements to create a focal point within the esthetic of a space.
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5. You feature a multitude of textures and materials. How do you incorporate this layering to elevate a room? I incorporate multiple textures to create depth and to define a distinct personality. It’s my signature to layer different fabrics such as velvet, suede and silk for a unique effect. For example, we are currently working on a fabulous new project that consists of carving and hand-painting original designs into leather. Layering textures is not simply done by combining 10 different colours, styles or materials. We balance the walls with the fabrics of the sofa and the materials of the accessories to create synergistic harmony. The textural elements in a Lori Morris room tell a story and with every touch of intricate detailing, the design transcends mainstream rules. lorimorris.com
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THE NEW KID The millennial generation: an age of incomprehensible tech toys and shock factor, of cracking into new frontiers — and of Ryan Saghian, whose fresh formula for flawless interior design contains all of these elements. He may be 23 years young, but this West Hollywood native is in the midst of conquering the interior design world. Armed with his iPhone, coffee and some tricks up his sleeve, Saghian is rejuvenating the industry
Dolce Magazine: Cliché opening question: What inspired you to get into design? Ryan Saghian: To be completely honest, nothing in particular inspired me. It was always what I wanted to do. DM: Give us a quick pitch of your design style. RS: I have a distinctive flair that is very obvious in my work. I like to juxtapose classicism with modernism, raw with refined, and take risks where I’m most scared. I live for a challenge and I love working with all kinds of styles, but 82 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
somehow, when all done and complete, they all have the same ring to them. DM: You’re based in L.A., but do you work outside of California as well? RS: I consider projects all over the globe. Most recently, I was commissioned to work on a project in New York City. DM: Dream client? RS: I would kill to work for John Legend! DM: You’re known for your interesting design process — can you break it down,
from start to finish? RS: I ask all my clients to show me what their dream room or house would be like, whether it’s out of a décor book, magazine or Pinterest board. I then put together a layout in AutoCAD with precise measurements. I then take an acrylic tray and toss in everything that I love: paint chips, metals, swatches, printouts, stones — anything necessary to complete the space. When I finish collecting all my options, I narrow them down and begin the fabrication of my project boards. winter 2015
PHOTOS BY JENNA LEE
WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
Up-and-coming L.A.-based interior designer Ryan Saghian may be only 23, but his drive to take risks where he’s most afraid has led to an impressive portfolio brimming with “wow” factor
DM: Three things you absolutely need while working? RS: Coffee, my iPhone and my planner. DM: Eye-catching accent pieces are a constant throughout your work — a metallic hand chair, glistening silver walls, a driftwood coffee table ... Why are these so important? RS: It’s not hard to walk into a showroom and purchase a gorgeously curated vignette. But chances are, if you’ve seen it, other people you know have seen it too. I like the “Oh! Where did you find winter 2015
that?” remark, and that’s why I mix in eye-catching pieces that are unique and special. I like to give a space drama and an ultimate “wow” factor, and I think that is why people hire me. DM: What project would you say has been the most integral to your career so far? Or are you still waiting for that project to come? RS: About a year and a half ago I began a project in Santa Monica for a celebrated ophthalmologist and his family. I worked on the house from the ground up and it
A juxtaposition of classicism and modernism provides a raw-meetsrefined flair to Saghian’s work, creating environments that are both striking and distinct
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Saghian mixes in eye-catching pieces, such as this golden metallic hand chair and driftwood coffee table, to illicit “Oh! Where did you find that?” responses from those who enter his eclectically-tasteful spaces
is one of my most astounding projects. When I complete it this December, I will k not only have an exquisite piece of work to add to my portfolio, but a friendship that I will cherish forever. DM: Although you’re quite young, you’re already recognized as a rising star in the industry, having worked on a collection of notable projects and appeared in an array of big-name publications. How do you plan on evolving from here? RS: The sky is the limit! I want to have an international luxury brand, a global tastemaker that will leave an incredible legacy. DM: When you’re not designing, how do you like to spend your time? RS: I love to dine out and try new 84 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
“I WANT TO HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL LUXURY BRAND, A GLOBAL TASTEMAKER THAT WILL LEAVE AN INCREDIBLE LEGACY” — Ryan Saghian
restaurants. L.A. has so many different neighbourhoods with new and great places that I love to explore. DM: What do you love about L.A.’s design scene? RS: As one of America’s leading design cities, it’s ever-evolving and growing. Like myself, I see a lot of fresh, young talent emerging, and I love how the community embraces new faces. DM: What is la dolce vita to you? RS: Surrounding oneself with beauty, indulging in luxury, travelling indefinitely. www.ryansaghian.com winter 2015
REFINEMENT OF THE KINGSWAY.
THE KINGSWAY MEETS BLOOR. Fronted by a generous porte cochère off the Kingsway, the stylish entranceway and lobby make a statement with a soft palette and traditional styling that convey quiet good taste and effortless elegance. Located at the apex where the prestigious Kingsway connects with cosmopolitan Bloor Street and the Old Mill, 4 The Kingsway is perfectly situated for walking, shopping and getting around town.
R I C H A R D W E N G L E A R C H I T E C T : : G L U C K S T E I N D E S I G N : : J A N E T RO S E N B E R G + S T U D I O
FROM $1.2 MILLION TO OVER $3 MILLION
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E L E VA T E U R B A N . N O R T H D R I V E . C A winter 2015
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Š Porsche Cars Canada. Porsche recommends seatbelt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.
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