VOL 22 MARCH 2022
Celebratin Beauty Together H A I R T R A N S P L A N T S U R G E RY C O S M E T I C D E R M ATO LO GY M E D I C A L D E R M ATO LO GY L A S E R R E J U V E N AT I O N
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Supporting the Lois Hole Hospital Women's Society nakatsuiderm.com -3-
March 2022
EDMONTON’S PREMIER DIGITAL GUIDE TO LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY HELLO@ MODERNLUXURIA.COM | PHONE 780-906-7235
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Highlights Note We {almost} made it through the Winter and are ready to welcome Spring – Editors’ note 8 Profile Connecting people to charitable causes and building better communities – Ashton Raeyr 10 Women's Fashion Time to update your closet with new looks from Shades of Grey 16
Auto Modern and luxurious, Jaguar F-Pace is our top choice this Spring 30 Cuisine Connecting people through comfort food, great company, and mindful business philosophy - OTTO 36
Culture From tattooing to painting murals, Nathan Panousis’ art is all around us 48 Health and Wellness The Vanity Lab, a skincare experience like no other 62
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PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD. FOUNDER Elsa Amorim EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONTRIBUTORS
Jelena Bojic
Mona Butler MANAGING EDITOR
Twyla Campbell
Beryl Bacchus
Chris Bodnar Tom Sedens
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sherri Delle
Brandy Belitsky
Tatyana Semenova Emily Welz Steven Hope
COPY EDITOR Lucie Oosterveld BRAND AMBASSADORS Marlenie Arana Gordana Bosiocic Serap Ozturk Tracy Sestito
COVER Photography By Steven Hope
LIVEAUGUSTANA.CA
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Editor's Note " If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." — ANNE BRADSTREAT
patron engagement activities, and learned about some incredible community work he does, through his career and volunteer activities. It’s always inspiring to hear these stories, even more so today when there are so many difficult and challenging events and stories in our world…people like Ashton make it a better place and we appreciate meeting them, and sharing their stories with you. Modern Luxuria’s Cuisine Contributor, Twyla Campbell, visited OTTO Food and Drink, for those less obvious luxuries such as comfort food, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and spending time with those you love. Sounds like the ultimate luxury to us.
No
one can relate to this quote better than
Beryl Bacchus, our Managing Editor, is back from a
Edmontonians. It’s been a cold winter, but
wonderful trip to Hawaii, and shared her experience of
that’s what makes us appreciate and anticipate the arrival
beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets.
of spring. While the snow is still on the ground and we’ll have (at least) a few more cold snaps, things are starting to
Finally, you’ll notice that Heidi Johannsson, our co-editor,
get more color. And so is our fashion spread!
is not joining me this month, as she’s taking some time off. I already miss her grace, style and wit working on this
We love visiting local fashion boutiques like Shades of Grey
edition, and her sharp eye for all things fashion. But like
and Mr. Derks. Marina at Shades of Grey always brings a
many of us, she is juggling a ton of responsibilities, and
vibrant spring collection, with her impeccable eye for all
sometimes a break is really needed. Heidi has been an
things trend and style. From sequined to casual dresses,
integral part of the team, and we hope we’ll get to see her
from neutral to colorful, we love new collections every
again in the future, so we can navigate and discover all the
season, but spring holds a special place in our hearts. And
big and small luxuries our city has to offer.
Mr. Derks menswearis a story of its own; alluring and classic elegance, with a nonchalant, relaxed glamour.
I hope you’ll enjoy the March edition of Modern Luxuria, and that we’ll help you welcome our favourite season in style!
We had a great chat with Ashton Raeyr, who recently joined
— Jelena
the Art Gallery of Alberta to run their development and
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4552 - 99 Street Edmonton, AB T6E 5H5 www.rsvpdesign.ca
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WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE
A Passion for Community Edmonton through the eyes of Ashton Raeyr Ashton Raeyr, who recently took on the role of Head of Development and Patron Engagement at the Art Gallery of Alberta, has spent his career connecting people to the causes that mean the most to them. A passionate community member himself, he acts as a guide through the stories, organizations, and exciting businesses that make up life in Edmonton through the refreshed lens of having returned from time spent on both Canadian coasts.
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Ashton, I noticed you’ve had the opportunity to
impacts where you live and the people that make
spend time across Canada, what brought you away
up the space around you. You also get the chance to
from Edmonton initially?
create some incredible social changes in the space around you. I stepped into fundraising first as I’ve
Originally, I actually grew up in Strathcona County
always found it to be an interesting challenge to
and moved to Edmonton for college. Following that,
connect supports and community members with the
I moved out east to do my MA at Queens University.
causes they believe in. I’ve had the opportunity to work
After this, I moved to Toronto. I was in Toronto for quite
in different realms, like the environmental sector. Also,
a few years, about five, and then decided to make the
I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible
move to Vancouver on the west coast and spent about
leaders in that space who work in energy policy and
the same amount of time there.
conservation across the country. There's a nexus of inspiring people across Canada doing incredible work
After crossing the country and seeing both sides,
and that’s kept me inspired and engaged.
what ultimately brought you back to Edmonton? What an inspiring space to be in! Walk me through Life was great in both Toronto and Vancouver,
your career since you’ve returned to the city. I know
but ultimately there is such a great community in
you recently started a very exciting role with the
Edmonton. We’d always come home for the holidays
AGA!
and Edmonton has always felt like home base. When looking ahead, it always seemed like a city where we
Most recently, before my current role, I was with
could plan for the future. Not only that, the city seems
the YWCA here in Edmonton. Every YWCA in every
like it’s in a really cool phase right now so we wanted
city has a really cool model where they adapt their
to be a part of that. I feel like there are a lot of young
programming to fit the most pressing needs of the
people coming back and cool businesses opening
community. It's all predicated around supporting
up. It seems like, despite the challenges of the last
women, children, and families but it recognizes the
few years, it’s on the upswing.
gaps in key services. For instance, here in Edmonton, the organization has been around since 1907. It’s one
You’ve built quite the career around community-
of the longest-serving organizations in the city and
building roles like donor relations. What excites you
has been many different things over this time. They’ve
about these positions?
provided housing, it was a gym for some time, and they’ve focused on mental health resources as one
Not only through school, but also the volunteer work
of their core programs. I loved working with them,
I did as a younger person, my passion was always
it was a really rewarding experience. Coming to the
around community organizing and connecting with
present, with my role at the AGA, my official title is
people around substantial and meaningful actions
Head of Development and Patron Engagement. I get
to support. As I started to look at roles as I left school,
the chance to work with not only our community of
it was exciting to me to engage in work that directly
supporters and our members, but also to collaborate
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with sponsors and community activators to support our exhibitions, our programming, and the big events we get to host like our ‘Refinery’ and our ‘Art on the Block’ event. All of that falls under my purview. It’s been great, I’m really enjoying the role so far. So then, as someone who spends plenty of time at the gallery, what is a favourite exhibition of yours? I’m going to answer this question with a bit of a plug for the current one that's happening! One of the exhibitions we currently have open is ‘Inheritance’ which was curated by Lindsey Sharman. It’s an incredible exhibition by Deanna Bowen, Steven Nunoda, Adrian Stimson, and AA Bronson. It’s a really emotionally impactful exhibition that shines a light on some of the deep-rooted actions of racism and bigotry that have formed contemporary Canadian experiences for many different community members. All four of their perspectives are so powerful and so salient to the conversations we’re having currently. I would highly recommend it. Moving away from work now, what do you do when you’re not working? Hiking and getting out are something my partner and I love to do. We love to hop in a kayak and get out to see the water systems and find new places to explore. I also love to try out new restaurants. I love finding a place to try a new craft cocktail or a place with a unique take on cuisine. It’s been great to reconnect with some of the great venues downtown and on Whyte Avenue and hit up some of the newer places as well. Where would you say you love to spend time in the city?
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Venues aside, I live in Beverly Heights. Since coming
none of us could have envisioned. I don’t think we’ve
out here, I’m currently training for a marathon, and
begun to unpack the true impact. The mental health
one of the things I like to do is just get out and run.
crisis we are facing and that we will have to spend
I've been finding that the Rundle Park area is one
years building back from, is a very real element of
of the underappreciated gems of the entire region.
this pandemic. To plug my favourite one for sure,
There’s so much to do and there are so many incredible
the YWCA is doing amazing work making mental
trails. As far as venues go, my favourite restaurants are
health resources available. CASA is another incredible
Padmandi and The Lingnan to get a bite to eat on the
organization at the ground level supporting people
weekdays, and the brewery scene that has come up
where they need mental healthcare. Connections for
in the city is off the chain. And 124th - I feel like every
younger people are important as well; us older folk
time I’m there, there’s something new to explore. It’s
have found a way around it, but the younger people
where new fresh ideas are really popping up.
have spent important formative years of their lives not seeing friends, not being able to connect with people,
With all these amazing recommendations in mind,
and not being able to go to programming, take lessons,
if someone had just one day in the city, what would
or learn new skills. It’s been a real interruption, so I
you say they absolutely should do?
think programming that is supporting young people with their mental health and their learning is really
If you had one day in the city, getting out into
important. I love iHuman here in the community. They
downtown and exploring the core of Edmonton,
provide a space for creative expression and learning for
especially on a summer day, there’s no end to what you
young people in our community and they’re providing
might find. Treat Churchill Square as your jumping-off
it at a vital time.
point to visit, of course, the AGA; but from there you can also see the RAM. Not only that, you could go to
To wrap things up, who would you love to plug in
the other side of the square and see Milner, which is
the community? What artists or creators are you
a world-class library at the heart of our city and then
loving?
take that stretch up Jasper Avenue and check out all of the incredible restaurants. Taking the opportunity
Celeigh Cardinal - Musician
to use your feet to explore the city organically in the
Martin Kerr - Musician
core of Edmonton gives you a great sense of what
David Garneau - recently created the 400 paintings
the city has to offer. Treat the river as your ribbon
of the Tawatinâ Bridge
through the city.
Shaun Semple (Daelen Forge) - Local blacksmith 2 Crees in a Pod - podcast
As someone who is very community-centered, what
Always love to see what's coming from the Edmonton
causes are you passionate about within the city?
Art Club!
There are a few that really stand out. Right now as a
WWW.YOURAGA.CA
community, we are coming out with a scenario that
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Jeans: Criss cross straight jeans Shirt: Lyza cut out rib top black Boots: Chelsea boots black Wallet: Recycled leather chain wallet rose Earrings: Wide hinged hoops gold Sunglasses: Mykonos sunglasses gold + dust pink
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Dress Up For Spring As we get ready to welcome spring, dresses are an easy transition. Shades of Grey shows us just how to do it. FASHION & STYLING BY SHADES OF GREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ MODEL AMY-JEAN TAYLOR AGENCY CHAN INTERNATIONAL MODEL & TALENT AGENCY WWW.SHOPSHADESOFGREY.COM
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Dress: Meda midi dress Earrings: Suri hoops gold
Leather Jacket by Torras Leather Cashmere Turtle Neck by Lorenzoni Wool Vest by Empire (made in Canada) Green Pants by AG Denim Suede Blucher Shoe by Brother Frere
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Skirt: Eva skirt camel Shirt: Alida sweater camel Boots: Chelsea boots black Hat: Soft wool beret black Jacket: Mya cropped biker black Necklace: Stevie 2-tone chain Earrings: Hidden heart hoops silver Wallet: Recycled leather chain wallet black
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Jacket: Charli oversized denim jacket Dress: 90’s silk slip dress hazelnut Shoes: Izzy leopard sneakers Necklaces: Pearl of Love necklace Inez choker gold Earrings: Groove hoops gold
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Dress: Sigrid sequins dress ice Clutch: Florence bag black, regular Bracelet: Groove cuff gold Earrings: Suri hoops
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March 2022
Spotlight On The Sports Jacket Gone are the days of the hunting-andfishing coat. Incorporate a sports jacket into your wardrobe this spring and pair it with your favourite jeans, trousers or shorts to add a modern versatility. FASHION & STYLING BY MR. DERK PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA MODEL ROBERT REYES AGENCY CHAN INTERNATIONAL MODEL & TALENT AGENCY
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Velvet Jacket: Tagliatore Shirt: Stenstroms Pant: Gala Tie: Gierre Milano Shoes: Stenstroms
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March 2022
Hooded Blazer Jacket: Joop! Pant: Masons Tee: Phil Petter Shoes: Lloyd
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Blue Check Blazer Jacket: Tagliatore Pant: Bagnoli Shirt: Stenstrom Knit: Gran Sasso Shoes: Lloyd Pocket Square: Accuri
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March 2022
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Brown Gingham Blazer: Sand Copenhagen Pant: Gala Slacks Shirt: Stenstroms Shoes: Lloyd
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March 2022
Express Yourself Accessorize in Very Peri Since its inception back in 1962, Pantone®
has been influencing
cosmetic and fashion trends with their color matching system. Every year Pantone® announces the color of the year. And for the first time ever, they have created a brand new color for 2022: Pantone 173938 Very Peri, a blue quality with violet-red undertones. Pantone says it was inspired to create a new color, reflective of transformative change the world is going through, and allows individuals to express their creativity and uniqueness. Modern Luxuria Editors have selected some accessories for the season inspired by Very Peri.
WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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Dries Van Noten Mini Crossbody Purse Blogger Armoire Eton Retro Flower Print Pocket Square Henry Singer
Eton Flower Tie Henry Singer
Felony iPhone 13 Pro Pastel Case Simons
Natural Amethyst Ring, Amethyst Stone Epico Design
Suzi Roher Scarf Blus
Paul Smith Floral Camo Socks Gravity Pope
Wera Hat Gravity Pope
Large Hair Clip Simons
Peeps Cardholder Fluevog
Eton Woven Silk Tie Henry Singer
Solid Silk Pre-Tied Bow Tie Mr. Derk
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Men’s Sea Breeze Aviator Sunglasses Simons
March 2022
Powerful Practical Luxury Jaguar’s F-Pace blends luxury, utility and an engaging drive WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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Refreshed for 2021, Jaguar’s F-Pace is as exciting as ever - a great-looking, modern crossover with thrilling and engaging driving dynamics. Its flowing lines, curvaceous styling, aggressive grille and massive 22inch rims make for a very athletic style statement. The build quality and the choice of gorgeous materials - a stunning mix of open-pore wood, metal trim and stitched leather panels - are immediately apparent when getting into the F-Pace. The beautifully upholstered and perforated leather seats are heated, ventilated and very comfortable; both front seats have memory settings. The large touchscreen has a unique layout. It looks fantastic, is very responsive and handles the F-Pace’s navigation system, phone and vehicle settings, as well as the outstanding Meridian sound system. Even the speaker grilles are works of art! The two-tone interior carries on through the whole vehicle, so passengers in the rear will enjoy the styling as well. The two outboard rear passengers will be happy with plenty of head and leg room and comfortable heated seats. Rear passengers get adjustable air vents and charging plugs, and the massive panoramic sunroof extends over the rear seating area, making the space wonderfully airy. The powered liftgate reveals the large trunk with a nice high load floor. If you need more room, the rear seats split and fold down adding plenty of cargo space.
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Lurking under the shapely hood is a 3L turbocharged and supercharged inline-6 with a mild hybrid assist system putting out 395 HP and an astonishing 406 lb-ft of torque; the latter available at a low 2,000 RPM. All that power is routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four corners via an allwheel drive system. There is no shortage of power. The F-Pace 400 pulls hard off the line reaching 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Even at highway speeds, accessing extra power to pass is quick and effortless. An added bonus - whenever you're on the gas pedal with some urgency, the engine note is absolutely intoxicating! The transmission, which has a Sport mode and can be shifted manually using the paddles, is smooth and intelligent. You can also choose between different driving modes: Eco, Rain/Ice/ Snow, Comfort and Dynamic. The all-wheel drive system makes quick work of snowy, slippery surfaces, and remains invisible on dry roads. The suspension is definitely tuned toward the sportier side of the spectrum. The result is a firm ride and outstanding driving characteristics - corners and curves are handled with surprising athleticism and ease. There's plenty of driver assistance technology - from blind-spot detection, a back-up camera, collision warning and braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and plenty more. It all works nicely and is completely unobtrusive. The F-Pace is modern, muscular and luxurious. Combining a sumptuous British interior, the latest technology and heartpounding performance is just a jab of the gas pedal away. The F-Pace is a world-class all-around SUV.
WWW.JAGUAREDMONTON.CA
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WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE
The Gem Of Norwood Luxuries in life are not always obvious
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ON
warm days, Ed Donszelmann opens the garage-style door of OTTO Food and Drink to give customers an indoor-outdoor dining experience. On cooler days, the door stays closed — but light
still sneaks through to cast the room in amber. When you visit doesn’t matter; OTTO is cozy and inviting any day of the year, and as suitable a place for date night as it is for taking the kids for fish and chips. In the kitchen is the talented Steve Furgiuele, ex-Culina cook who met Donszelmann just as he was ending his partnership at Culina to focus on opening OTTO. When Donszelmann would stop in to say hi, Steve would get him to taste his current sausage creation. “He told me he was working on a Dutch-inspired sausage that would be the signature item at OTTO, and I told him not to bother,” laughs Donszelmann, who explains that while his ancestors are an accomplished bunch in many areas, the realm of cookery is not one of them. But Furgiuele persisted and created a smoked Gouda bratwurst that earned Donszelmann’s approval at first bite. The “OTTO” became (and remains) the restaurant’s most popular sausage.
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The other offerings are no slouches. Furgiuele’s schnitzel dish, borne of one Octoberfest is now the standard feature on Saturdays. Cumin-scented chickpea kofta is a favourite of those craving a meat-free option, and his mother’s recipe for cheesecake is enhanced by ingredients that pique his curiosity. OTTO is far from fancy. There are no velvet banquettes. No shiny accents. No amuse bouche before the currywurst. A cinderblock wall features the restaurant’s name in big white letters, and the artwork collection includes a painting by Donszelmann’s daughter, completed at age seven. All of this might have you asking: where is the “luxury” in bratwurst and beer? The man who makes the food says the food is simply the medium.
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“We need to connect—truly and authentically,” Furgiuele explains, “and Ed dishes that out every day just by caring about people.” Joy derived from heartfelt conversation is a luxury. Forming deep connections with other people, also a luxury, and spending time with those who matter most in our lives? A reminder of a luxury easily lost. From Tuesday to Saturday, Ed Donszelmann is either behind the bar or checking on guests, many of whom he knows by name. He’ll ask about their food, but also about their kids, their pets, their work and whatever else he’s gleaned from their visits since OTTO opened in 2017. “I wanted something honest and real,” he says, adding that the pandemic forced him to deal with the realities of life on a day-to-day basis. To avoid staff burnout, Donszelmann switched to a five-day week, instead of seven. “Now, the staff are less stressed, and I have balance. I have time with my kids which is something you don’t get back when it’s gone.” If you make your way to this little Norwood restaurant, you will more than likely sit near someone who feels the same about life as does Ed and his team. If luxury is defined as “the state of great comfort and extravagant living”, then let good food be your comfort, and the giving of your time to those you love, the greatest extravagance of all. WWW.OTTOFOODANDDRINK.COM
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WORDS BY CHRIS BODNAR PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Navigating Mardi Gras for the Wine Lover Creole is a whale of a cuisine to match wines with - it typically combines multiple intense flavors that can really cause havoc with your taste buds if your beverage is not in alignment. Here we will explore some options to pair well with a specific segment, but the biggest rule to know of all is this: the spicier the food, the lower your alcohol and higher the residual sugar in your wine needs to be.
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2015 Telmo Rodriguez "Mountain Blanco" Malaga, Spain Telmo Rodriguez, of Remelluri and Bodega Lanzaga fame among others, is revered for his journeys around Spain working with, at times, obscure vineyards to make interesting wines. As far as our Canadian market goes, this white from the mountains north of Malaga would certainly count as one of these obscure examples. 100% Muscat de Alexandria: this is a very interesting juxtaposition between sweet apricot fragrance and characteristics of piercing acidity, underripe peach, and a focused minerality. An interesting herbal note of olive carries the nose to a place we rarely go. As far as pairing with Creole cuisine, this is the wine to pair with your fattiest dishes to let the acid to cut through the fat of the dish. ~$22, Sherbrooke Liquor, WWW.SHERBROOKELIQUOR.COM
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2017 Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel Sonoma, California Many regions around the world can play havoc with consumer recognition of exactly what is in a wine. Much of Europe is region-designated rather than varietal, for example, for a fun geography lesson each time one picks up a bottle. California has its own devilish tricks where a wine can be labeled as a single varietal such as this, if it contains a minimum of 75% of the named varietal. So this Zinfandel is actually only *mostly* Zin, with the rest a blend of Carignan, Petite Sirah, and others. What this does is balance what can be a fickle wine to make. This has a lovely acid tension not often found in Zinfandel. An earthy, herbal character weaves throughout, with citrus peel and smoke rounding out the palate. It is this citrus and smoke duo that should accompany Creole staples unexpectedly well - just stay away from any overly spicy dishes, as the higher alcohol will exacerbate the heat and provide a type of punishment that is not soon forgotten. ~$40, Fine Wines by Liquor Select, WWW.LIQUORSELECT.COM
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2014 M Chapoutier "Chante-Alouette" Blanc Hermitage, Rhone Valley, France
White burgundy gets all the attention - not to mention the eye-watering price tag - but for a comparable experience, Hermitage blanc can be a revelation. This wine is made from 100% Marsanne, but is a blend of prestigious designated sites on Hermitage hill, from one of the major names in the Rhone valley - Michel Chapoutier. This wine is peaking right now - dense yet restrained; concentrated but not flabby. What starts as quince, apples and pears on the nose broadens to include hazelnut, white blossom, and some earth and vanilla on the palate. This has sneaky alcohol at 14% so avoid spice. However, for your rich Creole white fish dishes that need some stuffing without any spice, this will make a marvelous accompaniment.
~$70, various retailers
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March 2022
Painting the Town and Its People Nathan Panousis’ art is all around us from the walls of our city to the bare skin of those who walk it. WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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March 2022
FOR
artist Nathan Panousis, painting murals and tattoos both come from a desire to alter things from their origins, as both are used to tell a story and give a sense of personality.
“The desire to take the effort that is harnessed in quiet moments of practice, and display it to alter and change the world around me and others is truly the passion that fuels both aspects of my artistic practice,” said Nathan. If tattooing and painting murals are the body of his career, drawing is the spine that holds it upright. It plays a part in both, and it’s what he traces his love of art back to, though he can’t pinpoint exactly when this love began. It’s just always been. “Some of my earliest school memories are of me doodling dogs in kindergarten and the interest has just grown from there!”
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Around 8 years ago, Nathan stepped back into art
values and line work. My work explores the power of
after taking time to pursue his musical career. He
intent and devotion in our current time and attempts
found himself wanting to return to the slower pace
to create a visual symbology that links these ideas to
of visual art. He then spent some time honing what
those of the past.”
he wanted to represent with his art and compiled a body of work that would become the leverage for his place in the city’s art scene. “My first big break was the city’s ‘YEG Canvas’ initiative which gave emerging artists a platform to display their work at large scales around town. From there, my love affair with public work and large-scale projects only deepened and I have since been fortunate to show many of my large-scale works throughout Edmonton’s public and private sector.” Nathan describes arriving at his art style in a subtle and organic way. As he grew more confident, he moved away from attempting to emulate artists he admired and towards defining the unique characteristics that make his art his own. Eventually, he looked around and found that he could no longer find work that looked like his. “I’ve always described my work as ‘spiritual icons for the modern world’. It borrows the esoteric imagery that permeates much of the world's spiritual art and tells a story through the use of contrasting colors,
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Nathan’s mind is on his next solo show combining
mediums,
technologies,
and
philosophies into a new series of paintings. But that’s not all he’s considering as he looks to the future. “I look forward to seeing how my balance and relationship with the creative process changes while exploring these new mediums and what my strides into the world of tattooing will teach me about myself and my work.” WWW.NATHANP.CA
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March 2022
Island of Hawai’i Chase a Sunshine Rainbow WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Coconut palm lined, luxurious black sand beach sets the backdrop for a day of hiking, a picnic and a quick swim. Relax with the Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) resting on the beach rocks all day long soaking up the sun.
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March 2022
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach Set in a cinder cone that is 49,000 years old and part of the Mauna Loa volcano, this unique beach is one of two green sand beaches in the United States. The sand is green from olivine crystals that are washed out of the old cinder cone mixed with black (lava) and white (coral/ shells) sand. While it is not easy to get to Green Sand Beach, (a mix of hiking and driving), it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remote, tranquil and scenic, it is perfect for a quiet and peaceful escape.
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Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park One of the rare places in the world where guests can drive in and come face to face with an active volcano. Two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Maunaloa, are found on Hawai’i Island. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea's last eruption was in December of 2020. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on earth, covering half of the Hawai’i Island. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, rain forests, a winery, musical performances and art exhibits.
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Kona The Kona district spans much of the west side of Hawai’i Island, from Waikoloa Beach Resort to Manuka Park with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and famous Kona coffee samplings. The historical landmarks and tours are of note. Kona is home to Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778. The aqua clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Sail for a day to catch glimpses of dolphins or even take time to do some fishing.
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March 2022
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Waikoloa Looking for a good happy hour aloha luxury style? Stop in at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant after your day of golfing on the Mauna Lani Golf Course for a Coconut Cloud Martini and Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos. The scenic lanai overlooking captivating sunsets are coveted. Guests from all over the world line up to meet here. You might even come across a rainbow on a sunny day in Waikoloa.
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Research - Rapport Results Vanity Lab: Medical Aesthetics is sure to offer a skin care experience like no other! WORDS BY SHERRI DELLE PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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March 2022
IN
an industry that, at the best of times, can
‘dos and don'ts’, to meticulously create a niche that
seem overwhelming and overpriced, Natasha
offers the best of both the cosmetic and clinical world
Bak and Jessica Sklar have got your back (and your
of skin care. “Just because something is well marketed
face!). This passionate powerhouse team are experts
does not mean it is good to use.” That is where the
in skin care products and services. The first Vanity Lab
research comes into play. “Understanding the science
Cosmetic Spa, located in Vancouver, was born out of
behind the products,” to provide the customer with
a desire to educate and provide the best services and
the best skin care, for their needs, is essential. “This
products in skin care at a reasonable price. Vanity Lab
is an industry that never rests,” which is why science
started with one treatment room, one laser and many
and research play such a pivotal role.
extremely long days. From its origins over eight years ago, it has now grown to two spas in two provinces
Natasha has always enjoyed the marketing side of
with five medical doctors. Vanity Lab is a true “labour
business and has used social media to her advantage
of love” story where two friends combined efforts,
to create an authentic, fun, and personable media
and through passion and hard work built a business
presence while continually focusing on quality. For
from the ground up. Scientific research, honesty,
Natasha and Jessica, “being the best,” stems from
transparency, follow up, and support are at the heart of
integrity and hard work.
Vanity Lab and responsible for its success in Vancouver and their expansion to Edmonton. Natasha runs the
This honesty and trusting rapport with clientele has
Vancouver location while Jessica runs Edmonton.
enabled Vanity Lab to expand to its new Edmonton location in June of last year. Construction of the
In chatting with these two vibrant beauties, Jessica
Edmonton space happened during the pandemic,
shared a story of a new client who was recommended
and with it some questions and uncertainties. Both
an expensive treatment (from a different clinic) for the
women were willing to take the risk and as you will
skin condition she had. Not only was the treatment
see and experience for yourself, YEG is grateful they
costly, but it would have worsened this client’s already
took this risk. If you want the best of what this industry
existing condition. Jessica’s response was, “I would like
has to offer, look no further…Vanity Lab is here.
to charge you less and give you a better result.” And there you have it. The foundational principles of Vanity
Why the name “Vanity Lab”? Because it is fun and
Lab: Research. Rapport. Results. Three simple words
cheeky. And so are the weekly specials… Check them
that equate to service, success, and an appreciative
out on Instagram @thevanitylab.
customer base. Both women care deeply about each client and every
WWW.THEVANITYLAB.COM
experience they have. Honesty and integrity are key to the relationships they’ve built with their clients and valued staff. Natasha’s background in the clinical skin care industry has allowed her to clearly articulate the
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March 2022
Translating technology in terms everyone understands Building a business and a community WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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STARTING
my conversation with Jeremy Hayward via Google Meets didn’t kick off as planned. The
recording button didn’t show up for some reason, so we had to troubleshoot. Conveniently, I was talking to an IT expert who solved the problem immediately and we carried on after a very short interruption.
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March 2022
Jeremy Hayward has been in the IT world for two
on how to use technology and how to become
decades, with great fortune to join Solut in its early
comfortable with it. “Just like we did at the beginning
days, and watch it evolve and grow into what it is
of this conversation,” says Hayward, referring to my
today. Solut provides creative tech solutions to its
technology issues at the start of our call.
clients and is in its third iteration of the business since its inception. Change is the only constant,
The
technology
arena
demands
innovation,
and the team at Solut knows that. Started in 2001,
reinventing yourself constantly, and never being
with three individuals who sat down and shared
stagnant. Jeremy and the team at Solut live by
their entrepreneurial goals; they wanted to develop
those rules, and that’s the key to their success. They
a company focused on technology, innovation,
continue to push the envelope with their own team
and community. They took a chance, found a few
on how to do things differently, remain relevant and
clients, mostly post dot-com boom small to medium
ahead of the curve.
businesses, and that’s how the company started building its foundation. Those were the early days of
On the current ‘work from home or from the office’
IT, and things have evolved and changed significantly
question, hybrid work arrangement is an answer,
over the years.
says Hayward. After the past two years, we learned that moving forward we can make it work remotely,
Over time, they found that a big differentiator was
but we also need that face-to-face contact. The big
having three or four owners in the room, who wanted
players in the tech world have already implemented
to move in the same direction. “Our big growth really
a hybrid work situation, and Hayward is doing the
happened between 2010 and 2015, and we really
same for their team. While their new office space
wanted to pivot over from the break-fix approach,”
overlooking Churchill Square is open again, Hayward
says Hayward. They focused on strategy, meaning
says the hybrid world is the future and we have to be
that their clients were introduced to a new approach,
prepared for that. “Emulating the work culture that
having technology top of mind as they moved forward
you once built with social and team building activities
with organizational plans and growth.
is going to be more challenging in a hybrid model, but it’s something you have to be very intentional
With the last two years changing many work patterns,
about.”
Solut has been busy helping clients adjust to new work arrangements, working from home and outside of the office. That has been the biggest challenge in the early days of the pandemic, having businesses use and access services remotely, and push things to the cloud. “Where we really saw growth has been around the idea that a lot of businesses didn’t have a technology plan or a road map, or policies in place. That was a great opportunity to sit down and have these conversations, helping companies come up with an appropriate response, and plan for situations like this.” A large piece of this was educating clients www.modernluxuria.com
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Aside from being one of the leaders at Solut, Hayward
Hayward says that what gives him great fulfillment
is very dedicated to the community through various
is being able to take his skills in business and lend
volunteer engagements. His current engagements
them to the not-for-profit organizations that do great
include being a Vice Chair at the Edmonton
work in the community. “Giving back and a sense of
Downtown Business Association, where he continues
servitude is what I really enjoy, standing behind those
to be a voice for downtown communities and
organizations that are so passionate about what they
businesses, a Vice Chair of the YOUCAN Youth
do.“
Services, a youth employment agency that finds employment for at-risk youth, and he assists with the
WWW.SOLUT.CA
fundraising side of things. Additionally, he chairs the YWCA Philanthropy Committee. Knowing that an incredible number of hours is dedicated to all these engagements, - 69 -
March 2022
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Art Up Above The newfound potential of the lighting fixture
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WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Gone are the days of lighting fixtures simply being a functional item, it’s time to banish the plain old ceiling dome from your home! Treat it as an essential part of your interior design plan to uncover the full potential of what this category has to offer. Approach your lighting like choosing art for your home. Whether you pick a pendant light, a chandelier, a semi-flush light or track lighting, it should complement the choices you’ve made for the rest of your decor, while also being unique and noteworthy on
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its own. Draw the eye upward by making a statement be it bold, playful, artful, or sculptural. With so many excellent options, you’re sure to find something to make your foyer grand, make your master bedroom feel like a 5-star hotel, and flood your main room with light and compliments.
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3 2
5
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8 1. CosaFina Kelly Wearstler Strada www.cosafina.ca 2. Dhillon Lighting 3 Light Pendant www.dhillonlighting.com 3. Alberta Lighting C83016AGOP www.alberta-lighting.com 4. CosaFina Antique Burnished Brass www.cosafina.ca 5. Park Lighting LED Semi Flush (JKC2) www.parklighting.ca 6. Park Lighting Voleta 6-light foyer chandelier www.parklighting.ca 7. Chateau Lighting 45 Light Chandelier with Satin Gold finish www.chateaulighting.com 8. Dhillon Lighting Artemis www.dhillonlighting.com
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3
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1. Ideal Home Furnishings Cow Hari Accent Chairwww.idealhomefurnishings.ca 2. Cottswood Charleston Forge www.cottswood.com 3. Finesse Furniture & Interiors Sara Plus Lounge Chair www.Finessehomeliving.com 4. F2 Furnishings Natuzzi Calm Occasional Chair www.F2furnishing.ca 5. Park Furnishing & Interiors Marni Occasional Chair www.parkfurnishings.ca 6. McElherans Bernhardt Transitional Owen www.Mcelherans.com 7. Park Furniturnishing Opal Accent Chair www.parkfurnishing.ca 8. Finesse Furniture & Interiors Uttermost Living Room Chalina High Back Armchair www.Finessehomeliving.com
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You’re Going to Love Sitting Here When you feel like something’s missing, an accent chair is the answer WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
An accent chair is meant to do just that: accent the overall tone of the room it’s living in, but it can be more than that. If you’re looking for something to become a focal point, a bold and unique accent chair is the perfect item to stand out in an otherwise understated room. The obvious choice of location is your living room, but if you find yourself in your bedroom or even your office and feel like something is missing, a chair could be the answer! For your home office, think cozy but executive as an alternate place to sit and work if you feel like getting out of your office chair. If you host clients at home, try a pair of smaller chairs in front of your desk. In your bedroom, don't be afraid to go bold with a pattern you love but wouldn't usually display elsewhere. With the right chair, you can create a vignette that will wow you every time you enter your home.
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