folio.yvr
JAN 2020
ISSUE 10 2019 TOP 10
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FOLIO.YVR ISSUE #10 FRANCE LEFEBVRE 06 CARSON GUO 18 MANUEL BERNASCHEK 28 NICK KOSS 36 MIRIAM AROESTE 46 ALPINA RESTAURANT 56 DREW MUNRO 68 AMY SLOSKY 78 JASON MATLO 86 ANDY DIXON 96 CELESTIA NYE 106
FOLIO.YV R is published m ont hly by EcoLux Luv Com m unicat ions and is a sponsored supplem ent and m arket ing t ool designed t o augm ent serv ices prov ided 2 by EcoLuxLuv Com m unicat ions. Queries regarding collaborat ion, sponsorship, m arket ing, consult ing, and/ or inclusion in FOLIO.YVR, and ot her ELL Com m s t it les should be direct ed t o t he publisher v ia hyperlink or t2ext t o 778.847.30 11. Mailing address is c/ o Helen Siw ak, Suit e A, 489 West 6t h Av enue, Vancouv er, BC, V5Y 1L3
Welcome to Folio.YVR I ssue #10 In this issue, join us as we celebrate and share the Top 10 read stories from Folio.YVR 2019. In true EcoLuxLuv Comms nature, the stories have been repurposed with new photos and some updates! Great content has the potential to live forever digitally. Our insightful (and often quirky) Category photos have been replaced with images from 10 in cr edible even t s that we attended in the process of researching each issue.
From our first issue in M ar ch to the Novem ber / Decem ber double issue, we have taken great joy in sourcing and sharing interesting luxury lifestyle stories with our readers and subscribers. We were also very proud to follow the journey of two exciting YVR-raised artists one in fashion and the other in fine art.
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From punk rock to painting, An dy Dixon relocated from YVR to LAX and quickly established himself as one to watch in the contemporary art world. A solo show in a New York gallery caught the eye of the House of Versace, which led to an introduction to Donatella, followed by his colourful creations being included in an exclusive exhibition in the home of Gianni Versace for Salon e del M obile.M ilan o. This week, his work was translated into 4 glossy fabric for the Versace Men's 2020 Spring Collection. Designer Ch r ist oph er Bat es spent time commuting between YVR, TO, and Milano, establishing his high-end men's wear line. His perseverance paid off, and his sophisticated collection is available in Nordstrom, Harry Rosen, and through other stockists across Canada.
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Oh, he also has high profile ollabs with Lexu s Can ada, MTV, and was named Can adian M en's Wear Design er of the Year at the 019 CAFA Awards. Read more bout Christopher 's runway at he Monaco Grand Prix h er e.
As a digital marketing tool reated to facilitate content haring for our ELL Comms lients, Folio.YVR has utperformed all our xpectations.
nitially launched on the ssu u .com platform, we now hare content to olioyvr .com , m ediu m .com , ipboar d.com ; repurposed to colu xlif est yle.co; and istributed across our five ocial media platforms. In 020, we are seeking dditional distribution pportunities for our ponsored content.
Wit h Folio.YVR Lu xu r y Lif est yle M agazin e, we are taking our content to places where traditional print cannot go and are providing clients with actual read statistics and their BAR (brand awareness reach). Additionally, our complimentary reposting system shares content automatically and continuously for years to come and, in theory, for infinity! SEO forever. Best wishes and much success to all in 2020!
Helen Siwak, Publisher EcoLuxLuv Comms 4 4
France L efebv
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Ok an agan Design Obsession Lake Ef f ect Interiors 9456 Benchland Drive Lake Country, BC V4V 0A4
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rom the moment you enter Kelowna?s Lak est on e community, it is apparent that the development is a work-in-progress, but for the families that have taken up residence amidst the construction, life is good. In the Ben ch lan ds section, award-winning interior designer Fr an ce Lef ebvr e is busy finalizing little dĂŠcor touches that turn a house into a home. For France, the decision to build in Lakestone was an easy one. She and her husband wanted to fulfill their longstanding dream of building their dream home close to nature. ?This house was designed with the intent of being the house where we would spend our golden years,? she says. ?We wanted a relaxed lifestyle with lots of outdoor possibilities.? The property has no shortage this, with unobstructed views of Lak e Ok an agan to the south and west, easily accessible hiking trails, golfing, wineries, and restaurants. Lefebvre is a Montreal native, and has spent ample time living and traveling across North America and beyond. 8
Her over 15 years of experience as a residential interior designer reflects this, and she brings perspectives from different cultures and design styles when she works. After 21 years living in the United States with her husband Bob, spending time in Memphis, TN and Lake Bluff, IL, they decided to relocate back to Canada in 2018.
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The interior design choices are directly attributed to the vibrant blues of the Okanagan?s water, and the famously clear skies of the region. A matte dove white finish on almost every wall allowed for Lefevbre to play with accent colours throughout, and to offer breaks in the pattern of white with warm and organic textures like tile and shiplap.
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rding to Lefebvre, although the sized island (featuring a stunning ar st on e countertop) anchors the en, everything is built around her ction of cookbooks. Her collection of s numbers around 300, and it is ntial that the kitchen be large gh to display them properly. 8 8
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Each book finds its home under the island, or above the refrigerator where they are backlit for a pleasant effect in the nighttime. ?I plan to continue to buy books that I am passionate about,? she says, clearly not one to rely too much on old recipes. Off the kitchen is a wall of windows that lead to a large patio, from which the Okanagan landscape provides a spectacular panorama. It is a perfect place to start or end the day, with incredible sunrises and views of lights on the lake at night. The space feels like one big living room, as the open design and flow has the living room, kitchen, dining room, all blending together. Caesarstone countertops are used at several points throughout the home, in both the kitchens, mudroom, and bathrooms. The polished St at u ar io M axm iu s 5031 is warm with marbling which complements the white oak flooring and cabinets fittingly. For Lefebvre, the benefits of the product come as much with function as with form. ?The beauty of this product is in the proximity to real marble, that it offers at a better cost and [required] maintenance,? she remarks.
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Much of her design choices are defined by how she envisions herself using and living in the space, which is why the house feels so homey and lived in, even though they have only been living there for a little over three months. The remainder of the house is full of thoughtful design forms. Corrugated metal covers the wall behind the lower floor bar area, with inset lights that showcase a collection of Quebec Inuit sculptures, making use of an inexpensive material to showcase treasured art.
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The master bedroom, which she refers to as ?modern mountain style? is a wide space with soft and peaceful colours. Storage is a priority, and M adeli Italian drawer vanities and Rober n mirror inserted wall cabinets are in12 intersection between function and elegance. ?This home truly reflects how we want to live close to nature and family, and it fulfills all our expectations of beauty, functionality and West Coast livin g,? she remarks.
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Although the home is bu ilt w it h en t er t ain in g in m in d, some of her best memories have been quiet, solitary moments where the passing weather and landscape are the focus. But this is not a homecoming for the wandering couple who have found their inspiration through traveling and experience design. Kelowna is not a place to come back to, rather a new chapter in life where memories with family and friends will be made, and a career ?s worth of thoughtful design can find a creative new application. Lefebvre?s recent days at home have been f u ll of beau t if u l m om en t s. On the day of our interview, she remembers going to bed the night before looking out over the shoreline that was dappled with lights from the west bank of the lake. ?When you see the full moon reflecting on the lake, you know that you live in a very special place. The best place in the world,? she says. Poetic moments like these come often in Lake Country, and especially in a home like this.
Click to read Original Story in Issue #8/9 14 14
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Jew els by Alan An der son 2019 Tr u n k Sh ow Fair m on t Pacif ic Rim Hot el Oct ober 9, 2019
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ver the course of two weeks in January, 17-year old Car son Gu o diligently tracked a Sotheby?s online auction. The world?s largest brokers of art, jewelry, and real estate had placed for bidding a collectibles lot of 248 Su pr em e skate decks? the only full set in the world and incredibly desirable, and Carson wanted it.. After being alerted to the auction by a friend who knew the young Kin g Geor ge Secon dar y student was an avid collector of the uber collaborative street brand, Carson quickly registered and began bidding. His incredible USD800K winning bid was incredibly made during a school-day lunch break. In the world of collecting, Carson was a relative newbie with only five years under his belt, and through a mutual friend, M an u el Ber n asch ek of Vancouver 's St ef an o Ricci, we connected.
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THE FATHER AND M ENTOR His father, on the hand, is the world-renowned and much respected Qin gxian g Gu o, art curator for one of the world?s largest corporations? the Dalian Wan da Gr ou p? the chairman of which is one of China?s richest men, Wan g Jian lin , long time employer and close friend of the elder Guo. In 2013, Guo arranged the purchase of ?Clau de et Palom a,?a 1950 portrait by Pablo Picasso of his two youngest children. Expected to fetch between $9M-$12M USD, Guo acquiring it for $28.2M. In 2016, ?Claude et Paloma? was loaned to the Van cou ver Ar t Galler y to be displayed as part of a 60-piece exhibition - Picasso: Th e Ar t ist an d His M u ses. 20
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high school student living with his family in Har bou r , Carson was attracted to the world reet art and streetwear. With fascination and hful exuberance, he followed major brands h as KAWS, A Bat h in g Ape, and high-profile aborations with luxury fashion houses. It was t of Su pr em e chopsticks, in a Gast ow n skate p, that sparked his interest in collecting. With wallet USD 80 lighter and set in-hand, he rned home and tucked them away, heeding advice of friends who advised him to resist urge to use them lest the value drop.
Small accessories like keychains followed then larger items like a Supreme canoe. The passion for Supreme is strong, not only for Carson but also for his father. When we meet, both are decked in full Supreme looks but with Qingxiang favouring Of f -Wh it e kicks with his street look. He proudly showed me a photograph of himself with Vir gil Abloh laughing together on the street in New York.
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Working part-time at a local streetwear shop, Carson quickly realized the potential of buying and selling limited edition items and highly anticipated ?drops?to friends and online. When he began following the auction, he had a budget of USD 300K-400K, and when it was apparent that the collection would meet and pass that figure quickly, he arranged financing to cover the difference.
BIRTH OF A COLLECTION
When asked which decks are his personal favourite, Guo replies that it is definitely the five-deck group created in 2000 which features Leon ar do da Vin ci?s Th e Last Su pper , with an additional sixth board depicting Jesu s Ch r ist which was released exclusively in Japan in 2002.
Always planning on displaying and selling the collection, Fuller says, ?The defining moment for me was when I finally secured the very last deck I needed to complete the collection, one out of the five Dan Colen decks that had eluded me for years.? With the collection complete, 24 Fuller brought in his PR person San dr in e Ch ar les and Sotheby?s Noah Wu n sch to move forward with the sale of the collection.
The Supreme skate deck collection has only been displayed twice in its entirety. First for two weeks during the auction in January at Sot h eby ?s New Yor k gallery and recently in Shanghai at a class car show hosted by a close friend of Qingxiang?s who felt the collection would add an extra element of excitement to her automobile event.
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The collection was a passion project of 13-years which saw SoCal entrepreneur Ryan Fu ller successfully track down the complete Supreme archive produced between 1998 and 2018. Collaborations with influential artists like Jef f Koon s, KAWS (ak a Br ian Don n elly), Geor ge Con do, Tak ash i M u r ak am i, and Dam ien Hir st produced the buzziest decks.
For Carson, it was inspiring and fascinating to see how dedicated Fuller was to completing his collection. ?I saw the video on Sotheby?s website on the collector and his journey collecting the decks,? he said.
The night before the last day of the auction, Carson reached out to Fuller via Instagram. ?I could tell he was a cool kid and he was super excited about the decks, I knew that he would really value and appreciate the collection? I wished him luck and told him that I hoped he won,? said Fuller, who has maintained a friendship with Carson. Starting a new collection is not on the horizon for Fuller who shared with me that with the auction proceeds he will be opening a lu xu r y CBD bou t iqu e in Lagu n a Beach , and developing a mobile app Tr ailRou let t e for the mountain biking/hiking world with a childhood buddy, and world champion bike/BMX rider Br ian Lopes.
With a 3,000-square-foot retail space secured at the end of Br ou gh t on St r eet , Carson envisions a collaborative space that showcases art and collectibles, streetwear by known designers (Fear of God, Readym ade, Ch r om e Hear t s), and his in-development fashion line. The Supreme deck collection will be installed on the ceiling and is ?definitely not for sale.? Educating and exposing young people to art alongside fashion is something that Carson feels strongly about. ?It will be a space for exciting things to happen,? he said having already revealed that a collaboration with Hong Kong street artist M ich ael Lau will be happening.
THE FUTURE When the collection arrives in Vancouver later this month, the crates will be placed into storage, until Carson?s new streetwear concept store Ch aot ic Goods launches in spring 2020.
Click to read Original Story in Issue #4/5 24 24
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$1.4M Gr an d Sph in x Pian o Ar r ives Sh ow case Pian os 3r d Floor , Aber deen Cen t r e Rich m on d, BC Au gu st 6, 2019
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Manuel Bernasc Of Lesson s Lear n ed & Livin g Lif e Well
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Unwritten Exhibition Oakridge Sales Atelier 650 West 41st Avenue Vancouver, BC J une 30, 2019
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aving the courage to build the best life for your family is something that M an u el Ber n asch ek holds in his heart. From humble beginnings, he is a man who has been willing to do what it took to create a rewarding and purposeful life for his family. It was through hard work and perseverance, he built himself up from a sales associate in a music store to the well-traveled purveyor of some of the most desired brands in the world. His entrepreneurial instinct was piqued when customers seeking pianos began asking about the Italian-made Fazioli. After securing an investor to bring the brand to Vancouver, Bernaschek traveled to Italy to meet with the company's founder Paolo Fazioli, where his tenacity paid off and a deal was struck.
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SHOWCASE PIANOS IS BORN Together with his wife Ju dy, he launched Sh ow case Pian os. Within the month they had sold their first Fazioli. Not that sales came easily, though; it took hard work and diligence. Remarking on a story about the Sh an gr i-La Hot el, he says, ?I wanted a Fazioli in that hotel, so I set about contacting the management, but they wouldn?t take my calls.? After what he claims was over 80 unreturned calls, emails and personal visits (often with chocolates in hand), he finally got through to the owner of 30 the hotel. Since then, the hotel group has purchased many Fazioli?s, and Showcase Pianos is recognized as the top-selling Fazioli dealers in the world, which also sells its fair share of excellent European brands like Seiler , Gr ot r ian , and C. Bech st ein.
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Bernaschek explains his success with a modest grin: ?Since we founded Showcase Pianos in 2007, we have sold well over 100 Fazioli pianos ? which is the most costly line of pianos in the world. Through it, we have met some of the most amazing people in town, many of which would continue to do more business with me if they had the need, but most don?t need more than one or two pianos.? DISCOVERING STEFANO RICCI Some years ago, during a trip to Italy to visit the Fazioli factory, Bernaschek happened across a hotel window display showcasing neckties made by St ef an o Ricci. ?I saw this hand-pleated tie and fell in love with it. So, with my wife, I walked in and bought one. It was about 400 euros at the time.?
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He made it a point to return to Stefano Ricci stores each time he was in Italy, and eventually, he elected to seek the Ricci family out. Bernaschek planned to adopt a similar strategy to Fazioli, eager to be the first to bring a quality Italian brand to the Vancouver market. The Ricci?s made him work for it, however, offering him the right to open a store if he agreed to carry the entire line. After 32 a handshake deal with an investment partner went awry, Bernaschek opened his storefront with his new partners, the Ricci?s themselves. ?Stefano Ricci has the strictest standards for every aspect of the operation, which I find very impressive. I got to appreciate this more through a few experiences before we opened the store.
For example, the head office sent out their top visual merchandizing expert from Italy to come to our store to place all the items in their perfect position.
piano. The Stefano Ricci brand is very exclusive and ultra-high quality. I see a great amount of cross over between the two businesses.?
But, the gentleman would not leave the store until he had first sent the photos to Mr. Ricci himself, who was waiting to examine them before giving his approval. Mr. Ricci wrote back saying that he could see a wrinkle in one of the shirts displayed in one of the main windows!?
He further explains, ?? that people don?t mind paying a higher price for something that has some clearly identifiable superiority to other products. In the case of both Fazioli and Stefano Ricci, it is immediately apparent that higher quality materials and workmanship were involved in their production.?
Opening Stefano Ricci was a strategic business move by Bernaschek. When asked about the reasoning behind taking such a significant risk on taking on the responsibility of a second luxury brand, Bernaschek reflected.
In his private office in the Stefano Ricci boutique, Bernaschek recalls the struggles. ?It isn?t easy, you know. People think, look at him, the high roller. They don?t know how tough it is to make this work. They don?t always understand the life of an entrepreneur.?
?I thought that it would help to have another brand that was equally exclusive and luxurious but was at a lower price point than a $150,000 32 32
Click to read Original Story in Issue #6
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Ban g & Olu f sen Lau n ch Even t 410 How e St r eet Van cou ver , BC Au gu st 22, 2019
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Nick Koss
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VOLUND JEWELRY
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successful twelve-year career in finance kept Nick Koss engaged and motivated, but his decision to leave the industry to start Volu n d Jew elr y went beyond a desire to change workplace scenery. After a little prompting, Koss reveals that designing jewelry is in his blood. His great-grandfather was the master jeweler to the Rom an of f family and the Imperial Cou r t of Ru ssia, a position that demanded the creation of masterpieces, as a matter of course.
The story of Volund has the same mystique. Koss knows these tales by heart. Although he remarks that stories and prose have been passed down, he states that "Only a few metal figurines depicting a man with wings (a Nor se Icar u s, if you will) have been found. His own creations, whether rings or other royal treasures, seem lost to time." His own creations, whether it is stories like these and others that manifest themselves in Koss' designs, show a commitment to learning other forms of art with long and storied histories.
Koss refers to his great-grandfather in a mythical way, and as an inspiration for the name of his business. Volund is the master blacksmith of Norse mythology, and in Koss' opinion, his great-grandfather has the same mythical status. Born in Siber ia to parents from Sw eden and Fin lan d, he grew up spending time in museums, studying ancient artifacts that inspire his work today. By coincidence, a set of masterfully engraved silver cups passed down in his family are stamped with the double-headed eagle of Russian royalty, the only evidence of his distinguished bloodline.
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As he transitioned into the jewelry business, Koss traveled to Eu r ope to learn the same arts and trades practiced by his ancestors, often going as close to its source as necessary. He visited the Balt ic Nat ion s to learn wax carving, Ger m an y and It aly for design studies, and his ancestral homeland of Ru ssia for sculpting. He founded Volu n d in 2012. 38 38
VOLUND IN VANCOUVER Headquartered in Van cou ver , Volund's line of work involves visiting clients for lengthy face-to-face discussion when working with commissioned pieces. This leads him to places like the UAE, Ch in a, and M on aco, where consultations about the inspiration and materials used undertaken. He counts on several noble families in the M iddle East and Eu r ope for patronage and is finding new inspiration worldwide as his network of clients grows. Volund's bespoke pieces are meant to be genuinely personal, never riding on trends or emulating something that already exists. These jewels are referred to as numinous, which Koss explains means to "inspire awe and radiate power like spiritual reliquaries or enchanted objects from legends." Single pieces can take months, while full collections could involve over a year of work. This timeline is accepted by Volund's clients, who recognize what is necessary to invest in such a unique piece. What makes Volund genuinely unique is its aversion to traditional marketing, relying instead on word-of-mouth.
In a 2018 interview with Tem pu s M agazin e, Koss refers to an early client, a Saudi nobleman, who stated, "We don't want you to be known" when accepting a Volund bespoke piece. Koss has seen this attitude with increasing regularity as his client base has grown. His clients are tastemakers who want to preserve the mystery and influence of a piece that is unique to them. Far removed from the posturing of the mainstream luxury jewelry market, Volund's commitment to quality is mirrored by the commitment to its protection. VOLUND GOES PUBLIC In spite of this protectionism, Koss released his first public collection in 2015. The Lions Line is inspired by the symbolism of strength, dominance, and nobility, in addition to the influence of the lion in ancient alchemy. 40
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The results of this are breathtaking pieces like the Lion Cu b Rin g, a playful cat that seems to be springing off the wearer 's finger. The cub has eyes of emerald and cognac diamonds that appear as spots on its back. The Lion Ear r in gs, representing a scene of astrological inspiration, won Can adian Jew eller M agazin e's Best Pear l Design in 2016. This collection shows the ease with how art can imitate nature while reflecting Volund's themes of the ancient and the mythological. Volund has released other public collections, including the In it iat ion , Ar t Deco, and the Nor se. A list of Object 's D'Ar t is made up of the Jade M on k ey, Golden Gr yph on , and Fligh t of Ecst asy, an 18-carat gold piece inspired by iconic Rolls Royce hood ornament, was completed after 900 hours of work and required 7-ounces of gold and 6-carats of diamonds. "The sculpture was an effort to capture the feeling of freedom and exhilaration," says Koss. "I wanted to make gold look like cloth that moved in the wind, and that took some modern physics simulation programs combined with traditional sculpture-making skills."
VOLUND?S GLOBAL APPEAL Volund shows no signs of compromising the values it was founded on. As requests pour in from across the globe, design and production is still based out of Vancouver - traditional stone setting, casting, and goldsmithing. Koss explains that "Los Angeles is the site of experimental, future-facing development and experimentation. Work with novel materials and cutting edge techniques happens here...and Geneva, Switzerland for very traditional techniques like enameling and mechanical movements." Koss feels a particular affinity to the city, calling out its cultural diversity and its location in "one of the best natural environments in the world." Less than 20 pieces of jewelry are produced per year, and each new work will fulfill a dream of mysticism and wonderment in its unique way ? even if it will be seen by a select few over its lifetime.
All labour was carried out in his Vancouver studio using sustainably-procured gold and traceable diamonds. The statue now resides in London and has been recently shown at a Royal event celebrating the birth of Du k e an d Du ch ess of Su ssex's baby. 42 42
Click to read Original Story in Issue #7
8t h An n u al Din er en Blan c Th e Social Con cier ge Geor ge Wain bu r n Par k False Cr eek , Van cou ver , BC Au gu st 8, 2019
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#5 iam Aroeste Explor in g t h e Passion of t h e Hu m o Parker Street Studios Studio 221 - 1000 Parker Street Vancouver, BC V6A 4B9 46 46
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old, bright, and full of meaning. The works of M ir iam Ar oest e invoke powerful emotions with unidentifiable shapes and bursts of colour. In her latest collection, Hu m o, the colours seem to move on the canvas, like drops of ink in water. Each bloom of colour could be a physical representation of human emotions, usually impossible to touch but always passionately felt. Born in M exico Cit y and spending her formative years as an artist in Par is and Rom e, Miriam was inspired by influential artists of diverse backgrounds. She and her husband arrived in Canada 29 years ago.
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er extensive artistic resume boasts exhibitions nd shows across the US, M exico, Can ada, and r an ce, curation and art consulting, and M an ager of Ar t Sales an d Ren t al at the an cou ver Ar t Galler y.
Miriam harbours many passions, making the onstant conscious choice to enjoy life, "I love xploring, travelling, dancing, creating and so many other things,? she said, ?I believe in love, nd I find pleasure in very simple things."
DONDE HAY HUM O Humo (oo-moh) translates as sm ok e in Span ish. Each piece invokes movement, floating across the canvas or rising from bottom to top like smoke in a breeze. Humo was born of a desire to play and experiment. Different mediums and techniques, coupled with her intense love of colou r , brought each piece to life. Creating this series, she said involved control and letting go all at once. "It is powerful by being immediate, in the moment, spontaneous. The story is always biographical, moments of life, fragments of memories, and presence."
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EM OTIONS OF ART Pursued by her intrigue in the power of colours, Miriam depicts authentic r aw em ot ion s in her works without the use of distinct traditional shapes. Colours, lines, and space work together to create endless possibilities. To her, there is beauty and satisfaction to be found in the imperfect. While the observer is admiring Miriam's work, each piece becomes an in t r ospect ive m ir r or , directing the focus inwards to how we speak to ourselves and others to nurture bliss. Painting to her is an in t im at e and sen su al process, but also akin to keeping a journal. "My work has both abstract visual appeal as well as an underlying conceptual basis," she said,
"I am fascinated by the inner workings of the mind, conscious and unconscious thought, impulse and defense." IN THEIR EYES As an artist, Miriam always hopes that her work evokes per son al n ar r at ives in its viewers. Each deeply personal range of emotions adds layers of meaning to each existing painting. Every time someone looks at a piece again, new meaning can be felt each time. ?I hope my work stirs, provokes, and evokes in highly personal, evolving ways, causing viewers to look, then look again and in the process, remain alive and relevant."
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Click to read Original Story in Issue #8/9
'Ref lect ion s' Th e Ar t of Ber n ie Tau pin Fair m on t Pacif ic Rim 1038 Can ada Place Van cou ver , BC Sept em ber 23, 2019
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THE CHEFs OF ALPINA
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Alpin a Rest au r an t at the Villa Eyr ie Resor t has garnered its share of acclaim from visitors thanks to its exquisite culinary fare and picturesque mountain top location. Drawing from the bountiful fare of the Saan ich In let region, the inspiration from its menu comes from a different source via two Chefs from across the Atlantic. Execu t ive Ch ef M ar io Gr oss and Execu t ive Past r y Ch ef M at t h ias Con r adi bring their Germanic heritage to the table in their unique west coast alpine cuisine.
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EXECUTIVE CHEF M ARIO GROSS
Chef Gross brought a wealth of experience Alpina when he accepted the role to lead th restaurant. As an apprentice, he built his sk set at the Michelin-starred Relais & Ch at eau x and Der Alpen h olf in the Black For est and M u n ich respectively. A three-ye 58e & Taf elh ou s in th stint at the one-star Win M osel region saw him earn his first Head Ch ef position, a testament to his work ethic and talent. ?My experience from Europe is that you have to go slow, step by step,? he says, remembering his days learning in a competitive environment where other head chef hopefuls were eager to rise straight to the top.
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With an employment offer that would require leaving Ger m an y and his beloved horse, Chef Gross moved with his then wife-to-be to a new and frigid environment: Edm on t on , Alber t a. Adjusting to his new home meant new challenges, like lear n in g En glish , but also presented the opportunity to continue his development at the renowned Har dw ar e Gr ill under owner Ch ef Lar r y St ew ar t . It was a referral from a colleague that led to him to consider and accept his first Execu t ive Ch ef role at luxury BC resort Villa Eyrie. The stalwart chef has since become acclimatized to his surroundings and his dynamic loyal new team. ?They are following me into the fire,? he remarks, thankful for their willingness to bring a cuisine uncommon to the region and adapt it to the landscape of the resort.
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My first evening at Villa Eyrie, I joined gene manager Alexan der Fisch er -Jean for dinn Together we enjoyed an amuse bouche with walnut meat, house-basked crisp breads, a lead dish from the newly launched Fall/Win menu? a Zucchini Spaghetti? inspired by a personal recipe of Fischer-Jean?s wife, artfu recreated by Chef Gross.
The dish is prepared with a grillato sauce, b gem tomatoes, Italian chickpea fries, and a stimulating level of fresh garlic. Lovers of th heady bulb will not be disappointed with th fresh gluten-free take on such a time-hono pasta. With herbs plucked from a greenhou mere steps from the kitchen, the aroma of dish was intoxicating.
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF M ATTHIAS CON
Conradi brings a well-honed skill set from t around the world. After working in Ger m an Abu Dh abi, and Sw it zer lan d he flourished several reputable restaurants on Vancouve Island. He developed his craft in Tof in o at t Wik an in n ish In n under Ch ef Rodn ey Bu t before launching and operating the Pat issi Con r adi for three years.
Most recently he was a member of the culi team at the Sook e Har bou r Hou se, renow for their farm-to-table food service.
62 Chef Conradi wor Throughout this journey, perfect the baking of fresh buns and bread his signature sourdough rye bread, a staple Alpina?s German-inspired cuisine. His philo towards baking often challenges shape and and he is known to decon st r u ct an d r e-assem ble dishes using unorthodox met
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An avid sketcher, he regularly develops elegant drawings of his recipes before making them and often looks to the natural bounty around him as inspiration. His ample, yet judicious, application of edible flowers and herb blooms, creates visually stunning dishes. After an early morning wake-up, I challenged the in-room Nespr esso machine to brew a cup of coffee strong enough to wake me? a solid two hours before my usual. On the balcony of my suite above the Tu scan Spa, I watched a pair of swallows swoop as they caught breakfast for the chicks that were discreetly tucked under the eaves. I sipped in solitude, slowly shaking off the fresh-air sleepiness, and anticipating the first meal of the day.
repurposed from my previous evening?s dinner. As we spoke, he shared his pleasure to have created a dish that would be enjoyed a repurposed dessert! The hearty pancakes were sweetened with maple syrup, and the toppings were again stellar: chili-glazed cherries, a tart berry puree, sugar-coated blueberries, and another which was devoured before making it to the pancakes? possibly sweet-pickled shredded apple and radish. The new menu?s alpine identity is so wonderfully intertwined with the essence of the Island and its abundance that it creates a genuinely unique dining experience.
Sufficiently caffeinated and appropriately dressed, the driver delivered me and my appetite to Villa Pr in cipale. After a refreshing mimosa, an array of warm plates appeared accompanied by Chef Conradi, who took great delight in presenting a morning repast that pushed physical boundaries with a bounty of plantbased ingredients? a majority sourced locally from the Cowichan Valley. The cornmeal waffles were crunchy on the outside, wonderfully chewy in the centre and were accompanied by a spicy maple syrup and a trio of toppings: housemade agave granola, dark chocolate ganache, and field berry compote. À la carte sides of delicately sliced fruit, grilled red peppers, and crispy herbed potatoes were joined. The following morning Chef Conradi presented plantbased granola pancakes topped by a slice of coconut milk and vanilla bean panna cotta; creatively 64 64
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Dan t e NYC x Hom er St r eet Caf e Cam par i Can ada 898 Hom er St r eet Van cou ver , BC Novem ber 1, 2019
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#7 ew Munro Th e Com passion at e Cat er er 1312 Marine Drive Vancouver, BC 68 68
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fter ten years of running an event catering company, Dr ew M u n r o realized there was a significant need for a healthy, prepared food solution that fell outside the scope of a traditional catering or meal delivery service. There was an opportunity to use technology and his years of experience to create a new service that could reach more people, help them eat healthier and more conveniently. These observations led to the launch of his latest passion? UpM eals.
Munro accepted a job? in an office? However, his time spent without cooking for others was short-lived. A lack of lunch options near the office left his co-workers consistently grumbling about their limited choices for fresh, healthy food, leading Munro to begin his office lunch service, providing home-cooked gourmet meals for his colleagues. He would arrive to work an hour early each day to deliver the meals to his office customers. A COM PANY IS BORN
A YOUTHFUL PASSION
Word spread like wildfire, and soon Munro was spending his evenings cooking 50+ individual gourmet meals for his co-workers to enjoy the next day. With a newfound entrepreneurial spark, he realized the office grind was not for him, and a personal chef service called Dr ew Cook s! was born in 2008. His service provided home-cooked meals for busy families and professionals, as well as private dinners for special occasions.
Born and raised in beautiful BC, teenage Munro apprenticed under Paris-trained chef Br ian Rooden r ys, from whom he quickly developed a passion for the freshest local ingredients, beautiful presentations, and above all, great-tasting food. Munro received early recognition competing in local cooking competitions and was awarded the Provincial scholarship for culinary arts upon graduation to further his studies.
Not too long afterward, Munro started to receive requests to cater weddings and more significant events. He hired his first employee in late 2009 and moved into a tiny basement kitchen facility in Burnaby that he shared with three other caterers.
Over the next several years, he worked and apprenticed in several high-end professional kitchens throughout the Lower Mainland, developing his skills and a style of his own. After a number of years, the unthinkable happened: 70 70
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By 2010, he had become so busy that he had taken over the entire kitchen space and by 2011, needed to find an even bigger space to run the company. By early 2016, the company had moved to a new office and operation facility and re-branded as Dr ew ?s Cat er in g & Even t s to better reflect the services and hard work of a collective of individuals.
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GIVING BACK "I volunteer with an organization called Gr ow in g Ch ef s, which teaches elementary school kids about growing 72 and preparing vegetables, as well as the importance of choosing local products. During my time in the schools, I was surprised to learn that the hot lunch program was essentially unchanged from my time in elementary schools. Pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and other unhealthy,
processed foods made up the majority of the options.
Munro and his partners are also offering takeaway options for busy families to prepare at home together. The program is proliferating, with more schools coming on board and menu items being developed.
?We partnered with two amazing companies, Kin der m eals and Fr esh pr ep, to help us develop and roll out a program in pilot schools that started this Fall. We are currently preparing thousands of healthy, plant-based meals for students to supplement or entirely replace the currently unhealthy school lunch program.?
Drew Munro has proven himself to be anything but a simple caterer. He is a plantbased champion using technology to disrupt the way people traditionally eat. 72 72
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THE FUTURE 2019 was an incredible year for UpMeals ? they provided thousands of plant-based meals for BC schools kids, disrupted industries historically known for unhealthy eating habits and helped amazing brands bring, nutritious, chef-prepared food to their customer bases. Drew says, ?The response has been incredible, and in 2020 we now begin the next phase of our food accessibility mission using technology!?
"We?re on a mission nothing short of making healthy food accessible 24/7 and we couldn?t be more thrilled about this journey." Keep an eye out around the city for new Au t on om ou s Sm ar t Ven din g M ach in es (imagine a 4ft iPhone touchscreen that intelligently dispenses healthy food in compostable containers), that will be popping up soon!
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Th ier r y M u gler : Cou t u r issim e M u sĂŠe des beau x-ar t s de M on t r ĂŠal M on t r eal, QC Febr u ar y 26, 2019 76
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Amy Slosky
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Cr af t in g It alian Tr adit ion in YVR Franklin Studios By Appt Only: 1654 Franklin Street Vancouver, BC V5L 1P4
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m y Slosk y delivers It alian sh oem ak in g cr af t sm an sh ip right here on the w est coast . Her m ade-t o-or der and lim it ed r eady-t o-w ear collections are crafted by hand from start to finish. Every pair of shoes is created with the knowledge that the right pair of shoes can not only elevate a look but also how the wearer feels. Amy was privileged to study under shoemaking master An gelo Im per at r ice for four years in Flor en ce, It aly. With over 60 year s of shoemaking experience, his expertise was vital to forming her into the artisan she is today. Before becoming a shoemaker, Amy worked in marketing, experience which she said has served her well in building her business. She holds her work to high standards and is a patient and dedicated perfectionist. One of her biggest challenges has been not in her product but in the concerns people have had with the slower nature of making shoes from scratch. Each pair takes almost 40 h ou r s to create, but in the end, you have a pair of shoes unique to you. "In North America, we've only ever known how to shop on con ven ien ce and pr ice, it's no wonder 'handmade' is a foreign concept to so many."
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A few years ago, Amy had the opportunity to design six shoe models as part of a limited collection for a label in Florence. This, she says, is one of her proudest moments. The collection debuted at M ICAM , the leading footwear fair in It aly. From this opportunity, her models went to stores as far as Tok yo and Hon g Kon g. To Amy, even to be a part of MICAM was an honour. "The recognition and interest from buyers was the catalyst that kick-started the development of my brand." Besides her mentor, Amy is inspired by creators like Roger Vivier for his awe-inspiring creativity and Fer r agam o for his historical inspiration as a true innovator. She also admits to an obsession with Gu cci, for their "lux campy style and gender-bending vibes." Though Amy has proven her skills as a shoemaker, MICAM a testament to that, her ambitions do not stop there. Twice a year, beautifully dressed men and women flock to Italy's Pit t i Uom o. This event is the 'be all end all' of men's fashion week, and as a lover of men's fashion Amy's goal is to take part, "If you're invited to show at Pitti Uomo, it doesn't get much better." While in Florence, when not studying, she would sit for hours on Via Tor n abu on i, a fashionable street in the downtown core watching the event-goers. To those who, as she did, dream of creating beautiful handmade shoes, she suggests patience. With only a handful of shoemakers remaining from whom to learn the craft, finding a local mentor can be difficult.
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"It takes years of practice before you can call yourself a master craftsman," she said, "It comes down to how badly you want it."
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Her m es Can ada Flagsh ip Lau n ch 717 Bu r r ar d St r eet Van cou ver , BC Sept em ber 12, 2019
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Matlo Ateli
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Jason M at lo & Wen -Ch ee Liu Fr en ch Kiss Suite 601 - 33 Water Street Vancouver, BC
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ancouver-based designer Jason M at lo is turning heads with his newly rebranded M at lo At elier made-to-measure line, the most recent of the successful fashion designer ?s work in fashion for women and men. The Atelier, which can be found alongside the cobbled streets of Wat er St r eet in Gast ow n , recently renewed its focus on bespoke garments through the launch of their first collection Fr en ch Kiss. The collection was showcased with a Champagne and canapĂŠ premiere at the Fair m on t Hot el Van cou ver Roof t op on Friday, September 27. The Det ails DESIGN/ In c. produced event wasn?t meant to be a highbrow runway show, as Matlo has made it clear that he wanted it open to anyone with interest in fashion, and pledged proceeds of ticket sales towards the Gir ls In c. of Nor t h er n Alber t a charity.
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Matlo has a history of producing clothing with female empowerment in mind, and this collection was no different. His garments have been designed to be accessible for all genders, ages, and body types, and he promotes the idea that you do not need to be attending a gala to wear a high-quality custom piece. With fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, Matlo has seen success in design since being invited to compete in the prestigious Sm ir n of f Fash ion Aw ar ds international finals in Berlin when he was fresh out of design school. He went on to win the Lif e Net w or k reality TV show M ak in g it Big, which rewarded him with a chance to display his collection in Sak s Fif t h Aven u e. Since these breakthroughs, 88he has been recognized in publications like Elle and Flar e, had designs on the red carpets of both the prestigious Academ y Aw ar ds and Can n es Film Fest ival, and was racked in Th e Room alongside luxury designer brands.
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Earlier in 2019, he rebranded his fashion company as Matlo Atelier and has been diligently working on the newly launched French Kiss collection. Matlo?s recent experiences traveling in Fr an ce inspired his latest collection. ?I love Paris because I am a very visual person, and everything in the city is gorgeous,? he says. ?I was immediately struck by the French aesthetic and the quality of everything from the food, architecture and bed linens to the brasseries, and everything in the French culture in between.?
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Returning to Vancouver, Mat over French fashion from the particular90attention given to hand-finishing. Much of the c designer Wen -Ch ee Liu, who for the better part of twelve y ?unique design vision,? valuin the Matlo Atelier tapestry an
tlo and his design team pored e 1940s and 1950s, with draping, beading, and collection was developed by o has worked alongside Matlo years. He relies on her ng her as ?an intrinsic ?bre of d brand.?
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Finishing this show will not mean slowing down for the busy designer. Matlo is continuing to develop his work outside of fashion in drawing, painting, interior design, and ballet. Other bespoke programs are in the works, but he remains tight-lipped about their theme. ?Historically, our clients have discovered the brand through word of mouth in Vancouver, a little bit through Calgary, Western Canada, and sometimes as far as Toronto,? says Matlo.
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Above all, Matlo is always eage inspiration 92 and mentions the i in his creative process. Betwe new collections and working w searching for that breathtaking look, the team at Matlo Atelier hands full... of the most beaut sequins, plush velvets, and mo
er to find more importance of travel een his designing with new clients g made-to-measure r will have their iful fabrics, glittery ore.
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Ch r ist oph er Bat es Of f icial Nor dst r om Van cou ver Lau n ch Apr il 2019
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Andy Dixon xVersaceHome xSashaBikoff
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ndy Dixon is a Canadian fine-artist based in sunny Los Angeles, whose works question the inherent value in coveted luxury. He is particularly fond of Flemish still-life, Versace silk shirts, and vintage Playboy magazine spreads, resulting in a perfect storm of culture, chaos, and appropriation. In his youth, Dixon was an experimental electronic musician who turned to painting?taking his inspiration from the eclectic and the desirable?to a beautiful new level of luscious irony.
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asha Bikof f is an American interior designer whose aesthetic inspirations range from New York City and Miami where she grew up; to 18th century French Rococo mixed with 1960s Space Age Modern, 1970s French Modernism, and 1980s Italian Memphis Milano. Bikoff has ?always felt a deep connection to Versace as it embodies everything I believe in, a sense of fun and freedom to be daring.?
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The legendary Gianni Versace began the Versace Home Collection in 1992 with textiles, which was expanded to include tableware through porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal. In 2019, Versace Home is creating furniture, textiles, porcelain tableware, wallpapers, wall coverings, ceramic tiles, bath accessories, and more. Dixon?s inaugural solo exhibition, held in New York called Look at This Stuf f Isn't It Neat, is the source of the artwork displayed at the Versace palazzo on Via GesĂš. In addition to three of Dixon?s opulent over-scaled shirts (108?x84?) many of his paintings were also translated into a patterned wallpaper. The palazzo is a compilation of neoclassical buildings which were constructed in 1782. In 1982, Gianni Versace began to purchase structures on the site?ultimately creating a complex that is not generally open to the public but during Milan Design Week, a limited number of tickets were available each day for entry.
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The night before the event launch, an exclusive dinner and sneak peek was hosted by the dynamic trio and ELLE DĂŠcor Editor- in- Chief Whitney Robinson. Guests included design guests Matteo Cibic, Laura Sartori Rimini, Roberto Peregalli, J ulian Bedel, and Alan Richard. The following day, the Versace team gifted Dixon a one-of-a-knd robe created exclusively for him, the luxe fabric based on a collaborative design comprised of nine Christie?s Auction House items. It was a heady experience for guests as they stepped into the rooms of the palazzo. An abundance of Versace motifs in candy swirl-like carpets caressed neon clouds, plexiglass islands were topped with delicious furnishings, and rotating Pop Medusa chairs completed the fantastical setting. The effect was was luminescent, gorgeous, and so incredibly unique. Initially contacted regarding the collaboration via his Instagram account, Dixon thought he was being set-up to be catfished. Ready to leave for a day at his studio, he paused to optimistically to perform a few Google searches and found the sender was legitimately part of the Versace team. The staff at the J oshua Liner Gallery coordinated the safe transport of the show pieces to Milan, and now that the annual exhibition has concluded, the pieces are being returned to New York and their new owners. The ?Look at This Stuff Isn?t It Neat?exhibit sold-out opening day, so there are many patiently waiting for their Andy Dixon originals to return and join their collections. While there were many people to meet with during his stay in Milan?designers, architects, artists, media?Dixon shares that the ?absolute pinnacle was meeting Donatella... collaborating with Versace Home was overwhelming, exhausting, and invigorating...I had a great time!?
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Click to read Original Story in Issue #2
Qu an Ju De 5D Im m er sive Din in g 2808 Cam bie St r eet - Open in g Soon Van cou ver , BC Oct ober 16, 2019
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m m & M ile's En d M ot or s g Lou n ge sh or e Hot el h or e Dr ive u ver , BC r 31, 2019 10 7
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Celebrating at Celest ia, 300 close friends and associates of bon vivant and founding partner of Th e Social Con cier ge, Tyson Villen eu ve, danced and indulged at H Tast in g Lou n ge. One of five global countdown parties sponsored by iconic Champagne house, G.H. M u m m . In 2020, Villeneuve is producing many of his now legendary signature events, including the 9th edition of DĂŽn er En Blan c, and will be moving into producing luxury golf tournaments, developing international projects, and growing TSC Agency, premium client portfolio. He is also working with the next young philanthropist to take the mantle of his legacy event, the For t y For 40 annual 108 fundraiser. 108
Villeneuve says, ?One of the most exciting client projects that I?m currently working on is rebranding an established music festival and creating a new, immersive VIP pavilion and stage design for the event this summer. "In 2018, I hosted a VIP excursion with 100 Canadians to experience the 30th Anniversary of DEB Paris! It was amazing, so in 2020 we are going to do it again in Honolulu for their 7th Annual DEB." While it may have been cold and rainy outside, guests at Celestia celebrated on the dance floor and in private domes, brushed up on their Champagne sabering skills, and ringed in the new year with giant confetti blasters.
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FOLIO.YVR TEAM: HELEN SIWAK, Publisher/ Editor/ Author COLEMAN PETE. Author MONA ROSE BUTLER, Author IMAGE CREDITS ISSUE # 10 COVER/ TOC: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 4/ 5: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 6- 15: DEAN CEBULIAK PAGES 16- 23: HELEN SIWAK PAGE 24: via CARSON GUO PAGES 26/ 27: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 28/ 29: SCOTT ADOLPH PAGES 30/ 31: ALFONSO ARNOLD PAGES 32/ 33: via SHOWCASE PIANOS PAGES 34/ 35: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 36- 43: via NICK KOSS PAGES 44- 47: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 48- 53: MIRIAM AROESTE PAGES 54- 67: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 68- 75: DREW MUNROE PAGES 76- 77: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 78/ 79: via AMY SLOSKY PAGES 80/ 81: HELEN SIWAK PAGE 82 UL: AMY SLOSKY PAGES 82- 85: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 87- 93: J AMIE MANN PAGES 94- 103: HELEN SIWAK PAGES 104/ 105: via QUANJ UDE PAGES 106- 113: J OSH NEUFELD
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