Living Luxe Magazine - Winter 22 • Vol 4 Issue 6

FASHION FOR A CAUSE

CITY COUTURE

Living Luxe presents a night of fashion, design and art in support of SickKids Foundation, featuring six of Canada’s top designers: Meet Christoper Bates, Lesley Hampton, Steven Lejambe, Sebastian Guarin, Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi and Aashif Jamani

Step into the world of renowned photographer Neil Dankoff

Agra 1000 & 1001: These gorgeous rugs bring life, character and timeless elegance to any space. Hand-knotted with the finest abrash-dyed wool, Agra 1000 and 1001 are a true celebration of artisanal craftsmanship with luxurious results.

“A beautiful space starts from the ground up with a weavers art…”

– Michael Pourvakil

Agra 1000 – Sky, gold in wool & silkette

Agra 1001 – Dove, multi in wool & silkette

Harlem 958: Bold and beautiful, this ethereal design arouses a range of atmospheric emotions from the permeating molten patterns to the tranquil sediment tones. Hand-knotted in wool and silkette.

FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM

Currently at 1400 Castlefield Avenue

Starting January 2023 @120 Tycos Drive

Tel 416 929 7929

Harlem 958 – Multi in wool & silkette

Disrupting Diamonds

No matter what the indulgence, your flooring will truly make your space a sanctuary worth coming home to.

COMFORT COMES IN MANY STYLES

Furnish your home with style and grace. Shop our wide selection of quality furniture to find everything you need from floor to ceiling. Explore our 100,000 square-foot showroom and enjoy free design consultations, custom selection and more choice than you can imagine.

#1 premium gallery

WELCOME TO YOUR LEGACY.

INTERIORS DESIGNED BY ELIZABETH BOLOGNINO

PENTHOUSE COLLECTION FURNISHED EXCLUSIVELY IN RALPH LAUREN HOME

ENVISIONED BY RICHARD WENGLE

AT THEWATFORD.CA

Illustrations are artist’s concept. Brokers Protected. All rights reserved. The Watford™ 2021 E. & O.E

RESERVE

An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Watford since its inception. A new classic in bespoke luxury living in the prestigious neighbourhood of Richmond Hill. A private gated community of elegantly appointed residences, featuring “The Penthouse Collection” exclusively styled and furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. Encompassing inimitable walled gardens, serene rooftop green space, and grand private terraces. These homes, offer exceptional living experiences with state-of-the-art luxuries and traditional touches, including large-scale windows that bathe the finely curated interiors in an abundance of natural light. A live-in porter, twenty-four-hour on-site concierge, personal valet service and gold-standard security.

Discover the heritage, innovation and pioneering craftsmanship that make

Illustrations are artist’s concept. Brokers Protected. All rights reserved. The Watford™

A LEGACY OF ARCHITECTURAL BRILLIANCE NESTLED IN TORONTO, CANADA

An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Watford since its inception. A new classic in bespoke luxury living in the prestigious neighbourhood of Richmond Hill. A private gated community of elegantly appointed residences, featuring “The Penthouse Collection” exclusively styled and furnished in Ralph Lauren Home. Encompassing inimitable walled gardens, serene rooftop green space, and grand private terraces. These homes, offer exceptional living experiences with state-of-the-art luxuries and traditional touches, including large-scale windows that bathe the finely curated interiors in an abundance of natural light. A live-in porter, twenty-four-hour on-site concierge, personal valet service and gold-standard security.

Discover the heritage, innovation and pioneering craftsmanship that make The Watford the landmark it is today.

Welcome to your legacy.

EVERY GIFT HAS A STORY

THE MANOR

Standing as a crown jewel in a premier Bayview/York Mills Bridle path neighbourhood, this mansion blends visionary design, passionate consideration to detail, and unique artistic touches.

Through a gated entrance and splendid heated motor court, the facade speaks of aureate interiors: a living room embellished with a marble fireplace, a dining room with an antique chandelier, a chef’s dream kitchen, and a breakfast room overlooking the gardens, pool and waterfall.

In close proximity to the finest schools, golf and country clubs and some of Toronto’s premier cultural attractions, The Manor is unmatched in grandeur and scope, a property for a modern day dynasty.

“A world of magnificence awaits”

15 CHIEFTAIN CRESCENT OFFERED AT 12,880,000.

9 67 967

To experien ce the Collect ions visit one of our exclusive sh owrooms

DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS GTA

2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, ON (905) 677-9354 www downsviewkitchens com

YORKVILLE DESIGN CENTRE

87 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON (416) 922-6620 www yorkvilledesigncentre ca

DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS 2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, Ontario

The Downsview cabinetr y collection is custom crafted in Nor th America and available exclusively through select kitchen design showrooms

The Art Of Surgery

Dr. Philip Solomon

OTOLARYNGOLOGISTHEAD & NECK SURGEON PRACTICING IN FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

#1 In Luxury For A Reason

No one has sold more luxury real estate in this decade than Barry Cohen Estates. * The reason is obvious. In addition to our unmatched negotiation skills, we provide the greatest exposure for your home. By utilizing the very latest in print and online marketing strategies, enhanced by our exclusive international affiliations, more local and foreign buyers see our homes. Simply put, we do more for our clients than our competition. The proof is in the numbers.

#1 in Toronto For Homes $3,000,000 - 35,000,000, since 2008*

Unmatched Global Reach

We are proud to be the exclusive preferred partner of Forbes Global Properties for the GTA and Cottage Country, the worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes. No other luxury real estate platform has the global reach, credibility, or media power of Forbes, allowing us to reach 190 million people monthly, in 70 different countries and 27 languages.

Every project is completely customizable from our cabinet interiors to the external materials and finishes. We have in-house designers to help bring your project into reality.

If you are a homeowner looking to build your dream kitchen or an architect, builder or designer looking for someone to execute your projects, please give us a call or send us an email.

431 CARLINGVIEW DR | ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO

TEL 647.998.3148 | FLEXWOOD.CA

ESTABLISHED IN 1990 FOR OVER 30 YEARS, WE HAVE SPECIALIZED IN BESPOKE CABINETRY AND FURNITURE.

AT THE HEART OF YOUR EVERYDAY

Raglan House is home. Home to a master-planned neighbourhood with an array of conveniences. Home to a charming urban community that’s surrounded by parks, ravines, trails, and greenspaces. Home to transit, any direction you want to go. And home to where several desirable neighbourhoods come together. This is your homebase to the best of it all.

HEAD OFFICE: 635 Oster Lane. Unit 12,13,14,15. Concord

SHOWROOM: 7250 Keele St. Unit 214. Concord

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @LUXEMEKITCHENS www.luxemekitchens.com info@luxemekitchens.com

We are recognized in North America for our custom cabinetry and millwork. We create luxurious kitchens, vanities, walk-in closets and more.

LUXEME KITCHENS INC.

We are inspired by the unique vision of each client for their dream home. With the convergence of polished design and optimal performance, you will find what you need with us.

Inspire Create Perform

Design Showroom: 12 Wingold Avenue, Toronto | 647-574-2766

The Distillery Winter Village

The most magical outdoor holiday experience in Toronto

November 17 - December 31, 2022

Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season at The Distillery Winter Village, a one-of-a-kind, outdoor holiday market where visitors can take-in the timeless romance of the holidays, celebrate with family and friends, and enjoy specially curated vendor cabins full of seasonal items, gifts, and delicious food.

You don’t want to miss the most majestic Christmas Tree designed by Parfums Christian Dior -- a 51ft tall white spruce, on display in Trinity Square. This sparkling masterpiece took 500 hours to decorate with:

• 70,000 twinkling lights

• 400 custom midnight blue ornaments

• 1,700 shiny and matte gold balls

• 1,000 custom Dior star charms

Once you step foot into The Distillery Winter Village, you will feel the magic of the holiday season. Wave to Santa and his Elves, enjoy mulled wine on the heated patios, join in the caroler sing-a-longs, make a wish for charity on the Wish Stars, find the hidden gingerbread people to win weekly prizes, and shop for unique gifts you can’t get anywhere else.

For tickets and to plan your visit: TheDistilleryWinterVillage.com

@distilleryTO

#DistilleryWinterVillage

The Distillery Historic District 65+ shops, restaurants and cafes are open at 10am daily, every day, except Christmas Day.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GILLIAN JACKSON (TOP IMAGE) PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON BARRÉ BOTTOM IMAGE)

Clare Belfrage, “Quiet Shifting” 22.5H x 11.75W x 8D”

Contributors

What’s your favourite piece of holiday decor?

EVE CLAXTON

DESIGNER AND CUSTOM-HOME BUILDER

“The Christmas tree. No matter the style or decorations, fake or real, they fill a room with the holiday season. Even seeing them all lit up through windows on a cold night seems to fill you with a homecoming warmth.”

TARA MACINTOSH

WRITER

“Snow globes are my favourite pieces of holiday decor. Their shiny white flakes swirl and sparkle capturing my imagination and the magic of the season.”

ROBIN NADEL DESIGNER

“Incorporating candles is quintessential in elevating any space. Their warm glow and beautiful scents create the perfect holiday ambiance and a wonderful way to set the mood. Candles have become a coveted holiday gift and their impression is long lasting.”

LISA VAN DE GEYN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“I love our Hanukkah menorah and my collection of ornaments for the Christmas tree. My two favourites are beautiful glass bulbs with my girls’ names on them. They were decorated by one of my closest friends and I look forward to putting them up every year.”

PUBLISHING

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Lipkowitz

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Anthony Sirianni

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Hana Rakovski

Advertising rates, deadlines and information, email anthony@livingluxe.ca

For SUBSCRIPTION inquiries and address changes, email subscriptions@livingluxe.ca | livingluxe.ca info@livingluxe.ca

14 Leswyn Road, North York, Ontario M6A 1K2

Volume 4, Number 6, Winter 2022

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Je rey Boro

CONTRIBUTORS

Tamara Bahry, Jenna Bitove-Naumovich, Adriana Ermter, Nicole Garbanzos, Silvana Longo, Tara MacIntosh, Rachel Naud, Libby Wildman

CREATIVE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jennifer Douglas

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lisa van de Geyn

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Jeanne Beker

Embark on an unforgettable journey inside a venue that exudes luxury and mystique. The Imperial’s transformable spaces allow for many unique and unforgettable experiences under one luxury brand.

Season for Giving Back Tis the

I hope my letter finds everyone healthy and well. Before I share what we’ve been up to here at Living Luxe, I want to wish everyone a very joyous holiday season. May you create wonderful memories filled with love and kindness. And here’s to a successful, happy and healthy New Year. We are excited for 2023 and the good times to come.

For us, this year is coming to an end on a beautiful note. Our event held in support of Toronto’s much-loved SickKids was November 17, 2022. Our City Couture night, which consisted of a fabulous dinner, fashion show and silent auction, was the culmination of many months of hard work and fundraising. I have wanted to do something like this for years and, finally, with everyone’s support, we were able to make a difference. You can read more about this fabulous evening on page 122.

I want to thank all our amazing sponsors for being part of this journey. A special thanks to Jeanne Beker, our incomparable lifestyle editor, for hosting our event with grace and pizazz. You’re an inspiration to us all. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, to our donors for the live and silent auction and to everyone who bid for the items up for auction. And thank you to my son for sparking the idea for this event, and to my daughter for your unconditional support. You have all touched my heart.

We hosted our first design exhibition in the Distillery District the weekend following City Couture. I was pleased and excited to see so many of our readers and supporters as we celebrated wonderful innovations in design and fashion. There were so many talented exhibitors that took part in the show. Stay tuned for the Spring 2023 issue to find out more about these companies and to see their beautiful booths.

Before I go, I want to share the importance of gratitude. I have so much appreciation for my family, my wonderful team at Living Luxe (who are my second family) and my true friends. This year, I want to remember to share my gratitude as it’s easy to forget to do so when life gets busy. Whether it’s friendship, support or acts of kindness, showing appreciation gives our lives more significance and meaning. So, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made an impact in my life.

May you all have a wonderful winter spent with loved ones. Season’s greetings to you and yours.

Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher

Artwork created by Jennifer’s child.

jura.com

LUXE LIFE

Grand in scale, the Wave collection is a decadent blend of minimalist lines and maximalist details.

An ode to the Golden Age of Hollywood, it exudes sophistication and charm with its plush channel stitching and sleek curved architectural design. District Home.

districthome.com

WHAT’S NEW

By Silvana Longo

Colour Your World

On October 12, the much-awaited paint Colour of the Year was announced and then celebrated at Benjamin Moore’s first in-person reveal since 2019. Toronto designers and media were dazzled by the electrifying red-orange shade with a hint of pink, which burst onto the scene. The paint pick was clearly a departure from the quiet neutrals that defined these past two years, as Raspberry Blush 2008-30 is no shrinking violet. In fact, the Benjamin Moore 2023 Colour Trends palette takes a bold step forward with eight standout hues. These saturated shades deliver delight and personality to a space and unapologetically make a statement. Whether you decide to invite the vivacious coral as an accent, a statement furniture piece or enliven the walls of an entire dining room in the shade, this palette sparks joy and can’t help but inject some charismatic optimism into a

Strong as Steel

With more and more homeowners and builders opting for metal roofs because of their distinct advantages, wholesale and retail clients are invited to visit the recently renovated BTR Systems showroom at 2055 Dundas Street East, Unit 105, in Mississauga. With the vast amount of high-quality roofing products available, it is the ideal venue to come and see the various options in person. Besides incorporating an e-shop where orders can be filled and delivered across North America, the showroom also offers a roofer’s training centre where professional certification as a metal roof installer is issued. btr-systems.com

home. life. to

Soap Opera

Sealuxe beach glass is a single-serve soap that adds an oceanic vibe to a bathroom while being both beneficial to your skin and the environment. Available in Aqua, Rainbow and Rose, the latest addition, Candy Cane Beach Glass Soap, is perfect for a powder room during the holidays. It is peppermint scented and delivers a wonderful cooling effect while reducing dry skin and itchiness. Sealuxe founder Tanya Droege uses the elements of thalassotherapy infused with the Pacific Ocean’s ingredients to bring healthy results to skin. sealuxe.ca across North America, the showroom also offers

Running Down a Dream

An extraordinary story from an extraordinary Canadian woman, Candy Palmater’s new memoir, Running Down a Dream, hit bookshelves in October telling Candy’s story with an unequivocal message of hope relaying it is never too late to change your life. Candy described herself as a queer Mi’kmaw lawyer-turned-comic, raised by bikers in rural New Brunswick. On the surface, she met with enormous success upon leaving government and the practice of law to start a career as a stand-up comedian. Read about the highs, the lows and the pivotal turning points in her life where she decided to listen to her gut and pursue her dream. Sadly, Candy left us in late 2021, yet she left the world with a message of hope that will inspire us for years to come. harpercollins.ca

FABRIC ARCHITELLA® ELAN® | COLOR DARK CHOCOLATE | 1 1/4” ROOM DARKENING | OPERATING SYSTEM POWERVIEW® MOTORIZATION. ROOM-DARKENNG OPACITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN EVERY DUETTE® FABRIC AND COLOUR.

Jenna Bitove-Naumovich Contributing Fashion Editor

FESTIVE FASHION

These fabulous styles are heating up the season. Here’s what contributing fashion editor Jenna Bitove-Naumovich is coveting this winter.

By Jenna Bitove-Naumovich

Portrait by Natasha Gerschon

Makeup by Jessica Savedra

There’s something so romantic about the winter, and there’s a luxe coolness that comes with winter fashions. We’re talking about heavier fabrics that contrast with delicate embellishments and beautiful accessories. Faux furs, vinyls, brocades, rich colours, velvets, lace, illusion prints, platform boots and crystals reign supreme this season. Make a statement by donning an all-black outfit with embellishments, or try a layered all-white look that brightens winter’s darkest days. As a personal shopper for The Room at Hudson’s Bay, I’ve highlighted some of our gorgeous items to get you from now until spring looking fashionable, fabulous and, most importantly, unforgettable.

Jenna Bitove-Naumovich: Make a statement in this Blumarine cardigan with faux-fur trim, the A.W.A.K.E. Mode vegan leather pants and the Amina Mauddi denim handbag and matching denim mules.

TOP: Encrusted with Swarovski crystals, Amina Mauddi’s pink crystal lupita wedge is a showstopper from Mauddi’s latest collection.

LEFT: With PVC still trending, Amina Mauddi’s PVC handbag is the perfect shade of pink. We love its crystal handles.

LEFT: Moschino’s little denim dress with black corset lacing is casual and charming. Denim attire and accessories can dress down any ensemble and offers a relaxed vibe.

BELOW: Winter’s must have UGG boot of the season is the Chelsea platform boot. Perfect for looking fashionable and adding some height to any outfit.

LEFT: Moschino is known for its playful themes and prints. We are loving this brocade print knit with peplum top.

RIGHT: Moschino always has beautiful cuts and this Baroque print knit dress hugs the figure. The softness of knit and whimsical print makes it comfortable yet fashionable.

LEFT: Houndstooth prints are always a winter essential. This Balmain wrap oversized cardigan with gold buttons has a super-cozy vibe.

LEFT: A special collaboration between Wolford and Mugler, this body-con dress has a formfitting mesh that holds in all the right places. It’s a fabulous LBD.

BELOW: Cut-outs, peek-a-boos and skin-showing options are still very on trend this winter. The A.W.A.K.E. Mode long black peek-aboo disk dress has the ultimate mod vibe.

LEFT: Red, patent and vinyl are all on the forecast this holiday. This dress from Blumarine hits all the checkmarks for party season. The red rose accent finishes off the look.

Jenna BitoveNaumovich: We can’t get enough of this Alessandra Rich white lace dress coat with faux-fur trim paired with a Blumarine faux-fur heartshaped handbag and the Amina Mauddi Dalida white leather platform.

RIGHT: This cropped cardigan from Blumarine has a faux-fur collar. Available in pink, black and nude, it can be worn with cargo pants, jeans or over a little dress.

The Jacob & Co. Estribo Diamond Bangle now available at KNAR - Inspired by Andalusian Stallions, and the ornate detailing of traditional Spanish tack, Jacob & Co.’s stirrup or “Estribo” collection, offers a bold, yet elegant take on the exquisite adornment practices of Spanish equestrians.

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practicing Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, is an expert when it comes to surgical procedures, but he’s also at the top of his field using energy devices for facial rejuvenation and anti-aging. Here’s what we learned about what these devices are and how they’re used.

By Dr. Philip Solomon & Nancie Heiber

Living Luxe: When we talk about energy devices for facial rejuvenation, are we talking about lasers? What types of devices are there in facial rejuvenation?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Energy devices can include lasers, ultrasound therapy, light therapy and radio frequency. Each device targets the skin differently due to the varying delivery systems. Each laser has a different wavelength, and each wavelength has different physical properties that can target and treat different skin issues. Energy devices can be used as an alternative to surgery, in addition to surgery or to delay the need for surgery. Lasers, for example, target the surface of the skin, improving the tone and texture, while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Light therapy uses intense pulse light to address pigmentation and vascular irregularities. Micro-needling with radio frequency penetrates the skin at a deeper level, targeting underlying tissue to help stimulate collagen production and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Ultrasound therapy uses soundwaves to stimulate the dermis and, in some cases, deeper structures to elevate and lift sagging tissue.

There is a huge range of energy devices on the market and not all are created equally. We have been working with many technologies for more than 20 years and we hand-picked the technology that best complements our surgical procedures.

Living Luxe: Let’s discuss the Micro-needling with radio frequency for skin tightening. What does this technology do and who is a good candidate?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Micro-needling combined with radio-frequency heat targets the deeper layers of the dermis. Together, they cause trauma to the underlying tissue to stimulate the production of collagen necessary to improve skin quality. This delivery system contributes to tighter skin, a reduction in fine lines and overall healthier-looking skin. We also commonly use this technology to treat acne scars. Morpheus8 is quite well recognized because it was one of the first to hit the market and it delivers results with minimal downtime. Additionally, this technology can treat both men and women ranging in age from their 20s to 70s. We have patients in their 30s looking to ward off signs of aging and use it as preventative treatment; we also have patients in their 40s and 50s looking for an alternative to surgery. And then we have patients using Morpheus8 for maintenance following facelift surgery to maintain their results.

Living Luxe: How does Micro-needling with radio-frequency heat compare to Laser Resurfacing and why would someone choose one over the other?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Laser Resurfacing is a great procedure to address the skin’s surface — it tightens pores, brightens the skin and minimizes fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Laser is often used as an adjunct to facelift surgery or as an independent procedure to give the face a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The results are long-lasting, as long as the patient stays out of the sun and continues to use SPF regularly. Unlike lasers, Micro-needling with radio frequency is relatively safe for most skin types.

Living Luxe: We’ve heard about CO2 and Erbium Lasers. What’s the difference between the two?

Dr. Philip Solomon: CO2 and Erbium use different wavelengths, although there is some overlap between the two lasers, as they both treat fine lines, pigment and texture. At our clinic, we love using the CO2 around the eyes, while we find erbium most effective around the mouth. We often combine the two technologies and use them selectively for anti-aging treatments in conjunction with facelifts and eyelid surgery. The CO2 and Erbium both come with different settings, some of which are more aggressive and used in surgery, while others deliver a gentler rejuvenation treatment such as the Halo and Microlaser Peel.

Living Luxe: Where does Pico Laser Resurfacing fit in to the picture of skin rejuvenation?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Pico Laser is a unique wavelength that is used to remove pigment such as tattoo or sun-damaged skin. It’s a powerful tool that is safe for most skin types and doesn’t require any downtime, which is what makes this technology so appealing. It also helps minimize fine lines and brightens the skin. It’s been a game-changer in laser technology due to the wide range of skin types and concerns it can address. Working in a multi-ethnic city, having multiple devices is essential to be able to help people achieve successful outcomes.

Living Luxe: Is there anything you want patients to know before undergoing one or more of these treatments?

Dr. Philip Solomon: Laser technology can deliver outstanding results and can help reverse years of sun damage and signs of aging. We encourage our patients post-treatment to continue taking care of their skin using medical-grade skincare, SPF and to see us for maintenance treatments.

Patients need to do research and seek out specialists who have extensive experience in using energy devices. Laser technology, while an essential component of anti-aging therapy, must be performed by experienced and trained staff to avoid potential complications. Our team of nurses and medical aestheticians are very experienced, knowledgeable and highly skilled with the technology we offer at Solomon Facial Plastic.

Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC

“OUR TEAM OF NURSES AND MEDICAL AESTHETICIANS ARE VERY EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND HIGHLY SKILLED WITH THE TECHNOLOGY WE OFFER.”

Tamara Bahry

JOINING FORCES

By Aaron Lam

It can happen anywhere. Victims of sex trafficking can look like, or even be, someone you already know. They may blend in with the community, even as they are being recruited, harboured, held or transported for purposes of sexual exploitation. Because victims are difficult to identify at a glance, the billion-dollar global sex-trafficking industry is often hidden in plain sight.

The vast majority of these victims are women and girls, many of whom have experienced forms of social marginalization that increase their vulnerability. Sex traffickers often use isolation, humiliation and illicit substances to maintain their stronghold on victims. Abuse may have serious physical and psychosocial consequences for survivors, resulting in the need for specialized care. “As a crisis-intervention volunteer with Victim Services York Region, I was shocked to learn about the number of young women and girls being trafficked right here in Ontario,” says Kelly Grier-Nadal, who founded HART (Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team). “I could not turn away. It was a critically urgent issue in dire need of awareness and action.”

Although it is a growing concern in Canada, sex trafficking is under-researched and underreported. The healthcare system is often unresponsive to the unique needs of survivors, and gaps in

research have resulted in little evidence to influence healthcare models and government policy to better support and counsel those who seek help.

“The lack of appropriate supports and resources creates a major barrier that prevents women from leaving their trafficker,” says Grier-Nadal.

Thanks to a $1-million gift from HART, Toronto’s Women’s College Hospital is establishing a vital new initiative to address the gaps in care. “HART was committed to finding a partner with a proven track record of launching innovative initiatives that can be replicated, not only in Canada, but eventually in other parts of the world as well,” says Grier-Nadal. “At Women’s College Hospital, we found exactly the partner we were looking for.”

The generous gift from HART supports pioneering research overseen by Drs. Janice Du Mont and Robin Mason, who are senior scientists at Women’s College Research Institute and prominent specialists in gender-based violence. “Our research will help us learn how prepared the health, social-service, police and education sectors are to recognize and appropriately respond to survivors,” explains Dr. Du Mont. “Where gaps exist, our plan is to develop resources to address them.”

One-on-one interviews with physicians, nurses and social workers will provide invaluable data to determine steps forward. “The majority of sex-trafficked women in Ontario are not trafficked from other countries, but are Canadian-born,” says Dr. Mason. “By focusing on the issues here and learning from survivors themselves, we hope to bring greater understanding to their needs and contribute to systems change.” Results of the study will potentially inform the development of standardized curricula on sex trafficking for healthcare providers. “Together, we are helping to shine a light on the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world,” says Grier-Nadal. “Our goal is to educate, create awareness and involve others in supporting the important work that is needed to address this horrific crime.”

To learn more about Women’s College Hospital’s partnership with HART, and to donate directly to its anti-trafficking program, please visit wchf.ca or call 416-323-6323. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, please call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline for assistance. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call 1-833-900-1010 or contact your local police service.

Sex tra cking is a bigger problem than most people believe. The Human Anti-Tra cking Response Team (HART) and Toronto’s Women’s College Research Institute are working together to advance research to help victims of these hidden crimes.

Presented by Tamara Bahry, founding director of HART

Contributing Philanthropy Editor

ABOVE: WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL (BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT): KELLY GRIER-NADAL, FOUNDER OF HART; JENNIFER BERNARD, CFRE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION; CAROL WILDGOOSE, BOARD MEMBER, HART; (FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT): TAMARA BAHRY, BOARD MEMBER, HART; DEBBIE MCGRATH, BOARD MEMBER, HART.

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Art

By Adriana Ermter

Intricate conceptualization and custom design are just two phrases that come to mind when describing the expertise Art Boulle brings to all their projects. Be it classical, contemporary, ornate or avant garde in design, the company’s masterworks are the physical expression of their drive and passion. Every door, staircase, wall panel, built-in and furnishing is unique, reflective of and inspired by the team’s vision for the home and its homeowners. This perfectly explains why their craftsmanship is so coveted adorning luxury homes around the

Boulle’s unique blend of bespoke iron and woodwork with custom furnishings creates timeless elegance in Boca Raton.

world, inclusive of their most recent project, a stunning 10,000-squarefoot home in Boca Raton. “We worked directly with the owner and the home’s designer and architect, collaborating to customize this project,” says Nancy Saavedra, the CEO, co-founder and creative director of the Toronto-based company. “Together, we brought the designer and owner’s shared vision for the space to life.”

Timeless and elegant in aesthetic, complete with exotic touches, evidence of the home’s high-quality calibre begins with its jewel of a front door. Handmade from bronze metal and custom-designed, the door’s repeated hexagon pattern features tiny, elaborate cast-work-formed indentations that radiate from every angle in the Florida sunshine. Walking through its grand doorway leads to an entryway with walls embellished in exotic veneers lacquered in a polyester finish. A modern glass staircase with a matching veneer handrail and abstract, bronze metal detailing throughout the railing’s lower half add depth and glamour to the foyer. Book-matched marble — an ancient and precious technique that ensures the marble’s veining creates a fluid pattern — covers the entrance floor, along with the staircase’s treading and is, in its own right, visual art. “The main entrance door is the showpiece of the home,” says Saavedra. “The glass railing provides visual relief, but at the same time, it also shines on its own and the view from the second floor reveals the gorgeous book-matched marble treads. Every interior space of this home features uniqueness both in terms of design and materials.”

These interior spaces include the home’s living area where integrated pocket doors showcase exotic veneers and glass and metal details finished in bronze patinas. The custom door pulls feature cast-work-created metal work, while its reflective glass gives the room a wide and expansive feeling. In the dining room, the entryway’s wall-panelling is mirrored through magnificent built-ins with glass backdrops and shelving, allowing for the placement of unique accoutrements, antiques and collectible art. The home is elegantly furnished in handpicked, custom pieces from indigo-blue velvet sofas and plush armchairs to a marble dining table and a cluster of gold-leaf coffee tables. “The focus was to create completely custom pieces, incorporating veneers, gold details with royal blues and silver,” she says. “Our designs boast intricate details and refined upholsteries to merge a modern and timeless transitional design. We brought one-ofa-kind creations and complete customization with our designs and finishing touches. The overall effect is an atmosphere of exclusive sophistication.”

THE FLOOR IS YOURS

By Nicole Garbanzos

Floors are the foundation of a home. Rugs warm up the space, while custom floors add personality. Darker hues create coziness, and brighter, more neutral tones balance comfort and style. Antonio Hellman, the owner of Studio 321b in Toronto, knows a thing or two about this. Specializing in off-the-cuff custom rugs and curated flooring projects, his designs have always been full of originality and flair.

According to Hellman, Berbers are the current trend in custom rugs. They’re simple, clean, versatile and can easily flow in any setting. They’re also comfortable and cozy, which is why they’re currently selling so well. “They’re neutral textures without a lot of pattern and they’re made out of 100 percent New Zealand wool, so they’re highly coveted,” he says.

Other than Berbers, Hellman says Tibetan weeds are a great option to consider for a splash of colour. They’re made with a combination of New Zealand wool and a specific type of silk. Uniquely shaped rugs are what the studio specializes in, and these are currently trending because they add different dimensions to rooms. “It’s like a canvas and then you’re layering that canvas with your furniture. You can work the shapes into the rooms to make it more harmonious,” says

Studio 321b’s Antonio Hellman shares the top trends in custom rugs and floors for an aesthetically pleasing living space, and shares what he’s currently working on.

Hellman. “A room should always flow. That’s my goal.”

For custom flooring, the Scandinavian look is gaining popularity. It’s different than your traditional linear floors — it’s marquetry-styled hardwood that comes in squares with inset patterns. “People want something different,” says Hellman. “With the Scandinavian White Oak, there’s more versatility and colour. It makes the room feel lighter.” Hardwood offers that perfect rustic feel, while hand-scrapped stone remains an overall favourite. “People love it because it’s easy to maintain. It offers a factory finish.”

When he’s not working on designs at his studio, Hellman is educating homeowners and other industry experts on quality rugs. One of his current and most anticipated projects is a design show in New York. There, he’ll be showcasing six of his newly finished signature pieces that are heavily influenced by pop culture. In this collection, he wanted to create something iconic and legendary and chose figures like Jim Morrison and Marilyn Monroe to inspire him. “Marilyn has always been an icon. If you know her story, you’ll know she came from humble beginnings and grew to reach a luxe life,” says Hellman. “Morrison’s a poet, I’ve always been inspired by his lyrics.” Hellman also makes time to visit local colleges to share his knowledge and expertise, giving students a sense of the industry. “We like to keep them updated as to what’s going on in our great world,” he says. From current trends to the hardships we face, Hellman, a believer in quality, makes it a point to teach the value of a product. “We’re not like everybody else. I want to teach these designers the difference between a $200 rug versus a $25,000 rug, because it’s all about sustainability and quality,” he says passionately.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

196 Evans Avenue Etobicoke 416-881-7739

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TERRA FIRMA DESIGN

MAKING A MARK

Flexwood Fine Cabinetry thrives because of personalized service and incomparable attention to detail.

By Rachel Naud

When he was in the eighth grade, Martin Guzda was already sketching his own cabinet drawings and mastering the art of millwork. He grew up in the shop that his father opened in 1990. “It was a small operation, so I started cabinet-making

at a young age,” says Guzda. “It was just my father and grandfather, and I would come and help, especially in the summers when school was out,” he says. By the time he was in university, Guzda was working at the shop full-time while attending school. Fastforward years later and today, he is the proud co-owner of the Etobicoke-based shop that now employs approximately 30 people.

What’s most surprising about Flexwood Fine Cabinetry is not that it has been in business for more than 30 years, but that the family-owned-and-operated business has survived and thrived without advertising efforts. “We generally don’t advertise,” says Guzda. “Our business is based on referrals, word of mouth and clients coming back to work with us.” Their strong loyalty base lies on an even stronger foundation of unparalleled customer service that results in homeowners entrusting the company with everything

IT’S ABOUT WORKING WITH CLIENTS TO CREATE CUSTOM CABINETRY THAT WILL SUIT THEIR NEEDS AND LIFESTYLE, AND THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

from their kitchens and bathrooms to libraries, built-ins, fireplace mantels and offices. While Guzda says about 75 percent of their business comes from new custom homes, all of Flexwood’s customers trust the attention to detail the company provides, as well as the peace of mind they get with not only the finished product, but with the experience itself.

In the case of the work they do with custom builders, once Flexwood is hired, the team’s professionals communicate with contractors and builders to ensure that all aspects of the project are on the same page, and the experience is as smooth and as seamless as possible. “This is a big factor our clients appreciate,” says Guzda. “It makes everyone’s life easier if we are part of the process.”

A key part of that process is working with clients to create custom cabinetry that will suit their needs and lifestyle, and that

will last a lifetime. “We sit down with them and ask what their day-to-day lifestyle looks like,” says Guzda. “That’s a big one. That helps us lay out their kitchen, for example. So, if they use food storage containers of a certain size, or a have a beverage fridge they use frequently, we take that into consideration when designing their custom cabinets.” Clients are currently interested in metal integration and automated features like wireless sensors that light up cabinets and doors. New interior colours and finishes, charging stations, custom organizers for cutlery and pull-outs are also highly sought after. “People don’t want cookie-cutter kitchens that they see everywhere else,” says Guzda. “They want unique features so it’s personal. They’re investing their time and money and want something personalized, and we are there to take their ideas and make it happen.”

ON A COLD WINTER’S NIGHT

Stay stylish and warm with these top winter-ready bedding tips and latest trends from David’s Fine Linens.

By Silvana Longo

Preparing your home for the winter season may seem daunting, but fortunately, it is a multi-stage process that usually starts in the fall. However, once the patio furniture has been covered and put away, and you are enjoying the in-between season of open windows with the air-conditioner switched off, this is the best time to turn your gaze inside the home and begin the transition from light and airy to luxurious and cozy. As a proponent of the best sleep possible regardless of the season, the first space to tackle for the winter months ahead is the bedroom.

Suddenly, that white coverlet and those lightweight sheets seem somewhat scanty and out of place as the shorter days and cooler nights set in. So, what stays and what goes? We went straight to the experts to find out how to best prepare the boudoir for the Canadian winter. David Saini of David’s Fine Linens guides us with his seasoned knowledge of exclusive bedding products and design savvy in creating a stylish haven that envelops with warmth and wraps you in luxury.

knowledge of exclusive bedding products and design savvy in creating

Take it from the Top

Winter means layers, so let the layering begin by adding a feather bed before you turn on the furnace. “A feather bed will provide increased comfort and a cushioning support,” says Saini. Also, the right feather bed adds another layer of insulation that will help keep you warm on those chilly nights.

Stay Natural

Flannel sheets may scream winter but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your year-round favourites like cotton, micromodal or bamboo. “It’s important to choose sheets that are made with high-quality yarn and natural fibres,” says Saini. This combination offers breathable sheets with a softer touch. If you’re dressing a bed in your cottage up north, you may want to add that extra cozy fleece layer as it warms up the bed and insulates more than cotton.

Duvet Dilemma

Do you need to trade in your light duvet for a heavier one in the winter? Saini says this depends on where you live. For city living, “it is best to stick with a mid-weight duvet you use throughout the year, since you are dealing with air-conditioning in the summer and heater during the winter. However, if you live up north, a heavier duvet is necessary.”

the summer and heater during that Saini. This means bolder colours a cover-

Lush Layers and Texture

Let’s not forget about the duvet cover. Winter calls for richer hues like navy and charcoal, which Saini says are strong colour trends this season. Some may still prefer a winter-white colour scheme, and, in that case, “If you want to keep the palette light, add some lush layering by choosing a velvet coverlet,” says Saini. In fact, velvet is a key fabric for throws, cushions and shams for winter. “It adds a touch of luxury while warming up the space.” Mix up the texture and choose natural products like cashmere and Merino wool for additional layers like blankets and throws.

Now that you have amped up the heat factor in your winter bedding, let’s talk trends this season. In sync with the Maximalism design movement, “people are moving away from that tone-on-tone look,” says Saini. This means bolder colours and patterns on a quilt or a coverlet that enliven a space. For those who always gravitate toward that monochromatic style, start small and try incorporating the use of a bright contrasting colour to pep up the sea of neutrals in accents like cushions or a throw. Or the colour-shy might opt for metallic accents instead. Another hot trend is a take on the hotel bedding theme that we have seen for years. “We are seeing a new boutiquehotel look, which is a twist on the white bedding with borders we have seen in the past,” says Saini. Bolder lines, curves and links replace the straight lines which soften the look and add more visual interest.

To get ready for the season, visit David’s Fine Linens in two convenient locations, Bayview Village or in their Castlefield showroom.

A FOOT IN THE DOOR

At Doorland, a door is much more than a way to enter a room. It is an intricate piece of a home or building, completing the optics of the architect, designer or homeowner. Andrea Granzotto, son of Doorland founder Elio Granzotto, explains, “What makes a great door is the ability to create a vision. A door brings the whole experience of a room to life. A Doorland door stands out when it matches the intended design and feel of the space.”

By Tara MacIntosh

Doorland was officially launched in 1979 by Elio Granzotto. Elio was passionate about woodworking and design and became a classic art wood sculptor perfecting his craft in Italy. Elio’s undeniable talents led him to create beauti-

Doorland isn’t just about selecting a door for your home. It’s about working with a dedicated team of professionals who believe in custom pieces that will complement any decor.

Roofing Systems For Generations

Solid Steel is a family-owned business celebrating nearly 50 years in the roofing industry. Our roofs are eco-friendly and durable, and have twice the lifespan of conventional roofing products. Using modern design and topquality materials, we excel at all aspects of execution, and offer a 60-year guarantee for our work.

ful pieces through carving, casting and shaping techniques. When he moved to Canada, Elio saw a lack in the market for his artisan offering and decided to explore and share his work. His doors were well received by homebuilders and architects, which allowed him to build a successful business that is widely recognized today.

Interacting with Doorland is a bespoke experience. Affectionately referred to as partners, clients receive intricate custom work and exceptional customer service. Doorland has created incredible doors for everything from hotels to churches, high-rises to homes, each possessing unique qualities and intricate detail to complement the design of a space.

What makes Doorland’s doors stand out is the ability to customize work and be flexible in design. With a great sense of pride, Andrea says, “Our differentiator is in the offering. Everything is made to order, and the craftsmanship is undeniable. We take great pride in listening and understanding the vision of the architect or designer to be able to create a piece of art that will complete their vision.” Whether they are commissioned to manufacture one door or 20,000 doors, the attention to detail and the design efforts are

equal and unmatched.

At Doorland, everything is created with the experience in mind. The company controls its manufacturing, allowing for maximum flexibility in design and delivery. The goal of every job is to deliver a stunning and cost-effective product consistently. With the flexibility to handle orders from start to finish, the partners are free to explore unique construction options within the door selection. The intention is to build long-lasting relationships with each partner by integrating into the customer experience as much as possible. Currently, Doorland does the majority of its business in North America and the Caribbean; however, Doorland doors have stretched as far as China and Australia and generally complete one job a year in Europe.

What brings a smile to the faces of Andrea and his team is the ability to see their partners enjoy the space they helped to create. It is important to the team to see the doors they imagine, design, and manufacture as a piece of the environment they find themselves in and something uniquely special to those who interact with it.

“ OUR DIFFERENTIATOR IS IN THE OFFERING. EVERYTHING IS MADE TO ORDER, AND THE CRAFTSMANSHIP IS UNDENIABLE. WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING THE VISION OF THE ARCHITECT OR DESIGNER TO BE ABLE TO CREATE A PIECE OF ART THAT WILL COMPLETE THEIR VISION.”

HARVEST MOON

By Adriana Ermter

“We’re farmers, first and foremost,” says Angela Marotta, who, with her sister Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli, is the co-proprietor of Two Sisters Vineyards located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. “We never know what Mother Nature is going to give us each and every year, so it makes us appreciate every harvest and keeps us very connected to the land and our vineyards.”

With more than 300 acres of vineyards and winery lands requiring their daily attention, these women are dedicated to growing and creating some of the best wines the region can produce, something they’ve done for the past decade. “Winemaking takes time to perfect,” adds Marotta. “We focus on practicing responsible and sustainable farming practices to ensure we harvest high-quality fruit for generations to come.”

Following a low-intervention approach to farming, the sisters and their team take measures to ensure the production of ultra-premium wine grapes. They carefully manage the grapevine canopy using shoot thinning, shoot positioning, and removal of leaves around the grape clusters. This optimizes the sunlight received by the vine which maximizes ripening, flavour development, and grape quality. “We’re all about quality over quantity,” affirms Marotta-Paolicelli.

“When we remove the right number of leaves around the clusters, we’re allowing the sun’s energy and resources to flow directly to the grapes.” The Two Sisters Vineyards’ beautiful, ripened grapes are then harvested throughout the fall season with crews on stand-by diligently monitoring weather temperatures. For the red varietals, delicate Merlots are first to harvest, while heartier Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon withstand cooler conditions. When all are safely harvested, each varietal is crushed to release its juices, mix-mastered to ferment and then barrel-aged in the estate’s French oak barrels. Some of the vineyard’s white wine varietals, like Chardonnays, are also barrel-aged, with an additional six to eight months aged in bottle, while the winery’s red wines absorb the French oak barrel’s soft , elegant characteristics for 24 to 36 months in barrel and another two years in bottle. This attention to winemaking from vine to bottle

Two Sisters Vineyards’ five-star, awardwinning wine demands expert know-how, quality control and dedication to creating the best.

We would like to wish you a very happy holiday season! Next year will be full of some very exciting projects. Stay tuned for more information, and we’ll see you in the New Year.

We hope this holiday is full of quality time with family and friends – and lots of tasty holiday treats!

has paid off. This year, Two Sisters’ Lush Sparkling Rosé was deemed the best Canadian sparkling wine in Canada and ‘Best in Class’ at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in Europe. Their Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded two gold medals at the 2022 National Wine Awards of Canada, and their 2015 Cabernet Franc won a gold medal at the Six Nations Wine Challenge. “It’s our attention to farming, aging and our careful barrel selection that gives our wines their lingering finish, complexities and highlights — the little nuances that create harmony when you’re enjoying a glass,” adds Marotta. This craftsmanship has earned the sisters a loyal following. More than 1,000 wine enthusiasts are members of the Two Sisters Vineyard’s VIP wine club, with an additional 240 committed to their exclusive Cellar240 wine club. Both groups receive a select mix of bottles each quarter to sip and enjoy and have access to the estate’s Barrel Cellar and outdoor heated veranda to host private dinners. They are invited to complimentary wine tastings and wine club events, vineyard tours, winemaker dinners and, during the winter months, they can frequent the estate’s year-long, all-access, online retail store to purchase favourite bottles for complimentary delivery when they want to entertain at home. “We’ve had a lot of life experiences with our travels and the meals we’ve shared, so we curate special moments for our guests all year-long,” says Marotta-Paolicelli. “Most of all, we have beautiful, ultra-premium wines that are nourished on the vine and bottled right here on our estate. It is also a privilege and it makes us very proud to be able to do what we love in such an incredible place here in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

EXPERT ADVICE

The professionals at Binns kitchen + bath design are storytellers by trade and designers by heart. Here’s what designer Beverley Binns told us about what clients are looking for when it comes to redesigning their most-used spaces.

By Rachel Naud

Binns kitchen + bath design doesn’t just build its clients dream kitchens and bathrooms, it brings the story of their homes alive. A business that has been around for nearly 60 years — it was started by designer Beverley Binns’ grandparents, Joseph and Vera Binns, who emigrated from England — the personal touch the custom builder and renovator gives each customer who walks through their doors is the reason for the company’s longevity. “We put forward innovative, forward-thinking design ideas,” says Beverley Binns. This, however, doesn’t mean a customer is simply shown the latest trends in cabinetry and fixtures and asked to select their furnishings from a catalogue. Before any customer is shown any products, there’s

always a consultation with the company’s experts to discover what the client wants and needs when it comes to their individual spaces. For instance, the professionals at Binns kitchen + bath design want to know how homeowners use their current space, how they live, how they work and how they cook before a pencil is ever put to tracing paper. “This helps us understand what they’re truly passionate about,” says Binns. “Every kitchen tells a story, and we want to learn as much about our clients as possible so we can tell that story properly.”

For many homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of the home and comprises a big part of their living area. This is one of the reasons why Binns says she is seeing a shift from more industrial kitchen designs with stainless-steel accents to kitchens that have a softer and more comfortable feel. Clients are also looking to express themselves and tell their stories through their kitchens, so they’re opting for more expressive materials such as textured glass and metals and pops of colour like pinks, blues and greens. While kitchen islands are still a number-one request (as are big sinks and large prep stations), homeowners are also looking to hide some aspects of their kitchens, like hood fans. White kitchens are still popular, although Binns admits the trend has hit a bit of a pause. “I don’t think white kitchens

See her story and more at greatactions.ca

This is Stephanie, who donated a part of her liver to her son.

will ever be done, but we’re seeing people want white as a foundation of their colour story complementing a bright pop of colour like citrus yellow, red or even soft pastels.”

Binns also says kitchens are seeing an interesting new trend that centres around experience rather than status. Working with German kitchen manufacturer SieMatic’s MONDIAL collection, these kitchens involve a worldly design tailored by opulence and luxury that is expressive but minimalistic. “When you walk into these spaces, you have an emotional experience,” she says. “You look at the textures and geometry of it all, and it’s strong and bold. It’s not meant to fade into the architectural background, but at the same time, it doesn’t use any unnecessary decorations. It’s minimalistic and clean, and this style is really making a statement.”

Whether you want to go bold or subdued with your design, Binns says trusting the professionals is important to get everything you want and more. “Kitchens are expensive spaces to renovate,” she says. “You don’t want to have to do it again in three years. At Binns kitchen + bath design, you not only get high-quality products, but more importantly, you’re getting a high level of knowledge from our professionals who have the expertise.”

“ WE PUT FORWARD INNOVATIVE, FORWARD-THINKING DESIGN IDEAS. ”

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Tara MacIntosh

Hotel X Toronto, a member of the award-winning Library Hotel Collection of luxury hotels, has everything a guest could wish for this winter season. For individuals and families, Hotel X Toronto has carefully curated packages that include all their top-tier amenities and a few extras for family fun at any age. “We have prepared festive holiday fun for every guest this winter season. We welcome families to stay with us and enjoy all the lavish facilities geared toward an unforgettable stay,” says Matt Black, director of marketing and revenue. “Think of Hotel X Toronto as an urban resort with exceptional dining, wellness and games, relaxation, and all of this is in the heart of downtown Toronto.”

Within the plush walls of this luxe destination, there is everything

a group of friends or a family could desire in a winter staycation in the city. In December, children are top of mind, and the hotel has added a little magic to bring smiles to their faces. Hotel X Toronto is delighted to offer a special breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on several days through the month. There will also be family game nights, movie nights in the expansive screening room, unforgettable menu options and ways to stay active on the tennis and squash courts.

As the New Year approaches, wellness is on everyone’s mind. “Our guests are interested in wellness, and we celebrate that. We have incorporated wellness classes for guests to participate in while staying with us. There are a variety to explore, including ones that are specific to children. We invite our guests of all ages to join in,” Black says.

Centrally located to capture incredible views of Toronto’s waterfront and recognizable cityscape, the rooftop pool is open year-round for all guests to savour. As one of the most popular lavish amenities, the heated pool is both indoors and outdoors. Guests can take in the

Hotel X Toronto is the premier luxury resort for those looking for an incomparable staycation close to home.

stars and the CN Tower lights this holiday season as they savour a calming night swim.

Any guest looking to add sparkle to their holiday season is invited to indulge in a festive holiday cocktail offered at the bars and restaurants on-site, including the newly renovated rooftop restaurant, Valerie, famous for the exceptional views and live entertainment. Roses Cocina is known for its freshly made North American favourites with a Mexican flair. The entire family will find a dish to make their mouth water.

This winter season don’t miss out on the number of packages offered and events planned to help valued guests make lasting memories. “We are the perfect stop for families looking for excitement or relaxation throughout the winter season. When seeking adventure, what better alternative than to do something local? You don’t have to take a plane to reach a luxury resort. Hotel X Toronto is packed with exceptional options, and our door is always open.”

“ WE HAVE PREPARED FESTIVE HOLIDAY FUN FOR EVERY GUEST THIS WINTER SEASON. WE WELCOME FAMILIES TO STAY WITH US AND ENJOY ALL THE LAVISH FACILITIES GEARED TOWARD AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY.”

FOUNDED AMBITION

By Nicole Garbanzos

Albina Colombano, a mortgage advisor of 20 years, loves the adrenaline rush that comes with her job. Stepping foot into the industry in her early 20s as a secretary working in a brokerage, it is safe to say her career has truly taken flight since. She loves working with people and being their guide on all aspects related to purchasing, selling or refinancing properties. “I’ve been in the business for a long time,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the industry, so I can truly, and humbly, say that people will receive professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy advice when they come to me.”

From residential mortgages to overseas property ownership, Albina has seen and experienced it all. Of significant importance to clients just getting into the real estate market, she knows all the ins and outs of purchasing one’s first home. “I have access to many resources and different financial institutions, which allows me to take on a diverse set of clients with differing needs knowing that I will be able to assist them with finding a solution that is right for them.”

When it comes to her step-by-step process, clients can expect to start with an honest conversation to get a better understanding of their needs, interests and wants. Clients will then be asked a series of questions to get a clear picture of their current financial situation, followed by the opportunity for the client to ask any questions or bring up any concerns that they may have. “When clients come for an appointment and I have the opportunity to review their financial and personal situations, I am able to get a pretty good understanding

of them as people, what options are available to them and how to best assist them with reaching their financial and property goals,” she says. “Based on the information they give me, I try to secure a product and rate that best suits their unique situation.” Albina wants potential clients to know that she is able to offer a full-service office — she will be there for clients every step of the way, whether it be in the late hours of the night when multiple offers are on the table or on the weekend before closing when they have a burning question. “I am very much there for my clients to the point where sometimes my clients become my friends,” she says proudly.

Albina loves to see her clients grow. From first-time home buyers to high-net-worth investors, she enjoys the unique situations — and sometimes challenges — that each and every client brings. She has several clients who have been repeat customers who have trusted her with their business for more than a decade. “I like to see the fruits of mine and my team’s labour. Our clients sometimes come to us with more questions than answers about home ownership. However, with our help and support, they begin to understand the process and feel confident when purchasing their next property,” she says. “With my guidance and input and their trust, it’s been wonderful to see it all happen before my eyes.” When looking back on her career, Albina prides herself on being a successful woman in a male-dominated profession. “I take pride that I work with an all-women team,” she says. “We’ve earned our respect in a man’s world and our base of happy clients is a testament to that.”

Albina Colombano has earned her success as a mortgage advisor. She entered the industry at only 20 years old and her career has taken o ever since.

WRAPPED IN WARMTH

Sentaler is a Canadian institution. With the colder weather upon us, we spoke to designer Bojana Sentaler about what’s trending, dressing for Canadian winters and her current collection.

Living Luxe: Canadian winters can be so harsh. What makes Sentaler coats a good choice to brave the long winter season?

Bojana Sentaler: Sentaler coats are fashion-meets-function all in one and enable us to embrace Canadian winters in style while staying warm and comfortable. They are precisely crafted using luxurious Peruvian alpaca fibre, sourced from extremely high altitudes of the Andes mountains. The alpaca fibre is a natural thermal insulator, as it contains microscopic air pockets, which make our outerwear warm but exceptionally lightweight.

Living Luxe: What’s trending this season in coats? What styles and colours are customers looking for?

Bojana Sentaler: Bomber jackets, blazer-coats hybrid and vibrant colours like fuchsia and blue are trending this season. When designing our take on the classic bomber, I was keen on making it collarless and in the softest baby alpaca fabric, as it makes the overall jacket more elevated and elegant. As for blazer-coats hybrid trend, it arose from the current hybrid work trend where many of us are working partly in physical workplaces and partly at home. For this reason, customers are thrilled to see our firstever blazer-jacket hybrid with a new take on Sentaler’s signature details, which takes you from home to office and from day to night. This is my current favourite piece in the Fall Winter 2022/23 collection. As for vibrant colours, bright fuchsia pink and blues are trending this season and our orchid flower and lazuli blue hues are the perfect authentic shades that spark joy and stand out in the digital realm. These new hues express radical optimism for the future with a youthful feminine feel.

CLASSIC LUXURY for MODERN LIFE

Living Luxe: Tell us about Sentaler’s latest offerings for winter — what’s new in store?

Bojana Sentaler: The Fall Winter 2022/23 collection includes new contemporary raglan sleeve shapes in cocooning plush-feel cozy bouclé alpaca and Suri alpaca fabrics. There is strong menswear suiting influence with peak collars, heritage aspects with our first-ever houndstooth print in navy and grey, and the first-ever animal print. As the collection encompasses an elevated 1970s look and feel, I have incorporated a retro palette with shades of burnt orange, sepia, camel and blue.

Living Luxe: What inspired you to create the line?

Bojana Sentaler: The collection is inspired by simpler, more carefree times. All the pieces are a seamless interpretation of the Sentaler woman who is looking forward to outdoor adventures and winter getaways. For this collection, I drew inspiration from some of the world’s most noteworthy fashion cities, including London, Paris, New York, Dubai and Hong Kong. These cities inspire the Sentaler woman and are an ode to simpler times.

Living Luxe: We know your coats are highly coveted but so are your accessories. What’s new in terms of hats, scarves and gloves for the winter months?

Bojana Sentaler: This year, we are proud to launch our seventh annual #SENTALER4SickKids fundraising initiative to benefit the important work done by SickKids Foundation (The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto). Proceeds from the sale of all #SENTALER4SickKids signature ribbed hats, scarves and gloves are donated directly to SickKids Foundation. Sometimes even the simplest things can put a smile on a child’s face, and that is worth everything. Raising funds and having the opportunity to meet SickKids patients in the past has been a life-changing experience for all of us at Sentaler. Also, to match the new shades and patterns in the Fall Winter 2022/23, I created the Sentaler bucket hat in orchid flower, lazuli blue, houndstooth and animal print. This novelty Sentaler bucket hat is crafted from luxuriously plush-feel Bouclé Alpaca fabric with tone-on-tone Sentaler embroidery at the front for an understated fashion statement. Inspired by the 1990’s casual bucket hat silhouette with a 1950’s inspired cloche style, I have reinvented this iconic item with a shorter brim meant to be worn low on the forehead to insulate the head and provide supreme warmth.

“CUSTOMERS ARE THRILLED TO SEE OUR FIRST-EVER BLAZER-JACKET HYBRID WITH A NEW TAKE ON SENTALER’S SIGNATURE DETAILS, WHICH TAKES YOU FROM HOME TO OFFICE AND FROM DAY TO NIGHT.”

Bouclé Alpaca Signature Double Collar Aviator Jacket-Bouclé Alpaca-Lazuli Blue.

Bouclé Alpaca Moto Jacket with Signature Double Collar-Bouclé Alpaca Orchid Flower.

Collarless Bomber Jacket with Knit Waistband-Baby Alpaca-Black.

Talking

Wisdom helps.

0.4% is anyone’s chance of being born wealthy

70% of families lose their wealth in the second generation

90% lose it by the third generation

62% of people in Ontario die without a will

10% of those who die without a will did seek advice but didn’t follow through

53% say, “it’s too difficult to find an advisor I trust to create an estate plan”

71% say they would feel like a better person/ parent/spouse If they did have a plan

94% of people engage with Libby so that they can share their personal story with her

82% of people laugh and enjoy themselves when talking about their dreams with Libby

87% of Libby’s clients call to talk about parenting, their marriage or their health and travel dreams versus estate planning

86% of people are attracted to Libby for business because she is a thought leader

78% of Libby’s clients have been connected by her to someone meaningful in their lives

73% of Libby’s knowledge comes from being an entrepreneur who has been married twice and who is bringing up three children as a single mom

100% of people say “thank you!” to Libby once their plan is set in motion

Libby Wildman, Senior Partner Living Luxe Financial Contributor

about money is easy. Talking about money with family? That’s hard.

WHERE FASHION MEETS FURNITURE

By Tara MacIntosh

When entering the John Paul & Co. boutique in Toronto’s trendy Yorkville, prepare to be wowed. The carefully selected exclusive collections redefine luxury with the most up-to-date home accessories and furnishings imported from Europe. The brother-and-sister team of Valerie Simone-Georgiadis, chief marketing officer and buyer, and Martin Simone, CEO and buyer, acquired the business in July 2020, making it what it is today.

As a retail location in the heart of Yorkville, the boutique is galleried by designer. Each client is free to browse the store or focus on their favourite designer collection, including Versace Home, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, Assouline books, Missoni Home collection, Malerba and Cobra Art. “We currently have exclusivity with Versace Home, Missoni Home and Malerba collection. We are in talks to expand on this luxury experience for our clients,” says Simone-Georgiadis.

Once inside, the knowledgeable staff are experienced in interior design, so they’re able to work with clients on a deeper level. The owners have hand-selected the inventory based on the newest offerings from the haute couture houses, as well as the taste and interests of their valued clientele. “We often travel to see different pieces and hand-select what will work best for our clients and partners,” says Simone-Georgiadis. “We are always on the lookout for special and different items that will stand out. We take cues from individuals in the store who share their design inspirations.”

The store holds a variety of inventory available for immediate pur-

John Paul & Co. is one of Toronto’s newest shopping destinations redefining luxury.

chase. Larger furniture is open to customization by selecting preferred colours and styles, such as iridescent chevron fabrics and exotic leathers. For special pieces, clients are encouraged to visit the boutique and purchase in person. Online shopping is available and is ideal when looking for accessories or luxury gift items. John Paul & Co. is known for their remarkable gift bundles assembled for housewarmings, birthdays and special occasions. A gift from one of the exclusive collections is sure to be a treasured addition to any room.

Along with a robust retail clientele, both Valerie and Martin have lasting relationships with designers and architects seeking that special something to complete their project or vision. Valerie has a family background in the furniture business and is passionate about creating the look and feel a client desires. Her motivation stems from a delight in assembling a dream room with high-end decor, furnishings and a lavish ambiance. “Building a luxurious look for a client is achieved through hand-selecting each item with care. Being part of this process is one of my greatest joys,” she says. The John Paul & Co. experience will have clients returning again and again. The curated collection of elegant designer pieces is one of a kind. Whether you’re looking for a housewarming gift or you’re a designer or architect shopping for clients, this is your one-stop shop for highly coveted items, perfect for any style. Visit the luxe location or johnpaulhome.com to browse the latest arrivals from the most iconic fashion brands. You’ll no doubt leave with a treasured piece to enhance your decor.

Valerie Simone-Georgiadis and Martin Simone, JPC Owners

INTERIOR SPACE AND DOOR DESIGNED BY FERRIS RAFAULI

TIME WILL TELL

There’s no denying that wills are hard to discuss. But there are so many benefits to going over your plans with your family before your time comes. Our financial expert, Libby Wildman, candidly talks about her arrangements and why it’s so important to discuss with your loved ones.

By Libby Wildman

Family time can sometimes be challenging, especially when conversations get awkward or go diagonal. For my crew, family getaways always include lots of laughter and inevitably tears — the sharing of past hurts, actions or wrongdoings, and words that should have been left unsaid, but, alas,

Libby Wildman Finance Expert

TPC is the first clinic in the Greater Toronto Area to offer exclusive care for men with a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – one of the most common conditions in aging men and the most common cause of urinary difficulty symptoms.

These symptoms include one or more of the following:

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7. Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)

TPC is the leading centre in Canada for the Rezum procedure and has the largest and highest volume of the Rezum procedure in Canada. The Rezum procedure is a 5 minute, minimally-invasive procedure that uses steam to open the urinary passage within the prostate.

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with family, often slip out. Not surprisingly, with parents in their eighties, the topic of wills tends to come up. Who is deserving, who is not (an entirely subjective opinion) and, of course, the surprises that come along with the topic. Communication is key here — these conversations should not be held behind closed doors. There is no shame in expressing your plans to your family.

Money can be the villain or the heroine, and it’s often one of the main characters in this journey we call life. For some, it is a powerful tool. For others, it’s a topic of burden, and some even feel it is their entitlement. As with most families, some family branches have more money than others, and for me, this created a concern. I have children from my first marriage and from my second. I have brought them up to be one family; they are all simply siblings. Nonetheless, one dad has a sizable purse to leave, while the other does not. This has led me to arrange my affairs so that any inheritance is split equitably (not evenly) with the desire that all three kids receive similar amounts from all sides. This could mean a larger percentage of my assets at death will be distributed with a weighting more heavily to one child over the others. Time will tell how this works out. It is not an exact science, and one never knows how much is left at the end of the dance. It is a tall order for my partner, who is my executor, to manage this balancing act upon my demise.

All this is to say that it has been imperative that I had an open dialogue with all three of my children and my executor so that everyone understands my wishes and my reasoning. How does one accomplish this? For me, my whole life insurance policies have simplified my desire to look after my life partner and also honour my wish to give my adult children a financial leg up. Our setup in the will is simple: our home, cottage, RRSPs, TFSAs and investment portfolio will be left to each other. My permanent life insurance is left to my kids. This satisfies our wish that the survivor will be

well looked after and not worry about the cost of healthcare. It also means that our adult children don’t have to wait until both of us are gone to receive a financial gift from their parents.

Interestingly, the openness I have created around my own will has made my kids think about the importance of starting young with their own planning. I was reviewing the whole life policy I started for my daughter and her brothers when they were born, and she was so impressed with the growth of the living and the death values that she and her boyfriend decided they should have such a policy for each other, too.

In Canada, there are essentially four buckets in which you can save money and have it grow tax-free: your principal residence, RRSPs, TFSAs and cash value life insurance. Starting young gives you the advantage of time and compound interest. It also kickstarts good habits of saving and looking after risk mitigation. Life Insurance offers many unique and conservative ways to balance out your savings while also planning for your future, at any age. Magic happens when you take the time to create a strategy and implement it. So too does the calmness of being, knowing you are facing the fact that life presents challenges for all of us.

This is where our expertise and creativity shine. I love hearing your stories and then helping you create the solution to match your dreams. So few of us take the time to plan, and risk it all going catawampus, precisely at a time when you are no longer here to straighten it all out. Think and grow rich. You define rich. Reach out to start sharing.

Libby Wildman is Head of Wealth Advisory at the Toronto-based investment firm Davis Rea and the founder of Liminal Escapes creative curated retreats.

SCAN FOR MORE

German designed furniture, art & decor now available in Downtown Oakville.

ROCKSTAR COLLABORATION

Canadian icon Bryan Adams teamed up with Wuxly for its first capsule collection.

On Thursday, October 6, 2022, sustainable Canadian outerwear brand, Wuxly, and Canadian music legend, Bryan Adams, kicked off the launch of their first-ever capsule collection: The BAD collection. This limited-edition collaboration brought together top-tier media, fashion moguls and media personalities alike to an exclusive, in-person preview at the Wuxly flagship store at 825 Queen Street West, Toronto. The intimate event, presented by Conceptual Event Society, included a fireside chat between top Canadian fashion journalist and Living Luxe lifestyle editor Jeanne Beker; Wuxly founder, James Yurichuk; and the man behind the collection, Bryan Adams. Guests had a front-row seat to discover the inspiration behind the collaboration and how involved Adams’ was throughout the whole process. Simply put, Adams said, “I love being warm when it’s cold outside!” The collection is available exclusively at wuxly.com and features three key pieces: The BAD Hoodie, The BAD Elk Parka and The Kingston.

1. JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ. 2. BRYAN ADAMS AND THE BECKERMAN TWINS. 3. BRYAN ADAMS AND JAMES YURICHUK. 4. JESSICA PANETTA, NINETTA PANETTA, BRYAN ADAMS AND MELISSA PANETTA. 5. SUZANNE BOYD, BRYAN ADAMS AND JEANNE BEKER. 6. GLADYS OROZCO, ELVIS STOJKO, BRYAN ADAMS AND JAMES YURICHUK. 7. VICKY MILNER AND BRYAN ADAMS. 8. JAMES YURICHUK AND BRYAN ADAMS. 9. BRYAN ADAMS, JAMES YURICHUK AND THE WUXLY TEAM.

Photography by George Pimentel

CELEBRATING A NEW VISION OF LUXURY LIVING IN FOREST HILL

Guests got together to welcome the newest residence in one of Toronto’s most recognizable neighbourhoods.

DBS Developments recently hosted a special ribbon-cutting gala event to celebrate its newest, signature residence at 215 Lonsdale Road in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood. The evening was attended by partners, guests and residents who were treated to the building’s curated spaces and services, including its grand lobby, party room and 17th floor rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s magnificent skyline. For leasing details, visit 2fifteen.ca.

1. TERRACE VIEW. 2. TAMI KENWELL AND KELLIE SPEAKMAN. 3. BRYAN LEVY AND KELLIE SPEAKMAN. 4. ALLAN LEVY AND GLORIA SALOMON. 5. ROBERT LEVI, BEN HANKAI AND ANDREW COOK. 6. 2FIFTEEN EVENT. 7. DANIEL MAZZONE.

8. BRYAN LEVY, GLORIA SALOMON AND KELLIE SPEAKMAN. 9. BEN ROSSETTO, ROBIN NADEL AND HARVEY WISE. 10. MICHAEL GENNIS, SAMANTHA VELLA, SHERYL ERENBERG, ALLYSON GOODY AND AMANDA ESPOSITO.

Photography by Eric Lem and Robert Okine

A SALUTE TO WOMEN

The Women Empowerment Awards

We rise by lifting others. The Women Empowerment Awards, held last September and presented by Rogers Communications in collaboration with Mantella Corporation, was created to recognize and celebrate the diverse achievements of women in Canadian business, leadership, mentorship, global impact, diversity, equality and inclusivity, and lifetime achievements. It is designed to empower women as key change-makers in our community and support female entrepreneurs with their business and to help them advance in their careers.

When asked about her vision behind this initiative — the first of its kind in Canada — president and co-founder Klaudia Zinaty says, “Women deserve this movement and platform to share their stories and experiences, to have their voices heard and to empower and inspire other women.” This year, the committee received more than 600 nominations in 10 categories, including the Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Award, with an exclusive $10,000 grant.

In its inaugural year, the Women Empowerment Awards was formally recognized and applauded in a letter from the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth for Canada, for providing a forum to elevate women and creating a space where women’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.

Among the outstanding recipients for this year’s awards, special recognition for lifetime achievement was given to Jeanne Beker (Living Luxe’s lifestyle editor) for her iconic career, contributions to women empowerment, fashion and Canadian journalism. The evening also featured a captivating performance by Nicolina Bozzo, the 19-yearold Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto who became the first Canadian to make it to the top five on Season 20 of “American Idol” in 2022. It was an unforgettable and inspiring evening of women empowering women, celebrating a room filled with outstanding individuals and their respective industries and careers.

1. JEANNE BEKER. 2. MARIALISA DE GASPERIS, TAMARA BAHRY, JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ AND COURTNEY GEDEON. 3. VALERIE PRINGLE, JENNA BITOVE-NAUMOVICH, SYLVIA MANTELLA AND HOLLY MIKLAS. 4. DANIELLE MICHAUD AND SONIA JHAS. 5. MICHAEL MONACO AND KLAUDIA ZINATY. 6. SUZANNE ROGERS, JEANNE BEKER AND SYLVIA MANTELLA. 7. CHRISTI HIMMELHEBER AND SANGITA PATEL. 8. JAMES MILONAS AND CANDICE SINCLAIR.

is all about recognizing and celebrating the diverse achievements of the trailblazing women in our community.

Photographer George Pimentel

A DECADE IN THE MAKING

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a spectacular party and some of the city’s most prominent guests.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto hosted an invitation-only black-tie celebration. Cleverly playing on both the city’s four seasons and the brand name, the extravagant event nodded to spring, summer, autumn and winter through breathtaking decor, floral installations, entertainment and seasonally inspired culinary masterpieces. Chef Daniel Boulud and visiting masters each created showstopping stations where they presented guests with immersive and engaging feature dishes. The city’s most notable business leaders, public figures, media moguls and creators embarked on an experiential journey in true Four Seasons fashion.

1. PATRICK POLLAK, GENERAL MANAGER OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO; SHAHID KHAN, OWNER OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO; ISADORE SHARP, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTS; AND CHEF DANIEL BOULUD. 2. BOJANA SENTALER. 3. FEFE DOBSON, CANADIAN SINGER AND SONGWRITER. 4. MARY SYMONS AND LISA LAFLAMME. 5.LILY LI, TAMARA BAHRY AND JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ. 6. KEVIN JOHNSON, GROUPM CEO; AND SERENA ANTHONY, CPO GROUPM. 7. NINETEEN85 (ANTHONY PAUL JEFFERIES), RENOWNED CANADIAN DJ, RECORD PRODUCER AND SONGWRITER. 8. ALEX FILIATRAULT, CEO OF THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION FOR AIDS RESEARCH (CANFAR) AND CATHERINE NUGENT. 9. ROSALIE WISE SHARP AND ISADORE SHARP, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF FOUR SEASONS HOTELS & RESORTS. 10. MARY ANN GAMBOA, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO; AND HALLA RAFATI, PRESIDENT OF HALO & CO. AND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO.

Photography by Ryan Emberley

Art by Peter Triantos

Left to right: Christopher Bates, Aashif Jamani, Sebastian Guarin, Lesley Hampton, Steven Lejambe, and Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi

ASHION or a Cause F

The Living Luxe team held our first-ever fundraiser in November in support of Toronto’s incomparable SickKids. Part of the event, affectionately dubbed “City Couture,” included a spectacular runway show highlighting the collections from six of the country’s leading and most innovative designers. We are proud to feature them on our cover and in the pages that follow, and we thank these artists for taking part in City Couture 2022.

As told to Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Natasha Gerschon Fashion and Event Photography by Ryan Emberley and Kennedy Pollard Photography venue Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District, Toronto

Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi

Creative director and founder, NARCES

On her beginnings. I was brought up in a family of artists. My mother is a luxury garment designer and dressmaker who spent years working with Victor Edelstein, esteemed British tailor to the royal family, helping create some of Princess Diana’s most iconic gowns. My late great uncle was a renowned artist and painter in Iran and a university art lecturer with a rich artistic portfolio. Art and design have always been deeply ingrained, and for as long as I can remember, my upbringing has been filled with various media for art to express and fuel creativity.

On her evolving style. There’s joy in experimenting, growing and evolving artistically with the times while fearlessly incorporating and combining aesthetics in a unique way. I believe style is a way of expressing the inner self and that is constantly changing.

On memorable moments. The collaboration with Disney and the Star Wars exhibit at Toronto Fashion Week was a memorable one as we interpreted Darth Vader as a female character.

On good advice. Be present in the moment and cherish the beauty of life. We have influences in the moment that we are in, and translating them into design helps tell the story of the life we are living.

On life in design. Design is an expression that describes a mood and a beautiful outlet. Thinking creatively and designing your life factors and trickles into every aspect.

On giving back. Giving opportunities are very important to us as a company. We regularly support the SickKids Foundation and, in addition, NARCES has supported numerous events including SickKids, Michael Garron Hospital, Homes First Shelter, Nia Centre for the Arts and Heart of Fashion in support of North York General Hospital.

On the importance of philanthropy. Giving back is a part of the cycle of life that motivates, strengthens and shares opportunities in our world. We believe giving back creates a movement that has a domino effect. Not only does it feel good and it shows gratitude, but it helps to be involved in a wider community and it adds perspective and shows us the importance of contributing to our ever-changing world.

Christopher Bates

Creative director, Christopher Bates

On his beginnings. My passion for fashion started when I was a child so I have to credit my parents. My mom dressed my brothers and I in cool clothes growing up. We wore brands like Stussy, Chip & Pepper, T&C Surf Designs and plenty of neon. I also grew up watching James Bond movies with my dad. In general, I was an energetic kid and realized that when I put on an outfit I liked, it enhanced my mood and gave me more energy. I was also creative and loved sketching. By the time I was 13 I had a book full of logos and designs.

On his style. My style is influenced by Sean Connery's James Bond and Batman’s Bruce Wayne. I like dressing up and you'll typically catch me wearing a tailored blazer or even a tuxedo on a night out.

On memorable moments. Obtaining the licensing rights from Paramount for "Top Gun." Designing a "Top Gun" X Christopher Bates line has been a dream come true and a career highlight.

On good advice. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

On life in design. I'm primarily involved with designing apparel, but I am interested in all types of design from automotive and architecture to interior design, etc. In a broader sense, I think of design more as a methodology, so in a way, I am proactively designing my career and my life.

On giving back. I meet with students and young people who want to get into the industry. I donate to some incredible charities including CANFAR, COMKIDS, AV YOUTH, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and more.

On the importance of philanthropy. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by great people who have helped me get this far, so I want to make sure I'm doing the same for others, especially for young people entering the fashion industry.

Lesley Hampton Designer,

Lesley Hampton

On her beginnings. I am an Anishinaabe kwe Indigenous woman from Temagami First Nation, located in Northern Ontario. Growing up as a third culture kid, my family moved every few years and no matter how many times we moved, there was always a space allocated for creativity. My mom, just like her mom, always had a sewing machine in our house. From quilting to our clothes to Halloween costumes, my mom’s creativity with fabrics and technique was always so inspiring. It was only natural that she passed this talent down to me.

On her style. My style is elegant and edgy. Style that tells a story with the garments and brands you wear. Lesley Hampton designs allow for the wearer to feel comfortable and confident in the clothing. My brand creates a safe space for my creative team and for anyone who wears my work, from models to my clients, to feel empowered by the clothing they put on, knowing they are supporting a brand with a vision of a better industry.

On memorable moments. In 2018, I wanted to make a collection to honour my friends I had witnessed go through mental health struggles. I wanted to honour their strength. And little did I know, I was also educating myself for my future struggle. One in four Canadians suffer from a diagnosable mental health struggle in any given year. And just under half of adults will experience mental illness in their lifetime. For this runway show, I casted models based on their mental strength to show up for themselves and their diagnosis, and it was not about their waist measurement being under a certain number. When we left the stage, the models and I broke down crying because finally they were able to walk at a fashion week, and their height, hip size or heredity wasn’t appraised before they were appreciated.

On good advice. Never be afraid to say no.

On life in design. Exploration through design is my favourite pastime with my mom. Our shared love for textiles grew exponentially when we travelled the world. Just like my mom’s art collection, our fabric collection began to grow and reflect the locations I grew up in.

On giving back. Giving back to our community and building a more inclusive tomorrow are some of our main goals with the success of Lesley Hampton. Streams of giving include monetary donations, partnership-focused support and mentorship opportunities. This includes internships with students from George Brown College and Seneca College; donations to organizations such as the Matriarch Movement (founded by Shayla Stonechild), Indspire, Native Arts Society, We Matter, Starlight Children's Foundation Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; and The Lesley Hampton Award in partnership with the Ontario Mining Association.

On the importance of philanthropy. Designers, creative directors and media outlets are put in such a position of power when it comes to representation. An inherent responsibility to expand social perceptions and dismantle the industry. It is the decisions made in sample making, the model casting, in the reporting of a runway. In front of the camera and behind the scenes, decolonizing Eurocentric standards in the fashion industry will inspire other youth to take up space. My goal is to pave the way so those incredible talents and future leaders have easier access to come into their power in the fashion industry.

Sebastian Guarin Designer, Atelier Guarin

On his background. I was born in Medellin, Colombia, but when I was a child, we moved to North America. I have always been very into pop culture, films, fashion and pop stars. I would say my mom was one of my first inspirations as a designer — she always has great taste and style. Secondly, I was obsessed with MTV and red carpets — I really enjoyed watching music videos and seeing what my favourite stars were wearing. I loved collecting magazines and creating my own mood boards.

On his style. I would define my style as sleek and transformative. One day I could be feeling moody and edgy, wearing all black leather and chains, and the next you could find me in neutral-toned linen, looking very minimal Hampton’s grandma chic. I enjoy playing with style and trying different looks.

On memorable moments. I recently created a bespoke look for Christina Aguilera for one of her new music videos, as well as another look for her album photo shoot. It’s incredible to work with someone you admire who has inspired your work.

On good advice. Dream big and never doubt you can make incredible things happen.

On life in design. The design aspect of my life never turns off. I am constantly inspired by everything in life, whether its travelling, or the way light hits a silhouette, or an interesting texture on a wall. Design is always present in and out of work in some form.

On giving back. I hold organizations that help children and animals close to my heart. I’d love to help build schools for children in different countries in need of educational facilities and build animal sanctuaries for rescues and wildlife. I enjoy donating funds to my home country to help preserve wildlife habitats and its biodiversity.

On the importance of philanthropy. Giving back brings me closer to the real issues going on in our world, it creates peace and happiness and it cultivates empathy. Helping to make someone’s life better is always a good thing and hopefully it inspires others to do the same.

Aashif Jamani

Sales director and Master Clothier, King and Bay Custom Clothing Inc.

On his beginnings. I was born in Uganda and was a child when I came to Canada. I was always fascinated with dressing well. I worked at a national luxury menswear retailer early on, which further enhanced my appreciation for tailored clothing. My first fashion influence was Ralph Lauren; he has terrific style and blends a traditional English look with a modern aesthetic. His designs mix colours and textures effortlessly.

On his team. We are a team of five passionate Master Clothiers — or Kingsmen — and are amongst the most highly trained, experienced and skilled men's style experts. We come from a history of five generations of diverse master tailors and craftsmen. Together we have more than 75 years of experience providing men with a unique custom-clothing experience tailored to individual expression; we truly see our patrons as royalty. Throughout the year, we curate seasonal collections that showcase classic sophistication and the latest menswear trends. This collaboration allows for each Master Clothier’s unique style and clientele to influence the garments featured.

On his style. My style is rooted in the sartorial splendour of Saville Row with touches of Italian panache. I love tailored garments that embrace colour and modern styling, and I am comfortable in a three-piece suit or a bold blazer and jeans.

On memorable moments. Having lunch with global menswear icon, Harry Rosen.

On good advice. Less is more. Simplicity is sophistication and sophistication is elegance. Be adventurous, experience new things, new places and new people. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines and watch.

On life in design. I love good design, no matter what it is reflected in; clothing, shoes, bags, homes, buildings, furniture — seeing good design inspires creativity.

On giving back. King & Bay is passionately rooted in philanthropy. A significant part of our corporate culture is in giving back; proudly we have supported Providence Healthcare, Easter Seals, DeRo Foundation, SickKids Foundation and Mount Sinai Hospital, to name a few. When the pandemic happened, we quickly sprang into action with our #Mission2Mask initiative and made and donated more than 25,000 face masks.

On the importance of philanthropy. King & Bay has deep social values; we believe it is our duty to help others and feel fortunate that we can and do make a difference

Steven Lejambe

Designer, Steven Lejambe Designs

On his beginnings. After studying fashion design, I worked for different bridal-wear designers in Toronto. I learned a lot of skills and techniques and definitely brought that with me when I started my own brand. I use many bridal techniques in my ready-to-wear and cocktail collections, which makes the pieces really special.

On his style. My style is very romantic, colourful and whimsical. I love to create unique pieces combining modern silhouettes with texture, sparkle and anything else that brings joy. From cocktail to evening to bridal, it's about creating a one-of-a-kind look that's different than anything in the closet.

On memorable moments. I don't have one particular moment in mind, but I just love seeing my clients and friends in dresses I've made for them. Every time I get to create something special for someone, seeing the final product is always so exciting and those are the memorable career moments when I think back.

On good advice. Try your best not to compare yourself to others. It's so easy to look at others for a barometer of success but I try my best to just work hard, reach my own goals and find happiness in my achievements and successes.

On life in design. I love what I do so there isn't always a distinction between work and home, but my design and aesthetic definitely influence my everyday life. My designs at work, personal wardrobe and home decor definitely all have a common theme: pink, pink and more pink.

On giving back. I love to support local LGBTQ+ organizations and gofundme's as much as possible and I truly believe that every little bit helps; even small donations can make a difference. It is also special for me to participate in charity events like City Couture — it's a way for me to be able to donate my time and work for a great cause.

On the importance of philanthropy. Giving back is important because it really doesn't take much to make a big difference. I used to feel that small contributions didn't make a change, but if everyone chips in just a little bit, it adds up really quickly and it can change lives.

An Affair to Remember

Luxury and a meaningful cause unite and delight at Living Luxe’s first event in support of the Hospital for Sick Children.

By Silvana Longo

OnNovember 17, the City Couture event presented by Living Luxe offered a swanky, unforgettable evening where the world of luxury, design and art rallied together in a valiant effort to raise funds for the first Cellular Therapy Facility at Toronto’s cherished SickKids.

Cocktails kicked off the evening, and an exclusive VIP dinner followed in the alluring Thompson Landry Gallery in the Distillery District. Hosting 120 dinner guests, the venue was a visual delight, complete with showstopping tablescapes and statement lighting. Attendees were ensconced by captivating art pieces throughout the dinner curated by award-winning chef Mark McEwan, and exquisite wine pairings carefully selected by the sisters behind Two Sisters Vineyards, Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli.

Beyond the elegantly executed upscale event was an evening full of heart and nowhere was that more evident than by the opening remarks by the emcee, Canadian fashion icon, Living Luxe lifestyle editor and recent cancer survivor, Jeanne Beker, who lauded both the cause and the woman behind City Couture, publisher Jennifer Lipkowitz.

The moving and emotional account by Heidi Seetner, the mother of three-time cancer survivor son, Marky, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at just four years old, was enlightening. She shared her family’s emotional struggles as they navigated the many ups and downs during his diagnosis and ensuing treatments. Forever indebted to the staff at SickKids, Seetner expressed profound gratitude to live in a city with the number-one hospital for kids in Canada.

The silent auction conducted by animated television host Mike Chalut followed with enthusiastic bidding on amazing items from art, fashion and jewellery. Guests lined up to bid, knowing all proceeds will end up saving lives and healing families from the crucible experience of dealing with an ill child.

More Canadian design talent was showcased in the latter part of the evening where guests were treated to a fashion show, which featured the creative collections by six talented designers: Lesley Hampton, Christopher Bates, Steven Lejambe, Atelier Guarin, King & Bay and

Narces.

Photography by Ryan Emberley and Kennedy Pollard

1. JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ AND ANTHONY SIRIANNI. 2. KAM FROM LUXEME KITCHENS. 3. MELISSA GRELO, CHRISTI-LEE FRANCESCHINI, CAROLYN MACKENZIE, CHERYL HICKEY AND MORGAN HOFFMAN. 4. GASTON ORIQUE, GIANLUCA CALABRETTA AND ANDREA GRANZOTTO. 5. MARK MCEWAN AND TRISH STRATUS. 6. DIANA PIRES. 7. ANGELA MAROTTA AND MELISSA MAROTTA-PAOLICELLI.

A special thank you to Rogers Communications Inc., our proud City Couture sponsor. Thanks to our sponsors and partners for making this evening an overwhelming success: Alexandra Naranjo Designs; Chair-man Mills Corp.; Condor Properties Ltd.; ConDrain Group; Contempo Studio; CountryWide Homes; Detailz Couture Event Rentals; Doorland Group; Engineered Arts; Fortisav.com; The Rosarium; Thompson Landry Gallery; Tricon; Two Sisters Vineyards; Wise Nadel Design; Diana Pires Events; Conceptual Event Society; Monarch Events Group; Beckie di Leo Fine Artist; DJ Fizza; Ryan Emberley Photography; The Club; Assinewe Jewellery; Heili Rocks Jewellery; Quartz & Canary; and L’Intervalle.

Living Luxe is proud to have raised approximately $50,000 from this phenomenal event. (The final total will be printed in the Spring 2023 issue.)

It was a true slice of the good life in support of a fantastic cause. We left with our hearts full, touched by beauty, inside and out.

“Giving back to the community is of utmost importance to us. Being able to contribute to the runway event was an easy decision. SickKids' commitment to delivering heathcare that improves children's health is a mission we are happy to support.”

- Milos Krsmanovic, Chair-man Mills

“In the event business, we do a lot of work with charities. I have a huge family and circle of friends who have been helped by SickKids and I know they do amazing work for fearless children and thankful families. I’m so honoured to be able to help.”

– Shawn Fortis, Fortis Consulting

JENNIFER LIPKOWITZ STYLED BY SERGE JEVAGUINE, ANTHONY SIRIANNI STYLED BY DAVID BERNHOLTZ

PERSPECTIVE AN AERIAL

By Adriana Ermter

Photography by Neil Dankoff

When you consider great landscape photographers, names like Ansel Adams, Michael Kenna and Sebastião Salgado most likely come to mind. Now you can add Canadian photographer Neil Dankoff to this illustrious list. Like those who came before him, Dankoff is renowned internationally for capturing some of the most breathtaking images of nature, complete with photographs of the American and Canadian West, ethereal, minimalist black-and-white shots, wildlife and even documentary-style human portraits. With his keen eyes behind the lens, we now have access to people, places and moments that would otherwise go unnoticed and unseen.

His Shuttered Highlights

Snapping digital pictures since 1998, the Toronto-based photographer’s work first gained wide recognition at a gallery exhibition in 2009 at the prestigious Lonsdale Gallery. In 2015, he opened his first gallery in his hometown, Montreal. Three years later, Dankoff competed against multiple world-renowned photographers for the opportunity to collaborate with Hotel X Toronto in what would become one of the country’s largest fine art gallery showings by one solo feature artist. He won. “It was my first big break,” says Dankoff. “Hotel X Toronto commissioned me to travel for three years to take photographs of landscapes around the world.”

Neil Dankoff isn’t just a keen eye behind the lens of a camera. He’s an explorer, teacher and innovator in the photography arts.

Today, 800 of Dankoff’s one-of-a-kind framed photographs line the lakefront urban resort’s hallways and hold court within guests’ rooms — each one providing an awe-inspiring view. Unprecedented in their large-scale, custom sizes, his images offer the hotel’s guests a birds’ eye view of China’s mountains and rice fields; New York’s aerial perspective of Central Park; South Africa’s panoramic scenery; Hawaii’s bamboo-lined trails; Iceland’s wild horses; Bora Bora’s lush island life; Bolivia’s vast and flat terrains; and so much more. “My goal is to shoot everything I’m interested in,” he says. “There are so many parts of the world to discover. I want to have a portfolio of images where there is something for everyone.”

His Competitive Nature

This proverbial everyone includes other photographers. Wanting to share his viewpoint on world discovery, Dankoff created an inter-

national photography competition where all amateur and professional landscape, cityscape, portrait, aerial, wildlife and panoramic photographers can submit their best shots online (neildankoff photocomp.com). The competition’s one grand prize winner and six first-place category winners’ work is professionally printed, framed, mounted and displayed in Dankoff’s Kandy gallery in the lobby of Hotel X Toronto. The caveat: entrants hoping to win the grand prize — a one-week, all-expenses-paid photography trip complete with getting the opportunity to use an $80,000 Phase One digital camera — must be 18 years or older, have a current passport and be ready for the unknown. “Winning the grand prize is like a five-star vacation with an educational photography experience rolled into one.Our next competition is set for January 2023, and the winner will travel with me to Kruger National Park in South Africa and stay at the spectacular Singita Lodge.”

His Point of View

Ready to travel halfway across the globe, Dankoff’s world is clearly unlimited. Which isn’t surprising, considering it’s this lack of limitations that sets him apart. Travel to foreign destinations aside, Dankoff shoots in three different exposures, blends them together to create stunning, panoramic landscapes and can custom-size each of his limited-edition photographs to accommodate any wall size. Additionally, he can digitally render any of his photographs onto a client’s wall, providing them with a clear idea of how his work will look within their living spaces. Dankoff will also be leading his first photography workshop in early October 2023 at his favourite destination — Nihi Sumba in Indonesia. He and his guests will have the opportunity to photograph the wild horses that roam the beaches of this five-star resort.

For more information and to see Dankoff’s complete portfolio of images, visit his website at kandygallery.com or follow his adventures on Instagram, @neildankoff.

b ND The Perfect

Designer Vanessa Ferro has a unique aesthetic that draws a very specifi c sort of client to her. Any home she designs will be full of personality and drama that invite you in. She’s all about mixing time periods, styles, colours and textures to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces for her clients.

By Lisa van de Geyn

Photography by Donna Griffith

Whendesigner Vanessa Ferro of Vanessa Ferro Design meets with a prospective client, she interviews them while they’re interviewing her. “I have to make sure they’re a good fit for me and that I am a good fit for them. I’m a self-proclaimed maximalist, in terms of my design style. We may be working together for six months, a year or two years — it’s important that we’re all on the same page.” One way Ferro accomplishes this is by asking a few specific questions. “For example, I may ask, ‘How do you feel about a green velvet sofa with a fringe?’” she says with a laugh. The homeowners of this featured project said they’d “love a green velvet sofa, but didn’t think they were ‘cool enough for fringe,’” she says. “They are such lovely people. I knew we were a match made in heaven.”

This thoughtfully designed home is situated in the rolling hills of King Township, just north of Toronto. Nestled in a lush, wooded acreage, the expansive home was built specifically for the owners. They were happy with the build but there were parts of the home that were still incomplete — rooms they hadn’t yet tackled that required the finishing touches only a professional could provide. “They were looking for wall coverings, draperies, custom furniture and decor. They had this absolutely lovely place, their ‘forever home,’ but it felt unfinished to them,” says Ferro. “They had run out

of steam and didn’t quite know how to complete some of the rooms, so they got in touch with me. The home is over 5,000 square feet and has a wonderfully traditional feel. Not a lot of ‘open concept’ going on, which I love, because it allows me to create unique design schemes and colour palettes for each individual room.” Ferro says the homeowners enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary, so this project was right up her alley. “Also, they saw colour and pattern in my portfolio which appealed to them. There is a lot of grey and beige out there; that was not what they were looking for, luckily for me.”

The first space Ferro tackled was the dining room. A large rectangular space, it was empty but for a dining table that they weren’t crazy about and antique dining chairs that they liked but the fabric wasn’t right. To start, Ferro decided on a rich dark blue, just shy of navy, for the ceiling, crown moldings and trim, which would help create a dramatic and inviting space. Next, she wrapped the room in a tranquil English wall covering featuring a palette of blues and greys, punctuated with hints of fuchsia. She selected a large dining table with traditional bones and reupholstered the French chairs in two different gem-toned velvets, one of which matches the custom draperies. “The pair of brass light fixtures over the table are super contemporary and sculptural. They add some glitter to the space, along with the oversized gilded mirror leaning at one end of the room. It’s a real balance of traditional and contemporary, old and new.”

Another room she transformed was the cavernous space she affectionately calls the “library.” Located near the front entrance of the house, it has a soaring, double-high ceiling. “The first thing I noticed was that the ceiling needed some extra detail. The eye is really drawn up, and I knew that if I didn’t address the ceiling, the room would seem unfinished.” So, in came the scaffolding, and the ceiling was clad in a walnutcoloured wood, to match the handsome wall panelling. The finishing touch was a wall covering from Spain applied to the recessed panels in the ceiling, which gives the effect of aged leather. “This unique detail serves as the perfect backdrop when you gaze up at the tiered brass chandelier,” she says. “It’s really an exquisite room with those enormous windows. We did some lovely custom draperies and pillows. And, of course, two divine velvet sofas,” she says happily. Ferro also selected two stunning leather wing chairs to place in front of the fireplace, angled toward the over-sized carved mantel. “I added some artwork, tables and lamps, as well, along with a pair of vintage cheetah chairs. We found a home for my clients’ antique cabinet from Italy — it’s an amazing family heirloom and I knew I had to incorporate it. And we made sure we left just the right amount of space for the grand piano.” A visitor noted that the

room feels a bit like a posh hotel lobby. “That’s not a bad thing,” Ferro muses. Ferro also spruced up the adjacent foyer by installing some marbleized metallic wallpaper from England. In addition, she decided to dress up the grand staircase with a geometric wool stair runner, creating a stunning focal point upon entry.

The homeowners were an absolute pleasure to work with, Ferro says. “They trusted my design direction completely and allowed me to execute exactly what I envisioned. I don’t think they would mind me saying that they were using words like ‘magical’ to describe the end result. I just love what I do,” she adds. Nothing makes Ferro happier than creating beautiful and unique spaces for her clients.

She does admit that she relishes throwing in a few whimsical touches here and there, in keeping with her “English country house” maximalist aesthetic. “Let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Let’s fill our homes with things that put a smile on our face, whether it be a souvenir from our travels, a treasured family heirloom or an oil painting of your dog dressed as Napoleon.” Ferro insists that “function always comes first, but people shouldn’t be afraid to do something a little out there. Go bold with colour. Embrace wild wallpaper. It’s your space. Why design it for anybody else?”

viewForest The from the

By Lisa van de Geyn

Tucked away in a prestigious pocket of Newmarket, Ont., is John-Luke and Jesse Sahlani’s Forestview Bungalow project. The Sensus Design and Build principals behind this unique project used the natural topography of the plot to create the effect of the home being carved into the treeline of a street well known for being lined with mature trees. Sitting on one acre of land, this modern home spans over 5,000 square feet above grade with a fully finished basement of the same size. “Our clients knew for a long time that they wanted to build a custom home, but they waited until they came across the perfect lot,” says Jesse Sahlani, the head of all things design for the firm.

This exceptionally eclectic bungalow, designed and built by the Sahlani brothers of Sensus Design and Build, gives a nod to both modern and traditional design, and celebrates the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Photography by Natalie Hayes

“Once that came along, we were able to put pen to paper and begin sketching.” A hand sketch by Jesse is where each project taken on by the brothers begins, and is refined over the course of several months. Once in construction, John-Luke takes the reins and brings Jesse’s designs to life using his extensive construction knowledge as he works with each client closely to finalize on-site details.

The core requirement of the clients for this project, having recently retired, was to create a sophisticated and luxurious family hub that their kids would be excited to come home to. “It’s a big space so it wasn’t a downsize for them. Instead, the house is built in a format that will be more accessible as they age, and more accessible for family gatherings,” explains Jesse.

On the exterior, a highly modern design is balanced by the profile and textural differences between the natural rustic stone, sleek wood slats and smooth concrete panelling. The low and wide proportions of the home, totalling 60 feet in width, mute the perceived size, allowing the house to fit into the streetscape nicely among the surrounding prestigious estate homes. The balance of textures and natural materials on the exterior tempers the starkness of modernity and hints at the warm and

Timelessness is always our goal when approaching any project we create. This is truly a timeless and cohesive space that anyone would want to come home to.

plush palette that characterizes the eclectic interior.

Open the beautiful solid wood front doors and you immediately find yourself inside the 300-square-foot foyer where floor-to-ceiling wainscotting lines the 12-foot-tall walls, while the space is warmed with rich brown wood herringbone flooring, ambient cove lighting and a seating area centred with antique furniture and beautiful Persian rugs. “Our big challenge was to make sure the large proportions of this home were balanced with textures and materials that make it warm and inviting, because comfort was paramount for our clients and tall ceiling heights have a way of taking away from this intended effect,” says John-Luke. “We lucked out here, too, because our clients have exquisite taste seen in their rug and antique furniture collections that helped us create this incredible space.”

Knowing how important entertaining was for this family, an openplan great room houses the kitchen, dining room and living areas, each with its own focal point to visually partition spaces in an architecturally interesting way. The oversized kitchen island, which is nine feet long and six feet wide, is topped with hand-selected quartzite that features strong contrasting light and dark webbing with gold striations and is expertly book-matched from top to sides to seamlessly show its unique character.

Also showing unique character, is the 10-foot-long live-edge dining table, custom-made from a single piece of black walnut that

was hand-selected and large enough for the family’s entire collection of family and friends to sit around. Coffered ceiling detailing is used to frame the living area where the luxury fireplace is clad with natural Atlantic stone, a honed volcanic rock that displays blueish-gray base tones, and frames the large fireplace. “Not every space requires a large, audaciously forward feature in the room. But when our clients have an appetite for it, like the fireplace feature wall for example, it is extremely important that you treat that as an artistic sculpture in the room that grounds the space,” says John-Luke.

One of the most interesting features is in the principal ensuite, and John-Luke credits his travels to the design decision. “We installed a standalone bathtub in the shower. This was a risky move at the time,” he muses. “It was a super-cool concept I saw at a hotel in Japan, and I immediately knew this was something I wanted to do. Now it’s a popular trend.”

While this home has many elements that are considered on-trend, in the end, it’s the juxtaposition that’s created by the luxe, traditional interior and the clean-lined, ultra-modern exterior that really makes a mark and creates a timeless space. “Timelessness is always our goal when approaching any project we create,” reflects John-Luke. “The result here is a project that we’re both immensely proud of.” This is truly a timeless and cohesive space that anyone would want to come home to.

CONTEMPORARY Meets Country

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Birdhouse Media

Whenpeople think of farmhouse design, they automatically think vintage. This spectacular home has the best of both worlds. While the newly renovated exterior now boasts an ultra-modern pavilion, wrap-around porch and exterior, it also now has a warm, textured and relaxed, elegant farmhouse feel on the inside,” says designer Lisa Aiken of Toronto-based firm Terra Firma Design Inc.

When Aiken’s long-time clients approached her about renovating and redesigning the Mulmur, Ont.-based summer home that’s been in their family for decades, she couldn’t have been more thrilled. It’s not every day she’s asked to work on a rustic farmhouse. The homeowners had never done a full renovation and gave Aiken carte blanche to create a space where they could relax and entertain. “I wanted to create a boutique, luxury resort. My clients always have friends and family visiting and I want-

ed the space to be as welcoming as they are,” she says affectionately. “I also wanted to leave the idea of the original farmhouse — I was keen to ensure there were areas throughout the home that kept that authentic farmhouse look and feel.”

There’s no denying that Aiken achieved her lofty goals. Her design of the 5,000-square-foot place conjures feelings of comfort and warmth, and the main section of the house maintains a traditional feel but isn’t ornate or over the top. Instead, what Aiken created was a relaxed, cozy yet sophisticated mood where you just want to curl up with a tea and a riveting novel. She decided on a more neutral colour palette, clean lines, inviting textures and dramatic black finishes.

The scotch room is a prime example of the redesign. The room hadn’t been used prior to Aiken giving it much-needed attention. “It was a shame

This small-town Ontario farmhouse is the epitome of comfortable yet elegant living. Renovating and redesigning the space was a task designer Lisa Aiken says was a delight. Here’s what she told us about the idyllic home and its charming owners.

because the room has a lovely walkout where the couple or guests can sit on the wrap-around porch. It’s a private, quiet area, so I wanted to make the room something special for the homeowners.” The space is dubbed the “scotch room,” but the couple aren’t avid scotch drinkers, so Aiken’s design went from creating a scotch cabinet to incorporating an antique piece of furniture that would house cigars, books and the like. She reupholstered the chairs in the room, kept the existing leather couch and brought in colour, specifically blue hues from the rug. The big piece of art above the cabinet was a gift given to the gentleman of the house and Aiken made it sing by hanging it on a wall she painted in a blue-black. “I also added other art and little pieces here and there for interest. I like to bring in memories for the homeowners of days gone by,” she says. “They now use the room all the time. It’s

“The greatest compliment you can get as a designer is when the client lets you do your thing, and they love it. It’s a privilege and always gives me great pleasure.”

just a really warm, welcoming space.”

Wood, brick and terra cotta figure prominently in the authentic farmhouse kitchen, where Aiken spent time organizing, painting and styling. “I decided to add to the island and make it bigger, and did the island top in stainless steel, which complements the overall look. I also brought in new light fixtures, including the one above the rustic table. There was an old stained-glass fixture there before, but it didn’t give off much light,” she says. “I didn’t want to rip out the terra cotta floors — they’re always in style and perfect for this atmosphere.” This side of the house — which also features the original farmhouse living room beside the kitchen — is done authentically, while the other half of the home (where the billiard room and the couple’s private quarters are) is much more modern.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are reminiscent of a boutique hotel — each room has its own colour palette, linens, towels, soaps and even a laundry basket for guests to leave used linens when departing. “Each room is self-sufficient and has its own style. For example, the yellow room is more of a farmhouse-style space with lots of pillows and accent pieces while the blue room is more vintage with a contemporary spin. The homeowners had an old duvet cover they wanted me to get rid of, but I loved it, so I built on it. That’s what I used as inspiration for that room.”

In the hallway that connects all the rooms, Aiken placed three stations where visitors who are staying

overnight can grab a blanket, a book or a bottle of water. “It’s just a small touch but it makes guests feel welcome and at home,” she muses.

It goes without saying that the homeowners couldn’t believe their eyes when Aiken did the big reveal. “There were tears. They spend summers at the house and love their indoor and outdoor living spaces. It’s such an amazing home,” she says. “The greatest compliment you can get as a designer is when the client lets you do your thing, and they love it. It’s a privilege and always gives me great pleasure.”

FamilyValues

By Adriana Ermter Photography by Mitch Fain

“

Whenmy husband, Ivor, and I decided to move from our home of 20 years, he said to me, ‘my only condition is that you find a home in the city that makes me feel like I’m in the country,’” says Este Hughes, who, with her husband, had been raising their family outside of Toronto. “I’m more of a city girl, so when I found this home, I knew it was the one, and as soon as my husband walked into the backyard, so did he.”

That was 11 years ago. The original 1950s home has since been reimagined into a new build by architect Richard Wengle and custom-home builder Sherwood Homes. Nestled in Lawrence Park between Mt. Pleasant Road and Bayview Avenue, the 6,665 square feet of stunning and luxurious living space creates the perfect blend of city living with a private country feel. Rich in landscaping, the home is surrounded by lush, mature trees, greenery and a southern sun-filled backyard that extends into a conservation area with private gateways leading to peaceful walking trails. “I’ve put my heart and soul into this home,” says Hughes, who recently listed her abode with Barry Cohen, the broker for ReMax, Barry Cohen Homes Inc. “It’s incredibly special.”

Classic in style with an exterior crafted from timeless, Indiana natural limestone, the five-bedroom home exudes serenity at first glance. Along the

With a lush ravine as its backdrop, this luxurious Lawrence Park Home is steeped in family history.

front, a bespoke iron railing frames a picturesque terrace featuring arched floor-to-ceiling French doors. To the left is the column-ensconced, elegant, arched front doorway with a large, overhanging lantern. Once inside, a grand foyer leads to the living areas and features white oak hardwood and marble floors with radiant in-floor heating throughout the interior. “It’s ideal for entertaining,” says Cohen. “It’s open and inviting and has so much living space with a large family room, kitchen and eating area and an all-glass back of the house that extends into the backyard that backs onto a forest. You don’t often find this calibre of home that is this rich in amenities.” These amenities, custom designed by Kraehling Interior Design along with Michael Lamb of Cando Woodworking, include a gourmet, chef-inspired kitchen with quartzite countertops, a marble backsplash, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, dovetail drawers and a behind-the-scenes caterers’ kitchen complete with a second refrigerator, double sink and dishwasher. In the family-oriented breakfast area, a coffered ceiling is punctuated with

pot lights and picture windows that overlook the back gardens, while French doors open onto an enormous terrace featuring two barbecues and ample seating space for an easy inside-outside-living feel. “I barbeque all year-round,” affirms Hughes. “So, it’s very convenient to have this kind of access to both the Lynx gas barbeque and the Bull charcoal one.”

The main floor features a comfortable living room directly off the grand hallway and a dining room accessible to the living room. Pocket doors lead into a rich library featuring oak-framed walls, custom-designed-and-crafted cabinetry with mirrored front cabinets. French doors open onto the front terrace. At the back of the home, overlooking private gardens, the cozy, sun-drenched family room boasts a large television and a gas fireplace bordered in a floor-to-ceiling precast concrete mantel. The intimate primary suite boasts double doors, crown moulding, a gas fireplace and wood mantel, an expansive dressing room and a 10-piece ensuite bathroom complete with a makeup vanity, Bain Ultra air jet tub,

marble countertops and his-and-hers under-mount sinks. “You enter the principal bedroom through an anteroom,” says Cohen. “It’s absolutely magnificent with steep vaulted ceilings and picture windows overlooking the ravine.”

With no detail overlooked, there are four-and-a-half bathrooms, an elevator for convenience, a gym with double cork flooring, a media room with games and a pool table, a nanny’s quarters, a lavish mudroom area with built-in storage and heated driveway, front porch, stairs and garage. Keeping longevity in mind,

the home is unique with its environmentally friendly touches, including geothermal heating and air conditioning throughout, LED lighting and a water softener with reverse osmosis water for drinking.

It’s really the kind of home that puts family first and is the perfect estate in which to entertain friends and guests. “My family was the inspiration for the design. We wanted a welcoming home,” Hughes says. The next lucky family that calls this abode their home will quickly understand what a special place it is.

“The next lucky family that calls this abode their home will quickly understand what a special place it is.”

Fun For the of it

Design shouldn’t be dull and uninteresting, and if there’s anyone who knows how to spice up a space, it’s designer Andrea McMullen. When she was brought in to work on a bachelor’s renovation and redesign, she made sure to create a stunning home all while infusing playfulness.

By Lisa van de Geyn

If there’s one thing designer Andrea McMullen, the principal of ADM Design Inc., is no stranger to, it’s injecting fun into the interiors she’s hired to work on. Her aesthetic is the polar antonym of ho-hum and lacklustre. Instead, she’s vibrant and stylish, and so is her work. “There is a really fun element to my design, and when I have a client who’s cool, has an amazing sense of humour and who’s exciting to be around, I’m inspired to do fun things,” she says happily.

This home belongs to a gentleman in King City, Ont., who was back to being a bachelor after several years. When a client of McMullen’s introduced them, he was working with another team on a complete gut and renovation of his home, but he felt there was something missing. He wasn’t content with how the project was being pulled together. He was looking for something totally unique — a departure from what had previously been his marital home. “When he called me

Photography by Larry Arnal

in, I quickly took note of the original bones of the house we were working with and I came up with a design plan that I knew would impress him,” she recalls. “At the time, he was all about greys and the space was monochromatic. He also had huge walls that weren’t being used, and I was immediately drawn to the idea of encouraging him to buy real artwork. I was able to convince him to bring in pieces he’d never considered and punches of colour. He thought I was crazy, but I knew it would work. It’s often about the client not being able to see what I can see in my mind — what I notice the minute I walk into a house. I get them to experience that vision and have that trust.”

McMullen knew what she wanted to do in the 7,500-square-foot space, but her biggest issue was creating a staircase that wouldn’t block the view of the backyard, pool and forest area when walking through the house. She opted for a glass-enclosed staircase with black quartz stairs. “This big structure ended up being unobtrusive and it was an exciting moment when it was put in. It was tough to organize but worked beautifully. It doesn’t take away from the view of the yard and it doesn’t encroach into the spectacular music room,” she says.

The music room houses an amazing antique piano and the home-

owner’s guitar collection. McMullen knew she wanted to incorporate some of his antique pieces with a more modern look. The highlight of the room is the painting above the fireplace. “It’s a piece that I picked and bought for myself, but I ended up selling it to him. It’s just so romantic and there’s so much character in the female’s face. He was surprised it worked so perfectly in that spot.” The space connected to the music room is the sitting area off the kitchen. “He was shocked by the blue sofa I brought in. It’s unexpected. I also brought in contemporary live-edge wood tables that tie in with the look of the antique piano. It’s a relaxing space; I love having a sitting area in my kitchen,” she says.

The kitchen is cool and masculine and meant for entertaining. “He’s such a fun guy, I didn’t want to do something that didn’t capture that,” says McMullen. The client wanted greys in the room, which suited McMullen’s design choices. She selected an exquisite leathered granite countertop for the huge island that seats 12. The floors are done in a subway-tile-like porcelain, and she chose the perfect light fixtures that hang above the island. “He had a restaurant and when he entertains, he liked the idea of heat lamps. We looked at gold and other metals, but when I saw the copper, it reminded me of a chef’s kitchen.

You’d think we would’ve gone with black for a grey kitchen, but the copper really creates emphasis on the spectacular 18-foot island. It really allowed there to be composition within the kitchen.” The same black quartz used for the staircase was brought into the countertops surrounding the island.

There’s another super-playful design feature McMullen brought in that gets a lot of laughs: the urinal keg in the bathroom on the main floor. “He’s just so funny and thought a keg urinal was a fabulous idea. I don’t have traditional, classic clients. I look for clients who want something different — something that will get friends talking when they come over. I love doing something cool and unexpected in powder rooms and bathrooms and he was all for it,” she says with a smile. “Everyone loves it.”

McMullen finished the interior of the house, but she’s still on the job — she’s currently working on enclosing his pool. “He’s thrilled with everything we did. It feels like a new space for him and his kids and that’s what he hoped for. It’s a space where he can have a great time entertaining and that’s what I wanted to create.”

WINDOW OF

Innovative styles, designs and size give EuroStar Windows & Doors the edge when it comes to building custom homes.

By Adriana Ermter

Photography by Anthony Sirianni

Introducing new products, offering innovative design and style, and providing more choice in window and door sizing, materials and finishes are what make EuroStar Windows & Doors a standout in the industry.“We’re all about the research and development of our windows and doors,” affirms Norm Shubat, one of EuroStar’s four owners. “It’s why we source our products from Europe. They heavily invest in engineering to create products with exceptional functionality that last longer than what’s typically found on the market.”

Proof of this is in the pudding, as the saying goes, with Shubat’s latest project. Located in Toronto’s well-established Armour Heights neighbourhood, bordered by Sheppard Avenue and Bathurst Street, this new-build

home is a prime example of what can be created by thinking outside the box, literally. Because the area is renowned for its large lot sizes, older, smaller bungalows can be torn down and replaced with large, custom-built homes, which is exactly what this latest addition to the North York community is.

Traditional in style and boasting clean lines, Shubat collaborated with builder Rado General Contracting and Merick Gollan from interior design firm Merigo Design to create 6,000 square feet of sleek, chic and timeless living space. The home’s crisp white interior is punctuated with more than 40 of EuroStar’s high-end windows, each one framed with an elegant textured, matte finish. “Normally, window frames are painted in a satin finish,” says Shubat. “These are unique. Along with the special finish, they have a charcoal-black colour and an overall richer look.”

The home’s front door carries this design detail over, featuring the same specialty finish combined with a modern aesthetic, fingerprint access (eliminating the necessity of a key) and four-inch-thick pan-

els for increased durability and security. The back door is equally as efficient, with six-foot-by-eight-foot unbreakable, laminated security glass panels, framed in textured, matte, charcoal-black aluminum steel so heavy it had to be machined into place. Additional elements throughout the home include a two-panel sliding door off the dining room, providing the homeowners with direct access to their private and lush backyard. “It took a crew of three people one week to thoroughly and properly install everything,” says Shubat.

While EuroStar’s products are highly sought after for their elegant curb appeal, their distinct approach to installation is what guarantees their longevity. Commonly, windows are crafted from PVC vinyl and their locking, opening and crank mechanisms are screwed into place through the plastic. Shubat’s windows, made in and imported from Europe, however, feature metal reinforcement bars within their frames, ensuring all hardware and locking points are screwed into reinforcement using self-drilling screws. This method prolongs the life expectancy of the windows and ensures proper functionalities for

our

doors.

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products

functionality

last longer

what’s typically found on the market. generational use. “It’s seemingly simple, but important things like that are very innovative and make the difference in the quality of the products we offer,” says Shubat. “Our products have no limitations, be it with their size, style and performance. You can see that in every detail of this home, from the oversized floor-toceiling windows and doors to the quality and craftsmanship. This is what makes our work unique.”

We’re all about the research and development of

windows and

It’s why

source our products from Europe. They heavily invest in engineering to create

with exceptional

that

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BLACK Magic

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Gillian Jackson

Minutes from Highway 401 in the charming village of Aberfoyle, Ont., is a picturesque, gated community called Heritage Lake Estates. The idyllic location features plenty of lush green space, a 60-acre lake, scenic walking trails and 75 stunning homes designed and built by Claxton & Marsh, an award-winning custom builder that focuses on luxury, net-zero-ready homes in the Guelph area. “It’s a really beautiful place to call home,” says Eve Claxton, the co-owner of Claxton & Marsh. (President and owner Shawn Marsh is her husband and business partner.)

She’s right. The homes in the community are remarkably unique and full of personality. One of the most spectacular bungalows in the neighbourhood is this delightfully luxe abode that was designed specifically for the homeowners. “They wanted a space where they could entertain their grown kids and other family, as well

as close friends. They were really looking for something clean and contemporary but wanted a space that still had a French-inspired look and feel with transitional details like high ceilings and crown mouldings that popped. They loved the model home and wanted something similar, but they were interested in putting their own stamp on it,” Claxton says. It all started with designing a very French-manor-like exterior and planning for soaring 14-foot ceilings throughout, as well as including lots of huge windows. (The couple are on the water and wanted to ensure they had sublime views of the lake from inside their space.) “They travel a lot and spend time in France, so that was part of the inspiration when it came to what they wanted for their home,” she says.

When you walk up to the house, you’re greeted by a massive iron and smoked-glass front door. “They wanted glass but didn’t want outsiders to be able to see in, so we

Eve Claxton of custom builder Claxton & Marsh created a spectacularly moody and wonderfully plush home when she and her team designed and built this perfect bungalow. Here’s what we learned about the colour scheme, decor choices and the overall ambiance.

used smoked glass and designed the house so that when you walk into the foyer, you just see beautiful panel detailing and can’t see into the home until you continue in,” says Claxton. Once you get inside, you immediately notice the black-and-white surroundings. But it’s not your typical black and white — it’s not stark, cold or overly bright. Instead, Claxton selected Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin for the walls because its off-white with a grey undertone shade worked beautifully with all the black furniture, art and accents. The homeowner was drawn to a black-and-white palette and loved how dramatic the two are together.

The kitchen in the model house was done all in black and it really resonated with the homeowners, so Claxton created a moody space full of personality with black granite countertops and a dark 20-foot island with seating for 10 where they can entertain. “Instead of putting chairs along one side of the island, I chose to put them on both sides, so guests could be seated facing each other. It’s great for conversation,” she explains. The living room next to the kitchen features a stunning fireplace and plush black tufted velvet sofas, and the neighbouring dining room is formal with unique black chairs around the table. Even the master ensuite is done in black and white

— the counter is done in a white Carrera marble while the shower and floors are finished in a dramatic black tile with white veining.

The basement mimics the main floor and it’s filled with plenty of lavish black accents. The large black couches in front of the fireplace in the family room are comfortable and lush, while the nearby leather club chairs are tufted, much like the sofa upstairs. “It’s the same idea but a different look,” Claxton says. There’s a black bar done with ribbed glass, a bedroom with ensuite and a games area, too. The office is one of Claxton’s favourite spaces. It has black built-in cabinets and black furniture, and instead of having a typical door leading into the space, it’s glassed in, so the homeowner has privacy while working, but isn’t blocked from seeing the rest of the basement.

The home suits the couple perfectly. They’ve embraced Claxton’s design and palette selections and have recently added some of their own more traditional elements, like the ornate chandelier in the front foyer, to contrast with the contemporary look and feel. “The old and new, black and white, modern and transitional elements and French influences really work in this home. It’s an interesting combination that spoke to the homeowners and it came together perfectly.”

IT’S NOT YOUR TYPICAL BLACK AND WHITE — IT’S NOT STARK, COLD OR OVERLY BRIGHT.

manor majestic THE

By Lisa van de Geyn Photography by Tyler McKeag

Torontonians know the magnificent Bridle Path as a highly sought-after neighbourhood where stately mansions reign, mature trees and immaculate landscaping abound and only the most affluent families reside. It’s a special area that houses some of the most pristine country clubs, the finest schools and many noteworthy attractions that make Toronto so incomparable.

This is the incredible pocket of the city where you’ll find this majestic manor — one that celebrates inimitable design, lavish detail, unique features and a certain opulence that many can only dream about. “It’s simply spectacular. This is not the kind of house that comes along often. It’s an absolute wonder,” says Irina Garanina, the listing agent and a sales representative at Hammond International Properties. “Every element of this iconic estate reveals an intricate level of attention and extraordinary care.”

Perfect for a larger or multigenerational family that puts luxury at the forefront, the approximately 10,000-square-foot, five-plusone-bedroom abode was built for the current owners. “They’ve been in the house for 10 years. It’s been their dream house, but now

This manor is truly one of a kind and, luckily for its next owner, it’s filled to the brim with luxe amenities and impressive design elements. Irina Garanina, of Hammond International Properties, takes us through this glorious mansion.

their kids are grown and it’s time to downsize,” Garanina explains. Designed by renowned architect Richard Wengle, the home’s exterior compels pedestrians to stop and take in the staggering view when passing by.

Privacy and modern conveniences figure prominently at this estate. There’s a gated entrance (that leads to a heated driveway) that’s monitored by security 24 hours a day. The smart home system inside offers all the amenities you’d expect, including the ability to access the thermostat, cameras and lights directly from a smartphone.

“When you walk into the home, you’re in the grand foyer. You immediately feel the French influence, love and magnificence of the space, and all of the elements and small details throughout demand your attention,” she says. These ornate details include the heated floors; the office, which is clad in wood panels; as well as the coffered ceilings throughout (but especially in the kitchen and principal bedroom), which include luxe patterns. “There was a lot of detail that was taken into consideration when the house was designed.”

Designed by Louise MacDonald, the home’s interior has a unique style and expansive rooms perfectly suited for family time. For instance, the dining room is an impressive space with a table that comfortably seats more than 12. The family room is panelled and has cathedral ceilings, plus it features a beautiful limestone fireplace. The rich yet cozy living room has a breathtaking marble fireplace, and the elevator carries residents and guests from the second floor down to the lower level. Walk into the kitchen and you’ll notice the upscale French inspiration. It’s truly a chef’s dream, complete with high-end appliances, a neutral colour palette, heated marble floors and wood accents. The breakfast space has huge windows that overlook the impressive gardens, pool and waterfall.

Upstairs there are five bedrooms, each with its own impeccably designed ensuite. “The principal bedroom has a large dressing room, exercise room, a fireplace, a spa-like bathroom and a stunning balcony,” says Garanina. In the lower level, there are even more amenities for the family and guests, including a world-class, temperature-controlled wine cellar with tasting room, theatre room, a catering

kitchen with a walk-in fridge, staff quarters, a beauty salon, sauna and steam room and his and her bathrooms.

The yard is just as idyllic as the home. There are pathways, blooming gardens, a putting green for golf aficionados and the pool and waterfall. There’s also a gourmet kitchen area perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining, complete with a barbecue,

pizza oven and dishwasher. “They really make use of their indoor and outdoor living spaces,” she says.

“This isn’t your typical house. It truly has everything you could ever want. If you live here, you live in the city, but it really feels like you’re in the countryside, thanks to the quiet surroundings.

"This isn’t your typical house. It truly has everything you could ever want."

lImit the sky is the

Thisis the first residential high-rise we’ve ever been involved in.

It was an incredible experience,” says designer Robin Nadel, one of two principals along with Harvey Wise at Wise Nadel Design in Toronto, reflecting on the magnificent project her firm recently completed.

It was a few years ago when a client introduced the design duo to DBS Developments, a fully integrated real estate development company. “They were looking for a designer for a new project and were given our firm’s name because of our history and reputation in high-end residential design in Forest Hill. A er meeting us and seeing our work, they ultimately felt we were the right fit,” she says. The project is a building on the edge of the prestigious Forest Hill neighbourhood that has impressive 360-degree views of Toronto from the roo op. Not only is it within walking distance to boutiques and restaurants in Forest Hill Village, but it’s also not far from Yorkville’s trendy shopping and dining scene.

Wise Nadel was brought in during the planning stages with renowned architects Diamond Schmitt. “Being involved in the building before they broke ground meant we were able to contribute to the configuration of the suites and the amenities and ensure a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces,” she says. “We were mindful of bringing in luxury, great design and quality that would appeal to young professionals or empty-nesters and anyone in between. This prominent building o ers an elevated living experience in the rental market — it’s luxurious, contemporary and welcoming.”

By Lisa van de Geyn

Photography by Brandon Barré

The interior design of this new residential high-rise in Toronto’s Forest Hill demanded the talent of one of the top design fi rms in the city.

Robin Nadel of Wise Nadel Design shares the story behind what makes this luxury rental property so unique.

That sense of luxury and drama is felt the moment you enter the building. “You walk into this 20-foot-high space that has grandeur, but it also has a very warm, curated feel,” she says. The lobby was created to feel like an elegant and inviting living room. Designed as an extension of the private suites, the lobby and amenity spaces are where residents can meet guests, relax and lounge by the fire. Your eye is immediately drawn to the impressive fireplace clad in unique silver onyx and to the sculptural wall art by Anthony Valin that adorns the adjacent walls of the lobby. Nadel also selected an exquisite light fixture to hang above the sitting area. “I wanted to do something textural and this piece by Zac Ridgely is a wonderful combination of bronze and polished nickel, metals that make appearances throughout the building.” The other side of the lobby features the concierge desk, done in a gorgeous quartzo bianco.

The amenities Nadel designed include a party room, games room, gym and terraces that act as upper and lower outdoor living spaces. The games room has a library feel, filled with beautiful books and carefully selected accessories. The dining room is especially striking — there’s a beautiful chef’s kitchen adjacent to the stone dining table that seats up to 12, making it the perfect place to host exquisite dinner parties. “These areas really feel like an extension of the resident suites. They don’t feel like common spaces at all. That’s the subtlety we brought to the project. It feels like a cohesive and intimate space.”

When it came to the suites, Nadel took the same approach — she wanted warmth, comfort and interconnected style. “I saw this building as a collection of individual residences, not as a multi-unit building.” There are nuances in layouts and finishes from floor to floor, but Nadel’s main goal was to give residents all the comforts of home and the developers gave her leeway to design how she pictured the space. Each suite features floorto-ceiling windows and an open-concept floor plan, as well as generous balconies. “I wanted the suites to feel luxurious and spacious and for our interiors to be the perfect backdrop to the furniture each resident will bring in,” she explains. “We selected high-end, elevated porcelain and quartz materials to provide low-maintenance luxury. These materials are refined-looking, but also very functional.” The kitchens have a contemporary feel, while the living and dining room spaces are streamlined and echo the lobby’s inviting ambiance. “We tried to keep it consistent through the building. We repeated a few materials from the lobby to o er a sense of unity. It was really important to us to bring in a distinct style while keeping the spaces neutral enough to work with the ways the residents would want to decorate.”

Two prominent materials Nadel used to draw inspiration from were the exterior brick and adonized bronze window frames that she brought into the interior. “The brick is unique

It’s luxurious, contemporary and welcoming.

— it’s thin and elongated and sets the building apart from most in the city. I decided to use the same brick as a feature in the gym to give the space personality and to bring in that piece of the outside,” she says. As for the bronze, Nadel says it’s a timeless metal that stands for luxury. “It’s weaved throughout the building in the window and door frames, the fluting on the ground floor, accents in the concierge desk and in the plumbing and lighting fixtures in the upper suites. We embraced the palette and really wanted it to be a consistent feature throughout the building.”

There are already residents living in the suites and the final touches are being put on the rest of the building. “With this residence, they’re really trying to introduce a new standard for luxury rentals,” says Nadel. “There’s a long list of curated services and amenities, from the private dining room and the fitness facility to the 24-hour concierge and wine-tasting events. It’s all about residents using the building and enjoying the space, and I was so proud to be part of its creation.”

THE MARKET

Effortlessly classy with a touch of modern appeal. The Asher chandelier is a showstopper with an elegant balance of intriguing geometry and whimsical beauty. The finest craftsmanship is showcased in its tapered frame and gorgeous antique brass finish, giving the Asher an unparalleled refined elegance.

126 Tycos Drive Toronto, ON 647-227-3208 districthome.com

Orto System: This is the perfect system to place along a wall without making it feel heavy or overbearing. Frames available in black, white and aluminum with a large selection of panels to choose from. Our designers can customize the cabinet to fit your needs. Contact us to find out more.

KOMANDOR

863 Rangeview Road, Mississauga komandor.ca. 416-251-0880

Aluminum Bifold

Doors: Offers enormous freedom. Make the most of good weather and virtually eliminate the barrier between your home’s interior and your yard or pool.

EUROSTAR WINDOWS & DOORS

55 Administration Road, Unit 22-24, Concord eurostarwindows.ca, 416-633-5921

Reynolds Sofa: The Reynolds Collection’s rich, design-forward look combines luxurious fabric and dramatic channeling. The Reynolds brings tailored details to the forefront, transforming this sofa into a contemporary tour de force.

Solane Dining Table and Chairs: Crafted with beechwood, this collection epitomizes the clean lines of modern design. Let the Sloane Collection bring a smile to your guests’ faces at your next party.

DECORIUM

363 Supertest Road, North York decorium.com 416-736-6120

The Marsh coffee table exudes old-world glamour. Distinguished by its brass finish and organic fleur-like shape, the Marsh creates a grandiose feel and adds refined elegance to

any space.

The New Z10: With a touch of a button, prepare authentic and trendy coffee drinks such as espresso, latte macchiato and flat white. Say hello to your personal barista. Coffee pleasure — freshly ground, not capsuled. Jura is the leader in producing super-automatic specialty coffee machines.

JURA

115 Matheson Boulevard East, Mississauga. ca.jura.com/en 905-501-8600

grade cordierite stone floor, designed specifically for this type of oven. These floors heat up much quicker compared to the traditional firebrick backing stones. More heat retention = Less wood. At La Piazza Wood Ovens, we take pride and passion to another level!

LA PIAZZA lapiazzawoodovens.com

1-877-757-2267

Clean lines and a contemporary look, providing natural lighting from our all-aluminum windows for your home. Come check out our new location!

CHATEAU WINDOW & DOOR SYSTEMS

170 Tycos Drive, North York chateauwindows.com

416-783-3916

Representing more than 60 international artists including world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.

SANDRA AINSLEY GALLERY

100 Sunrise Avenue, Unit 150, Toronto sandraainsleygallery.com 416-214-9490

Claire Kelly “Pietre Dura” 15.5H x 11.5W x 4.5D”

Jennifer Lipkowitz Publisher

EFFORTLESS STYLE

Split back shirt in blue hibiscus: This shirt is a longer style with a slit back. It’s great worn open over a swimsuit. Styled with the matching pant, this is a stunning set. It also pairs beautifully with white linen pants or jeans.

Scalloped edge shorts: We love this paired with the matching shirt.

Men’s classic shirt in pale pink: One of the compnay’s bestselling styles, this classic comes in a variety of colours. Perfect for warm-weather travel, this shirt instantly provides a put-together yet perfectly comfortable feel. you

Easy Breezy dress in apricot hibiscus: This midi-shirt dress features a contrast collar in white. The print is bright and fresh, perfect for warm-weather destinations and worn day or night with ease. A wonderful travel piece.

Crete dress in blue and white: This is one of our most-loved styles. Easy to wear in different ways, It’s perfect for travel. Toss it on over your swimsuit for lunch by the pool. Or belt it and add some jewellery to dress it up. The shape is flowy and very comfortable to wear.

up. The shape is flowy and very to

with a

Palazzo pant in blue hibiscus: The Palazzo pant has a smooth waistband with an invisible side zipper. This pant is great over a swimsuit, giving you another way to style your beach look. It’s also beautiful with a plain white T-shirt or linen shirt that is easy to pack.

Men’s casual shorts in navy:

These shorts feature an elastic waist

Men’s casual shorts in navy: These shorts feature an elastic waist with a button and zipper fly closure. They’re very comfortable to wear — linen is super breathable. They hit just below the knee.

Having spent summers at her family home in the South of France, the concept of linen became an intrinsic part of Whitney Westwood’s everyday life. The je ne sais quoi of linen and the lifestyle that this fabric evokes has become the spirit of Whitney Linen. Timeless pieces are created to last beyond seasons. Linen is one of the strongest fibres, making it an inherently sustainable choice. Collections for women, men and the home are thoughtfully created and cra ed with beautiful fabrics. Designed to carry you through all aspects of a beautiful, well-lived life, Whitney Linen is based on the ethos of living in linen. whitneylinen.com. Facebook: /whitneylinen. Instagram: @whitney_linen

If you’re travelling this season, don’t leave home without packing these incredibly chic and comfortable pieces from Whitney Linen.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW BACKYARD

GATES, DOORS, STAIRCASES,

BESPOKE FURNITURE AND MORE...