Inspiring Success In Style
by Lioness
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Summer 2014
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Contents 8
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ELEGANCE ATELIER Smart Accessorizing: The Art of Versatility
10 FASHION RECIPES What to Pack for a Summer Business Trip 12 Success Factory 6 Great Qualities of Successful Women 14 LIONESS SOCIAL SCENE 16 Lioness Portraits Lea Gottlieb: Swimsuit Mogul and Survivor 18 In the Arts Loft Dark and Rich Photography by Helen Sobiralski 20 Inspiring Style in Success La Vie en Rose by Jeanne Lottie 22 Beauty Parlour The “New You” Spa: Where the New You is Possible 24 LIONESS RECOMMENDS 26 Wines and Us A Perfect Time For Summer Wine
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Contents 12
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by Lioness
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Founder Jenny Katkova-Brown Editor-in-Chief Dasha Bosaya-Lazareva dasha@lionesswomansclub.com Director of Communications and Marketing Veronika Barbakadze media@lionesswomansclub.com Art Director Olga Petrova Contributors Nicole Ozerova, Deborah Boland, Emily Coren, Monique Bourgeois, Ramna Shahzad, Deanna Toribio Irene Lewis Photography Artwork Margarita Kareva (cover) Vladimir Kevorkov Elizabeth Gadd Yannis Vlamos www.lionesswomansclub.com www.facebook.com/ lionesswomansclub
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Lioness Woman’s Club. For advertising, please call 416-661-4487 or email: media@lionesswomansclub.com
Founder’s Letter
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t’s luxury that fills life with rich colors, inspiring experiences, and stirring sensations.
I am a firm believer that we ourselves are responsible for infusing our existence with luxury, for recognizing luxuries when they appear. Look no further: it’s completely up to us to do it. We decide whether to let glimpses of luxury into our lives, or to push them away.
Dear Ladies and Friends! Have you ever thought about what makes your life sparkling, vibrant, and worthy? What is it about every single day that you would remember in years to come? What uplifts you, no matter what?
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Way too often, we as a society tend to misunderstand what “luxury” is. We seem to impose the idea of material abundance on this word... But you don’t need to own a Rolls Royce to live a life of luxury. There are so many other things – also incredibly precious – beyond pricey gadgets, lavish homes, and expensive jewelry that can enrich you with emotional and psychological wealth. I am talking about daily luxuries. Discreet and humbling. Moments that are not necessarily deemed luxe in a traditional sense, but when appreciated for their true value, can transform our lives, perspectives, and create boundlessly rewarding experiences. From expressing your style and dressing with taste to project the best of your inner-self, to the freedom to choose what we do with our time – these are some of the small luxuries we can all af-
ford and learn to delight in. Indulging in the calming silence of the early morning hours, sipping your favourite coffee blend while inhaling its magnificently invigorating scent, with a smile on your face and exquisite china in your hands – now that’s what I call a luxurious start to your day! Wouldn’t you agree? Leave the dishes alone to give your child a heartfelt embrace before they grow too big to carry. And on your way to work, stop by that lilac tree to immerse yourself in its soothing aroma. Weave a dandelion wreath, walk barefoot through the dewy grass, listen to the morning birds chirping, get intoxicated with the magic smell of nature after the rain, read by the water and ponder to its subtle sounds, have a dinner with your best friend… The list can go on and on. Our world is full of these little gems, but it is up to us to discover (or re-discover) them and enjoy each moment. Every time we do, we treat ourselves to yet another little luxury, which means that our day did not pass in vain! …After all, life is about these small luxuries – so make them happen, and enjoy, every day!
Jenny Katkova-Brown Founder
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Gadd, elizabethgadd.com
Good communications is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after. ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
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Dear Lioness! hen was the last time you had a GREAT conversation?
With our dynamic overloaded lifestyles, oftentimes we simply cannot afford the luxury of spending an extra hour for a quality talk…. Though, if anything, a fascinating conversation must be one of our main priorities. Having a thoughtful conversation is like reading a great book, but instead of digesting the author’s ideas and trying to apply them to your life, you actively engage in exchange with another human being, affecting each other, provoking each other, challenging each other. It is so invigorating when you listen and respond instantaneously, sharing a moment with your opponent and letting yourself wonder beyond your own mindset.
A good conversation is as well enjoyable. Like a walk in the park or an impeccable dinner. You feel connected, your mind is alert, you feel alive. It’s a game, a duel, a dance. You look back at it, and you feel content, because you have just been engaged in an amazing intellectual and emotional journey.
y b s e i r uxu ess L ion L
And, finally, a good conversation might as well be life-changing! Have you ever had such a stimulating chat that you couldn’t fall asleep afterwards, thinking through your life and coming up with ways to change it for the better?
Leave your cozy virtual world behind. Turn off your computer and get real. Talk to people, discuss, share. Treat your mind to a great conversation, delicious and stimulating like a cup of superb espresso!
Dasha Bosaya-Lazareva Editor-in-Chief
www.lionesswomansclub.com
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Elegance Atelier
In
the modern world of advanced technologies, the idea of a “smart accessory” could mean anything from a hands-free headset to a GPS micro-chip inside the heel of your shoe. But although the intelligence of devices we use daily is undisputable, we are talking here about the good old accessories, like belts and scarves that complement our outfits and spice up our appearance. Accessories indeed possess some remarkable potential to express and transform. A plain dress or a staple white shirt can turn into a chic runway outfit in the blink of an eye, if you add the right accessory. One key quality to keep in mind though when you go on accessories shopping spree is versatility. You don’t want to end up with something that you wear once a year. You want a gorgeous piece that can easily travel from your business suit to your weekend romper. We invited Ms. Isabelle Fish, the owner of the fashion store Rue Pigalle, to help us make informed style choices and choose smart and versatile accessories:
Sma r t A c c e s s o r i z i n g :
The Art of Versatility
Visit Rue Pigalle: 927 Queen Street West Toronto ON M6J1G5
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647-352-8115
www.lionesswomansclub.com
www.ruepigalle.ca
Q&A:
Style Tips
from Isabelle Fish
• The golden rule with accessories is “less is more.” • When buying a long necklace (sautoir), make sure it has a • • • •
• •
clasp. It will easily wrap around your neck twice for a short version. Use a large ring or hair barrette as a scarf ring to create different looks. A long necklace can easily become a belt – it will transform the look of your little black dress from day to evening. Wear a long silk scarf under your coat or jacket during the day. Come the evening, wrap it nonchalantly around your shoulders, and you are ready for an evening at the opera. Look for necklace pendants that are fitted with a pin and can be used as a brooch on a scarf, a chunky sweater, a coat or a hat. Wear your pin high on the shoulder for a modern look. Over-sized pins make a fabulous statement. Remember: keep the earrings simple. A chunky cocktail ring on the ring finger is elegant for the office. Switch it to the index finger for a “bad-ass” evening look. Clutches with shoulder straps can pull your outfit out of place, particularly if you are wearing an evening dress made of lighter fabric. Look for a clutch with a removable strap. The strap can be used during the day with your coat or suit and removed for evening wear. Don’t shy away from colour, even if you love neutrals. A neutral wardrobe can have many different looks with a splash of colour. Scarf, gloves, bag, hat, shoes of colour are a fabulous way to be versatile in the use of your wardrobe. Scarf is the most versatile of accessories. My preferred size is 90 cm X 90 cm.
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What is the story behind Rue Pigalle? IF: I have always loved accessories and jewelry. Our family move to Toronto prompted a change of career for me (I was a corporate lawyer), and I decided to realize my dream of owning a jewelry and accessory boutique. I took the plunge in 2010 and have loved every minute of it. Rue Pigalle is named after the famous Paris red-light district - a place of temptation, emotions, forbidden pleasures that are difficult to resist, but also of French joie de vivre. That’s what our boutique is: a place where you can have fun, discover beautiful things and find happiness. Do you have your favourite piece in the store? IF:Every piece is my favourite piece! I am surrounded with pieces I love for their design, their story, the craftsmanship used by the artist to realize them. How do you choose your designer items? IF: The piece has to provoke an emotion in me when I see it for the first time - I have to have the “Oh!’ moment - then I know that I am on the right track. It has to surprise me - something I have not seen before. And I have to like the designer. I know every designer in the boutique, and they are all fabulous individuals with a story, a passion, a dedication to their craft and art that translates in their collections. Favourite designers? IF: I have a soft spot for Stefano Poletti’s jewelry, Denovembre scarves and Tzuri Gueta silicone jewelry. But as I said, I really love them all. What lessons did you learn running your own business? IF: You have to be passionate about it. The passion carries you through the incredibly long hours and daily www.lionesswomansclub.com
challenges. Time management is paramount: in a small business you do it all, and being efficient with your use of time is essential. Find a mentor, someone who has a lot of experience in your field and will be your sounding board. Your store is very European. What do you like most about Europe? IF: I think it has to be the joie de vivre of southern Europe. And that European women enjoy the fact that quality is part of everyday life - from wine to food to fashion - we tend to invest in pieces of quality and interesting design - and we happily forego practicality for style! On its own, each piece is a bit more expensive than a lower end item, but a good quality piece will last forever and transcend all the fashion trends season after season - so I think it’s a more effective way to manage my budget. We are not attached to trends and brands and will happily invest in a wellmade, interesting piece from an unknown designer if we think it’s the right piece for us. A million-dollar style advice from Isabelle Fish: IF: Avoid what I call the “Christmas Tree Syndrome” don’t wear all your accessories at once - 3 striking pieces that complement each other is my magic number. earrings+bangle+bag or necklace+scarf+shoes or earrings+ring+scarf. Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
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Fashion Recipes
What to Pack for a Summer Business Trip
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Quality Separates
Whether you’re tied up in an office having meetings all day, or closing an important deal by your hotel pool, what you wear to conduct business during the summer is just as important as what you would wear any other time of the year. To be successful in your job, you must project credibility and authority. First impressions count, so if you look like you’d rather be at the beach than the boardroom, no one will take you seriously.
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Are you flying out to a work conference instead of going on a holiday getaway? Just because it’s vacation season, doesn’t mean you can afford to let your business style slip. Here are 7 essential wardrobe items you’ll need to pack for your summer business trip.
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by Deborah Boland, style expert
Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
When packing for your summer business trip it’s important take things that will make you look professional. Stay away from casual, warm weather clothes you might be tempted to throw on (because you are feeling summery and laid back) like cotton capris and maxi dresses, silky palazzo pants and wrinkly linen trousers. Leave flimsy skirts or drawstring pants for real vacation time. Instead, take along some simple, quality work www.lionesswomansclub.com
pieces. For example, a classic pencil skirt, and a pair of flat front trousers that have some structure and weight, a shell top, crisp shirt and/or silky blouse in a soft, fine fabric. Stick to separates in solid colours with quiet details, so all your pieces can mix and match easily.
As for colour and pattern, yes, feel free to include a subtle patterned top to mix in with your separates, or bring a blouse in a slightly brighter colour than you’d normally wear, since it is summer. But don’t even consider a loud tropical hue, a big bold print or over-the-top summer neon shade. These all register far too casual and trendy for work.
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Classic Dress
A dress is always a great choice for business wear, but make sure your summer dress looks polished and not pool party-like. A cute sundress with skimpy spaghetti straps may land you a compliment, but it certainly won’t communicate power and leadership the way a sophisticated summer sheath will. Keep things chic, not cutesy, even when the temperature is soaring.
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Jacket
A jacket is the magic piece in any business wardrobe that gives you that executive presence.
you have extra time after your meetings, you may want to go for a dip in the hotel pool, but when you are on business, you never know who is watching. A business trip is not the time to pack a teeny-weeny thong bikini. Keep your summer beach babe look at home and take along a one-piece swimsuit that is simple, slimming and classy. Don’t forget an elegant cover-up to complete the look.
need high-end accessories to elevate your look year round. Choose gold or silver earrings and necklaces – nothing too big or dangly – as well as fine leather belts, bags and shoes.
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Shoes
Hot and breezy summer days can fool you into thinking it is perfectly fine to pull out the 4 inch strappy heels, or worse, to slip on the flip-flop sandals. Wrong!
Packing for a summer business trip is not much different than packing for any other business trip. Just keep it simple, keep it classy and you will always travel in style.
Open toe sandals are fine on weekends, but during business hours you want to put your best foot forward. Sure, you can tuck a pair
Be sure to take one along and have it ready to slip on when you want to look powerful and feel confident. It’s also the perfect piece for chilly offices with air conditioning that makes you feel like you are working in a freezer. Choose one with a wellconstructed shoulder and that nips in at the waist to give you some feminine shape.
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of sandals in your suitcase for any casual free time you may get on the trip, but on the job stick to lady-like closed toe pumps, closed toe slingbacks, or fine wedge shoes.
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High-End Accessories
Pantyhose
Bamboo bracelets, a straw tote and fun dangly earrings make a great statement when you are on vacation, but at work you
To wear pantyhose or not to wear pantyhose? That is the never-ending summer fashion question. If your company policy
allows for no hose and you are travelling to another branch, you may be able to get away with no hose, but I would suggest hose anyway. The more skin you show, the less power you command. Pantyhose make your legs look sleeker and your whole appearance seem more polished. Try ultra-sheer Donna Karan nude brand of pantyhose for your sheerest summer look.
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A Bathing Suit
A proper bathing suit. Yes, you heard me right. If www.lionesswomansclub.com
Deborah Boland is a style expert and the publisher of
www.fabulousafter40.com Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
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of Successful Women
Success Factory sets a successful woman apart from everybody else? who achieved success, it seems they were born this way – determined to win. But the truth is, any success (unless it has been achieved by a complete chance) is a product of hard work coupled with the right behaviour, attitude and mindset. As a rule, all successful women possess some qualities that give them a competitive edge. It’s never too late to equip yourself with new skills, so take notes and work your way to success!
which qualities bring successful women to the top of the
ladder?
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They have a growth mindset
Carol S. Dweck, the Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, distinguishes two types of people: those who have a fixed mindset and those who have a growth mindset. A growth mindset is focused on constant development of one’s talents and abilities. Without growth, we get stuck in a stalemate, which does not let us go any further.
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Successful women always learn and grow. They see a chance to learn something new in any situation. Instead of resorting to proven methods only, they are willing to experiment and explore. A growth mindset means being open to new things and people, being interested in others’ achievements and work, as opposed to focusing solely on yourself and your results.
by Emily Coren
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What does it take to become a winner? When you look at people
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They monitor their influence on other people
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The attitude of successful women towards others also stems from their growth mindset. Women with a fixed mindset are focused on how other people impact them. This is how they protect their self-esteem. Women with a growth mindset, on the other hand, concentrate more on how they impact other people. They understand perfectly well the consequences of their words and actions. We all want to feel our own significance and importance. If you master the skill of making people feel worthy in your company, you will achieve success.
goals, while keeping in mind their main results. This prevents them from getting stuck in daily routine and helps avoid emotional traps in case of a failure. Moreover, successful women know perfectly well their own weaknesses. The long-term planning uncovers the skills they lack to achieve the goal. This allows you to fill in the gaps in your knowledge in advance, or to get other people involved who can help you with your project.
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They set long-term goals
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Successful women never live without a goal. Most people have a set of yearly results they want to achieve, divided into intermediate, monthly goals. But successful women plan much further ahead: they usually have a 10-year strategy to live by. They also resort to special long-term planning techniques, such as visualization.
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Successful women feel good about cooperation. They constantly communicate with people, making note of who can help them achieve their goals. The beauty of networking is that everyone has useful connections, and you can be introduced to people you need. At the same time, successful people are also ready to help their partners. At the end of the day, the best way to improve your relationship with people is to pay back with your services, expertise and knowledge.
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They think strategically
Another distinctive quality of successful women is their strategic thinking. Setting long-term goals allows them to plan their actions. They concentrate on meeting their immediate
They cooperate
They are flexible
Finally, the main quality of successful women is flexibility. If you can resist the pressure longer than everybody else, you win. And sustaining the pressure is only possible if you are flexible. The good news is, you can learn how to act in stress situations and control your emotions. This comes down to three main skills:
Concentration Learn to stay focused on the issue at hand in a stress situation. You will have to get rid of all the emotions – including fear. All that matters is the present moment. Discipline Learn how to make a deliberate decision and get rid of secondary factors. Long-term planning will inform your judgment here. Adaptation Long-term strategies may become obsolete in light of changed circumstances. That’s why you should be ready to adjust your course of action at any moment.
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Lioness Social Scene
What is the
Best Way
to celebrate International Women’s Day?
neurial ul, and entrepre sf es cc su l, fu ti twork beau ronto Area to ne Bring together To er at re G e eat l over th ply revel in a gr m si women from al d an , ss ne e their busi nment in style, promot xurious enviro n)! night out in a lu want to have fu st ju s rl gi , ow kn (because, you
And that is exactly what we did at Lioness! On March 27, the Lioness Woman’s Club welcomed our members and guests to the Glam Gala 2014, held at the Grand Luxe Event Boutique. Glam Gala turned out to be a night to remember! The guests took the dress code – Lady Chic – very seriously and arrived wearing exquisite dresses and looking spectacular. It was a pleasure to see our incredible guests mingle, and enjoy their time and each other. Almas Jiwani, the CEO & President of UN Women Canada, delivered an inspirational keynote address about the significance of International Women’s Day in light of the big accomplishments of the global gender equality movement. Ms. Jiwani shared the story of her journey to becoming the president of the UN Women National Committee Canada, as well as her mission to empower women throughout the world.
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The guests gave a standing ovation to the ever-young and elegant Elizabeth Grant, Founder & CEO of Elizabeth Grant International. Jenny Katkova-Brown, the Founder of Lioness, proudly presented Ms. Grant with the Lioness Woman of Passion and Power Award in recognition of her lifetime resilience and success. Elizabeth is an inspiration to all entrepreneurial women and the epitome of success in style. In her warm and touching speech filled with humour, Elizabeth shared episodes from her
career and many words of wisdom, encouraging our guests to “Never take ‘No’ for an answer!” and to remember that age and gender must not be relevant when it comes to achieving your goals. Later in the evening, during her short welcome to the guests, Jenny spoke about the importance of combining the intelligence and poise for achieving success. In the spirit of Lioness, Jenny also highlighted how essential it is to support the successes and triumphs of our fellow members.
The Glam Gala featured captivating performances by the Canadian Pop Opera sensation NARIA and the powerful soul singer Elitsa Manolo. The guests enjoyed beautiful art and photography, and were treated to a delicious dinner à la fourchette and delectable wines. Lioness proudly premiered “Luxuries by Lioness”, its own newly published print magazine created for sophisticated and entrepreneurial women.
Read about what our guests had to say!
Victoria Franciosa, Sales Executive / Marketing Co-ordinator at Amped Media Studios: “Last night I was at the Lioness Woman’s Club Glam Gala. And this morning I can’t help but to reflect back on the evening... The incredible women that I met, along with great speakers with touching stories that were shared. As I reflect upon the evening, I can’t help but feel a strong sense of gratitude. Among the attendees was
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(and may I say that I was blessed to have been seated with) Elizabeth Grant - of the skin-line... An incredibly beautiful woman, both physically and soulfully, who is 91 years old and moves and thinks sharper than a woman a quarter of that age. Another influential woman sitting at my table was the President of UN Women Canada, Almas Jiwani. As keynote speaker, she pointed out that the “woman’s liberation movement” is now 1-0-3 years old... That is now over one hundred years old. How extraordinary is
that for us? ...Our foremothers have been working towards a world of liberation... One that I might add we take as a birthright. Isn’t that incredible? One thing that I have learned in life is to never take anything for granted and always be grateful for what you have. So, on that note, let’s digest that for a moment... We wake up each morning with the gift of going out into a world that accepts us with equality. These same women, who started this movement and have since died, will never know the world that they www.lionesswomansclub.com
created for us... Seriously, let’s take a few minutes to digest that... Next March 8th (Women’s Day) we can celebrate that again, but let us also celebrate that today! And let us also be reminded of the POWER OF ONE! One thought that generates a movement... any movement. I am feeling incredibly blessed this morning... Even though the sun isn’t shining on us this morning, I am filled with more gratitude than 10 sunshines! (Is that even grammatically correct? I don’t care... I’m loving life, God bless) Thank you for a wonderful event last night.”
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Lioness P ortraits
Lea Gottlieb: Swimsuit Mogul and Survivor by Monique Bourgeois
II
f you aren’t familiar with the name Lea Gottlieb, there’s only one thing you need to know. Mainly, because there’s really only one way to describe her. She’s a survivor.
Born in 1918 in Hungary, Lea - like most of us - dreamed up plans for her life. Her dreams included studying chemistry and getting married. These plans changed, as the Nazi soldiers moved into Hungary.
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When Lea was left alone with her two daughters after her husband Armin was taken to a concentration camp, she quickly learned how to stay on her toes. She did everything she could to keep herself and her two girls safe, like hiding in a pit to escape being seen by a soldier. While that was brave enough, it pales in comparison to when she would conceal her head behind a bouquet of flowers to mask her Jewish origins at checkpoints. As a nod of gratitude for saving her
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life, flowers became an integral part in her life to come as a designer. Luckily, Lea and her two girls were re-united with Armin. The road ahead of them, though, didn’t become much easier. They supported themselves by operating a raincoat factory in Czechoslovakia. In search of a brighter future, Lea and her family decided to move to Israel in 1949. With help from their family and friends,
they raised enough funds to open a raincoat factory in their new home country. It wasn’t long before the lack of rain made it very clear to the new immigrants and entrepreneurs that they were in trouble. Being the unstoppable woman she was, Lea moved on to the next plan. The money she raised from selling her wedding ring would be what would set Lea on her path to international success. She bought some fabric, borrowed a sewing machine, and then set off designing and manufacturing swimsuits under the label Gottex. She didn’t stop there though. Lea loved the idea of a collection that fit in no matter if you were at the pool, a bar or a party. To make this idea come to life, Lea created trousers, caftans, tunics and beach coveralls. While known for her swimwear, what really set Lea apart were the fabrics she designed and used in her creations. Flowers, her lifesavers, were dear to her heart and were often featured in her fabric designs, but she was also fond of geometric shapes and amazing colours. Lea said, she took inspiration from “the Aqua of the Mediterranean, the golden yellow of the desert, the blue of Lake Tiberias, the pink of Jerusalem stone and the greens of the Galilee.” Many of her fabrics were the interpretations of art works, like Van Gogh’s paintings and Scott Joplin’s Ragtime. There seems to be a pattern of greatness catching the eye of greatness. Many people known all over the world, like Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields, and even Princess Diana, had been seen supporting Gottex creations. They weren’t the only ones wearing Gottex fashion though. In 1989, Gottex made over $40 million, and by 1991 that grew to over $60 million.
Gottlieb’s designs could be found in 80 countries around the world, in the stores of retail giants like Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales and Harrods. The love and commitment Lea and Armin shared for each other and their business was evident, especially when Armin sadly passed away in 1995. Lea struggled to keep faith in herself and decided to hire managers to help with the company. As it was no easy task, many managers came and went. The changing of management combined with the change in consumer taste led to hard times for the company. In 2001, Lea decided it was time to move on and resigned from Gottex, the company and name she built literally with her own two hands. For many, leaving your own legacy would have been the end, but not for Lea Gottlieb the survivor. In 2005, at the spry age of 88, she started a new company named after herself. While the Lea label offered the glamorous and elegant swimwear Gottlieb was known for, it didn’t share in the same success as Gottex. For a woman who had accolades ranging from the re-invention of swimwear by introducing hard cup bras and spandex to being named one of the Top 200 Israeli of All Times, I doubt financial success holds much clout. She immersed herself in those things that gave her joy, allowing that joy to spread to others through her personality, as well as her designs. It’s this joy that, until her death in November of 2012, fueled her survival skills and her life.
Lea Gottlieb didn’t just live her life. She lived a life by design! www.lionesswomansclub.com
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In the arts loft
Dark and Rich Photography
by Helen Sobiralski by Ramna Shahzad
Welcome to the dark and luxurious world of the German fashion photographer Helen Sobiralski! Thoughtful and provocative, her photographs convey vivid stillness, dangerously delicate sexuality, and silence that speak volumes – like in Baroque paintings. Sobiralski earned international recognition with her unusual award-winning photography series titled Cockaignesque exploring the theme of opulence and oblivious abundance.
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Every image is highly planned and impeccably executed. The photographs display symbolic ideas and gestures that aim to invoke a particular reaction from the audience. For example, a few of her
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photographs include a seemingly opulent woman with candles and wax draped cross her shoulders and, in another image, across her back. The contrast between light and dark in the photograph-
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er’s work blurs the lines between reality and the surreal. Sobiralski uses soft and dark tones in her photographs, which often allows a certain object and colour such as red to stand out and be prominent.
What makes her unique in the world of modern day surreal photography is the artful incorporation of fashion in her work. Her models often sport large, extravagant hairstyles and make-up that can achieve the effect of creepy and beautiful simultaneously. The effects of the hair and make-up along with the imaginative background allow the artist to play with the features of her models in several ways. The photography is able to create an alternative world, where
abstract paintings, rather than simply a mere photo shot.
ates the effect of richness and waste, while a live action is captured.
Another important aspect of her work includes the use of furniture, props and objects to enhance the meaning of the work. The photography goes past using humans only as subjects. Oftentimes, the use of furniture can help achieve the dramatic effect as well. For example, the use of a red exquisite sofa draped in velvet helps achieve the effect of luxury and opulence. In another image, pouring away what seems to be milk, while the model stares into the distance, cre-
Helen Sobiralski’s work can be appreciated by a lover of art, fashion, photography, portraiture, and anyone who has a taste for creativity. She possesses an artistic quality so rare today to create work that is both appeasing to the eye and that can relay a theme.
From magazines to art galleries, Sobiralski is an artist who can shine anywhere.
although the subjects are humans, their unsettling yet attractive features make them seem otherwise. It is in this way that Sobiralski is able to make her photography seem like portraiture and www.lionesswomansclub.com
Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
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Inspiring Success In Style Jeanne Lottie
is a successful Canadian business, famous for trendy and affordable bags and accessories. Its brand name is made from blending together the names of the company’s founders: designer Jane Ip and her sister Charlotte. In Cantonese, the mother tongue of Ms. Ip, this musical combination – Jeanne Lottie – means ‘true happiness’. ‘True happiness’ has been the philosophy of the brand for almost three decades, and all of these years its passionate and loyal fans have enjoyed the beautiful creations of Jane Ip.
L La Vie En Rose by
One of the reviews of the Jeanne Lottie brand reads: “Designer Jane Ip is Canada’s answer to Kate Spade”. How would you comment on this?
Jeanne Lottie
What is the secret of such long-lasting and ever-growing popularity? Visit Jeanne Lottie’s Pink House in the posh Yorkville neighbourhood, and pick up a purse to your taste. The moment you do it, you will realize that every woman is entitled to La Vie en Rose.
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Lioness Luxuries invited Jane Ip for a cup of tea to have a small talk about big things.
www.lionesswomansclub.com
JI: I am flattered, as I love her designs, very practical but also fun, especially her collections in the last few years.
You hold an MBA from the prestigious Schulich School of Business. Did your education help you in developing your business? How much did your formal degree contribute to your success, and how much of it was your natural intuition and entrepreneurial spirit?
JI: Not really, more inspiration from my Dad as a successful entrepreneur. I brought Vogue to school… and found classes very boring. But it is a great credential when I need to impress the business world, like our bank managers. What was the greatest obstacle you encountered while building your business?
JI: Emotional set back a few times from dishonest and unprofessional employees. And also, some unprofessional customers and suppliers. And others obstacles like cash flow, etc., technical stuff, I just dealt with it like a business. But when my feelings got hurt, it took a long time to recover.
The promotion of fashion brands is often built on projecting large images of luxury, success, power, beauty, etc. Meanwhile, you have chosen to market your accessories as fun and lighthearted items – and it works! How did you arrive at this idea?
JI: Naturally, that’s the way I live my life…it’s the philosophy of finding true happiness. What is your idea of a ‘perfect bag’? How do you select the right design to make it a bestseller?
JI: A bag that suits you is a PERFECT BAG. Very personal like a soul mate, there’s really no rule. You have to love carrying it, and it has to serve your needs. As the famous song tells us, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. Could you name another friend for girls? And what might a girl’s enemy be?
True Happiness is… True Beauty
woman, successful entrepreneur, and an enthusiastic humanitarian, you seem to have found the right combination of both. What is it?
And helping others is very selfish, because at the end of the day, I feel great, and it is a feeling that no one can take away from you.
JI: Practice balance. Breathe in and breathe out. Learn to flow and always listen to your body and mind… Yoga!
Looking back to the time when you were just starting your brand, what advice would you give to yourself now?
You are highly respected for your charitable work. Which causes are you advocating for? Why is helping others important to you?
What is your favourite quote that best describes your beliefs and attitude toward life?
JI: More women issues…
JI: Stay focused.
JI: True Happiness is… True Beauty
JI: Shoes and Bags! Too many, as others commented… is our enemy! Women began to realize that they need to combine ‘a life of striving and a life of thriving’ to avoid burning out while pursuing success. As a charming www.lionesswomansclub.com
Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
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Beauty Parlour
Irene Lewis, the writer for Luxuries by Lioness, sat down with Oxana Sergeeva, the Executive Manager of New You Spas, for a conversation about what sets New You Spa Salons apart from other spas in Canada.
course, the results, is what renders us the referrals. This philosophy has served us well. Eighty per cent of our clients recommend the New You Spas to their friends and family.
What do the clients of New You Spas expect from their visit? OS: The clients of the New You Spas are always expecting
economic sense. When you want to actually restore your skin, re-create the firmer structure and enjoy the results longer, Bellafill is the best answer. Another popular procedure is CoolSculpting – a revolutionary, non-surgical contouring treatment that freezes stubborn fat, which then is naturally eliminated from your
“ Spa: The“ where the New You is Possible How do the New You Spas differ from other beauty institutions? OS: Once you step into our spa, it is all about your new face, new smile, new skin, and new body. It is about a brand new, high-tech and unique experience, as we use the latest computer technologies in new and exciting ways. For example, we are running a program, Clarity UV Visualizer, which analyzes digital photos of our clients’ skin and reveals any areas of damage. From there, the spa staff provides a personalized treatment plan for each our client.
How does New You Spas manage to embrace the stateof-the-art beauty technologies that were featured on “The View”, CNN, and Fox Channel?
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Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
OS: The founder of New You Spas - Mr. Jeff Nourse - is a long-time veteran of medical spa business in North America. His goal has always been to make the New You Spas a provider of the leading, oneof-a-kind treatments for body contouring, skin rejuvenation and beauty in this country. Jeff is always going for the best, unique and latest technologies available in the industry.
What should a trusting, longlasting relationship between a client and a spa be built upon? OS: Good service must be the foundation of a clientspa relationship. At New You Spas, we believe in perfection in everything we do and deliver. We strongly feel that our high quality service, attentiveness to client’s needs and, of www.lionesswomansclub.com
to have an outstanding experience. In response, we provide a five-star, concierge-like atmosphere along with the only Guaranteed Results program offered in the industry.
The New You has a line-up of innovative procedures, many of which women have never heard about. Please tell us about the most popular unique procedures for face and body rejuvenation you offer? OS: First and foremost, I would like to talk about the unique and sought-after Bellafill injections and CoolSculpting treatment. Bellafill is absolutely different from most other temporary fillers. We call this filler “beauty that lasts”. It provides filler enhancement that makes
body. No needles, no special diets, no supplements, no surgery. And, most importantly, no downtime. Each treatment lasts one hour, so you can easily fit your appointment into a lunch break. You will typically see a noticeable reduction of fat after one visit.
What should be the very first step to a New You? OS: I think the very first step to a New You is as simple as make a firm decision to bring the New You to life and take action. At New You Spas, we would be happy to assist you and provide a speedy delivery of the New You that you’d like to see. During your first visit, we will arrange a meeting and thoroughly discuss your desires and goals, as well as the methods to achieve them.
Lioness Recommends Gail Knecht
C.I.P.
Specializing in all aspects of Insurance; Manufacturers, wholesalers, builders, contractors, property management, retailers, business and medical professionals & more.
Photography Re Imagined
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Robin L. Noble – Owner/CEO
Booking & Creating Customised Trips & Wellness Travel
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Entertainment Business Established Artist Management & Publicist P.R. & Media Relations Luxury Brands
Shunell Hillman President & CEO
Contact : Email : Facebook : Twitter :
416-885-3839 karmakommunikations@gmail.com www.facebook.com/karmakommunikations @ShunellHillman
Katerina Rapoport Inc. provides highly professional makeup and hairstyling bridal services. www.katerinrapoport.com 416- 826- 5528 book @k a t e r in a r a popor t . co m
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Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
www.lionesswomansclub.com
Lioness Recommends
JOIN US!
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For the unforgettable night with “Violin goddess Anne-Sophie Mutter” and Mutter Virtuosi in Roy Thomson Hall for their Canadian debut on November 21, 2014. The hand-picked ensemble, features stunning string players, is acclaimed for both breathtaking virtuoso playing and wide-ranging repertoire. You will listen to chamber music’s most treasured works: Mendelssohn’s sparkling and animated Octet and Vivaldi’s ever fresh The Four Seasons.
Experience a refreshing vibrancy in a night of deeply satisfying musical masterworks!
Love at first lash
(416) 873-1123
416-972-7694
Experience the Elegance and Glamour of Siam Gallery jewellery, where each exquisite design represents sophistication and versatility
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Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
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Wines and Us A Perfect Time For
Summer Wine by Deanna Toribio
What wines and foods should we be matching this summer? Summer food is bursting with flavour, with casual dining coming to the fore. Barbecue, of course, salads, seafood, and fruit in profusion. And we are looking for cooling drinks, as the sun gets hotter.
I
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Luxuries by Lioness, Summer 2014
A classic, wine-based beach, barbecue and party drink from Spain is Sangria. Sangria was traditionally made from a local red wine, with sugar or honey, chopped fruit such as oranges, lemons, melon, pineapple, even mango and berries, with a slug of brandy added to cheer things up. Feel free to throw in ice. Sangria is a wonderful party drink, it’s also pleasant with a picnic or a barbecue. For a lighter flavour, use white wine to make a Sangria blanca. For really hot weather, freeze the fruit you are going to use in your Sangria. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a good blend from California for your white Sangria. Don’t neglect red wine when planning your summer wine shopping. For fun drinking, seek out Italian Lambrusco with its slight sparkle. Once considered a simple, cheerful quaffing wine, Lambruscos can now offer some excellent and relatively complex flavours.
If you’re looking to quench your thirst, you don’t want to be taking too much alcohol on board. Look out for light whites with their generally lower alcohol content. For example, young Vino Verde wines from Portugal with their sharp lemony, grassy flavours and light green colour, to pair beautifully with Greek style salads loaded with feta cheese, heritage tomatoes and olives. Rose wine is a summertime favourite. The light pink colour is refreshing just to look at in the glass, and the typical fruity flavour is popular
ning. Often made from excellent grapes like syrah, roses can offer intriguing fresh and complex fruit and flower flavours. Drink with seafood for the perfect partnership.
with everyone. Match it with barbecue, if you don’t want to drink the traditional beer. Add soda, ice, and mint to www.lionesswomansclub.com
make a cool and delicious spritzer, and feel free to drink way into the summer evening with no ill effects in the mor-
The real wine lover wants exciting wine. When choosing reds, use summer’s more casual feel to explore a little off the beaten track. Choose wines made from blends, such as Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and seek out wines from countries, which perhaps you haven’t yet considered – such as Argentina and Chile.
www.LionessWomansClub.com
Inspiring Success In Style