Dolce Vita Toronto Summer 2012

ISADORE SHARP

TAKES THE HIGH GROUND THE BEATLES 50 YEARS OF LOVE

Publications Mail Agreement # 40026675

MALCOLM GLADWELL A MAN OF HIS WORD

PLUS

SULTRY SWIMWEAR, FORMULA ONE AND ART TO ADMIRE

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LIKE MINDED. LOVE MONARCH.

LIKE WHERE YOU LIVE. LIKE LAGO. As you casually stroll along the Martin Goodman Trail, the rhythmic calm of the lake gently lapping against the Etobicoke shoreline, all life’s worries melt away and a warming comfort enters your mind – this is life as it’s meant to be. Peaceful.

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publisher’s note

‘‘ T

HIS VERY MOMENT IS A SEED FROM WHICH THE FLOWER OF TOMORROW’S HAPPINESS GROW.

– Margaret Lindsey

’’

What does a person become? It’s nurture and nature – we are all born with a DNA of skills.” This was but one of the many profound quotes articulated by Isadore Sharp during our interview with him at the Four Seasons Presentation Centre (see story on p. 32). Many thought-provoking phrases emerged from that interview. In fact, the biggest challenge was choosing just one to illustrate the struggles of my own childhood, and the goals I wanted to achieve over the years. It made me think of my parents and how their work ethic, aversion to complaining and unshakable determination made my brother and I the individuals we are today.

He gave an interesting perspective of those who hold on to their dream and persevere, even though some may say they’re a bit fanatic. My heart skipped a beat when he said he still does business with a handshake. I loved that. I too think we are all a bit fanatical here at Dolce Vita Magazine. And yes, we too do business on a handshake, even though we live in a world that’s often too impersonal.

Our dream, much like Isadore’s, was never a final destination, but an evolution that started with this title, developing over the past 16 years into a multi-platform media agency. And not through our efforts alone. It’s been thanks to the help and talent of a strong team of fanatics who share our passion and vision. I will always cherish the opportunity to hear Isadore’s outlook on business and life philosophy.

Malcolm Gladwell further enlightens our understanding of who we become, and why success is easier for some with his explanation of unparalleled opportunities, geography, birthdays and parental inheritances (see story on p. 52).

After watching a recent documentary on the late Ayrton Senna, former Brazilian Formula One world champion, I have renewed appreciation and respect for the sport. Imagine how thrilled we were to be invited to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, and be part of the Red Bull Infiniti team VIP paddock experience (see story p. 56). This was yet another sample of la dolce vita.

SUMMER 2012 • Volume 16 • Issue 2 www.dolce.ca PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca MANAGING EDITOR

Madeline Stephenson • madeline@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & MARKETING

Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Susan Bhatia • susan@dolce.ca ART DEPARTMENT CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Christina Ban GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Amy Yang, Patrizia Antoniali WEB PROJECT MANAGER

Steve Bruno VIDEOGRAPHER

William Lem REPORTER

Amanda Storey EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT BEAUTY & TRAVEL EDITOR

Angela Palmieri-Zerillo FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa SENIOR WRITER AND COPY EDITOR

Simona Panetta PROOFREADERS

Amy Bielby, Simona Panetta WRITERS

Michael Hill, Madeline Stephenson, Athaina Tsifliklis CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Patricia Gray, Joel Hock, Susur Lee, Colleen McMorrow, Edward Piegza CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sergio Sosa, Richard Ravenhawke CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Roger Brooks, Wine Country Ontario, Caitlin Cronenberg, Christie’s Images Ltd. 2012, IWC, ©2012 Infiniti, Ami Lafleur, Maris Mezulis, Jesse Milns, Thomas Nagy, George Pimentel Photography, Tom Sandler Photography, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Bill Wadman, Paula Wilson INTERN

Cassandra Tatone All catering for this issue provided by Pusateri’s Fine Foods PUBLISHER

Life is filled with special moments that fill our hearts, minds and souls, and these extraordinary instances should be cherished forever. Not only because they will never be repeated, but also because they are unique to our personal life experience. We hope this summer issue of Dolce will inspire you to cherish each and every moment.

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

T: 905.264.6789 Toll Free: 1.888.68.DOLCE info@dolce.ca • www.dolce.ca OFFICE MANAGER & SENIOR ACCOUNTS MANAGER Á Me with Isadore Sharp.

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Lina Posteraro OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Dina Mastrantoni FRONT COVER

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Isadore Sharp Photo By Caitlin Cronenberg

MY STORY, MY DESIGN

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editor’s note

SUMMER 2012 • Volume 16 • Issue 2 www.dolce.ca

‘‘

Every moment is a gold one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.

MADELINE STEPHENSON MANAGING EDITOR

’’

DOLCE VITA MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2012 VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 2

Dolce Vita Magazine is published quarterly by Dolce Publishing Inc. 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.dolce.ca Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675

– Henry Miller RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

Dolce Publishing Inc. 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30 Vaughan, ON L4H 3H9 All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publisher.

T

here’s one moment I’ll never forget. It was Feb. 28, 2010, and I was sitting around the fireplace with my family watching the Vancouver Olympics. The Canadian men’s hockey team was seven minutes into overtime, when suddenly Sidney Crosby came forward with a game-winning goal that gave us shivers and a gleaming gold medal. Millions of people were united by a common feeling of pride that rippled through city streets like a wave. It’s those little moments that become irreplaceable, not because of what happens in the game, but because of what happens with family and friends in homes, bars and honking cars across the country.

With the impending Summer Olympic Games in London, England, the anticipation of that same feeling is upon us once again.

Whether it’s esteemed sportscaster Brian Williams’ career highlights, Isadore Sharp’s recollection of forging his first link in the Four Seasons Hotel chain, Malcolm Gladwell’s defining story, or The Beatles’ sensational 1962 hit Love Me Do, this issue is filled with reflection. Noah Cowan’s recount of a crowd’s wild ovation after the screening of Priest sums it up well: “When you see moments like that … you actually believe that film has the power to actually change the world.” Hopefully, you’ll collect more of these indelible moments in the warm months ahead.

DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION

Dolce Vita Magazine reaches over 900,000 affluent readers annually through household distribution and newsstand sales across Canada and at all Barnes & Noble stores in the United States. Inquiries about where else Dolce Vita Magazine is available for sale should be directed to Transmedia Group Customer Service: 905.428.7541 The yearly subscription fee is $16.80. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Publishing Inc. 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont. Canada L4H 3H9 ISSN 1206-1778 NEXT ISSUE: FALL 2012

The opinions expressed in Dolce Vita Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers.

Dolce Publishing Inc. does not assume liability for content. The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is no way intended to supersede professional advice.

We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 16 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.

Follow us at twitter.com/dolcemag

Madeline Stephenson Managing Editor

This magazine is printed on Recycled Paper.

Up to

©2012 Dolce Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada 12

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32 56 Departments ON THE COVER

66 72

32 A Man for All Seasons: Canadian hotelier Isadore Sharp paves his path with a moral compass in hand

SUCCESS STORY

52 Beyond Words: Outlier Malcolm Gladwell on his Jamaican lineage, British birthright and Canadian upbringing 50 The Dean of Olympic Broadcasting: Brian Williams shares his most memorable moments before heading to the London Games

FASHION

49 Time Well-Spent: It’s a wristy business, but we’ll point you in the right direction 70 Pavoni: Montreal design duo Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone walk a glamorous line 72 Seamless Style: Abu Dhabi sets the backdrop for this season’s hottest couture

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PHILANTHROPY

80 Play it Forward: One World Futbol provides a safety net for impoverished children

REAL ESTATE

40 Inside Storey: The condo market from a new point of view

DESIGN

30 In Gray Demand: Guest editor Patricia Gray spells out kitchen design trends in black and white

AUTOMOTIVE

FOOD & WINE

BUSINESS

59 Dining Alfresco: An affair to remember with Pusateri’s Fine Foods 60 So Far, So Good: Reowned Chef Susur Lee goes the extra mile for international flavour

ART

41 Art Scene: Thousands of words to hang on your walls 44 The Delirium of Cirque du Soleil: Behind the scenes at the headquarters of a chromatic empire

LUXURY

18 Objects of Desire: From revolutionary views to secret oases, your wish is our command

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42 Lights, Camera, Cowan: TIFF’s artistic director gives us a backstage pass to film 46 Love, Love Me Do: It’s been 50 years since The Beatles’ hit single Love me Do, but somehow, it feels like yesterday 63 Fundraising the Bar: Rally for Kids with Cancer founder Joel Hock makes goodwill a good time 64 The Faces and Places of Toronto: Find out where your city favourites spend their time

TRAVEL

66 Moroccan Magic: Guest editor Edward Piegza gives us a million reasons to love Morocco

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ENTERTAINMENT

56 From Infiniti to the World: Dolce travels to Shanghai for the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix 62 Honing an Entrepreneurial Vision in a Post-Recession World: Guest editor Colleen McMorrow lights the way

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

22 Dolce was There

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 12 16 77

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Publisher’s Letter Editor’s Note Guest Editors Readers’ Survey: Win a romantic getaway to the Grenadines 82 Horoscope: Look to the stars MORE STORIES INSIDE...

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CITY LIFE

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GUEST EDITORS

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ask in the balmy weather as you absorb the unique outlooks of our seasoned guest editors. From food, business and travel, to design and entertainment, read about everything under the sun.

PATRICIA GRAY DESIGN Interior designer Patricia Gray redefines classic design features for a look that is refreshingly modern. “In Gray Demand” (p. 30), the woman who wowed John Travolta with her enlightening style shows us how to achieve a streamlined kitchen without the fuss.

SUSUR LEE FOOD Inspired by travel and foreign cuisine, renowned chef Susur Lee uses his unique experiences abroad as ingredients for new recipes and ventures. In his piece, “So Far, So Good” (p. 60), the restaurateur reveals his new undertaking and the international light behind it.

COLLEEN McMORROW

SPRING / SUMMER 2012 COLLECTIONS HAVE ARRIVED Keep your kids looking sharp and stylish this spring with these exclusive pieces from the latest Roberto Cavalli Angels and Devils.

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BUSINESS What does new age entrepreneurship look like?

In “Honing an Entrepreneurial Vision in a Post-Recession World” (p. 62), Colleen McMorrow of Ernst & Young reveals that some things never change.

JOEL HOCK ENTERTAINMENT When creating a successful event, Joel Hock knows it’s best to be memorable. In “Fundraising the Bar” (p. 63), the Rally for Kids with Cancer founder shows us how innovation has become the key to throwing an unforgettable fundraiser.

EDWARD PIEGZA TRAVEL Escape on a sensory experience with Edward Piegza’s “Moroccan Magic” (p. 66).

The founder of Classic Journeys gives us an exceptional glimpse of all the marvels Morocco has to offer.

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1. TIFF FOR YOUR WRIST With a signature engraving from Tiffany & Co.’s co-founder, these limited edition bangles are made out of rubedo metal and sterling silver. www.tiffany.ca 2. STATE OF ART With a white silhouette of artist Herb Williams, this handcrafted sculpture is irreplaceable. Williams uses colourful crayons, wood and industrial epoxy to make a bold statement. www.vivre.com 3. LET THERE BE LIGHT Reflecting light from every crystal, this 19th century Casbah chandelier sheds brilliance to any formal dining room. www.restorationhardware.com 4. SECRET GARDEN Villa le Scale is a secret oasis tucked away in the hills of Anacapri, Italy. With glorious gardens and antique-filled interiors, this seven-bedroom hotel offers a private and luxurious getaway. www.villalescale.com 5. ROYAL RELAXATION This metal sleigh daybed will add a luxurious touch to a traditionally designed home with its antique feel. www.restorationhardware.com 6. CADI-LICIOUS The 2013 Cadillac ATS is a seamless new luxury automobile. With approximately 270-horsepower, it’s a sports sedan taking the road by storm. www.gm.ca 7. TEAL FEVER This floor-length beckett dress skims the body with beautiful silk chiffon. A muted teal colour and cinched waist make this piece feminine and sweet. www.toryburch.com DOLCE VITA MAGAZINE

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PRODUCED BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

8. KING OF COGNACS This vintage cognac in a luminous gold decanter is packaged to perfection by Italian designer Ferruccio Laviani. www.hennessy.com 9. COSY IN CASHMERE Use this Hermès wool and cashmere blanket as a house-warming gift or lay it on your love seat for a cosy touch. www.hermes.com 10. MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE With an impressive retina display and four times the pixels of the iPad 2, this new iPad gives us a revolutionary view of everything we see online. www.apple.ca 11. DRIVING IT HOME Calling the new 911 Carrera S an object of a desire is a major understatement. Changing the future of sports cars, this Porsche is better than ever, with a refined design and powerful engine. www.dfcauto.com 12. GET PURSE-ONAL A classic shape and retro design makes this an everyday bag with a twist. Accessorize a simple outfit with this bold needlepoint tote. www.toryburch.com 13. STRAPPING STYLE Opt for a Florian High Heel Sandal

by Tory Burch this summer. With a chunky heel and neutral colour, it complements any sundress. www.toryburch.com

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Canaroma Bath & Tile, Canada’s leading importers of designer bath and tile products for nearly 30 years. 15,000 square foot showroom showcasing luxury and exclusive bath and tiles.

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IN TORONTO WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA TATONE

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March 10, 2012, guests experienced the enlivening essence of traditional Caribbean music at the third annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Benefit Gala. Over 500 people gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto for the highly anticipated event, which celebrated the achievements of esteemed members of the Caribbean-Canadian community.

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This year’s Luminary Award was presented to author Malcolm Gladwell, renowned artist Artis Lane and Canada’s first female black cabinet minister, Zanana Akande.

The evening raised $300,000 for its UWI scholarship fund and Haitian Initiative supporting a university education for Caribbean students. www.uwitorontogala.com 3

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1. George Alleyne, chancellor, The University of West Indies, honouree Malcolm Gladwell and G. Raymond Chang, patron, The University of West Indies Benefit Gala, 2012, professor E. Nigel Harris, vice-chancellor, The University of West Indies. 2. Gala co-emcees Hamlin Grange and Suhana Meharchand. 3. Canadian singer Divine Brown. 4. A number of this year’s honourees, from left to right: Suresh Sookoo, Malcolm Gladwell, Zanana Akande, Anthony MacFarlane, Artis Lane, Lloyd Seivright, Howard Shearer. 5. Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, executive director of UWI institutional advancement.

Muscle meets masterpiece.

With its bold, dynamic AMG styling, the new 2012 SLK 350 instantly attracts attention. And with our dynamic handling package and 302 horsepower at your disposal, the ride is as exhilarating as its look. For ultimate closed-top cruising, raise the power retractable vario-roof and witness MAGIC SKY CONTROL – our innovative panoramic sunroof that adjusts from tinted to clear at the touch of a button. Visit www.mbbarrie.com Serving our clients for over 30 years. Mercedes Benz Barrie Proud Recipient of the Prestigious Mercedes Benz Canada 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Star Dealer of the Year Award.

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PHOTOS BY TOM SANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Dolce was there 2

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WI BENEFIT GALA

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Spark

Dolce was there

GRAND

ALACE

GUIZZETTI CORPORATION MAKES A GRAND GESTURE WITH ITS LATEST PROJECT.

Talent Performance WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA TATONE

Watch H HD coverage of this event at www.citylifeTV.ca

The Children’s Aid Foundation’s second annual Spark Gala left guests fired up over performances honouring celebrity luminaries for their musical, sports, fashion, entertainment and vocal arts achievements. The event raised $400,000, with proceeds providing youth in foster care with extracurricular activities necessary for individual growth. www.ignitethespark.ca 2 www.cafdn.org

WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

G

uizzetti Corporation has built a business based on integrity.

For years, it has provided clients with condominiums and the luxury lifestyle they crave. On May 3, 2012, friends and family were invited to an exclusive preview of the upcoming Guizzetti development. Offering guests cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Grand Palace Condominiums was introduced at a beautiful presentation centre in the heart of Richmond Hill. “The Grand Palace homeowner is somebody who appreciates the finer things in life and superior quality,” says Stefano Guizzetti, president of Guizzetti Corporation.

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Located on the west side of Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, the three 15-storey buildings will boast luxury amenities such as swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, fitness centres, yoga facilities and outdoor tanning decks. A surge of prospective buyers anticipates the debut of Grand Palace in the summer of 2014. www.grandpalace.ca 3

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2 1 1. A scale model of Guizzetti Corporation's next project, Grand Palace Condominiums.

2. Michelle Zerillo-Sosa, publisher and editor-in-chief of Dolce Vita Magazine with Sandro Zanini, senior associate partner at Hariri Pontarini Architects. 3. Patricia Buccilli of Pat Buccilli Interiors is the designer behind the breathtaking presentation centre. 4. Stefano Guizzetti, president and founder of Guizzetti Corporation, with Dave Barrow, mayor of Richmond Hill. 5. Justin Risi, vice-president of investment and business development at Royal Le Page –Your Community Realty. 6. Vivian Risi, president and broker of record at Royal LePage – Your Community Realty and Stephanie Lofranco.

7. From Left: Albert Gasparro, partner and director at Guizzetti Corporation; Stefano Guizzetti, Vivian Risi, Paul Ng, geomancer and feng shui master; Jack Scivoletto, vice-president at Guizzetti Corporation. 8. Real estate-savvy friends and family at the Richmond Hill event.

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PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. From Left: Spark co-host Anne Mroczkowski, Andrea Weissman-Daniels (Ignite the Spark Fund co-founder and chair), Leslie Roberts (Spark co-host).

2. Left Randy Bachman, Canadian musician, and Len Gamache, president of the Children’s Aid Foundation. 3. Lewis Chan and Andrea Weissman-Daniels. 4. From Left: Luminaries Bernadette Morra, Lisa Ray, Randy Bachman, Jackie Richardson, daughter Kim Richardson.

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FIGHT NIGHT

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MUHAMMAD ALI’S ANNUAL EVENT GATHERED CELEBRITY GUESTS, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND EXTRAVAGANT SUPPORT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON'S DISEASE. WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA TATONE

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PHOTOS BY IWC

On

March 26th, 2012, former world heavyweight champion and boxing legend Muhammad Ali hosted the 18th annual Celebrity Fight Night event for his Parkinson Center in Louisville, Kentucky. International Watch Co. (IWC) Schaffhausen joined The Greatest in his rumble against Parkinson's disease by designing a watch, the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Muhammad Ali, celebrating his sporting and societal successes.

The timepiece, carefully crafted in white gold, is part of IWC’s Big Pilot’s collection, and captures the defiant spirit of The People’s Champion. With red accents in tribute of Ali’s signature red boxing gloves, the watch is both distinctly sporty and brazenly masculine. The IWC donated a version of this limited-edition accessory to the Celebrity Fight Night gala, as well as a tome, GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali, celebrating the monumental achievements of arguably the greatest boxer of all time with over 3,000 illustrations. The watch was put to auction, with the highest bidder also clinching the book.

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Celebrity guests, such as soul-singer Lionel Richie, comedian and actor Billy Crystal and former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield stepped into Ali’s corner in support of the cause. As well, actress Halle Berry and tenor Andrea Bocelli awarded the auction’s highest bidder with a dinner hosted by the pair. The winning bid floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, a $60,000 knockout blow adding to the astounding $80 million the gala has raised over its 18 years in the ring. This impressive figure has been invaluable to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, helping countless lives in the battle against the disease. Thanks to Ali, IWC and the generous efforts of glamorous guests, the former champ continues to ‘shake up the world’ – long after his retirement from the arena. www.celebrityfightnight.org To learn more about IWC, visit www.iwc.com 1. Muhammad Ali poses for a friendly photo with actor Tom Hanks and his wife, actress Rita Wilson. 2. Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks spread peace at Celebrity Fight Night. 3. Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth bid at the auction.

4. Professional heavyweight boxer Evander Holyfield models IWC’s white gold the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Muhammad Ali. 5. The bright lights of the 18th Celebrity Fight Night show. 6. IWC’s auction package included a collector’s edition of the tome GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali. 6 4

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Dolce VIP Parties

2012

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OSTUME INSTITUTE GALA AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

CAMERA’S FLASHED AND CELEBRITIES SHONE AT THE EXQUISITE 2012 MET BALL, WHICH HONOURED THE OPENING OF THE MUSEUM’S HOTTEST NEW EXHIBIT. WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA TATONE

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PHOTO BY DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS

he 2012 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City sparkled with the creations of fashion’s hottest designers.

The star-studded event marks the opening of this year’s “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” exhibit, which explores the striking affinities between two Italian designers from different eras. Under trustee and co-chair Anna Wintour, the Met Ball has become one of the most visible, profitable and fashionable charity events. www.metmuseum.org 4

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PHOTO BY DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS

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PHOTO BY KEVIN MAZUR

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1. Happy couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski pose for the cameras. 2. Beyonce captivates the red carpet in a revealing Givenchy gown. 3. This crocodile-embossed, sexy dress by Tom Ford is stunning on Rihanna.

4. Emma Stone looks girly and fresh in Lanvin.

5. Leslie Bibb makes a big entrance in an eye-catching Zac Posen dress. 6. A glamorous Diane Kruger in a feather-hemmed Prada dress. 7. Nina Dobrev wows the crowd with her black-and-gold Donna Karan Atelier gown.

8. Actress Rosario Dawson is sleek in a Calvin Klein black leather dress and slick hairstyle. 9. Couple of style Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake link arms as they stroll down the red carpet. 10. Camilla Belle is ethereal in a glitzy Ralph Lauren Collection gown. 11. New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire and Alexis Welch. 12. Actress Paula Patton glows in a pretty pink Vera Wang gown.

13. Italo Zuchelli, men’s creative director at Calvin Klein, with former model Hanneli Mustaparta. 14. Model Karolina Kurkova shines in a custom Rachel Zoe sequined gown.

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IN

GRAY Demand

IN THE KITCHEN WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER PATRICIA GRAY. WRITTEN BY PATRICIA GRAY

In this open-plan kitchen in False Creek, Vancouver, Patricia Gray has removed the upper cabinets and incorporated roll-out pantries in a beautiful furniture-finish wood cabinet.

hat could be better than a kitchen custom-designed with all the right appliances, lots of counter space and storage, perfect lighting and a place for everything? A kitchen that is both functional and beautiful, where you want to spend time, create special meals, and share precious time with family and friends.

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Roll-out pantries eliminate the need for overhead cabinets. They slide out easily and everything is in full view and readily accessible.

A built-in and plumbed Miele coffee machine was incorporated into the pantry with a drawer below to house coffee cups and utensils. Above the coffee machine is a microwave, which has been cleverly concealed behind a door that slides up for easy access. Gourmet food preparation is facilitated by a state-of-the-art induction cooktop, with a built-in convection oven.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER BROOKS

Almost every home today is planned around an open-concept kitchen. Usually, the kitchen can be seen from the adjoining eating area, family room and/or media area. The trick to having an open-concept kitchen is to have a planned place for everything, so that the typical clutter on kitchen countertops is avoided.

I like to make the back wall a focal point and remove overhead cabinets. To accommodate the lost storage space, I incorporate full-height roll-out pantries to house all the items that were previously stored in cupboards. Roll-out pantries provide an efficient use of space, and allow everything to be more visible and readily accessible. This concept gives the kitchen a clean, contemporary feel.

In the False Creek, Vancouver project pictured above, I have tiled the wall full-height with beautiful, polished travertine marble, and hung a floating stainless steel shelf to display a collection of Oriental pottery. An eating counter was incorporated for quick meals and gatherings. Best of all, an island concept allows the chef to be part of the flow of conversation in the adjoining dining and media area.

Have fun with accent lighting in your kitchen. Finding just the right lighting is one of the most difficult things for me as an interior designer, but when it happens, it’s magic. I think of the room as the perfect little black dress, one that dresses up or down according to the occasion. The perfect lighting fixture is the jewelry that finishes off and complements the outfit.

The kitchen below was also designed with no overhead cabinets. This concept makes the cooktop a focal point and gives it a clean, contemporary feel. A wall of full-height pantries is located directly adjacent to the island work area with slide-out drawers behind full-height doors. A built-in and panelled Sub-Zero Refrigerator is also set against the wall of the pantry. The slab of granite behind the kitchen cooktop is like a beautiful piece of artwork. I always include a fitted soap dispenser beside the kitchen tap, so that a bottle of dish detergent is never seen on the countertop.

If consideration and attention-todetail are applied to the interior design process, the results will be long-lasting.

Patricia Gray Guest Interior Designer Editor Patricia Gray’s Vancouver-based firm is an international leader in interior design. For 30 years, Gray has incorporated luxury, finely crafted detail and a contemporary vision to create timeless interiors that are not just beautiful and current, but liveable. Gray’s portfolio is comprised of award-winning interior design projects throughout Canada, the U.S., Asia and Africa. Her clients include John Travolta and Rob Feenie. With her creative spirit and talent, Gray is a visionary in today’s world of design. www.patriciagrayinc.com

A wine rack has been incorporated into the end of this teak kitchen island.

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s n o s a e S l l A

A MAN FOR

FOUR SEASONS FOUNDER ISADORE SHARP SITS DOWN WITH DOLCE MAGAZINE TO DISCUSS HIS LEGACY AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF LUXURY HOTELS.

Sharp, affectionately known as “Issy,” was born in 1931 to immigrant parents.

The family lived in the west-end of Toronto known as the Ward, where a lane heaped with cinders dumped by coalburning furnaces was the extent of his playground. In his book, Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy, he describes the day when he was hit in the head with a cinder thrown by a non-Jewish child. He stumbled home 32

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crying, the blood trickling down his cheek and shirt. Deciding that the wound wasn’t serious, his mom slapped him across the face and ordered him to get back outside and continue playing.

“You gain your values, your personality, from your environment. What does a person become? It’s nurture and nature – we are all born with a DNA of skills,” says Sharp, who inherited his mother’s resolve and his dad’s softspoken, tolerant personality. Despite the area’s low-cost housing, the Sharps were barely making ends meet as the Great Depression smeared its plight on the nation. Today, Sharp remembers every last bit of it: his mother cooking Sabbath dinners for friends and family with one oven for extra change, his sisters’ hand-me-downs, his father going back to work after breaking his arm. “I think that’s the immigrant mentality – you have no choice, you do things out of necessity and you have to keep working – you work through the pain. You learn early on that there are no excuses; you try to do your best.”

As the CEO of a company coming into its own, Sharp did just that. His early days, which demanded him to grasp his potential and act on it quickly, made him resistant to the pressures that came with leadership. “I think stress comes from uncertainty, you know, you’re not certain what’s going to happen. And I always had a good sense of what I was able to do and what was happening.” www.dolcemag.com

& RESORTS

sadore Sharp settles into a settee in the swanky Four Seasons Presentation Centre, looking the part in a power suit that hardly conceals his unassuming aura. Over the last 50 years, the Canadianbased hotelier has blazed a legendary trail, singlehandedly innovating the hotel industry by stocking hotel rooms with shampoo bottles, soft toilet paper, thick towels; the best in mattress and pillow comfort.

Of the 86 hotels across the world that brandish the Four Seasons insignia, this raise-the-bar approach is an eminent signature. But if you ask the founding father what his vision was for one of today’s leading luxury hospitality brands in the world, he’ll simply tell you that he never had one. “It was an evolution,” he explains, “it wasn’t a planned period, a planned career.”

What he had instead was a quiet confidence, an affinity for integrity and a fastidious fist on ethics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTELS

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WRITTEN BY SIMONA PANETTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAITLIN CRONENBERG

The builder on the job, at the first Four Seasons on Jarvis Street, Toronto.

In 2010, 49 years after he first broke ground with a watershed development on Jarvis Street, Sharp relinquished the role of Four Seasons CEO to Kathleen Taylor, a woman he describes as a “true leader.” Yet the 80-yearold, who keeps his mind stimulated with morning walks in the garden and playing bridge four times a week with his wife, Rosalie Wise Sharp, is still at the top of his game. Apart from the responsibilities of chairman and owner, Sharp holds onto his niche: approving the architectural concepts, esthetics and designs for new developments.

Four Seasons chairman/owner Isadore Sharp stands with confidence in the Four Seasons Presentation Centre.

Although he relinquished his role of CEO in 2010, he continues to approve Four Seasons’ architectural concepts and designs for new developments.

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“That’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing, and that’s what I’ve always done for the company, so I’m continuing in that aspect, which gives me enough to keep me interested,” he says. An endearing grin spreads across his complexion, sparking a healthy dose of positivism in a climate of fierce competition. Despite new additions to Toronto’s luxury living scene – the Trump International Hotel and Tower, Shangri-La Toronto and The Ritz-Carlton – Sharp’s confidence is unwavering. “What we’ve set as another objective is to become the undisputed leader of luxury hospitality. It’s like winning the gold at the Olympics: everybody in the world knows that that person is No. 1, and that’s what undisputed means – that there is no question that people will give you that acknowledgement. Can we ever get there? Don’t know. But the whole goal is that perfection is always a receding goal, and it’s the pursuit of excellence that you want to persevere. And as long as our people keep that as a goal that is ever-receding, you probably won’t ever know whether you’re the undisputed leader.”

H

e classifies the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and Private Residences, set to debut in the summer of 2012, as “the next generation of five-star hotels.”

The two connecting towers will be comprised of 259 super-luxurious guest rooms, including 42 suites and 210 residences on a sumptuous Yorkville, Toronto address. Just last year, a 9,000-plus square-foot penthouse with spectacular views of the city sold to an international buyer for $28 million. “This is the Four Seasons of today,” explains Sharp, excited to reveal a 15-minute delivery on room service that has been added to its roster of amenities. “People will always pay for what they believe is value to them. It’s never a matter of price. We were the first ones to break the $100 barrier, the $200, the $1,000 barrier [in room rates] – people aren’t necessarily judging our product by price: we are selling value. That’s been the way we’ve marketed the company, and that’s what a brand stands for.”

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Isadore Sharp looks up to a model of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and Private Residences, which he describes as the “next generation of five-star hotels.”

Undoubtedly, the brand’s hometown resurgence will elevate the luxury stay in Toronto, hosting top celebrities, business clientele and VIPs alike. “We look upon the future as we have great opportunities to continue to grow and to not compromise. So as we are getting bigger, we will still be better, and we will continue to specialize.” Sharp made his first strategic decision to focus on the mid-size, five-star hotel category after receiving critical acclaim in 1973 for his London Inn on the Park in England, which ignited the Four Seasons brand to life. It was named Europe’s Hotel of the Year in its first year of operation, besting leading world-class giants like The Connaught, Claridge’s and The Savoy Hotel. But it was much more than the esthetic pleasure of the building, the art or architecture that resulted in the accolade – it was the quality of service, the distinctiveness of how Four Seasons operated and gave value to its customers. “And that’s why I knew we could do better than others,” he says with subdued conviction.

His certainty and belief in his dreams are what gave the Four Seasons a celebrated spot in the global luxury hotel market today – even when the naysayer said he www.dolcemag.com

couldn’t. Those around him suggested he reconsider the position he had selected for his first foray in hotel building, the Four Seasons Motor Hotel in 1961. Sharp kept at it. “You still persevere because I call it a ‘subliminal belief’ – you really do believe it. People might say, ‘well, you’re a fanatic.’ Well, fanatics do believe in what they’re doing.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTELS

& RESORTS

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This heavenly galleria of bookcases and pristine statues showcases the endless possibilities at the Four Seasons Private Residences.

ver the years, Sharp maintained the rise of Four Seasons by fostering healthy business and personal relationships. He built a solid reputation by putting ethics before profit – something that sounds easier than it is. “It’s a global business world that we’re living in, so I think there are different cultures that you’re coming in contact with. Do I still do business on a handshake? Yes. You don’t change.

But if you think about it, we have 86 hotels; we have over 50 that are under development or construction, so in the course of all of that, over a 50-year history, the percentages are still on your side to shake hands and say ‘yes’, because you lose so much more time if you don’t trust the person.” Having felt the sting of betrayal that comes with

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO

The forthcoming Four Seasons Hotel Toronto houses modern and stylish accommodations, which include these elegant yet comforting ensuites.

‘‘

“IT’S A GLOBAL BUSINESS WORLD THAT WE’RE LIVING IN, SO I THINK THERE ARE DIFFERENT CULTURES THAT YOU’RE COMING IN CONTACT WITH. DO I STILL DO BUSINESS ON A HANDSHAKE? YES. YOU DON’T CHANGE.

‘‘

While location is a critical component to success, Sharp was at the forefront of decisive development, predicting future potential for the area. “Toronto was a city that was very much quickly moving ahead into the second half of the 20th century,” says Gary Miedema, chief historian at Heritage Toronto. Infrastructure consisted of post-war, low-rise buildings cut in lacklustre beige stone, but the ’50s and ’60s gave way to shaping the milieu of a budding metropolis. “It was a very formative period for the building-out of the city we now live in, and it’s for the very same reason an exciting area, to see the city change into a cutting-edge, multicultural, modern city.”

Watch our Sharp IIsadore s iinterview and photo shoot at www.citylifeTV.ca

– Isadore Sharp broken promises, Sharp weathered times of difficulty by adhering to his principles. Rosalie describes her partner in life as a kind and gentle man, who, “in a way, is naïve in his business relationships, because he always expects that people are honest, and so, somehow, because he was so trusting, other people trusted him.”

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uring the economic downturn in 1981, Sharp recalls how the Four Seasons had accumulated a long-term debt of $200 million, and hotels were dropping room rates and employees to keep their heads above water. To avoid cutbacks in value and service, Sharp thought of the only way he could tide his company over until www.dolcemag.com

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the marketplace bounced back to health: he headed to the bank – with interest rates soaring at 20 per cent – to ask for a loan. “I believed we could get out of it … because time is everything in business,” he explains.

As collateral, and as a promise to himself and his major lender, he pledged all his Four Seasons stock.

“The Bank of Nova Scotia lent me my first dollar. They have never, ever said ‘no’ – and I’ve asked for some pretty ridiculous things sometimes. And they have always supported me. This was another occasion, when again, a trusting relationship did pay off.”

M

ore than two decades later, as the recession of 2008-09 dealt a hard blow on most industries, the Four Seasons felt its financial impact. Business slowed, projects were put on hold or cancelled.

The Arab Spring in the Middle East saw room occupancy grind to a halt at its once-successful hotel in Cairo.

In his positive, matter-of-fact way, Sharp explains that preparedness was key to surviving. A long-term thinker, Sharp ran a conservative ship, shaping the Four Seasons into a management firm. “The new developments are now picking up again; we’re going to have six hotels that will open this coming year, and we have the hotels that have slowed down that have now moved into what we call the ‘development stage.’”

But no man can attain such a feat without a hand. From the onset, Sharp knew that his staff was integral to upholding the company’s prestige.

Around the 1980s, while the company was gaining international attention, Sharp called a full stop to future deals to build the “people-part” of his company. He needed more staff members, but more importantly, he required people that could espouse the company’s soul. “We did continue to get telephone calls, but I would explain that we weren’t able to do what you’re coming to the Four Seasons for – and most developers and financiers appreciated the candour. So you don’t lose anything when you’re trying to live up to what business arrangements are supposed to be.”

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It’s interesting to parallel the name of Four Seasons after significant changes, dips and lows in temperatures, good days and bad – all state of affairs Sharp tackled without regret. “He’s laughably positive – he will only look at what we did right, rather, he just doesn’t bother with the negative,” says Rosalie, who was immediately smitten by Sharp when they first met at a wedding. Her father, however, was resistant to their relationship, hoping his only daughter would marry a doctor or lawyer. “Issy was in rubber boots on the construction site, so my father wasn’t too pleased.” But Rosalie saw potential in her newest suitor, who continues to admire her youthful curiosity. She calls to mind the beginning of their courtship, when Sharp presented her with a gift of thoughtful magnitude.

“I went to a friend’s house – a very well-to-do person at school. A bunch of us were there and she opened her drawer and said she had too many ‘cashmeres.’ I had never heard of the word, I said, ‘what is a cashmere?’ I told Issy that story.

The next day, he bought me something that was popular in the ’50s: a skirt and sweater set – they matched. They were cashmere. I always say that I remember my closet – there were just a few things swinging in there. And now when I get something, I have to make space for it.”

Growing up, Sharp’s main ambition was to be the best he could be, a lesson in humility he learned while playing sports. So when Rosalie explained that she was forbidden to see him, he visited her father to smooth things over. He was successful. The two went on to marry and have four children. Rosalie, an interior designer, is grateful for the lifestyle they lead, but it’s the courage she and her husband found when they lost a son to melanoma that defines their marriage. “The tragedy of our son’s death and how we reacted to it … it’s the kind of disaster that divides people – but we were always vigilant to protect each other in that situation, that’s how we handled it.” Since the beginning of its formation, the Sharps have been deeply involved in the Terry Fox Foundation, which has, to-date, raised over $600 million for cancer research. “Business is only a part of life, you don’t make it your whole life,” says Sharp.

D

uring his early teens, Sharp began to take interest in the profession of his father, a fledging plastering contractor. He helped him build houses and later on apartments across Toronto, spending his summers on construction sites with men who asked for no more than a job. After receiving a diploma in architecture, his dad stepped aside and watched his son double Max Sharp & Son, the family business. Some of his earliest workers stayed with Sharp for as long as four decades. “A leader gets people to do more than what they believe they can do themselves. You have to earn the trust and respect of the people that you are the boss over. And once you earn that respect, you then have the influence, and through influence, you can get people to rise to their best self – well beyond what they ever believed they were capable of. Because they want to trust you, and they want to live up to that trust you’ve placed in them,” says Sharp, whose profound voice still captures an audience with its crescendos of wisdom and knowledge.

His trademark headship is palpable at Four Seasons, where employees receive the same respect and dignity. “He’s a legend. When we travel, and he does his fouro’-clock talk in the boardroom, employees come in on their days off. They want a picture of him, and the lineup goes on and on that I leave – it takes so long! He’s like a rock star,” says Rosalie.

However innocent and incongruous his approach to business, the poise and perseverance he gained in the classroom of his upbringing is what shapes his longstanding legacy. “We lived in the Jewish ghetto, and everybody was helping everybody – even if they had very little. So when you grow up in an environment like that, I think it shapes you in terms of what you’re going to become.” www.fourseasons.com/toronto www.dolcemag.com

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CELEBRATE DOLCE’S To commemorate Dolce Vita Magazine’s 16th anniversary, we have decided to give back to our valuable readers! Forty lucky winners will receive the chance to attend a movie screening, including free concession items at SilverCity Oakville and VIP Cinemas.

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DESIGN TIME

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ADD SPECIAL PIECES TO YOUR HOME THAT WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.

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1. GUIDING LIGHT Put the spotlight on ambient light fixtures with this beaded lamp

by Tucker Robbins. www.vivre.com 2. VANITY FAIR Clean, simple bathrooms with an area of visual interest are key to a modern home. www.canaroma.ca 3. SINK OR SWIM A decorated glass sink adds an unexpected pop of colour to an otherwise mundane bathroom feature. www.canaroma.ca 4. SITTING PRETTY Interesting objects in bright colours fit into any neutral space. This versatile turquoise stool adds additional seating, or can serve as a side table. www.vivre.com 5. TABLE FOR TWO This summer, prepare an outdoor dining experience with touches of romance. Add tall candles and a jewel-toned tablecloth to transport you to a bohemian realm.

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patterned bowl to an undressed table. The accessory’s giraffe motif makes a style statement on its own, but you can fill it with dried flowers, candies or candles. www.vivre.com 7. FINE DINING Select furniture in a shape and colour that complements your space.

A long, rectangular table makes a narrow area appear larger. www.kitchendesignersplus.com 8. OVER THE RAINBOW Bright pitchers in interesting shapes bring a playful element to any dinner table. www.vivre.com 9. AN ARM AND A LEG Both the shape and rich acacia wood of this chair lend an intriguing atmosphere in any living space. Sit back and relax as the conversation flows. www.vivre.com 10. A CHAIR TO REMEMBER A brightly patterned chair is a great way to liven up a bedroom or living area. www.homesav.com

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THESE CAPTIVATING CONDOS WILL TAKE YOUR HOME LIFE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

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5. FROM THE GROUND UP

This six-storey urban condo is for the modern aesthete. The sleek, transparent design of 277 Davenport complements a contemporary lifestyle, while its customizability allows clients to add their own special touch. www.277dav.com

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In this limited edition piece, Odjig draws inspiration from her roots. www.gevik.com

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2. VIVE DON BY YEHOUDA CHAKI The multitude of colours used in this painting boast vitality. Working mostly with still life and nature, artist Yehouda Chaki creates a visual masterpiece with a keen eye and talented brushstroke.

www.odonwagnergallery.com This acrylic painting was created with the use of a palette knife. Artist Christian Bergeron beautifully interpreted the scenery in Quebec, giving his audience a new appreciation for landscape art. www.gallery260.com

3. A ST. URBAIN BY CHRISTIAN BERGERON

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4. PAPARINA BY PASQUALE CUPPARI With the universe as his muse, artist Pasquale Cuppari uses yellows, greens and reds to create an abstract art piece. A collection of debris is added to the painting, delivering texture and an outburst of creativity. www.navillusgallery.com

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5. GIANT BUDDHA I BY JOSEF HOFLEHNER This silver gelatin print was photographed by world traveller Josef Hoflehner. In 2008, he photographed the Leshan Giant Buddha in China, which is considered the largest Buddha in the world. www.bulgergallery.com

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6. ACCEPT & RELEASE BY GARY WEISMAN This contemporary sculpture is influenced by Greek design and the Renaissance period. With the ability to be interpreted in various ways, the art piece was created entirely by young sculptor Gary Weisman. www.odonwagnergallery.com www.dolcemag.com

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, COWAN

TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TALKS FILM, PASSION AND FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS. WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE MILNS

Noah Cowan, TIFF Bell Lightbox’s artistic director.

almly sitting in the corner of the TIFF Bell Lightbox’s Bell Blue Room, a member’s lounge tucked away on the building’s third floor, it’s hard to imagine interviewing Noah Cowan in a more ideal location. Overlooking the busy streets of King and John flanked by the bustling city milieu, Cowan, the Lightbox’s artistic director, not only finds himself in the middle of Toronto’s entertainment district, but at the heart of one of its cornerstones.

“I think TIFF Bell Lightbox was a really interesting watershed moment for the city,” he says, describing the Toronto International Film Festival’s headquarters, the premier hub for independent, international and rarely seen films and documentaries. The city’s arts scene is thriving, and Cowan rolls through the details. From the experimental dance movement – which is “on fire here, and regarded so well around the world,” – to the burgeoning visual arts community, music, dance and fashion, TIFF taps into it all. “I think what the TIFF Bell Lightbox has shown is that Torontonians are hungry for culture every day,” he says. And patrons lining the cultural table are eager to support those serving the meal.

To exemplify his point, Cowan illustrates the scene with Pina, a 3-D dance film that frolicked onto Lightbox screens last year. “You just got this rush of people coming 42

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into the building who had a passion for film, had a passion for dance, had a passion for the technology and what 3-D could offer,” he says enthusiastically.

It was a phenomenal time, especially once the credits rolled and the crowds mingled over drinks at Luma, the in-house restaurant, discussing the amazing shared experience. “It was wonderful to see these audiences come together.”

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is fervour for film unabashedly worn on his sleeve, Cowan’s passion is both blatant and palpable. “I come from a culturally curious family,” he says, describing how his father, an arts administrator, and mother, an actress, were both deeply involved with the arts community. By extension, Cowan

Cowan’s time at TIFF has also brought his fare share of climactic moments.

He recalls some of the more profound with a nostalgic glow: an onstage conversation with former U.S. president

PHOTO BY MARIS MEZULIS FOR TIFF PHOTO BY SAM SANTOS

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HIT THE LIGHTS

1. Located on the corner of King and John Streets, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will be a main attraction during the Toronto International Film Festival, held Sept. 6 – 16, 2012.

2. TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema One. 3. TIFF Bell Lightbox’s rooftop panorama.

4. TIFF’s Designing 007 – “Fifty Years of Bond Style” exhibit will run from Oct. 26, 2012 to Jan. 20, 2013.

5. Curated by Jesse Wente and Steven Loff, TIFF’s “Home on Native Land” exhibit will run from June 21 – Aug. 19, 2012.

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e can’t help but smile when asked what the good life means to him. Not even a year earlier he had helped orchestrate the Fellini exhibition, which included the director’s masterpiece, La Dolce Vita; the passion it rekindled in local movie lovers still fresh in his mind. “I think the experience that really drove them to see that film would probably define my idea of la dolce vita,” he says, “which is that you actually make your own choices about the culture that’s going to enrich your life. You go and then you have a wonderful glass of wine, maybe some beautiful food immediately after in the incredible surroundings of TIFF Bell Lightbox. I mean, I’m actually here several nights a week and incredibly happy to be here. It’s kind of like my dream home.” www.tiff.net www.dolcemag.com

PHOTO BY MARIS MEZULIS FOR TIFF

The Grace Kelly exhibition was also a smash, attracting both cinema veterans craving a glimpse into the Hollywood starlet’s world and fashionistas yearning for a taste of her celebrated sense of style. “We love that balance and we always try to find exhibitions that are going to attract multiple audiences,” says Cowan. This year that includes “Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style”, which examines the influence of the British spy thrillers on fashion, cars, technology and art. It opens on October 26, 2012.

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ut all those monumental evenings play second fiddle to the smaller, more meaningful instances. “You bring the director up and people just stand up and cheer and just love the fact that this artist is here in Toronto and has shown them an incredible piece of work,” Cowan says. He remembers a specific moment during his early days at the festival.

Priest, a provocative drama about a gay cleric struggling with his devotion and sexuality, had just faded to black, and Cowan took the stage. Before he could announce the director’s name, Antonia Bird, the crowd erupted. They cheered with unbridled support, some even rushing to the stage, embracing and thanking the overwhelmed director for creating such a powerful and poignant piece of work. “When you see moments like that,” he says, “you actually believe that film has the power to actually change the world.”

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UNITED ARTISTS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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hrough his nearly 15 years working with TIFF, Cowan has helped to not just bring elusive pictures to Torontonian film buffs, but also exhibitions that underline their cultural impact. Last year’s “Fellini: Spectacular Obsessions” showcase, for example, explored the history of the cerebral Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini and how he shaped the film industry, our ideologies and society as a whole.

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So it was a natural progression when he opted to get involved with the thenblossoming film festival. “I’m just a movie lover,” he says, recounting his early days working as a TIFF volunteer.

It was the mid-1980s; the festival was coming into its adolescence and beginning to gain acclaim on the global stage. It was “the hottest place to be,” he says, “I just wanted to be a part of it.” With a little luck and a lot of hard work, he eventually transitioned into a programmer role for the Midnight Madness portion of the event in ’89.

After taking a few years off in the ’90s to start his own company, Cowboy Pictures, Cowan returned in 2003 to assume the TIFF co-director position, and eventually, the artistic director role in 2008.

Jimmy Carter; a rendezvous with Sophia Loren, the Italian Hollywood starlet who “commanded the height of stardom for 50 years”; the wild night at Ryerson Theatre when the film reel for Borat exploded and Sacha Baron Cohen took the stage, in character, leaving the audience in stitches long before the first frame hit the screen. It’s all evoked with fond sensibilities.

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ALAN MICHELSON, TWOROW II, 2005.

PHOTO © NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA.

was exposed to “interesting, cultural people” regularly, further fanning the flames for his love of the arts.

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THE

l i e l o S u d e u q r i C DELIRIUM OF

WRITTEN BY MADELINE STEPHENSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOLCE PUBLISHING INC.

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ouring the headquarters of the world’s largest circus franchise is a lot like stumbling into the fantastical pages of a Roald Dahl classic. Simply substitute Willy Wonka for Guy Laliberté and a chimerical chocolate factory for Cirque du Soleil, and you have the genesis of a story so surreal, you wonder if it too might be fiction. With nearly 2,000 employees in-house, the Montreal-based command centre is the cornerstone for an international conglomerate that’s touched more than 100 million people in 300 cities with an artistic ingenuity that has juggled its way into an inimitable brand. Today, I play the role of Charlie.

“We call this alley ‘The Street’”, says publicist Marie-Noëlle Caron as she leads us down a hallway sidelined in corrugated steel panels. “It’s to remind us of where we come from,” she adds of a company that began at the dawn of the ’80s in a small town in Quebec City with a clique of 20 street performers. Before he became a renowned billionaire, Cirque du Soleil founder Laliberté was one of them. We duck into an opening on the left and enter a room known as the documentation centre. Filled with swelling bookshelves and DVDs, this is the pulse of the building, where artists and employees alike gather to get inspired. “When we did The Beatles’ “Love” tour, we pulled out everything that existed about [the band] so the creators – whether it was the director, the stage designer, the lighting director – could get direction,” she says.

Next, we head down a corridor past a concrete-coated cafeteria that’s bursting with natural light and designed,

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like the rest of the building, with raw materials intended to capture the essence of Cirque du Soleil’s early days. “Now we enter the workshops,” she says of a psychedelic realm where costumes are designed and conceived from head to toe. Artists’ shoes are made-to-measure from scratch by skilled artisans, while wigs are weaved one strand at a time by coiffeurs fitted on individual head moulds. Fabrics are dyed in massive vats and stirred by technicians with large wooden sticks before artists leave their legacies with whimsical brushstrokes.

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he day winds down with a special preview of an 11-minute performance that leaves us revved up. Uniting with its corporate partner Infiniti, Cirque du Soleil artists prepare to put on an unprecedented live streaming event that will incorporate the luxury auto brand’s latest crossover. If there is a world where cars can fly, it’s here. Five acrobats float from the ceiling, supporting themselves with the webs of long fuchsia fabric they’ve weaved. With one quick tug, they effortlessly fall in synchrony. The performance is ephemeral, but it captures the essence of Cirque du Soleil’s mission “to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world.”

In the words of Willy Wonka, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” Perhaps that’s the golden ticket. www.cirquedusoleil.com

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Simply substitute Willy Wonka for Guy Laliberté, and a chimerical chocolate factory for Cirque du Soleil, and you have the genesis of a story so surreal, you wonder if it too might be fiction.

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1. Cirque du Soleil artists gear up in studio for a live, online streaming performance featuring a flying Infiniti JX. 2. A wall of shoe moulds set the backdrop for a soulful artisan hard at work. 3. One brushstroke at a time, an artist leaves her mark on a soon-to-be Cirque du Soleil costume.

4. Dramatic makeup is essential so artists can be seen from afar.

5. An artist was commissioned by Guy Laliberté to design this innovative display from recycled Cirque du Soleil costumes. 6. Performers clown around during dress rehearsal for Le Voyage Inspiré by Infiniti JX. 7. Cirque du Soleil’s gift shop captures the art and soul of an empire.

8. A Cirque du Soleil employee shows off his rockabilly wardrobe. 9. Every shoe is made-to-measure in-house by seasoned cobblers. 10. A hair wig stylist focuses on the job ahead.

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EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE BEATLES’ DEBUT SINGLE, 50 YEARS AFTER ITS RELEASE.

LOVE, LOVE Me Do B

efore Beatlemania swept the globe and led the British Invasion onto American soil; before the Fab Four sold out Shea Stadium, setting concert attendance records, proving largescale outdoor concerts were viable and profitable; before Sgt. Pepper and his Lonely Hearts Club Band dabbled with mind-altering substances and reinvented the studio album, transforming it into a legitimate art form; before they became the world’s highest selling artists, and before that iconic rooftop concert on Apple Records – their last public performance as a group – one song set the stage for The Beatles’ triumphant rise: Love Me Do. It’s a heartfelt tune pleading for returned affection, introduced by John Lennon’s bluesy harmonica, set to an upbeat melody and a dawdling bass. “You know I love you,” Paul McCartney sings. “I’ll always be true,” he insists – a sentiment made all the more sincere with Lennon’s harmonizing support. It’s a simple song, first conceived in McCartney’s father’s basement during afternoons of skipped classes in the late 1950s. It was one of the earliest expeditions into song writing by the Lennon-McCartney partnership; unspectacular but theirs, and that’s what mattered.

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This silhouette of The Beatles was part of a 2011 Christie’s auction featuring previously never-published photos of the Fab Four. It sold for $68,500 US, while the total collection sold for $361,938 US.

“I think we sussed early on that we weren’t going to get anywhere unless we were different,” says McCartney in The Beatles Anthology, a collection of historical interviews, photos and quotes from and about the band.

“Because if you weren’t original, you could get stranded.”

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riginality, at the time, was as rare as a record deal. Bands of that era traditionally didn’t write their own music.

Their catalogues would consist heavily of covers by established musicians or songs composed by professional tunesmiths to match their style. The Beatles’ early repertoire, for example, was comprised of a variety of blues and R and B covers, including tracks

by Ray Charles, Little Richard, James Ray, Frank Ifield, Fats Waller and The Isley Brothers, among others. As The Beatles’ lead guitarist, the late George Harrison, explained in Anthology, “That was the thing to do if you didn’t have a tune: just rock up an oldie.”

But the boys didn’t want to be a fad, a one-hit wonder. And that meant composing originals. www.dolcemag.com

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or renowned Beatles expert Bruce Spizer, author of eight books on the band, including the recent Beatles For Sale on Parlophone Records, this is one of the most significant qualities of the iconic British rockers. “They never really played it safe,” he says, describing how each album was distinct, pushed the envelope and offered a spectrum of constantly changing tracks. When a new release belted through the radio, it was always an exciting time. From the modest teenage sentiments expressed in I Want to Hold Your Hand to the melancholic melody of Yesterday, to the dream-like journey through Strawberry Fields Forever to the smooth, gritty, urban vibe of Come Together, the experience was as magical as their Mystery Tour.

And it wasn’t just a case of innovation.

As Spizer explains, just months after the release of the drug-driven Magical Mystery Tour and nearly a year after their psychedelic masterpiece Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Lady Madonna hit the airwaves. It was clear-cut, piano-driven rock and roll.

“They certainly weren’t predictable,” he adds.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LIMITED 2012

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL

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ut before they could take music on a paradigm-shifting journey, the four lads from Liverpool needed a record deal. They spent years strumming and jamming and slumming it in small, seedy venues, trying to catch that big break. The most crucial time being their second stint in Hamburg, Germany.

They played for rowdy crowds of heavy rock-loving Germans, their gangster countrymen, drunken British solders and promiscuous women. Nights of bloody brawls, excessive drinking and 12-hour, preludin-fuelled performances – where they played one hour on, one hour off, often till the break of dawn, seven days a week – were standard.

They slept (when they slept) in a cold, dark storeroom conveniently located next to the ladies lavatory in the back of a local cinema, the Bambi Kino. It was the authentic rock ’n’ roll lifestyle personified. But after two months in squalor, the boys returned to English soil, gaunt and weary. While exhausting, these wild, marathon shows were essential to the boys’ musical tutelage.

Lennon, who passed away in 1980, is quoted in Anthology, saying, “It was Hamburg that did it. That’s where we really developed.”

It was also one of the first instances where they dared introduce their own work – a decision Lennon described as “quite traumatic.” They were already rocking out other artists’ tunes as tightly as the originators and the crowds adored it. Love Me Do “was the first one we dared do of our own,” he said. “We thought our numbers were a bit wet. But we gradually broke that down and decided to try them.”

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rian Epstein, who ran his father’s highly successful Liverpool music store, soon approached The Beatles, and they agreed to bring him on as their manager. He cleaned up their image, tossing out their preferred duds of leather jackets and blue jeans – a Marlon Brando look the boys emulated emphatically – for turtlenecks and slacks, and eventually matching suits.

If they wanted to make it they would also need to act more professionally:

no more swearing, eating or smoking onstage, and showing up on time for gigs was a must.

When The Beatles eventually made the leap to stardom, this clean-cut image was a major factor. Unlike the slick-haired, pelvis-thrusting Elvis – a man both Lennon and McCartney greatly admired and the reason for Lennon’s head-first dive into music – The Beatles were handsomely clad, non-threatening pop stars; appealing to both screaming teenage girls and their parents alike.

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ost importantly, Epstein’s suggestions paid off with an audition at Decca Records, a prominent British music label. Decca, however, rejected The Beatles. This infamous blunder – now simply known as the Decca Audition – is considered one of the most significant gaffes in the history of music. Luckily, Epstein quickly secured a second audition with EMI’s Parlophone label.

It was early June in 1962, when Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and their thendrummer Pete Best found themselves in EMI Studios (later renamed Abbey Road Studio in 1970) for their commercial test. They played an assortment of songs for producer George Martin, which included Love Me Do. “Love Me Do was the one that caught the attention of Martin,” says Spizer. Known for producing smaller acts – “scrag ends”, as McCartney describes – Martin had achieved only several minor successes.

But he took hold of the session and made several critical tweaks to Love Me Do. Initially, explains Spizer, the track was slower, but Martin felt upping the tempo would produce a superior sound.

He also reassigned the lead vocals from Lennon to McCartney so Lennon’s harmonica playing wouldn’t overlap with his singing.

While these moves improved the song, Martin and his team weren’t overly impressed with the audition; the weakest link being Pete Best’s inadequate drumming. The band had previously discussed replacing Best over his lack of ability, and his failings www.dolcemag.com

at the audition were enough to expedite the process. They cut him loose.

To fill the vacancy, The Beatles turned to whom they considered was one of the best drummers in Liverpool: Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr. Starr was drumming with Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, but had played past shows with The Beatles when Best couldn’t make a gig. He simply couldn’t pass up the chance to be part of a record. In a passage taken from Anthology, Starr says: “A piece of plastic was like gold, was more than gold. You’d sell your soul to get on a little record.”

The Beatles returned to EMI Studios on September 4, sans Best and with Ringo at the ready. Martin pitched a song written by tunesmith Mitch Murray titled How Do You Do It, instead of Love Me Do. The Beatles weren’t keen. “We listened to the demo and said, ‘It’s a hit, George, but we’ve got a song, Love Me Do’. George said, ‘I don’t think yours is such a big hit.’ We said, ‘Yes, but it is us, and it is what we’re about,’” says McCartney in Anthology. The boys reluctantly agreed, but played half-heartedly.

Martin also unenthusiastically let them record Love Me Do again with Ringo on the drums.

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ut Martin still felt the song wasn’t strong enough. He scheduled another recording session for September 11, where he left his assistant, Ron Richards, in charge. To the surprise of The Beatles, Richards brought in session drummer Andy White to guarantee a quality recording. “[Starr] was basically handed a tambourine for Love Me Do, which of course was a very awkward moment,” says Spizer. The Beatles, with White on drums, recorded Love Me Do a third time, but when the single was finally released on October 5, 1962 – with another one of their original songs, P.S. I Love You, on the B-side – the Starr version was used instead.

Interestingly enough, when The Beatles released their first album, Please Please Me in March 1963, the Andy White version was used.

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In the UK, Love Me Do was met with modest success. It reached 17th on the charts and sold roughly 17,000 copies in 1962, selling another 100,000 copies before it was deleted from EMI’s catalogue in the mid-1960s. Spizer estimates a near-mint, absolute first pressing of the single will fetch between $500 and $1,000 at auction. Not bad for a 50-yearold piece of vinyl.

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n the U.S., Capital Records had a right of first refusal for Love Me Do and passed on the single – another industry blooper. When Capital finally released it to anxious American fans in April 1964 – after two Beatles albums were already available in the UK, and only a few months before the release of their third, A Hard Day’s Night – the single vaulted to No. 1 on the charts and sold over a million copies. “I think the main thing that was really different about Love Me Do was the fact that here were The Beatles, in a kind of do-it-yourself situation, in a day when normally the producer picked a song that you would do,” says Spizer. “I think that was key.” Indeed, it was a bold stance, but after all, Picasso wasn’t a master because he painted by numbers.

Fifty years later, Love Me Do is still a song very much entwined in the Western ethos. It wasn’t an earth-shaking hit, but it introduced the band to a wider audience and primed eager music lovers for the oncoming storm of Beatlemania.

But most importantly, it was theirs: a legitimate creation, albeit a simple one, from the minds of young dreamers; a melody written from the heart, wrapped in the hopes of aspiring artists.

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oday, what is there to say about The Beatles that hasn’t already been said? They’re one of the most enduring and influential bands to ever strike a chord. They shattered sales records, selling more albums than Elvis, Madonna and Michael Jackson, made writing your own material an expectation and reinvented what it meant to be a musician. The re-release of Abbey Road, their 11th studio album, for example, has been the highest selling vinyl in the U.S. for the past three years, and they were forever immortalized on the digital screen when The Beatles: Rock Band was released for gaming consoles in 2009 – a further testament to their generationspanning longevity.

Every music lover has a favourite Beatles track – Spizer’s favourite hit being Hey Jude, popular album track being In My Life, and obscure song, “if there is such a thing”, being Across the Universe. Mine: I’ve Got a Feeling; the last great true collaboration between Lennon and McCartney. No band has influenced music and pop culture more than The Beatles, and it all started with a bluesy harmonica and the heartfelt crooning, “So plee-ee-ee-ese—love me do”.

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Craig. Daniel Craig.

This English-born actor has been the brand ambassador for Omega watches since 2010.

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WATCHING THE CLOCK HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD. WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

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1. L.U.C LUNAR ONE This limited-edition Chopard piece is made for the seasoned watch collector. Its 18-karat rose gold casing, alligator strap and traditional design make for a luxury timepiece that will never go out of style. www.loro.ca 2. OMEGA SEAMASTER Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond film is this collector’s timepiece. The Seamaster Driver 300M was worn by 007 in five of the popular films, and has been reworked for this special occasion. www.loro.ca 3. I-GUCCI This sports watch is ideal for casual wear. Stylish and simple with a sleek black dial and rubber strap, it’s a must-have item for your weekend wardrobe. www.birks.com 4. SPIRIT OF AMERICA LADY LIBERTY With a work of art right on the dial, it’s no surprise that there are only 10 of these unique timepieces available. Drink the spirit of America with this aerospace-grade titanium watch. www.koboldwatch.com 5. IWC BIG PILOT’S WATCH Designed in honour of Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday, this watch includes a special signature engraving from the world-famous boxer. It is complete with an 18-karat white gold case and was auctioned off at this year’s Celebrity Fight Night. www.iwc.com 6. SONATA CATHEDRAL DUAL TIME With an instant time zone adjuster, this Ulysse Nardin watch is a great match for the avid traveller. Masculine features surrounded by a white gold casing make it a versatile timepiece. www.laswiss.com

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Brian Williams, CTV sports broadcaster and Canadian host for the Summer Olympics 2012 stands in the CTV Newsroom.

THE DEAN OF OLYMPIC BROADCASTING In preparation for the 2012 Games, Brian Williams reflects on his career.

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE MILNS

It’s all about research,” says CTV sports broadcaster Brian Williams as he pulls from his bag a sizable folder bursting with documents.

He shuffles through page after page of newspaper clippings and printed information, rhyming off all the significant facts and amusing tidbits he’ll keep at a mental arm’s reach for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

“London: it’s the first city to host three Olympics: 1908, 1948 and 2012,” he says. Right. “Canada’s last medal in a [traditional] team sport in the Summer Olympics was the men’s basketball in 1936 in Berlin,” he adds. Really?

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“Nineteen-o-eight: the first games to include a parade of athletes.” That started in London? Interesting. “The Queen also opened the ’76 games in Canada [Montreal]. So she will be the first head of state to open two Olympic games.” I didn’t know that, either.

The list goes on. And on. I’ve been told that Williams is a literal fountain of knowledge, and the man does not disappoint. His insight to “the ultimate live event in television” is profound, seemingly intuitive and unquestionably overwhelming. But what else would you expect from the “dean” of Olympic broadcasting? After all, you don’t www.dolcemag.com

become one of the most decorated names in Canadian journalism by phoning it in. “With London, history is so important … These are things you can’t learn the night before,” says Williams, who was appointed to the Order of Canada last year, and received the Sports Media Canada’s Outstanding Sports Broadcasting award for his role in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Unlike North America’s big name sports – football, hockey, baseball, etc., – you can’t just be an expert on one event. At the Olympics, you really need to be a jack-of-all-trades. “You not only have to know track and field,” Williams says, “you’ve got to know boxing, you’ve got to know rowing, you’ve got to know canoe/kayak.” And that’s just the Summer Games. “You have to have information at your fingertips,” adds the 65 year old, and without the help of his team – he gives full-credit to Marc LeBlanc and Paul Harrington – his award-winning coverage wouldn’t nail the dismount. “When you’re doing the Olympics, it’s like a final exam – if you’re studying the night before it’s not going to work.”

And Williams should know: This will be the 14th Olympics he’s covered; he’s been at it since 1976. Even after 36 years, he still succumbs to Olympic fever. “Think about it: 204 nations, 10,500 athletes. There is an excitement. London will be alive.”

“It’s intimidating, too,” he quickly adds.

Throughout his prestigious career, he’s learned that at the Olympics, you come to expect the unexpected.

There’s a whirlwind of activity at all times and you need to constantly be on your toes. The death of the Georgian luger in Vancouver, 2010; the bombing in Atlanta, Georgia, 1996; the Ben Johnson steroid scandal in Seoul, South Korea, 1988 – it can hit at a moment’s notice, and as a broadcaster, you have to put it into context. “Athletes have been disqualified in the past,” says the eight-time Gemini award-winner, recalling, in true broadcasting fashion, the morning he was awoken with the

“For me, it’s not my favourite [moment], but it’s certainly my most memorable.”

So, what is Brian Williams’ favourite?

“Probably Ali,” he says, describing the scene at the 1996 games in Atlanta.

At every Olympics, there’s always speculation as to who will light the flame; Williams thought maybe Coretta Scott King, maybe Evander Holyfield, to showcase the new American South, one beyond racism. “Well nobody guessed – they cut to him, and there’s the great man. It’s Muhammad Ali!” Williams immediately began retelling Ali’s tale from the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy, where he won gold as a light heavyweight. But when he returned home to Louisville, Kentucky, he was denied service at a restaurant because of the colour of his skin. He walked down to the river between Indiana and Kentucky, and in a courageous gesture, threw his medal into the water. “Here’s a person of colour, here’s a person with a physical handicap, Parkinson’s [disease], doing this job and he did it with such dignity I had tears in my eyes. Muhammad Ali was, and remains to this day, one of my heroes.”

And then there’s always the heartfelt moments, too. He remembers interviewing Clara Hughes, a Canadian and the only athlete in Olympic history to win multiple medals in both the summer and winter games. At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, she pledged to donate her entire savings to Right to Play, a charity where Hughes is an athlete advisor and Williams is also on the board of directors, if she won a gold medal. She did. And she did. “She had only, like, $10,000 or something, I can’t remember the figure. She wins gold in speed skating and donates it to

PHOTO COURTSEY OF CANADA’S OLYMPIC BROADCAST MEDIA CONSORTIUM

news about the Canadian sprinter, “but this wasn’t the same as Stockholm in 1912 with the great American Jimmy Thorpe.” This was the men’s 100 metre, the centrepiece of the games. “I just came up and said, ‘Good morning, there’s been a positive drug test involving Ben Johnson,’ and we went for the next several hours reacting to the story.”

CTV’s Brian Williams shakes hands with NBC’s Brian Williams during a feature at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.

Right to Play, inspiring donations from Canadians in excess of $700,000.”

The memories continue to roll. Joannie Rochette winning bronze in figure skating in Vancouver only days after her mother passed away. Meeting his American namesake, NBC’s Brian Williams, at Vancouver in 2010. “He was so respectful of Canada,” Williams says. “He’s a great journalist. He’s just a class act.” Or when he met the late Vasily Alekseyev, the Russian super-heavyweight weightlifter, at his first Olympics in Montreal, 1976.

“He had two steaks and a dozen eggs for breakfast,” Williams says with a chuckle. “I’ll never forget that.”

“So many great, great moments like that.”

While he reminisces about all the victories, defeats, highs and lows, he’s also fearlessly outspoken. He’s critical of the International Olympic Committee for never paying proper respect to the Israeli athletes killed during the Munich massacre at the 1972 Olympics.

Williams, a father of three daughters, also feels it’s “sinful” that Saudi Arabia is allowed to compete when they don’t permit women on their team. “I just think it’s wrong. It’s 2012, we’re not in the 1800s anymore, and I’m prepared to say that.”

“I believe that people, the viewer, is not stupid. And I believe that there has to www.dolcemag.com

be integrity involved,” says Williams, who also holds an honourary doctor of humane letters from Aquinas College, the Michigan school where he graduated as a history and political science major.

“Ken Reid [a retired Canadian Olympic alpine skier] once said to me, ‘It’s not just about athletic ability, but it’s about integrity, respecting the rules.’ And I think that if we expect the athletes to be like that, than I have to be like that as a broadcaster.”

After Canada’s monumental success at Vancouver, winning 26 total medals, including 14 gold, Williams is optimistic. “I sense the country is more enthused about the Olympics,” he says. “There’s a new confidence.” And why shouldn’t there be: a strong dollar and a steady economy are all sources of pride. There’s hope that our athletes can outdo their 2008 performance in Beijing, where 18 medals were awarded to the Great White North, including three gold. “Medals matter,” he says, but not just for the victory.

Williams points to the bigger picture.

“When Kyle Shewfelt won a gold medal in gymnastics in Athens, the Calgary gymnastics club was lined up with new young members the next day.” It’s a trickle-down effect, he explains. And this year, he’s looking to athletes like Mary Spencer, an aboriginal boxer, to make a splash. If she wins a medal, like she’s predicted to, she’ll be an inspiration for today’s First Nations’ youth, “and I think that’s so important to our country.” www.ctvolympics.ca DOLCE VITA MAGAZINE

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BEYOND

WORDS MALCOLM GLADWELL RISES TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WRITERS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

PHOTO BY BILL WADMAN

WRITTEN BY MADELINE STEPHENSON

Acclaimed author, speaker and The New Yorker staff writer Malcolm Gladwell is a man of his words.

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or a man who’s written a bestselling book on the power of first impressions, you could say that Malcolm Gladwell has an unfair advantage tonight. He’s back in his former stomping ground, under the lights of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, to accept an award for his groundbreaking literary accolades.

Standing solo, the internationally revered writer’s wild tresses are a drop of oil in a sea of black-ties at the sold-out University of the West Indies (UWI) Benefit Gala. Gladwell appears coy, considering he’s coined some of the most-talked-about maxims of our decade, and yet the cliques of cummerbunds and couture gowns can’t unfasten their gaze from the modestly clad, withdrawn wordsmith. They wait anxiously for a breath of insight.

As the author of Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, it’s reasonable to call Gladwell a pundit of perception. But when asked how he would perceive himself at first glance, the writer can’t seem to find the right words. “I don’t know, I mean … it’s so hard for me to figure out how I’m perceived by others,” he says from his home base in New York City, a few weeks prior to the event. “I know that I’m a little bit reserved and I hope some of my passion for what I do would come across.” As an afterthought, he carries on to do what he’s become known for: sifting through life’s scientific, sociological ambiguities that are often difficult to swallow, leaving us with something deliciously digestible.

“One of the things we do know from psychology is that we’re not very accurate in terms of our understanding of how we come across. Our sense of who we are and other’s impressions of us could be very different,” says the

48 year old. And yet, he couldn’t have illustrated a more accurate portrayal.

Many of the attendees tonight already know Gladwell through some degree of separation or another. They’ve either pored through his four bestselling books – Outliers, The Tipping Point, Blink or What the Dog Saw – read his transformative articles in The New Yorker, or like mutual fund magnate Raymond Chang, have met him at one of the dozens of speaking engagements he gives annually. “He is an amazing person. He can take an idea that you’d never think of, but once he presents it, it’s so obvious. The first question that comes to mind is, ‘Now why didn’t I think of it?’” says Chang.

His sentiment bounces off the walls.

“Malcolm Gladwell is probably one of our most creative thinkers in modern times,” says Nigel Harris, UWI’s vice-chancellor. “His way of looking at the world is absolutely different.

He is just a marvellous generator of discussion and new ideas,” he adds, bringing testimony to one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

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ladwell, who reads an average of 100 books a year, has spent most of his adult years observing the world and seeking novel explanations for life’s big and little phenomena. How did The Beatles become such outrageous superstars?

Was Bill Gates really the gatekeeper to his tech triumphs? Why are most professional hockey players born in January, February and March? By dissecting historically significant success stories in Outliers, he flicked a light switch on in the nebulous stairway that once used talent, passion and IQ www.dolcemag.com

“HE JUST LOVES THE CLEVER WORD AND THE CLEVER THOUGHT AND THE CLEVER TWISTED PHRASE, AND HE’S BLOODY, BLOODY GOOD AT IT.” – Jim Balsillie

as its sole method of ascent. Perhaps there’s more to it, he argues. “The tallest oak in the forest is the tallest not just because it grew from the hardiest acorn; it is the tallest also because no other trees blocked its sunlight, the soil around it was deep and rich, no rabbit chewed through its bark as a sapling, and no lumberjack cut it down before it matured,” he writes. This ecological analogy sets the stage for a riveting book that debunks society’s uncomplicated explanation of success, and urges that hidden advantages, unparalleled opportunities, geography, birthdates and parental inheritances deserve far more credit. “I have become much more obsessed with the role of good fortune and good luck.”

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n outlier himself, Gladwell attributes many of these themes to his own success. “I think I’ve been the beneficiary of an enormous number of advantages.” He traces it back to a series of remarkable opportunities presented to his Jamaican grandmother Daisy, who in turn, was able to send her daughter Joyce to a university in England, where she met Graham, a fellow student. They later married and gave birth to Gladwell.

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Settling into the tiny southwestern Ontario town of Elmira when he was six, Gladwell continued along a path paved with possibilities. “I got into a really extraordinary community where my family – a mixed-race family – was accepted without even a hint of prejudice. That was gift No. 1: to be treated as a human and not as a kind of oddity, or an object of disdain or hatred,” says Gladwell, who’s mother would sometimes let him stay home from school to read. A second gift came in the form of having a mathematician father and a psychotherapist mother, who taught him the value of clarity. “I can remember doing math homework with my father and the first thing he would do is take my notebook where I’d scribbled a million different notes and just start with a fresh page. He’d say, ‘Start over and do this as simply and clearly as you can.’”

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here is another cogent link in the chain of success that warrants a mention, a now popular theorem he presents as the 10,000-hour-rule in Outliers. It’s a principle that suggests success is a product of practice, 10,000 hours, or approximately 10 years, to be precise. Along with Gates and The Beatles, Gladwell is a testament to it.

In fact, he vividly remembers the day his practice finally made perfect. It was Dec. 7, 1993, and news of a commuter train massacre was about to shock Long Island, NY. As a reporter for the Washington Post, Gladwell was on the scene. The only tools he had were his memory, and a decade of experience working in the field. He phoned the newspaper’s New York bureau and began telling the story, formally dictating a 2,000-word, front-page piece “just off the top of my head,” he says. His account of details makes you want to inspect his back for a dragon tattoo, for only the late Stieg Larsson could have imagined a character quite like him. “I did not have that talent when I started, but after 10 years I did.” Detonating his well-deserved aplomb, he quickly interrupts himself. “Yeah, I can no longer do that, by the way,” he laughs.

Looking back, Gladwell remembers arriving at the Washington Post as a 54

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raw reporter that often took weeks to complete a story, seven days just to write two paragraphs in at least one instance.

“I was incredibly slow and halting, and didn’t know what I was doing. I think that it’s no coincidence that the great storytellers are so often people who are real sort of veterans, you know, we’ve been writing for a long time to master the demands of storytelling,” says Gladwell, who spends time studying the work of Michael Lewis, one of the authors he admires. “Great storytelling is patient: it allows the story to unfold at its own pace, but in order to write with patience, you have to have an awful lot of confidence.”

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omeone who has witnessed Gladwell’s personal story unfold over the years is Jim Balsillie, former Research in Motion coCEO. “For sure, happy to talk about Malcolm,” writes the-then BlackBerry board member in an email. We arrange to speak over the phone while he’s en route to a meeting. For a man who’s been steering away from a recent maelstrom of media attention, he seems eager to talk about his old friend. His phone call arrives right on time, 8:30 a.m. on a Thursday morning. “We were a bunch of kids trying to make our way, and you know, no one more than Malcolm,” he says, noting that Gladwell still looks just the same 32 years later. The two met at University of Toronto’s Trinity College in the early ’80s, where they would spend four years together attending classes, being dorm neighbours, jogging, partying, and eating breakfast, lunch and dinner side-by-side, sometimes seven days a week.

Balsillie has an internal scrapbook of memories filled with good times spent with Gladwell, but nothing seems to stir him more than looking back on their intense backgammon games, often 10 a day. “He beat me like 925 games to 875 … he was like, ‘Let’s call it the ‘juggernaut,’” says Balsillie, admitting he didn’t know the meaning of the word back then. “I was like, ‘Oh great idea,’ and we laughed and then I’d have to go into the dictionary.” Though Gladwell majored in history, Balsillie www.dolcemag.com

says there were obvious signs of a word master in the making, especially when his newsletter for the Trinity football team became a hit. “He would parody in the most hilarious way, all of the sort of extensive sports clichés, so it became this overly earnest, hilarious, funny written report.” In terms of his accomplishments, Balsillie couldn’t be prouder of Gladwell, who he continues to call a good friend. “He’s a really good guy and he’s very good-natured and I think he just loves the clever word and the clever thought and the clever twisted phrase, and he’s bloody, bloody good at it.”

These days, Gladwell stays inspired by the buzz of public spaces. His morning ritual begins in the organic coffee shop Grounded in New York City, where he’s penning his next book slated for release in 2013. “Very, very broadly, it’s about power,” he says, reluctant to elaborate. His life is a sweet one, but when it comes to defining the source of it he wavers once again. “I don’t know.

I guess I would say that I just try to stay curious, and I think the sweet life is a balanced life.”

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t the end of our conversation, I inform Gladwell that we share the same birthday, September, 3rd. I’m not at all sure what that means or why it’s relevant, but given the nature of his work I feel as though he might have some profound explanation for it. “Well then, we share the same strengths and weaknesses,” he says.

For a second, I imagine what life would be like if only that were true.

Gladwell accepts his award with the wordplay he’s become renowned for in literary circles.The bashful writer and speaker who was standing coyly at the centre of the VIP room just a few hours ago is now centre stage in a large reception hall, causing the crowd to swell with laughter. “I was told that I have three minutes, but I wasn’t told whether that’s a Jamaican three minutes or a Canadian three minutes,” he jokes. First impressions are powerful, but Gladwell proves it’s a lasting impression that prevails. www.gladwell.com

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FROM INFINITI TO THE WORLD

ʕऺFORMULA ONE SHANGHAI

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magine what heaven would sound or smell like. For a Formula One fan like myself, I can now say I’ve heard the roar and smelled the fumes.

The Japanese luxury automotive brand Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team hosted Dolce Vita Magazine at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai for an informative and in-depth look at what happens behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prestigious auto racing events.

Ever since I can remember, I understood that Formula One was a big deal.

Now, I know that it’s incredibly huge. The level of organizing and the logistics involved to ensure every race weekend becomes a reality is fascinating. When one gets to be a part of an event of such magnitude from a backstage vantage point, it becomes a different experience – an eye-opener, if you will. From walking along the pit row before the qualifying session and seeing all the different teams work on their cars, to the opportunity of being in the Red Bull Racing garage listening to the team principals communicate last-minute adjustments that could possibly improve lap times by hundredths of a second; 56

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Photo opportunity for the World Press as the Red Bull car comes into the pits after hot laps.

to enjoying drinks and gourmet food at the Formula One Paddock Club.

Infiniti partnered with Red Bull Racing in March 2011 to establish its brand as a global luxury automotive marque that consumers around the world could associate with and recognize. Shortly thereafter, Infiniti announced Sebastian Vettel, reigning Formula One world champion, as the brand’s global ambassador.

It’s hard to imagine why Infiniti would need to raise awareness for

PHOTO BY LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

WRITTEN BY SERGIO SOSA

its brand. After all, the curvy, sleek look of Infiniti luxury vehicles is a common sight on Canadian roads. But the Infiniti brand is still considered young, especially in China, the No. 1 car market in the world.

1 Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel zips through the track at full speed.

“One of the motivations behind us investing in the Formula One is that it gives us that global status, [people] know Formula One – they associate Monaco with glamour. Therefore, Infiniti must be a big brand,” says corporate vice-president of global marketing communications at Infiniti Simon Sproule, who adds that the brand has set a global sales goal of 500,000 units to be sold by 2016.

Another vehicle inspired by the science that is the world of Formula One is the Infiniti Emerg-E concept, recently making its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Described as “400 wild horses in a silky dress”, this super-fast ride has all the makings of becoming the sports car of the future.

Focused on growth and expansion in markets across the world, Infiniti works diligently to provide consumers with automobiles that best serve the needs of such markets.

For the North American markets, Infiniti recently launched the JX model, a seven-seat versatile and elegant luxury vehicle for the modern

PHOTO BY VICTOR FRAILE

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© 2012 INFINITI

Designed by Infiniti’s top designer Shiro Nakamura and with engine, styling and aerodynamic features worthy of a Formula One double world champion, only 200 of these amazing crossovers will be crafted and are to be sold across Europe, Russia and the Middle East, starting this September.

1 Sergio Sosa of Dolce Vita outside the Red Bull Racing garage in Shanghai for the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix. 2 Representing Infiniti, Sebastian Vettel, current F1 double world champion, and Celina Jade practice the art of kung fu.

3 The F1 cars park for final inspection by officials after the race.

4 Sebastian Vettel at the unveiling of the Vettel version FX at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

5 The recently unveiled Infiniti Emerge-E concept – an electrifying super car. © 2012 INFINITI

As the partnership continues to grow, so does the collaboration between the racing team and the car manufacturer. The results of such teamwork include cars with Formula One Inspired Performance, such as the FX Sebastian Vettel version. This limited-edition version of the FX50 is the most powerful and most exclusive Infiniti to-date.

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family. Produced in Tennessee, it showcases the very rigorous standards that define the brand. It’s also the only Infiniti model built outside of Japan.

For the near future, the LE model, an all-electric, four-door sedan with all the luxury, looks and performance we have come to expect from Infiniti, was recently introduced at the New York International Auto Show. The car, ready for production in 2014, also features great technological advancements in the fields of electric battery and wireless charging. Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan, is the corporation that currently sets the standards for all others to follow in the field of electric vehicles.

As our Infiniti Formula One experience nears the finish line, the grand event ends with the Red Bull Racing team finishing fourth and fifth on the grid. Perhaps not the outcome for which the team worked so hard for, but nevertheless, a learning experience for the next race, the following Sunday in Bahrain.

The Red Bull Racing team takes its experiences and tries to learn and improve from them, and so does Infiniti. I walked away with the knowledge and understanding of science as a sport, and how millions of lives are touched and inspired by it. www.infiniti.ca, www.formula1.com www.dolcemag.com

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Ontario icewine gets a taste of Mother Nature.

WRITTEN BY SIMONA PANETTA

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1. Kissed by winter’s frost, hearty Vidal grapes endure winter’s frost. 2. Casks of icewine ferment in a barrel cellar. 3. Ideal with dessert, icewine’s sweet taste also complements a variety of fruits and savoury meals.

In

the dead of a winter’s night gripped by an icy breath, we hunker down by the fireplace, dreaming of heated days with good company and great wine. Yet it’s these dreaded conditions that help to sweeten our summer, when frigid hours of darkness provide an opportune time for winemakers to produce a favoured Canadian luxury. It’s a magical experience dictated by the weather, with last year’s unusual winter delivering bittersweet conclusions.

“Most years we pick very easily, but it was just such a mild winter that we didn’t have many choices – we picked when we could,” says Charles Pillitteri of Pillitteri Estates Winery, the largest estate producer of icewine in the world, exporting its product to 32 countries. The CEO and president of the family run success story adds that on an average year, the château will produce anywhere from 700 up to 1,000 tonnes of icewine, but the winter of 2011 generated half of that number.

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“We didn’t get everything we wanted because we didn’t have enough cold days … but the consumer is going to be happy with the quality overall.”

Icewine is an intense, first-rate summer staple produced from frozen grape varieties that are picked by hand or with a harvesting machine at nighttime.

Ontario’s Niagara region, heralded around the world for its ideal climate, is considered the leading producer of the premium dessert wine. Necessary requirements for icewine production in Canada include grapes picked at a temperature of -8 C between the months of December through to March, and a minimum sugar content of 35 Brix. The intricate process is verified by the regulatory body VQA Ontario, which is responsible for testing and certifying Ontario wines and label claims.

According to Gina Ressler, a meteriologist at The Weather Network, only eight nights in December 2011 www.dolcemag.com

to March 2012 registered the ideal temperature of -8 C, compared to 28 nights of that temperature in the winter of 2010-11.“From a Canadian perspective, we virtually didn’t have a winter this year. I wouldn’t say it was extreme by any stretch, but there were moments when we were certainly getting a little frustrated with Mother Nature, hoping she would be able to change her trajectory,” says Brian Schmidt, winemaker and vice-president of Vineland Estates Winery.

Despite last winter’s mild winter temperatures, which minimized the number of days available to harvest, VQA executive director Laurie MacDonald explains that production numbers are also affected by the size of a winery’s crop, its decisions of when to pick and the location of its vineyards. “I know there was a lot of anxiety among the producers because they had less time this year to harvest; less ‘windows of opportunity’ when the temperature was less than -8 C but last winter was not like that,” she says, adding that Ontario icewine juice registered for the 2011 vintage was more than 600,000 litres, up considerably from 2010.

“What we see from our perspective as a regulator is that the icewine business is still very strong.”

Schmidt praises the thick-skinned grape variety Vidal for sustaining icewine production last winter, whereas sensitive varieties such as Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc weren’t as resilient.

“We definitely saw some loss of production, in some cases 20 to 30 per cent, or so.” A third-generation wine grower, Schmidt is all-too-familiar with the hardship and acclaim that comes with making Canada’s famed icewine.

“There were challenges, absolutely, but we have challenges every year – it’s just a part of winemaking.”

www.winecountryontario.ca www.pillitteri.com www.vqaontario.com www.vineland.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINE COUNTRY ONTARIO

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

DINING

Watch this scene come to life at www.citylifeTV.ca w

ALFRESCO

A fresh summer breeze beckons you outdoors. For an unforgettable backyard affair, let conversation blossom over stunning décor and delicious fare.

PRODUCED BY PUSATERI’S FINE FOODS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE MILNS

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www.pusateris.com GRILLED AHI TUNA WITH A CHERRY TOMATO AVOCADO SALSA

Recipe designed for Dolce Magazine’s “Dining Alfresco” by executive chef Tony Cammalleri of Pusateri’s Fine Foods.

SALSA INGREDIENTS 50 grams cherry tomatoes cut in half 50 grams Persian cucumber, de-seeded 50 grams ripe avocado 30 grams celery 25 grams red onion 25 grams red pepper 1 teaspoon cilantro, chopped ½ piece chili, chopped 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey 1 ear of corn grilled, then kernels cut off ear by knife 1 large lime, juiced / Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Chop all vegetable ingredients into ½ cm cubes.

2. Mix all together with the wet ingredients. Marinate and season with salt and pepper.

For best results, make at least 2 hours in advance.

GRILLED AHI TUNA INGREDIENTS 1 lb Ahi tuna sushi grade, cracked peppercorns, Kosher salt, olive oil DIRECTIONS 1. Cut tuna into 1.5 inch squared strips.

2. Crack peppercorns with bottom of frying pan or use a food processor on pulse (medium grind) and season tuna with pepper, salt and olive oil.

3. Grill at high temperature, 25 – 30 seconds each side. Serve rare.

4. Slice and serve with salsa.

The Grilled Ahi Tuna dish may be served plain or in taco shells. For more of Pusateri’s mouth-watering recipes designed for Dolce’s “Dining Alfresco”, please visit www.dolce.ca www.dolcemag.com

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SO FAR, SO GOOD FROM FRANCE TO SINGAPORE,

INTERNATIONAL CHEF SUSUR LEE RETURNS FROM A CULINARY JAUNT TEEMING WITH NEW IDEAS. WRITTEN BY SUSUR LEE

From Left: Chef Susur Lee’s caramelized black cod with Cantonese preserves; Oyster caesar; Singaporean style slaw.

This spring, while I was in Singapore, I had an opportunity to exchange recipes and cooking techniques for five days with chef Michel Sarran, who owns and 60

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operates the highly respected Michel Sarran restaurant in Toulouse, France.

I picked up a couple of valuable tips from Michel, especially in the dessert repertoire. Michel is a fan of molecular cuisine, and he taught me a terrific almond-based dessert that is featherlight and has a spectacular colour: we call it the “Jade Madeleine.” In Singapore, Michel and I also improvised a dessert that combined French pastry techniques with the traditional Asian www.dolcemag.com

sweet dumpling. We made a crispy Chinese doughnut filled with rum-andchestnut purée, served with an espresso coffee sauce. It’s a delicious explosion in your mouth!

One recurring observation I made over the last few months, while travelling through North America and Asia, is that dining trends are following global patterns of social activity. People won’t select a restaurant based on the food alone; they’re seeking a complete and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAULA WILSON

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ince I spend a good deal of my time travelling and cooking, I’m not too pressured to hunt for new ideas or dishes – I usually find them in the local ingredients of the countries that I visit, or through the chefs who are sharing the kitchen with me.

“RECIPES THAT ARE VERY BUTTERY AND CREAMY REALLY DON’T INTEREST ME THAT MUCH – NOT BECAUSE OF THE EXTRA CALORIES, BUT BECAUSE WHEN YOU’RE TOO FULL, YOU CANNOT TASTE GOOD COOKING.” – Susur Lee beef tartares, carpaccio and bresaola.

I learned several wonderful ceviche and escabiche recipes from Miami chef Douglas Rodrigues last year, when he visited Toronto as my guest chef.

This June, my restaurant Lee will be offering a spring menu that concentrates on fresh seasonal ingredients and local produce. There will be my signature watermelon salad, soft-shell crab, and B.C. spotted prawns steamed in the shell to retain their juices, and served with calamansi-chili-soy dip.

Lee Restaurant rests along a buzzing King Street West.

integrated experience. Diners are discriminating about the ambience of the room, the décor and lighting, the quality (and volume!) of music, the table settings, the “buzz” at the bar. Consciously and subconsciously, people want sensory pleasures from their dining environment. They’re looking for a “vibe.”

I’ll be opening a new restaurant called Bent in Toronto sometime this summer, and I’m excited about a new menu

concept that I’m calling “Asian bar crudo.” My eldest son, Levi, who has been working with me in the business for two years now, is crazy about seafood, and he’s persuaded me to do more of it.

A raw bar typically serves oysters, but my menu will be more expansive.

I’m going to mix and match European and Asian dishes, both seafood and meat. There will be Japanese ceviche and Peruvian sashimi, seafood and www.dolcemag.com

PHOTO BY THE TUNGLOK GROUP

My kitchens, both Lee and the new establishment, will focus on healthconscious dishes that are flavourful and light. Recipes that are very buttery and creamy really don’t interest me that much – not because of the extra calories, but because when you’re too full, you cannot taste good cooking.

SUSUR LEE GUEST FOOD EDITOR International chef Susur Lee is perhaps best-known to Toronto diners for his hot King Street West restaurant Lee, but this culinary mastermind also stands behind Zentan in Washington, D.C. and Chinois By Susur Lee in Singapore. In 2010, he became a sensation on the Food Network’s Top Chef Master, where he bested 20 competitors.

Chef Susur Lee recently returned from a cooking excursion at My Humble House in Singapore, and a guest stint at the Lucky Rice festival in New York City. Curious epicureans should look out for his next venture, Bent, at 777 Dundas St. West this summer. www.susur.com

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HONING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL

VISION IN A POST-RECESSION WORLD WRITTEN BY COLLEEN MCMORROW

I’ve

said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s no one, single entrepreneurship gene. But there are a number of commonalities that entrepreneurial game-changers seem to possess. These are people imbued, it seems, with the power to create businesses and solutions that propel the market forward. These commonalities, or core traits, don’t change much, despite the dramatic economic upheaval we’ve seen over the last few years.

In 2011, Ernst & Young polled close to 1,000 award-winning entrepreneurs globally to find out exactly what emboldens them to see ideas everywhere, and to act on them. A resounding 76 per cent of those surveyed said great entrepreneurs are the architects of their own visions, and cited vision as their own top quality. They agreed that to succeed, a vision must be owned by investors, customers, suppliers and everyone the organization touches – with the entrepreneurial leader helping them picture the end result.

Canada Goose president and CEO Dani Reiss is a prime example. His clear vision for the third-generation extreme outerwear company he now leads has taken the business to new heights and made it a premier global brand.

Refusing to deviate from his “Made in Canada” vision, Reiss’s products are now keeping customers warm in countries around the world.

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Left to Right: Ernst & Young’s Canadian entrepreneurial services leader, Colleen McMorrow, president and CEO of Canada Goose Inc., Dani Reiss, and Trent Henry, chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young Canada.

Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté accepts his award for World Entrepreneur of the Year in June 2007. He’s the only Canadian to have won this award.

This June, he’ll take that vision to Monte Carlo in hopes of winning Ernst & Young’s coveted World Entrepreneur of The Year Award for 2012. When he crosses the stage, he’ll be following in the footsteps of like-minded – or likevisioned – Canadian entrepreneurs such as Cirque Du Soleil’s Guy Laliberté.

From a handful of street performers to a globally recognized entertainment icon like no other, Laliberté’s vision created something different, changing the game for entertainers from Montreal to Las Vegas to Moscow.

Laliberté won the World Entrepreneur of The Year title in June 2007, and continues to build on his vision with a diverse team of artists representing 100 occupations, 50 nationalities and 25 languages.

Whether your vision is big and bold in scale – like Reiss’s and Laliberté’s – or seemingly smaller but amazingly (and most importantly) useful and inventive, owning it is a positive step in the right entrepreneurial direction.

In the nearly 20 years since we launched the Entrepreneur of The Year Awards in Canada, I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating so many visionaries. From Robert DeLuce of Porter Airlines to James Temerty of Northland Power, from Craig and Mark Kielberger of Free The Children to Peter Gilgan of Mattamy www.dolcemag.com

Homes, from Cam Heaps and Greg Taylor of Steamwhistle Brewing to Jane Hope and Paul Lavoie of Taxi – no matter the scope, size or scale of their endeavour, they all shared one thing: an unequivocal commitment to their vision.

And in a world that’s still struggling to regain its footing from the economic downturn, knowing and owning your vision are the two most important qualities an entrepreneur can have.

So nurture your vision. Tweak it.

Think about how it lines up to your customers’ needs and desires. Work on it. Polish it. Share it with the people you need to convince of it. Tinker with it. And when you’re ready, start executing it with the same laser-focus you used to first conceive it. A strong vision isn’t the only key to unlocking entrepreneurial success. But it’s the foundation, the footing and the base – all rolled into one. With the right blueprint for executing it, there’s no telling just how far you can go.

COLLEEN McMORROW GUEST BUSINESS EDITOR Colleen McMorrow is Ernst & Young’s entrepreneurial services leader in Canada and national director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Regional galas will take place across Canada in October 2012, and the national gala will follow.

For exact dates and locations, visit www.ey.com/ca/eoy

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1. Participants get ready to rev their engines for the Rally for Kids with Cancer.

2. Actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria poses with Nicole Waddell at one of last year’s events.

3. CEO and president of Solutions with Impact Inc. Joel Hock and television and film actor Kurt Russell come together to support a great cause. 4. Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, honorary co-chairs of the Rally for Kids with Cancer event.

FUNDRAISING THE

BAR

Getting involved and making a difference is more than just buying a ticket.

WRITTEN BY JOEL HOCK

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here is no strict formula or recipe to follow when creating a successful fundraiser – it isn’t like baking a cake. In fact, mimicking the herd is what led to the industry’s most stagnant period. Starting in the early 1990s, and lasting for nearly a decade, virtually every event – regardless of whether it was a corporate initiative or fundraiser – became indistinguishable, and therefore, forgettable.

As ticket-and-table galas began dominating the event space, black-tie lost its lustre. Worse yet, charitable foundations failed to utilize their most ardent supporters in fundraising, failing to see the vast potential beyond tickets and silent auctions. Commoditization killed the formal wear gala, forever altering the way corporations brand their events and charitable foundations promote their causes.

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Today, our initiatives aim to take proven elements and combine them with fresh, innovative and creative formats.

Imaginative concepts, which allow participants to get their hands dirty, have proven to be extremely enjoyable and successful. Prime examples include the Rally for Kids with Cancer (SickKids Foundation), www.dolcemag.com

Strike Out Cancer and Chef’s Challenge (Mount Sinai Hospital).

The Rally, which entwines exotic cars and celebrities with a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt, exemplifies how exciting themes can create unique and memorable experiences, while still maintaining focus on a commendable cause.

An event or fundraiser no longer has to be a formal dinner your boss drags you to and one you will quickly forget.

People want to have fun. And keeping that in mind is a rule of thumb.

Peer-to-peer fundraising has been instrumental in both raising the bar for donations and allowing contributors to take ownership of the events. Remember that participants are your most vital asset in fundraising, and the more passionate and involved they become, the more successful your event will be.

With the rapid evolution of social networking, today’s event planners need to understand and utilize the reach new mediums can provide.

By developing specific added-value benefits to corporations and charitable foundations, planners must integrate event-specific social marketing to create a successful event.

Looking ahead, the possibilities are as exciting as ever. The structured walls of event execution have been shattered, and inventive ways to thrill fundraisers are officially in style. Don’t be afraid to try something new, because the opportunities are endless.

JOEL HOCK GUEST ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Hock is the president and CEO of multi-award winning event management firm Solutions with Impact Inc. (SWI). A Torontobased firm praised internationally, Hock and his team at SWI execute events across Canada and major U.S. cities. Hock is also the founder of the Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation. A firm believer in creating events that ‘wow’, Hock delivers above-and-beyond results that exceed client expectations. www.solutionswithimpact.com

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THE

FACES AND PLACES OF TORONTO

STACEY McKENZIE

PHOTO BY ILICH MEJIA ROOTS CANADA

LISA RAY

ADAM VAN KOEVERDEN

LYNN CRAWFORD

CHARLES FORAN

RESHMI NAIR

PHOTO BY JAMES LAHEY

PHOTO BY GABOR JURINA

INTERVIEWS BY MADELINE STEPHENSON

ADAM VAN KOEVERDEN

LISA RAY Actress, model and Top Chef Canada host, and Jason Dehni, vice-president at Scotiabank Group and co-founder of Artbound Q Favourite restaurant?

A Outside of “Lisa and Jason’s kitchen”, I’m digging Actinolite Restaurant, which is my friends’ labour of love and has just opened on Ossington Avenue north of Dupont Street.

Jason’s current fave is Gusto 101 for its vibe and the fact that it’s in our ’hood. For really special, intimate evenings, it’s The Harbord Room.

Q Favourite place to shop?

A For Jason, it’s Holt Renfrew – he’s dressed with flair and has a weakness for pocket squares. For Lisa, it’s St. Lawrence Market. Nothing excites me more than fresh produce and artisan ingredients.

Q Favourite travel destination?

A We have Napa Valley [California] on our mind, since that’s where we got engaged and where we’re getting married in October. It feels like a piece of Tuscany set down in North America.

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Canadian kayaker and three-time Olympic medalist Q Favourite restaurant?

A My favourite restaurant definitely depends on what I’m looking to eat and drink, and who I’m with. Kit Kat on King Street West wins for atmosphere and feel, and best pasta and bruschetta. I went to Delux on Ossington Avenue during Winterlicious, and had the best meal out I can remember – rabbit done two ways on some pappardelle. If you’re looking for a great coffee, there’s nothing better than stopping in at Thor Espresso Bar on Bathurst Street. Saving Grace on Dundas Street West is the best for brunch if you get there early, or don’t need to rush to work during the week!

Q Favourite spot to socialize in the city?

A I like being outside, so patios are key. Shanghai Cowgirl and Czehoski on Queen Street West are pretty fun because they’re small and intimate. The Drake is sweet in the summertime and the food is really good, and the Thompson Hotel’s view is hard to beat. I’d rather be moving than sitting, though, so I’d prefer to rip some of the Don Valley’s mountain bike trails. If we’re going to be truly social, then we can earn our pint.

LYNN CRAWFORD

CHARLES FORAN

Celebrity chef and owner of Ruby Watchco restaurant Q Favourite dog-walking neighbourhood?

A Toronto Beaches. I love waking up early and walking along

Award-winning author of Mordecai: The Life & Times Q Favourite restaurant?

A Since the mid-1990s, I’ve been meeting friends at

the water in the crisp morning air with Ms. Charlie Pickles, my chocolate Labrador retriever.

Q Favourite place to escape?

A Driving up to my cottage in Kawartha, Ontario is my favourite

Spadina Garden for peanut chicken, spicy bean curd and beer.

The restaurant moved over to Dundas and Bay streets 15 years ago, but has stayed in the same genial extended family, and kept the same high standards of hearty northern Chinese fare.

getaway. It gives me a chance to sit back, relax and think about new dishes and ingredients.

Q Favourite place to shop?

A Golf, George Bernard Shaw once said, is a good walk ruined.

Q Favourite wine?

A My favourite wine is Inniskillin Cabernet Franc VQA 2008.

It is a great wine to go along with amazing food and friends.

Shopping, I mostly believe, is a precious afternoon wasted.

If it must be done, I opt for concentrated exposure and minimal fuss. In other words, I head for Kensington Market.

Q Favourite travel destination?

A You can make anywhere a fantastic destination when there is

Q Favourite travel destination?

A The Asian room at the Royal Ontario Museum is tranquil,

great food and great wine!

elegant, and two-plus millennium-deep in history and culture.

I often bring a book and simply sit there, not reading, but travelling instead.

Q Favourite spot to socialize in the city?

A Old friends favour the small Bar Mercurio on Bloor Street

THE BEST WAY TO WALK THE NEIGHBOURHOOD IS TO HAVE NO ROUTE IN MIND AND NO DESTINATION. A GOOD PATH TO MINDFULNESS. — Charles Foran

STACEY McKENZIE Canadian supermodel Q Favourite restaurant?

A I looove Sotto Sotto on Avenue Road. The food is delicious!

Q Favourite place to shop?

A I shop at Canadian designers’ showrooms, Arthur Mendonça, Gsus and up-and-coming designers that I come across.

Q Favourite travel destination?

A Montreal. However, I have to admit I have not yet explored Canada as much as I would like to. One place I’m most definitely looking forward to seeing – and is my fantasy favourite – is the Rockies.

Q Favourite spot to socialize in the city?

A The Thompson Hotel patio in the summertime or the Hyatt for a late night glass of wine with a skyline view to kill!

Q Favourite real estate neighbourhood?

A The up-and-coming area on Queen Street West (where Rachel McAdams has an old beautiful brownstone house).

for afternoon drinks and, if time passes agreeably, a pizza.

Q Toronto’s best-kept secret?

A It’s not a secret exactly, but the laneways and narrow, car-unfriendly streets of Cabbagetown seem to belong in another city, if not on another continent. The best way to walk the neighbourhood is to have no route in mind and no destination. A good path to mindfulness.

RESHMI NAIR Host of CBC News Now Q Favourite restaurant?

A The Hogtown Vegan. I’ve been vegan for a year now because I want to improve both my physical and mental health.

(I also love animals, but who doesn’t?) As much as I love quinoa salads, I still miss stuffing my belly with comfort food, so Hogtown Vegan is my dream-come-true! They have the best vegan mac ’n cheese in Toronto, “unchicken” strips that could go up against fast food fried chicken chains, and desserts that make every non-vegan I take there shockingly declare, ‘this is vegan?!’ It can definitely convert the most stubborn meat eaters.

Q Favourite place to shop?

A I’m currently furnishing my new home, so top of mind is The Pine Store on King Street East. It’s a family run business in the heart of Toronto, and their story goes back generations.

It warms my heart to know businesses like The Pine Store still exist, and one of the main reasons has to be the impeccable customer service.

Q Toronto’s best-kept secret?

A The Toronto Islands, hands-down. I was born and raised in Toronto, but I spent my 20s in Vancouver. Moving back to Toronto with a greater love for the outdoors drew me straight to the Toronto Islands. It’s busy during festivals and events, but on a slow summer day, it is the most peaceful place to be in the city. One of my favourite things to do is rent a bicycle and soar around the pathways in the warm sunshine and feel like a kid again. www.dolcemag.com

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Morocco gives you a piece of heaven with beautiful architecture and exquisitely designed hotels.

MOROCCAN Magic

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WRITTEN BY EDWARD PIEGZA

he gentle, all-night hiss of the shifting Sahara sand subsided.

Pinholes of pale pink light filtered into my Berber tent. Well-rested after yesterday’s camel ride into camp and last night’s banquet by the bonfire, I didn’t even mind that I was awake earlier than usual.

I threw back the flap. Ahead, the crest of a great red dune tapered down into the encampment, like a powder-soft ramp up to the sky.

There was a quiet like I can’t remember. The day started as a sharp rim of gold somewhere over Algeria, before the horizon melted away in the most amazing sunrise I have ever seen.

I love to tell that story of my Moroccan morning whenever anyone asks my advice on the best exotic travel destination. I hear the question often because I’m the founder of a cultural travel company called Classic Journeys. Morocco hits all the right notes for travellers who want to step outside the norm without giving up the creature comforts they love. The culture is out of the ordinary for North 66

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American travellers, yet this peaceful Islamic kingdom is very accessible, with a terrific tourism infrastructure that places an emphasis on luxury.

Consider the medina of Fez, medieval with a labyrinth of 9,000 streets.

“Balek” is the first word I learned here, as it’s the shouted signal for an approaching pack donkey laden with flowers or firewood or oranges. Arms spread, I could nearly touch both walls of many streets, and the donkeys have the right of way. In the medina, you see everything from vermilion and indigo

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PHOTO BY QUENTIN BACON

PHOTO BY ELAN FLEISCHER

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MOROCCO HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES FOR TRAVELLERS WHO WANT TO STEP OUTSIDE THE NORM WITHOUT GIVING UP THE CREATURE COMFORTS THEY LOVE.

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PHOTO BY JEAN-BERNARD YAGUIYAN

PHOTO BY ELAN FLEISCHER

1. Lanterns dress the walls of the beautiful and majestic Riad Kaïss hotel. 2. A perfectly set table awaits you on a rooftop terrace at the grand luxury boutique hotel. 3. Located in the heart of the old medina of Marrakech, Riad Kaïss offers spectacular views.

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PHOTO BY ALAN KEOHANE

PHOTO BY ANNE KNIGHT

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vats of dye where leather is tanned to one-man workshops where coppersmiths tap out their wares. It’s a little gritty and totally authentic. Best of all, it’s all only a few minutes from grand hotels like the Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï, the former palace of the Grand Vizier.

Then there’s what I call The Oasis Surprise. You may have that mental image of two or three palm trees draped over a cool spring in a vast desert wasteland, but this isn’t the case. Morocco’s oases, which are easily accessible to visitors, extend for miles through fertile river valleys. The most scenic one squeezes into the 900-foot-deep Todra Gorge. Oases are great places to go for a walk. The paths are the tops of dikes; they separate small plots lush with grain or flowers that the local women and children farm by hand. Almond trees and date palms are here, too, with dangling bunches of ripening fruits. To thread your way through an oasis is like stepping back in time.

Another sign that you’re on a truly exotic vacation is when you are the most foreign creature around. One of the few times that has happened to me was in the Ourika Valley in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. I visited with my friend Saida, a former journalist and now a guide who hosts guests on our Classic Journeys. We took a winding hillside path through terraced fields to a tiny Berber hamlet. I was amazed by the instant, heartfelt hospitality, which I came to realize is a trait of Moroccans everywhere. As they poured me a cup of traditional mint tea, Saida summed up the scene: “It’s so rare to see a North American here that they’re just thrilled to meet you!”

By contrast, Marrakech thrives on tourism. Djemaa el-Fna Square is most certainly not your “typical” downtown. It’s a non-stop carnival of snake charmers, monkey tamers, magicians and acrobats. Visit by all means; it’s an essential bit of the Marrakech experience. But there are more other-worldly experiences in-store.

The city’s souk is a raucous warren of alleys cheek-by-jowl with shops. Rugs and ceramic tiles, tribal jewelry and tinware, babouche slippers and mementos – it’s all here. With the lively haggling that is part of the process, it’s shopping 68

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PHOTO BY QUENTIN BACON

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4. Enjoy a luxurious spa treatment at Dar Les Cigognes, which uses its own argan oil-based products. 5. Embark on a magical journey through the desert to create memories that will last a lifetime. 6. Curl up with a good book in the warmth of a luxurious living room.

as competitive sport – as much fun to watch as to participate.

Did I mention the food? Couscous is the staple of the Moroccan diet.

Tagines – savoury stews cooked inside conical earthenware pots – are nearly as common. But high-end dining in Morocco is truly remarkable. I love Moulay Yacoutin Marrakech. Behind a humble door to the street, you enter a private mansion where a candlelit pool reflects a tranquil garden. Cocktails are on a rooftop terrace overlooking the shimmering city. In the private dining room, a procession of traditional dishes based on centuries-old recipes offer a decadent delight for even the most serious foodie.

What I enjoy most about Morocco is that it comes with few of the pre-conceived notions we have about more familiar destinations. Here, it’s easy to get lost in flavours, textures, and moments so unexpected that they give you pause.

What’s more exotic – and memorable – than a vacation like that?

Edward Piegza Guest Travel Editor Edward Piegza is the president and founder of Classic Journeys, a cultural travel company named “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine. www.classicjourneys.com

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ESSENTIALS Read, travel and dine the Dolce way. From retro bikes to contemporary homes and luxury clothing, this page is your go-to guide for living a modish life.

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WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

1. JOHN LINEN A linen sports coat is your go-to piece this summer. Pair it with a striped button-up shirt to complete an effortless look for your next outdoor event.

www.perryellis.com Handmade by Italia Veloce, the La Ribelle model was created to look like a country bicycle from the ’50s and ’60s. With a vintage feel, it’s being used at this year’s London Tweed Run. www.italiaveloce.it 3. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Located in Vancouver and beautifully designed by Alanna Johnston, these homes by Keystone Projects are awe-inspiring. Built by top architects, you can choose anything from a Mediterranean villa to a modern oasis. www.keystoneprojects.com 4. ALWAYS PREPPED Bring out your well-dressed side this summer with a Lacoste polo shirt. The argyle pattern and close fit will keep you looking polished for your next meeting or lunchtime date. www.lacoste.com 5. CLEAR THE TABLE With a chic environment and delectable dishes, you can’t say no to Al’s Steak House.

Enjoy a glass of wine with one of its famous steaks for an experience you won’t forget. www.alssteakhouse.ca 6. A TRUE GENTLEMAN Your summer wardrobe is waiting to be revamped by Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label – the epitome of luxury. Opt for classic-fit linen pants and colourful sports shirts for a stylish look. www.ralphlauren.com 7. AN OPEN BOOK Thieves of Bay Street might not be a light summer read, but it is definitely a must-have. Scandalous and engrossing, this novel, written by award-winning journalist Bruce Livesey, investigates Canada’s financial industry. www.indigo.ca 8. FIRST CLASS Travel in style with bright and durable Heys luggage. Offered in various sizes, these suitcases are perfect for that all-inclusive beach vacation or a month-long journey around Europe. www.heys.ca 2. FREE RIDE

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PAVONI WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE MILNS

Designers Gianni Falcone and Mike Derderian at a trunk show at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Hues of rose gold, black and red made for a romantic yet edgy colour palette.

During their 15-minute collection preview, elegance was redefined, crystallizing the obvious: Derderian and Falcone were born to be designers.

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We often wonder how cutthroat the fashion industry really is, but after talking with the busy bodies of a new fashion label, it is clear that the sartorial world is not for the faint of heart. On the day of our interview, the Pavoni designers pull me in two different directions – one working on an upcoming collection in New York City, the other managing business in Montreal. I’m thankful for conference-calling and matching time zones. Speaking over each other with excitement, designers Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone of the Canadian-based label Pavoni describe their pre-fashion show sensibilities simultaneously: “There is no time for emotions.”

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Seconds before that first model steps on the runway, these Montreal natives are focused on one thing – the dresses.

This past March, Pavoni seamlessly floated onto the fashion scene at the World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. With the spotlight on evening gowns and cocktail dresses, Pavoni’s fall/winter collection mastered the art of seduction.

Cinched waists, open backs and shoulder-baring dresses showcased the designers’ main inspiration: the female form. “I enjoy making a woman feel confident in her own body,” says Derderian. “I want my dresses to bring out what’s best in each individual.” www.dolcemag.com

The two met while studying fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal. After individual experiences in the fashion industry, they decided to sew their visions together and make a luxury brand. Daring and bold, they look up to people who have made waves in the fashion industry. “From Thierry Mugler and his corseted silhouettes, to John Galliano’s theatrical costume -inspired creations, all the way to [Alexander] McQueen’s dark elegance – it is because of these individuals that a spark was ignited in me,” says Derderian.

Taking inspiration from iconic designers, Derderian and Falcone have looks worthy of the red carpet.

Celebrities such as Katy Perry, Carrie

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PHOTOS 1 AND 2 BY JC PHOTOGRAPHY CO.

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Underwood and Shakira have opted for glamorous Pavoni dresses at performances and high-profile events.

Having its clothes photographed on famous figures is the ultimate nod of approval.

After fearlessly launching the brand, Derderian and Falcome garnered a following of style-savvy Torontonians.

A recent trunk show at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street West showcased their pieces to fashion lovers. But Pavoni is not stopping there. “We have always dreamed of giving all women the chance to experience our brand, our vision and the perfect look, and we will work very hard to reach them – wherever they may

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1. Combining black and nude lace, this floor-length gown turned heads at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto. 2. Feminine and figure flattering, this mermaid-style dress was showcased on the Toronto runway. 3. Gianni Falcone sifts through a rack of Pavoni’s latest designs as he holds the tulle train of one the brand’s masterpieces. 4. A dramatic black dress garners attention for its original lace neckline and sleeve style. 5. Mannequins display elaborately designed dresses from Pavoni’s fall/winter collection. 6. Falcone and Derderian chose a romantic colour and rich fabric for this crystal-beaded gown.

be.” Hoping to hit a wide international market, Derderian and Falcone are creating collections that appeal to a variety of women.

Pavoni’s design ideas are sparked by natural landscapes, architecture and art, which develop into sketches when the moment is right. “This could happen in the kitchen of my house or while lounging on a sunny beach,” explains Derderian. Currently, the duo is designing a swimwear line that will premiere in Paris during the presentation of its 2013 Resort collection. They promise exquisite bathing suits, swim dresses and caftans with “beautiful quality fabrics, great www.dolcemag.com

workmanship, impeccable design and opulent beading details.” Pre-public viewings will follow at prestigious stores around the world, including Holt Renfrew, Neiman Marcus and Harvey Nichols.

Unveiling a strong and colourful identity, Pavoni spreads its feathers with each new collection. “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,” says Falcone, quoting Coco Chanel. With the words of a legend as their guide, the Pavoni designers are fitting just right in the world of fashion. www.pavonicollection.com DOLCE VITA MAGAZINE

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Instead of shortening those hemlines, opt for a flowing black number from Catherine Deane. The lace sleeves and plunging neckline show off your summer colour, while the length of the dress adds an element of sophistication. www.catherinedeane.com

SEA MLESS STY LE

From the shores of Abu Dhabi to the pages of Dolce, find your guide to this season's hottest fashion.

WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA TATONE

Dress by Catherine Deane Photographer: Ami Lafleur www.amilafleur.com Production: Jamal M. Al-Mazrouie Makeup & Hair: Toni Malt @ Bareface Styling: Lisa Strannesten Model: Albe Hamiti @ Bareface Location: Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Lanvin’s patterned pant suit takes the stuffy work uniform up a notch. Pair it with a collared shirt for the office, or a classic bikini for a day at the beach. www.lanvin.com

Shoes, pants and jacket by Lanvin Top by Norma Kamali

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Keep calm and collected with a simple dress. Interesting layers, airy fabric and strategic cutouts will help keep you cool through the summer heat. www.lanvin.com

Styling: Lanvin Makeup/Hair products: Mac Pro Full Coverage foundation in NC15 Make Up For Ever HD powder Kryolan Blusher in Shading Red Illamasqua pigment in Breathe Yabi eyeshadow in Bright Orange Dior eyeshadow palette Aurora Summer Collection 2012 DiorShow black mascara Mac single lashes Mac lipliner in Redd LancĂ´me red lipstick 132 Special thanks to Harris Hodovic & Makram Ben Ammar!

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Ï Sea

Queen

Opt for a swimsuit that pops against any skin tone. With turquoise stones and gold chains, this bikini is all about the details.

Add some sparkle to your life with this hand-sewn coin purse. Beads and multi-coloured sequins make it a must-have summer item.

www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

Ï Colour

Me Coral

Glowing Goddess Å Flaunt your sun-kissed skin in a Beach Bunny two-piece. With lace overlay and Swarovski crystals, you will look fearless and feminine.

www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

wear BIKINI WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

Golden Girl Å A sleek black bandeau top, sheer mesh centre and gold detailing make this Kiss a Girl bikini ideal for your next exotic vacation.

www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

Into the Blue Å Take in the scents of the Mediterranean with Fico di Amalfi. Inspired by the beautiful Italian coastline, this is the ultimate summer fragrance.

www.neimanmarcus.com

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Ë Standing

Tall

Take a bold step in these two-tone wedge sandals. Nanette Lepore brings colour trends to new heights, mixing neon hues with metallic snake detailing. www.neimanmarcus.com

and Zen

This ceramic laughing Buddha bracelet will add a pop of colour to your beachside look.

www.fredrickprince.com One Way Ticket Å With a low neckline and flirty side ties, this white halter bathing suit brings sexy back to one-pieces.

www.beachbunnyswimwear.com

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Q&A

WITH ANTOINETTE RITONDO

NATIONAL TRAINING MANAGER FOR LANCÔME CANADA

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At what age should women start using anti-aging products?

A: I like to say it all depends on the “age of the skin”. Each woman ages differently depending on genetics, lifestyle and environment. Most women will start anti-aging serums and creams at approximately 25 to 30 years of age.

Q

How long should one stick with a product before deciding whether or not it works for her skin?

Flawlessly representing beauty and grace, Julia Roberts is currently Lancôme’s global ambassador.

D IN THIS AY AND AGE

Get the inside scoop on great skin.

PRODUCED BY ANGELA PALMIERI INTERVIEW BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

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his is for the women who spend hours in Holt Renfrew (guilty as charged), and for every lady that wants to put her best face forward. Healthy skin is an instant confidence-booster as it makes us look and feel vibrant. As skin ages, however, this effervescence dissipates, bringing challenges to maintaining an even complexion.

Whether you are in the beginning or later stages of these undeniable changes, anti-aging creams are a great solution.

Lancôme Canada’s national training manager Antoinette Ritondo emphasizes that everyone’s skin is different, and that learning the virtue of patience helps to experience results. Ritondo recommends the newest addition to the Lancôme family, Absolue L’Extrait, for a “lifted, energized, even and smooth” complexion. www.lancome.ca 76

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A: This depends on the condition of your skin, the product and the results you are looking for. For immediate results – moisture, radiance, comfort – you can see results quite rapidly. For anti-aging results – wrinkles, firmness, scarring, brown spots – it takes at least four to six weeks of application to see results on the surface of the skin.

Q

What would you say are the top three things women want to change about their skin?

A: It really depends on individual needs.

I would say that most women are in need of a healthy, radiant and even-toned complexion.

Q

How do the native rose cells used in Lancôme’s Absolue L’Extrait cream work to improve the signs of aging?

A: These particular rose cells will help trigger a spectacular regenerative wave deep within the skin’s surface to enhance the self-renewal potential of your skin. It lifts and tightens, visibly reduces the look of wrinkles on the face and décolleté, improves skin tone and boosts radiance and skin brightness.

Q

Should women look for anti-aging benefits in their makeup products as well?

A: Sure! Choosing a foundation targeted to anti-aging needs is an excellent idea.

The foundation is formulated so it does not sit in the wrinkles, while offering an instant surface appearance of lift.

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Photography: Thomas Claisse @ AlmaKarina Agency Art direction: Karina Rikun @ AlmaKarina Agency High jewelry by Mellerio dits Meller: Margherita necklace. Rose Sauvage Ring & Rose Sauvage Brooch.

REIGN OR SHINE WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

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DIAMONDS, RUBIES, EMERALDS – OH MY!

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1. TO THE POINT With the femininity of blue topaz and

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the strength of pavé black diamonds, these trillion-point earrings are irresistible. Be fashion-forward at your next charity ball with this standout pair by designer Vanessa Leu. www.vanessaleu.com 2. A ROYAL AFFAIR Bring out your inner Kate Middleton with this 18-karat white gold tassel necklace. Diamonds, emeralds and fresh water pearls make a royal arrangement that can be passed down from generation to generation. www.katerinamaxine.com 3. BEAUTIFULLY PINNED Brooches are coming back as statement pieces that add an elegant touch to any outfit. This octopus design by Kabana is set in 14-karat gold, and perfected with diamonds and a single Tahitian pearl. www.kabana.net 4. GO OUT WITH A BANG Look fierce in this Beetle Pavé Bangle. Inspired by the jungle and covered in jewels, this artful piece was designed by Matthew Cambell Laurenza and made for bold personalities. www.mcldesign.net 5. LITTLE BLUE BOX Sparkling from every angle is this ring worthy of a fairy tale. With striking tourmalines and diamond detailing, Tiffany & Co. has made the perfect blue companion for that little blue box. www.tiffany.ca 6. KISS FROM A ROSE The soft-coloured morganite stone and 18-karat rose gold make for a perfect union. Selected from Trésor’s Dazzle collection, these earrings add a romantic touch to any formal look. www.tresorcollection.com 7. FIT FOR A QUEEN This Katerina Maxine design opts for a precious ruby stone enveloped in white gold and diamonds.

This Victorian-style ring is elegant and refined, fitting the hand of any classic lady. www.katerinamaxine.com 8. GLAM ROCK These 18-karat white gold diamond cuffs are made for the lady who needs to add some glitz and glamour into her jewelry wardrobe. Designed by Norman Silverman, they are as chic and timeless as the little black dress. www.normansilvermandiamonds.com 9. IT’S ALL ROSY Rose gold has become all the rage this season. Take the trend one step further by opting for this diamond-encrusted, 18-karat white and rose gold cuff by Katerina Maxine. www.katerinamaxine.com

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moved by the musician’s charitable work and ability to be the same person “with or without a spotlight.”

With Sting’s financial backing, Jahnigen’s vision became a reality, and One World Futbol was born.

Team Sting-Jahnigen of One World Futbol.

PLAY IT FORWARD ONE WORLD FUTBOL FINDS A WAY TO LET CHILDREN BE KIDS.

A single sports ball from One World Futbol gives children in Ghana an unlimited supply of hope.

PHOTO BY FUNDAFIELD

PHOTO BY JUSTIN WILKES/RADUCAK MEDIA

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anufactured in Canada, this foundation’s miracle ball uses state-of-the-art technology that can withstand harsh conditions and prevents the ball from deflating.

Through a “Buy One Give One” program, people around the world are able to purchase the ball, and then One World Futbol donates one back to an organization focusing on recreation programs in impoverished countries. A rehabilitation camp in Rwanda was one of the lucky recipients. The donated balls “were so precious to those children that they washed them every night before they put them away,” says Jahnigen.

WRITTEN BY ATHAINA TSIFLIKLIS

T

im Jahnigen has faith in the world. “I’ve learned that we are hardwired for love, hope and happiness,” says the inventor of a sports ball that kicks back. Most charitable organizations focus on what people would consider the necessities of a community – food, shelter and education. But what about necessities for the soul?

A CNN documentary on Darfur was what hit a chord with Jahnigen, a U.S. lyricist and music producer. After seeing a place of chaos and the faces of children who had been stripped of their youth, he knew he had to take action. “Food is, of course, vital to the survival of individuals in disadvantaged communities,” he says.

“But as food, shelter and medicine heal and nourish the body, play and sports heal and nourish the body, soul and community.”

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“I’VE LEARNED THAT WE ARE HARD-WIRED FOR LOVE, HOPE AND HAPPINESS”

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After impacting over half a million young children in 135 countries, One World Futbol proves that all it takes is the strength of a single idea, and the power of play to bring light to the darkest of hours. www.oneworldfutbol.com

– Tim Jahnigen

n 2006, Jahnigen came up with an innovative idea to design an indestructible soccer ball. His mission was to give kids living in disaster zones and refugee camps healing power and hope through the power of sports.

Known for his activism, world-famous singer Sting didn’t hesitate to help when Jahnigen introduced him to his project. Jahnigen had always been 80

Since its beginnings, One World Futbol “has let children be children no matter where they live.” The project has emphasized the importance of leisure activities, with Jahnigen eager to take the conversation forward.

“Play is so powerful, [that] the United Nations has mandated that play be organized even before schools, especially in war zones and refugee camps,” says Jahnigen.

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PHOTO BY FEATUREFLASH

horoscope

WRITTEN BY RICHARD RAVENHAWKE

LOOK

Stars

GEMINI

to the

May 21 - Jun 20

Money and real estate issues could be a big focus for Gemini. That house you’ve been trying to sell could finally end up fetching you a lucrative profit.

Insurance claims and legal settlements are also looking favourable.

CANCER

Jun 21 – Jul 21 If you find yourself dealing with sensitivity issues, you may want to analyze what really is starting to get you down. Sometimes it’s easier to focus on the surface issues when something much deeper has been triggered.

LEO

July 22 - Aug 21 Keep moving forward and before you know it, the prize will be within your reach! There is a Sagittarius figure that has good news at a time when you could really use it. It is a time for you to look, listen and learn. The universe moves in mysterious ways, and when you look back, you will be able to see how everything happened exactly as it should have.

Aug 22 - Sep 21 Family confusion should be settling down in the near future. Apples will never be oranges, but they can share the same bowl once they learn to accept each other’s identities. The hardest thing for family members to do is to learn to agree. Be patient.

LIBRA Sept 22 – Oct 20 Relationship changes may be coming to the forefront. Whether it’s a positive or difficult experience, the winds of transformation are in the air. Take some time to explore your heart; it is here and in our souls that we celebrate our achievements and lessons.

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Oct 21 – Nov 21 It’s business as usual, and if you play ay your ou m aking ng a cards correctly, you may find yourselff mak making profitable move. Change in location can bring new energy, a refreshed feeling of confidence and new opportunities that can only lead to growth. Watch for an Aquarius figure that has a potential solution for a perplexing problem.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 – Dec 21 Feeling scattered lately? It may be time to start planning that much-needed break to recharge your batteries. There are those around you who tend to watch your every move with anticipation – pay no heed to politics and forge ahead! In the end, it will be you who has it together.

CAPRICORN

VIRGO

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Dec 22 – Jan 19 Uncertainty can be the killer of faith. It is time to trust your talents and capabilities. There is an Aries figure that is looking at you with intriguing eyes. If you take some time to look around and explore your options, you’ll be doing the happy dance before you know it.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 – Feb 18 Love can be confusing: one minute you seem to be on the right track, the next minute you find yourself wondering. Have faith, Aquarius!

Things are working out exactly as they should.

Be patient and speak from your heart, and before you know it, you may just end up getting what you wanted. www.dolcemag.com

Angelina Jolie turns 37 on June 4th.

PISCES Feb 19 – Mar 20 If all goes well, travel may be a part of your near future. With your feet itchy from the usual daily grind, it’s about time. What will it be: an exotic destination, a week at the cottage, a few restful days at home with your phone off?

Whatever it is, enjoy! You have earned it.

ARIES

Mar 21 – Apr 19 Financial opportunities could be opening up soon, whether it’s a promotion, a new contract or an offer from a friend you can’t refuse. However, this depends on how you play your politics over the next little while.

The possibilities are endless – all you have to do is to make new friends and wield your influence.

TAURUS Apr 20 – May 20 Things have been so hectic that you might have a hard time figuring out if you are coming or going. With commitments to organize, projects to catch up on, people to see, battles to be won and hurdles to be conquered, you need to take a deep breath. If you run yourself too thin, you could start making mistakes that could cost you in the end.

Richard Ravenhawke 416.898.HAWK (4295) richardravenhawke@yahoo.com

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L.U.C XP: available in yellow, rose or white gold (161902).

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