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impact Pear Pe arTr T ee offe ff rs a unique and pro rove ven n gifting format assi as sist stin ng ma m jor gift donors an nd th hei eirr ch char arit itie iess an a d is proud t support important cause to es ac a ross ss Can nad ada. a Abilities Centre
peartreefinserv.com
Jewish General Hospital
L’École Socrates-Démosthene and the Giant Steps Resource and Training Centre
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Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
Weizmann Canada
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UJA Philanthropic Foundations Canada
Mount Sinai Health System
National Arts Centre
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 5
SPRING 2016 • VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 1 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA michelle@dolce.ca Director of Editorial SIMONA PANETTA simona@dolce.ca Director of Operations ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca
ART DEPARTMENT Co-Founder/Creative Director FERNANDO ZERILLO fernando@dolce.ca Web Project Manager STEVE BRUNO Senior Graphic Designer CHRISTINA BAN Web Designer YENA YOO Web Developer JOHNSON TA
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Copy Editor SIMONA PANETTA Fashion & Home Décor Editor MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA Beauty & Travel Editor ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO Proofreaders NINA HOESCHELE, SIMONA PANETTA Senior Writer MICHAEL HILL Contributing Writers CEZAR GREIF, AMANDA STOREY Contributing Photographers ANDREW BAYDA, ROBERT ERDMANN, RICHARD FOSTER, JESSE MILNS, DIEGO NOSSA, GEORGE PIMENTEL, SECHENOFF, ANSON SMART
VIDEO DEPARTMENT Videographer CARLOS ARTURO PINTO
ADVERTISING Director of Marketing ANGELA PALMIERI-ZERILLO angela@dolce.ca Director of New Business Development SUSAN BHATIA susan@dolce.ca Senior Account Manager MARIO BALACEANU Social Media Manager SARAH KANBAR
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES T: 905-264-6789 Toll-Free: 1-888-68-DOLCE info@dolce.ca • www.dolcemag.com Office Administrator ALESSANDRA MICIELI Front Cover JIMMY FALLON Photo By Robert Erdmann Back Cover SALAH BACHIR Photo By Jesse Milns
Dolce Magazine is published quarterly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789, Toll-Free: 1-888-68-DOLCE, F: 905-264-3787, info@dolce.ca, www.dolcemedia.ca Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675. All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publisher. Dolce Magazine reaches over 900,000 affluent readers annually through household distribution across Canada. Dolce Magazine is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu. Inquiries about where else Dolce Magazine is available for sale may be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolcemedia.ca or 905-264-6789. The yearly subscription fee is CDN $34 and US $48. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9, Canada The opinions expressed in Dolce Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content. The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 20 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ISSN 1206-17780 Next Issue: Summer 2016 ©2016 Dolce Media Group. Printed in Canada. Follow us at:
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The new measure of luxury is rising. The Bristol showcases extraordinary amenities, unrivaled services and incomparable residences. Each features 3,700 to 14,000 square feet, with uninterrupted views of Palm Beach Island, the waterways and the Atlantic. DEVELOPED BY FLAGLER INVESTORS LLC SALES GALLERY: 440 ROYAL PALM WAY, SUITE 100, PALM BEACH, FL 33480 888-230-3490 | THEBRISTOLPALMBEACH.COM | SALES@THEBRISTOLPALMBEACH.COM EXCLUSIVE SALES & MARKETING BY DOUGLAS ELLIMAN DEVELOPMENT MARKETING
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR SOLICITATION TO BUY, CONDOMINIUM UNITS TO RESIDENTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE OR ARE OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW, AND YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR PURCHASE WILL DEPEND UPON YOUR STATE OF RESIDENCY. THIS OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE PROSPECTUS FOR THE CONDOMINIUM AND NO STATEMENT SHOULD BE RELIED UPON IF NOT MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS. THE PRICING AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR NEW YORK RESIDENTS THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSOR, FILE NO. CD15-0055 (*Note that Sponsor and Seller are the same.)
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 7
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
“Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is not a trumpet call to self-importance”
Y
ou’re the director of your life. You choose where to put the focus. Focus is a funny thing — it changes everything. As the saying goes: “If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced. That’s why people with no sense of humour have an increased sense of self-importance.” So learn to laugh at yourself. Be humble and give people the gift of your full attention. Shine the spotlight on others and you too can become more charismatic. Here at Dolce Media Group, we love fun, funny and charismatic. And this is why we bring you not one, but two individuals who are bursting with these qualities. You probably stay up late just so you can catch a few laughs and jokes from Jimmy Fallon, the guy we all wish to have in our circle of friends. Brilliantly funny, clever and with 100,000 ideas in his head, he’s always focused on helping others while having good business sense. His charisma comes from being completely honest when he screws up (finger and all), and being able to laugh at himself. We’re feeling incredibly blessed
to have him as our Canadian Exclusive interview and cover story for our spring edition. See story on page 30. Depending on which side you choose to read this edition, Salah Bachir is also this edition’s front cover story. When he greeted me, and my entire crew, with open arms and a bear hug at his home, it was an incredibly humbling experience. We immediately knew he was destined for our cover. The more we learned about him, the more we felt the need to share this man’s incredible life philosophy with everyone. Here is a man whose name has always been linked to some of the country’s biggest fundraisers, whether it’s for CANFAR, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the AGO or the 519, and yet he is very shy and reluctant to speak about himself and how he has contributed to the lives of so many people. He tells us what his grandmother always told him: “There is no such thing as a very important person.” Although I wish more people took this advice, we feel so blessed that he opened his home and heart to us. For this right here is a very important person
in many people’s hearts and minds. My fondest memory from our shoot with Bachir is when he playfully asked me to look over my shoulder at a photo of a young and smiling Richard Gere with long black hair … and nothing on. Brought on by my red cheeks, Bachir’s laughter sounded like a roar, amplified by his home’s intimate hallways brimming with artwork, paintings and photos. To learn more about his powerful charisma and sense of humour, read our story on page 4. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Dolce Magazine. May you be inspired to share your dolce vita with others in all that you do. After all, says Governor General David Johnston (see story on page 26), giving back is intrinsic to “who we are as Canadians.”
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
michelle@dolce.ca @dolcetweets |
@amorebagstoronto
Dolce Magazine The Honey of Life Sin
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ce 1996
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 9
CONTENTS SPRING 2016 / VOLUME 20 / ISSUE 1
42
THE BENTLEY BENTAYGA Bentley’s first-ever SUV sets a new standard of luxury
44
OBJECTS OF DESIRE A supernova of inspirational design
30 RINGMASTER
Why king of latenight Jimmy Fallon can’t stop having fun
20
HEAD SPIN!
Flip the book for fashion, art & philanthropy
4
FASHION
IF YOU DON’T MAKE IT TO PARIS Finding the beautiful little things in life with Salah Bachir
16
First-class fashion that will take your wardrobe to new heights
28
FOLLOW ME BOOK A breathtaking book leads you on an unforgettable journey
HOT SPOTS The restaurants igniting the international culinary scene
ON THE COVER Photographed by Robert Erdmann, The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon 38 WHAT’S DRIVING THE URBAN OUTLAW Magnus Walker’s Porsche-collecting quest 26 GENERAL DIRECTION Governor General David Johnston takes the lead on welcoming Syrian refugees More stories inside ... 10 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
SPRING 2016
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DOLCE WAS THERE Celebrated neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta addresses the crowd
Cathy Belzberg, founder and president, Cathy B Jewelry; Murray Belzberg, president, Perennial Asset Management; Stacey Krembil; Mark Krembil; Shaila Kothari; Raj Kothari, GTA managing partner, PwC; William Falk, managing partner and national leader, Healthcare Services, PwC; Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent, CNN; Joel Binder, partner, Stikeman Elliott LLP; Janet Bomza, national practice leader, Immigration, PwC; Paul Bloom; Judith Bloom
The annual Dinner with Scientists was held at the Carlu and raised $1 million in support of Sinai Health System’s Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, a leading biomedical research facility in Toronto. Over 500 guests from the scientific and philanthropic communities came together to celebrate the latest in discovery science, including guest speaker and renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The event was sponsored by PearTree Financial and was hosted by Allison Vuchnich from Global News. www.dinnerwithscientists.ca
PHOTOS BY DOUG NICHOLSON
DINNER WITH SCIENTISTS
Stanley Hartt, Norton Rose Fulbright; Renee Bleeman, PearTree Financial; Norman Brownstein, PearTree Financial; Dr. Sanjay Gupta; Douglas Brown, Newport Private Wealth; Ron Bernbaum, PearTree Financial; Marilyn Anthony, PearTree Financial; Peter Fink, Kensington Capital Partners; Catherine McCormack, Hype Consulting The annual Dinner with Scientists event provides an opportunity to learn about recent advances in medical research from worldwide scientists
Tom Kierans, O.C., co-chair, Sinai Health System Research Committee; Brent Belzberg, chair and president, Board of Directors, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation; Joseph Mapa, president and CEO, Sinai Health System; Dr. Sanjay Gupta; Jay Hennick, chair, Board of Directors, Sinai Health System; Kevin Goldthorp, executive vice-president, Sinai Health Foundation; Joel Reitman, board member, Sinai Health System; Jeff Rosenthal, vice-chair, Board of Directors, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 13
DOLCE WAS THERE
Kari Murphy Christian Vermast
Brian Gluckstein
Ashley Murphy
Cameron Duncan
Salah Bachir
Andrea Iervolino
Alex Filiatrault
Sylvia Mantella Michelle Zerillo-Sosa
CANFAR’S BLOOR STREET ENTERTAINS
Suzanne Rogers Edward Rogers
Patrice Favreau Sergio Sosa Giancarlo Milazzo
As Canada’s largest annual fundraiser in support of HIV and AIDS, CANFAR’s Bloor Street Entertains brought together prominent philanthropic individuals that included 2015 event chairs Sylvia Mantella, chief marketing officer of Mantella Corporation, and Cineplex Media president Salah Bachir. The event saw Toronto’s Mink Mile come alive as BloorYorkville galleries and boutiques transformed into lavish dining spaces for those helping to change the AIDS response. To date, the annual event has raised nearly $6 million on behalf of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research. www.canfar.com
Dee Dee Taylor Eustace Salah Bachir Sylvia Mantella
John Perry Bujouves
Robert Mantella
Dr. Lisa Kellett Sylvia Mantella
James Watt
Larry Rosen
Lisa Tant
PHOTOS BY GEORGE PIMENTEL
Nigel Mahabir
Susan Jackson
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SPRING 2016
THE
IS HERE Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
SUBWAY STATION
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*Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. All images are artist concept. See Sales Representative for details. E&O.E.
SPRING 2016
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 15
DOLCE WAS THERE
Michael Coteau Brett Sherlock
Olivia Tran Chef Jackie Lin
PHOTOS BY HOWARD PANG
SHOUSHIN LOVE OF ART
Upscale Japanese sushi bar Shoushin in north Toronto recently debuted an in-house art gallery that is piquing the interest of gastronomes and art enthusiasts alike. The new addition boasts two original Pablo Picasso ceramics (Nature Morte à la Cuillère and Poisson Chiné), a coveted limitededition 100-year-old Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6, and a selection of photographs by owner and head chef Jackie Lin. www.shoushin.ca
The Picasso ceramic, Nature Morte à la Cuillère
Benoit-Louis Vuitton and Chef Jackie Lin pose with the Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6
Christian Vermast
Yona Zukerman
Alex Filiatrault
Thomas von Hahn Karen von Hahn
Jordan Zebedee
PHOTOS BY RYAN EMBERLEY
Guests attend the launch reception
Shoushin sushi bar delivers a multi-sensory dining experience
DINNER BY DESIGN A wonderland of imaginative dining was on
display at the Monogram Dinner by Design installation, presented by Caesarstone, under the roof of the Design Exchange from Jan. 19—24. Visionary Canadian designers, such as architectsAlliance and Design Agency, shaped these inspiration-firing threedimensional settings showcasing the country’s innovative talents while raising funds for the Casey House and Design Exchange. www.dx.org
Jordan McKay
Michele Herbert
Fawaz Gruosi Hal Eisen Andrew Bottecchia
DE GRISOGONO HOLIDAY PARTY The holidays sparkled a little brighter at the Madison Avenue boutique of Swiss luxury jeweller De Grisogono on Dec. 9, 2015. Founder and creative director Fawaz Gruosi hosted an elegant cocktail soiree where champagne-sipping VIPs fawned over his brand’s latest designs. www.degrisogono.com
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Patrick Delanty Janette Ewen Michelle Wang
Dr. Sandy Skotnicki
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Find out more at
brainproject.ca SPRING 2016
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 17
DOLCE REAL ESTATE
THE BARON’S ESTATE
Conrad Black’s Bridle Path mansion was finally up for grabs this spring, and the estate is almost as newsworthy as its former owner WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
Conrad Black’s ancestral estate boasts a two-storey library, a consecrated chapel, an indoor pool, a spa and nine bedrooms
E
veryone loves a house with a story, and 26 Park Lane Circle comes with a good one: it was formerly occupied by Conrad Black, Baron Black of Crossharbour. The Bridle Path enclave is the true treasure chest of Torontonian real estate,
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and this historic address is one of its shiniest jewels. It’s been in Lord Black’s family lineage for 65 years, and until this March — when the famed media mogul and author took the estate to auction — had never been available for sale. “Twenty-six Park Lane Circle is one of the largest residential parcels of
land within the Greater Toronto area,” says Barry Cohen of Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc. Brokerage, who worked with Concierge Auctions on this project. “Never offered for sale, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a distinguished estate that is nothing short of incomparable.” Exciting history aside, 26 Park Lane Circ. is an architectural marvel. The Georgian-style private residence was crafted and constructed by Thierry W. Despont, a favourite of Bill Gates, Gianni Agnelli and Stavros Niarchos. And at 23,000 square feet, it gave the Blacks plenty of room to entertain the likes of Richard Nixon, Margaret Thatcher, the Duke of Edinburgh and Sir Elton John — alas, a bit too much room for the publishing mogul and his wife, journalist Lady Barbara Amiel. “It is a big house for two people,” says Black. “We will be abroad a good deal, and moving to a more manageable home will be a convenience to us now as our careers have evolved. Auction is the best way to achieve this end, as it sets the timeline on what will be, in physical terms, a large relocation.” Whichever bidder inherited the gem, which is estimated to be worth $21.8 million, gets to savour the ornate estate’s more than six-and-a-half acres of land and internationally acclaimed design. And the address is more than just a pretty facade: its interior boasts a collection of conversation-sparkling design elements, from an indoor pool and spa to a consecrated chapel, a two-storey library and a decadent three-storey foyer, complete with a grand staircase. As the Blacks seek a more manageable space in Toronto, this is an exciting move for the Bridle Path neighbourhood as the coveted and historic estate is passed on to fresh ownership for the first time ever. www.conciergeauctions.com SPRING 2016
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 19
DOLCE LUXURY
Superhouse plans to create a limitededition series of 30 houses across the world. S 00/30, the first design, is set to be built on an undisclosed Mediterranean island
THE DAWN OF THE SUPERHOUSE Magnus Ström, the man behind U.K.-based architectural brand Superhouse, shares his big, beautiful plans to change the landscape of contemporary residential design WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
I
n the beginning there was the superyacht. Then there was Magnus Ström. The name itself makes this England-based architect sound like some creator of worlds, and in a sense, he is. Ström is the man behind a new phenomenon that’s bringing big changes to Superhouse. Ström’s concept for Superhouse first came to him while working alongside a naval architect, the builder of mindbogglingly luxurious boats. Entranced by the concept (because who isn’t?), 20 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Ström found himself wondering why superyachts existed but superhouses didn’t. The Superhouse brand was Ström’s answer to his own question. The architect decided to build an exclusive collection of superhouses, accepting commissions from across the globe and collaborating with companies like superyacht giant Dubois, architectural visualization studio the Boundary and the Staffan Tollgard Design Store to bring it all to life. “We are only going to design 30
superhouses in total — much like a limited-edition series of art or watches,” says Ström. “We want them to be the most beautiful, unique and design-led houses possible, but for them all to be created through a very close working relationship with their owners.” What is a superhouse? Scrolling through the images of the brand’s first design — S 00/30 on an undisclosed Mediterranean island — the definition becomes obvious. It’s the discovery of luxury in simplicity, a bespoke dream home as outfitted for adventure as it is for hibernating. While S 00/30 is only the beginning, and every design going forward is expected to be as unique as a fingerprint, it spells out exactly what the world can expect from Superhouse and its upcoming creations: a major lifting of the bar in contemporary design. “We will focus solely on their creation without the distraction of other industry sectors,” says Ström. “We will do so through having a holistic approach, not just to the design of a Superhouse, but also to the individual lifestyle out of which each house will be born.” www.superhouse.me SPRING 2016
Fashion-forward products from across the globe, hand-picked by our lighting design specialists.
CANADA’S FAVOURITE ONLINE LIGHTING STORE. SPRING 2016
Exclusively selected furniture and designs that are built to last, and leave a lasting impression.
SHOP NOW AT PRIMALIGHTING.CA 255 Bass Pro Mills Drive l Vaughan, Ontaro l 905 851 1188 www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 21
DOLCE HOME DECOR
From fine bed linens and heritage-inspired tableware to unique gifts and fragrances worn by royalty, French Feathers places high value on the best, and it shows through the brands and exclusive pieces it carries. The owner also offers home consultations for expert decorative styling, as well as an in-house invitation printing service to announce special milestones Adriana Bolzan, interior decorator and owner of French Feathers
FRENCH FEATHERS
The home décor and accessories boutique that’s ruffling up style
S
tepping into French Feathers is like waking up to a dream. There are velvet pillows and cashmere throws in hues of rose and dusty blue; twinkling glassware and handmade dinnerware on almost every gleaming surface. There are French milled soaps and lace crochet linens, and gilded mirrors adorning the wall. A haven of European treasures, French Feathers is a testament to owner Adriana’s trained eye as a professional photographer and her innate gift for home styling. “A love for beautiful things is something from within,” says the impeccably dressed interior decorator, 22 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
guiding me through her wonderland of heavenly bedding collections and heirloom pieces for table and home. Adriana had always envisioned owning a curated space with the best in home décor, fine bed linens and tableware you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Before establishing French Feathers in 2006, she embarked on several international research trips to uncover unrivalled quality and authenticity. One of the brands she now exclusively sells is Bella Notte Linens, a vintageinspired bedding and table linen line made in textures that vary from cotton and lace to sumptuous silks and velvets. The best part is that it’s completely
customizable and machine washable, so “you can surround yourself with luxury linens that are no longer just for special occasions.” Picking up a buttercream mug made with black clay from Vietri Dinnerware, French Feathers’ other coveted brand exudes rare design, with Italian master artisans handcrafting each piece individually over the span of four days. “We’re inspired by the quality that Europe still offers,” says Adriana of Vietri’s antique, hand-painted techniques and rich glazes. From drink and dinnerware to detailed cutlery, Vietri’s heirloom quality serves those looking to acquire a dining collection they can enjoy every day yet still pass down to other generations. Adriana’s deep insight into quality has caught on with French Feathers’ loyal clientele, which varies in age and spans across the Greater Toronto Area. Due to customer demand, the boutique has now evolved to include home consultations. Whether it’s adding fi nishing touches or transforming a home’s esthete with a decorative refresh, Adriana brings a breath of fresh air to every project she touches. “It’s not only about the accessories; it’s so much more in terms of colours and fabrics,” says Adriana. “It can begin with selecting beautiful bedding pieces to sourcing out a rare and unique furniture piece from Europe. Once I begin with a customer, I see them all the way through.” www.frenchfeathers.com SPRING 2016
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 23
DOLCE FASHION
DIVING INTO BEAUTY The house of SHAN is on a quest of perfection, creating couture swimwear fashion with the best fit and comfort
Chantal Lévesque, president and designer of SHAN, first launched her brand of couture swimsuits and resort wear in 1985, and has since then reached international success
H
er swimwear is haute couture for the body, ideal for poolside parties and soirées on yachts sailing along azure waters. At the heart of SHAN is a commitment to quality and style, explains president and designer Chantal Lévesque, and a creative passion like no other. “We go beyond the traditional swimsuit,” says Lévesque. An internationally known resort-wear company specializing in the creation and design of high-end swimwear, ready-towear clothing and accessories for men and women, SHAN was founded by Lévesque over 30 years ago in Montreal, and pieces are still expertly cut, designed and assembled at its workshops in Laval, Que. Today, the Canadian luxury swimwear line has made its mark in Toronto and the international swimsuit market, with 600 prestigious retail locations in 30 countries, eight flagship stores and an online store. Heating up the globe’s shorelines with beachside essentials that range from chic and sexy to elegant and timeless, the luxe brand’s wide array of European- and Caribbean-inspired creations is made using the latest technology and exclusive, Italian fabrics. The high-end finishes feel like a second skin and can take you from the beach to a restaurant in no time. “Our resort-wear line is not only for vacation
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and holidays; we’ve created pieces that can be easily worn in day-to-day life,” says Lévesque, who received a designer of the year award in 2011 at the Mode City show in Paris. As for this season’s hottest looks, Lévesque says simple lines, bold colours, unique prints and graphic elements are huge, with SHAN’s universally flattering one-piece bandeau swimsuit a popular favourite. SHAN’s latest compendiums include the “Scarlet” collection, a couture bathing suit line designed to provide comfort and optimal support, while the “Balnea” collection boasts symmetrical cuts, timeless colours, metallic hardware and touches of femininity. “These pieces are true works of art,” says Lévesque, who keeps her designs fresh and original by visiting inspirational cities such as Paris and Milan. Recently adding its first swimwear line for boys, SHAN continues to look for ways to expand its original creations to new markets and dive into untapped niches, always with an eye on flawless design and the ultimate in luxury. Constantly evolving, “SHAN makes no compromise on quality and is full of passion,” says Lévesque. “This is what keeps us going year after year.” www.shan.ca
Boasting original designs and exclusive fabrics, SHAN’s resortwear line can take you from the beach to everyday life in no time
SHAN makes a splash with its high-end swimwear, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories for men and women
SPRING 2016
7Sould is an adventure to be heard and seen. Crafted from diverse cultural backgrounds and the commonality of all artists being proudly Canadian transforms the music of 7Sould into an unprecedented experience. Pop, Rock, Jazz, EDM and the spices of Latin influence have never before been pulled together onto one stage. We invite you to join us at Woodbine Park, OLG Main Stage, on Friday, July 15 at 9 p.m. as 7Sould makes its debut in Toronto. Admisssio on to o the e Sttag ge Show w is FR REE E! Come and join the celebration. www.7Sould.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 25
The 28th Governor General of Canada, his Excellency David Johnston
PHILANTHROPY
GENERAL DIRECTION
Governor General David Johnston on why it’s Canadian to welcome Syrian refugees, his commitment to fostering innovation and why la dolce vita means a life of service WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
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ehind Governor General David Johnston’s softspoken, grandfatherly demeanour is a weighty message. His Excellency is an ardent supporter of Canada’s Syrian refugee response, motivated to bring together the public and private sector to welcome these displaced families. He’s a sharp-minded lawyer and a regarded academic, but he’s also a man with a heart as big as his rather lengthy résumé. Dolce Magazine sat down with Canada’s 28th Governor General before his keynote address for the Oakville Community Foundation and Oakville Chamber of Commerce to find out why the Syrian refugee crisis is such a personal cause, the goal of his recently established Innovation Awards, and his definition of la dolce vita. Q: You’ve used your office to draw support to welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada, including through a forum in December with 100 leaders from the public and private sectors. Why was this an issue you wanted to take on? A: I think it’s because it’s so central to who we are as Canadians. When I was installed in this position a little over five years ago, the title of my installation address was “A Smart and Caring Nation: A Call to Service,” and it had three pillars: family and children, learning and innovation, philanthropy and volunteerism. I think all of those three pillars come together in a country that is both smart and caring. For me, that’s a fundamental feature in the DNA of Canada. It’s served us well, and it can serve the world well. We need the ability to bridge differences in the world to reduce levels of conflict and to learn not only how to live peacefully with our neighbours, but to relate to our neighbours in ways that are productive for both parties. Q: There are those critical about bringing in these refugees — we have our own problems that need addressing, there are persistent safety concerns. How do you respond to critics? A: I think those are real issues and we should hit them head-on. If for example we have scarce lower-income housing, how do we justify using it for newcomers when people that have been here for a SPRING 2016
while are still looking? I think what we’re doing here is really expanding the pie of assets and using this particular challenge to encourage Canadians to find new ways to develop our housing supply, to look at those spare rooms, and look at it out of a sense of not either/or but both/ and to develop new ways of ensuring that our people already here are looked after and people coming here are looked after, and that our hearts expand to meet both needs. I see this as a great learning opportunity. I say all the important things I’ve learned in life I’ve learned
“I’LL DIE WITH MY BOOTS ON”
from my children, and now I’m learning from my grandchildren. So all of our children have been involved in sponsoring [Syrian refugees], but the grandchildren are interesting. Q: What are your grandchildren doing to help? A: One granddaughter, she’s nine years old and was adopted from an orphanage in Colombia, and her mom, they have been organizing a group to bring in a family. She said, “I’d like to do something too, mommy.” And so she started to organize a bake sale at her school. Mom did the cooking but she produced the brownies. I foolishly said I’d match her dollar for dollar, and her other grandparents said dollar for dollar. Well, she’s now up to $1,600 without the matches. So she’s doing well. Q: How does it feel to see your family give back like this? A: It makes me feel pretty excited and happy. It’s the manifestation of love. My
wife says, “Service is love made real,” and that’s what they’re doing. Q: You launched the Governor General’s Innovation Awards last year to celebrate, recognize and foster innovation in Canada. What’s your ultimate goal for these awards? A: To move the needle, for Canada to be seen as one of the most innovative nations in the world, that we will compete on the basis that we embrace change — not only are we not afraid of it, we think it gives us a competitive advantage to use the talent that we’re growing in this country to be innovative. And not simply compete in a business sense, but to be a nation that really demonstrates to the world that if you think hard and think better you can improve the human condition. The other thing I would like to see is us being known as the smart, caring nation. We have smart people; we believe in talent, we believe in the opportunity to grow. Keen minds and kinder hearts. Q: Last year you were asked to stay on for another two years so you would be in office for the 2015 election and Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. But, at 74, have you thought about life after your appointment ends? A: Well, I have never worked a day in my life. I’m on a one-year leave of absence from my law firm to be a university guy, and I will continue to do that. I love the law. I love to reform the law, and I write books about that a lot. I’ve written 27 books now, most having to do with reform of the law. So I’ll continue to do that. And I’ve always done one public policy thing all the time, I was a law dean and university president for 27 years, so I’ll continue to do those sorts of things. I’ll die with my boots on. My wife says, “I married you for life but not for lunch.” Q: What does the good life mean to you? A: I think it’s a life that really focuses on service. How do you measure a successful life? I think you measure it by the degree to which your time on Earth has actually worked in a positive way to help others enjoy their time on Earth. @GGDavidJohnston www.gg.ca www.dolcemag.com
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ALIMENTO
Restaurant Review
HOT SPOTS Dig into these wave-making restaurants from some culinary heavyweights
ÊTRE AVEC TOI M RESTAURANT
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL CAFÉ ROYALTY
LA SIRENA
Chef Mario Batali has returned with La Sirena, his latest culinary venture with Joe Bastianich
THE GREEK BY ANATOLI
ÊTRE AVEC TOI — MONTREAL Fashion meets function at the W Montreal’s latest culinary addition, Être Avec Toi. The space is generously adorned throughout with conversationstarting street art that sets a lively tone for the succulent shareable seafood by chef Alan Ashkinaze. www.etreavectoi.com
M — LONDON English restaurateur Martin Williams has gone big with latest culinary venture, M. The London venue features not one but two restaurants, a cocktail bar, a wine-tasting room and private dining and event spaces. The food? A protein paradise. www.mrestaurants.co.uk
ALIMENTO — LOS ANGELES Alimento’s owner and chef Zach Pollack pays tribute to hearty Italian fare through his intelligent interpretation of its culinary traditions. Ingredients are local. Plates are meant for sharing. It’s as unpretentious and satisfying as this L.A. restaurant’s modern-meets-rustic décor. www.alimentola.com
CAFÉ ROYALTY — CÁDIZ A night at Café Royalty is like stepping into a time machine. As its name suggests, this Cádiz restaurant romances the elegance of classic Spanish highsociety with a menu — bursting with fresh seafood, meat and veggies — fit for a king and queen. www.caferoyalty.com
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LA SIRENA — NEW YORK La Sirena puts an end to the over 10year wait for Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s next gastro venture. This spacious trattoria has fired up its kitchen in the Maritime Hotel, serving a broad continental Italian menu and a sweeping cocktail list from its massive 38-seat bar. www.lasirena-nyc.com THE GREEK BY ANATOLI — VANCOUVER A west-end hotspot, the Greek by Anatoli is the product of second-generation restaurateurs building on their family’s long-standing Anatoli Souvlaki. Its menu, full of delectable mezze, puts a modern spin on classics and is complemented by a flavour-packed cocktail list. www.thegreekbyanatoli.com SPRING 2016
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COVER STORY
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s soon as we meet, Jimmy Fallon comments on my grey felt hat, which I bought in the Zara store in Shanghai, near the Bund. “I tried to get into hats recently although I never thought I looked good in them. But I had Tom Hanks on the show and we went out one night in New York and he was wearing a beret. I go, ‘You wear a beret?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I wear a beret; you get them on the street for five bucks. It keeps your head warm. My mother always told me to keep my head warm.’ I 30 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
go, ‘But you wear all sorts of hats … I don’t look good in a hat.’ Tom immediately replied, ‘You look like YOU in a hat.’ I went, ‘OK, I’ll always remember that.’ Then I went out and got a hat.” Fallon has tons of stories like this in the middle of many hugs and laughs. He has insisted we come to see his show and, at the end of the interview, wanted us to go out for drinks the next time I came to New York. It was hard not to think that I was spending time with the nicest guy in show business. Being host of The Tonight Show is one of the most prestigious jobs in show business in America, and a lot of pressure is SPRING 2016
PHOTOS BY ROBERT ERDMANN
Could there ever be a man that would be happy and in a good mood — and be funny at the same time — from the moment he wakes up to the time he goes to sleep? Jimmy Fallon is that person. He’s exactly like you see him on TV or online. After two seconds of talking to him, you’ll feel like he’s been your friend for years, and after less than a minute he’ll have you, and everyone else in the room, laughing INTERVIEW BY CEZAR GREIF
Late-night funny man Jimmy Fallon gets a hoot out of fun, silly comedy
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attached to it. But that hasn’t changed Jimmy Fallon; he’s still the same as when he started out on Saturday Night Live at age 23. Today, it’s not possible to guess that he’s 41 — neither physically nor in his personality. Born in Brooklyn, Fallon attended a Catholic school and even thought of becoming a priest at one point. He started out as a stand-up comic in Los Angeles at the age of 21, right after college. Two years after working hard on his comedy skills, he was able to successfully pass the Saturday Night Live audition and get the biggest comedy job on American TV. After a short attempt at a movie career, Fallon succeeded Conan O’Brien at hosting Late Night on NBC. He immediately became a new style of talk show host with a focus on musical sketches and the contribution of his great house band, The Roots. In 2014, he replaced Jay Leno as the host of The Tonight Show, the most prestigious latenight talk show on American television and an institution that started more than 60 years ago. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Q: What compelled you to join the cast of SNL? A: I grew up with the show. I was saying these catchphrases that I learned on the show, I knew who the Blues Brothers were, I knew who the Coneheads were. This huge part of American pop culture that made me laugh started on Saturday Night Live. I just wanted to be on it ’cause I thought it was funny. It made my parents and sister laugh. We would sit down together and watch videotapes of the show and laugh together. I thought “what is this thing that makes my parents laugh?” I wanted to make people laugh too. Q: Was anyone in your family funny? A: Everybody in my family is funny, if not funnier than me. My mom and dad are very funny. My grandparents helped raise me — they kind of lived in my backyard. I was very close to them. After school I would go hang out with them and they were super funny. They would always sing songs, do voices, do characters and make faces. We’re Irish and we’d get together and have parties. We’d tell jokes and sing at the end of parties and laugh. My parents would say to me, “Get up and tell a joke” or “do something funny” or get up and teach me how to dance — anything my sister and I could do to entertain everybody. That was my first experience performing comedy, to my family. Even now, I talk to my mom and dad every day, I talk to my sister almost every day — they’re unbelievably funny. They know me best. Q: Many of your peers at SNL — fellow cast members — ended up having successful careers. I’m thinking about Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, etc. How would you describe that generation of SNL comedians? A: The fun thing about SNL is that you get together and it’s almost like a summer camp. You almost sleep over. No one knows each other at the beginning, everyone’s from different parts of the country. Some people are stand-up comedians, some people are great improvisers, some can sing, some do impressions. You almost live together. You see them more than your friends and family. You start to get to know each other that way. And you all just get together and try to put on the best show you can. And it’s live, there’s an audience there, it’s exciting and it’s New York City! It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Everyone has different styles and tastes. They’ve all gone on to do great careers. I’m lucky to have this job because 32 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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I get to see a lot of them come back on the show. We can talk about “back in the day” and share stories of when we stayed up until 4 a.m. writing silly sketches. Q: To me it seems there was amazing chemistry but not sameness — everyone had different sets of comedy chops. A: The first time I really felt there was great chemistry was when I first started doing “Weekend Update” with Tina Fey. That’s when a lot of people said, “Hey, you guys work well together.” She played the smart one and I played the dumb kid that needs help doing his homework. That was the role I played and it fit perfectly for me, because I didn’t know much about news when I was doing “Weekend Update.” Everyone got famous and grew up around each other. It was fun. Q: During your time at SNL, I thought something that got overlooked is your knowledge and love for pop culture. It was maybe deeper than what other cast members had done up to that point, like the Barry Gibb Talk Show [parody of the Bee Gees’ singer]. How did that develop? Are there particular eras that inspire you more than others? A: I’m such a fan of pop culture and I still am. I’m obsessed with it. I watch every TV show I can, I love movies, I play every video game I can possibly play; I go on every website. I can’t get enough of it — I just eat it up. I want to see what the new fashions are, what the new diets are. My parents are from the ’60s so I grew up with doo-wop music and getting into the movie Grease and stuff like that. The ’70s were when I grew up and they were about disco and bell-bottoms — I just loved everyone’s hair, it was really exciting. The ’80s were my school years — Indiana Jones, Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Michael Jackson. It was so much fun. Everyone related to it. There were even posters with both Michael Jackson and E.T. together, even though they weren’t related at all. I had a poster like that in my bedroom. It made sense to me — “they probably hang out together,” I thought. I loved Paul McCartney and the Beatles and I started doing impressions around that time. I could do an impression of Michael Jackson, I could dance like him and talk like him. I could do him duetting with Paul McCartney. I just started singing and doing impressions to make people laugh, with the ultimate goal of getting on Saturday Night Live, if I was lucky enough. I didn’t know how hard it would be as a kid, but it didn’t matter. I wrote the Barry Gibb [Bee Gees singer] skit with Steve Higgins, who is now my announcer on The Tonight Show. Justin Timberlake was on Saturday Night Live during that week. Steve said, “I’d love to do a skit with Barry Gibb where he talks like he sings, in a very high voice.” Higgins’ idea was “let’s make it a political talk show.” It made no sense but it was super funny. We didn’t know Timberlake was going to be this talented doing it. Q: Here’s a question for Jimmy Fallon the sex symbol! As we know, you were once a Calvin Klein model, and even named one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in 2002. Hardly heard of any comedian making it into that. A: Oh my God! Somebody at Calvin Klein came to the show and told me, “Do you want to do this, we’re having celebrities model now.” I said, “Are you kidding, be a Calvin Klein model? Of course!” I did this thing and it was all over New York City. Everyone made fun of me relentlessly at Saturday Night Live. People put the ad on T-shirts; people were hanging posters in their rooms just to make fun of me. But I look back and SPRING 2016
I’m so happy I did it. Cool, I got to show everybody I was a Calvin Klein model, why not? I was just thinking about my exgirlfriends and being like, “Remember when you broke up with me? Now I’m a model, check it out!” I was so excited. Q: Is it harder to do comedy when you’re good-looking? A: Actually, comedians should not be models. It’s definitely harder if you’re good-looking. That’s why I don’t really care about my physical appearance that much. I don’t work out at the gym. Once you start worrying about that and look gorgeous, then where are your priorities? Are your priorities on how good you look or how funny you are? It’s a rare mix if you can mix both. I don’t consider myself that good-looking. I consider myself right down the middle. I lucked out; I got good genes from my parents. Not too good-looking and not too ugly. Perfect for a comedian. Q: I hear you’re launching a sportswear line called Hands High. A: Here’s the thing: I have 100,000 ideas all the time! My brain’s always thinking about something. For example, I thought they should put emojis on frozen waffles. I think it’s a genius idea! So you don’t know what emoji you’re getting until you toast it. You just put your frozen waffle in your toaster, you toast it, and then you get a brand new emoji every day. You never know what you’re going to get. It could be a peace sign; it could be a smiley face. It’s a good way to start your day! But I had this other idea: what do you do when you’re watching a sporting event? Your team scores, your hands go up, right? But there’s nothing on the armpit! I go, “Why doesn’t someone put something fun on the armpit, a bright colour or the team logo?” I haven’t seen the fashion world move forward into the sports world in a long time. So I pitched it to this company and they said, “We like it!” Originally I called it “Pitz” but they didn’t like that, they thought it was gross. So we changed it and called it “Hands High.” When your hands are down it’s like a normal sweater, but when your hands are up you have a bright colour on your armpit. It’s all stuff like that, like the ice cream. I always wanted to have a flavour with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, with all the proceeds going to charity. Now we have a flavour called “The Tonight Dough” – two times cookie dough with some chocolate. It’s the most delicious ice cream ever! You’re going to freak out if you have it, I’ll send some over. All profits go to Paul Newman’s charity the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — summer camps for terminally ill kids. Let kids be kids for a summer. It’s a good charity. Q: The question the world wants to know: how are your fingers? It’s really a tough year for your hands, two bad injuries after all. A: My fingers are good, but I’m actually having surgery on the nerve tomorrow. I have no feeling in my ring finger or my pinky. Q: On your left or right hand? Because I know you play guitar … A: Oh, it’s been depressing. I’ve just got to get a lot of hand therapy. I’m doing it every single night after the show. It’s just a crazy thing that happened. I didn’t know what was happening. It’s called ring avulsion, but don’t Google it, it’s horrible! It’s like pulling your finger off the bone. Five years ago I did a bit for the Emmy Awards when I came out with an auto-tune microphone on my head. I was going [sings imitating autowww.dolcemag.com
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tune] “everybody ready to partay! Everybody ready to get down on it” and I ran and I got people clapping, then I fake fell and then said, still singing with auto-tune, “oh my God, help me, please call the doctor.” People thought it was part of the skit and funny, but I actually did hurt my elbow. After I fell again recently, it just got worse — only three fingers out of the five work. I’m going to work as hard as I can; I never give up. One year from now I’ll be playing the guitar. THE TONIGHT SHOW Q: Talk shows in America are a serious business. There were even late night “wars” not too long ago between Leno and Letterman. From an outsider’s point of view, how do you explain this? You’re not really at war with anyone – where do you fit in? Is that era over?
goes everywhere, to places I can’t even imagine. Q: It’s comedy, but there’s certainly pressure. A: I was so nervous when I was stepping into [previous host] Jay Leno’s shoes to do this because in America it’s a huge legacy. It’s a show that’s been on for as long as I can remember. I had a TV set and I thought the show just came with the television. It’s ingrained in society and pop culture. I think it’s because it’s topical, with the who’s who of today, whether it’s an artist, comedian, athlete, etc. It’s a variety. You can even have chefs on. Kid inventors. It’s really fun. It’s so hard to read the newspapers nowadays, so sad and depressing, you go, “I need a break, I need something that makes me laugh, I don’t want to think about anything that’s going on.” That’s my job, that’s why I’m here. I want you to forget about any trouble and just laugh for three minutes at a time, for an hour.
I GET TO REACH ALL THESE PEOPLE. THEY’RE WATCHING ME EITHER DOING THE HISTORY OF RAP WITH JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE OR DOING A LIP-SYNCH BATTLE WITH EMMA STONE
A: That was then. My comedy in general is based on love, joy, fun and silliness. I’m never interested in doing a battle with anyone. If you want to battle me, I’ll lip-synch battle you or do something silly. I look at it as fun stuff — we’re lucky to have these jobs. I never look at the ratings. I don’t care. I like all my other competitors; I’m friends with them. I just got an email the other day from Stephen Colbert. We’re all friends. If we can all do these jobs for as long as we want it, it’s good. We get to make people laugh, and then to have people in other countries like China or France see my sketches — it’s unbelievable! Q: People do watch your show on the Internet all over the world. A: The Internet’s the best thing that ever happened to comedy! It’s so great. I get to reach all these people. They’re watching me either doing the history of rap with Justin Timberlake or doing a lip-synch battle with Emma Stone. It’s so exciting and fun when I meet people not from America and I ask them, “You know who I am?” And they say “Oh yes, we saw you on YouTube or Youku.” It’s crazy how giant a piece of comedy can be now and how far you can take it. No one ever had these possibilities before. Twenty-sixteen is a great year to be in comedy because who knows how far we are going to take it. I could do a sketch with Justin Bieber shaking hands and it 34 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Q: Was it difficult to get into the whole monologue routine at the beginning, since it’s almost mandatory for The Tonight Show to start with one? A: We thought about it, barely. But no, I’m definitely doing a monologue. For those who haven’t seen The Tonight Show, I come out to the sound of the band playing music, I walk toward the audience and I thank them. Then I make fun of every possible thing I can make fun of that’s going on in the news of that day. You could watch the first 10 minutes of my show and know what’s going on in the world enough to go to school the next day and talk to everybody, or go to work and go, “Yeah, I know what’s going on, I saw Jimmy last night.” I look forward to doing it. It’s a skill you have to learn. No one can help you do it; you just have to keep doing it to get better. I’ve now been doing it for six years because I used to do it on the Late Night show before. I’m pretty good at it now. I have great writers, obviously, but I’ve gotten better since I first started. It was a little nerve-racking back then. It’s kind of scary at the beginning: the lights are on you, some jokes work and some don’t, but it’s exciting. Q: Some people say you’re the late-night king of the YouTube era. What do you think of that? Is your show kind of like a YouTube hit video studio? SPRING 2016
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon brings big laughs to the late-night slot. The Saturday Night Live alum is the sixth comedian to host the talk show hit, which airs weeknights on CTV
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A: It just kind of happened and grew out of what we were doing. Technology is always changing. No one knows what the landscape of television is going to end up like. We’ve embraced it since Day 1 and always loved that community. I love the instant feedback from the Internet and from talking to people on social media. I think people can see if you’re fake or not fake, and when you’re really having fun or not having fun. People on Twitter go, “I can tell you are sick tonight, you look sick.” Everyone knows. You didn’t have fans telling you this to your face before. It’s kind of interesting. Some of my fans have been with me since SNL, since 1998. They are now old enough to have children of their own, and their children are watching me and they go, “I’ve invested my time in you, don’t let me down.” This is fun. And we’re getting our own roller-coaster in a theme park! This is an ultimate dream! I was doing Late Night before The Tonight Show and was saying, “You know what would be great? If we had our own roller-coaster ride.” I saw this Disney ride at California Adventure called “Soarin’ Over California” where you go through California and I thought “we have to do it for New York. I will take people through New York as the host, there’s so much to see.” The people at the theme park weren’t interested at that time, they said, “Why don’t you make Late Night a hit first? No one knows who you are, do your job.” Cut to eight years later and I now know the roller-coaster guys because we’ve worked together on several projects. I asked them again and they said, “We’d love to do it!” This is going to be the best ride ever. If you go to Orlando starting in 2017, you have to try it. It’s going to be called “Race Through New York.” It starts from my office in New York and takes you all over town. It’s so weird and out there. It’s 3D … actually it’s 4D because there’s also smoke and water. You go through a parade in Chinatown, you go underwater. As a comedian, you go, “You can’t do this!” But sure you can. You can model for Calvin Klein, why can’t you have your own roller-coaster? I just keep doing it and having fun. Q: Every four years, the presidential campaigns offer a bountiful gift to comedians. And actually, your show has become a key early campaign stop now. How do you deal with politicians? (By the way, you did an awesome impression of Donald Trump.) A: The election is the best thing that ever happens to us. And if Trump wins, I have a really good impression of the president! I know Donald Trump through New York and doing different charity events, and then he hosted SNL once when I was on Saturday Night Live. It’s interesting to watch him running now, with people who love him, then hate him, then love him again. New York’s a great place to run into people. It’s interesting for me. I like to have all the politicians come on the show and have a conversation with them. They tell me where they’re from, if they have kids. If they want to get into the issues, they can, but I like to show different things that you don’t know about them. If I can make them do a sketch and play a game, something to show the funny side of them, no matter if you like them or not, it’s a good challenge. It’s a good challenge to see if they’re able to do that. I just let my audience decide for themselves if they like them or not. I never take a side, and I never will. I’m not really sure if I even have a side! [Laughs]. I just love laughing! The crazier the story, the better it is for me. I can do an impression of Trump, maybe Bernie Sanders. Hillary Clinton would be tough. I could do Bill [Clinton] pretty well. 36 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
Q: You’re a big music fan up to this day, with music being very present in your version of The Tonight Show and your house band The Roots being an important part of that. How essential was music to your career? Was it always part of the plan to associate it with comedy? A: It always was there. I used to listen to this novelty radio personality called Dr. Demento, and he would play these novelty songs. I would listen to these funny songs on Sunday night on the radio in my bedroom. People like “Weird Al” Yankovic or Steve Martin. I thought, “I’d love to do these type of comedy songs. So I started doing impressions of people doing funny songs. It kind of grew from there. It became a thing I did during my high school years. I answered contests and ended up winning contests. I auditioned for SNL doing musical impressions. It kind of became my thing. I kind of lucked into that. I do it out of love. Q: Do you still have time to do karaoke? A: Yes, but I do it in my apartment. With the Internet, you can pull it up on there and sing to the track online. Karaoke is my favourite! But I don’t think I would do it in front of a big crowd. I’m more secretive, I want to do it on my own, I really want to belt it out and don’t want to embarrass myself in front of other people. Q: When it comes to television, most hosts use computerized cue cards, but we heard you are still using cardboard cue cards. Is that true? That’s old school. A: Definitely. It’s a different style of reading. When you’re a newscaster, the teleprompter is good for that because you’re looking right into the camera, right into people’s eyeballs, and it’s very serious. When you’re doing comedy, if I’m going to tell a joke about Kim Kardashian, you don’t want me staring into your eyes. It has to be more above the camera, and looking around, like we’re performing, it has to look like we’re telling a joke. It’s almost like you’re a ringmaster. You’re not a preacher. I tried with a teleprompter and it got creepy. Lastminute changes are also easier. You can put tape over it and write it with a marker. Q: With so many changes in the late-night landscape, some people wonder what the future will be for this type of program. What do you think? A: We’re one of the shows that will never really go away. It’s a quick way to get up-to-date on pop culture. Maybe in the future a cartoon bear or a robot will host us. I’m cool with that. I just want the robot to be my guest on the show first before it takes over. Q: Do you have any advice for young people trying to get into stand-up comedy? A: Take any gig that you can get, perform everywhere. You have to try and miss, and have every joke be awful. You have to keep trying, and eventually, you’ll get one good joke. And then that grows and the joke will get bigger. Then you’ll get another joke off of that one. Then you have an act — you have five minutes. Then the five minutes become 10 minutes. Then you have a half hour. Keep writing and keep working, don’t get discouraged! And please, if you’re funny, come on The Tonight Show. tonightshow.com SPRING 2016
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Go play in the corner! Introducing the seventh generation of the Porsche 911, with turbochargers across the range. Playing in the corners by yourself has never been so fun.
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Porsche Centre Oakville 2250 South Service Road West Oakville, Ontario L6L 5N1 Toll Free: 1.855.319.7534 Email: porsche@policaro.ca
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WHAT’S DRIVING THE URBAN OUTLAW?
How the turbo-charged passion of auto restorer Magnus Walker fuels his uncompromising Porsche-collecting quest
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agnus Walker wants to own one of every sports car Porsche has ever made. This may seem like one crazy, and costly, ambition. But this eccentric English expat isn’t one to be swayed by negativity. This is a man who drives to the hum of his own engine. “I never want to be told, ‘No, you can’t do it,’” he says from the 26,000-squarefoot remodelled warehouse that functions as his home, office for his
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Porsche collector and automotive restorer Magnus Walker rocks on with his personal favourite, Car 277, a 1971 911T
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PHOTO BY JON WHITE
AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTOR
— Magnus Walker
PHOTO BY MAGNUS WALKER
Porsche obsession and his creative process. The film, which was released in 2012 and aired at a number of film festivals, rocketed Walker into the spotlight. Hot Wheels approached him to develop a die-cast toy Porsche, he become a character in the recent Need for Speed video game and he even took Jay Leno for a spin on Jay Leno’s Garage. Francesco Policaro, general manager of Porsche Centre Oakville, even brought him to the Great White North for the grand opening of the dealership. “We had seen Magnus’ documentary and thought it would be great to have him represent our Classic Porsche display at the event,” says Policaro. “Magnus
PHOTO BY JON WHITE
“I DON’T SEEK TO FIT INTO ANYONE ELSE’S STEREOTYPE OF WHAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE”
PHOTO BY MAURICE VAN DEN TILLARD
clothing company, Serious Clothing, film location business and restoration garage in L.A.’s arts district. When people tell him that? He tunes it out. “Luck will only take you so far, but passion, motivation, dedication and ultimately hard work and respect for others — these are simple philosophies, but philosophies that have always worked well for me, because I’ve always trusted my gut feeling.” Walker is one of the world’s most prolific Porsche collectors, and also one of its most interesting. Visually, he doesn’t strike the tone of Typical Porsche Buyer. A Gandalf-like beard bursts from his face, wayward and untamed. Spidery dreadlocks: equally
Left: Walker houses and restores his prized Porsches from the renovated L.A. warehouse where he lives and runs his clothing company, Serious Clothing, and his film location business Centre: Walker doesn’t fit the mould of your standard Porsche driver Right: Walker’s 930 Turbo is one of only 15 of the firstyear 1975 930s to be right-hand drive
as long and unruly. He looks like one of the Duck Dynasty clan learned about fashion and joined a Heavy Metal band. He’s an outlier, a mould-breaker, a man who refuses to compromise his values for economic gain. Even his accent, south Yorkshire English modified by Californian nuances, is unique. “For me, there is no normal,” Walker explains. “I don’t seek to fit into anyone else’s stereotype of what something should be. And that allows me the creative freedom to do whatever I want, because ultimately my goal is to not please someone else but to please myself first. If other people like what I’m doing, well, that’s a bonus.” Today, Walker owns about 25 vintage Porsches, but over the past 20-plus years, this uncompromising motor head’s possessed pinks for over 50, many of them vintage 911s. But it’s his personalized restorations that have earned him the respect and admiration of the automotive community. Like SPRING 2016
his personal style, Walker’s builds stray from the conventional. This self-taught restorer adds his own “stylistic DNA” through subtle, untraditional details, such as drilled door handles, integrated turn signals and louvered deck lids. The final products are as unique as they are beautiful. There was the highly rare, silver 1968 911R that put Walker on the restoration map. His personal favourite: the 1971 911T, the red-white-and-blue Porsche, dubbed Car 277, that caught the attention of club racers as it whipped around turns on track days throughout the 2000s. His latest masterpiece, a pristine black 964 with polished metal detailing, was even made in collaboration with Pirelli. The legend of Magnus Walker grew with each restored car that emerged from his garage, as did his cult following online. It also caught the eye of Canadian filmmaker Tamir Moscovici. The pair created the short documentary Urban Outlaw, which captures Walker’s
is a true gentleman, who is insanely passionate about the Porsche brand.” But when you ask Walker about his rise to stardom, he says it’s never been about the limelight. “You do things that you enjoy doing and then success generally comes later,” he explains. “You’re not necessarily planning success — I’ve never been that way. I just find something that I’m interested in doing and then get obsessed about it, it becomes allconsuming and generally good things come from that.” Walker’s Porsche affliction, as he calls it, started in 1977. His dad took him to the Earls Court Motor Show, where a “Martini” 911 Turbo mesmerized 10-year-old Magnus. “It was just something I was attracted to about the shape of the car, the look of the car,” he says. The excitement that coursed through his veins would be the fuel for his lifelong obsession. “My story is no different to anyone www.dolcemag.com
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else’s. A lot of people fell in love with Porsche as a kid, and I’m still in love with Porsche 40 years later.” Possessing the bold motto of “he who dares wins,” Walker, at 19, moved to America in 1986. He landed in New York and headed to Detroit before taking a 3,200-kilometre bus ride to Los Angeles. There, a serendipitous offer to buy a pair of pants he’d refurbished led Walker to launch Serious Clothing. With his grassroots business growing, he purchased his first 911, a 1974, in ’92.
Walker with his 911T at the grand opening of the Porsche Centre Oakville
For Walker, driving vintage sports cars is like stepping into a time machine. They’re far more primitive than today’s computerized stallions — no electronic stability control prevents spinouts, no computer chips shift gears at the precise moment. It’s just you and the car, and what you get out is what you put in. “No two ever drive the same. So it’s always a challenge, it’s always a rewarding, stimulating emotional rush of covering all the senses — the sight, the sound, the smell, the feel,” Walker says about driving his decades-old 911s. “It’s an adventure every time you get behind the wheel.” Walker’s newfound fame has also drawn buyers, with his coveted restorations attracting top dollar. In 2013, his 1972 Porsche 911 STR II sold at the annual Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach for US$302,500. With his vehicles fetching such premium prices you’d think Walker would consider turning this “out-of-control hobby” into a viable business. You’d be wrong. “People approach me all the time to get involved building their cars. I’ve got no interest in that,” Walker explains. Sure, he’s sold cars when cash was needed, sometimes to acquire another classic 911. But: “It’s about the journey, the path, and basically adding my own character to the cars and enjoying the collection. That’s really what it’s about.” So far, Walker’s covered every Porsche from 1964 up to 1994 — the first 30 years of Porsche production — and he has no plans of slowing. He and Moscovici also have a new automotive TV show on the way. But those ventures aside, the future isn’t on his mind. “Things happen organically for me,” he says. “Urban Outlaw was the beginning. We’re now continuing down that perfect road of enjoying life and making the most out of every day and every opportunity.” Which is at the heart of Walker’s la dolce vita: “The good life is being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it, the way I want to do it.” And why not? It hasn’t steered him wrong yet. magnuswalker911.com 40 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
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A DV E R TO R I A L
DAVID’S
FINE LINENS
Italian fashion icons La Perla Home Collection and Fendi Casa find an exclusive home at David’s Fine Linens
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he authority on luxury fine linens brings a gorgeous lineup of high-end beddings and linens that will have your bedroom wrapped in the epitome of luxurious elegance. David’s Fine Linens is proud to introduce the exclusive Canadian debut of La Perla Home Collection and Fendi Casa lines to its growing roster of exclusive luxe brands, and the two Italian powerhouses — known for their luxurious fabrics and divine designs — are as beautiful
The Savile Row collection by Fendi Casa: Egyptian cotton sheets, satin duvet and matching pillows with jacquard chevron pattern
to the eye as they are to the touch. Crafted from the finest, most precious materials, fabrics include sumptuously soft Egyptian cotton linens and 100 per cent silk satin sheets and duvet covers that exude sexy sophistication in hues that vary from ice grey and night blue to white, ivory and chocolate. Boasting a variety of stunningly beautiful designs and handmade embroidery that will take your breath away, David’s Fine Linens lives up to its name. www.davidsfinelinens.com
La Perla Home Collection’s Cleopatra top sheet and pillowcases in satin of pure cotton, and the Kleos summer quilt and cushion in embroidered cotton satin and handmade printing
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Albert Watson • Roger Ballen • Ellen von Unwerth Roxanne Lowit • Terry O’Neill • Douglas Kirkland Chris Levine • Mary McCartney • Michael Dweck Marco Glaviano • Cathleen Naundorf Lillian Bassman • Arthur Elgort
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BENTLEY BENTAYGA Bentley’s first-ever SUV charges to the top of the segment with hulking power and ultra luxury
AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
Left: Every detail inside the Bentley Bentayga feels like it was designed with purpose for maximum refinement Centre: The Linley Hamper by Mulliner features, among other luxuries, Bentley champagne flutes and illuminated cooling compartments for bottles Right: A removable 10.2-inch tablet with 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity is there to entertain rear passengers
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his is Bentley’s description of its first-ever SUV, the Bentayga: “The fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.” It’s a shame they’re so disappointed with it, eh? But seriously: you can’t fault Bentley for beating its chest. Every luxury automotive manufacturer is battling to claim a piece of the burgeoning SUV market. Even Rolls-Royce is promising an ultra-luxury SUV for 2018. But talk is cheap, Bentley, and this is your first foray into the land of Sport Utility. Can your hulking new Bentayga back up this boasting? Yes. Yes, it can. If you want to feel like the boss of bosses, hop into the Bentayga’s driver’s seat. Bentley’s famed sophisticated style brims from every piece of wood, metal and leather detailing the cabin, creating a balanced atmosphere of grandeur. From the wooden dash to the quilted premium leather seats to the Linley Hamper by Mulliner (Bentley champagne flutes and illuminated cooling compartments for bottles? Yes, please), every feature feels like it was designed with purpose for maximum refinement. And much like every Bentley, there is a seemingly 42 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
limitless amount of personalization suspension and active roll control, the options — every colour and material can Bentayga takes corners smoothly and be customized to your preference. Your effortlessly, even at higher speeds. And Bentayga can really be your Bentayga. with eight — yes, eight — drive settings That refinement extends to this giant’s available (four for the asphalt, four for heart. Under the hood is the off-road), you can find an all-new brawny twinthe ideal feel for your taste. turbo 6-Litre W-12. The Tech-wise, the Bentayga GENERAL SPECS 12-cylinder powerplant has it all and then some. flexes to the tune of 600 Engine: 6-L twin-turbo W-12 Park assist for autonomous ponies and a monstrous steering into those tight Horsepower: 600-hp 663 lb-ft of torque, making spaces? Check. Rear this SUV an absolute radar warning to detect Torque: 664 lb-ft bull. Bentley claims the incoming traffic when 0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds Bentayga can charge from reversing? You know it. Top speed: 301 km/h 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 Traffic Sign Recognition, seconds and reach a top which can identify a Price: $266,090 (CAD) speed of 301 km/h. With number of traffic signs so much power there’s and inform the driver of no reason to doubt it, what’s approaching? Oh, even considering its hulking size (curb yeah, yeah. Rear passengers can also weight = 5,379 lbs). It’s like they took pass the time with a removable 10.2The Mountain from Game of Thrones and inch tablet with 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wrapped him in some tailored suit from connectivity. Pump the tunes through Savile Row. Bentley’s premium audio option, which You might think the Bentayga’s size features 18 speakers from Naim, too. would make it harder to control than Bentley wasn’t satisfied making driving a six-horse team, but Bentley’s an SUV that was only at home in the given plenty of attention to its steering. urban jungle, either. Couple adjustable It’s not overly tight, even in “Sport” mode, height and hill descent control with that but when combined with its electronic electronic suspension and burly power SPRING 2016
and you’re taking the Bentayga where no Bentley has gone before: the deep off-road. It’s still crazy to think about driving a quarter-of-a-million-dollar Bentley through the dirt and mud, but the Bentayga has the muscle and poise to confidently navigate those unassumed roads and beyond. One gripe: visually, the Bentayga isn’t
the most exciting of vehicles. It’s pretty Plain Jane, lacking the sleek air of drama of the Continental or the hard, bold stateliness of the Mulsanne. It’s huge and imposing, but stylistically safe and a bit flat in the personality department. It’s not bad, just not great. It would be nice to see future iterations have a bit more character.
So you want to make a splash with your fellow country clubbers: what’s the Bentayga gonna cost you? MSRP is over $266,000, so you do have to fork over some serious cake, even for the base model. But this is the “most exclusive SUV in the world” after all. And as Bentley’s first SUV, it doesn’t disappoint. www.canada.bentleymotors.com
The Bentley Bentayga, the first-ever ultra-luxury SUV from the English automotive manufacturer SPRING 2016
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Seeing Stars Eat your heart out, gravitational waves. This supernovaing Neutron pendant from British furniture designer Timothy Oulton’s 2016 collection bursts with décor-shaking style that’s worthy of scientific celebration. www.timothyoulton.com
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Rose-Coloured Glasses Luxury eyewear pioneer Larry Sands was the architect of Shamballa Jewels’ Shamballa Eyewear, and its sunglasses like these movie-star certified shades that are glowing with the glamour we crave. www.kaltenbockopticians.ca
Like Mother, Like Daughter This geometrically symmetrical 18-karat gold ring, Persephone, from British designer Sammie Jo Coxon’s Demeter collection celebrates the mother-daughter bond by balancing two freshwater pearls. www.sammiejocoxon.com
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The Grand Torino Hotel The new breathes life into the old at the NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina hotel. Set in the heart of Turin, this hotel glows with a rich history and modern comforts. www.nh-hotels.com
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Ring True Like the shimmering azure waters of the Amalfi Coast, this aquamarine diamond ring sparkles with 30 different cuts of diamonds in a platinum setting. www.1stdibs.com
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The Taste of Victory Hollywood’s brightest popped the tops off these 1,000 limited-edition magnums from Piper-Heidsieck, the Oscars’ exclusive champagne supplier, at the 88th Academy Awards. (How does victory taste, Leo?) www.piper-heidsieck.com
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From Oscar-worthy champagne to custom motorcycles to David Bowie, these items just can’t be ignored
OBJECTSof 6
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And Giulietta Is the Sun Alfa Romeo went all out for the reveal of the nextgen Giulietta. Over 10,000 people in five European cities partied at the simultaneous reveal of this sleek, 120-horsepower hatchback. (See full story at DolceMag.com.) www.alfaromeo.ca
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Keep Watch Tech accessories design house Native Union takes a minimalist approach to their latest Apple Watch DOCK, giving a clean, refined base to recharge, either vertically or horizontally, your beloved device. www.nativeunion.com
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Full Throttle Britain’s Shaw Speed & Custom set out to develop a modern version of a 1920s board racer with the F1-XLR. The result is a rev-inducing steed that pays homage to racing with McLaren F1 paintwork. www.shawspeedandcustom.co.uk
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Aussie Oddity The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is hosting “David Bowie Is” from July 16 to Nov. 1, showcasing all the unforgettable costumes, album artwork, video, photographs and more at the exhibition’s only Australasian venue. www.acmi.net.au
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Trailblazer Don’t settle for second. The Rudy Project’s Tralyx cycling shades were recently named Cycling Active Magazine’s best, thanks to its unobstructed peripheral vision, top-tier heat dissipation and precise fit. www.rudyproject.com
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Good Things, Small Packages Bigger’s not always better. IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 is the Swiss watchmaker’s smallest model, but this discreet, uncluttered timepiece, with stainless steel case and blue alligator leather strap, packs a clean punch. www.iwc.com
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#FOLLOWMETO: MURAD AND NATALY OSMANN MESMERIZE WITH LOVE AND CULTURE
SINCE 1996
MAGNUS WALKER’S PORSCHECOLLECTING QUEST
SALAH BACHIR
THE GALA KING WELCOMES US INTO HIS KINGDOM
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LIVING THE DREAM A look at a few of the modern developments that are elevating life in the city WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
COSMOS CONDOMINIUMS
THE ONE When developer Sam Mizrahi unveiled The One last year, his vision was for it to be Toronto’s Rockefeller Center or Chrysler Building. With a striking design by Foster + Partners, it’s shaping up to be just that. Now in its registration phase, buyers can own a piece of history in this future luxury landmark. www.onebloorwest.com COSMOS CONDOMINIUMS Vaughan is entering a new era and it’s projects like Cosmo Condos that are shaping it. Great amenities, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and Highways 400 and 407, which are only steps away, complement this masterplanned community, featuring futuristic architecture, modern suite designs and a spectacular park. www.cosmoscondos.ca
THE ONE
CUMBERLAND TOWER The Cumberland Tower reflects the prestige of the luxurious Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood with refined architectural details, such as a porte-cochère with waterfall, and amenities that include an aquatics centre, fitness auditorium and meditation/yoga studio and an outdoor terrace with covered modern bar and prep kitchen. www.thecumberland.ca
CUMBERLAND TOWER BROOKDALE ON AVENUE ROAD
PEARS ON THE AVENUE
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PEARS ON THE AVENUE An attention-grabbing spiral staircase in the lobby exemplifies the luxurious lifestyle set by Pears on the Avenue. Amenities such as a gym, yoga studio, indoor pool and party room with a catering kitchen elevate this residential building to the level of the two premier neighbourhoods it borders, Yorkville and The Annex. www.menkes.com BROOKDALE ON AVENUE ROAD Brookdale on Avenue Road is where fun meets functionality. This condo/ townhouse development is within arms reach of the shopping and dining offered by the Avenue-Lawrence area, while elegant amenity spaces, including a fitness centre, lounge and dining room, give residents everything else they need. www.brookdaleonavenue.com www.dolcemag.com
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SUCCESS STORY
IF YOU DON’T MAKE IT TO PARIS The colourful president of Cineplex Media, Salah Bachir, peels back the layers on the beautiful little things in a life full of star-studded galas, activism and art
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f all the countless blacktie events and elegant high-society galas Salah Bachir has attended over his life it was his 60th birthday that he deems his favourite. “Best party ever,” he says, fondness flowing through his voice. He’s seated at the kitchen table of his
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Toronto condo, high above the crashing wake of Lake Ontario. An eclectic assortment of paintings and photos and sculptures and other works of art seem to lay claim to every inch of his home’s walls and horizontal surfaces. He wears a silky, loose-fitting red robe draped over a black-on-black ensemble that, when combined with his snowy beard,
makes him look like some exotic Santa. It’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at his “best party ever” remark. “Gala Salah,” as he’s known, is the man who orchestrates some of Toronto’s most extravagant, most talked-about fundraisers — think events of the season such as the AGO’s Picasso Gala in 2012 and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala SPRING 2016
PHOTOS BY JESSE MILNS
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HILL
Salah Bachir, president of Cineplex Media, in his Toronto condo where he lives with his husband, artist Jacob Yerex
in 2014. Anybody who’s anybody knows that if you want to draw the deeppocketed VIPs and earn headlines in the society pages, Salah Bachir is the one to do it. But as the president of Cineplex Media details the celebration of his 60th autumn, a portrait of the man behind all the glitz and glam unfolds. Two-dozen SPRING 2016
friends and family on a four-day trip to Paris. Quiet and intimate. Michelin-Star meals at some of Bachir’s favourites — Le Cinq, Taillevent, the Georges atop the Pompidou, a 24-course dinner at L’Arpège. A week with his husband, artist Jacob Yerex, in his native Lebanon. “We did absolutely nothing for the first time,” he says. “Closed the gate, sat in
the garden and drank wine. It was great.” Those in the orbit of Bachir know that he’s a man at the centre of all the action, a man who has the ear of the highpowered and the influential, a man who can make anything happen — which is all true. But it’s only half the story. “My grandmother had a saying in Arabic,” he says after I prod him for some celebrity www.dolcemag.com
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Bachir, donning a tiara, believes life is too short not to have fun
“HE IS A FORCE OF NATURE IN A FUNDRAISING SENSE” — Maria Dyck, president of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation
name-dropping. “There is no such thing as a very important person.” Adding: “I think we’re all the same, at the end of it. I really do.” This is one of the big lessons of Salah Bachir. Yes, he chairs four to five of the city’s biggest galas every year, and sure, he’s a natural raconteur who’s got stories of some serious Hollywood heavyweights. But there’s more to the book of Bachir than the cover. There’s the flamboyant Salah Bachir, who designs his own jewelry, wears a tiara with glee and donned a red sash for his wedding this past fall. There’s the shrewd and accomplished businessman Salah Bachir, the one who was hand-picked by former Famous Players chairman John Bailey to publish Famous magazine and lead its advertising division, Famous Players Media, which now, as Cineplex Media, accumulates 95 per cent of advertising in Canadian movie theatres. Salah Bachir 6 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
the family man, the one who moved his mother next door after his father passed, who found a unit in the same building for his sister who’s battling supranuclear palsy, a degenerative disease similar to ALS. There’s Salah Bachir the sports nut, obsessed with the NFL and the Xs and Os of gridiron strategy, and a diehard Montreal Canadiens fan who decorates his office with everything related to the Bleu Blanc Rouge. “For me, Jean Béliveau is the greatest hockey player,” he says. “The only time I was probably tongue-tied, he was sitting next to me on a flight from Vancouver to Toronto and I was just like, Ohhh, ahhh. And I’ve met everybody you can think of.” And there’s Salah Bachir the art collector, the one who boasts over 3,000 pieces, including more than 60 Warhols and numerous works by Canadian greats, including Betty Goodwin and Stephen Andrews.
“It all talks to each other,” he says of his collection as we drift through the halls of his eclectic personal space. It’s like stepping into an overzealous art gallery. You’re almost afraid to move, lest you knock over something irreplaceable. When asked how long he’s been collecting, he casually lobs, “Started last night.” Which is another Salah Bachir, the one who loves a good laugh, often at his own expense. “My joke line is: I’m just a peasant girl from Lebanon,” he says after I bring up how a number of Canadian art galleries, including the AGO, have rooms and wings named after him in honour of his contributions to the arts. Yes, Bachir can be immensely serious — about human rights issues, politics, fundraising, art, his beloved Habs. But he’s also a lighthearted soul. “I think it’s important to have fun with everything you’re doing,” he says. “Life’s too short.” SPRING 2016
And Bachir should know. Kidney issues have seen him undergoing dialysis treatments at St. Joseph’s Health Centre for the past three years. In 2013, he drew media attention for his “nongala” gala, where he raised $210,000 to have new TV sets installed so St. Joe’s patients undergoing chemotherapy and dialysis in the renal centre could find entertainment during the hours upon hours of treatment they require. “It’s not really that creative of an idea. I couldn’t do a gala and I wanted to get TVs,” he says. “So we said, ‘Don’t buy a dress, don’t get a sitter, don’t pay for parking, don’t
Bachir’s upbringing. When he lived in Lebanon, before he moved to Canada at 10 years old, he remembers his mother and grandmother welcoming in neighbours in need, sometimes even strangers, and cooking a meal for them. “I recall an instant where somebody had come to the house, begging, and my grandmother baked them fresh pita bread,” he says. “And they would give them money if they didn’t have any.” It’s a spirit of generosity that’s carried throughout his life: helping to raise $6 million for the new wing of The 519; being a founding member of
In a life so full of, well, life, you can understand that with six decades of fundraising, sitting on boards, leading companies and the rest that there’s not much left to achieve. “Other than world domination? No, not really,” he jests about his future goals. There are no plans on slowing down, he feels he could work another 10 years, but these days, with his health always an issue, it is about what it’s always been about: family. “I would love to be around long enough to see my little nieces and nephews,” he says, pausing, sentimental, “their lives and how they grow up.”
Bachir’s condo is like an overzealous art gallery, with seemingly every inch of space dedicated to hundreds of pieces from the over 3,000 he owns
have a bad meal. Just send me the money.’ And a lot of friends responded.” It was something he did in one day, with one thumb, tapping away on his phone. “He is a force of nature in a fundraising sense,” says Maria Dyck, president of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. Bachir has become an integral part of the hospital’s fundraising efforts, a key player in raising the $1 million for the new dialysis centre at the health centre, and he’s closing in on a second million dollars for the renal centre. Dyck adds of his drive: “He connects himself to the causes that he cares about passionately and doesn’t stop until he has achieved what needs to be done.” The desire to give back is rooted in SPRING 2016
the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research; working with the Starlight Children’s Foundation to help improve the lives of sick children and their families; sitting on the board of the AGO, and more. Much more. He’s won a number of lifetime achievement awards for his philanthropic efforts, including one presented by former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty at the 2009 Toronto Pride Gala. He was also named Outstanding Volunteer by the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at their 2015 Philanthropy Awards. It won’t be a surprise when he, one day, receives an Order of Canada.
But what about his la dolce vita, the sweet life? “I’m a diabetic. Am I allowed a sweet life?” he quips. But he turns earnest: If you’re unhappy with something, try to change it. You might not always have the means, but there are ways to make a positive difference. What’s important is being happy in who you are, who you’re with. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a three-star restaurant or a spectacular resort,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just a one-on-one with somebody, like a friend, or a small dinner party or get-together.” And, he adds with a soft grin, “If you don’t make it to Paris, it’s not a big deal.” media.cineplex.com www.dolcemag.com
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British sculptor Nic FiddianGreen has become known around the world for his colossal representations of one of the world’s most beautiful creatures
ART
THE SCULPTOR AND HIS HORSES Iconic sculptor Nic Fiddian-Green’s colossal horse heads have redefined the meaning of equestrian dreaming WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
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PHOTO BY RICHARD FOSTER
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ic Fiddian-Green was a student at Chelsea College of Arts in London, U.K., when he went looking for inspiration at the British Museum. He found it almost immediately. In the Elgin Marbles room of the museum, he stumbled upon the marble statue of a horse head, the horse of Selene, an ancient sculpture from the east pediment of the Parthenon. It was, in his words, “one of the most beautiful objects I’d ever seen.” Every maker experiences one of those love-at-firstsight moments with a piece of art, and this was Fiddian-Green’s. He took home his newfound inspiration and began coaxing it out of bronze, clay, riveted sheet metal, soapstone and Carrara and Connemara
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PHOTO BY RICHARD FOSTER PHOTO BY RICHARD FOSTER
Working out of a studio in the stables at the scenic Wintershall Estate, Fiddian-Green uses the horses there as life models for his statues
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marble. It wasn’t long before the world fell in love with his horse heads, which range from miniature to massive. Over the years, Fiddian-Green’s horses have wooed royals — among them Sir Anthony and Lady Carole Bamford as well as the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, all of NIC FIDDIANwhom have adorned GREEN’S their private estates works have adorned with his pieces — and the homes of royals been loved to the and graced the halls point of landmark of world-renowned racetracks status, like his Horse at Water sculpture at the Marble Arch in London. He’s shown at the Sladmore Gallery, Ascot Racecourse, Knowsley Hall and Wellington College, and his sculptures have touched down everywhere from the Middle East to America to Australia. It’s fitting that the horse symbolizes freedom of expression and the driving force that pushes one toward their passion. Perhaps it’s from investing so much of his own time and passion in immortalizing the beauty of the animal, but Fiddian-Green has become the embodiment of those qualities himself. As with most people capable of creating beautiful things, the life story that has given birth to his work has been as marvellous as it’s been tumultuous, from fighting a battle with leukemia to finding
the love of his life (Henrietta is, naturally, a horsewoman). After working his magic in a studio in the stables at Surrey’s gorgeous Wintershall Estate, where he uses the horses as life models, FiddianGreen goes home to what is quite possibly the most charming property in all of England: an 18th-century cottage in the Surrey Downs, where he and Henrietta are in the process of raising four children and eight horses. Upon contemplating Fiddian-Green’s works, one might find it hard to believe there’s such a thing as a fear of horses. Although they’re larger-than-life, his sculptures are anything but unnerving. They offer a chance to explore one of the planet’s most august creatures as though through a microscope, absorbing every carefully placed detail. They’re a reminder that sometimes we, as humans, must set aside our self-imposed power to respect and admire the gentle giants around us. www.sladmorecontemporary.com/ nic-fiddian-green
Fiddian-Green has crafted horse heads out of bronze, clay, riveted sheet metal, soapstone and Carrara and Connemara marble www.dolcemag.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 9
FASHION FEAST
The Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s delivers high-end ingredients and culinary experiences inside the world-renowned luxury retailer’s Canadian locations at Sherway Gardens and on Queen Street in Toronto
W
ith the arrival of Saks in Canada comes a delectable culinary experience by Toronto’s top grocer. The first-ever Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s locations, which have an 18,500-square-foot home at Saks in Sherway Gardens and a swanky spot at the luxury department’s downtown Toronto location, are hitting top marks with fashionistas and foodies alike. From champagne sips and coldpressed juices, to roasted brews and sashimi, to a full-service hot food counter and grab-and-go prepared meal items, the new food hall boasts 10 unique culinary stations that offer a mix of exclusive Pusateri’s brands alongside Toronto gourmet vendors. Discerning shoppers can now fuel up on premium java, tick items off their grocery lists, 10 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
A carefully curated food experience awaits Saks shoppers in Canada with the addition of Pusateri’s food halls and nosh on gourmet meals in between browsing Saks’ luxurious racks. “The partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue has allowed us to curate a series of unique food experiences that reflect our team’s world travels and inherent love of food,” says Pusateri’s president Frank Luchetta. Impressive and engaging, the Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s is a welcome concept that also marks the resurgence of food halls once enjoyed in Canadian department stores long ago. Like European food hall Harrods in London, where patrons pick up fine pastries and cheeses, chocolate and caviar, the Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s reflects the luxe chain grocer and catering and event company’s passion for excellence and fine food. As one of Toronto’s specialty food purveyors, Pusateri’s has been at the top of the food chain since it opened its doors in the 1960s. Family-owned and Canadian-operated, Pusateri’s has well-received storefronts on Avenue Road (its flagship), Yorkville Avenue, in Bayview Village and an imminent opening in Oakville, and has found success in catering, event, floral and giftware services. This latest partnership with world-renowned luxury retailer Saks marks the beginning of a beautiful journey of two brands dishing out the same level of quality, passion and exemplary service to their discerning customers. www.pusateris.com
THE SAKS FOOD HALL BY PUSATERI’S HOSTS 10 UNIQUE CULINARY STATIONS: 1 NUTELLA CAFÉ BY PUSATERI’S
Fresh, handmade crepes featuring the world’s favourite hazelnut spread
2 PUSATERI’S SUSHI BAR
An eclectic mix of raw fish creations
3 CHAMPAGNE AND RAW BAR
Artisanal red and white wines and fine bubblies alongside seafood towers and rotating small plates menus
4 PUSATERI’S CAFÉ
Exclusive coffee blends and looseleaf teas accompanied by freshly baked treats
5 PINGUE PROSCIUTTO BAR
Local charcuterie sliced fresh for eatin or takeaway
6 PUSATERI’S SIGNATURE
SPATCHCOCK ROTISSERIE Grass-fed Ontario chicken dishes expertly made with state-of-the-art French rotisserie
7
GREENHOUSE JUICE Plant-based snacks and cold-pressed juices available at Sherway Gardens location, and superfood smoothies offered at Queen Street location
8 LA CUCINA
Full-service hot counter with innovative recipes by the Pusateri’s Kitchen team
9 PUSATERI’S OWN PREPARED FOODS Grab-and-go single and familysized offerings, including premium proteins, made fresh every day
10 CATERING
À la carte, corporate, holiday, private and kid-friendly catering menus SPRING 2016
INVISIBLE BRUSH
D
WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
PHOTOS BY YURI DOJC
Nastic will be debuting her first photography series Invisible Brush on March 30 at Izzy Gallery
No one thought the work of Toronto painter Deana Nastic could get any better — until she picked up a camera
eana Nastic keeps giving us things to get excited about. The Belgrade-born artist came to Toronto in 1992 and has long since won the hearts of the refined with her haunting watercolour portraits. But this spring, she’s debuting the next chapter of her work: Invisible Brush, her first experimentation behind the camera. And the title of the series speaks volumes. When dabbling in watercolour,
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Nastic dubs her technique “wetting” — the act of employing loads of water to create a spontaneous and intricate arrangement of lines, shadows and colours, almost letting the canvas take on a mind of its own. “Happy accidents,” she calls them. With a masters degree in fine arts, she spent years orchestrating this very unique brand of beautiful, but when she found a camera three years ago, she realized she had the opportunity to continue her work in an unexpected way. Over the course of three years, she used her camera to develop a unique look that still spoke the language of her paintings. “My photography became very painterly, very fluid,” Nastic explains.
Toronto artist Deana Nastic has put down her watercolours and paintbrushes to pursue the next chapter of her artistry: photography
“Using certain movement and light I create this sort of bleeding effect that’s reminiscent of my paintings.” The result is Invisible Brush, a moody dance between photography and watercolour. Nastic plans to unveil the series, which features iconic Canadian model Yasmin Warsame, at Yorkville’s Izzy Gallery on March 30. “These images challenge the boundaries of the traditional photographic medium,” says Roxanne Lowit, New York-based celebrity photographer. “Deana’s vision takes me on a voyage in a universe of mystery through the feminine harmonies of dynamic silhouettes.” www.izzygallery.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 11
Greg Natale is a champion of the layered look. He defines the year ahead as one that will push creative boundaries with metallic accents, vivid colours, geometrics and graphics
Q&A INTERIOR DESIGN
WITH
GREG NATALE
Dolce Magazine gets the scoop on interior design for 2016 with the author of The Tailored Interior INTERVIEW BY SIMONA PANETTA PHOTOS BY ANSON SMART
Q
Where does your highest inspiration come from? A Experiencing different cultures and varying landscapes are a constant form of inspiration. It is even moments such as walking down the street and observing varying patterns on pavements and 12 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
buildings that have provided me with some of the greatest ideas for my projects. Q What can one ďŹ nd when they open your book, The Tailored Interior? A I love books about design of any kind – I collect them myself. I always wanted to write one of my own in which I could share my design philosophy and discuss what I am most
passionate about. People constantly ask me for advice about interior design, and I know that the process can seem overwhelming. I try to convey to my clients that a lot of it is common sense, and I saw The Tailored Interior as a chance to illustrate this by taking readers through my steps toward creating a stylish and cohesive interior. I want people to know that designing SPRING 2016
Comparing his interior design style to a tailored piece of fine clothing, Greg Natale masters balance in his residential, retail and commercial projects with thoughtfully styled modern touches and a flair for rich textures
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 13
their dream space doesn’t need to be as daunting as they think. Q What are the latest trends in interior design and furniture? A I am excited to see a range of metallics such as brass and burnished gold coming through in designs. I am also very excited about the revived interest in the postmodern, Italian design collective Memphis Group – I love its vivid colours, geometrics and graphics. It’s wonderful to see people pushing creative boundaries and experimenting with new takes on classics. Q Explain how your personality shines through your work. A With any project, the client is at the core of the work. I approach design in a cohesive order, beginning with the interior architecture and then moving to considering the proportions of the room and building up the layers of furnishings. When I design, there is a constant interplay between organic development and careful planning; there is a balance.
Greg Natale is a leading Australian interior designer, winning the Belle Coco Republic Interior Designer of the Year award twice. His recent book, The Tailored Interior, boasts a photographic compendium of his classic, contemporary and original projects, as well as his love for layers and vibrant colours
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“WHEN I DESIGN, THERE IS A CONSTANT INTERPLAY BETWEEN ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT AND CAREFUL PLANNING; THERE IS A BALANCE”
Q How has your esthetic changed over the years? A I have always loved bold, sophisticated and glamorous in both interiors and fashion. I’ve also always been a fan of prints, patterns and textures; from a very young age I was surrounded by patterns in my parents’ home. So it felt natural that I looked to these areas when I started to develop my style within my own business. At the time, the industry was just coming out of its obsession with minimalism, and I knew that to be noticed I needed to really make an impact. Inspired by the work of the late English designer David Hicks and Danish designer Verner Panton, I began playing with prints, colours and geometrics, and contemporary and classic lines, layering these to create warm, liveable interiors. My style has evolved but at its core there is a consistency, and I make sure to tailor it to the particular space I’m working with. Q What new and exciting projects are on the horizon for your design firm? A We are in the closing stages of our first hotel project, where we were in charge of the complete reimagining of all 80-plus rooms, bars, restaurants and common areas. It’s a mammoth refurbishment project in a well-known wine-making region in Australia. It will be a thrill to see people experiencing it. www.gregnatale.com SPRING 2016
MEET ME IN THE SUN
PHOTO BY T.H. JACKSON HUANG/IKONICA
EYEBROW EMBROIDERY Y
BY ARABELLA TRASCA ing flawless She’s best known for creating skin and captivating eyes, but it’s her devotion to oft-neglected brows that sets international makeup artist Arabella Trasca apart from the rest. otees is Trasca’s long list of devotees raving about the latest secret in her beauty arsenal: eyebrow embroidery. Known as microblading, this Holy Grail to thin, unshapely or barely there brows comes in the form of a semi-permanent pigment that’s gently pushed into the skin with a tiny blade to create strokes that mimic the presence of hair. The result is up to three years of fuller, bolder, natural-looking arches that speak of instant youth. “It’s an effortless, phenomenal way to wake up to fuller brows,” says Trasca. Using one’s facial features and preferences as her guide, the Torontobased beauty expert develops customized brow shapes for each client during the first of a two-step process, so you can confidently face the world with the brows you’ve always dreamed of. FOR BEFORE AND AFTERS, VISIT
www.arabellatrasca.com
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◀ SAVING GRACE Armani’s Crema Nera Extrema Supreme Recovery Oil sweeps in to revive radiance, hydrate skin and fight wrinkles with a potent, exclusive extract. www.armanibeauty.com
◀ PINK ME UP Move over, nude; it’s time for bold, retro lips to shine. Gucci’s Audacious Color-Intense lipstick in Aegean Pink hits the spot with saturated colour and a sexy, weightless finish. www.gucci.com
These latest musthaves will have you bouncing into spring in no time
▶ SHOO-IN Say aloha to Big Island colour inspired by the Nifty Fifties. Christian Louboutin’s Hawaii Kawaii limited-edition mini nail lacquer sets celebrate punchy, vibrant hues for your toes — just in time for sandal season. christianlouboutin.com
▲ MANE SQUEEZE Set your style and your day with magic in a bottle. Unite’s GO365 Hairspray provides UV protection and boasts adjustable strength levels all in one can. Just turn the nozzle and have your pick of a soft, medium or strong hold. Like we said: magic! mcmanusandcampbellhair.com ▶ COMING UP ROSES Fresh and light and oh-so feminine, Acqua di Parma’s special limited edition Rosa Nobile pays tribute to the queen of flowers. Just one spritz is akin to the breeze of a fine spring day. www.acquadiparma.com
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 15
A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
KEEPING UP WITH THE OSMANNS WRITTEN BY AMANDA STOREY
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They’re the couple the world has fallen for, and would follow anywhere — Murad and Nataly Osmann are showcasing love and culture through a whole new lens
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Murad and Nataly Osmann travel the world for their ongoing photography project, #FollowMeTo SPRING 2016
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 17
#FollowMeTo began almost by accident, when Murad snapped a candid photo of Nataly during their first vacation together in Barcelona in 2011
T
riggering a social media movement isn’t something that every couple can say they have done, but it’s just one of the accolades that Russian photographer-model duo Murad and Nataly Osmann have tacked to their relationship résumé. If you don’t already recognize their names, chances are you have at least caught a glimpse of the Osmanns’ ongoing photography project #FollowMeTo while scrolling through social media: it’s that signature shot of Murad holding the hand of Nataly from behind the camera as she leads him into some scenic corner of the planet. From the Crystal Palace in Madrid to Times Square in New York City, Nataly has navigated her husband through spots both remote and wellknown — always, of course, decked out in an enviable ensemble. #FollowMeTo was first sparked almost accidentally in 2011, when Murad and Nataly vacationed together for the first time in Barcelona, and Murad did as any photographer would: he documented their journey with his beautiful girlfriend at the heart of each shot. Diving deep into Murad’s Instagram account, @muradosmann — over 200 weeks deep, to be exact — one will unearth that first, very poignant snapshot: clad in a pink plaid shirt, a slightly out-of-focus Nataly guides her companion toward a colourful wall of graffiti on an undisclosed street in Barcelona. From the moment of its posting, the venture swiftly went viral, 18 DOLCE MAGAZINE | www.dolcemag.com
“THE #FOLLOWMETO PROJECT HAS BROUGHT BACK SOMETHING THAT MOST OF US HAD ALMOST FORGOTTEN ABOUT IN OUR DAILY GRIND: THE DESIRE TO EXPLORE” with Murad’s account rising to its current 3.8 million followers. Since its pilot post, #FollowMeTo has, quite literally, come a long way. As the couple gained super-fame, they upgraded their production and ventured to increasingly luxurious destinations. They published a book, Follow Me To: A Journey around the World through the Eyes of Two Ordinary Travelers, in January of 2015 — truly, a coffee table book to rule them all — and even said “I do” last June in a dreamy ceremony that lit up social media.
They opened the online #FollowMeTo Shop, where fans can buy phone cases emblazoned with watercolour versions of their most-loved shots, and Nataly launched her own blog, begoody.ru, where she and her best friend Katerina Yak make excellent use of their skills in both journalism and good taste. Most recently, the Osmanns signed on as the faces of the #FollowINC campaign by Macy’s sub-brand International Concepts Clothing (INC). Today, the whole #FollowMeTo series is as lighthearted as it is visually exquisite, with each photo pulling the viewer into a unique adventure and offering a serious source of style inspiration. But the passion project has evolved into something much more substantial than a collection of beautiful photos or a “mustfollow” Instagram account. Murad and Nataly Osmann have brought out the wanderlust in people, prompting folks all over the world to finally book the trips they’ve always kept on the back burner. They have helped reignite spontaneity and creativity in couples everywhere, as is evident in the amount of social media users attempting to recreate their stunning snapshots (and, on occasion, failing hilariously). What’s most impressive about #FollowMeTo is that through it, two “ordinary travellers” have brought back something that most of us had almost forgotten about in our daily grind: the desire to explore, and to do it while holding the hand of someone we’d follow anywhere. www.instagram.com/muradosmann SPRING 2016
PHOTO BY SECHENOFF
(clockwise, from top left) Nataly and Murad Osmann meet some elephants at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India The Osmanns head toward Jumbo Kingdom, a floating restaurant in Hong Kong, which Murad claims is one of the couple’s favourite cities Dressed in an ornate gown, Nataly looks at the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Murad visually chronicles a picturesque wine tasting and exploration of the historic Rhine House at Beringer Vineyards in Napa Valley, Calif. The Osmanns tied the knot in June of 2015 On their wedding day, Murad took a twist on their usual pose, and the resulting photo took the social media world by storm Of course, Nataly and Murad’s honeymoon took them to more than one destination, including Las Vegas and the Maldives
PHOTO BY ANDREW BAYDA
PHOTO BY ANDREW BAYDA
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah looks on in the distance as Nataly leads Murad through the vibrant city of Dubai
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 19
HEAD-SPINNING STYLE
TEXT BY AMANDA STOREY
Get ready for a head rush: springtime’s closet shimmers with bold silhouettes, dazzling textures and rockstar embellishments
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Rock the element of surprise with some creative cut-outs, a trend that’s living fearlessly on this season / Dress, Holt; earrings, Nordstrom
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 21
Wherever your destination, channel sizzling temperatures by slipping into hot hues and lush details / Dress, Holt; earrings, Nordstrom; ring, Henri Bendel; bag, Louis Vuitton
Time to awaken your allure — ornate prints and heavy metals are a surefire formula for uninterrupted confidence / Fur, Barismo; swimsuit, Holt; belt, Moschino
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Don’t let the warmer weather retire your fur. Pair it with a springtime ensemble to make a smouldering statement / Shoes, Sergio Rossi; suitcase, Louis Vuitton
PHOTOGRAPHER Diego Nossa STYLIST Romina Sergi HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST Diana Rodriguez MODELS Pamela Burgos and Kiki Barth
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DOLCE MAGAZINE 23