Volume1

MONTREAL’S BIGGEST BLACK BOOK

DIARY OF A SOCIAL GAL

VOLUME 1. FALL BACK. SPRING FORWARD.

LIVE. LOOK. MAKE. ESCAPE. INSPIRE.

THE PARTY

Founder/editor in chief Creative and advertising director

JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Consulting creative director Web manager

SONIA PRICE

Executive art director/graphic design

SIMON LÉVEILLÉ Copy editor

ANDREA SHEPHERD Computer graphics

MARIANNE BOUSQUET

Contributing writers

CAIA HAGEL, MARIE ELENA MARTINEZ, NINA MOURIN, VANESSA MURI, JENNIFER ROMAN, TOMMY SCHNURMACHER, HEIDI SLIMM, SUZANNE WEXLER, JANNA ZITTRER Contributing photographers

SAAD AL-HAKKAK, KEVIN ALLWOOD, KELLY COCHRANE, TIM GEORGESON, KRISTOPHER LAUREN-RACICOT, MONSIIEUR, MARK MURI, JAMES ANDREW ROSEN Primary distribution Montreal Gazette - The Gazette (514) 987-2222 www.montrealgazette.com Also circulated with select retail partners and at select benefit and corporate events.

Published by Diary of a Social Gal (D.S.G.) Management Inc. Printed by Imprimerie F.L. Chicoine No part of Diary of a Social Gal magazine may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Diary of a Social Gal (D.S.G.) Management Inc. All views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those belonging to the editor in chief. Diary of a Social Gal magazine takes no responsibility for any unsolicited manuscripts or photography.

Copyright © 2012 Diary of a Social Gal (D.S.G.) Management Inc. All rights reserved.

For more information or inquiries re: print and online advertising, please contact us directly at info@diaryofasocialgal.com.

Special thanks to Alan Allnutt, Jonathan Auerbach, Brahm Campbell, Gail Campbell, Carolina Gallo Richer La Flèche, Caia Hagel, Tim Georgeson, Isabelle Hudon, Rad Hourani, Java U, Lissy Kates, Sheila Kussner, Jean-Pascal Lemire, Joel Leonoff, Simon Léveillé, Cindy Levy, Christina Maselli, Tony Miceli, Nina Mourin, Mabel Palomino, Sonia Price, Jennifer Roman, Andrea Shepherd, Steven Smith, Johanne Sternthal, Suzanne Wexler, Tim Zyto and the other angels too numerous to mention who swooped in and reinstated my faith in humanity. You know who you are and I treasure every one of you.

WWW.DIARYOFASOCIALGAL.COM

THE PARTY NEVER ENDS

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LET’S

PART Y

FALL FABULOUSLY BACK INTO ALL THE ACTION THAT DEFINED THE FALL/WINTER SOCIAL SEASON. HIGHLIGHTS GALORE. NO SNORES. NO BORES.

16 SEASON KICKOFF

Hope & Cope’s 30th Anniversary Soirée Fantastique.

The 4Th Annual Notte In Bianco Benefit Event.

22 ODE TO THE SM’ART ONES

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Museum Ball.

The Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal’s Annual Ball (a.k.a. The MAC Ball).

24 A MUSHPOT AT HEART

Canada Company’s Fleurons Glorieux Gala.

28 LOVE IS A CIRCUS (IN A GOOD WAY)

The Fondation Quebec Jeunes’ Bal de la Saint-Valentin.

30 DREAM (I) D0S

LOOK THE PARTY

WHERE A SMACK OF GOOD STYLE AND BEAUTY PIECES AWAIT … GET READY TO LOOK THE PART(Y)!

42 DIARY LOVES FASHION

A look back on fall/winter’s fabulously dressed, tressed, tuxed and luxed.

46 DESIGNER IMPACT

102 HEART-TO-HEART WITH SOPHIE DESMARAIS

Wine expert ÉLYSE LAMBERT shares some of her favourite wine commandments.

77 THE TAMING OF THE ANTI-BRIDE 81 HAUTE HOSTS

The NICOLE RICHIE Style File.

50 SUPER-SARTORIALS FOR THIS SEASON’S PARTIES Fêtes Attention.

Look The Part(y).

65 THE PROFESSIONALS BREAK IT DOWN Stylists and partners MELISSA MATOS and ANDREW LY check in on this season’s fashion and beauty trends.

66 JESS TALKS JOOLS

Style expert JESSICA MULRONEY on the new no rule rules for jools.

70 COUNTDOWN TO GROOMED AND GLOSSY

The World of MORA Come To Life.

74 WINE SO DIVINE

48 FASHION CRED

34 MIX AND MASK

Moët & Chandon hosts Rosalie’s Club House Launch.

Montreal Fashion Week kick-off Cocktail.

A Tiffany Celebration.

INSPIRE THE PARTY

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON "MAKING" THE MOST OF THIS SEASON’S PARTIES.

A recent bride’s unbridled account of planning her wedding.

68 THE KING OF BLING

38 LET’S DO LAUNCH

MAKE THE PARTY

Celebrated designer RAD HOURANI shares style-making secrets.

The Schwarz nuptials (local).

The Brownstein wedding (destination).

The Farha Foundation’s Annual Maskarade.

Veuve Clicquot’s Yelloween (Eyes Wide Shut).

PART Y

LIVE THE PARTY

LET’S

Content

‘Nuff said.

A foolproof five-day plan for putting your best face (and bod) forward at next week’s party.

72 INSANELY MOTIVATING CELEBRITY TRAINER HARLEY PASTERNAK

The best defence against this season’s body-hugging frocks and suits.

A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME EXTRAORDINARY MONTREALERS WHO MOTIVATE AND DRIVE THE PARTY. FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE.

The story of an action-taking difference-maker.

104 BECAUSE

A nod to two more globe-changers, GUY LALIBERTÉ and NICO ARCHAMBAULT.

Expert entertainers talk party.

ESCAPE THE PARTY

FOR THOSE BETWEEN-BASH VALLEYS AND INTERLUDES WHEN RECHARGING AND REJUVENATING ARE AS ESSENTIAL AS BREATHING.

86 PARADISE FOUND

St. Lucia’s Jalousie Plantation.

92 DESTINATION: ART-SOUTH

Where great hospitality meets great art.

94 N.Y.SEE.

New York City through the eyes of homegrown Montrealer HEIDI SLIMM.

98 THE PERFECT AHHH…GETAWAY

Sometimes the greatest family retreat is just a drive away.

101 CHUCK DISHES

Celebrity chef CHUCK HUGHES on his favourite ‘escapes’, food-related and otherwise.

JUST FOR FUN 105 DIARY OF A SOCIAL PAL

Lord Tommy S. with a rhyme of a good time.

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Editor’s Note

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10 / DI ARY O F A S O CIAL G A L

Jennifer Campbell

L

ike a good procrastinator, I’ve put off the penning of this page until the very last minute. (We go to print in less than a week.) But if I’m really honest, there’s more to it than simple procrastinating.

Despite my having lots to say about, well, everything, I honestly had no idea where to begin.

For the first time in a long time, I was stumped. A recap of the journey to launch with its many peaks and valleys (no matter how affecting, entertaining, memorable or forgettable from my perspective) would only bore readers (and take up the entire publication) while a more “conventional“ opening with nods to stories and subject matter seemed even more snore. (Plus, convention has already been thrown to the wind straight from the get-go with the imageless front and back covers.)

And so, after certain reflection, the executive decision was taken (by me) to continue to throw convention to the wind (edge-living daredevil that I am!) and make this page (relatively) short and out of the box. No nods to stories and editorial spreads. Instead, let the inaugural magazine speak for itself.

So, in a nutshell, this first print edition of Diary of a Social Gal marks the culmination of a dream.

Corny but true. Part diary, part social/lifestyle/fashion mag, it tells a story (or several) from my perch as social gal over five sections: LIVE, LOOK, MAKE, ESCAPE and INSPIRE THE PARTY – with more than a little help from an incredibly talented pack of contributors (without whom the journey would simply not have been possible).

The voices are always personal and the content always party. The goal is some sort of impact on society (STIR SOCIETY is the “official” motto), but ultimately, we seek to infotain you with a look back on parties past and a variety of season-specific articles chock-full of good lifestyle and party stuff.

That’s it, that’s all. Sincerely hope you enjoy the ride.

Roam without worry.

Travel the world and surf the web without a care thanks to our international roaming options and our Data Flex Plans that automatically adjust to your needs.

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Much xx toujours, JENN PS: The party never ends. Between biannual publications (spring/summer and fall/winter), we’ll continue to live online at WWW.DIARYOFASOCIALGAL.COM and look forward to connecting there as well, Diarytinis in hand. And of course, I remain your loyal, stiletto-hopping social gal at the Gazette.

Do tune in.

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Contributors

SAAD AL-HAKKAK’s striking photographs and signature style have propelled the young photographer (with an endearing

gleam in his eye) to the pinnacle of Montreal’s rising fashion scene. Completely self taught, he is master of direction and always elicits the best from his subjects. He is most definitely one to watch as his natural elegance and minimalist aesthetic continue to drive and define the SAAD Vision. See for yourself (page 58).

TIM GEORGESON

’s advertising, art and environmental portraiture feature in the New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, Code and others. His award-winning print campaigns, shot with top agencies and clients including 180, Nikon, Olympus, Levi’s, WWF and the United Nations have run around the world. Tim has also won a number of international prizes and shown his photos, in solo and group exhibitions, to critical acclaim. Most importantly, he’s a cool Aussie partial to knitted tuques that caused quite the stir on Diary-related shoots like the fashion editorial Fêtes Attention (page 52).

CAIA HAGEL’s personality profiles, travelogues and design and art critiques appear regularly in international publications in-

cluding Art Review, Elle, Marie-Claire, Rolling Stone, Vogue and Wallpaper. She is also no stranger to television, where her awardwinning journalism has featured on a number of major networks. In 2010, Caia and her tuque-wearing photographer husband, Tim (above), co-founded rightfoot+creative, a boutique ad agency that specializes in cool ads spanning upper-end commercial companies to street brands and humanitarian organizations, using many local artists and performers. Accordingly, Caia particularly loved her sit-down with singer/humanitarian Sophie Desmarais (page 102) and her jet-set to Savannah to cover the official opening of the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum (page 92).

MARIE ELENA MARTINEZ is a New York City-based travel, food, and lifestyle writer who left her corporate PR job in 2005

to travel around the world to explore and expose fabulously exciting and exotic locales like St. Lucia’s Jalousie Plantation (page 86) and has never looked back. She contributes to a host of publications including Newsday, Boston Globe, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, Jetsetter, MensFitness.com, and CNTraveler.com. A regular blogger for The Huffington Post, she chronicles her adventures in her writing, and can be reached through her web site.

MONSIIEUR

is a young, self-taught photographer who refined his distinctive style (edgy raw) working with fashion photographers and art directors all over the world. His rapidly expanding client roster includes Lise Watier, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Lady Gaga muse Rico (a.k.a. Zombie Boy). For this edition of Diary, he snapped the Mad Men-esque beauty image (page 70) and Haute Hosts portrait (page 82).

NINA MOURIN

considers fashion to be more than just clothes (think intellectual pursuit, possibly religion) and hasn’t lost sight of her fashion editorial dream since she was …14. To date, the young writer has been published in YYZ Living, Zink magazine, Flare. com and iVillage.com. Though her current life is an exhilarating (albeit challenging) balance-a-thon between fashion writing, advertising concept writing for Draft FCB, and social media strategizing for high-profile clients in the fashion world, Nina, like Nicole Richie, whom she writes about on page 48, has no plans to slow down. Heck, she’s just getting started.

VANESSA MURI

has lived in London and Tokyo, though she considers Montreal her (relatively permanent) home base. A lifestyle editor and writer, Vanessa regularly works up prose for various publications including the Montreal Gazette, the Kit and Sweetspot.ca. For this inaugural edition, she covers a gorgeous country retreat (page 98) which was an excellent fit as far as assignments go, given her passion for travel (even of the local variety). Yes, she writes for Fodor’s and Where.ca too.

JENNIFER ROMAN is the quintessential modern woman juggling it all (or trying to anyway). A typical day in the life of the

wife, mother and brand architect finds her greeting the morning with a run before tackling a course of client meetings, proposal writings, event productions and of course homework supervision. Though the career began with radio promotion and marketing, it has grown (exponentially) into a mini Jenpire that offers corporate and nonprofit clients alike one-of-a-kind events, product launches, brand positioning and sponsorship support. What’s next for the mompreneur? Oh just global domination. And if she’s lucky, a follow-up interview with wine expert Élyse Lambert (page74).

TOMMY SCHNURMACHER has come a long way since he babysat for John and Yoko at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel

Bed-In. An icon on the Montreal media scene, Tommy is the highly rated host of the 9 to noon show on CJAD radio. Author of the Gold Diggers’ Guide and Canada is Not a Real Country, Schnurmacher recently completed Are We On Yet? Insider Secrets on How to Hype Your Book, Blog or Business, to be published in the fall of 2012 by Linda Leith Publishing. He thinks Jennifer Campbell is wonderful (the reason he agreed to pen a poem, page 105) but wishes she wore her prison dress more often.

HEIDI SLIMM

is an upper west side girl living on the fringe of the Upper East Side. A square peg in a round hole, she often finds herself curating both people and things that feel both legitimate and spectacular (as is evident in her piece on page 94). At odds with her current life, she is looking to discover new friends, finds and mothers who smile at school pick-up.

SUZANNE WEXLER

was recently told she looked like she traipsed out of a Fellini movie, which was something of a coup for this fashion and features writer. Her work has appeared in the Montreal Gazette, National Post, En Route, Zink magazine, and more. When not writing about fun and fabulous topics such as Haute Hosts (page 81), Suzanne pens shrewd essays (page 77) and brutally honest cultural critiques about the good, the bad and everything in between. She has an M.A. in Liberal Studies from the New School in New York City and a degree in Psychoanalytic Thought from the University of Toronto.

JANNA ZITTRER

is a freelance writer and Montreal correspondent for FLARE magazine (making her assignment to write the beauty fête prep feature on page 70 a no-brainer). She is also the founder of Montreal Shopping Tours, the city’s only guided shopping service and the first to offer the unique “Shop like a Fashion Editor” experience. When she’s not writing or shopping, Janna can be found wandering through the aisles of the SAQ and running the trails of Mount Royal.

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Hope & Cope’s 30th Anniversary Soirée Fantastique Annual Notte in Bianco Benefit Event

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LIV E T HE PAR T Y

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NO, WE’RE NOT TALKING SPORTS (I’LL LEAVE THAT TO RESIDENT EXPERTS LIKE DAVE STUBBS). WE’RE TALKING SOCIAL SEASON. MORE PRECISELY THE PAST FALL/WINTER SOCIAL SEASON, WHICH YOURS TRULY HAD THE PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE OF COVERING FOR THE MONTREAL GAZETTE’S WEEKLY SOCIAL NOTES COLUMN. (OF COURSE YOU ALL REGULARLY TUNE IN EVERY SATURDAY, DOUBLE WINK)

A

nyway, the fall/winter lineup was a home run (‘couldn’t resist the sports ’phors) for hosts, guests, columnists and readers alike, a panoply of fundraisers, benefits, launches and high-society nuptials that had us all in their thrall from the glam-go with an entrancing display of great eats, entertainment, decor, fashion and, yes, a cast of charismatics like no other. There was something for everyone.

So, you get it. It’s been a good season. A great season. And it all kicked off (back to the ’phor) with a double header in September when I made the trip back from Shangri-La (a.k.a. The W in SoBe) to attend Hope & Cope’s 30th Anniversary Soirée Fantastique (which did not disappoint and admittedly eased an acute case of “vacation interruptus”). The unstoppable and ever inspiring founder/chair of Hope & Cope, SHEILA KUSSNER, and her team, pulled out all the stops yet again, wowing with celebrity entertainment (legendary MARVIN HAMLISCH was in

the house) and a first rate eve from start to finish that raised a ridonkulously impressive $1.7 mill for Hope & Cope and the JGH Hope & Cope Wellness Centre/Lou’s House.

One week later, the season opener was followed by a just-as-ambitious 4th edition of MARIA and VINCE GUZZO’S Annual Notte In Bianco Benefit Event at their beyond McMansion, to which the power elite flocked like bees to honey in the requisite pale threads.

(Even yours truly heeded the invitation’s call to the light side.) Initially inspired by the father of monochromatic entertaining himself, P.DIDDY, the duo did papa P. proud with an attention to detail that exceeded expectations, even their own, generating a quarter of a million plus to fund cancer research through the Guzzo Environment-Cancer Research Chair of the Université de Montréal.

Like I said, a really good kickoff. Now, turn the page and see what all the hoopla’s about.

Montreal Québec Toronto Winnipeg Edmonton Calgary Vancouver Photo: Barry Harris

HOPE & COPE’S

4TH ANNUAL

NOTTE IN BIANCO

30TH ANNIVERSARY SOIRÉE FANTASTIQUE

BENEFIT EVENT

PHOTOS: KEVIN ALLWOOD, KA AGENCY

We’ve all heard it before, the much-quoted proverb, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.” And therefore, it comes as no bombshell that two of fall/winter’s most visually stunning and successful benefit events belonged to two of the city’s most venerable cultural institutions: the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) and The Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal (or as it’s most commonly known, the MAC).

Presented under the patronage (très distinguished) of honorary co-presidents NORMAN HÉBERT JR. and JEFFREY ORR and president SUZANNE LEGGE ORR, the annual MMFA Museum Ball dazzled with a decor that sent many a square and dainty jaw dropping, the perfect complement to the impossibly chic Alisters who made their way into the museum for an evening of unsurpassed culinary fare, stellar networking and non-stop kickup-your-Louboutins dancing. (Of note: Air Canada president/ CEO CALIN ROVINESCU was particularly light on his feet and no, he was not wearing Louboutins.)

Most impressive, however, were the $1.34 million raised for the museum and the deserving homage paid to the BOURGIE FAMILY (CLAIRE, MARC, PIERRE and CLAUDE BOURGIE BOVET were guests of honour), who was instrumental in bringing the extraordinary Bourgie Concert Hall and Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion of Quebec and Canadian Art to life.

PHOTOS: KEVIN ALLWOOD, KA AGENCY PHOTOS: KEVIN ALLWOOD, KA AGENCY

LIV E T HE PAR T Y

SM’ART ONES

The Annual MAC Ball, held at the The Musée d’Art Contemporain and chaired with signature cool and class by journalist BERNARD DEROME and McCarthy Tétrault partner DAVID McAUSLAND also rocked and rolled in the name of great art. Thanks to master creative DICK WALSH and a dedicated professional and volunteer team, flourishing fête touches were everywhere, putting everyone (a power pack of 450) in the mood to par-tee (guilty). The most striking included swings adorned by bona fide ballerinas during cocktails (a nice departure from cruising tables), a futuristic ladder topped by DJ ABEILLE GÉLINAS (did I mention it emerged from the core of the dining room?) and a stylish secret den for the absinthe-inclined (guilty again).

Not surprisingly, the outta-the-box eve spawned much MACmania (Telus Québec president FRANÇOIS CÔTÉ picked up where Mr. Air Canada left off in the dance department at the MMFA Ball) and generated an impressive $235,000 for the foundation.

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LIV E T HE PAR T Y 2 2 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

ODE TO THE

NOT DONE YET

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LIV E T HE PAR T Y

Fleurons Glorieux Gala in support of Canada Company

A MUSHPOT AT HEART I

t’s probably not particularly strategic to admit to the above sentimentality in print in a new publication circulated with my primary employer.

But I’ve never been known for my stratagem or formality (as those of you who regularly tune into Gazette Social Notes are keenly aware). Truth be told, I am a mushpot at heart, often profoundly moved (to tears and embarrassingly loud sniffs) by many of the events I cover.

And so I freely admit that my eyes were mistier than Niagara and my smile prouder than a Cheshire’s for the entire duration of Canada Company’s Fleurons Glorieux Gala, a firstof-its-kind benefit event at Windsor Station this fall/winter season, honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces who had recently completed combat missions in Afghanistan. (In fact, more than 50 percent of soldiers returning from the final mission were from Quebec.)

Directed by the bionic JENNIFER ROMAN (she’s a Diary contributor too) and ROBERT VÉZINA (they could move Everest if that were the mandate), the eve bore all the hallmarks of an A-list gala: champagne cocktails in the tented courtyard (yes, a schmooze fest), power-hosting by television luminary BEN MULRONEY, a multi-course gastronomic meal and solid entertainment by rock star hottie JONAS TOMALTY and his equally swoon-worthy guitarist COREY DIABO (so I have a thing for rockers).

But there was more. The evening that paid homage to our courageous soldiers was also awash in a series of unforgettable moments that had the majority of the 700 VIPs in attendance, including honorary co-presidents and captains of industry LOUIS VACHON, PAUL DESMARAIS JR., PIERRE BEAUDOIN and MARC PARENT, as far klempt as me. Of particular potency: Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-chief DAVID JOHNSTON’S tribute to the troops; a video from GENERAL CHARLES LAMARRE in Afghanistan describing the challenges of military missions; a pre-recorded video tribute and performance by super-songstress CÉLINE (legends don’t need a last name); and the presentation of the mind-bogglingly impressive $1.3-million cheque to BLAKE GOLDRING, president/founder of Canada Company and STEVEN GREGORY, president of Canada Company Quebec, both of whom accepted the cheque on behalf of the aforementioned charitable organization that proudly establishes ties between corporate and community leaders and the military to ensure that members of the forces and their families obtain the support and acknowledgment they well deserve.

Being Canadian at the Fleurons Glorieux Gala was a really good thing (written with a sniff and a smile). Turn the page and see for yourselves…

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More love… Bal de la Saint-Valentin

W

hat do you get when you cross Valentine’s Day with an over-the-top rock ’n’ roll circus presented under the honorary presidency of ISABELLE HUDON, president of Sun Life Financial Quebec and ERIK RYAN, Rio Tinto Alcan principal vice-president of communications and external relations?

One of fall/winter’s most memorable dos. (Top) hats off to Cava Rose Events’ award-winning event-cupids, PAULE LABELLE and CHERYL DOMINGO, who outdid their creative selves with the Fondation Québec Jeunes’ 9th Bal de la Saint-Valentin, a February love fest at Complexe Arsenal that few (if any) of the 500-plus patrons could resist.

Event entertainment was everywhere (bless their hearts) from the hunky fireeaters (my personal faves) and bendy acrobats (not too shabby either) to the après-souper supersized candy bar that made Halloween look like a warm-up. (Just ask inventive guest PATRICK ELFASSY, who scored a whole jar of goodies for his Valentine, EMILY DEANE.) Most impressive, however, was the tall-as-a-trendy-clown-on-stilts tally that the eve raised for the foundation ($325,000, to be exact). Established in 1995, Fondation Québec Jeunes invests in a plethora of programs and activities essential to the well-being of Quebec’s underprivileged youths between the ages of 11 and 17. My kind of party – ahem – circus.

MORE PARTY PEOPLE Some other bold face worthies not hearted at left included:PAUL GAULIN and JEANNICK CLÉMENT, LUC BISAILLON and wife LYNE DESROCHERS,ROBERTO BELLINI and love MYAH DRORI,DENIS CHAMBERLAND and wife CLAUDE LEFEBVRE,GUY LAFRAMBOISE and wife VANESSA,DOMINIQUE LEBEL and wife VALÉRIE PIGEON.

WINE AND FOOD LOVERS’ NOTE Yet again, ARMANDO ARRUDA and his team at the Fairmont Queen E were all over the eve’s theme, peppering plates with love and flavour. Kudos, too, to the eve’s inspired wine selections, which featured, among others, a fête-enhancing Cuvée Jean Rière 2009.

LIV E T HE PAR T Y

LOVE IS A CIRCUS IN A GOOD WAY

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LIV E T HE PAR T Y

Photos: Marc Muri

Still more love…

ERIC OUAKNINE JONATHAN COHEN DAVID BROWNSTEIN MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN YAN BESNER

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LIV E T HE PAR T Y

ADAM BRAZ DAVID ZABITSKY

DREAM [I] DOS

GREG AND CHANTAL CHAMANDY

NIKOLE JECEN KARL SCHWARZ

DAVID BROWNSTEIN AND ANN GILAD BROWNSTEIN

BELLS ARE RINGING. WEDDING BELLS, THAT IS. BUT EVEN IF YOU’RE MORE PRAGMATIST THAN ROMANTIC, FEAR NOT. THIS NUPTIAL STUFF IS GOOD. DIARY HAS THE EXCLUSIVE ON TWO HIGH-PROFILE MONTREAL WEDDINGS, ONE LOCAL, ONE DESTINATION ANN GILAD BROWNSTEIN MARIA AND GASTON SCHWARZ

LOCAL:

The first belongs to hot young plastic surgeon KARL SCHWARZ (Yes, dad is revered plastic surgeon GASTON SCHWARZ) and his gorgeous new wife, anesthesiologist NIKOLE JECEN (whom he met and fell in love with while they were doing their residency in Washington, D.C.). The wedding, planned by the couple in collaboration with professional wedding planner ERIKA FLORES, struck the perfect balance between traditional and rock star. Festivities were initiated at Notre Dame Chapel with a moving ceremony immediately followed by a festive cocktail and elaborate sit-down dinner reception at the Windsor ballrooms. As expected, food, drink, speeches and overall fête were of the go-down-inhistory variety. (The groom’s brother KONRAD SCHWARZ was particularly stand-up funny.) Of course, the guest list was stellar, punctuated by the likes of SOPHIE DESMARAIS and love DANIEL VALOATTI and MILA MULRONEY, who attended with son MARK MULRONEY. (Honourable hot mention goes to Karl’s sisters, lawyeresses KAREN and

PHOTOS: KEVIN ALLWOOD, KA AGENCY EXCEPT LEAD PHOTO BY ENRIQUE LAUNI

KRISTINE SCHWARZ, and their equally sizzling mom, MARIA SCHWARZ, who, toned, tanned, tressed and dressed to the elevens, rivalled Tinseltown’s best.)

Now before we make like good snowbirds and fly south for the second wedding, a final local morsel (beauty aficionados be forewarned): The savvy McGroom just might be contributing to DIARYOFASOCIALGAL.COM in the near future, armed with all the inside scoop on the latest beauty fixes and treatments. (Moral of this story? Visit us online for a party on every front.)

LISSY KATES CATHERINE MELLING TURNER KRISTINE SCHWARZ PACKARD KAREN SCHWARZ BELLIG

DESTINATION: There’s a reason

MARK AND MILA MULRONEY

THOMAS BELLIG KONRAD SCHWARZ

DANIEL VALOATTI SOPHIE DESMARAIS

so many of today’s brides and grooms opt for destination nuptials. What could be bad about a jaunt to party central (i.e. South Beach) during the height of winter with friends and family for a weekend of fun in the sun topped by an all-out luxe mariage? Such was the idyllic dream-scene this January at the wedding of DAVID BROWNSTEIN and his beautiful bride ANN GILAD, who, along with proud parents THERESE and MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN, and ELISE and AVI GILAD, invited 150 lucky guests to an A-list resort, the W in SoBe. Working closely with expert wedding planners at J Group Events, the couple made the most of the minimalist-chic beachscape with a stunning outdoor cocktail and ceremony before ushering guests back into the main ballroom for the reception. Beloved DJ SHLOMI did very good things with dance tunes while an haute-gamme menu (offering a winwin choice between Chilean sea bass and filet mignon) delighted and a laden sweet bar inspired soul-replenishing diet sabotaging. The only downside?

The flight home.

ERIC OUAKNINE JULIA BROWNSTEIN OUAKNINE OSCAR OUAKNINE ANN GILAD BROWNSTEIN DAVID BROWNSTEIN THERESE BROWNSTEIN MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN

SUSAN AND STEVEN CUMMINGS

PHOTOS: ARTIST GROUP

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MIX AND MASK I

don’t know if it’s just me, but the whole mysterious mask shtick never seems to get tired. Two of the standouts on the guise front this past season were Veuve Clicquot’s Yelloween (Eyes Wide Shut) event at swanky Auberge St-Gabriel and The Farha Foundation’s Annual Maskarade at Bonsecours Market. Not only did both magnet an absurdly disproportionate number of the beautiful people, but the enigmatic theme inspired much in the realm of creativity. Kudos to CINDY LEVY, the Moët-Hennessy Quebec marketing maestro working on the Veuve Clicquot event, who did her brands superstylish justice in a supersized fan of black feathers, and Westmount Florist’s ever-pioneering CHRISTINE PICKRELL, who used real florals to craft some of the most breathtaking offerings ever seen at the Farha Maskarade.

Of course, the two events weren’t lacking in other fête departments ei-

ther. Bars at both were a fiesta of the best possible cocktails (Veuve Clicquot, people), fantastic decor (appointments at Maskarade were particularly inspired) and entertainment that was second to none. While several big-name Quebec artists, like ROCH VOISINE, performed at Maskarade, Manina Productions’ quadruple-jointed acrobats and engaging animators drew a bewitched crowd at Yelloween (Eyes Wide Shut).

And if the foregoing weren’t enough to win you over to the veiled side, there was more: a contingent of celebrity guests including GAROU, SCARLETT JAMES and JONAS at Yelloween (Eyes Wide Shut) and a soaring tally of over $300,000 at Maskarade, monies integral to the foundation’s continued fight against AIDS in the name of brave founder RON FARHA. As you’ll see with a flip of the page, masks are clearly where it’s at.

SHOW PRODUCTION ARTISTIC DIRECTION ENTERTAINMENT COSTUME DESIGN EVENT PLANNING

PHOTO BY NICO STINGHE . MAKEUP ARTIST: MUA

3 4 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

LIV E T HE PAR T Y

Farha Foundation’s Annual Maskarade Veuve Clicquot’s Yelloween (Eyes Wide Shut)

BIJOUX CAROLINE NÉRON VIRGIN ONE - RICHARD BRANSON LA QUEUE DE CHEVAL STARLINK AVIATION DIESEL VEUVE CLICQUOT-YELLOWEEN RIMMEL MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BENTLEY GROUPE EUROPA IRIS VISION

WWW.MANINAPRODUCTIONS.COM

MABEL@MANINAPRODUCTIONS.COM T: 514 798 1727 M: 514 967 4687

WAYNE BIBEAU DAVID LAPIERRE

DEEPIKA JOSHI

CLAIRE PERRON JENNIFER CAMPBELL

MARIANNA SIMEONE

CHERYL BESNER COHEN ROCH VOISINE

PHOTOS: KRISTOFFER, LAURIN-RACICOT, KLICHER PHOTOS STEVE ARNOLD ANGELA CHIU

EFFIE GIANNOU LINDA FARHA PETER MCNAUGHTON HERBY WHYNE

CAROLYN FARHA

STEPHANIE HAMEL

EVELYN FARHA KATRINE GOURON

NANCY GIAHCHAI CANDIDA GOLIA NICOLE AMIEL

NICOLE AUTHIER CHERYL BESNER COHEN

GENEVIEVE SHARP

TANYA IERMIERI

CAROLE TEITELBAUM

BRETT SUGARMAN

SIMON TOOLEY

CAROLINE NADEAU DEBBIE ZUMERI

BRYCE MANSELL DEBRA MARGLES

ROGER LEBLANC

NATASHA ZIAVRAS

PETER MCNAUGHTON

ARIANE GARNEAU

GUILLAUME WATSON-NOEL SCARLETT JAMES

STÉPHANIE GOULET

THE CLICQUOT CLIQUE

BATMAN "A.K.A. FABRICE BEJJANI"

ELODIE LABBÉ

JONAS TOMALTY

CHAMPAGNE GODDESS

BIANCA DE ROBERTIS MAUDE PASCALE

JACQUES DEMONT GAROU

DANIEL VÉZINA MARC BOLAY

CINDY LEVY

CINDY LEVY

PHOTOS: JAMES ROSEN

TANIA DUPONT

This fall/winter season also had more than its fair share of high-profile launches…

“BABIES ADRIANA, ALESSANDRA& KAROLINA”

ALEXANDER EBERTS

MOËT & CHANDON GOLDEN CAGE UNVEILED

HERBY MOREAU

TIFFANY MODEL

KAORU MATSUI DAVE EBERTS

ARLENE AND ANDREW TORRIANI

DENIS GAGNON ELENI VORIAS

GUILLAUME MENGINOU CINDY LEVY

TIFFANY MODEL

SABRINA BARILA

GILLES AMAR BENJAMIN BITTON STEVIE B.

TIFFANY MODEL

ROBERTO PESUT

ANGELO LEONE KARL MECHE

LIV E T HE PAR T Y

PETER MOSES

MARTINE LEMIEUX

OLIVIER GAGNON

MURALISTS

A TIFFANY CELEBRATION

PHOTOS: JAMES ROSEN

ODILE BERNARD

FLUKE

TARA EMMA

ROBERT MARIANI IRINA TEREHOVA JENNIFER CAMPBELL

BUBBLE HAPPY

3 8 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

MARJORIE DUMAS

DEXTER PEART

CARLOS SANTOS

When Tiffany & Co. Canada vice-president ANDREA HOPSON ships a coveted invitation shaped like a Tiffany’s blue box to your door (complete with thick white ribbon) it doesn’t matter what it’s for. You circle the date on your calendar and, come the big night, you go (with the right accessories, of course).

And that’s exactly what a super-elite crew did this February when Tiffany came knocking in celebration of its new boutique at the Montreal Ritz-Carlton. Party central was the stunning Canadian Centre for Architecture, which served as the perfect backdrop for the festive glam zeitgeist of the night.

VIP guests like Ritz-Carlton Montréal president/CEO ANDREW TORRIANI and Tiffany & Co. Group vice-president EDWARD GERARD (who jetted in especially for festivities from headquarters in New York) were duly impressed. As for the SWAG, ‘twas almost too blue to be true.

KRISTA BURSEY

When an invitation bears the stamp, or better yet proclaims Moët & Chandon, official bubbly of the Oscars, as host of an event, this social gal stands at attention (with flute poised for refills). That was precisely the reaction (give or take a little drama and glama) upon receiving an INvite in December to the launch of Rosalie’s New Speakeasy The Club House, conveniently tucked away with style, class and ‘tude-to-spare on its 3rd floor, at 1232 de la Montagne St. And not surprisingly, the night exceeded cava dreams. Hipsters of a largely gorgeous twenty- and thirtysomething variety (think DOUGLAS BENSADOUN and ANNE-MARIE WITHENSHAW) climbed the quirkily cool muralled staircase for a night of great eats, great tunes (Band Atomic rocked) and, yes, copious amounts of the sparkling salve for all that ails…

LISE WATIER

JEAN-FRANCOIS DAVIAU

MARYSE CARON DUY MODEL

MARIE SAINT PIERRE

DENIS DESRO

DICK WALSH

GUY LALIBERTÉ

GENEVIÈVE BORNE CHERYL BESNER COHEN DOMINIC BESNER

CAROLYN TURNER

MARTINE LEMIEUX

CARY TAUBEN

LOUISE MARTEL

MÉLANIE BRISSON PATRICK GAGNÉ

JEAN AIROLDI

JANNA ZITTRER

TAVAN & MITTO MODELS

DUY

SONIA PRICE NINA MOURIN

FASHION YOUR SEATBELTS Once upon a time (pre-social whirl) there was a social gal (ahem) who earned her keep as a fashion reporter for the likes of CTV, Global and Canada.com. And ever since, Montreal Fashion Week has been dear to her style-obsessed heart. So you could imagine her glee (yes, she is me) upon partaking in the week’s best launch to date at Bonsecours Market this winter – a soul-restoring style spectacular (DUY rocked my world) patronized by some of the industry’s biggest fashionalities, like MARIE SAINT PIERRE and DENIS GAGNON. A colossal congratulations to Sensation Mode’s CHANTAL DURIVAGE and JEAN-FRANÇOIS DAVIAU (the married genii behind production of the week), who exceeded expectations. And then some. Bravo and encore!

FRANÇOIS CÔTÉ

EDWARD GERARD

ANDREA HOPSON

MORE MORA PLEASE

This winter, notable art lovers and neophytes alike flocked fashionably to the by-invitation-only exhibition event of internationally revered (and collected) artist DOMINIC BESNER at a secret destination only unveiled the evening of.

(If I reveal it, I’ll have to kill you.) All were spellbound by the interactive vernissage that flew us on the wings of chic and creativity to the fantastical world of MORA, born completely of Besner’s imagination. Inspired by an earlier novella penned by the artist, the urban fairytale-come-to-life teemed with exquisite predatory “animals” that at once enchanted and provoked, while also displaying a seemingly endless array of beguiling talents. Indeed, Besner and visionary collaborators DANIELLE DE BELLEFEUILLE, GUY CARON, MENSI & RIOUX and GALERIE MX outdid themselves. It’s no wonder the man behind MORA is a favourite of discriminating collectors worldwide, including such headlining locals as LISE WATIER and GUY LALIBERTÉ. (Oui, they were there.)

MONIQUE LEGARÉ MESHMAN

DIANE DUFRESNE

MARIE SAINT PIERRE

ANDREA MCCONNELL LESLIE FRANKEL

JACKALS OF THE 13TH ELEMENT

PHOTOS: JAMES ROSEN EXCEPT TIFFANY CELEBRATION SHOT BY MARC MURI

3 9 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

BRUNO H.

BYRON PEART

JULIA AND PHILIPPE LAWI

DIARY LOVES FASHION

DIARY LOVES FASHION DIARY LOVES FASHION DIARY LOVES FASHION

DIARY LOVES FASHION DIARY LOVES VANIA AGUIAR

SILVIJA RENUSA

NIKOLE JECEN

THERESE BROWNSTEIN

EMMANUELLE RONDEAU VICTOR CHAUVELOT

HEATHER PAPERMAN

SIMON CHANG

ISABELLE HUDON

ANNA HOPKINS NAJA SETTEL

FERDINAND GROS

SANDY SCHLEMM NANNETTE DE GASPÉ BEAUBIEN

NATHALIE BONDIL

LISA DELISLE

AMÉLIE GOULET-NADON

MARIE SAINT PIERRE

HER OWN DESIGN

LES NOCES COUTURE

PRADA

GUCCI, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BESPOKE TAILORING BY ELLIS KREUGER

TARA JARMON

SIMON CHANG

JEAN PAUL GAULTHIER

BCBG ISABEL MARANT

BRIONI

VERA WANG VALENTINO

DENIS GAGNON

KLUC COUTURE

BCBG

TINA LEBER

JOANNIE ROCHETTE

CATHERINE MELLING TURNER

CAROLINA GALLO RICHER LA FLÈCHE ERIK RICHER LA FLÈCHE

HANKA GORDON

LINDSAY ROSEN

TSENIYA KAZHAMIAKA

RICHARD SPEER RUBY BROWN

DEXTER AND BYRON PEART

JULIE DU PAGE

JESSICA MULRONEY

TONY AND DIANA MICELI

MIKE KEANE

MARIA VARVARIKOS-PEART

CAVALLI

SAN REMO GOWN, BIRKS

GUCCI

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

BADGLEY MISCHKA

MONIQUE L’HUILLIER

BOSS DENIS GAGNON

DRESSTERIOR, PRADA ACNE, MAISON KITSUNÉ

BCBG

RACHEL ZOE, J BRAND, BRIAN ATWOOD

KITON GUCCI

ZARA, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

VINTAGE LANVIN

PHOTOS: KEVIN ALLWOOD, KA AGENCY, KELLY COCHRANE, JOANNA MICELI, MARC MURI, JAMES ROSEN.

MUGLER CANALI

Hope LIVE THE PARTY entertained (though rocked your world was admittedly the desired reaction). We SPRING now to the LOOK THE PARTY section, where a smack of good style and beauty pieces await. First, though, a final adieu to last season’s parties is in order, with a lens on fall/winter’s fabulously dressed, tressed, tuxed and luxed. Admire away. They deserve it.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM 10 CROSBY BY DEREK LAM ALBERTO FERMANI A.L.C. ALEXANDER WANG ASH T. BY ALEXANDER WANG ALICE AND OLIVIA BROCHU WALKER CARVEN CHLOE COSTUME NATIONAL

GOLDEN GOOSE HAUTE HIPPIE HELMUT LANG HOUSE OF HARLOW HUDSON ILARIA NISTRI IRO INHABIT ISABEL BENENATO ISABEL MARANT ISAAC SELLAM J BRAND

MODERN VINTAGE MARSELL MM6 NIGEL PRESTON OPENING CEREMONY PEDRO GARCIA PLEIN SUD PURA LOPEZ PIERRE BALMAIN R13 RAG & BONE RAQUEL ALLEGRA

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International supermodel TANGA MOREAU in Rad Hourani.

DESIGNER IMPACT

RAD’S IMPRESSIONMAKING TIPS FOR THIS SEASON’S PARTIES AND BEYOND

CELEBRATED DESIGNER RAD HOURANI SHARES STYLE-MAKING SECRETS

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

LO O K T HE PAR T Y

LO O K T HE PAR T Y

Master creator RAD HOURANI in his own design.

L

ife wasn’t always a party (or rather covering one). As noted earlier, prior to the social beat I earned my keep (and shoe allowance) as a fashion reporter for such media shops as CTV and Global. On my travels, I crossed paths with a fascinating batch of fashionalities including one promising young stylist named RAD HOURANI, who has since emerged as a mega designer in the global fashion domain.

Just five years since his first collection debuted in Paris (powerhouse site Style.com voted him a top designer to watch in 2007), the Jordan-born stylenoisseur – who relocated with his family to Montreal as a teen – has already penetrated the oft-impenetrable echelons of the fashion elite, having been invited by the likes of Anna Wintour herself and her counterpart at Vogue Italy, editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, to present in Milan at Vogue Italy Talents Exhibition in honour of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.

This coming July, Rad scales still loftier, ground-breaking career heights when he debuts his haute couture collec-

tion during Paris Haute Couture week, making him the first Canadian designer to do so in history. YES, HISTORY. Not too shabby for a young talent and arguably the best possible way to mark the house’s 5th anniversary, for which he also has a series of special anniversary exhibitions, book launches and film projects in the works. (Rad recently premiered his new short film Five Years of Rad Hourani at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week, where the screening accompanied his stunning Canadian runway debut.)

Boasting a pioneering and completely unique aesthetic – Unisex Luxury he calls it – where boundaries of gender, religion, race, season and convention fade to non-existent, the young creator (who expresses himself through myriad artistic channels), has captured the imagination of the styleobsessed, spawning legions of fans across the planet including superstars through the stratosphere Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Mary Kate Olson, Lenny Kravitz, Jared Leto, Elisa Sednaoui, Helena Christenson and many others.

“THE WAY I DO THINGS, WITHOUT GENDER, SEASON OR BOUNDARIES, APPLIES TO EVERYTHING IN LIFE,” SAYS RAD. “IT’S ABOUT DEFYING THOSE LIMITATIONS THAT ARE SO OFTEN SELF-IMPOSED AND CREATING GARMENTS THAT CAN BE WORN BY ANYONE AT ANY TIME.”

“The way I do things, without gender, season or boundaries, applies to everything in life,” says Rad. “It’s about defying those limitations that are so often self-imposed and creating garments that can be worn by anyone at any time.”

And despite a challenging international work schedule that affords little to no time for socializing when in Montreal overseeing the production of his lines (Rad has taken an estimated 500 flights to 15 different countries since the launch of the brand currently sold in over 30 countries), the prolific artist has somehow (miraculously) managed to remain an enduring presence in my world and a very dear friend.

Accordingly, it is with the greatest of pleasure, pride (and yes, a corny tear in my eye) that I initiate the Diary feature “Designer Rules For Party Impact” with my beloved “Radification” (a pet name dating back to the early friendship) who believe it or not (believe it) has only just begun to exploit his enormous visionary potential. GO RAD.

Models from Rad Hourani’s couture collection #8 make the ultimate impression.

Five Years of Rad Hourani premieres at Toronto’s World MasterCard Fashion Week prior to the designer’s Canadian runway debut. All photos courtesy of Rad Hourani.

“To create a stir at any event, day or night, always stick to one palette (preferably black). The monochromatic scheme is integral to the creation of a long and lean silhouette for both men and women.”

“With black as a base, don’t be afraid to take things to another level and add an accessory. There are no rules. Express your true selves. This energy and confidence will define your impact.”

“Re: skin for men and women. Keep it monochromatic, clean. Excess detracts. From you. In terms of maintenance and treatment, coconut oil is great for your skin, as is a rejuvenating masque d’argile.”

“Re: hair. Once again, nothing is more elegant than simplicity. Slicked back hair or natural straight hair is always timeless.”

“Whatever the outfit, adornment should be kept to a minimum. Look to amp up one unique piece.“ “Make luxury fabrics, quality craftsmanship and tailoring a priority. They speak volumes.”

“Walk into the room and own it. Attitude is the best accessory.”

For more on Rad Hourani and his extraordinary body of work, visit radhourani.com. Also visit REBORN in Montreal, 231 St. Paul St. W. (www.reborn.ws), and check out worldmastercardfashionweek.com.

47 / DI ARY O F A S O CIAL G A L

4 6 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

Rad Hourani’s vision extends to accessories, fragrances and more. Featured: unisex bags from his Prêt-à-Porter RAD line.

SEASON MUST HAVES

HOUSE OF HARLOW Jordana Sunglasses in Strawberry

THE NICOLE RICHIE STYLE FILE

BY NINA MOURIN

NICOLE RICHIE, in Julien Macdonald and a House of Harlow clutch, owns the carpet with trademark cool and glam at the recent Golden Globes.

Photo: NBC Universal / Getty Images

“

I’m going through a metallic shoe phase,” says the beloved bohemianista NICOLE RICHIE. Watch out high-end stores everywhere!

All metallic shoes, from TOMS’s Glitters to Miu Miu’s glitter and suede peeptoe ankle booties, are about to be sold out in two minutes flat.

Of course, this kind of pervasive influence in the world of fashion doesn’t just happen and though the former co-star of reality smash The Simple Life was born with a well-defined sense of style, the designer of successful ’60s-inspired apparel brand Winter Kate and cult accessories line House of Harlow 1960 has worked hard to earn the fashion cred that is now her signature.

To that end, Richie recently tucked two impressive industry honours under her bohemian chain belt: her ACE Award as Style Influencer of the Year (2011) and Glamour Women of the Year’s Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Perhaps, however, no nod to her sizeable stylepreneurial sway is as telling

as her recent appointment as mentor to aspiring designers on NBC’s Fashion Star. Contestants listen keenly to Richie’s relevant, empowering and empathetic feedback from her power-panel where she sits alongside Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos. “We’re going through the process together,” Richie reminds them.

As for the future, the busy entrepreneur (who is also wife to rocker Joel Madden and mom to beyond adorable tots Harlow and Sparrow) has no plans to slow down. In fact, she recently partnered with television sales juggernaut QVC for the Nicole Richie Collection, and is officially launching her fragrance in September (further proof that Richie plays in the big leagues now, given that fragrance is usually the natural evolution in the growth and expansion of successful celebrity lifestyle brands).

And both new ventures are likely to echo the success of her impeccable past record as she continues to infuse

“IT’S ALL ABOUT MY CONSUMER. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME STUDYING (THEM), GETTING FEEDBACK AND APPLYING ALL THAT TO MY FUTURE COLLECTIONS.”

LO O K T HE PAR T Y

FASHION CRED

WINTER KATE Sheela Top, Bala Shorts

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4 8 / DI ARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

LO O K T HE PAR T Y

Never say we didn’t trot out the luminaries. From Rad we skip now to reality star turned fashion designer Nicole Richie – a savvy industry insider who knows a thing (or six) about hitting A-list carpets and parties in style. For your LOOK THE PARTY pleasure, in-the-know fashion journo Nina Mourin has the Diary exclusive on Richie the stylepreneur, currently mentoring a brand new generation of designers on NBC’s breakout hit Fashion Star.

Being in the limelight, you’ve walked many a red carpet and always make the ultimate fashion statement. What are your style objectives when creating your red carpet looks? “I’m 5’1.

I’m not a supermodel, but I know my body. I don’t choose to wear a dress because it is the it dress. I go with what looks good on me and fits my body.”

How do you prepare yourself stylewise and beauty-wise for an event?

What tricks do you pull out of your hat?

“I don’t have too many tricks. If I’m taped or pinned, I get paranoid and (it shows) on my face. I have to be comfortable first and foremost, which in turn helps me feel confident. I also like to be alone (before an event) to gather my thoughts and to relax before the madness.”

What is the fashion mantra you live by?

“Stay true to yourself and your vision.”

What are your favourite trends for spring / summer 2012 and how would you accessorize those looks? “I’m not familiar with any trends, however I am going through a metallic shoe phase.”

What are your top three fashion rules? “Throw out all the rules.”

her own distinctive style into everything she does while also conducting rigorous and very necessary consumer research. “It’s all about my consumer.

I spend a lot of time studying (them), getting feedback and applying all that to my future collections,” Richie adds.

Clearly, the red carpet ruler’s covetable clutches, maxi-dresses, hobo bags and kimono jackets aren’t going anywhere any time soon – except straight to the closets and wardrobes of her countless clients – gaggles of bohemianistas – around the world.

Speaking of the star carpets Richie always owns with trademark polish and cool, Diary has the 411 on her trustiest red carpet commandments, along with some of her more general fashion philosophies and the spring/summer collection picks the Diary team couldn’t live without (especially this writer):

HOUSE OF HARLOW Marley Clutch in Orange Croc

Fashion Editorials

SUPER-SARTORIALS FOR THIS SEASON’S PARTIES One of the recurring questions I’m asked on the party beat is “What do you do about wardrobe?” A good query indeed, because even after seven years, I’m still constantly worrying about “looking the party” and staying on trend. Being comfortable and cutting down on prep time are further fash challenges.

And so, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am for Diary to be featuring the following original fashion editorials re: the looks and trends for this season’s parties. Thanks to supremely talented stylists (with, of course, input from the Diary team), there are some fierce sartorials and accessories sure to inspire confident fête dressing this spring/summer 2012.

For starters, we go for cool, minimalist glam in a monochromatic spread,

FÊTES ATTENTION, starring a “model couple” en route to the season’s best events. Dressed to the elevens in some of spring/summer’s most alluring frocks, skirts, jumpers and suits, the pair show off powerful trends to perfection. A flowing metallic gown (replete with covetable puddle and gorgeous gaping back) is optimal style counterpoint to a sleek blazer, crisp white shirt, bow tie and Depp-worthy pants for him.

Also a hoot here - the freedom to experiment on the accessory front, particularly in the case of the bracelet for her, which looks decidedly more modern en masse.

Finally, we round off the tour de style with the grandest of fashion finales in LOOK THE PART(Y), a gala-spread of every other conceivable spring/summer trend.

From the palest, most wearable, devourable pastels (think dream creams, light lemons and pistachios so perfect you’ll swear they’re a mirage), to a safari of style so glamouflage … you’ll be roaring for more.

We can almost guarantee that you won’t know where to park your peepers first. And don’t even get me started on the jools – be still my blinging heart.

Now, turn the page and enjoy the feast.

May the fashion force be with you.

FÊTES ATTENTION Photography TIM GEORGESON

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Daniel B.: Shirt BALMAIN (La Maison Simons).

Pants KRIS VAN ASSCHE (La Maison Simons).

Jacket BURBERRY (Holt Renfrew). Shoes GUCCI, worn throughout (Holt Renfrew).

Audrey: Suit GUCCI (Holt Renfrew). Shell GIORGIO ARMANI (Holt Renfrew). Shoes MIMOSA (Browns). Earrings vintage.

Audrey: Skirt, bustier DUY. Shoes GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI (Browns). Daniel B.: Shirt BALMAIN (La Maison Simons). Suit KRIS VAN ASSCHE (La Maison Simons). Bow tie GUCCI (Holt Renfrew).

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Audrey: Top, skirt ALEXANDER WANG (Holt Renfrew). Shoes MIU MIU (Holt Renfrew). Diamond ring (left) San Lorenzo collection by DAMIANI (Birks).

Smokey quartz and white topaz diamond bracelet by ANDRÉA CANDELA (Birks).

Diamond bracelet, BIRKS vintage collection (Birks). Necklace MICALLA (JoshuaDAVID). Daniel B.: Suit, polo shirt KRIS VAN ASSCHE(La Maison Simons).

Audrey: Jumpsuit JAEGER (La Maison Ogilvy). Shoes GUCCI (Holt Renfrew).

Bracelets ISABELLE MARANT (TNT Montreal). Embellished cuff MICALLA (JoshuaDAVID). Daniel B.: Pants KRIS VAN ASSCHE (La Maison Simons). Shirt, blazer BALMAIN (La Maison Simons).

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Daniel B.: Shirt GIVENCHY (La Maison Simons).

Suit ACNE (La Maison Simons). Bow tie GUCCI (Holt Renfrew). Audrey: Dress ALICE & OLIVIA (JoshuaDAVID). Shoes MIU MIU (Holt Renfrew). Pearl and diamond earrings, BIRKS vintage collection (Birks).

Opposite page: Daniel B.: Shirt BALMAIN(La Maison Simons). Blazer GIVENCHY(La Maison Simons). Pants KRIS VAN ASSCHE (La Maison Simons). Bow tie GUCCI (Holt Renfrew). Audrey: Gown MARCHESA (Holt Renfrew). Pearl and diamond earrings, BIRKS vintage collection (Birks). Retouching Mark B Retouche. Models Daniel B., Audrey (Dulcedo).

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Photography SAAD VISION Styling MELISSA MATOS

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LOOK THE [ ] PART Y

From left to right: FELIX: Shirt GEOFFREY BEENE (La Baie), belt NUDIE JEANS, pants KRIS VAN ASSCHE, shoes PENGUIN ORIGINALS (La Baie). MELROSE: Dress MATTHEW WILLIAMSON (Ssense), shoes STUART WEITZMAN. DEISS: Blazer BALMAIN, t-shirt FIFTH AVENUE SHOE REPAIR (La Maison Simons), pants COS, shoes CLARKS (La Baie). SOPHIE ANNE: Dress HERVÉ LEGER, sunglasses ILLESTEVA, shoes MIU MIU (all TNT Montreal), gold ring with semiprecious stone LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. CAM: shirt MASSCOB (TNT Montreal), pants VIKTOR & ROLF (Ssense), shoes STUART WEITZMAN, white gold and pearl necklace LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. CHARLOTTE: Shirt dress ACNE (TNT Montreal), vest PORTS 1961 (La Maison Ogilvy), necklace MELISSA MATOS, shoes STUART WEITZMAN, pink gold signed Donato ring LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. RYON: Jacket JUUN.J (Ssense), pants COMME DES GARÇONS, v-neck RALPH LAUREN, shoes CLARKS (La Baie).

ROMANE: Blazer NEW YORK INDUSTRIES (TNT Montreal), body suit stylist’s own, purse CHLOÉ (Ssense), belt JIL SANDER, white gold and South Sea pearl necklace LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER, shoes GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI (TNT Montreal). ERYCK: Shirt ACNE (Ssense), jeans DIESEL BLACK GOLD, shoes HUGO BOSS.

From left to right: DEISS: Shirt, pants CHRISTIAN L’ENFANT ROI, shoes PENGUIN ORIGINALS (La Baie).

ERYCK: Trench JUUN.J (Ssense), pants LE 31 (La Maison Simons), shoes CLARKS (La Baie). SOPHIE ANNE: Dress LANVIN (Ssense), Greek yellow gold bracelets LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. RYON: Shirt ACNE (La Maison Simons), pants ACNE, shoes MEPHISTO (La Baie), watch stylist’s own.

CHARLOTTE: Blazer, pants RAG & BONE, sunglasses ILLESTEVA (all TNT Montreal), gold and citrin ring LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. CAM: Top, skirt UNTTLD, shoes SAM EDELMAN (La Maison Ogilvy) clutch DVF (TNT Montreal). FELIX: Shirt GIVENCHY, shorts CHRISTIAN L’ENFANT ROI, shoes DIESEL, Concord Chronograph watch LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER.

From left to right: CHARLOTTE: Dress ACNE (TNT Montreal). CAM: Dress UNTTLD, white gold and diamond bracelet, diamond button earrings LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. DEISS: Shirt JOHN GALLIANO (Ssense), pants LE 31 (La Maison Simons). MELROSE: Dress DIESEL (SSENSE), two white gold and diamond cuff bracelets, one sterling silver crystal resin bracelet, diamond earrings, all LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER, clutch DVF (TNT Montreal). SOPHIE ANNE: Blazer VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, pants PORTS 1961 (La Maison Ogilvy), earrings ALEXIS BITTAR (TNT Montreal), gold ring with semiprecious stone LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. CHARLOTTE: Dress/skirt UNTTLD. FELIX: Suit HUGO BOSS (Harry Rosen), shirt STRELLSON (La Baie). MELROSE: Dress UNTTLD. SOPHIE ANNE: Dress ARIES&LEANDER. CAM: Dress JITROIS, sterling silver crystal resin bracelet LOU GOLDBERG JEWELLER. RYON: Shirt GIVENCHY, blazer NEIL BARRETT, shorts RAD BY RAD HOURANI. Styling, Melissa Matos (L’Éloi/TRUSST) Assisted by Marie-Soleil Patry and Patrick Colas. Hair & Makeup, Andrew Ly (L’Éloi). Makeup Assistant, Michelle Menard. Production Manager, Melika Rigaud (L’Éloi). Photo Assistant, Sarah O’Driscoll. All models, DULCEDO.

FOR MORE FASHION, VISIT WWW.DIARYOFASOCIALGAL.COM.

TRUSST’s Melissa Matos and Andrew Ly take style and beauty to the next level.

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MELROSE

THE PROFESSIONALS BREAK IT DOWN

SOPHIE ANNE

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From left to right: ERYCK: Shirt HUGO BOSS (Harry Rosen), blazer RAF SIMONS, pants PHILIPPE DUBUC, shoes MEPHISTO (La Baie). CHARLOTTE: Shirt THEYSKENS’ THEORY (TNT Montreal), pants COMME DES GARÇONS, shoes and purse MICHAEL KORS, hat Stylist’s own. RYON: Shirt, pants RAD BY RAD HOURANI, blazer ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, shoes ALLEN EDMONDS (La Maison Ogilvy).

Photos SAAD VISION Models DULCEDO All products and cosmetics used in the shoot La Biosthetique Paris.

Melissa Matos, Andrew Ly both represented by Agence L’Eloi.

For more on TRUSST, visit intrusst.com.

C

learly the style options for this season’s parties are impressive. But it’s one thing to see the looks played out on spotlessly styled professional models and another to incorporate them into our real lives, off the catwalk, outside the studio. So to level the playing field for us real-life partygoers, the LOOK THE PART(Y) superstylists check in:

PROFESSIONAL STYLIST MELISSA MATOS, A PARTNER IN HOT NEW IMAGE-CONSULTING/BRANDING FIRM TRUSST: “Ladies and gents, don’t be afraid to take your whites to extremes this season. A head-to-toe monochromatic look, be it a more formal empire-waisted gown like Cam’s or suit like Deiss’s, adds pure carefree glam to almost any of the season’s parties and special occasions. Pastels tend to work best when not overdone and paired with complementary neutral basics. Cream cropped pants anchor Felix’s pale pistachio shirt perfectly while a cream blazer layered over a nude one-piece takes Ramone to any pool party, or casual event, in style. For cocktails and formal affairs, the season’s shim-

mering, glittering metallic dresses are prime picks for women (often looking best with minimal accessories like Melrose’s stunning clutch) while well-tailored blazers make all the difference for men, whether worn with a simple tee or dressier shirt. (Shorts like Ryon’s are for the more daring, but certainly make the spring/summer statement!)

As for bling, a focus on statement pieces is often the way to go, as in the case of Sophie Anne’s bold bangles.

For men, the bright hued watch is a confident pick.”

BEAUTY DIRECTOR ANDREW LY, MELISSA’S PARTNER IN FABULOUS AT TRUSST: “Ladies, spring has sprung, with summer right around the corner. And for both seasons, it’s all about good clean skin and keeping things light. Focus on enhancing your best features, be they beautiful strong brows, pouty lips or mountain-high cheekbones. To achieve Melrose’s radiant glow, combine moisturizer with a touch of foundation, add concealer to necessary areas only and top with a light translucent powder to set. For Sophie Anne’s

face-framing power brow, use a good angle brush to define your natural brow line with a dark brown shadow.

As for Charlotte’s hot pout, line and fill lips with an energizing blood orange liner (no gloss!). And feel free to temper the blaze – as we did – with a smoky eye, incorporating a strong top lash liner.

Re: lush locks, whether you opt for Melrose’s carefree waves, Sophie Anne’s sleek bun or Charlotte’s straight blow-dry, be sure to keep the focus on the face. No more hiding underneath that fringe: Be the confident woman you’ve always been and style it back!

As for the gentlemen, don’t be afraid to indulge in a little manpering of your own (very de rigueur in 2012). Good, clean, moisturized skin will make all the difference this season. Remember too: a pinch of concealer if necessary and/ or tinted moisturizer will be well worth the time spent. As for hair, the same rules apply to you. Whatever the coif, be sure to style it back like Felix and put your best face forward!”

CHARLOTTE

FELIX

JESSICA BROWNSTEIN MULRONEY, wife, mother, apparel industry insider, Birks jewellery style expert, epitome of chic. Jessica wears a sterling silver bracelet with black onyx pearls and pavé diamonds from the TRIADRA collection, diamond and white gold hoop earrings from the ROBERTO COIN collection, a pendant in white gold with black onyx and diamonds from the LADY HEART collection, a white gold and diamond bracelet from the PRIMAVERA collection, a stainless steel GUCCI watch from the UPLAY collection, a white gold and diamond bracelet from the ROBERTO COIN collection, stackable band rings in white gold with diamonds from the Birks collection, and a three-row diamond ring designed by TONI CAVELTI, in platinum and white gold (all BIRKS).

Photo: Birks.

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And now for a little frank bling chat…

JESS TALKS JOOLS

STYLE EXPERT JESSICA BROWNSTEIN MULRONEY ON THE NEW NO-RULE RULES FOR JOOLS

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

I

remember the first time I met JESSICA BROWNSTEIN MULRONEY. It was a few years back at an event I was covering and she and then boyfriend BEN MULRONEY were there and Jessica and I both happened to be reapplying lip gloss in the ladies’ room.

Forever on the hunt for an event’s best dressed, I couldn’t get over Jessica’s impeccable style and soon found myself going on about how spectacular her dress and accessories were. Aloud.

As is invariably the case with women in a powder room, we emerged fast friends and, of course, post-event, the Gazette ran a fabulous shot of her and Ben in the social pages. So I can’t say I was surprised when Canadian luxury brand Birks proclaimed Jessica its new jewellery style expert. If not her, then who? I had exactly the same sentiment when searching out the best goto for a sit-down on this season’s best bling. As you might imagine, the tastemaker with an innate gift for good style did not disappoint.

OK Jess, we’re diving right in! Here’s the style sitch: You’re working an LBD

for an upcoming glam event you and Ben are attending. How do you jool it up? The little black dress is easy, because it’s like a blank canvas. You can really go a bit wild with the accessories. I’m a big fan of statement pieces – a big cocktail ring, statement earrings, great necklace.

Would you wear them together? I would definitely wear them together, especially if we’re talking about a very simple outfit like an LBD. I think that that’s the best way to showcase a lot of jewellery. I’m a big fan of lots and lots of bangles, almost like an armful.

Are there any jewel rules anymore?

Things you can or cannot do? In my opinion, the old rules do not apply anymore. For example, it’s no longer necessary to wear all silver, or all gold.

Mixing metals is very cool. You can go rose, pink gold, silver, all of them together and make a uniquely individual style statement. I also think you don’t need a “set” anymore, i.e., the matching sapphire earrings with the matching sapphire necklace. Although it’s lovely and you can do a set well, I don’t think

you need to do that. The decisive rule that I go by is there really are no rules.

Instead, you always have to go with what you love and how you feel in what you’re wearing. That goes for all clothing, accessories and jewellery.

Jess, life today is extremely busy particularly for a working mother and wife like you who juggles so much. Often you have to morph from day chic to evening wow with very little time on your side. How do you do that, and what part does jewellery play in the transformation? (with a laugh): Wow … meaty question! In all honesty, jewellery plays a big part in that transformation. I would throw on a big, oversized white shirt, a pair of jeans, a pair of great heels and then I’d doll it up with a great pair of chandelier earrings, a statement cuff and a great cocktail ring. Easy breezy. And I find that kind of look, where you really didn’t try very hard, is the best look; having these outfits go from day to night just by simply changing it up and putting on a really fun necklace and/or bangle.

What are some of your favourite pieces of jewellery right now? What’s “trending” for you as a style expert? (with a wink): There are way too many!

But if I had to narrow it down … I definitely love the Gucci bamboo bangles. They’re light, but still have that amazing heavy look. I’m also really into coloured gemstone necklaces. I love layering them. I have to say that the Roberto Coin mixed bangles are a fabulous add too. They’re very simple but beautiful. I love that they have this cool hammered look and come in different packs. One of the hardest things to find is a great bangle in either silver or gold and these come in convenient mixed packs. I would say those are my top picks right now.

Jessica, I’m so glad we met glossing back in the day and can’t thank you enough for this trend report. And now given our history, you’ll have to hand over that to-die-for cocktail ring.

Straightaway.

MONTRÉAL

TORONTO

CALGARY

VANCOUVER

STUARTWEITZMAN.CA

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AND WHO COULD FORGET…

Fresh off New York Fashion Week, where legions of smitten admirers are still calling his name, sought-after international Superdoggel ELVIS PRESLEY PRECIOUS CAMPBELL THE FIRST (a.k.a. PRESLEY) models one of the season’s fiercest trends in adornment: an intricately inlaid yellow gold tiara with floral motif (bracelet for the rest of us). Photo, Monsiieur. Grooming, Mama Jenn. Throne, Joe’s Prop House. Tiara, GLORIA BASS poppy flower yellow gold and platinum bracelet with spray of diamonds.

Weightless. Flexible. long-lasting.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray — for a natural look that lasts. | www.moroccanoil.com

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Having been on the social beat for years, I’m acutely familiar with the countless challenges inherent in fête beauty-prep, and could therefore never imagine a LOOK THE PARTY section without a comprehensive beauty piece. Enter experienced beauty and fashion writer Janna Zittrer, a heaven-sent professional who hit the streets on our behalf in search of the latest greatest treatments and tweakments. The verdict?

Next week’s fête is no longer a threat. Thanks to Janna, your foolproof beauty ammo has arrived.

COUNTDOWN TO GROOMED & GLOSSY

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Photography MONSIIEUR Styling TATIANA CINQUINO

FÊTE BEAUTY-PREP (WAY MORE FUN À DEUX).

BRAD: Shirt, suspenders LE 31 (La Maison Simons), undershirt CALVIN KLEIN (La Maison Simons), pants JOHN VARVATOS. BETTA: Robe and bottoms BLUSH, bra PLEASURE STATE (Holt Renfrew), white gold and diamond earrings with tourmalated quartz, platinum and diamond bracelet and platinum and diamond stack rings, all GLORIA BASS. White gold and diamond bangle set bracelet BIRKS.

A FOOLPROOF FIVE-DAY PLAN FOR PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE (AND BOD) FORWARD AT NEXT WEEK’S PARTY. (*NB: INTENDED FOR LADIES AND GENTS)

BY JANNA ZITTRER

FIVE DAYS TILL THE PARTY: FOUR DAYS TILL THE FACE THE FACTS PARTY: FLASH THOSE The Target: Get a fresh-as-new face PEARLY WHITES sans slicing so you’re ready for your close-up (and can stop hiding from those photographers).

The Treatment: Intense pulsed light (IPL) “is an effective procedure for a wide range of candidates who want to restore the skin’s youthful complexion,” say GINA GAGLIANO and ISSA LOZANO, anti-aging skin-care specialists at Schwarz Plastic Surgery clinic.

With no needles or scalpels required, the treatment (from $300) delivers bright light pulsations aimed at discoloured spots in your dermal layers. The result? Say goodbye to signs of sun damage, broken veins or capillaries, redness and acne scars while reducing pore size and stimulating collagen production. Sealing the deal, your skin will look sprightlier after only one 30-minute session with zero (yes, zero!) post-treatment puffiness.

The Address: Schwarz Plastic Surgery, 1506 Dr. Penfield Ave., 514-932-8200, schwarzplasticsurgery.com.

The Target: Over-the-counter treatments might seem like a fast and budget-friendly fix, but the truth is most drugstore whiteners only boost tooth brightness by an average of two shades. For a star-worthy, wow-that’swhite smile, your best bet is to call on the pros.

The Treatment: Take aesthetic dentist DANIELLE D’AOUST, co-owner of Da Vinci Dental Artistry in Blainville. Her own Da Vinci Whitening System ($350­ $1800) starts with a professional bluelight-activated bleaching treatment, followed by at-home maintenance using custom-fit trays and peroxide gel.

“You have to keep in mind that it’s the length of time that the product is actually active on the teeth that will determine the efficacy, not only the percentage of peroxide,” says D’Aoust, an advocate of combining in-office treatments with at-home care. “The

patient will see an immediate result because the teeth are dried out, but the chair-side visit will really prepare the teeth for the peroxide at home.”

In other words: Stick to her plan and you’ll be saying cheese with one heckuva sparkly smile.

The Address: Da Vinci Dental Artistry, 10 East Seigneurie Blvd., Suite 200, Blainville, 450-433-3368, artdentairedavinci.com.

natural, sugar-based tanning product that activates the DHA in your skin, meaning your own pigmentation determines just how dark you get. “That’s why there’s no orange and no green,” St. James says. Simply wait five hours before showering and enjoy a bod that’s bronzed à la St. Barts for seven to 10 days.

The Address: Spa St. James, 2190 Crescent St., 514-844-4590, spastjames.com.

THREE DAYS TILL THE TWO DAYS TILL THE PARTY: PARTY: GLOW ALL THE WAY SAY “AHH…” The Target: If NASA can send a man to the moon, how hard can it be to fake a tan without looking like a streaky orange mess?

The Treatment: Not hard if you head to Spa St. James, where it’s out with the spray and in with the sponge.

“Someone will apply the product to your skin here, so it’s much more effective and there’s no streaking,” says owner CAROL ST. JAMES. For serious glow-getters, she suggests the Body Glow Tan with Exfoliation ($115), which features a full-body scrub and all-

The Target: You want to tear up the dance floor like a professional on Dancing With the Stars, but the knots in your back are so tight they’d make a sailor proud.

The Treatment: Head to Bota Bota, Montreal’s famous floating spa, and get into the relaxed groove with a 60-minute couples massage accompanied by live harpist ANNABELLE RENZO ($300 for two). Enjoy the recital-slash-rubdown as the certified practitioners loosen your muscles to

the sound of the harp’s soothing vibrations, and finish with a rejuvenating round (or three) at the spa’s indoor­ outdoor water circuit.

The Address: Bota Bota Spa, 358 de la Commune St. W., 514-284-0333, botabota.ca.

ONE DAY TILL THE PARTY: GET BUFFED! The Target: Sure, nail care is as natural for women as the need for new shoes, but a little TLC for those tips can go a long way for you, too, boys.

The Treatment: A manicure can be done in as little as 25 minutes, says MÉLISSA BRASSARD, owner of Matis Boutique - Bar Esthétique. For men, she recommends the Mani Shooter ($25), which includes a cut and file, hydrating hand massage and a quick buff.

Not surprisingly, women need a few extra steps to score the perfect polish.

For top-notch nails, order up a Sweet Manini ($45) and swap out the hand exfoliation and masque for colour that won’t quit. “Shellac is very ‘in’ right

now,” says Brassard. Unlike traditional polish, the gel-like product dries almost instantly under UV light and lasts for up to three weeks. But don’t say we didn’t warn you: Once you go Shellac, you never go back!

The Address: Matis Bar Esthétique, 2125 Crescent St., 514-439-9000, matisbaresthetique.com.

PREP PAYS OFF AS ‘STUNNING SHE’ MAKES HER WAY TO THE CAR WHERE ‘HOT HE’ WAITS PATIENTLY (PLUS ÇA CHANGE).

Gown TED BAKER (La Maison Simons), shoes VALENTINO (Holt Renfrew), gold bracelets MICHAEL KORS. Hair, Malina Tang.

Makeup, Vanessa Ortiz.

Models, Brad and Betta (Montage). Retouching, Mark B Retouche Photo.

And before we bid adieu to LOOK THE PARTY, some quality time with…

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INSANELY MOTIVATING CELEBRITY 03 TRAINER HARLEY PASTERNAK 04 THE BEST DEFENCE AGAINST THIS SEASON’S BODY-HUGGING FROCKS AND SUITS

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BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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hat do Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Kanye West, Robert Downey Jr., Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Katherine Heigl, Robert Pattinson, Katy Perry, and Natalie Portman have in common, besides being colossal celebrities in their own right? All (along with a pack of equally big-name headliners) have worked with global fitness phenomenon HARLEY PASTERNAK in a quest (always successful) for the rockhardest, healthiest and snaparazzifriendliest physiques known to humankind. Arguably as famous as many of his clients, Toronto-born Harley has a CV that reads like an encyclopedia of fitness and well-being triumphs: acclaimed best-selling author (his 5-Factor Diet hit the New York Times Best Sellers list, with a follow-up in the works), star of ABC’s much-anticipated daytime talk show The Revolution, go-to fitness/ nutrition guru for A-list programs like The Today Show, Dr. Oz, Access Hollywood, Rachael Ray and Next Top Model and prized spokesperson for high-profile health and fitness-related brands including New Balance, Powerade Zero, Smart Water, and Vitamin Water Zero.

So how lucky are we at Diary to have secured the inside track on the following tips prepared exclusively by the fitness demigod for an elite Smart Water event? With this season’s parties upon us? Very.

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HYDRATION

Try to drink at least two to three litres, or six to eight glasses of fluids every day.

If it tastes good you’ll drink more. Flavour your ice cubes. Freeze some Vitamin Water Zero and enjoy a colourful, healthy twist.

The more active you are, the more you need to drink.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to rehydrate.

Remember that often thirst is mistaken for hunger. Go for a sugar-free beverage first.

STAYING ACTIVE

Exercise shouldn’t only be for the gym. Make everything you do less efficient to burn more calories.

Park your car at the furthest point and walk the extra distance.

Get off the subway a stop earlier and walk.

Try to avoid elevators and escalators on the way up. Stairs burn calories and strengthen your lower body.

A great pair of shoes is the best piece of fitness equipment. Invest!

NUTRITION

Graze, don’t gorge. Try eating five small meals a day.

Smoothies take minutes to make and are great when you’re on the go.

You don’t always have to cook. Sandwiches and salads require assembly only.

Make all your sandwiches open-faced to eliminate gorging on bread.

Stop eating when you’re 70 per cent full. Fullness lags behind hunger.

FITNESS

Try a circuit. It’s great for keeping your heart rate up and optimizing your time.

Variety is the spice of life. Change up your exercises, sets, reps and weight.

Music makes a difference. Make a playlist that motivates you and keep it fresh.

There’s no good pain from bad pain. A muscle burn is not the same as a muscle pain, and knowing the difference will keep you healthy.

Remember that the more fit you are, the better you will look and the happier you will feel, motivating you to step up your game.

POSITIVITY

Don’t use your scale as a measure of success. If you feel great and look great, you win.

Be honest with yourself about your expectations and realistic about the time it will take to reach them. Perseverance will pay off, so remind yourself that you are making progress each day that you stick to a healthier lifestyle.

Find something to enjoy that is good for you and do it every day.

Visualize yourself as you want to feel and be seen and make a daily or weekly checklist of how you can achieve this.

Get a workout partner and motivate each other by positive reinforcement!

HEALTHY LIVING

Make time for exercise five times a week or more as a way to start your day or unwind from it.

Regular exercise, a healthy diet and hydration will keep your skin and nails looking younger and happier!

Get enough sleep to lose weight and rejuvenate. Sleep helps the body regulate our metabolism and hormones.

Keep a journal of what you eat, how you feel and your daily exercise to stay proactive, aware and positive.

Seek out the benefits of positive thinking to stay healthy. Positive thinking can boost a person’s immune system and will certainly make for a more fulfilling daily routine.

(THE END. NOW GO OUT THERE AND ROCK THOSE FROCKS AND TOOT THOSE SUITS!)

Canadian-born fitness and health demigod Harley Pasternak.

Photography Blake Little.

Jessica Brownstein Mulroney, wife, mother, superstylist, apparel industry insider and epitome of chic, photographed by Kelly Cochrane at the official Montréal launch of Birks’ Jewellery styling campaign, for which she is currently Jewellery Style Expert.

M AK E T HE PAR T Y

WINE SO DIVINE

SOME HELPFUL “WINE COMMANDMENTS” FOR THIS SEASON’S PARTIES

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ÉLYSE LAMBERT, shot at five-star eatery Le Local, where she is head sommelier.

Photography Tim Georgeson. Styling, hair and makeup Sonia Price.

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Though I’m a good consumer of wines (ahem) and, thanks to the job, have the privilege of drinking my fair share, admittedly a connoisseur I am not, so I often find myself ordering yet another “house white”(bo-ring).

So when my good friend and Diary contributor Jennifer Roman suggested a sit-down for the MAKE THE PARTY section with revered wine expert Élyse Lambert, I jumped at it.

BY JENNIFER ROMAN

S

itting down to talk wine with Montreal’s resident wine goddess ÉLYSE LAMBERT is entertaining, educational and … downright intimidating! Her credentials are – in keeping with our theme – godly, to say the least. In 2009, she was crowned Best Sommelier of the Americas in Buenos Aires, and just a year later she emerged as a top-12 finisher in the Best Sommelier of the World Competition 2010, where she proudly represented Canada. She’s currently preparing for the last examination of the Court of Master Sommeliers, which will then render her eligible for consideration as an international Master Sommelier, a coveted distinction held by only 186 other individuals in the world.

Yes, pretty heady stuff!

When not winning coveted industry titles and awards, the super sommelier/ connoisseur is either co-hosting television series with über-restaurateur/chef/ television star Louis François Marcotte, writing for Transcontinental publications in the capacity of wine expert or searching out new and exciting wines to stock at Montreal’s five-star eatery Le Local, where she is head sommelier.

It’s truly a marvel that I was able to pin her down long enough for a power

chat before the homegrown wine wonder woman jetted off to discover a new vintage, region or vineyard.

For your spring/summer pleasure, here’s what Élyse had to share re: attending or hosting one of this season’s parties:

be shared with the right, congenial course. If you don’t know the host(s) or the menu, referring back to No. 1 above is always a good fall back.”

ROSÉS ARE A SUMMERTIME MUST

APPRECIATION IS THE WAY TO GO “Do your best to never arrive empty handed. If the SAQ is closed and you don’t have the go-to bubbles described above or another alternative, opt for other gifts like flowers, chocolates or a good olive oil. Your hosts will appreciate the effort, and your gesture will initiate a generous, festive mood.”

“When attending or hosting a spring/ summer party, champagne is always a classic and never goes out of fashion. It’s a good idea to always keep a couple of good bottles partying in your fridge, the perfect pops for lastminute invites or unexpected guests.”

“Though do be wary of the sweet kind: Drrrrrrryyyyyyyyy is the key! Provence produces many great varieties. They are crisp, fresh and sunny and are perfect by the pool, on the terrace or at your lakeside BBQ. Hint: If you do decide to bring a rosé, or serve one, you have to be into it, believe in it and commit to it. Really feel it and make sure everyone knows just how fabulous it is.”

JUMP IN

DON’T BE WINE CHEAP

QUALITY ALWAYS WINS

“If you want to bring something special and a little out of the ordinary to a gathering, and you know your host(s), don’t be shy! Jump in there and ask about the food being prepared and then bring a great pairing. If you have to do a little homework, head to the SAQ and do your research in conjunction with one of the informed conseillers. Also, be sure to tell your host(s) about the selection in advance so that your wine will

“When attending a party this season, know that however tempting and/ or convenient, the box at the nearest dépanneur is never an option. If it’s cheap and there’s an animal on the bottle or the bottle is a weird shape, don’t dare bring it. The best rule of thumb when it comes to wine gifting?

Never bring something you wouldn’t want to receive yourself.”

“In keeping with the above, i.e. doing your homework and serving or bringing a well-researched good wine or bubbly, chances are as guest, you will not only score another invite this season, but as host, you will surely put on one of the season’s best events.”

And with that she was off, toting a very good champagne, Brut Nature, Pinot Noir.

WHEN IN DOUBT, BRING BUBBLES

GRIN AND DRINK IT “In the event that, as host, you receive a wine from a guest that is not a particular favourite, play the gracious host.

Open it and serve with a smile.”

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THE TAMING OF THE ANTIBRIDE A RECENT BRIDE’S UNBRIDLED ACCOUNT OF PLANNING HER WEDDING

BY SUZANNE WEXLER

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12TH FLOOR • 12E ÉTAGE

It’s true that weddings were “attended” in the LIVE THE PARTY section. Two, to be exact. And both fabulous.

However, we haven’t yet gotten down and dirty with a bride (or groom), as we’re momentarily about to with my colleague and good pal Suzanne Wexler, a talented journo who often contributes to the Gazette. She absolutely loved the idea of penning a piece for the MAKE THE PARTY section on the planning of her recent summer nuptials. “I could always give it to Vogue if you’re not interested,” she teased over lunch at Tavern on the Square (a very real and daunting possibility given her glittering CV and close friendship with überdesigner Erdem, who custom designed her gown). “Uh, no. Diary’s in!!!” I replied faster than a speeding bullet. So without further ado:

Über-designer Erdem Moralioglu creates the perfect go-with-the-flow gown for his friend and bride Suzanne Wexler.

Photos by Prizma Productions; music by DJ Jonny Jungle; flowers by Flore; catering by Tradition Catering; dress by Erdem Moralioglu; shoes by René Caovilla; makeup by Andrew Ly; hair by Dan LaFlèche; groom’s tux by Dolce & Gabbana, silk scarf by Giorgio Armani; lights and floor planning

by Total Events & Entertainment; rentals by Celebrations; bongos by Mr. Tam Tam.

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A bride … unbridled!

AS I KICKED UP MY SPARKLING RENÉ CAOVILLA HEELS, MY MESSY UP-DO CAME DOWN AND MY LACE CAPE CAME OFF, LEAVING ME WITH THE SULTRY SATIN FINISH OF THE OLD HOLLYWOOD-STYLE GOWN.

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Groom has game: Dave nails the serenade with his version of Suzie Q (Suzie W), accompanied by talented friends on pots and pans.

Dave (in Dolce & Gabbana) admires his bride outside the Café des Éclusiers in the Old Port.

W

hen shows like Say Yes to the Dress or Wedding Story come on, I invariably flip the channel. Even as a little girl, I never had secret fantasies of wearing a puffy white dress à la Princess Kate, or having an ornate ball thrown for me and my prince.

Tall, dark and handsome Dave fortunately saw things the same way. When we decided to exchange vows, we envisioned the nuptials as a laid-back affair by the river at our new cabin in upstate New York.

Of course, the next thing we knew we’d reserved the glass-encased Belvedere Room at the Montreal Science Centre. The room was still on the water – the same body of water, in fact – but to accommodate a burgeoning guest list, our bucolic BBQ gave way to an upscale urban-chic soirée.

While we enjoy snazzy shindigs, we still refused to have a wedding with stiff-looking centrepieces and big white bows wrapped around chairs.* We’d already managed to reject the diamond engagement ring, and knew that high-rolling bridal norms were tricky to avoid.

Unless couples boldly wear head-totoe red outfits to the ceremony, the

industry – along with its plentiful cheerleaders – will shamelessly strong-arm you into convention. Meanwhile, we simply wanted a fun and fancy wedding with no cake and no froth. No problem, right?

THE DRESS At first, it was difficult for me – or anyone – to imagine incorporating an outdoorsy, country style into an indoor, swanky venue. So, as the designated organizer, I decided to focus on my slightly unconventional wedding dress instead, figuring it might help crystallize the vision.

Having famed Montreal-turned-London designer Erdem Moralioglu as a close pal and potential wedding dress couturier was ideal, since he’s not in the bridal business per se. Rather, his runway collections feature stunning, picturesque party dresses, which may be white, but just as easily not. As a generous personal favour, he happily agreed to the project. He suggested going with a pattern.

“Yes,” I said, practically swallowing the phone. An image of an old-timey art deco dress flashed before my eyes (anti-bride types tend to be nostal-

"IT ALL CAME TOGETHER IN A BLISSFUL CRESCENDO. AS I WALKED DOWN THE AISLE, I SAW MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY GATHERED AROUND: SOME WERE STANDING, SOME WERE SITTING, SOME WERE HOLDING COCKTAILS. ALL WERE SMILING."

gic). I then mentioned that I wanted the dress to be sultry, but still modest enough for the rabbi. Erdem said he wanted the dress to have “a slit and really long train.” So lovely to agree.

We met up in New York and had virtual fittings via Skype. My mother even joined in and helped select among all the beautiful fabrics Erdem proposed, choosing a champagne silk satin with the palest yellow floral print.

Minus the fact that whenever Erdem and I sent the dress in the mail it kept getting momentarily lost or seized by customs, the whole outfitting project was a whirl. Even Dave seemed to grudgingly enjoy our day at Harry Rosen selecting his Dolce & Gabbana tux, and sealing the look with a skinny tie and a silk Armani scarf.

THE PLANNING Our design-it-yourself wedding was off to a positive, albeit effortful, start.

Inspired by Erdem’s dress, I was now likening the affair to a garden party in Italy. “Dress Beautifully” was printed on our eco-friendly invitations instead of “Formal Dress.” While it may have taken some explaining, our best collaborators turned this concept into

magic. Giorgi Romano of Tradition Catering presented us with an elegant family-style meal of self-serve mashed potatoes and Tuscan salad, along with an à la carte portion of roast prime rib of beef. Gilles Lord and Denis D’Etcheverry of Flore nailed the garden-cut, spring-inspired arrangements of tulips, roses and lilacs, which were scattered about the table with fresh basil and parsley. So light, so fresh.

Others interpreted our concept as “shabby chic” – not quite, but at least they were trying. Family members were somewhat weary of the 24-person banquet tables we’d chosen, but they eventually agreed.

Meanwhile, big problems arose after I hired a wedding planner to help coordinate the busy day. Next thing I knew, I was flooded with her endless bridezilla emails about “The candle holders!,” “The first dance song!” And she really lost the plot when she set up our nature-inspired ceremony indoors on our overcast wedding day (“The old ladies’ hair!” she fretted.). Fortunately, Erdem and Denis from Flore took creative control and reinstated the riverside plan.

Another bridal cupcake was thrown in my face when we took a horse-and-

buggy ride from the St. Paul Hotel to the ceremony on the pier’s edge (I was inspired by the film Barefoot in the Park). The carriage came to a halt about a football field’s length away, as it was banned from the property.

Dave and I had to sprint all the way to the ceremony – and I was wearing four-inch heels.

Such an ironic entrance for Erdem’s gasp-worthy dress, I considered puffing past the IMAX. But if we wanted a carefree wedding, it was obviously time to let go of the reigns.

TA-DA! It all came together in a blissful crescendo. As I walked down the aisle, I saw my friends and family gathered around: Some were standing, some were sitting, some were holding cocktails. All were smiling. Then there was the handsome Dave, standing overlooking the river. A day cruise ship had come to a halt below, and dozens of tourists started snapping pictures of us.

Spontaneous, indeed.

For the religious ceremony, Erdem created a delicate lace cape that fastened from behind, concealing my

plunging neckline. He then embroidered lace flowers onto the gown’s three-meter train and onto the veil, so that the fabrics all blended into each other. The look was more bridal than I originally had anticipated, but it was in perfect harmony with the flowing lace huppa we’d rented, and the sinuous satin of my dress and Dave’s scarf rippled in the wind. Our guests were so taken by the moment that many joined in song with our female cantor and good friend Daniella Gesundheit of the band Snowblink.

The party portion of the evening overlooked the city’s glorious twinkle.

For music, we had a bongo player start things off, and then DJ Jonny Jungle masterfully mixed dance tunes with the rustic rock music we’d requested (Elvis Costello, Dolly Parton).

But by far the best song of the night was performed by Dave himself, who dazzled me by singing me the coolest version of CCR’s Suzie Q imaginable (adapted as Suzie W) with his incredibly talented friends joyously banging on pots and pans as accompaniment.

As I kicked up my sparkling René Caovilla heels, my messy up-do came down and my lace cape came off, leaving me with the sultry satin finish

of the old Hollywood-style gown. I can still feel Dave’s hands on my waist as we danced the night away, cavorting like a freewheeling couple at a Frank Sinatra party.

Yes, ours was something of a highmaintenance affair – and no, we didn’t exactly stick it to the bridal industry. But all that stiffness we ultimately feared had been sucked away. Instead, tradition was balanced with the pushes and pulls of modern whimsy.

Even the dress’s floral motif echoed the garden-style table arrangements, as the breezy essence of the outdoors and indoors fused together.

Funny to think, I now dream of my wedding day after the fact. And because we dared to unravel the bridal box, potential clichés like the dress, the flowers and the menu – along with one sweet serenade by the groom – turned out to be the icing on the cake we didn’t even have.

*See books series Anti-Bride Guide and Offbeat Bride for more explanation.

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Tradition Catering and Flore bring the Italian garden party to Old Montreal.

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© 2012 GloriA bAss desiGn inc

Suzanne Wexler may not be bridezilla, but she certainly seems to be taking over the MAKE THE PARTY section! And we welcome her with open arms (and Diarytinis). For this next exclusive piece, she profiles gifted and creative hosts, who share their best tips for throwing the season’s – heck every season’s – best fêtes. BY SUZANNE WEXLER

I

n these oh-so-casual times, where slapdash Rachael Ray seems to have overthrown entertaining perfectionist Martha Stewart, it’s nice to know that some people out there might ask that guests dress in black tie, even if only for a home-cooked meal for six. Or that on any given weekday night, a hostess might stand up and ask her guests to discuss the Arab Spring.

That’s not to say the following hosts extraordinaire have a penchant for formality. Others have turned the summertime BBQ into an art form, or a country excursion into a spa-like experience for the mind, body and soul: Hosts No. 1: CLAIRE WEBSTER, a fundraising and communication consultant and member of the board of directors of the Alzheimer Groupe. Her husband, STUART WEBSTER (not shown), is president of landscape architecture firm Stuart Webster Design and landscape

514.933.7062

1361-1 Greene Ave, Westmount

GloriAbAssdesiGn.com

construction company Daccord Webster Paysage. He is also chairman of the MAB-Mackay Foundation.

Best known for: Sculpted settings.

Themed soirées: One Christmas, the pair held a Silver Oak-themed costume party in honour of Stuart’s favourite wine. For a white-themed party, the pair rented a fake snow machine, wallpapered the house in tin foil and turned on a black light. “It looked like there were glow in the dark Aztec designs everywhere,” Claire says.

Big logic: “It’s fun to see how creative people are – or not,” says Claire regarding costume dress codes. But the pair agreed that elaborate themes are best suited for big parties of 30 and up.

Small sensibility: More regularly, the couple has eight- to ten-person BBQ dinners, which are set in a spectacular scene as well. The Websters’

boutique hotel-worthy backyard – designed and landscaped by Stuart himself – is set up like an outdoor living room complete with a gas fireplace, a water feature, ambient lighting and a lounging area.

Restaurant inspirations: Joe Beef, Liverpool House.

The menu: “I love to start off with some champagne and oysters, or a special martini drink,” Stuart says. One of his favourites is a Mayfair martini. Starters like smoked salmon rolls along with a first course of Asian shrimp salad will be prepared in advance, as will such main course side dishes as crunchy roasted potatoes. But when it comes to roasting veggies and barbecuing the butterfly lamb (served with a Dijon and shallot sauce), Stuart will cook with guests present. “It’s about getting together and sharing love of food and wine,” Stuart says. The meal is followed

by a third course of salad and cheese with a chocolate tart for dessert.

Guest list tip: “The key is to bring people together with similar energy levels and values,” Claire says. To do so, the couple selects people who are at similar stages in life – say, who have children of a similar age. They say mixing friends from different walks of life may be tempting, but is best avoided.

Host No. 2: Fundraiser CAROLINA GALLO RICHER LA FLÈCHE, wife of ERIK RICHER LA FLÈCHE, partner at Stikeman Elliott in Montreal.

Best know for: Old-world entertaining.

The setting: A Golden Square Mile home built in 1909. “When we moved in, the house still had dumbwaiter pulleys. It’s from an age gone by,” Carolina says. With a nod to the house’s historic past – and to her parents, who entertained guests all over the world – Carolina and her husband regularly

Claudia wears RACHEL ZOE tuxedo suit from TNT Montreal. Jewellery her own except for white gold and diamond BIRKS collection ring (Birks). Hair, Simon Bolton.

Claire wears LA FEMME dress from Bella Boutique, diamond ring and white gold and diamond bracelet from Bijouterie Italienne, and KWIAT COLLECTION diamond and white gold earrings from Birks. Hair, Marc Poporowski, Coiffure Jean John.

Yves wears TIGER OF SWEDEN Sinatra suit (his own). Carolina wears white petal appliqué THEIA dress, Tahitian graduated pearl necklace, MIMI BLANCHE ring in pink gold and silver with baroque pearls and white sapphires, and DE GRISOGONO white gold and white diamond ring from the Alegra Collection, all Bijouterie Italienne.

(Earrings and bracelet her own.) Hair, Dina Cohen. Photography, Monsiieur. Styling, Tatiana Cinquino. Makeup, Sophie Parrot.

Catering, Java U.

hold sit-down dinners for anywhere from eight to 240 guests.

Guest list: As mentors for the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, the couple regularly host dinners with students and philosophical speakers.

Prominent political figures have also been invited.

Homey touch: “I just had a Christmas party for over 100 people and I did all the cooking myself,” Carolina beams.

The hostess insists on serving homecooked meals of three to four courses for each dinner party.

Menus: Carolina will prepare a baked pasta dish for the students and then a beef bourguignon for the more sophisticated crowd. Roasts allow her to prepare in advance so she can converse with her guests throughout the evening. “Some can be frozen and you

get those large foil trays and they all go popping into the oven,” she says.

Drink: Her husband pairs each course with wine from their impressive cellar.

The twist: “To me, elegant doesn’t necessarily mean conventional,” says Carolina, who adds whimsy with her table settings. She has a closet full of shells, fish netting and individual goldfish bowls for her underwater theme, and collected platters and figurines for an African theme. “I’m always obsessing about the table decor,” confesses the hostess with a background in art history.

The rules: “Flower arrangements must never go higher than the hand. Same with candles, which should be no higher than the chin,” she said. These tricks help to induce spirited conversation.

“We do talk about religion, and we do

talk about money and politics,” she says proudly.

Host No. 3: CLAUDIA CYTRYNBAUM is completing her master’s degree in natural medicine. She has four young boys with husband BRIAN CYTRYNBAUM, a private equity investor who invests primarily in the apparel sector.

Best known for: The five-day spa camp.

The setting: The Cytrynbaums have a stunning seven-bedroom home on a five-acre lakefront property. Inside are huge bay windows, white couches and Zen-like minimalistic decor. Outdoors is a sweeping perennial garden, along with a full spectrum of resortstyle activities such as water skiing and ziplining. “If the weather isn’t nice we may head out on a four-wheeling expedition,” Claudia says.

Guest list: In the summer, the Cytryn-

baums regularly host five-day and four-night stays for friends and their children jetting in from New York City, Monaco and London. The home easily accommodates eighteen people.

The method: The gorgeous J.Lo lookalike makes it all look effortless, but the hostess has mapped out every ingredient for every meal long before her visitors arrive. That way she can relax!

The menu: “It’s all pretty healthy,” Claudia says. Breakfast is usually an assortment of fresh bagels, smoked salmon, cereals, granola, yogourt and fresh berries. Lunch is all about salads.

“We have a nice little garden in the back with an array of veggies and lots of herbs,” Claudia says. For dinner her husband mans the BBQ, preparing rib steaks, Quebec lamb, or salmon (with hoisin, lemon and olive oil). Sides in-

clude an avocado, mango and cilantro salad, beet salad, and more.

The cookbook: The Barefoot Contessa series.

The vibe: “Laid back,” Claudia says.

The iPod is always on and selections range from soft Spanish, Colombian and Cuban music to David Benoit and Sade.

Claudia also makes cosmos with tons of lime, but trades in the precarious martini glass for a stemless Riedel tumbler.

Dress code: Casual yet polished. During the days, Claudia wears a bathing suit and cover-up, and for dinner she adds some glam with a flowing maxi dress by Haute Hippie or Diane von Furstenberg. “I’m also big on rompers,” she says. Like her go-to Contessa chef, this elegantly earthy beauty chooses minimalistic footwear such as flip-flops or flats (which is pretty close to barefoot).

Cheat sheet: With batches of guests arriving all summer long, Claudia may outsource the healthy cooking to chef Jamie Waplington.

Host No. 4: Interior designer YVES LEFEBVRE lives with his partner in a posh apartment on Golden Square Mile.

Known for: Presentation with panache.

The philosophy: “A beautiful object can mix with anything,” Yves says, perched among a pair of Jean-Paul Riopelle paintings and two 18th-century gold leaf Italian flambeaus. “It’s the relationship between beautiful objects that creates a sparkle.” This goes for decor, table design, menu and the guest list.”

Table design: Yves comes up with many of his table settings concepts based on graphic relationships – which leads him to use plumbing fixtures as napkin rings, or a concrete block as

a centrepiece with lilies attached to it. To help certain centrepieces come to life, he will enlist the help of a florist such as Jean-Pascal Lemire.

Cooking design: “Create splendour within the eyes and then it tastes so much better,” he says, opting for recipes with simple preparation and spectacular results. Think yogourt served with pomegranate seeds on top and garnished with a galax leaf.

Cooking web site: Yves gets many of his lovely yet unexpected recipes from chef Danny St-Pierre on recettes-de-chefs.ca, including a starter of cream of corn and scallops topped with popcorn.

Serving dishes: For chargers think stone, slate, silver or even raffia. “It can be anything,” he says. Same goes for serving dishes: Mini Le Creuset cocottes, martini glasses, and sorbet in small mason jars

are all his go-tos. His choices are based on whatever he feels might look good, not whether it fits the menu.

Music: “I like to switch in the same evening from Brazilian to opera to rap to jazz to Nina Simone, to anything,” he says.

Other artists include Caetano Veloso, Cesária Évora, Mercedes Sosa, Pedro Infante, and Vicente Fernandez.

Guest list: To keep connections intimate, Yves prefers dinner parties of four to six people.

Dress code: “People know they’re coming here, so they come dressed up,” Yves says with a smile. Every so often he and his partner do “the black tie thing, just because we feel like, ‘tonight we deserve it’.”

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JEAN-PASCAL LEMIRE, a florist who studied with New York’s renowned Preston Bailey and Olivier Giugni, and who previously worked at Flore in Montreal, is opening his own flower boutique, Bouquet Fleuriste, inside the Ritz Carlton hotel this spring. He will be the official florist for the Ritz and will also do corporate events and weddings at the hotel. Passersby can also purchase fresh flowers and arrangements from the store. For the Diary of a Social Gal photo shoot, Jean-Pascal created a multi-tier arrangement of Imperial orchids with three types of roses using Yves Lefebvre’s antique urns. Bouquet Fleuriste opens in May at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montreal.

Visit www.bouquetfleuriste.com or call 514-224-8382 (ask for flower boutique).

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FLORIST

MAKING PARTIES BETTER: CLAUDIA CYTRYNBAUM, CLAIRE WEBSTER, YVES LEFEBVRE AND CAROLINA GALLO RICHER LA FLÈCHE.

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Life can’t always be a party. Accordingly, the following ESCAPE THE PARTY section is as essential to Diary as the season’s fiercest fêtes. It is here, in this sacred place, that we exhale between bashes and explore the best spots for pause, be they fantasy-worthy eateries, bars or spas in our own backyard or dream getaways (and jetaways) to nearby and exotic locales. Speaking of which, after perusing the following by international travel, food and lifestyle writer Marie Elena Martinez, you just might be hopping the next plane to St. Lucia. Happy travels.

Towering Pitons, a lush landscape, and endless white sand beaches make Jalousie a feast for the senses.

PARADISE FOUND

Expansive mountainside villas and new beachfront bungalows offer state-of-the-art decor and amenities.

ST. LUCIA’S JALOUSIE PLANTATION

BY MARIE ELENA MARTINEZ

Photos: Jalousie Plantation.

One hypnotic sunset and worry is a thing of the past at Jalousie Plantation.

R

epeatedly named a top world destination by travel insiders and visitors alike, St. Lucia’s Valley of the Pitons (Val des Pitons) is a stunning oasis where land and sea collide. In this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site where two dramatic peaks decorated in a palette of greens reach toward the sky and gently undulating crystalline waters that harbour a reef of wildlife roll onto pristine sandy shores, 100 luxurious acres belong to Jalousie Plantation, a refuge from the hum of everyday life. I recently had the opportunity to spend some time at Jalousie and found myself drenched in the pleasures of St. Lucia’s landscape and pampered by the charm of Jalousie’s embrace. A haven for couples, a retreat for friends, if you’re looking for an escape from the ordinary, St. Lucia is your salvation.

Nestled between St. Lucia’s two towering Pitons, and situated just south of

the nearby town of Soufrière, Jalousie Plantation’s most astonishing luxury is its location. Sand, sky, and the supernatural collide in Pitons Bay, making Jalousie a feast for the senses. Gros Piton rises 2619 feet and claims the title of second highest peak on the island.

For fitness enthusiasts and hike aficionados, daily treks up and down the Pitons can be arranged. Walking along a leisurely trail that won’t require too much exertion, one can scale a Piton and return to sea level in just a few short hours.

Evenings, as experienced from my suite’s spacious terrace, are entrancing. As the sun melts into the ocean, creating a rainbow sky, it’s hard to resist doing anything besides settling down on a lounge chair, opening a bottle of crisp Sauvignon Blanc, popping your iPod into the in-room dock, and letting any worry of the day disappear into the horizon.

Among the perks of staying at Jalousie are the expansive villas tucked into the mountainside that feature private plunge pools, walled gardens and multi-room layouts. Immaculate white lines run throughout these spaces, while soft linens drape the four-poster bed, and amenities like flat screen TVs, claw foot bathtubs, marble rain showers, cozy robes and aromatic products sweeten the in-room experience.

New to Jalousie are the beachfront bungalows that, like the villas, offer the same top-shelf luxuries. The difference? Location, location, location!

These eight brand-new bungalows open onto the white sands of Sugar Beach. With high ceilings, custommade furniture, thatched roofs and white-washed adobe walls, not to mention private courtyard Jacuzzis and uninterrupted ocean views, the bungalows are the accommodation to book and mark the latest component in a multi-million dollar enhancement project that will rebrand the property as Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, later this year.

Ensconced in one of these ultra-fab suites, all you need to do to achieve nirvana is throw open your patio doors, snuggle into bed, order up some room service, and let the lazy St. Lucia night surround you.

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Spa lovers can’t help but succumb to the seductions of Jalousie’s Rainforest Spa. Tree house treatments, people.

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Rum, sushi, good tunes and beautiful people await guests with a penchant for late night action in the Cane Bar.

Jalousie’s public spaces flow organically from the hillside guest suites to the breezy pool and restaurant. There’s no need to be anything but casual at Jalousie, though in the evening I couldn’t resist the urge to throw on a long silk skirt, some gold bangles and a beaded tunic that, I felt, matched the beauty of my setting.

Start your day at beachfront Bayside Bar & Restaurant, an open-air spot that gazes out onto the ocean, cooled by overhead fans and powered by some strong coffee. I splurged on decadent piles of buttermilk pancakes and fruit platters each morning, fresh fish wraps at lunch on the beach, and gorgeous presentations of grilled lobster and mahi mahi for dinner, accented by little more than the island’s many homegrown spices. On nights when I was feeling a little more fancy, I hit the Great Room in Jalousie’s main building. Caribbean chic, there’s the option to dine al fresco on the balcony or in the airy dining room, dimly lit by crystal chandeliers. Post-meal, the rum flows in the sexy Cane Bar, which also serves a lighter menu of sushi and sashimi. After hours, the bar’s soundtrack purrs for guests with a penchant for late night action surrounded by beautiful people, cutting-edge artwork and sultry design.

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Fresh fruit, fish and desserts prepared with a light and flavourful hand add to Jalousie’s allure.

Caribbean-chic is the ultimate ambiance in the Great Room, where dining al fresco on the balcony or in the airy dining room is equally indulgent.

Riffing off the region’s tropical surroundings, Jalousie’s Rainforest Spa, an inner sanctum comprised of seven individual treatment tree houses, is a must-have experience. A walk down the long, thatched-roof corridor sets the tone for the natural relaxation that is to come, while a steady din of birds, meandering streams, and gently falling dewdrops accompany the agile hands of massage therapists and facialists kneading and prodding weary muscles into submission. An earthen steam room warmed by volcanic spring water for post-treatment bliss sits alongside manicure and pedicure facilities for those who need to attend to their fingers and toes. Therapies that highlight sulphur from St. Lucia’s nearby springs, as well as local fruit

and herb plants, are popular. My suggestion? The deep tissue massage that uses bamboo sticks to help alleviate tension in the body. Oh. So. Good.

I admit, once I got comfortable at Jalousie Plantation, I never considered leaving. But if the bounty of the resort isn’t enough for you, the island of St. Lucia can help fill out your itinerary. With local hot springs, a “drive-in” volcano, sublime scuba diving through the national marine reserve and rainforest hikes to cascading waterfalls at your disposal, it’s no wonder this Caribbean playground is a favourite escape for the jet set. So, what are you waiting for? Book now; thank me later.

Rates from $300 - $2650 jalousieplantation.com

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ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

We all have our dream destinations. One of mine is Savannah, Ga. There’s something so romantic, nostalgic and old-world glammy about the Deep South. (Can you not just taste the mint juleps on the lawn?) So I almost adapted an O’Hara drawl (relax, I said almost) when award winning art, design and lifestyle journalist Caia Hagel suggested an article about the opening of the illustrious Savannah College of Art and Design Museum, patronized by the über-likes of Vogue’s André Leon Talley. Needless to say, Savannah is sounding even more alluring, as is a trip to SCAD.

DESTINATION:

The inaugural opening of the Savannah College of Art and Design, a magnet for a discerning, art-savvy crowd.

Photo: Adam Kuehl, courtesy of SCAD Museum of Art.

An extended member of the SCAD family, André Leon Talley also marks his curatorial debut.

Photo: Frazer Spowart, courtesy of SCAD Museum of Art.

ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

Reinvented by renowned architect Christian Sottile, who integrated buildings old and new, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum is a work of art in itself.

Photo: Frazer Spowart, courtesy of SCAD Museum of Art.

Savannah marries old world glam to new world chic. Photos: Adam Kuehl, courtesy of SCAD Museum of Art.

ART-SOUTH WHERE GREAT HOSPITALITY MEETS GREAT ART

T

here is something so alluring about the American Deep South – the slow charm, the hospitality, the Gone with the Wind glamour. Savannah, Ga., epitomizes this old-world elegance with its renown as one of America’s oldest, most beautiful and best-designed cities. And as I discovered on a recent getaway, the “Hostess City of the South” has recently added another cultural asset to its arsenal: the inaugural opening of the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum, hosted by SCAD co-founder and president PAULA WALLACE and assisted by glam fashion personality and Vogue contributing editor ANDRÉ LEON TALLEY. “I fell in love with this place,” Leon Talley told me of his first visit to Savannah 13 years ago. “In 2000, I was invited by Paula to present a yearly André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award to an international fashion designer of my choice, so I have been returning yearly with the winners, Miuccia Prada and the like – and they, too, are always so impressed with the sophistication of this place. It’s very Southern; it’s graceful, the pace is reassuring, it’s elegant – and the culture is unique.”

At the cocktail party opening of the new museum, southern belles in haute couture floated around the garden and on the terrace bars under Ameri-

can artist Nick Cave’s film Drive-By, which was being projected along the length of an exterior wall. Fashion, design and art students mingled with the press and the salubrious patrons and guests of the upper echelons of Savannah culture and society, including arts patrons Walter O. Evans and his wife, Linda Evans. Fashion designer Chris Benz waltzed through the crowd with pink hair, while artist and patron Jane Rosenblum stared at the wallpaper-art with custom 3-D glasses. Behind her, Elizabeth Broun, director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, admired the Kehinde Wiley artworks.

Handmade candy apples and exotic sweets that I had never tasted before – dusted marshmallow fries and cumquat-glazed chocolate friandises – circulated on the trays of beautiful waiters with southern drawls. The foyer featured a 3-D wallpaper installation

by Trenton Doyle Hancock, where minglers with champagne flutes gazed at its caricature motifs through designer 3-D glasses alongside Rosenblum.

A 12-foot state-of-the-art virtual orientation centre touchpad mounted as a table at the centre of the foyer doubled as an interactive cyberspace and a repository for empty glasses – and reminded onlookers that while firmly rooted in the dramatic history of its ancestors, Savannah is also gliding

into contemporary futurism with confidence. As the party took full swing, Wallace announced to the crowd: “Alice Walker once said that if art doesn’t make us better, then what is it for?” and cheering drifted gently through the tree-lined streets.

On my rounds, I met with Christian Sottile of Sottile+Sottile Architects, the designer of the new SCAD Museum.

He said the redesign has increased Savannah’s architectural significance as the United States’ largest historically restored urban area, because along with the contemporary innovations, it incorporates the oldest existing antebellum railroad depot in the United States, a National Historic Landmark, into the structure. He grew up in Florence, Italy, and is a graduate of SCAD, so was passionate about his role both as conservator and contemporary designer: “As an architect I have a deep respect for history, and I believe love for architecture means you must be an artist in your approach.” In following this passion, he repurposed every original brick, handmade by the local slaves hundreds of years ago, and each piece of pine in the flooring of the original structure, to create a dynamic, fluid space with the harmonic proportions of the Renaissance; it is a building that is a work of art in itself.

It is also home to the Evans Collection, one of the most prominent collections of African-American art in the world. The inaugural exhibition also featured such engaging works as Bill Viola video art, Kehinde Wiley paintings, an oversize jewel box sculpture

by Stephen Antonakos, an outdoor projection by above-mentioned artist Nick Cave, two installations by artist Liza Lou and the curatorial debut of Leon Talley, who showed a selection of his favourite couture gowns by Tom Ford, Oscar De La Renta, Zac Posen, Isabel Toledo and Marc Jacobs – interspersed with antique mirrored armoires recovered and restored from the mansions of Savannah.

In a private moment, Leon Talley confided in me about some of his favourite Savannah haunts. “I’m usually so busy working when I come to Savannah that I hardly leave the SCAD headquarters, but when I get a chance to wander the city, I visit the Marc Jacobs store, the SCAD gift shop, shopSCAD, where they have the best books and treasures, and I take high tea at the Gryphon Tea Room or a delicious seafood meal at Garibaldi, where I enjoy the reassuring pace of the South.”

Savannah impresses, artistically and otherwise.

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BY CAIA HAGEL

GO SAVANNAH

EATERIES

GRYPHON TEA ROOM 337 Bull Street, Savannah, Ga. 912-525-5880 The Gryphon, as it is known to the locals, is housed in an adapted turnof-the-century pharmacy and serves light gourmet meals and tea and cakes. Fourteen original stained glass windows with a mortar and pestle motif convey the original purpose of the shop.

CAFE 37 205 East 37th St., Savannah, Ga. 912-236-8533, www.cafe37.com Combining European influences with the taste of Southern charm, Cafe 37 offers fine dining in a casual, comfortable setting. The cuisine and wine Trip Advisor reviewers call “intensely good” are perfect for a sophisticated lunch, gourmet dinner, or Sunday brunch.

Enjoy.

GARIBALDI 315 West Congress St., Savannah, Ga. 912-232-7118 www.garibaldisavannah.com This gorgeous circa 1871 historic building, once home to the Germania Fire House and later Germania House, a

fine salon with dancing for ladies and gentlemen upstairs, is the fine dining destination for seafood lovers.

SHOPPERIES

SHOPSCAD 340 Bull St., Savannah, Ga. 912-525-5180 www.shopscadonline.com SCAD artists and their work feature in this shop in Savannah along with another in Lacoste, France. ShopSCAD is full of the best and the brightest artists with the most highly innovative and unique artwork. Housed inside a creatively adorned shop, you can find handmade jewellery, paintings, sculpture and pottery. They also have photography, handbags, clothing and a whole genre marked “miscellaneous” because some of their gems cannot even be categorized.

THE PARIS MARKET 36 West Broughton St., Savannah, Ga. 912-232-1500 www.theparismarket.com The Paris Market and Brocante, located on West Broughton St. in the heart of historic Savannah, is a storehouse of treasures. This irresistible invitation

to shop the world’s most exotic and exclusive markets is the brainchild of owner Paula Danyluk. A love of world travel combined with a quirky design style quickly led Paula and her husband, Taras, across the globe. Their initial timid forays into the Parisian ‘Marché aux Puces’ ignited a passion that soon led to the chaotic, intoxicating bazaars of Cairo (Khan el-Khalili), Alexandria (El Attarine), and India (fabled Rajasthan). This year their collections will include the Italian hip of Milan, Rome and Florence; the wacky fun of the English countryside, London wharfs and famous Portobello Road; and the flea market high style of Hungary, Holland and Belgium. Later this year look for devastatingly cool architectural finds from other hidden corners of the world. Sometimes extravagant, sometimes serene, always instantly classic.

MARC JACOBS 322 West Broughton St., Savannah, Ga. 912-234-2800, www.marcjacobs.com The store is housed in a lovely part of town in a gorgeous building, and the windows are so much fun. It carries a nice collection of Marc Jacobs essentials, along with a cool art book section in the men’s department.

ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

N.Y.SEE.

kes things up.

Vitahealth’s Iggy sha

n Humphrey Photography Christia

anicurist to Josephine, m

the stars.

One Lucky Duck and us to drin Vitahealth k it all in a , remindin nd smile. g

THROUGH THE EYES OF HEIDI SLIMM

M

y dearest Jenny, Although most may not understand my lens on the following scene, I know you and your readers in my beloved hometown will.

6:04 a.m. I am awakened by very distinctive voices that I can hear arguing (clearly, I might add) from my 6th floor upper upper East Side apartment. Hey, the Canadian dollar was worth 40 per cent less when I moved here, but I digress.

I peer outside my double-thick noisereducing windows and see two wellheeled, red-soled Louboutin-clad ladies screaming and gesturing like mad boxers over a cab. The day has begun.

The NYC energy is palpable, and I’m excited by it.

Since moving here more than eight years ago, I fall deeper in love with this city every day. In many ways, it saves my life. I feed off its frenetic pace and cast of characters. Every day I see something and say to myself “I need to come back here and check that out!”

My loves range from the high brow to the low as I curate and procure from the Upper West to the Lower East. Some well known, others obscure. This is my New York.

Today, as I sit in my car doing the NYC alternate side parking dance, I am reminded of all the choices living here affords me. Often my favourite finds are simple things that make the ordinary or mundane both exciting and refreshing.

Sometimes the people attached to the service are as dynamic and particular as the service itself. I’m finding myself thinking about all things aesthetic today and those people, places and things that soften the grit (that I love!) of New York City.

NAILING IT

When I first moved here, I met a bornand-bred Manhattanite named Abby.

She introduced me to JOSEPHINE, manicurist to the stars. My hands were never the same. The scene at the salon is a bit Jewish Steel Magnolias. You get the picture: fabulous characters.

Josephine herself is SO precise and talented that I find myself getting compliments on my nails a week later. If you can get an appointment, you’ll thank me. Ladies (gentlemen too, if you like): Be sure to test out the most incredible spectrum of nail colours from Deborah Lippman (sold at Barney’s and other beauty emporiums). For a NYC week-

"SINCE MOVING HERE MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS AGO, I FALL DEEPER IN LOVE WITH THIS CITY EVERY DAY. IN MANY WAYS, IT SAVES MY LIFE. I FEED OFF ITS FRENETIC PACE AND CAST OF CHARACTERS."

end-proof nude look, try Naked or Like A Virgin, the absolute best, clean looking neutrals. They will make you feel like pole dancing on the subway. P.S. Did I mention my husband calls me a “born-again virgin” after my manicure? Again, I digress...

GOING GREEN

Being here can be simultaneously stimulating and draining. Accordingly, I have developed a full-blown addiction to green juices – and I have tried many! Done right they are the perfect antidote to running around the city and being over-stimulated, as so often I am. They remind us to drink it all in and smile. Your body will thank you. I LOVE healthy one stop shop One Lucky Duck, particularly its Mean Greens and Sarma’s Favorite Green Shake. Come to think of it, I love everything at One Lucky Duck: amazing raw choices, plates that are beautiful, guilt free, brimming with health.

Yum. Hungry now! Two locations are at your green service, in Chelsea and Gramercy.

Now sometimes I only have time for a straight green juice closer to home. For that I go see my friend IGGY over at

HEIDI’S NEW YORK JOSEPHINE, MANICURIST TO THE STARS 37 East 65th St., New York, N.Y. 212-472-1279.

Vitahealth, a small apothecary that carries high-quality, hard-to-find supplements. Iggy runs the juice bar and knows what he’s doing. He’s also easy on the eyes (again, digression). I like to order Iggy’s Greens. He spikes it with pineapple and it goes down easy. You can also call in orders ahead of time.

I don’t feel like this green list is complete without Candle 79. I head here when I want a Green Goddess and more. The Candle offers up excellent clean eating, vegan or not, with a strong commitment to local and biodynamic farming practices. The atmosphere is pleasingly Zen and the coffee strangely good!

SAVING FACE

So you’ve been all over the city, shopping, eating, watching, playing, and hopefully all of it done via the subway (the only way to really experience the city). The well-worth-it penalty: A layer of dust and grime has begun to accumulate on your skin. Solution found.

It’s time to head down to the Lower East Side and allow the educated hands of CHRISTINE CHIN to make it all right. There’s nothing fancy about this place. But I (who have had a love affair with good facials for a long time) challenge you to find a better one.

You will see models and moguls. They all come for Christine’s signature facial with microdermabrasion and chilling (freezing) green tea mask to combat residual redness that has some of us avoiding facials in the first place. Simply extraordinary. Oh and don’t even

think about cancelling that coveted appointment, or prepare for the wrath and future blacklisting of your name.

Really.

BEST POSSIBLE BREAK-FASTS

It’s never about Montreal vs. NYC (apples and oranges, really). Just this past weekend I found myself in Montreal having breakfast at the Grand Café.

It was SO good – serious high-octane Latin-style coffee and perfect omelettes – that I found myself returning for round two the next morning! With that, I challenged myself to think of my favourite recent NYC breakfasts. It wasn’t hard.

I am currently loving Clinton St. Baking Company. I can’t say enough about it. Its pancakes are as close to perfection as you’ll get. Did you know February was pancake month? (All my yoga pants do.) And don’t even get me started on the muffins, and buttermilk biscuits – CRAZY. I also love its location on the Lower East Side, which forces you to look around and contemplate the city’s amazing urban development.

While you’re there you can visit my favourite vegan shoe store, Moo Shoes. I know it’s off topic, but who cares. It’s a really good time.

Finally, I can’t possibly give my two cents on breakfast in NYC (and still look in the mirror) without mentioning my favourite classic go-to, Barney Greengrass. Sure, it’s been around forever, but that’s because it’s perfect in every way, boasting the best cured fishes, gravlax

and kippers in the city, and potato pancakes so melt-in-your-mouth they’re not just for Hanukkah anymore. The side dish of healthy NYC attitude ain’t too shabby either. Exhale and embrace it.

ONE LUCKY DUCK CHELSEA MARKET 75 9th Ave. (between 15th and 16th Sts.) or enter at 425 West 15th St. (between 9th and 10th Aves.), New York, N.Y. 212-255-4300.

PUPPY LOVE/DOGGY WARS

ONE LUCKY DUCK JUICE AND TAKEAWAY 125½ East 17th St., New York, N.Y. 212-477-7151, www.oneluckyduck.com.

A good piece of advice when in the city: Do NOT leave home without your dog, if you have one (or more). Having your pooch (or pooches) in tow when you come to the city is a great way to see the real NYC. Most mornings after I bring my daughter to school, I walk to the Great Lawn portion of Central Park, where your dog(s) can run blissfully free, sans leash before 9 a.m.

There you’ll experience, up close and personal, all the NYC social hierarchy dramas played out in full real life colour. I liken it to the mommies vs. the nannies chronicles at my daughter’s upper crusty school. But here it’s the owners vs. the walkers. You’ll get lots of unsolicited advice and a true blue feel for what it might be like if you lived here.

Not done yet. I also have lots of voyeuristic fun at the Washington Square Park dog run, where the peoplewatching is at its best. Once, I actually saw a woman apply false eyelashes in broad daylight while her Coton de Tuléar chewed a hole in her purse.

There’s something for everyone.

So there you have it. A slice of my New York. Off to One Lucky Duck for my morning fix.

VITAHEALTH 1609 2nd Ave. (between 83rd and 84th Sts.), New York, N.Y. You can also call in orders ahead of time at 212-772-1110.

CANDLE 79 154 East 79th St. (between Lexington and 3rd Aves.), New York, N.Y. 212-537-7179, www.candle79.com.

CHRISTINE CHIN SPA 82 Orchard St., New York, N.Y. 212-353-0503. www.christinechin.com.

CLINTON ST. BAKING COMPANY 4 Clinton St. (between Houston and Stanton Sts.), New York, N.Y. 646-602-6263, clintonstreetbaking.com.

MOO SHOES 78 Orchard St., New York, N.Y. 212-254-6512, www.mooshoes.com.

BARNEY GREENGRASS 541 Amsterdam Ave. (between 86th and 87th Sts.), New York, N.Y. 212-724-4707, www.barneygreengrass.com.

NYCGOVPARKS.COM

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ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

As geographically blessed Montrealers, many of us take advantage of this proximity to global hotspots like New York City. In my case (predictable with a capital P) I “escape” there every between-season chance I get and pack in as many Broadway shows as is humanly possible, along with a series of breathlessly athletic shopping sprees that would leave even Bradshaw in my dust. I’m also predictably guilty of topping it all off with dirty martinis at after dark trend-haunts like fellow Canadian Graydon Carter’s Waverly Inn, where perusing the endlessly fascinating parade of characters is the guiltiest pleasure. However, on my last jaunt I had the unexpected privilege of glimpsing a different New York thanks to the welltrained eye and brilliantly inquisitive nature of my dear friend Heidi Slimm, who just recently received her green card after moving to Manhattan with her family over eight years ago. Accordingly, in lieu of the usual spiel about where to shop, eat, etc., I thought it way cooler to share her carefully selected passion picks. So here you have it.

The designer’s and homeowners’ preferred shade, a sunny yellow used throughout the retreat, adds to the gleam of the wood paneling in the study.

ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

THE PERFECT AHHH… GETAWAY

A country getaway sure to stir your wildest dreams.

(YES, YOU’LL WANT ONE)

BY VANESSA MURI

Photography Anick Valiquette

Who says you have to hop a plane to recharge and replenish? Sometimes, the perfect haven is a short car ride away. That’s what Diary contributor and lifestyle editor and writer Vanessa Muri discovered when she explored the private country escape of one of Canada’s highest profile media executives and his family. While the couple choose to remain anonymous (so mysterious Gossip Girl I love it) they did welcome Vanessa into their world for a savoury peek.

E

xquisite landscaped pool. Professional tennis court, steam shower and sauna. Soaking up the sun on a chaise longue by a shimmering lake. Idyllic images that scream vacation and call to mind fun, rest, rejuvenation and relaxation. And, most probably, thoughts of a soothing hotel spa retreat.

But imagine for a moment it’s not a hotel at all but a house, a house at the top of a lazy rolling hill, a large family home partially hidden amid the towering trees and lush foliage. Yes, nestled between Mount Orford and the shores of lake Memphremagog in the Eastern Townships lies a perfect family getaway guaranteed to stir your wildest dreams.

“We were looking for the great escape,” explain the homeowners. And they found it, heading directly to their treasured retreat every weekend that they’re in the city. “My husband starts to relax halfway there,” says the wife with a smile. “Over the Champlain Bridge and his blood pressure goes down! I don’t think he could survive without it.

It’s his favourite place on Earth.” Her

husband concurs: “There’s nothing like a weekend in the country to reinvigorate the mind, body and spirit.”

No strangers to the second home set – the couple owned a cottage in the Laurentians for 20 years – they soon realized that as their children got married and started their own families several years ago, that house was too small to accommodate the growing clan. Thankfully, their search for a new property ended in Magog eight years ago. “When we first laid eyes on this property, the fit was obvious. It was exactly what we had envisioned: rolling hills leading down to the water. We were so lucky that it came up at the time we were looking,” the pair confide.

The existing cottage was charming but small, so a year later the renovations were under way. Architect Alan Bellavance worked with builder Denis Legault and a design team headed by interiors expert Jacques Auray. The stars magically aligned and the new home was built and furnished within a year.

The inspiration for the exterior – shingle and stone – came from illustrious

Tennis courts are well integrated into the natural surroundings and provide for an excellent workout before a splash in the pool.

American designer Robert Stern, who works in the Hamptons. The rest of the house was built to the homeowners’ specifications and tastes. And with several living rooms, indoor and outdoor seating areas and plenty of bedrooms, space was the deciding factor.

The homeowners note with a chuckle, “You think you have an idea of how big something is going to be – we wanted a huge kitchen – then when you see it in reality, it’s like, oh my! But with the dining room and living room just off the kitchen, it all came together.”

The interior offers a sophisticated country feel. Though large, it remains homey and warm, and very welcoming – the kind of place that lends itself so effortlessly to curling up with a favourite tome, while leaving the stress and chaos of city life far behind. And the drive up is deceptive: After passing the reclining Joe Fafard cow sculpture (a natural and beloved country companion), you enter the house from the side, so it’s a surprise when you walk in and realize just how far back it goes.

Colour (and lots of it) keeps the home from looking cold or formal. Greens,

An open and inviting veranda is the family’s favourite spot to congregate, entertain and exhale.

Exquisitely landscaped, the pool offers a mesmeric view of the lake.

reds, yellows … you might wonder where it all comes from – until you make the acquaintance of designer Auray. He dresses as he decorates: tone on tone colour, in this case chic mustard trousers paired with a golden taupe jacket and bright blue and yellow paisley tie. There are copious amounts of the designer’s preferred shade to be found in the Magog haven, a hue that is particularly pleasing to the homeowners, who have incorporated it into their living spaces for years, and therefore made sure it assumed a starring role in the home’s dream palette.

“Yellow reflects the sunlight. So even on a cloudy day, you’re guaranteed a lot of cheer. And yellow is very flattering. Women look good in yellow!” Auray adds with a signature wink. The key is one room, one colour, so no mixing of bright shades.

The designer worked closely with the owners, who had a clear vision of the type of home and surroundings they wished to create, so the result was an elegant lakeside sanctuary big on charm and perfect for the pair

and their family. “It’s so wonderful to collaborate with a professional who understands our specific tastes and needs,” says the wife, who routinely accompanied Auray on trips to antique stores and other decor destinations in search of the perfect pieces and accents for her home. Like Auray, she is a great fan of statement pieces and buying in pairs, “a simple trick,” which, he explains, “gives a polished look to any room.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about unwinding, and the entire family enjoys the tennis court, the pool and the sauna (is there a better way to end a workout?), though the favourite escape is arguably the huge veranda. “We are never more content than when our children and their children congregate on the veranda for an impromptu family get-together. Quality time shared with them is what it’s all about and what makes this country home the ultimate dream getaway,” says the contented couple. Amen to that.

Apple green accents the living room to perfection.

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ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

Where else would you want to be?

SNOWDON DELI 5265 Décarie Blvd., 514-488-9129, www.delisnowdon.ca.

“I grew up in Habitat 67 but played hockey in NDG and would often go there after games. Great place.”

THE ORANGE JULEP 7700 Décarie Blvd., 514-738-7486, www.orangejulep.com.

“Love the juice and there’s something about buying a hotdog from a giant orange. Obvious humour there.”

“My mother always told me, ‘Don’t play with your food!’ But look at me now.”

-Chuck Hughes

CHUCK DISHES

CELEBRITY CHEF CHUCK HUGHES ON HIS FAVOURITE ‘ESCAPES,’ FOOD-RELATED AND OTHERWISE

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

V

ery new to the beat (circa 2006), I headed off one fall evening to cover Dans La Rue’s benefit event (a favourite to this day) and almost immediately found myself drawn to the larger-than-life charismatic chef-magnet at the centre of the room, who could barely keep up with the demand for the oysters (mouthwatering) he was shucking (masterfully) as a contribution to the event. Pre-Garde Manger mania, pre-network superstardom, pre-historic Iron Chef victory, preaward-winning cookbooks and yes, pre-Chuckmas, the seeds were sown.

Homegrown CHUCK HUGHES was clearly a celebrity chef in the making.

Fast-forward six years, and the ce-

lebrity chef in the make is taking over the globe. Not only has he nailed all of the above, but the beloved star of Chuck’s Day Off (currently seen in 30 countries and counting) has a series of network projects in the works, an impressive alliance with Hellman’s; a hot new English-language cookbook (aptly titled Garde Manger) and of course his new see-and-be-scene eatery, Le Bremner.

Clearly the Montrealer is on fire. But it got me thinking: Where does this force of nature go when he needs to refuel, replenish, recharge? In an exclusive chat at Le Bremner, the master chef Access Hollywood calls ‘kitchen rock star’ dished for Diary on all his favourite escapes, foodie and otherwise.

FAIRMOUNT BAGEL/ST.VIATEUR BAGEL 74 Fairmount Ave. W., 514-272-0667, www.fairmountbagel.com; St. Viateur Bagel, 1127 Mont Royal Ave. E., 514528-6361. (For other locations and info, www.stviateurbagel.com.)

“I love heading out for bagels. Purists may disagree but to me St-Viateur and Fairmount are equally good!”

LEMEAC 1045 Laurier Ave. W., 514-270-0999, www.restaurantlemeac.com.

“At anytime it’s always the same.

Food is sensational.”

TAPEO 511 Villeray St., 514-495-1999.

“I worked here before opening Garde for about a year and a half and was like WOW. The food is amazing.”

RETREAT TO RETAIL

LA CHILENITA 152 Napoléon St., 514-286-6075. (Call for other locations.)

“Crazy good empanadas.”

OAKLEY ca.oakley.com.

“Anything Oakley works for me, especially their sunglasses.”

OLIVE & GOURMANDO 351 Saint Paul St. W., 514-350-1083, oliveetgourmando.com.

“If you’re going to come to Montreal and visit Old Montreal, this is a must go for coffee or … whatever.”

CAFFÈ SAN SIMEON 39 Dante St., 514-272-7386.

“This place in little Italy is another hot coffee spot I love to ‘escape’ to.”

MISTER STEER 198 Ste. Catherine St. W., 514-8663233, www.mistersteer.com.

“A Steerburger before a Habs’ game is the best!”

Who would have thunk it? The Chuckster’s not above a little escapist retail therapy.

AMERICAN APPAREL 1394 Ste. Catherine St. W., 514-395-1114. (For other locations and info, americanapparel.net.)

“Where I get my black tees.”

OFF THE HOOK 1021 Ste-Catherine St. W., 514-499-1021, www.offthehook.ca.

“I live in my Vans. They have a huge selection here and great casual clothes as well.”

TONY SHOES 1346 Greene Ave., 514-935-2993, www.tonyshoes.com.

“For dress (and all) shoes, Tony totally accommodates. They have the goods for size 13!”

VILLAGE MON NAN 43 de la Gauchetière St. W., 514-8799680, www.restaurantmonnan.com.

“One of the most incredible places in the city for authentic Chinese food. I love the Peking pork.”

HARRY ROSEN 1455 Peel St., 514-284-3315, Chemin Rockland, T.M.R., 514-735-6227, www.harryrosen.com.

“When it comes to dressier clothes, they’re my peeps. Nadine and Juan are amazing.”

NEW DYNASTY IN CHINA 1110 Clark St., 514-871-8778.

“Great spot too. Ask for Richard, he’s the man.”

SWEET SWEAT SPOTS

KAIZEN SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT 4075 Ste. Catherine St. W., 514-9325654, www.70sushi.com.

“I probably order Kaizen way too much! I cook for a living and my girlfriend is a really good cook too but when it comes to sushi, we have no clue. Cassidy and the team do a terrific job.”

ROTISSERIE PORTUGALIA 34 Rachel St. W., 514-282-1519, rotisserieportugalia.ca.

“The food is delicious, especially the house specialty, the Portuguese barbecue chicken.”

CHALET BAR-B-Q RÔTISSERIE 5456 Sherbrooke St. W., 514-489-7235, www.chaletbbq.com.

“What else can I say? It’s the bomb!”

DICK ANN’S (For all locations and contact numbers, www.dicanns.ca.)

“Hamburgers SO good!”

ES C APE T HE PAR T Y

ELLA’S DELI 5555 Westminster St., #100., Côte St. Luc, 514-368-1741.

“It’s Russian and everything is delicious. Love the piroshkis.”

DNA 355 Marguerite d’Youville St., Old Montreal, 514-287-3362, www.dnarestaurant.com.

“One of the city’s best restaurants for sure, really inventive cool food. And Derek is an awesome guy.”

Not a fan of massage, Chuck prefers more active battery recharging.

CLUB SPORTIF MAA 2070 Peel St., 514-845-2233, www.clubsportifmaa.com.

“This is my downtown elite supercomfy gym where I work out hard then go into the steam room. It’s almost like a reward when I work out here.”

GYMNASIA 203 Place D’Youville, Suite100, 514288-9412, gymnasia.ca.

“Closer to home. An awesome gym as well.”

WESTMOUNT ARENA 4060 Ste. Catherine St. W., 514-932-7497.

“Playing hockey at Westmount arena is another great recharger.”

For Chuck’s ‘Outta The Country Escapes’, visit WWW.DIARYOFASOCIALGAL. For more Chuck, head to Facebook and twitter (@chucksdayoff), watch Chuck’s Day Off (Food Network Canada, The Cooking Channel in the U.S.), read Garde Manger (HarperCollinsCanada) or drop into Garde Manger and Le Bremner.

(For restos, www.crownsalts.com.)

101 / DIA RY O F A S O CIAL G A L

Photo: Dominique Lafond

FOODIE FAVES

HEART-TO-HEART WITH SOPHIE DESMARAIS

INS PIR E T HE PAR T Y

INS PIR E T HE PAR T Y

The plan was to have four neat divisions, LIVE, LOOK, MAKE and ESCAPE THE PARTY. But as the journey progressed, it became increasingly important to supplement the aforementioned quintessentially “party” and “escape the party” sections (love them as I do) with a decidedly more intimate space that would afford the opportunity to go deeper with some of the extraordinary Montrealers who at once motivate and drive the party. For a higher purpose. Like Sophie Desmarais, whose story, as told to Diary contributor Caia Hagel, will surely touch and inspire.

THE STORY OF AN ACTION-TAKING DIFFERENCE-MAKER

W

SOPHIE DESMARAIS, mother, musician, face of Lise Watier, difference-maker, photographed at her home in February 2012.

Photo:Tim Georgeson.

hen you have it all, what more is there to conquer?

Mother, musician, and face of Lise Watier, SOPHIE DESMARAIS has an idea or two.

“I have always believed and was raised to believe that you need to be good to everyone in life,” she purrs from the pillows of her cozy couch, where we’re curled up together a few days after she has performed at her fifth annual Coeur à Coeur benefit concert. I saw her there too, elegant and gorgeous on the Rialto Theatre stage, successfully dazzling her adoring audience with a sultry jazz voice in the name of raising money for the young musicians of the Big Band, a Université de Montréal student music project to which she is wholly committed. As I will learn as our intimate conversation floats along and refreshments discreetly come and go, this stage presence was a gentle amplification of the private woman, a fortuitous person who cares sincerely about the causes toward which she puts her heart.

Sophie was raised to be able to perform all manner of tasks, no matter how great or small. She has raised her two children in much the same way, citing grounding as the principal goal, “so that they know where they come from – but that they also learn everything that they can learn in life, and be as kind to everyone as they can be, because we all have similar problems, we all suffer similar pains, and it is important to be prepared to help others or help ourselves should the need arise.” This compassion-mixed-with-

realism is the cornerstone of her principles of life, which also include hard work, discipline and respect. “I am strict with my children, the same way that I am strict with the musicians of the Big Band. I want to be able to give these kids the opportunity to have as many outside experiences and visions of the real world as possible.” And, indeed, in her living room, where every surface is crowded with framed photos, the pictures of her children hard at work – sailing, investigating environmental projects – edge out the picture of her for Lise Watier or standing with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

If there is yet something to conquer in this gifted life, for Sophie it involves philanthropy. Not philanthropy in a conventional way, however: “To me, it’s about feeling the cause and being personally implicated in it,” she explains. At times in her life, this has been extraordinarily personal, like during the period, ten years ago, when she was battling a brain tumour and was in and out of the hospital having tests. The day she had an MRI, there was a young man who came in for an MRI after hers, whose family could not afford to get him the medical care that he needed. She made sure that he was operated on and well looked after, and his life was saved – even while she was fighting to save her own life. “I survived. Why did I survive when other people haven’t? Young people who haven’t explored life and seen the world and enjoyed it? I really felt it, the struggle of that young man. If I feel

it, then I give everything I can to make a difference.”

Similar heartstrings were pulled when the volcano in Iceland erupted, and families were left stranded at the Montréal-Trudeau airport. Sophie jumped in immediately to donate personal funds to ensure that these families were lodged until their flights could resume.

But when Sophie was approached by the Université de Montréal to support the Faculty of Music and the Big Band, rather than just send them a cheque, she rolled up her sleeves and got involved. Amazingly, she turned the request into an equal challenge for herself and decided to become their ambassador, not just by lending her name and face to the cause, but by actually singing live onstage with the Big Band members as some of her core musicians, to give them real-life exposure and music business experience.

“This has required enormous work but has been incredibly rewarding,” says Sophie. “I have always loved music and wanted to sing. My mother sang, I was raised on Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, and I dreamed of being Barbara Streisand when I grew up. I love to be on stage, I love to make people laugh and feel good. But I had to find the courage to actually get up and do it.” Her strategy was to get voice lessons from Vincent Morel, a faculty member at the Université de Montréal, where she could provide a role model for the students from within their own program. They worked closely together to polish her voice and

that year she gave her first concert. She sang two songs the first year, and this year, her fifth, she sang eighteen. “I am very thankful that they approached me,” she says, smiling infectiously from the other side of the couch. “I am now able to give dreams to others and also live a dream myself.”

Next on Sophie’s list of philanthropic challenges is involvement with Le Phare, a home for terminally ill children.

Clearly, a difference-maker’s job is never done.

Proceeds from the concert Coeur à Coeur are directed to the Sophie Desmarais Fund for the Université de Montréal’s Big Band, whose goal is to support excellence, outreach and growth of the ensemble, and to award scholarships in performance, jazz composition and jazz arrangement. Desmarais also contributes to the Sophie Desmarais Fund throughout the year and is involved directly when the time comes to having instruments repaired or masters of music join the Big Band for academic purposes. The students’ lives were transformed when she came on board because she offers real life experience, confidence building and the financial academic support afforded by scholarship.

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10 2 / DIARY O F A SO C IA L GA L

BY CAIA HAGEL

A nod is also in order to NICO ARCHAMBAULT, because this winning dancer, choreographer, judge, actor, television star and very real human being who first danced into our hearts as the initial So You Think You Can Dance Canada champ has little use (read none) for bullying. Having experienced its devastating effects firsthand as a child, he uses his fame and influence to make a real and tangible difference for today’s youths suffering similar fates, and is active with, and devoted to, premiere bullying prevention organization PREVNET, the Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network. Nico, may the force be with you, and bullying at every age … be gone!

Photography Nico Stinghe - Another Sidewalk.

Photography Cirque de Soleil

IT’S NICE TO BE IMPORTANT. IT’S MORE IMPORTANT TO BE NICE.

INS PIR E T HE PAR T Y

You don’t have to pay You just have to say It’s not made out of clay You know how to play And it sure stands to reason That we all had to be pleasing It started with EJ Then there was me and we could see Rochelle the belle And then there was Veronica And ever since There is only one Jenn And the reason?

The social season Jennifer covers the parties It is very late before she says bye And then on Friday That’s my day When she joins me On CJAD From 11: 30 to noon When she leaves it’s always too soon What do you want from a glossy tycoon?

I assure you it’s a lie When they said she’s a hypochondriac Because she was at the coat rack At Amtrak with a zwieback Talking about Yma Sumac No one heard of her She could purr like Eartha Kitt who showed her Mitt Romney The candidate who couldn’t And the cousin who wasn’t She was fonda Obama Comma And comment I remain a great fan of Our great pal Johanne And you have to be clever Forever She is gorgeous and Thin and in and when Jenn said that she would She did and blew off the lid With her rhyme and her time Jenn’s carpet is red She never goes to bed She likes to drink Champagne By the Moët & Chandon Magnum And then she’s stacking ’em And packin’ ’em with platinum It’s jewellery No tomfoolery And then higher Near the fire that burns red Like the carpet The karma The karma chameleon And a million And a billion and a party For Marty and Morty who remember having sushi With John Belushi She sent faxes Paid taxes With delusions and illusions And illustrations of nations And notions And potions of passions of fashions With some cash and facial inflection Who’s the connection?

Can she choose?

Who’s whose?

And who belongs to the songs The songs that she sings In rings and rings of Stone brothers who are Doobie in ruby And she calls on her cell to speak To Channing Tatum I say them and weigh them and want them.

And haunt them on The paths that keep going And wending The toughest part is never then sending It’s the ending.

10 5 / DIARY O F A SO C IA L GA L

10 4 / DIARY O F A SO C IA L G A L

NICO ARCHAMBAULT

Photography Veronique Vial.

DIARY OF A SOCIAL PAL

The first nod goes to an unstoppable entrepreneur, founder/CEO of Cirque du Soleil GUY LALIBERTÉ, because he is also the unstoppable founder of and engine behind ONE DROP, a non-profit organization fiercely dedicated to the eradication of world poverty. In a nutshell, the prospect of a person dying every 20 seconds due to a lack of clean drinking water is entirely unacceptable to Guy and therefore, he and his ONE DROP team have chosen to take action and do something about it.

To date, the non-profit has made a quarter of a million people worldwide directly aware of the importance of water in our lives, exposed 3 million to awareness messages through ground-breaking campaigns like the multi-sensory aqua exhibit and given some 25,000 people direct access to life-saving, life-changing drinking water. Bravo ONE DROP. Bravo Guy.

And before we say good-bye, some fun with Tommy…

GUY LALIBERTÉ

BY LORD TOMMY SCHNURMACHER

BECAUSE And now a nod to two more globe changers...

state of grace

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