winter 2021
L u x u r y. L i v i n g . D e f i n e D .
DECORATING Colin & Justin Let Runway Couture Inspire Christmas Décor ENTERTAINING A Guide to Ontario's Best Sparkling Wines
Home Holidays
for tHe
Plus
A Gorgeous Interior finished in Black & White Meet rVNG Couture’s Jordan Stewart & toronto Artist Keight MacLean A Look Back at 2020 through the Lens of George Pimentel
winter 2021
$6.50
PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL
PHOTO BY LARRY ARNAL
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Peace, white walls and goodwill for all. That’s what a complete transformation of this three storey addition brought to our client who fondly refers to it as their “personal sanctuary”. Soaring ceilings window backsplash and modern appeal. A perfect example of what you can achieve working with designers at Yorkville Design Centre.
Redesign shelter at home.
Summerhill s, horizontal the
YYZ
CONTENTS
08 13 62
WINTER 2021 DEPARTMENTS
LETTERS THE GOODS
Radiant rouge, the best new scents & luxe loungewear
WINE
The finest Ontario sparklers for celebrating
FRESH GREENS
22
THE DESIGNERS
24
32 39
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LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA WINTER 2021
DÉCOR
20
Know your holiday trimmings Couture inspired Christmas décor
HOME TOUR
44
50
A study in contrast
LIVING
CAPTURING COVID
58
A photo essay by photographer George Pimentel
HOLIDAY HOPE
How to help others, and yourself, this season
65
STYLE
DESIGNER PROFILE Jordan Stewart of RVNG
TRAVEL ESCAPE
Three dreamy island destinations
CULTURE
ARTIST PROFILE Keight MacLean
FOOD RECIPES
Cocktail hour
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L u x u r y. L i v i n g . D e f i n e D. Volume 3, Issue 2. wInter 2021
Publisher
orIana mantello Editor-in-Chief
22
Holly Crawford Art Director
Jason Kang Contributing Writers aleXandra CaufIn, CHrIstIan dare, reBeCCa dumaIs, JosePHIne matyas, ColIn mCallIster, mICHael PInKus, JustIn ryan, sHerry smItHer, marK steVens, tHeresa storm
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Contributing Photographers larry arnal, mIKe CHaJeCKI, george PImentel, nIKKI wesley Additional Contributors tara asHley, andrea CIaBatonnI, angela CIaBatonnI, nICole for tHe Beauty team
18 13
O MEDIA GROUP President
orIana mantello Director of Sales CHrIstIna Bono
Office Manager marIa dIrICo
Accountant emerson & assoCIates
CONTACT US MAIL
luXe magazine, 242 applewood Crescent, suite 5, Concord, ontario l4K 4e5 EMAIL
info@luxemagcanada.com PHONE
905.780.2639 LUXEMAGCANADA.COM luXe magazine is published quarterly and delivered to select homes in the gta. for subscription inquiries email: info@luxemagcanada.com the reproduction of written material, illustration or photographs from this magazine is prohibited. although precaution has be taken to ensure the information contained in luXe magazine is accurate, it is understood that the magazine cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions that may occur. the articles in this magazine are the exclusive responsibility of the authors.
winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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editor’s letter
The Most Wonderful Time
of the Year
The holiday season is upon us, and as this has been a year unlike any other, Christmas is sure to follow suit. It seems unlikely that many of us will attend large family dinners, office parties and cocktail soirees or file into crowded spaces to finish our holiday shopping. We won’t clink glasses with workmates, toast good friends or swap kisses when the clock strikes midnight. It will be a holiday season unlike any we have known before, but it is still a time to celebrate those we cherish, even if it’s not how we did it last year. The annual traditions of trimming trees and decking halls may seem wasted if there isn’t hosting to be done; but this year more than any, we should make our homes merry—we’ll be doing most of our celebrating in them. It’s almost too easy to embrace the same pared back style we’ve all enjoyed these past months, when considering how to make our homes festive and bright for the season. Who among us hasn’t forgotten what it feels like to walk in heels (or sharp dress shoes, for you gentlemen)? It’s easy to forget how plain fun it is to get dressed up, set a formal table, and just be fancy. Since we’re home for the holidays this year, I say make your space as warm, charmingly festive and inviting as you would if you were entertaining a crowd of your most loved family and friends. Make every corner twinkle, and each surface shimmer. Make the hors d’oeuvres special and the wine sparkly. Use the best china, clink the finest crystal and cherish the thought that we will celebrate together again one day soon. This really is the most wonderful time of the year, even this year. Happy holidays!
Holly crawford, editor-in-cHief holly@luxemagcanada.com
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
DO YOU F EEL IT? The world. It’s still out there. That city you’ve longed to explore. The beach you can feel as you close your eyes and breathe in. The natural wonder dancing in your soul, pulling you toward the door. The world. It’s waiting for you. And we feel it, too. Come sail The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet and rediscover the comfort and TM
security found aboard our smaller ships, with never a crowd and with every luxury included. Explore each captivating port, returning each night to your own suite, refreshed and replenished daily, while savoring the most exquisite luxury dining at sea. The world is waiting. Begin your journey with Regent. TO BOOK CONTACT SCOTT WALDRON, FOUNDER & PERSONAL TRAVEL MANAGER
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*Visit rssc.com/legal for full terms and conditions. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands & Bahamas. ©2020 Regent Seven Seas Cruises. TICO# 50021282 Powered by The Travel Agent Next Door, 1003-55 York Street, Toronto, ON M5J1R7
time to celebrate
Publisher’s letter
This holiday season will be much different than any other. With most parties being cancelled or going virtual, we will celebrate with a small selective circle of friends and family. With small celebrations though, there will be more time to appreciate the things that really make the season, and those with us, special. I look forward to the holidays this year knowing that I won’t be spending hours searching in the malls for that perfect last gift. This holiday, since we have all slowed down a bit, we can take the time to appreciate all that we have in our lives and be thankful. We can take the time to take care of ourselves without the holiday rush. If this year has taught us anything it’s that together we can overcome anything! We at LUXE Magazine are thankful to all our advertisers, colleagues, friends and families that have supported us during this past year. We hope you enjoy our Holiday Issue and know that it was produced with much enthusiasm, love and affection. As always, I welcome your comments, ideas and suggestions. So, if time permits away from the festivities, send me an email! Wishing you and your families a wonderful, joyous Holiday Season!
Oriana mantellO, publisher oriana@luxemagcanada.com
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Playful. Elegant. Unexpected. 20 Newly Restored Suites • The BaNk Gastrobar • Rooftop Patio Get ready for luxury | frontenacclub.com | 613.547.6167
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Silk gown, $570 and silk robe, $770 by Canadian-based Christine Lingerie; christinelingerie.com
Goods Rouge Apple Watch Hermes, from $1,600; apple.com/ca for retailers.
“The Pouch” by Bottega Veneta, shown in Scarlet, $5,741; bottegaveneta.com/ca
WARM UP WINTER STYLE WITH POPS OF CLASSIC RED.
Mille Miglia watch by Chopard, $9,120; chopard.com
Diorific Golden Nights limited edition holiday collection by Dior; dior.com for retailers
Red boucle belted coat by Canadian designer Ross Mayer, $1,490; mayerofficial.com
“Samba red” Pantone swatch.
“The Tall Story” bag in patchwork calfskin leather by Alexander McQueen, $3,500; alexandermcqueen. com/en-ca
“Moto” jacket in soft baby alpaca and boucle by Canadian designer Sentaler, $1,500; sentaler.ca
WINTER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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the goods
scent
The new Gucci Bloom Profumo di Fiori Eau de Parfum is a natural green scent with the rich floral quality and creamy depth of Tuberose. $119/50mL, Shoppers Drug Mart; shoppersdrugmart.ca/beauty
The House of Guerlain has recreated Guerlain Fol Arome for 2020, a celebration of the original scent formulated in 1912. Top notes of mint alongside bergamot, peach, lavender, rose, narcissus and jasmine. $900/30mL, limited edition; guerlain.com/ca
The newest take on the J’adore fragrances, Infinissime Eau de Parfum by Dior. The classic J’adore floral bouquet with the addition of a single legendary flower, Tuberose, adding light and freshness. $129/50mL; sephora.com
Aerin Ambrette de Noir, a luxurious fragrance balancing the warmth of amber and incense with feminine white flowers. Top notes of rose, freesia and incense are accented with vanilla bourbon, cedarwood and ambrox. $390/100mL; esteelauder.ca
The latest scent from Maison Christian Dior for women or men, Dior Oud Rosewood, is an intricate duo of oud and creamy sandalwood. $285/ 125mL; available at Maison Christian Dior Boutiques.
London Orange Bitters by Jo Malone is like the warmest of winter cocktails. A dash of sweet orange, a burst of ripe mandarin and a base of sensual sandalwood and amber. $192/100mL; jomalone.ca
One of seven fragrances for women or men in Guerlain’s The Absolus D’Orient Collection, Patchouli Ardent Eau de Parfum offers an exceptional take on patchouli with notes of pink pepper, fruity green and fig. $221/125mL; guerlain.com/ca
Inspired by cognac and gin, two new scents from Kilian Paris tribute the founder’s family heritage as the maker of Hennessy Cognac. Angels’ Share and Roses on Ice, $260 each/50mL; Holt Renfrew, Saks, Harry Rosen and sephora.com
Top notes of juniper and mandarin mingle with heart notes of amber and neroli in Jo Malone Midnight Musk & Amber. Wear alone or pair with another Jo Malone to create your own signature scent. $192/100mL; jomalone.ca 14
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
THE GOODS
LOUNGE From Canadian band KIP, these premium “sleep scrunchies” are made of pure Mulberry silk to delicately glide over hair to protect against frizz and breakage, from $20. Pair them with a silk sleep mask (bottom of page) to help hydrate and reduce puffiness, $53; sleepinkip.com
Who doesn’t want a little cashmere for Christmas? We love this 100 per cent cashmere robe from Lemonwood, shown here in mottled gray, $450; lemonwood.ca
The ultimate stay at home holiday look? This gold silk ensemble from Canadian-based loungewear brand V.O. She. Silk joggers, $365, cami, $225 and robe, $410; versionsofshe.com
The ultimate cotton pajama set from KIP, made of buttery soft, 100 per cent Turkish cotton with silky piping and Mother-of-pearl buttons. For the ultimate pair, add your monogram to the shirt pocket. From $260; sleepinkip.com
Living in Loungewear ADD SOME CHIC TO YOUR LOUNGE LOOK
Canadian brand Knix is known for innovative undergarments but are now entering the loungewear category. The new “Cozzzy” collection is calling us with these soft separates. Pants, $74 and Lounge Cardigan, $85; knix.ca WINTER 2021 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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B A L E N C I AG A
MONCLER
SAINT LAURENT
B V LG A R I
C A N A DA G O O S E
S A LVAT O R E F E R R AG A M O
B OT T E G A V E N E T A
C H LO É
VA L E N T I N O
N O R D S T RO M
C A RT I E R
H O LT R E N F R E W
VA N C L E E F & A R P E L S
LO U I S V U I T T O N
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Plan the ultimate shopping trip. With more designer labels and luxury brands than anywhere else in Canada, Yorkdale is Toronto’s most fashionable destination. For your safety and convenience, we now offer curbside pickup, expanded take-out and delivery options from your favourite restaurants and a contactless valet service. We know you may have questions, we are here to answer them. Text us at 647-749-7467. 2 7 0 S T O R E S & LU X U R Y B R A N D S | C O N T A C T L E S S VA L E T | D I S C O V E R Y O R K D A L E . C O M
Create a CheerfUL and welcoming holiday table-scape with this playful pattern in a classic red and white scheme. “Vinter” dinner plates, $20 each and “Carson” wood chargers, $30 each, both by Crate & Barrel; crateandbarrel.ca
Home A Playful Holiday Table
winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada 17
HOME
Aegean Teal (2136-40)
Benjamin moore announces 2021 colour of the year
Each yEar Benjamin Moore announces a carefully curated colour they feel will reflect our design sensibilities for the year to come. For 2021, they have selected Aegean Teal (2136-40), a blue-green that “creates natural harmony and invites us to reflect and reset.” This year’s colour of the year, and accompanying palette reflects a softness and sun-baked quality in each of the shades, each chosen to “play to the senses.” “Amid uncertainty, people yearn for stability. The colours we surround ourselves with can have a powerful impact on our emotions and wellbeing,” says Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore Director of Colour Marketing & Development. “Aegean Teal and the corresponding Colour Trends 2021 palette express a welcoming, lived-in quality that celebrates the connections and real moments that take place within the home.” Check out the entire palette at benjaminmoore.com
holiday homE scEnts tWo Ways
For thE intErior dEsign lovEr… The Jonathan Adler x Maison Berger is a must have this season. The acclaimed designer and home fragrance icon have come together to create a limited-edition collection of high-end home fragrance rituals. Shown here, The Muse Collection is inspired by the archetypal creations of Jonathan Adler. The collection features three porcelain vessels with refined shapes and Adler’s surreal touches such as embossed lips with sparkling gold metallic details. Maison Berger’s Imperial Green Tea scent is rounded off with notes of sandalwood and a backdrop of modern musks. From $144 to $230; maison-berger.ca 18
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
For thE smart homE Enthusiast… The Next x Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Set will delight. The smart home fragrance diffuser powered by Pura fills your home with bestselling scents from Nest. The app-based device connects to your phone allowing you to set your scent schedule, swap between scents, and adjust intensity. The set includes the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser and Nest refills in “Holiday” and “Birchwood Pine”; $120 at Sephora and Saks in-store and online and nordstrom.ca
Add a Warm and Meaningful Accent
Who doEsn’t want a deliciously soft new blanket to curl up in this winter. Canadian online retailer Blacksaw designs premium alpaca blankets and throws that are inspired by art and the travels of co-owners and designers Steph Taylor and Kyle Carson Taylor. Each piece in the collection is ethically sourced and driven by the brand mantra of owning only one thing: meaningful possessions. The “Siempre Speakeasy” recycled blanket, $298; blacksaw.co
Home is where the heart is.
At Zilli Home, we travel the globe searching for the latest in home furnishings. Allow our team of expert Design Consultants to curate customized furniture and accessories that reflect your personal style. Begin your design journey today - visit us in store or online.
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Go (real) Green This Holiday Season At some point we’ve all wondered if real or
So, not only did the farm where your Christmas
faux holiday greens were the better choice. Sure,
tree grew serve as a haven for bird and mammal
the faux variety have staying power, you may
species, it acted as a CO2 filter for nearly a
use them for several years, and you may even
decade. In fact, each acre of trees removes about
donate them when you’ve decided it’s time
13 tonnes of airborne pollutants per year.
for something new; but at some point, they’ll probably make their way into the landfill. America,
and return stored nutrients to the soil. Most
Christmas trees are not harvested from natural
municipalities collect discarded trees to chip for
forest areas but grown as a crop on tree farms. For
use as mulching material.
Almost
20
After Christmas, your tree is completely biodegradable and will naturally break down
everywhere
in
North
each tree harvested, ten more are already being
And let’s be honest, there is nothing quite
grown for the next several years of harvest. Each
the same as the look, feel and scent of the real
tree a farmer plants grows for about ten years.
thing on Christmas morning.
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Photo by elina-sazonova (Pexels); monicore (Pixabay)
home
Know Your Greens
Blue Spruce Picea pungens Engelm Colorado blue spruce, or blue spruce, is often used for Christmas trees or dĂŠcor. It has a narrow, pyramid shape and needles are one to one-and-a-half inches long, four-sided and have a sharp point. Needles are generally dull blue-gray to silvery blue and emit a resin odor when crushed. Some trees have a more distinct blue-white or silverwhite foliage.
White Spruce Picea gluca This is the most valuable of the spruce varieties and is sought after by pulp and paper companies. It grows in every province and territory in Canada. Strong, slender twigs hold ornaments well, but it must be watered regularly to prevent it from losing its needles. The needles are about two centimeters long, and are dark green or blue-green. The needles of spruce and fir trees are quite similar, but on spruce, the needles are square to round in profile and will roll between your fingers. They are stiff and slightly curved and give off a sharp pungent odour when crushed.
White pine Pinus strobus The white pine is the largest tree that grows in Eastern Canada and in the wild can reach diameters of 1.5 metres and heights of 45 metres. The needles are five to twelve centimeters long, are soft and flexible and appear in bunches of five. The soft needles make it more difficult to hang ornaments.
ScotS pine Pinus sylvestris This is the most popular Canadian Christmas tree, although it is not native to North America. Introduced to Canada by Christmas tree farmers, it can now sometimes be found growing in the wild. The Scots pine is a thick, hardy tree that holds its needles well over the holidays. The colour is variable; some trees may be blue-green while others are yellowgreen. The needles appear in clusters of two, usually twisted and are about four to eight centimeters long.
FraSer Fir Abies fraseri Fraser fir and balsam fir are quite similar. Fraser fir is uniformly pyramid-shaped with strong branches that are turned slightly upward. Needles are one-half to one-inch long, have a broad circular base, and are usually dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the lower surface. The combination of shape, needle retention, colour and pleasant scent has led to the Fraser fir being a popular Christmas tree species.
BalSam Fir Abies balsamea Fir trees hold their needles well and are a good choice if the decorated tree is to be left standing for a long period of time. The needles are two to three centimeters in length, are rounded at the tip and are a dark, shiny green in colour. Unlike spruce needles, fir needles are flat and will not roll between your fingers.
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home
From catwalk Let fashion inspire your festive hoLiday décor
Dior haute couture AW21.
i
Dior men AW21.
f global pandemics and matters of quarantine
we figured that, if you can’t strut your stuff at the office
have rendered your fashion gene inert, a spot of
party, then perhaps it’s time to showcase a roster of festive
couture-influenced holiday décor, say Colin and
fashion looks based on the catwalk. Aye, in the comfort of
Justin, could prove the perfect FROW vista to festive
your own home. At the very least, your Christmas tree will
accessorizing success.
be the belle of the ball.
Present day fashionistas (and those in the future) will
surely decree 2020 the year even the most mode mad contingent let down their guard and opted for pajamas,
Marvelously MonochroMe
From Prada to Chanel, the timeless appeal of black and white
sweat pants and t-shirts as breakfast garb, lunch time attire
makes for a beguilingly classic style pairing: imagine French
and hey, even evening wear.
cinematic beacon Catherine Deneuve, attired head to toe in
Accordingly, dressing for one’s (at home) professional
YSL, to get the gist. The grand dame effortlessly showcases
output has become—after that first thrust of polished
a brand of sartorial magic, akin, in the contemporary idiom
enthusiasm—a somewhat relaxed sport. Yes indeed, gone
at least, to the bygone era of Hollywood.
(for many) are the days of diligent preening ahead of every last vestige of “on air” camera time. Be honest: do you still dress up for Zoom calls? Allusions aside, we all know what’s going on from your desk top
And so, without further ado, assemble your coutureinspired holiday period hit list with quilted leather baubles, sparkly gold buttons and robust rope chain, and prepare to dress your tree like Coco Chanel on festive steroids.
down. Yup, the aforementioned lounge wear and, erm,
Alternatively, imagine Valentino draping diaphanous
Garfield slippers. Nowadays, a smudge of lippy, and a loosely
grey scale fabric onto some beautiful muse, perched high
fingered chignon seem amply sufficient. Can you relate?
in his Italian atelier. To this end, take inspo from the
In essence, with restaurant hours clipped, and night
Winter 2020 Dior runway or Alexander McQueen where the
clubs closed, the need to dress up has waned, but come on:
look is at once clean, bold and unfussy. If you tailor your
don’t we all crave an opportunity to share and shine?
Christmas landscape to follow suit, your festive offering will
And so, with Christmas just around the corner, 22
by Colin MCAllister + Justin ryAn
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
come alive.
to christmas First step, of course, is to select the correct tree,
Teaming strong outdoor influences like bomber
one that’s supermodel tall and deserving of its pivotal
jackets and oversized chunky sweaters with smart
festive role. A white tree with black adornments (or
metallic boots and commodious handbags, this
perhaps vice versa, if you’re feeling daring) would
aesthetic is strong, fluid and modern with roots that
work well. If you have a heritage home, with chic
would feel equally at home in the country as they
paneled walls and ornate European chesterfields
would the city. Pepper in a little rustic Canadiana
(we can but dream), then all the better. Complete
(think nature motifs and weather worn wood) to
the look by conspiring a perimetre of gifts attired
deliver festive style that’s thoroughly eclectic, a
in plain white boxes detailed with black bows and
celebration of unbridled individuality.
ribbons, or white boxes dressed in opposing tones.
Longchamp AW20.
This holiday vignette by Crate and Barrel perfectly captures this vibe, arranged as it is with
Further adornments
a weathered timber backdrop, scattered casual
• Get the Canadian designer look with the seven-
arrangements and handmade ceramic detailing.
foot Knight Ombre Slim Christmas Tree by Brian
Allowing the mood to remain “natural” works well,
Gluckstein. The black and silver fashion plate
courtesy of wild berries and branches taking the
offers a slim design—ideal for smaller spaces—and
place of glitter and garlands, while artisanal woven
comes pre-lit with low voltage warm white LEDs.
table runners, sparkling clear glass and purest white
• Try clear glass decorations for an icy feel to
paper stars complete the look.
compliment your monochrome aesthetics. Glass cut ornaments with silver tag by Waterford at
Further adornments
Amara; amara.com
• Bring on the buffalo. There’s nothing quite as
• Like lipstick carefully applied across plump,
rustic as a robust check, so dress your door with
petulant lips (on an otherwise ‘undecorated’ face)
a “Christmas Berry Wreath” from Bed, Bath &
a single siren red element will totally stand out.
Beyond (bedbathandbeyond.ca) to bag the spirit
Cue Ornament 2020 by Swarovski (swarovski.com).
of cowboy chic.
Almost “scarab brooch” in style, the 110-facet
• Capture the olfactory joys of decorating with
crystal snowflake is joyously ruby toned, and
fragrant pine branches, fresh clove studded
hangs daintily from a deep red satin ribbon.
oranges and juicy mandarins, and trap it all in a
• Fulfil your classic Vivienne Westwood punk
dreamy, scented candle. “The Foret d’Or Scented
fantasy with studded spiked glass tree ornaments
Candle” by Goutal Paris, available at Hudson’s
from Homesense. If you favour rocker chic, emo or new wave style (think ‘Perfecto’ biker jackets by Balmain) this prickly gem should be yours.
Bay (thebay.com) is little short of stunning. • Deliver a sense of bygone times with the Bee & Willow Home Christmas Tree Terrarium from Bed,
• Invite the A-list with decorations modeled after the
Bath & Beyond (bedbathandbeyond.ca). This pre-
silhouettes of Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld.
lit beauty is infused with a whiff of Victoriana
From Cody Foster at Holt Renfrew; holtrefrew.com.
and resembles a miniature forest, captured under
Just pray your other decorations are good enough
glass, for all time.
for their critiques.
Refined Rustic
Crate and Barrel.
• Embrace the hand-knit and handed-down look with these richly textured cable-knit stockings by Oui at Chapters/Indigo (chapters.indigo.ca).
If shearling collars and acres of soft suede
Generously sized to hold all of Santa’s treats
leather appeal, you’ll find Sophie Delafontaine’s
(if you’ve been a good lad or lass) and finished
seventies-inspired collection (for Longchamp Fall
jauntily with a bright red pom.
2020) heaven sent. And hey, if it’s good enough for brand ambassador Kendall Jenner...
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HOME
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
A Study in Contrast
SeAmleSSly blend StyleS with A Striking blACk And white pAlette by AlexAndrA CAufin
photography by Mike ChAjeCki
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HOME
N
othing exists without its opposite. I’m hardly the first to point this out (the line in fact belongs to American novelist Chris Crutcher). Only with frost can we understand fire, Bronte writes. The summer is sweeter for the cold days of winter, observes Steinbeck. Sorrow and gladness coexist to beautiful effect, Saadi muses, the rose made even more majestic by its thorn. In short, something’s proximity to its opposite makes it all the more
powerful, all the more felt, all the more pronounced. Architecturally, contrast remains one of the most pivotal tools in enhancing interactions between forms—drawing attention to essential curves, angles and textures. In the world of high contrast design, black and white is perhaps the most timeless of duos, the only tonal dyad that is both complementary (opposite on the colour wheel) and monochromatic (of the same colour class). In this paradoxical arrangement exists something magical—and if you begin to look, you’ll find living proof everywhere. This GTA-area home, for instance, conceived by designer Kate Davidson, shows us the power of this essential pairing. In its original form, the 3,500 square-foot house in Lorne Park was like many in the neighbourhood, defined by traditional Georgian architecture. But before Davidson’s interior vision could be brought to life, the home’s layout required an overhaul. Creating a sense of flow between the various spaces on the first floor was a primary request of her clients, as was the addition of a powder and mudroom.
The dramatic paint colour is left to speak for itself, unadorned by art or accessories. 26
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Kate Davidson, is the founder and principal designer of Kate + Co Design. For more than a decade the multidisciplinary interior design firm has been providing complete residential and commercial design services throughout North America.
The existing kitchen was also too compact for a family home, so Davidson doubled its square footage, adding eatin dining alongside a wine cabinet and bar station. Why choose between a kitchen island, or a peninsula? This space has both, the latter bridged from the window at the centre of the room to create an area for entertaining separate from food prep. Meanwhile, in the foyer, a dated curving staircase was replaced with modern floating risers and angular railings. The spacious living room connects to the kitchen, mudroom and backyard, achieving the airy movement between spaces the owners were after. Now, to create an aesthetic flow from room to room while lending each its own sense of personality. Davidson was more than up to the task, describing cohesion and elegance as guiding principles of her 12-yearold design firm, Kate and Co. Wide oak flooring began the interior design process, establishing a foundation that
“ ”
You might read it as black and white at first, but then you’ll start to see all of these other tones. —kate davidson
was soft but current. Her clients embraced a high contrast palette from the start loving its striking energy and talent for elevating spaces. But the approach also risked coldness and alienation, a problem Davidson avoids through the infusion of more traditional décor styles. For instance, the sizeable living room was the perfect spot to infuse a subtle boho spirit. Two black walls create a contemporary atmosphere while the fireplace between them is refaced in white horizontal shiplap and a chevron mosaic of glass tiles. It’s an effortless infusion of old world charm, echoed by a heavy, oversized coffee table in espresso-toned oak. Wooden bowls, woven baskets and a jute rug add more hits of natural and handmade, a signature of the style. Here, you can see and feel the resonance of the high contrast palette. Against one of the dark walls, a bouquet of wheat seems to glow, and the bulbous curves of a ceramic vase become magnetizing. winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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HOME
“You could do all sorts of things with this
While the main floor’s contemporary essence
wall space,” Davidson says. “Cabinets, built-in
is anchored by black and white tones and
shelving or artwork. But to be honest, it doesn’t
architectural features like the updated staircase;
need anything else. It resonates all on its own.”
traditional detailing like Victorian curtailed
The room is a powerful example of how a
risers and door frames enhance the balance of
space can harness the warm, comfy energy of
Davidson also points out the spectrum of
For homes in a region defined by bricks, beams,
colour that begins to reveal itself as you settle
snowy winter days and the dark waters of Lake
into the space. “You might read it as black
Ontario, Davidson’s subdued, black and white
and white at first, but then you’ll start to see
version offers a satisfying alternative to the
all of these other tones—grey, oatmeal, bronze.
popular California boho of the moment.
Without those warmer shades, it would feel
In the dining room, where a more formal and
a little flat—colder and more sterile.” Look
evocative atmosphere was welcome, Davidson
carefully and you shall find; in the living room,
accents another oversized table with chairs
a large painting and series of accessories bring
in the style of mid-century designer Pierre
out the warmth of the oak flooring. In the
Jeanneret. A chandelier with a nod to industrial
dining room and kitchen, bronze-detailed light
style adds drama and art deco vibes. Two side-
fixtures add romance and dimension to the
by-side paintings done in a forties abstract
black and white palette.
expressionist style soften the room’s angular forms with a series of flowing curves.
Though this home makes it look effortless, high contrast spaces are not easy to achieve.
Practical, polished and streamlined, the
They risk a sense of starkness or imbalance. But
expansive kitchen mixes white porcelain with
when done right, one of their most compelling
light and dark cabinetry and standout moments
features is the way they can create harmony
like a dramatic charcoal cube encasing the range
among design histories through a streamlined
hood. Faced with many cupboards and doors,
palette. If contrast is the joy of life, variety is
Davidson opted for black hardware that fades
no doubt its kin. And a mode that can balance
into the background and makes standouts of
a range of moods with an overall sense of unity
the bronze faucets.
has, at its heart, both.
A high contrast scheme is softened by natural texture and colour in the accessories.
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old and new.
a traditional style like boho in a measured way.
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
A dramatic dining room is created in black and white, with the right furniture and light fixture.
Hints of soft gold pop against the classic combination of dark and light tones. winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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Living Self-care for the SeaSon ToronTo’s Miraj HaMMaM spa recently introduced two new treatment options; perfect to treat yourself, or a loved one. TriPollar Technology and DMA Technology come together for The Trilipo system, offering clinically proven solutions to eliminate unwanted fat and treat those “trouble” areas. In a simple walk-in, walk-out procedure you can experience advanced body contouring and firming, claiming visible improvements from the very first treatment. The 90-minute Oxygeneo Treatment utilizes radio frequency (very similar to the Trilipo system). The high frequency electromagnetic waves bring heat to the tissues, when the temperature of the skin increases, the natural healing process is triggered, creating accelerated production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. mirajhammamtoronto.com
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Do a gooD DeeD, or 24
Originally fOunded in Germany in 2011 as a take on a traditional holiday advent calendar, instead of a chocolate treat, the 24 Good Deeds Charity Advent Calendar features a good deed behind each door. This year marks the first Canadian edition of the calendar featuring 11 Canadian charities including Second Harvest, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Dog Guides Canada and Sick Kids Foundation. With as little as $24, you support 24 different charities that are carefully selected from around the world and locally within Canada, all dedicated to the overall mission of doing good with a focus on social issues like healthcare, nutrition, the environment, education and more. With each new day, you’ll discover behind each of the calendar’s doors what your donation will achieve, whether it be planting a tree or contributing a meal. All of the calendars are made from grass paper and printed using natural ink. 24gooddeeds.ca
Keep Your Home Healthy
nOw, mOre than ever, home hygiene and sanitization have become a key consideration of day-to-day life. Luxury home and linen care company Rowenta recently launched the Pure Air Genius, the only air purifier on the market that filters up to 100 per cent of allergens. Patented “NanoCaptur Techonology” has filters that last up to 12 times longer than other brands and is effective against allergens and bacteria. With its connected design for easy management from a smartphone, consumers can download the Pure Air powered by Rowenta app to track the air quality in their home. Anywhere you are, as long as there is a WIFI connection, you can receive real time updates, including seeing how much pollution is being filtered, when the filters need to be replaced and details on allergy sources, as well as the ability to monitor outdoor air quality. $550; rowenta.ca
Sentaler for Sick kidS
The perfecT hOliday gift is one that gives back. These super soft baby alpaca pieces from Canadian-based Sentaler are not only gorgeous but proceeds from their sale are donated to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Available in a range of colours, and in sizes for grownups too. From $195 each; sentaler.ca
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LIVING
THE YEAR OF
CONTRAST
A STRIKING LOOK THROUGH THE LENS OF PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGE PIMENTEL AS HE DOCUMENTED THE ALTERED APPEARANCE OF 2020 by HOLLY CRAWFORD
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photography by GEORGE PIMENTEL
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Canadian fashion label RVNG making its debut at New York Fashion Week (virtually).
HERE IS NO denying that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. With daily lives altered in so many ways, people adapted, accepted and rose to the occasion to help those around them. The obstacles created by a global pandemic, changed the appearance of our city, our society and even, ourselves. Photographer George Pimentel—typically found at red carpet events and awards shows—began documenting the contrast he observed in his city and his neighbourhood. The series of photographs has evolved into a large-scale project, capturing the moments that defined us in 2020. “When the lockdown happened, and events were cancelled, I decided to go back to my roots as a street photographer. It started
with a photo of me and my Dad. It grew from there. I started collecting photos of front line
OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP LEFT: A typically crowded TTC subway looking quite deserted. Protesters gather for Black Lives Matter demonstrations at Toronto’s YongeDundas Square. Peering through a window into the world outside during lockdown.
workers, people socially distancing, the elderly and families coping with Covid,” says Pimentel. Some of Pimentel’s images will be on view along with select photographs from across the
country at an outdoor exhibit entitled Canada Covid Portrait at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre.
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LIVING
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Getting outside with physical distancing and mask wearing. A virtually empty Toronto street. Getting close to loved ones through panes of glass. The class of 2020 marked their graduations without the usual pomp and circumstance. Healthcare workers and patients add new layers of protection.
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Watching a movie in style–except with masks–at the 5 Drive-In, Oakville.
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LIVING
A unique site as yoga classes were conducted inside domes, creating an actual “bubble” around each participant.
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AUTUMN 2020 LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A flight with Air Canada with new Covid-19 protocols in place. After 20 years in business Labl Couture closed it doors for the first time in March 2020, and shifted focus to creating affordable masks. The City of Toronto painted “social circles” in parks to help prevent large groups of people gathering in open spaces.
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Hope
Living
for the Holidays
Help strengtHen your community (and yourself) tHis Holiday season
T
by Rebecca dumais he holidays can be a season of stark contrasts, easily characterized by the likes of characters Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. However, as individuals—just like Scrooge—we can each make a difference to bring joy, hope and resilience into the lives of others around us, near and far.
As a result of the pandemic, it’s no wonder the operating costs of charities have
increased dramatically. As the holiday season approaches, we’re all eagerly looking forward to celebrating festivities (in our social bubbles). Even though we might not want to hang a “First Covid Christmas” bauble on the tree, it’s necessary for the greater good to embrace the season as it’s presented (climate-wise and pandemically, if that’s a word) and celebrate in other ways: offer our time, our consciousness and especially financial resources to those in need.
It’s better to gIve
Soon we’ll be hearing that iconic bell ringing, a symbolic sound that ushers in the holiday season’s “it’s better to give than receive” feeling every year. Giving back is (and should be) much more than knocking a few dollars off of your income tax. According to randomactsofkindness.org, research shows there are physical and mental benefits to altruism.
HIgH on tHe HolIdays
Have you heard of the “helper’s high”? A phrase coined 20 years ago by author Allan Luks, this happens simply by being kind to another person. It rewards your brain’s pleasure and rewards centres (and there’s no added sugar compared to all those holiday treats we’ll be eating).
WHere Help Is needed
Here are some of the programs and organizations looking for assistance this holiday season. toronto The Shoebox Project This year’s program will be a virtual model, collecting and distributing bulk items, gift cards, and written holiday cards. Virtual shoeboxes will be counted as monetary donations to each local chapter, and 100 per cent of the money will be used to purchase gift cards for women in shelters. Recipients will be able to go out and choose their holiday gift. shoeboxproject.com Holiday Helpers Now in its 20th year, HH commits to helping 650 low-income families in the GTa. at the same time as bringing a little christmas joy to a family facing poverty, they also provide winter essentials (coats, snowsuits, hats, mitts and necessary household items) as well as a grocery gift card towards a meal. Opportunities to help include sponsoring a family wish list, giving a monetary gift, hosting a donation drive or volunteering. holidayhelpers.org CP24 Chum Christmas Wish This 54-years-running program operates as one of the largest distributors of toys to children in the GTA, and also provides financial help to many hundreds of other community (continue on next page) winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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Ailments AwAy
Volunteering has been shown to reduce symptoms of pain and improve overall health. Volunteers over the age of 55 have a 44 per cent less likelihood of dying earlier. “This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church,” writes Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness: In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents.
mentAl merriment
Since one of the major risk factors for depression is isolation, what better way to boost your mood than get out, lend a hand and meet new people? Plus, a 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness of 136 countries noted that altruistic individuals (generous donors) were the happiest overall. Did you know that kindness also stimulates the body’s production of serotonin? You can elevate your mood, relax and feel happy in a natural way, just by extending kindness to others. Engaging in selfless acts produces endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller—and you’ll stress less: those who are continuously kind have 23 per cent less cortisol and age more slowly than average. The University of British Columbia conducted a study in 2015, asking a group of
Did you know… According to Stats Canada, more than 12.7 million Canadians (ages 15 and up), volunteered for charities in 2018 (including non-profits and community organizations), which accounts for 41 per cent of the population.
high anxiety people to perform at least six acts of kindness each week. After just one month they noted a significant increase in positive mood, relationship satisfaction and decrease in social avoidance in those with social phobia tendencies.
“love” struck
Witnessing acts of kindness also releases oxytocin: yet another happy hormone. This “love hormone” helps lower blood pressure and helps improve heart health. Another benefit, oxytocin also aids in booting your self-esteem and can actually give you a more optimistic outlook.
(continued from pg. 39) agencies to bring the holidays into a child’s home. All financial donations of $20 and up are eligible for an income tax receipt. With regard to Covid-19, gifts with outer packaging are preferred and to avoid donating stuffed animals or toys with porous materials. cp24.com/features/cp24-chum-christmaswish
CTV/Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain Now in its 25th year, each holiday season a heap of toys is collected to provide help and hope to families in the GTA and across Canada struggling to make ends meet. The Toronto chapter is in most need of gifts boys and girls ages 10 to 13 and ages 14 to 17. toymountain.ca Daily Bread Food Bank Canada’s largest food bank supplies food to nearly 200 programs across the city. Donations are welcomed in the form of monetary one-time or monthly contributions or donating food. They’ll even arrange to pick up items collected from food drives, as long as it’s a minimum of 250 pounds of food (equal to about 25 average grocery bags or 12 banker boxes). At any time, 40
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
you can bring non-perishable donations to any Toronto fire hall or the food bank’s warehouse, 191 New Toronto Street. dailybread.ca montreAl Welcome Hall Mission Operating since 1982, this group delivers Christmas baskets (chicken or a turkey, groceries, clothing and shoes), for several days leading up to Christmas. They are always in need of donations of goods or services. welcomehallmission.com Sun Youth Low-income families and individuals in need have access to free holiday food baskets. The baskets are distributed to more than 12,000 people each year and children 12 years old and younger are given a new toy. sunyouthorg.com/services/christmas-andchanukah-basket-distribution Old Brewery Mission This one-time soup kitchen now offers food, housing, clothing and services for women and programs for the homeless. Consider a donation or volunteering your time. missionoldbrewery.ca
Little Brothers An active organization throughout Quebec offering assistance to isolated seniors (over the age of 75). According to Little Brothers, 30 per cent of Quebec’s senior population is at risk of social isolation. Various programs deliver caring, compassion and companionship. Traditionally during the holiday season, Christmas gift baskets are delivered to the elderly. petitsfreres.ca/en vAncouver DTES Women’s Centre In light of Covid-19, their free community meals have been impacted. They are asking that people consider donating a minimum of $5 to support their meal program, which is offered to women and their children in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. dewc.ca Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau Their Christmas Giving Program will be operating with COVID protocols. Established in 1930, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau (LMCB) gathers, sorts, stores and ships items to Christmas Bureaus and community agencies across metro Vancouver. Tens of thousands of toys and gifts are given each year. lmcb.ca
Living
Six eaSy wayS to give back during the holidayS
Whether it’s a kind word, a gesture of thanks or a helping hand, there are many ways to make a change in someone’s life, whether it’s for a moment or a lifetime. We can “donate” in different ways to help someone in need: a few moments of our time paying it forward, a monetary contribution or volunteering. Here are some simple ways to help make a difference. • Offer to help a neighbour with chores or errands—especially shovelling their driveway and sidewalks, or shopping for someone who is elderly or has elevated health risk factors. • Offer a verbal thank you or written Christmas card to people in your community: the crossing guard, your regular TTC driver, or your favourite barista. • Bring some new toys, blankets, pet food and other supplies to your local animal shelter. • Purchase a care package or extra groceries to donate at your grocery store. • Call or write a note to a person you know who has lost somebody recently. Tell them they’re in your thoughts and that you’re there for them. • Give blood. It costs nothing but a few moments of your time and will truly mean the difference between life and death for someone in your community.
need more reaSonS to get out there and donate?
• Donating to a charity can save you money during tax season. Tax receipts can go towards your tax credits of up to 53 per cent of your donations. • You can give a valuable lesson to little ones: when they watch you give (especially volunteerism) they grow up knowing PHoToS By roMAn krAFT; SHAron MCCuTCHEon, unSPLASH.CoM
the value of giving back. • Volunteering can help you meet new people, make new friends and connections with like-minded individuals.
it’S good to give
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation to make a difference in someone else’s life. If this sparks an interest to contribute to something closer to your heart, search websites like Charity Intelligence (charityintelligence.ca), Toronto Charities (toronto-charities.ca/toronto-charities-list), or Canada Helps (canadahelps.org) for more organizations that need your help. Got time to give? Check to see if there’s an opportunity to apply. Need some more ideas? Visit volunteermatch.org.
Gifts full of goodness charity Pot, luSh A fragrant hydrating cream which gives back. Part of the Sustainable Lush Fund that supports regenerative agriculture around the world. lush.ca
world viSion covid-19 reSPonSe World Vision’s extensive gift catalogue suggests everything from jewellery to education. donate.worldvision.ca/products/covid-19-response-1 world wildlife giftS Gifts for all animal lovers: plush toys, socks, t-shirts—even a dedicated line of sloth-themed items. gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center local laundry Canadian-made clothing that donates 10 per cent of its profits to local charities. If you purchase the brand’s Giving Toque and Giving Socks, they will donate the same accessories to homeless organizations across Canada. locallaundry.ca tentree Based in Vancouver, they’ll donate 10 trees around the world (Canada too, of course) for every item purchased. They’ve helped plant over 34 million trees so far. tentree.ca Province of canada Everyone loves to don a cosy pair of socks this time of year. Made in Canada, for every pair you buy a pair is donated to a Canadian homeless shelter. provinceofcanada.com/collections/socks winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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Style The Campaign for Wool In celebratIon of its 10-year global anniversary, The Campaign for Wool partnered with Holt Renfrew, pairing leading Canadian designers with British wool to produce a limited-edition capsule collection. The collection features unique, exclusive pieces created by Line and Smythe, and shines a spotlight on wool through garments that reflect everyday luxury, practicality and sustainability. Initiated by its patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Campaign for Wool, brings together a diverse community of woolgrowers, manufacturers, retailers, fashion designers and artisans from across Canada and around the world to celebrate and increase awareness of this natural and sustainable fibre. Available at select Holt Renfrew locations and holtrenfrew.com
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Skincare sets to stuff those stockings
Quartz Co. Opens Montreal Boutique thIs Quebec company has been designing and manufacturing winter coats for more than 20 years, but only recently opened their first boutique space in Montreal. With more than 5,300 square feet, it accommodates a showroom, store, design studio and an area to host events. Founded in Québec in 1997, Quartz Co. has earned a leading position in the premium winter coat industry in Canada and abroad. Led since 2015 by three brothers, Jean-Philippe, François-Xavier and Guillaume Robert, Quartz Co. coats are lightweight and recognized for their exceptional reliability and resistance to northern climates. They are now sold in more than 20 countries, primarily in Canada, the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Norway and Greenland, with major fashion banners and outerwear stores. With the opening of the Montreal location, all of the label’s pieces can be found under one roof. quartz-co.com
24 Days of Beauty
treat someone special (or yourself) to the ultimate beauty countdown with the Clarins 2020 Holiday Advent Calendar. Includes three full size favourites (Wonder Perfect Mascara, Lip Comfort Oil and Beauty Flash Balm) alongside minis of best-selling Clarins skincare essentials. $140; clarins.ca
poWered by antioxidant grape polyphenols and reparative organic shea butter, these hand and nail treatments leave skin soft and nourished. Caudalie Hand Cream Trio, $24; ca-en.caudalie.com
Who Wouldn’t want this limited edition handcare set from Molton Brown under the tree? Contains three travel size hand creams in signature fragrances. Molton Brown 3-Piece Hand Cream Gift Set, $40; holtrenfrew.com
From IconIc brand Guerlain, indulge in the ultimate skincare treat with the Orchidee Imperiale Eyes & Lips Set, $245; available at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom and SAKS. InspIred by and made in Canada, Céla is the first Canadian luxury skincare line to harness the natural power of northern botanicals. Cela Bestsellers Kit, $60; thisiscela.com
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Jordon Stewart
Style
Canadian fashion designer Jordon stewart grabs attention on the real-life runway, or a virtual Catwalk
rVnG Couture creator Jordon stewart.
t
by Christian Dare
he past few months have been surreal for many of us; our realities have been turned upside down due to a global pandemic. Faced with so much uncertainty, many of us have turned inward and self-reflected while sheltering at home. We have discovered new hobbies and passions. While others have continued to dream and
create a new future. Those dreamers (artists, visionaries, designers) provide us with the optimism we all need right now. Enter fashion and RVNG Couture. RVNG, founded and designed by Jordan Stewart, first made waves on the
Canadian fashion scene just over a year ago with a debut collection at Toronto Fashion Week. The collection was the perfect combination of sophisticated ready-to-wear pieces and glamourous special occasion dresses for the modern woman. I mean who doesn’t need a statement patent leather trench coat in powder pink? Or a slick business suit that can easily go from the boardroom to the ballroom? If the response to the collection was any indication, the answer was everyone wanted (and needed) a little RVNG in their wardrobes. The follow up collection for Fall/Winter 2020 was even stronger;
RVNG upped the ante on sophisticated power dressing for the modern woman and threw in some fairytale elegance to the mix. Suits were fashioned in luxe velvets in an array of jewel tones, while the gowns took on retro seventies glam. It was sophisticated chic. After only two collections, the brand had shown it knew how to design and
dress the modern woman, and that it was here to stay. But all that certainty and confidence was thrown into disarray when the global pandemic hit. COVID19 upended and changed many industries around the globe and the blows to the fashion industry seemed insurmountable. Many designers faced declining shutter their doors for good. But that wasn’t an option for Jordan Stewart and RVNG. She was a fighter and so was her brand. She was ready to rise from crises with optimism and a hint of glamour. You see, Stewart had been planning a New York Fashion Week debut for RVNG
for more than a year (and as she freely admitted to us, NYFW had been a lifelong dream). And she was ready to work, pivot and redesign the concept to make it work. The pay-off from showing at New York Fashion Week would be huge for any designer, and Stewart wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass her by.
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Photos by GeorGe Pimentel
sales, unpaid wholesale orders, and cancelled runway shows. Many even had to
Two looks from RVNG’s Spring/ Summer 2021 collection at the brand’s New York Fashion Week debut.
Luckily enough, the teams at NYFW already had the wheels in motion to create a virtual fashion week that could be seen the world over. RVNG made its NYFW debut this past September (slotted in right after Jason Wu) to rave reviews from around the globe. “Showing NYFW virtually felt very exciting, thrilling! It was incredible to have a flood of international messages from all over the world just following the production. I really felt amazed at the global reach,” says Jordan. The SS21 collection was all about reverie; getting lost in a beautiful dream. It embraces the optimism we all need right now and does so with luxurious fabrics and finishes. When asked to describe the inspiration in her own words, Stewart offers, “I wanted to inspire an optimistic view of the future in such uncertain times. The dream collection was an array of soft hues and gentle fabrics.”
A collection of looks from the Autumn 2020 collection. winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
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Style
In tune with this theme of idealism, the collection employs an array of sorbet colours that cover the spectrum of the rainbow, from soft peaches to bright yellows. Further, Stewart obtained a delicate balance between sharp, modern angles and whimsical silhouettes to exude a sense of confidence. The collection is a delicious dream-like fantasy. There was even a touch of Hollywood magic to RVNG’s SS21 runway presentation via actor Laura Vandervoort. The Canadian actor had been a longtime fan of RVNG and was thrilled to open the SS21 collection by walking the runway. “The collaboration of two female Canadian entrepreneurs just felt natural, being in fashion and film are two worlds that tend to run parallel… I had a lot of fun working with Laura,” says Stewart. Now RVNG is no stranger to Hollywood celebrity, such notables as Alessia Cara, Keshia Chante, Jessi Cruickshank, Liz Trinnear, and of course Laura Vandervoort have worn the brand. It has also walked down red carpets around the world, including the Golden Globes and the Emmys. But Stewart thinks everyone should feel like a star in her dresses, and she is happy to be on that red carpet (or at that special event) with them. “I always feel as though they have brought me with them in my gown. I feel a great sense of pride when a celebrity, or any person looks fabulous in their moments on the red carpet. I am proud of their accomplishments and feel lucky to join them.” So, what’s next for fashion and RVNG you might ask? We asked Stewart to find out, “Fashion and the arts will
Y
changing and adapting to the social and political climates.
CM
over the decades but ultimately we will always find a way to express ourselves.” And yes, you will find Stewart and RVNG showing at the next New York Fashion Week in February. Her FW21
The runway show for RVNG’s debut collection, Spring/Summer 2020. A look from the Autumn 2020 collection. Keshia Chante in a piece by RVNG Couture at the Emmys.
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always have a place in our society, we will always be ever There will be adaptations to fabrics and sales approaches
From top A look from the Spring/ Summer 2021 collection, filmed in Toronto and virtually shown at New York Fashion Week.
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collection runway debut will happen in New York (virtually or IRL), you can bet on it.
MY
CY
CMY
K
L U X U R Y F A S H I O N
M I L A N O
I T A L I A N
V E N E Z I A
C O M O
A C C E S O R I E S
T O R O N T O
Photo: George Pimentel
E X C L U S I V E
@opcollections oriettapolo.com
Travel winter adventures at rosseau For a winter getaway close to home, and all the activities the Muskoka region has to offer, check into the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. The hotel has recently undergone a redesign of the lobby and public spaces including the Library lounge and the Lakes, the hotel’s casual restaurant. Get outside and enjoy pristine natural beauty, book a snowshoeing or snowmobile adventure; and at the end of the day curl up in a luxury suite with a view of Lake Rosseau. marriott.com
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Give the Gift of lanGuaGe We may not be jet-setting like we used to, but what better time to learn one of the languages we always hoped we might? aside from the obvious benefits of becoming multilingual, learning a new language has been shown to help improve cognitive capacity in our elderly years. Gift a subscription to the award-winning Babbel app to your language-loving friend and open the door to more than 10,000 hours of content in 14 languages. Just choose a subscription term, you’ll receive a voucher code to share, and the recipient can choose what language they would like to start learning. Starting at $45 for a three-month subscription; babbel.com
Newly restored FroNteNac club opeN If you’ve been putting off exploring Kingston and southeastern Ontario, here’s one more reason for it to be on your “to do” list: the recently re-opened Frontenac Club. Every inch of this 175-year-old limestone inn right in the heart of downtown Kingston has been completely restored and re-imagined. Each of the guest suites boasts its own distinct layout with exposed limestone walls, deep soaker tubs, fireplaces, private patios and water views; pet friendly rooms are also available.
Your stay includes complimentary private parking, gourmet breakfast and touches like Frette linens, Gilchrist & Soames products and luxe, plush robes. The lobby is home to The Bank Gastrobar, originally built as a Bank of Montreal in 1845, this contemporary dining room features unique cocktails, curated wine list, and seasonal small and large plate offerings. You’ll also find the best rooftop view in Kingston from the rooftop bar and a stunning private patio guarded with a limestone wall with its own waterfall and fire bowl. frontenacclub.com
ritz staycation
If your holIday planS have you staying close to home this year, consider indulging in a few days of pampering at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. The renowned hotel recently unveiled newly designed Club Level guest rooms and suites. The renovated suites are among the largest in the city providing guests with an extravagant living space and commanding views of the city skyline or Lake Ontario. Completed in partnership with the Design Agency’s Allen Chan, the renovated space captures the imagination with finishes inspired by the city, including patterns and lines reminiscent of the lakeshore and Toronto’s railway system. The extensive redesign reimagines luxury on the hotel’s Club Level, as well as updating the entrance and lounge at Spa My Blend by Clarins and TOCA, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. ritzcarlton.com
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Travel
3
A barefoot chic vibe keeps guests returning to GoldenEye.
Dreamy
island getaways
Sea, Sand and inSpiration for your next Caribbean eSCape
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Goldeneye ResoRt, JamaIca
I
by Josephine Matyas
t was the end to one of those pristine GoldenEye days—sunshine fading to a dramatic sky streaked with red and orange, and a gentle breeze rustling the palm fronds overhead. As dusk fell, staff lit the flickering candles and torches lining the curved walkways and villa patios, nudging the radiance of the tropical sun into the magic of
a Jamaican nighttime. When I need to switch on a Caribbean daydream—serenity and diversion
from pressures of the outside world—GoldenEye is where my mind wanders.
A secluded cottage at GoldenEye.
Set on a natural seaside bluff, the secluded 52-acre estate is the perfect marriage of quiet beaches, lush tropical gardens and a laid-back vibe. As one of the sumptuous Island Outpost properties—founded by record producer Chris
sporting and entrepreneurship programs. The tropical
Blackwell, who guided musical careers including Bob Marley, Cat Stevens and
greenery planted throughout the grounds has become
U2—at GoldenEye guests feel like they are relaxing at the home of good friends.
a botanical guest book as well as a much-loved
One of the things I love about GoldenEye (and the list is long) is how history
GoldenEye tradition.
effortlessly bridges the 20th century right into our present day. The name comes
Before we lost the glow of early evening, I sat on
from the original owner, British naval officer Ian Fleming who visited in the
the villa dock, swirled my toes in the bathtub-warm
early 1940s, fell in love with the unkempt, abandoned donkey racecourse and
water before deciding to take out one of the blue kayaks
built his minimalist-style home overlooking the seaside.
tied up just an arms-length away. I paddled out to
It was in the Fleming Villa that the author latched the shutters of the huge
Snorkeler’s Cove and looked back at the private beach
windows, dug deep into his experiences in Britain’s intelligence service and
shaped like a delicious French croissant, absorbing
penned all 14 of the James Bond novels while wintering at his Jamaican getaway.
what Fleming called his “wonderful annual escape …
Guests who rent the spacious main villa—with its private beach, media room,
into blazing sunshine, natural beauty and the most
swimming pool and accommodations for ten—will find Fleming’s original
healthy life I could wish to live.”
writing desk pushed up against the bare wall, just as he placed it to close out the distraction of the irresistible surroundings.
As dusk fell to darkness, I made note of the spots I’d indulge in a little snorkelling the next day. I tied
Soon after Fleming’s death in 1964, Chris Blackwell bought the original
up at my dock and—listening to the natural rhythm
estate in a somewhat roundabout transaction. The original buyer, reggae
of GoldenEye that seamlessly blends the indoors and
musician Bob Marley, backed away from the poshness of the surroundings, so
out—entered the calm envelope of my villa, preparing
Blackwell stepped in, crossed out Marley’s name on the sale documents and
to step into the magic of that Jamaican evening.
entered his own. Over time, Blackwell has added a collection of well-spaced beach and lagoon villas, cottages and barefoot-chic beach huts, with winding pathways and shrubbery to ensure privacy. It is this harmony of indoor and outdoor living that GoldenEye achieves so effortlessly. My lagoon-fronted cottage had deep verandas and shuttered windows that I left wide open to catch the soothing, tropical breeze, the rhythm of the ocean and the nighttime chorus of chirping tree frogs. Steps from an interior decorated with colourful fabrics and custom-designed Jamaican furnishings, was the most luxurious shower I’d ever seen—a very sexy “007-ish” outdoor enclosure of chest-height bamboo topped with a gentle rainfall showerhead, all cosseted by a small jungle of greenery. In certain circles, GoldenEye is recognized as a hip place to stay. With the ultimate level of seclusion and discreet service, the property appeals to those escaping the cold in true Bond-style. Over the years, guests—including Michael Cain, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pierce Brosnan, Quincy Jones, Harrison Ford and Willie Nelson—have supported Blackwell’s not-for-profit Oracabessa
If you dream of a vIsIt: Goldeneye’s 45 units range from small beach huts to the iconic fleming villa. goldeneye.com Guests can fly into Montego Bay and arrange for the 90-minute drive to Goldeneye. a much closer alternative is the private airstrip at the Ian fleming International airport (a sevenminute drive from the resort). the resort is looking forward to the 2021 release of the 25th Bond film, No Time To Die, which was partially shot in Jamaica. The film opens with James Bond sipping Blackwell Rum, a dark rum that celebrates the Blackwell legacy on the island.
Foundation by planting trees and making a donation to fund local education, winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
51
Travel
Dining with a world-class view, atop a volcanic ridge above the Caribbean Sea.
A
LAderA resort, st.LuciA by Mark StevenS
s my wife and I ascend the
Nigel Mitchel, whose menu features produce
stairway leading to our table
from neighbouring plantations along with
in the Dasheene Restaurant
herbs and spices grown in their onsite organic
at St. Lucia’s Ladera Resort, I
garden. To this day I remember those scallops
stop to savour the view from
with nothing short of intoxication (though
this restaurant that clings
such might have been helped by an offering of
to the crest of a precipitous volcanic ridge 300 metres above the Caribbean Sea. The view could bring tears to the eyes of the
most seasoned traveller. The sun has begun to fall, etching shadows
A handful of years have passed since the first time we visited Ladera, years in which I remembered the views—and the dining—with sheer delight.
onto the face of the Pitons dead ahead, gilding
Though Orlando Satchell, the chef who
the waters far below, burnishing the hardwood
prepared that first repast, no longer commands
bar on the restaurant’s lower level. Beside the
the kitchen, tonight’s offering will be equally
bar a musician in a floral print shirt serenades
worthy of reminiscence. I also learn, to my
us with infectious island grooves accompanied
delight, that Orlando’s opened his own place
by a chorus of tree frogs.
in nearby Soufriere. Promise to tear yourself
Three thoughts strike me almost simultaneously:
52
one of their 500 unique wine labels).
away from Ladera at least once during your
This is paradise. Paradise is a perfect place for
stay. Travel and Leisure just ranked Orlando’s
pampering. I deserve pampering.
among the world’s best restaurants; his take on
Said pampering begins at a table with the
fish and chips is truly worthy of paradise. But
best view in the world, where we indulge in fare
be forewarned: once you achieve Ladera you’d
worthy of paradise, thanks to executive chef
be hard put to leave in spite of the fact that
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
St. Lucia boasts lush rainforest, towering peaks, alabaster
plans for further exploration of the delights of St. Lucia.
beaches and idyllic waterfalls.
Maybe we’ll grow ambitious or wax adventurous. Maybe
Built on the site of an erstwhile cocoa plantation called
we’ll hike the Pitons or go for the less taxing Tet Paul Trail.
Rabot Estate, Ladera pays tribute to both that legacy and
Maybe we’ll hit a beach or shop in Castries.Or maybe we’ll
to its natural surroundings in architecture and design.
just stay put.
Locally sourced tiles, island stone and hardwoods grown and harvested on-island are key features. But it might be the rooms themselves that make it almost impossible to tear yourself away. The resort boasts “three-wall rooms,” which means your living space and natural surroundings are one and
Ladera Resort offers guests haute cuisine dining, haute monde service, accommodation with décor and furnishings reminiscent of a Caribbean Great House, some of the best views in the world and the ultimate in seclusion, all set amidst unparalleled paradise. It is, in short, a perfect place for pampering.
the same, where the landscape on that exterior “wall” is a literal landscape. At day’s end take a dip in your private plunge pool while you’re serenaded by another perfect sunset before snugging down in a greenheart four-poster bed handcrafted onsite, surrounded by local carvings, artwork and stone features. Each of the 37 suites and villas here at Ladera boasts those amenities, with options ranging from the twobedroom Villa la Fleur replete with 12-metre infinity pool, full kitchen and airport transfers in a luxury car, to the Petit Piton Suites, featuring equally breath-taking views, open-air bedrooms and sitting areas.
If you dream of a vIsIt: air Canada offers daily non-stop flights from Toronto to St. Lucia. To book a little pampering in paradise click on: ladera.com
This is where I find myself, after a meal made in heaven mere steps away. Here, chilling with a rum punch in my very own plunge pool, surveying moon-splashed seas, I ponder our
The view of the Pitons, right from your private plunge pool at Ladera.
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Travel
Seven StarS reSort & Spa, turkS and CaiCoS
S
by Theresa sTorm
lipping off my sandals,
Seven Stars is a haven away from home for
I sink into soft talcum powder
sports icons, famous figures and the Hollywood
sand.
where
elite, but staff won’t disclose who, citing guest
the turquoise waves of the
privacy. Before arriving, I assumed the property
Caribbean
wash
is named for exceeding the five-star hotel rating
over my feet, I begin to stroll
system, but enroute to my suite I learn it’s
Providenciales’ (aka Provo’s) award-garnering
named for the brilliant Pleiades star cluster—
Grace Bay Beach, the undisputed crown jewel of
also known as the Seven Sisters, which is said to
the eight inhabited and 32 uninhabited islands
shine brightest over Turks and Caicos. Fitting,
and cays of the Turks & Caicos archipelago.
for the resort delivers everything guests desire
Padding Sea
to gently
The islands are a mecca for sea and sand
54
under the stars, and the sun, too.
aficionados, who delight in exploring calm, reef-
The 12-year-old property plans to retain
protected aquamarine waters rimming scores of
its hard-won luxe star appeal and has recently
icing sugar beaches. Once the “Caribbean’s best-
completed its third round of refurbishments
kept secret,” excited tongues have wagged like
and improvements in 10 years. A multi-million-
town criers in the days of yore.
dollar top-to-bottom redesign of the resort’s
I understand why, soon after checking into
167 guest rooms also concluded, including the
Seven Stars Resort & Spa, nestled in a prime
dozen Ocean Front Premier Three-Bedroom
location between the serene stretch of Grace
Suites, the highest-end offering.
Bay’s white sand and the marine preserve of
The 3,250-square-foot contemporary Caribbean
Princess Alexandra National Park. It numbers
chic suites invite the cloud-studded blue sky,
amongst the top luxury resorts in the Caribbean
azure sea waters and the sweeping white sands
as well as in Provo, the most cosmopolitan of
of the bay into the Grand Salon through a
the Turks and Caicos Islands.
panoramic wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Oceanside dining on the beach at Seven Stars Resort.
There’s a barefoot casual, soothing feel to the openconcept living/dining-room and full kitchen, thanks to powder blue and taupe decor and textiles inspired by the natural surroundings. Comfortable custom furnishings and decorative elements and finishes, all by Orior, Ireland’s leading design firm, plus framed artworks by New York artist Andrew Humke, complete the fully equipped common space. Feel like a star yet? Carry-on to the guest rooms, two of which have a sliding door directly onto the terrace and spectacular ocean views—best enjoyed in a plush robe from the sheer-draped canopy king bed. A laundry room and three marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane products, including one with a Jacuzzi soaker tub, wrap-up the indoor space. For many, however, the pièce de résistance is definitely the expansive furnished terrace. Sinking into a deep upholstered chair and propping my legs on the matching ottoman, I survey the unparalleled views of Grace Bay Beach stretching for 19 unbroken kilometres along the island’s northeast coast. The vibrant, rich and contrasting colours of sand, sea and sky is nothing short of stunning. Travel-weary, I don’t want to move from this soothing cocoon, but the emerald sparkle of the Caribbean’s surface spur me for a swim in the bathtub warm waters. Afterwards, I settle on a high stool at The Deck, Seven Star’s beachfront restaurant and bar. Ordering up a sundowner and fresh ceviche, it’s the best place to watch the fiery red orb sizzle into the horizon. If you’re anything like me, after a blissful few days of seven-star treatment, you’ll dig in your heels when it’s time to swap pillows of sugary sand for slushy snow. from toP of Page: The adults-only pool at Seven Stars. A bedroom in an oceanview suite. Borrow a bicycle to explore Provo.
If you dream of a vIsIt: air Canada & WestJet make the four-hour direct flight from toronto to Provo. Visit sevenstarsgracebay.com; book a three-bedroom Ocean front Premier suite from usd $2,000/night.
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Culture
AGO relives the creative energy of iconic NYC nightspot Studio 54 Opening December 26, 2020, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) presents Studio 54: Night Magic, an exhibit that promises to transport visitors back to 1977 to explore the revolutionary creativity, freedom and liberation that transformed a New York City nightclub into a phenomenon. Featuring hundreds of objects including photographs, films, sketches and designer fashions, the exhibition traces the nightclub’s trailblazing aesthetics while situating it within the broader social and historical context of the period. Organized chronologically, visitors are led through the exhibition to the sounds of disco music. ago.ca Pat Cleveland on the dance floor during Halston’s disco bash at Studio 54, 1977. Photo: Guy Marineau / WWD / Shutterstock.
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Presenting a reimagining of Handel’s Messiah
Major riopelle exhibition continues until March The MonTreal MuseuM of fine arTs (MMFA) just launched a major exhibition dedicated to Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002), a towering figure in Canadian, Québec and international modern art. Based on original research, the exhibition will explore the artist’s interest in the North and Indigenous cultures, with nearly 175 works and more than 200 artifacts and archival documents. Riopelle: The Call of Northern Landscapes and Indigenous Cultures explores the influence of Riopelle’s hunting and fishing trips, with seaplane owner Dr. Champlain Charest, in the North and Far North of Quebec and Canada during the 1970s, as evidenced in the Jeux de ficelles (1971-1972), Rois de Thulé (1973) and Icebergs (1977) series. Using an intercultural approach, the exhibition offers an unprecedented parallel between Riopelle’s works and some of the sources that inspired him, in particular a selection of Inuit masks and works of Pacific Northwest coast First Nations. Riopelle is recognized as one of the most important and prolific Canadian artists of the 20th century. Today, Riopelle is renowned worldwide, and his work is found in the public collections of more than 60 cities, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York; the Center Pompidou in Paris; and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC. Continuesuntil March 21, 2021; mbam.qc.ca
the story of indigenous art at the McMichael
Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002), Grand duc, 1970, oil on canvas, 242 x 163 cm. Private collection. © Estate of Jean Paul Riopelle / SOCAN (2020). Photo MMFA, Jean-François Brière
The MulTi-award-winning team at Against the Grain Theatre (AtG) is set to present a bold interpretation of Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by and in partnership with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO). Messiah/Complex will premiere online on December 13, 2020 on AtG TV. The innovative, 70-minute filmed performance of Messiah/Complex will showcase multilingual translations and feature a diverse cast of soloists and choirs representing every province and territory across Canada, accompanied by the musicians of the TSO and conducted by Johannes Debus (Canadian Opera Company). “In response to COVID-19 restrictions, AtG has pivoted, recognizing a valuable opportunity to work alongside incredible artists and organizations across our country,” says AtG’s Joel Ivany. “To support, employ, and collaborate with artists from coast to coast on this unifying project has given us hope—something we all seem to need in this fragile moment.” Messiah/Complex premieres December 13, 8pm EST, with a live watch party and will be available On Demand until December 26, 2020. atgtheatre.com
The McMichael canadian art collection just opened Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael, telling the story of the gallery’s long history with the art of canada’s indigenous peoples, reaching back to the founders, robert and Signe McMichael. Their first early forays into collecting indigenous arts included major acquisitions of inuit art (prints and sculpture); of masks, historic rattles, headdresses and totem poles from the northwest coast of British columbia; as well as extensive acquisitions of paintings and prints by the woodland school of artists in ontario, in particular the work of norval Morrisseau, who was artist-in-residence at the gallery in 1979. as an institution, the McMichael was at the forefront of collecting indigenous art as fine art beginning in the 1980s, and continues to lead the discussion today, with landmark contemporary exhibitions of the drawings of itee Pootoogook and annie Pootoogook, and a planned exhibition of the Tlingit/Tsimshian carver dempsey Bob. Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael continues until June 6, 2021; mcmichael.com
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culture artist profile
INspIred by the ClassICs
This young arTisT is highlighTing The unknown women in masTer works by Sherry Smither
Apparent.
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Halo.
T
Spectrum.
his year’s Toronto Outdoor Art
is six-inches by eight-inches, a size that just fits
Fair proved to be a memorable
into your hand.
experience for Keight MacLean. Her
“That one I really planned. I wanted to work
virtual art gallery sold out faster than
big in order to get the drips to be the right scale
she could have imagined, and to top
on that piece, so I knew I would have to go a bit
it off she won the prestigious Best of
bigger than usual which was scary for me,” she
Painting Award for 2020. “It was really wonderful. Winning the award
says. “The very last thing I did before the drips was paint the little tears.”
was exceptional for me,” says MacLean. “I had
The challenge for MacLean was to prevent
never won an award like that before—it was
the gold paint commonly used by street artists
amazing and they had the awards ceremony
from obscuring the delicate tears.
online, so it was great fun.”
“You can imagine me going around and
MacLean’s show stopper, Halo, is a modern
around to get all of the brush marks in the
representation of St. Mary Magdalene depicted
right direction and at some point, the thinner
with large gold rings around her head, created
in the paint started to eat through the paint
with brush marks and paint drips.
underneath. I had to stop and just leave it, and
“I love that painting. For me a lot of what
I was able to fix it the next day,” says MacLean.
drives me is materials. I just love playing with
“On a piece that size having that scary moment
paints,” she says. “A lot of my inspiration starts
where I thought, ‘did I just ruin this?’ but luckily
with thinking of how I can do different things.”
I came full circle with it.”
To create Halo, MacLean stepped out of her
MacLean has been experimenting with gold
comfort zone painting a large-scale three-foot
paint since she attended the AGO’s 14th century
by three-foot painting, as most of her artwork
Florentine art exhibit. “There was so much gold
Keight MacLean
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Culture leaf and it just glittered so much in real life, especially all the punched gold details and golden frames,” she says. The exhibit resonated with MacLean and has impacted her paintings, Loft and Approve, for example. “I’m going through a gold leaf kick, I want to put gold leaf on everything because it’s one of those materials that harkens back to the old masters, but at the same time I do everything wrong with it that you’re not supposed to do, so it brings up a more modern look but it has that tie to the old masters,” she says. Keight studied for a year in Florence, Italy with access to historical museums and galleries. Inspired by their pieces, most of her work focuses on female subjects of the great masters, and others are unknown women in historical paintings found in private collections. “I always find it daunting that we have images of women that we know so little about,” explains MacLean, “like the woman in the Portrait of a Lady who we do not even remember her name, or in portraits of saints, where the artist would have a woman sitting for a man and we don’t know who that model is. My work tries to pay homage to those girls who were there living their lives not in the easiest of times.” Through MacLean’s use of contemporary techniques like drips, fluorescent paint and gel treatments, she gives a voice to women who lived in maledominated eras. In the pair, Chit and Chat, MacLean paints huge fluorescent
“I always fInd It dauntIng that we have Images of women that we know so lIttle about.”—keIght maclean swirls over their mouths and faces, drawing attention to the lack of equality
Wish.
for these women. To celebrate Women’s History Month 2020, MacLean participated in a group show, Illuminated Muse at Cabbagetown’s Akasha Art Projects Inc. that was extended through to the fall. “It was beautifully curated and we all work with old masters, but the other two artists’ work is photo-based.” MacLean’s work is also on exhibit at Montreal’s Bam! Gallery, Kingston’s Studio22 and on her website gallery. For the holiday season, MacLean is offering gift cards as a solution when someone wants to give the gift of art but isn’t sure of the person’s taste. “Some people are too difficult to buy for, that’s why I started with gift cards so that you can give them a painting, but they can still choose their own.” After a heartbreaking loss of her work in a studio fire two years ago and one more studio move, MacLean has settled into a quaint space in a church rectory. “There’s a courtyard, a church tower and my studio has giant bay windows with lots of natural light that overlooks a park, so sometimes things work out.” MacLean used a page from an old art book to complete her latest portrait, Pleasant.
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
National. “I thought it might be sacrilegious to say that I’ve been cutting up
Chit.
Chat.
an old art book on the National Gallery of London,” says MacLean. “I’ve been replacing my old book library after the fire and I actually ordered two of the same book that’s really really old, back when art books were not the best, so I thought maybe I’d sacrifice one of them to art!” When she was looking to reconnect with nature, MacLean spent a week at Spark Box Studio’s residency in Prince Edward County where she worked in a secluded area at the farmhouse property. The artist found the experience inspiring and the slower pace allowed her to focus on her independent study without having to be concerned about her day-to-day responsibilities. MacLean puts her lifelong dream into perspective: “My adult life is just giving into all those childhood urges like experimenting and trying new things with materials and though I don’t always succeed—that’s part of the fun!” For more info: keightmaclean.com or @keightmaclean on Instagram National.
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Food 62
LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
The laTesT colourway from Le Creuset is a rich green hue they’ve dubbed Le Artichaut. Inspired by its namesake vegetable, the gradient from its outer petals to its inner heart are best mirrored in the brand’s famed cast iron collection. The hue subtly changes from a darker, soulful green to a pale and tender shade. The Artichaut collection ranges from $20 to $510; lecreuset.ca
Lovely le artichaut
Kitchenaid introduces cordless appliances Who thought the day would come? Cordless appliances? Kitchenaid is set to revolutionize the way we work in the kitchen with a collection of cordless countertop appliances. The new Cordless Collection includes a cordless hand blender, food chopper and hand mixer; each boasting the power customers expect from Kitchenaid, but without cords trailing along your countertops. Powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the hand mixer promises to stir up to 200 cookies on a single charge; or chop nearly 40 onions before you need to recharge the five-cup food chopper. Each product is available in six colours to coordinate with your existing appliances: Blue Velvet, Empire Red, Matte Charcoal Grey, Onyx Black, Empire Red and White. MSRP $180 each; kitchenaid.ca
Cookbooks for holiday gifting
ottolenghi flAvor: A CookBook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage
Modern CoMfort food: A BArefoot ContessA CookBook by Ina Garten
BAking dAy With AnnA olson, reCipes to BAke together by Anna Olson
The beloved chef who captured the hearts of home cooks looking for inspiration and greattasting, plant-based food is back with another collection of instant-hit recipes. Ottolenghi’s landmark book Plenty ushered in a new era of vegetable cooking and, with Plenty More, he focused on vegetable-cooking techniques. Now, in Ottolenghi Flavor, he details what makes vegetables distinct and how to maximize their flavours.
New York Times-bestselling author Ina Garten shares 85 new recipes in her latest work, all designed to feed your deepest cravings. Many of these dishes are inspired by childhood favourites—but with the volume turned up, including Cheddar and Chutney Grilled Cheese, Smashed Hamburgers with Caramelized Onions, and the crispiest hash browns that are made using a waffle iron.
In her latest release, Canada’s baking sweetheart Anna Olson encourages you to spend time with your loved ones, baking along with her easy-to-follow recipes for all your favourite treats. This is a cookbook designed to bring family and friends together, and to bond over quality time spent baking. With more than 120 recipes for all skill levels, there is a baking project in Baking Day for everyone.
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If you want the very best. We supply fresh and frozen seafood, live lobster and crab to some of the finest restaurants in the GTA. You can have the same quality, seasonal fish and shellfish delivered right to your door.
AQUA BLUE SEAFOOD 416.746.6661 RETAIL LOCATION OPENING SOON IN VAUGHAN
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aquablueseafood.com
food
Cocktail Hour This year sTock your bar carT early, and geT creaTive wiTh aT home enTerTaining
Pomegranate Margarita by Patron
1 ½ oz Patrón Silver ¾ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz pomegranate juice ¼ oz agave nectar (or simple syrup) Chill a rocks glass by placing in refrigerator or freezer or by filling with ice water and setting aside for five minutes.
will yield approximately 1 oz fresh lime juice—you will need ¾ oz per cocktail.) Measure and add all ingredients (except for garnish) into cocktail shaker. shake vigorously for 10 seconds. reMove rocks glass from fridge/ freezer and fill with ice. strain contents of shaker into rocks glass and garnish with a dehydrated (or fresh) lime wheel.
Cut one lime in half crosswise, then squeeze the two halves of lime into a glass and set aside. (Note: One lime winter 2021 LUXE magazinE canada
65
Holiday Mule by Grey Goose
1 ½ oz Grey Goose Vodka 4 oz ginger beer Freshly grated nutmeg Juice of half of a lime Cranberries, lime wedge and sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Belfast Derby by Bushmills
Fill a copper mug with ice to chill it before mixing. Add the juice from half a lime, freshly squeezed. Add Grey Goose Vodka, then mix in the ginger beer. Garnish with your choice of lime, cranberries and mint.
2 oz Bushmills Original 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey 1 oz pink grapefruit juice ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz agave syrup 2 dashes bitters
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for ten seconds, strain into a cocktail glass.
Goldrush by Bushmills 1 ½ oz Bushmills Original 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey 1 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz honey syrup 4 sprigs fresh mint Lemon wheel
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for ten seconds, and strain over fresh ice.
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LUXE magazinE canada winter 2021
Food
Velvet Godfather by Disaronno 1 ½ oz Disaronno Velvet 1 ½ oz your favourite whisky 2 spoons of apricot jam (optional)
Stir all ingredients together and double strain into a glass over ice. The new Disaronno Velvet, is available in Western Canada for the holidays, and in Ontario in early 2021.
The Estate Daquiri by Appleton
A nod to the original daiquiri, a drink that dates to the 1800s. 1 ½ oz Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Rum 1 oz fresh lime juice ½ oz simple syrup Orange peel for garnish Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a chilled coupette glass.
Season’s Celebrations by Grey Goose
1 ½ oz Grey Goose La Poire Vodka 4 oz fresh apple juice ¼ oz maple syrup 1 lemon wedge
Lemon and apples slices Rosemary sprig and cinnamon for garnish add vodka, apple juice and maple syrup to a rocks glass. Drop in a few equal-sized lemon and apple slices, then add some sprigs of rosemary and cinnamon sticks as garnish.
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WINE
THE BEST OF ONTARIO’S SPARKLERS
B 68
BY THIS TIME IN YOUR
an Ontario comparable. Her remarks were quite
LIFE, if you have not
telling about the quality of bubbles coming
had a sparkling wine,
out of Ontario: “Which was the Champagne?
then I just don’t know
They both tasted the same and were both really
what
good—I think I prefer the second one though!!”
to
say.
I
don’t
care what age you are,
This has led me to continue my quest for great
bubbles should be given
bubbles from all over the world but have always
to you at birth—a drop
kept my eye on how well Ontario wineries are
of sparkling wine on the
doing in the sparkling wine department. The
lips right there in the delivery room—if for no
wineries themselves have stepped up, realizing
reason other than celebrating your coming into
that what we have in our own backyard is
the world. Ah, what a world that would be.
something special… here’s why:
But in all seriousness, I have a friend who
First let’s look at the numbers. Ontario has
waited until her 70th (!) birthday to have her
grown by leaps and bounds; where once we had
first glass of Champagne. She is a big fan of
a handful of producers making quality bubbles,
bubbly wines, but she drank primarily Italian
the numbers have tripled in just the last 10
prosecco and Ontario bubbles; with other
years alone. Two million bottles of Ontario
foreign wines thrown in for good measure (like
VQA entered the market as of March 2020 (end
cava and fizz from Chile). In a parallel story,
of fiscal year) and out of the 184 registered
my wife had also never had real Champagne
wineries in Ontario, more than 100 are making
until a few years ago. We have a tradition of
one form of sparkling or another (be it charmat
pouring a bottle of bubbles both on New Year’s
or traditional method, more on that shortly).
Eve and New Year’s Day. One year I served a
Those numbers are on the rise for a number of
Champagne the first day, and the next I served
reasons; one being that those making traditional
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA WINTER 2021
PHOTO BY KRISTINA PAUKSHTITE FROM PEXELS
by MICHAEL PINKUS
method don’t have to declare their wine until it is disgorged and on the market, so the numbers are always a few years behind what is really happening. What we do know is that 25 per cent of all bubbles are made in the traditional method and 75 per cent are “charmat” according to the marketing arm for Ontario wines. Just to clarify for those not familiar with the terminology, charmat is also known as “The Italian method” (like that used for prosecco). “Tank method” or “cuve close” is where wine is put in a pressurized tank (as known as an autoclave) and secondary fermentation happens within. It’s a way to make sparkling wine on a large scale in a short period of time (usually one to six weeks). Traditional method, or Champagne method (methode Champenoise), happens on a much smaller scale. Secondary fermentation takes place in the very bottle in which you buy the wine, and it is much more labour-intensive. The wine also “rests” for a much longer period of time, which might explain why more producers—while waiting to make traditional method—often start with something a little more cost-effective that takes up less inventory, storage and working space. Featherstone, who only makes traditional method sparkling, has found a compromise to making the kind of bubbles they want. “We only make 100 cases a year,” says Louise Engel, co-owner, “we wanted the limited quantity that we make to be very special and remarkable in every way.” So, what led Ontario winemakers to believe sparkling wine was something that would fit into their portfolio? Veterans of 28 years making bubbles (and in those early years experimenting with) Henry of Pelham’s co-owner and Senior VicePresident of Sales, Daniel Speck, explains why they thought bubbles were perfect for Ontario. “Virtually any of our white wine varietals ripen in a way that works for sparkling. Picked at the right time—which is earlier than for still wines—and always good for us here, we get the right acidity, the balance between neutrality and fruit, and the consistency of quality in every vintage that makes these wines a dream for this region.” Henry of Pelham is one of the odd producers who created their benchmark traditional method (Cuvee Catharine) long before they moved into making their charmat bubble (Lazarra). And their wine has become a standardbearer of fine sparkling wine in the province inspiring one producer to admit the
TOP TIER TRADITIONAL METHOD 2027 CELLARS 2016 BLANC DE BLANC $40; winery & online ✰✰✰✰
This 100 per cent chardonnay with 36 months on lees, has retained great acidity and freshness yet also seems to manage a creaminess on the mid-palate. Nice biscuit notes and yeasty character greet the palate and nose mixing in apple, lemon and almond biscotti. Lovely! Tough to tell it apart from the higher priced stuff from you know where.
CAVE SPRING CELLARS NV BLANC DE BLANCS $29.95; winery & online; LCBO #213983 ✰✰✰✰+
The wine spends about three years in the bottle on lees: and always has killer acidity with green apple, lemon, lime, touches of pear and a great mineral hit on the finish. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
HINTERLAND 2016 LES ETOILES $39.75; winery & online ✰✰✰✰+
Prince Edward County’s bubbly house makes some outstanding fizz. This flagship wine of theirs is a total delight from its fragrant nose of almond biscotti and florals to its
palate that brings in mineral notes with apple, bosc pear and lemon drop into the fold.
HENRY OF PELHAM NV CUVEE CATHARINE BRUT $32.95; winery & online; LCBO #217521 ✰✰✰✰
Fresh and clean with that telltale light biscuit note of an aged-on lees traditional method sparkling wine; there’s also plenty of lemon, lime and green apple. Vintage-tovintage this is still one of Ontario’s premier bottles of bubbles.
ROCKWAY NV BRUT CUVEE $28; winery & online ✰✰✰✰
Rockway’s first foray into traditional method bubbles is a real winner; 67 per cent chardonnay and 33 per cent pinot noir aged 32 months on lees. Citrus and acidity in the form of lemon and green apple, there’s a subtle creamy texture on the mid-palate before the acidity sweeps in cleaning things up.
FEATHERSTONE 2014 JOY $34.95; winery & online ✰✰✰✰
This 100 per cent chardonnay traditional method sparkling continues in a long list of great
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reason they got into making traditional method bubbles was because of them. “We got tired of buying Cuvee Catharine by the case!!” “We have the climate/terroir which is well suited to the production of sparkling,” says Angelo Pavan of Cave Spring Cellars, another veteran winemaker who has seen more than 30 vintages in Niagara. Opinions echoed by the winemaker Philip Dowell of KEW Vineyards. “We have the climate and the varieties. Outside of Champagne, Ontario sparkling wines are equal to anything else produced in the world,” KEW currently has four sparklings listed on their website, but always seem to have a couple of others kicking around the winery for those who darken their door. Daniel Speck dares to take the Champagne analogy one step further, “…Niagara (and its sparkling wine) is to Champagne what perhaps Napa (and its cabernet sauvignon) is to Bordeaux—a place that can produce elegant, classic, but regionally unique, traditional method sparkling wines with great consistency.” Even the younger generation is taking note of what the veterans have discovered, “I’m passionate about traditional method sparkling. I love the complexity of wines aged on lees [the spent yeast cells that deliver the secondary characteristics, such as bread, biscuit, and brioche notes to sparkling wine, beyond just fruit],” says Kevin Panagapka, whose nascent winery 2027 Cellars just opened its doors to the public after years of being “virtual” (online-only). The results are clear, and in bottle, Ontario makes great sparkling wine using both the major methods (there is also a couple lesser used methods like carbonation— the way you make soda pop—and also a “natural method” known as pet nat). This year, more than ever the wineries need your patronage, which also makes for a great time to discover the sparkling wines of Ontario. During the pandemic fewer people visited due to limitations set by the government, and there is no better time to show local pride than now for what Ontario winemakers have achieved here at home and on the world stage (bringing home countless medals for sparkling wines). This holiday season show your Canadian pride by putting local bubbles on the table and in your glass. And while this article is Niagara-centric, I’m happy to report there are great bubbles being made coast-to-coast in this country, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Time to set aside any of your preconceived notions of what Canadian wine is, or was, and let’s get behind Canada’s fastest growing wine-style. Cheers. Be safe, stay healthy, drink well and here’s a list to help you do just that. And for the record, the second bottle I poured on New Year’s Day was a bottle of Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs from Ontario.
bubbles from Featherstone. Initially very green apple, but then it slips into mineral, lemon pith and buttery croissant with a lemon drop finish. Crisp bright and clean.
FLAT ROCK 2017 RIDDLED
$27.75; winery & online; LCBO #383315 ✰✰✰✰ Riddled is one of those wines that gets overlooked in the sparkling section because of the bottle cap top. Don’t let that fool you, this is serious stuff: brioche, pear, apricot, melon rind and apple all make an 70
LUXE MAGAZINE CANADA AUTUMN 2020
appearance—it just might be the Pringles of bubbles: once you pop you just can’t stop.
TAWSE 2013 SPARK, LAUNDRY VINEYARD BLANC DE NOIRS $34.95; winery ✰✰✰✰
A pinot noir bubble that spends six years on the lees in the bottle: bread crust, bruised apple and even a slight smoky character plus peach pit, apricot skin and an earthy nuance… the good part of this one is the acidity is right on-point.
TWO SISTERS 2017 BLANC DE FRANC
$61.80; winery & online ✰✰✰✰
Atypical grape for bubbles in this part of the world; 100 per cent cabernet franc (though normal for Bordeaux bubbles). Earthy, bready, mac apple and muted lemon—it’s mouth-puckeringly dry and a perfect food pairing wine.
WINE ✰✰✰✰✰ = Outstanding ✰✰✰✰ = Excellent ✰✰✰✰ = Very Good ✰✰✰ = Good + The wine offers a bonus but not enough to go to the next level.
WESTCOTT 2018 BRILLIANT ROSÉ $32.99; winery & online ✰✰✰✰
KEW VINEYARDS 2017 PINOT MEUNIER
$29.95; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
NORTH 42 DEGREES NV SAUVIGNON BLANC
SAINTLY WINES 2019 SPARKLING GOLD
100 per cent pinot noir that spends 14 months on lees; this has both a touch of class and a touch of whimsy. Strawberry and licorice notes kick things off then in creeps the lemon and the acidity—there are also some subtle bread crust notes. Nice red berry nuances come to the fore as it opens.
Very dry with a short finish, but it’s the mid-palate that really packs the punch: lemon and lime rind and zest with some earthy, floral and toasted-almond notes.
This bubble is not going to change the world, but it will change your party atmosphere. Bursting with pineapple and other tropical fruits, plus juicy peach all with a subtle sweetness balanced by acidity—it’s not complex, it’s just really, really tasty.
This is just a pure sipper for easy enjoyment: pear, lemon and peach notes and an M+M apple blossom finish (think spiced apple pastry).
CHATEAU DES CHARMES 2016 BLANC DE BLANCS $34.95; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
Blanc de blancs refers to white from white (a white wine made from white grapes) as opposed to blanc de noirs (white wine from black grapes). The Chateau’s version is apple, melon, pear apricot laced with a nice bready-toasty note on the finish.
JACKSON-TRIGGS 2016 ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT $29.95; winery & online; LCBO #234161 ✰✰✰ +
This vintage dated bubble shows signs of the hot vintage it is from. Plenty of biscuit-y, apple and lemon drop notes all culminating in a medium length finish. There’s also a vanilla creamy note on the midpalate, but the acidity seems a little on the restrained side—for those who like their bubbles without too much pucker.
KEW VINEYARDS 2017 ROSALIE $29.95; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
Pink bubbles are a tonne of fun, and Rosalie carries on that tradition: sweet cranberry meets watermelon and cherry, not typical flavours for bubbly and that’s what makes it so interesting.
REDSTONE 2017 SPARKLING LIMESTONE VINEYARD $24.95; winery ✰✰✰ +
Primarily chardonnay with 20 per cent pinot noir: apple, bitter lemon, and bread crust—it sounds simple but that’s the typical make up a good bubbles and this one is definitely that.
CHARMING AND CHILLABLE CHARMAT KACABA 2019 EFFERVESCENCE (ROSÉ) $32.15; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
Made from pinot noir (62.5 per cent) and chardonnay (37.5 per cent) it displays notes of nectarine and orange zest with peach and apricot; finish is medium in length with good acidity.
$24.95; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
PENINSULA RIDGE 2018 SPARKLING RIESLING $20.15; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
Lots of riesling these days is being made into bubbles, but not all are to this level. Peninsula Ridge hits the mark with this crisp version that’s kissed with sweetness. It’s undetectable until you grab a dry wine, and that’s because the acidity is on point: apple, peach, pear take the fruit centre-stage.
LOCUST LANE 2019 SPARKLING RIESLING
$18.95; LCBO #16767 ✰✰✰
VIENI NV MOMENTI
$13.95; winery & online; LCBO #435784 ✰✰✰ One of the best value bubbles Ontario offers and very prosecco-esque, with a slightly sweet note of peach and apple and a refreshing citrus punch on the finish.
VIENI 2019 MOSCATO $19.95; winery & online ✰✰✰
Fans of Italy’s moscato d’asti should gravitate here with all the pleasure and minimal alcohol: floral, pear and peach sweetness in a frizzante-style.
$24.95; winery & online ✰✰✰ +
The key to Riesling sparkling wines is to balance its inevitable sweetness with acidity, and Locust lane has done just that. White fruits like pear and apple join lemon (for that acid punch) to create a crisp, enjoyable bubble.
WESTCOTT 2019 VIOLETTE
$25.99; winery & online; LCBO #438200 ✰✰✰ Made from a blend of three grapes—pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling—this is a pleasant, easy drinking sipper that brings apple and lemon drop together with a nice acid bite.
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