PRODUCT Toronto Issue 10 by PRODUCT Toronto by Kyle Kofsky

The biggesT Food & driNk eveNT oF The Year

Gourmet Food & Wine expo presents incredible Wine tastinG classes

at the metro toronto

convention centre,

north buildinG

• november 14-17,

2013

19 Wine Classes

led by interna tional Wine experts in toronto For just one Weeken d!

foodandwineexpo.ca

excluSive tutoreD taStingS offer! Save $5 on e-ticketS with coDe EPICURE inCLudes eLite PAss · vALid AnY one dAY ($50 vALue)

November 14-17, 2013

Metro toronto Convention Centre, downtown toronto

Sample from over 1,500 wineS, beerS, SpiritS anD Savour international gourmet cuiSine! • tutored tastings wine Classes • Fine wine & intervin tasting Lounge • trend Central tasting stage • All You need is Cheese stage • spiritology Pavilion • entertainment Area • Food network Celebrity Chef roger Mooking

buy ticketS now at fooDanDwineexpo.ca save $3 off Admission or $5 off tutored tastings tickets with code EPICURE

FOOD NETWORK is a trademark of Television Food Network G.P.; used with permission.

thurs 6-10 • Fri 2-10 • sAt 12-10 • sun 12-6

10. MUSIC SAVES LIVES 08. EDITOR’S LETTER 17. LOVE ME LOVE ME

14. THE VERY BEST

23. GOOD HAIR DAYS

33. HOW TO BUILD AN EMPIRE

26. THAT FEELING THAT YOU GET

52. STILL NOT THE WHITE FLUFFY BUNNIES

58. LICK THIS PAGE

PRINTED SIX TIMES ANNUALLY ISSUE NO. 10 (2013)

30. MAKE CLOTHES NOT WAR

TABLE OF CONTENTS 42. EAT FOOD HERE

50. PROM NIGHT

20. SUITED FOR YOU

To reserve a copy of PRODUCT, support us at producttoronto.com & get your issues delivered to your door.

46. ART & THE CITY

56. ‘TIL YOU DROP

63. OF MOOSE & MEN

ILLUSTRATION: ROSIE PEA

Kyle Kofsky Editor In Chief

Isabelle Savard Deputy Editor

Ana Opulencia Copy Editor

Sass Fraser Creative Director

Brian Sweigman Managing Director

Paul Steward Director of Photography

Melissa Allen Lead Writer

Jonathan Broderick Lead Writer

PRODUCT STAFF

HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS

Kertney Lynn Russell Assistant Director

Michelle Silverstein Lead Hair/MUA

Adam Hendrik Senior Writer

Lexy Robidoux Lead Hair/MUA

Joe Swallow Assistant Director

Jordana Savard

Ronit Rubinstein Senior Writer

Michelangelo Fresh

Eli Thomson Senior Writer

Natalie Shemuel

Andrija Dimitrijevic Senior Photographer

Nina MĹ°ller

Brad Silverberg Cinematographer

CONTRIBUTORS

Jen Schenkel Senior Photographer Kate Koler Senior Photographer Max Power Senior Photographer Michelle Brussolo Senior Photographer Nick Wons Senior Photographer Tara Noelle Senior Photographer Juan Mendez Internal Affairs Hayley Campbell Health & Sports Aziz Vivant Senior Stylist Sophie Jolin-Roch Senior Stylist Tal Shalmon Web Manager Maxime Bellemare Account Manager Terry Grayston Account Manager Eirini Moschaki Business Architect John Huss Business Architect

Printed & Published in Toronto by

Alex Browne Contributing Director Alex Mathers Founding Designer Tim Luther Contributing Writer Adam Zivo Contributing Photographer Craig Boyko Contributing Photographer Isaac Zelunka Contributing Photographer Mark Tym Contributing Photographer Rosie Pea Contributing Illustrator Cheryl Gushue Contributing MUA Elena Gaysinsky Contributing Manicurist Maizie Taylor Contributing Hair THANK YOU

Christopher Bates David Cronenberg Shauna Ireland The Academy Showroom

PRODUCT Toronto INC. www.producttoronto.com 416 . 364 . 5753 info@producttoronto.com

ON THE COVER: Tina - Blouse by Rachel Sin, Pants by Arthur MendonĂ&#x2021;a, Headpiece by Sophie Jolin-Roch, Bracelets & Earings by Emily Woudenberg Damian - Shirt, pants & hat by Muttonhead, Belt & Bracelets by 18 Waits, Necklace by Emily Woudenberg

EDITOR’S LETTER KYLE KOFSKY

n contemporary terms and a convenient definition a monster comes with the notion of evil. When its origins are taken into account, a monster could be something which would demonstrate and instruct in lessons of ignorance. The monster teaches many lessons to the mob, eventually facilitating a crowd to take form and forge a common goal. There is a monster within all of us, something frighteningly able and often misunderstood. This monster is unique to the individual and when unleashed by our own perceived limitations, it can see our choices more clearly defined than we ever could. A monster has the terrible luxury of seeing choices in black and white. Survival is the twin of success and having your monster establish the priorities will maintain order resulting in your direction becoming instinct. Give yourself a fighting chance and embrace your monster. Embracing your monster will create an appetite for your destiny and you will begin to worship ideas. Coveting their origin and applauding their execution. When you idolize ideas and their creators you understand how integral both are to evolution. Ideas make us accountable to the greater good. Evaluating and accepting instead of dismissing and vilifying that which is new & different makes way for an actual presence, a time of consciousness ripe with celebration. Each of your ideas has a time and when they align with the right moment, you will see what you are ultimately capable of. This is the time for ideas, the world’s fair of conscious living. “On the brink of” doesn’t cut it anymore, we want results in our lifetime. Today we demand our mutual success and account for all our blessings. Today we will come to life, taking what is ours and giving what we can. My monster like Frankenstein`s Adam comes to life with an electric charge. I am made from the ideas I have and the collaborations I engage in. There are many parts to my monster and each works together with one another to inspire life, reanimating motivation and harnessing the ideas found in lightning. For more with our team or any of our features, and to check out contests or web exclusives head to our brand new website. Same address/new content - producttoronto.com. WORDS: KYLE KOFSKY PHOTOS: CRAIG BOYKO SPECIAL F/X MUA: LEXY ROBIDOUX

MUSIC SAVES LIVES

BRETT MILLIUS

here was this old couch that I waited on while Brett Millius searched upstairs for a cable to play me his bands latest mix. They are releasing a four song EP. “It’s a celebration of Rock and Roll.” The front man Brett Millius tells me. It sounds like a rock anthem. Something like the songs I remember singing along to at my high school’s dances. But that’s where it all starts the Rock and Roll, the music, the rebellion - at the parties during high school. It’s the only time you’re free from responsibility because it doesn’t matter. There is no rent. There are no groceries, no bills... “Rock and roll is all about getting into trouble. Its the teenage thing, but you can be smart about it. It’s about f### you, I’m going to do what I want.” Said Brett. Brett’s band is called Suxess. He called it Suxess because how do you say the word success without using the word sucks? It is a smack at our cultures definition of the word. Millius doesn’t pay interest to have a mortgage. He lives in an old house with roommates. He doesn’t work in an office or wear a suit. His pension is not priority. On mondays he stays in bed. He loves music. He plays music. He throws parties. He writes songs and sings them with his band. He does what he loves and does it well - that’s success. We drink wine in his living room and Brett jumps up off the couch after each song to pick a new one from his massive collection of records. “When you put a record on, as soon as you put it on, you’re digging for the next one. There is no plan. I like the motion - digging, pulling it out, putting it on, listening. Is this the right

song? Yes no? If it’s not, you’ve got 30 seconds to pick the next one. I just love that.” He said. “I’m a vinyl guy. It’s the most fun. I like feeling it. When you play on a laptop it is very CLICK CLICK CLICK. It’s boring. It’s almost too easy. It’s convenient. You don’t have to take a cab with a trunk full of records.” “I’m not a great DJ. I don’t mix songs, I don’t beat match.” He tells me. He calls himself a “Selecta” after the term used by the reggae DJ’s. He gets hired to play because of his song choice. He knows how to get a crowd on the dance floor. He knows how to make people feel good. “Manipulating a dance floor is an art.” He tells me. “Its your moral responsibility to spread good taste because the majority of the culture just takes what they’re given anyway.” I’m given a tour of the house. There is a music room in the basement. There is a recording studio upstairs. This is where he recorded his EP. Brett tells me about the parties he threw as a teenager in high school. “Lucky for me my younger sister was awesome at sports so she was always out of town with my parents. So I threw a lot of house parties.” Said Millius. “I learned the party dynamics early on.” He would spend the first hour and a half talking with each guest he didn’t know. They thought he was cool, then found out it was his place. The guests didn’t cause trouble. It was about respect and he had earned it. His parties were a hit. They still are.

WORDS: ADAM HENDRIK PHOTOS: SASS FRASER

any times in the year, the city comes to life with a focus on a healthier, happier lifestyle. Whether you’re getting beachbod ready by putting in hours at your local studio or simply enjoying being active outdoors, the goal is the same: look good, feel good. Lucky for us, Toronto, we have a wide range of health-conscious gurus in our beloved city that have made it their job to encourage and support our summer ambitions. Julie McClure is the owner and founder of Canadian lifestyle brand benourished, which provides all-natural, vegan food and beverage products. The company’s goal is, “…to support healthy lifestyles to the core by creating and distributing über healthy and nutrient-dense food and beverage products that work to optimize health, energy, and vitality.” With just a few years in the business, Julie has created a both promising and memorable brand that has generated a buzz within the health and wellness industry. Julie originally went to school for Biology but never stopped her education there. She has since become a yoga trainer and has also studied naturopathic medicine. “Prior to launching benourished, I spent 10 years working in corporate finance… and subsequently spent two years studying naturopathic medicine while ‘creating’ the concept behind what is now benourished,” Julie explains. With such a wide range of expertise, benourished is an accessible and tangible product of Julie’s academic learning. Julie adds, “It’s a fusion of my love for business and my passion for health and wellness.” Since launching benourished in the fall of 2011, with a “direct-to-home and office delivery service”, benourished can now

be found through a number of retailers in Toronto including: Bloor Street Market, Loblaws (60 Carlton Street), and Pusateri’s Fine Foods. Although Julie had all the right tools for the makings of a successful business, it was her own personal battle with migraines that helped propel her to seek a natural solution to the chronic health issue that did not seem to be reduced by pain killers or anticipatory medication. Julie reveals, “I decided to step out of the world of finance for a year to travel and to focus on my health. During this time, I researched and experimented with numerous raw food diets, pressed juice,

THE VERY BEST and raw food cleansing programs and antiinflammatory/alkaline diets that ultimately resulted in breaking the vicious migraine cycle and alleviating the chronic nature of this debilitating health problem.” Tried, tested, and true, Julie incorporates her own cleansing programs and raw diets into her brand, acting as living proof of the lifestyle benourished can help us all achieve. When asked what she might tackle next after her success with benourished, Julie replies, “When I grow up from benourished, a few of my aspirations include…spending some time volunteering in developing countries with charities/women who want to

create micro/small businesses that will provide for their families, provide more access to education, and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life.” Before Julie sets off to change the world, take advantage of her zest for life and commitment to helping us all be happy, be healthy and of course, benourished.

WORDS: JONATHAN BRODERICK PHOTOS: ALEX BROWNE HAIR & MUA: LEXY ROBIDOUX LOCATION: MONDU FLORAL DESIGN

JULIE MCCLURE

LOVE ME LOVE ME

ld Hollywood pinups as we know “The more I started teaching, the more I realand cherish them have left their ized that it wasn’t the high heel that was difmark in immeasurable ways. ficult….It was being looked at, which is really They gave soldiers something to just a confidence issue. That’s when I knew I dream about and women someone to look up could use the lessons my mother taught me to to. Over the years, many women have tried to help women gain confidence in a fun way.” recreate what these women stood for, though Pastel began her professional career in few do it as effortlessly as Pastel Supernova. Toronto by dancing and choreographing with Known solely by her stage name, Pastel has Dave Wilson’s The Parahumans. She credits garnered quite a following in Toronto for her time in Wilson’s group for giving her the being a “real life pinup character development girl” and leading burand improvisation skills “... the lessons my lesque and cabaret act. which have helped make mother taught me As artistic director and Love Letters a success. to help women choreographer of the According to Pastel, her gain confidence in Toronto-based dance transition from classictheatre, Love Letters ally trained dance to a fun way.” Cabaret, she and her burlesque was a seemteam of talented and committed dancers have ingly natural progression. “It was a misundercome to symbolize the power of femininity, standing actually,” giggles Pastel. “Because I sexuality, seduction, and the celebration of dress pinup and dance, people just assumed being a woman. that I did burlesque. People started asking Love Letters is best known for encouraging me to dance in different burlesque shows, so the audience to free themselves from their eventually I said yes. I was working with a inhibitions – helping women find their inner group of amazing dancers at the time (some goddess and men their inner god, through of whom are still with me today) so Love Letinteraction and participation in the show. The ters just kind of evolved. I didn’t really think act isn’t what you’d expect from burlesque about it too much. I guess it was just destined theatre, since it incorporates elements of con- to happen.” temporary dance to help tell the narrative. When asked about the future of Love LetSince founding Love Letters in 2012, ters, Pastel said that she hopes to find a home Pastel’s contribution to Toronto has stretched for the cabaret in a Toronto theatre, with beyond burlesque and cabaret. She uses her dreams of promoting it as a Toronto tourist unique experience in finishing school ethics attraction. “Just as Moulin Rouge and Crazy to teach classes on building confidence and Horse have made a staple for themselves, poise. “The classes began as kind of a How to I hope to have a company where we can do Wear High Heels tutorial because dancers saw shows on a regular basis, teach classes, and me perform in heels and asked if I could help have a touring company.” them with stiffness and mobility,” says Pastel.

TRICKS, RUCKUS, OKASHA, PETRA “QUEEN OF THE NILE”, KNOX HARTER, MADI KIN, PASTEL SUPERNOVA, TRASHER JAILBAIT, BLAYNE, REVEL, MINOU, AZURA & KAGE WOLF WORDS: KERTNEY LYNN RUSSELL PHOTOS: SASS FRASER

SUITED FOR YOU

efore entering Garrison Bespoke, I surveyed the area and admired the well-dressed businessmen, playing Eye Spy with Garrison’s window display. Dressed in blue and each completely unique, from raw denim to seductive silks, each mannequin presented a looking glass into the “tribes” of men that roam our city. “The great thing about making Garrison suits is that clothing goes with you for 14 hours per day. And in a way, [Garrison Bespoke] is part of that experience for men. You can impact a large group of people with a body of work,” said Michael Nguyen, founder of Garrison. Since opening the doors six years ago, they have been ranked the top Bespoke Tailor and have made quite the impression on the modern man. As we continue to follow the evolution of men’s retail, it is obvious that there are great retailers in the city. But the value of Garrison is that they help piece together looks that are directly fitted to one’s personality. “We are more than a store that just makes suits. We help men develop and own their style.” It’s about facilitating a dialogue about men’s fashion and helping men communicate what is appealing to them and how it can translate into an everyday look. After all, if a man is going to spend a full day in a suit, he might as well look damn good. “Some men might want to wear a hot pink suit to the office. It may not be appropriate, so we’ll give the client a suit that makes them feel like they’re wearing hot pink… it’s all about the details.” Michael explained.

MICHAEL NGUYEN, LAURA PATTERSON, DAVI THAM, BRITTANY NORTON, BHARAT PERSAUD, JS VANN, TONY TRAN & EMMA TYNAN

With over 1,800 clients, the stylists at Garrison are hard at work cultivating relationships and understanding the psychology of the male shopper. They take the time to understand their client’s personal taste, whose style they admire, and why. Although Michael acknowledges each client’s proclaimed uniqueness, he notes, “We are all different but, sometimes, different in the same ways,” a theory that has allowed him and his stylists to cater to the different “tribes” of men and the similar details that are valued over others. This fall, we can look forward to a collection inspired by hunting and the outdoors – an oxymoron to the essence of the metropolis that I dare say looks very forward-thinking. “We liked the idea of creating a line that’s very outdoorsy and masculine… earth tones, mixed in a way that’s still business,” Michael explained as we looked through tactile tweeds for autumn. With the biggest fabric library in Canada, sourced from Britain, Italy, and Scandinavia, one can only imagine the possibilities of this collection. They can service a wide range of clients because of their fabrics, making each suit “custom” in every sense of the word. There’s a reason why Garrison is ranked so high in the world of men’s tailoring, and it goes beyond their resources and eye for design. It’s because they are interested in you. It’s about what you do, how you do it, and how you want to feel. I think we can all get on board with that. WORDS: JONATHAN BRODERICK PHOTOS: TARA NOELLE

MICHAEL NGUYEN

GOOD HAIR DAYS MARY TRIPI

here is a glimmer of contentment and joy as you gaze into the mirror and feel both beautiful and refreshed, having shed more than hair in the dresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair. The world stands aside and, in that moment, all of the worries of the day melt away. In this intimate place, the Private World of Mary Tripi takes a step above your standard salon, to a calming place which has been serving generations of satisfied clients in Toronto. I had a chance to sit down with Mary and learn where she began, what it takes to run one of the most well-loved salons in Toronto, and about the inspiration for her new location. Born in 1940s Athens, Mary dreamed of becoming a pharmacist. She would watch them creatively mix concoctions that made people feel better. Although that dream never came to fruition, she never lost sight of using creativity to make people feel better. Enamored by letters and photos of our city, she decided Toronto was where she wanted to live. In order to emigrate, she began apprenticing as a hair dresser. Then, at 17, she made her way to Canada. Her first impression of 1957 Toronto was that it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;villageâ&#x20AC;? of fashion and art, far behind the styles and culture of European cities. In 1959, she set out to change that, opening her first salon at Bathurst and Lawrence. It was an instant success, booking weeks in advance. Now at an age when many consider retirement, Mary is as determined as ever, with a new salon opening this fall at 890 Yonge Street. She describes it as a gift to her loyal clients who have been with her throughout the years. A magical blend of classic elegance, open-spaced luxury, and comfortable intimacy.

Decked floor to ceiling in white as representative of a canvas upon which the client is the painted beauty, each stylist station is lampshaded in colour. Mary wants guests to walk through the door and feel the magic, the expectation of beautification, and comfort, and then ultimately, to walk out feeling confident, relaxed, refreshed, and beautiful. As careers and technology infringe more upon free time, the moments spent sitting in the stylist chair has become an anticipated and appreciated time of peace - an escape from the hectic world, where one can sit before the mirror and put their trust in the stylist’s hands. Throughout the years, Mary has stayed true to a credence that the intimate relationship between the client and stylist allows for a flow in creativity that produces beautiful results. Accommodating the creatively extreme to the conservatively classic, the stylist can not only change one’s style, but also one’s character. By keeping clients happy, comfortable, and relaxed, and catering to the individual as opposed to relying on trends, she crafts hair to compliment the beauty within. Her successes in this pursuit have garnered multi-generational loyalty, making her revered by salons across the world and has led publications to dub her “The Queen of Beauty.” WORDS: ELI THOMSON PHOTOS: KATE KOLER HAIR: MAIZIE TAYLOR MUA: CHERYL GUSHUE MANICURIST: ELENA GAYSINSKY LOCATION: THE PRIVATE WORLD OF MARY TRIPI

THAT FEELING THAT YOU GET SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH

aidah Baba Talibah was born to be a performer. Her style and presence emanates from her entire being. I met her at a Danforth coffee shop on a beautiful evening to discuss her art, inspiration, and her latest album, RedBlack&Blue. I was immediately struck by her beauty and fantastically theatrical outfit: short shorts, high boots, and a top hat. In this little café, the ensemble could be considered over-the-top on anyone else except Saidah. Singing is in her blood: her mother was “Canada’s First Lady of Blues” Salome Bey, the legendary songstress who managed to grab a Grammy and Tony award nomination. Her aunt, uncle, cousins and sister are also vocalists. So, music was simply a way of life. Surrounded by music since the womb, it seems almost inevitable that she should inherit the gift of song; and where many people train throughout their childhood and youth only to face years of struggle before they get their first break, Saidah was professionally performing theatre. She’s sung alongside legends Skunk Anansie and Bootsy Collins (my personal punk and funk heroes, respectively) and has travelled all over the world, performing her unique blend of rock, soul, and blues. Now, Saidah is set to release her second album, RedBlack&Blue, a follow up to her debut (S)cream, and financed through the crowdsourcing platform for musicians called PledgeMusic. When asked about the significance of her album title, Saidah tells me that the three colours are representative of her mother, sister and daughter, under the spiritual guidance of her totem animals: The Robin Red Breast, the Black Panther, and the Blue Morpho Butterfly. Totem animals represent different aspects of a person’s being and help guide them through whatever comes their way in life. Just from sitting with Saidah, I can see these three animals reflected in her essence: the persistence of the robin, the sleek and subtle strength of the panther, and the grace of the butterfly – which can also describe her new album (just listen to the recently released single “High” on YouTube). While Saidah may have met her PledgeMusic goal, you can still contribute and receive perks such as the RedBlack&Blue album itself, merchandise, and more. You may very well be contributing to the making of another Canadian legend, and 10% of money raised above and beyond the goal goes to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Visit http://www. pledgemusic.com/projects/saidahbabatalibah.

WORDS: MELISSA ALLEN PHOTOS: MARK TYM HAIR & MUA: MICHELLE SILVERSTEIN

MAKE CLOTHES NOT WAR

IRENE STICKNEY

think I met an angel. In her eyes, you can see all of the passion, beauty, and wisdom that Irene Stickney has to offer. She is the founder of an amazing sewing school called The Make Den. A year ago, the school moved to a unique location with a great 1950s vibe, on Bloor Street West. It is there that creativity and discovery are at their best. Stickney’s first client was PACT (Participation, Acknowledgement, Commitment, Transformation), a charity that works to support and empower underprivileged and at risk youth. Irene claims it was “good luck” that she found out about PACT, just when the founder, David Lockett, was looking for someone to partner with them to create a fashion program. David caught wind of Irene while she was teaching at 69 Vintage. Once hired, she taught them how to sew, how to explore their creative side, and most importantly, how to present a skill set in which they could be confident. Her ability to talk about her passion and engage with youth is simply noteworthy. By dedicating a lot of her time to working with the youth of this program, she has sent them on a journey to achieving their goals and perfecting their projects, both on a physical and a mental level. It isn’t often that we are given second chances and new opportunities, but Irene has provided this group with an abundance of encouragement to make for a brighter future. “Creative people are more creative when they are around more creative people,” says Irene. Besides a relationship with PACT, The Make Den is also a great school for anyone who would like to learn basic sewing skills, how to alter or modify a piece of clothing,

and for anyone looking to hone their skills with other creatives. At The Make Den, there is always something to learn. Irene and her team have stitched themselves seamlessly into the world of sewing and are eager to share their knowledge with you. From beginner to expert classes, it is easy to realize any creative goal with their help. They are well-equipped with quality machines and their professionalism is a major factor in the success of The Make Den. “You cannot just teach without working and visualizing other accomplishments. You need to learn about something new every day…”explains Irene when asked what she does when she isn’t teaching at The Make Den. Irene is also the initiator and an active member of The Nightly Shades, a group of seven amazing women from various industries - each talented in her own respect. Together, they work to mesh bikes and fashion, with the creation of fantastical bike lights that exceed imagination. Bike fanatics and fashion lovers can finally unite over this gem and cruise around our city in a completely new way. There are only so many ways to describe how humbling and remarkable it is to see how fashion can impact and give back to the community. The Make Den is an art studio where this connection is realized. Irene and her staff help make this connection everyday and have made this a career. Heavenly, don’t you think?

“You need to learn about something new every day...”

WORDS: ISABELLE SAVARD PHOTOS: MAX POWER LOCATION: THE MAKE DEN

IRENE STICKNEY & DARCIE SMITH

TINA: SHIRT BY DREAMBOAT LUCY PANTS BY YOGA JEANS NECKLACE & BRACELET BY EMILY WOUDENBERG PURSE BY MISS MAK DESIGNS DAMIAN: SHIRT, BRACELET & POCKET SQUARE BY 18 WAITS PANTS BY MUTTONHEAD HAT IS VINTAGE

D.I.Y. HOW TO OR BUILD AN DIE EMPIRE DAMIAN ZUCH & TINA TSAI

TINA: CAPE BY SENTALER COAT BY DREAMBOAT LUCY EARINGS & BRACELETS BY ROXX NECKLACE BY EMILY WOUDENBERG PURSE BY DUE FRATELLI HANDBAGS DAMIAN: BLAZER BY CHRISTOPHER BATES SHIRT, PANTS & TIE BY 18 WAITS HAT IS VINTAGE

eville’s Workshop in the Junction looks, at first glance, like any other industrial space. A thick layer of sawdust covers most surfaces, and there are projects in various stages of completion scattered about. But if you take a closer look, something may catch your eye—are those giant eggs near the back? Is that a robot rigged to release slime? Perhaps you will notice the wall covered by a bomb, a bear trap, a baby crocodile, a laser gun, and a meteorite. But eventually, it becomes clear; custom prop and set builders Damian Zuch and Tina Tsai have one of the coolest jobs around. Neither one of them planned a career in television and film. Damian, who had an education in Environmental Chemistry and Biology, was working in a lab testing nutritional supplements, and was ready for a change. “I did it for two years, and I was losing my mind,” he says. Nearly a decade ago, a friend who worked in film recruited him to help break down a set, and Damian decided to make a move to the film industry; “It’s the perfect place for a scatterbrain.” In 2008, he met Tina through a friend. Trained at OCAD, she was working in metalsmithing and jewelry-making and had recently gone back to school to study Library Science. When the pair started dating, Damian convinced Tina to come work with him, saving her, as she says, “from a life of drudgery.” The two freelanced and collaborated with friends

in the industry, and in 2009 they opened Deville’s Workshop and struck out on their own. The pair have had, as Damian describes it, “a two-feet first approach;” they’ve learned carpentry, welding, soldering, plumbing, mold-making, and pyrotechnics, and have made prosthetics, circuits, and just about anything else their clients can dream up. Theirs has been an informal and hands-on education, with a steep learning curve. Tina says, “YouTube, and playing. That’s the best way to learn. Getting the basics, safety-wise, off the internet, taking materials, and playing with them.” As they gain skills and experience, it’s important to Damian and Tina to share their knowledge with others as well. Damian is quite active on instructables.com, a website where “Makers” (tech-oriented DIYers) can share step-by-step instructions on how to build, make, or rig, just about anything. “We get a lot of advice and feedback on prop builds from amazing Makers on forums and so I try to return the favour for other people… The Maker movement is geared toward people teaching each other to not be afraid to, for example, pry open a radio and learn how it works. It’s surprisingly addictive; once you learn a little bit you often feel the need to learn a bit more.” Damian’s Instructables page is a wondrous mash-up; there are how-to’s for charming furniture and home décor projects posted next to instructions for how to construct “a life-sized active volcano.”

“It’s surprisingly addictive; once you learn a little bit...”

The volcano was a career highlight for the duo. Built for the National Geographic Channel’s How to Build a Volcano, it was four stories tall, 150 feet wide, and erupted on cue. “A lot of the stuff we build gets blown up,” Damian says, with a wry smile. Another massive project involved working with a team to recreate a full-scale WWII-era German town for the History Channel series D-Day to Victory. The show features re-enactments based on testimonials from WWII vets, and the art department was charged with creating as historically accurate a set as possible. “We brought in masons, bricklayers, roofers, and shinglers, and built twostorey buildings,” Damian recalls. The town, built over two months on a military base in New Brunswick, was almost eerily realistic; footage from the program shows houses, factories, a church, cars, trucks, and tanks, all of which were blown to bits using period ammunition. But the Deville’s Workshop team also works on horror movies, children’s programming, and prank shows, where the projects are wildly imaginative and realism is less of a priority. For Extreme Babysitting, a YTV show that pulls pranks on unsuspecting teenage babysitters, they’ve built a 6-foot-tall robot that crashed through a wall, a set of genetically-modified giant eggs that cracked and spilled yolk everywhere, and innumerable props designed to explode or spray slime. For a Jason Mewes film, they produced “a rotating floppy rubbery dildo alien gun,” and for a Christmas movie they made a set of reindeer

robots—one with a more classic design, and one more slick- and modern-looking, made by a 3D printer. For another prank show, Tina built an “alien radio.” She put a handmade theremin inside of it, which created otherworldly noises when someone approached the unit. Unbelievably, most of their projects must be completed in only a few days, so the pair has become adept at figuring out how to execute wacky requests on the fly. Toronto’s film and TV industry is keeping the team at Deville’s busy. Damian says, “We don’t ever stop working. We sleep on set a lot. I think that if you’ve got your head on your shoulders, Toronto’s an amazing place to be… There’s as much opportunity here as you are willing to open up to.” As their business has grown, so has their team, and Tina and Damian are happy to train those who join them in the shop. As Tina explains, “We’re just people who like to make things, and incidentally, we get jobs in film… It’s not like we went to school for, or wanted to be in film. It’s just more about the build for us.” For behind the scenes video & more with Damian & Tina, head to producttoronto.com.

“We don’t ever stop working. We sleep on set a lot.”

WORDS: RONIT RUBINSTEIN PHOTOS: ANDRIJA DIMITRIJEVIC & PAUL STEWARD MUA: JORDANA SAVARD HAIR: MICHELANGELO FRESH STYLIST: SOPHIE JOLIN-ROCH ASST. STYLIST: AZIZ VIVANT

TINA: BLAZER BY ARTHUR MENDONÇA SHIRT BY RACHEL SIN PANTS BY DREAMBOAT LUCY NECKLACE, BRACELETS & EARINGS BY EMILY WOUDENBERG RING BY ROXX BELT BY MISS MAK DESIGNS DAMIAN: SHIRT & PANTS BY OUTCLASS LONG SLEEVE AND HAT BY 18 WAITS NECKLACE BY EMILY WOUDENBERG SHOES CUSTOM DESIGNED BY SOPHIE JOLIN-ROCH

Since 2008. Unique gifts, apparel & merchandise. Shop online at DRAKEGENERALSTORE.CA

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DANIEL LANOIS

ith its origins in NYC and music producer, Daniel Lanois as a regular customer, you know you have something that works. “It did pretty well in New York…I knew it would work in Toronto,” said Robbie Yuill, owner of Kensington’s cheesy hot spot, The Grilled Cheese. He first assisted a friend in building the comfort food eatery and its menu stateside, “The restaurant worked for five years.” But a new condo development and surface hotel moved in causing a market boom. The massive overnight rise on the lease forced the doors shut. Yuill returned north and decided to do it a little differently – he used butter and a flat grill versus a panini press. The new concept: old school, homemade grilled cheese sandwiches just like his single Mom would serve him and his sisters growing up, along with tomato soup. Soup is just as much a staple as the sandwich they grill up at “The Cheese,” as Yuill endearingly calls it. “Me and my mom have been cooking soups together since day one. My older sister is a great cook, my younger sister is a great cook…they are all family recipes.” Tomato soup is served daily along with another gumbo special; sometimes with a secret kick (a drop or two of “valentina’s hot sauce” takes the soup to the next level.) The interior design is a throwback to his rustic family cottage. It took a month and a half to build from a gutted frame. No stranger to renovations, he is the superintendent at seven market buildings and has assisted with 17 renovations, including the hot spot, Cold Tea. “All I had was $5,700. I asked for reclaimed wood donations on Craigslist on a daily basis. I milled the wood myself and used whatever I had. [Even the paint was donated.]”

The Cheese was to serve as a supplementary income for the budding carpenter and sculptor, who was also making moves in the film industry. The market location was the first one to open in Canada on September 1, 2009. There were plans to expand into a small franchise until Yuill became a family man. For a franchise to be successful, “you need a good five to ten years of solid business. It’s completely doable, but I wasn’t ready”. There are eight Toronto eateries with a commitment to the cheesy sandwich, 20 in total, within the GTA. “I do what I do…I don’t compete… I don’t advertise… the food speaks for itself.” Yuill has never handed out a business card or made a website. “It’s good food. Made fresh to order.” There is one solitary fridge that services the restaurant, “Everything gets bought and served that day.” On a busy day, it gets emptied twice of produce, which is purchased from Augusta Fruit Market, keeping the money in the market. “I’ve tried every cheese possible.” The menu selection has been carefully limited to six different hard cheeses: cheddar, dill havarti, jalapeno havarti, swiss, provolone and fior de latte (mozzarella made from cow milk). “Soft cheese is too difficult to use.” These cheese options can be paired with bacon, ham, smoked turkey, or avocado. Try a staff created special, build your own, or order up the tribute sandwich to a Toronto legend: The Lanois. For foodies looking to break into the business, here is a piece of advice from the cheese man, “Try to do most of the work yourself to have money in the bank.”

WORDS & PHOTOS: SASS FRASER

ART & THE CITY

SEAN GREEN

oronto’s art world is exploding. In addition to hosting some of Canada’s most talked-about festivals, the city has been blanketed by galleries large and small. However, too many Torontonians still feel as though they are on the outside looking in, with their noses pressed up against the glass of one of the most vibrant and interesting art scenes in the country. The My City Muse app is opening Toronto’s galleries to a new group of Torontonians and using a mobile platform to bring the art scene into the digital age. My City Muse app creator, Sean Green has given urbanites a platform that allows “them to visually preview art work that is currently being exhibited on brick and mortar walls around the city.” Users simply download the free app from iTunes and they are instantly immersed in a scroll of works being displayed all over Toronto and around the world. In one click, they can get information about each piece including navigation that will bring them to the works with which they have genuinely fallen in love. Sean’s goal is to make art in every city “more approachable.” By opening up the galleries to a mobile platform, My City Muse allows users “to see what’s inside and spend their time going to a particular space that has pieces that appeal to them.” Sean developed his idea in late summer 2012. He knew that he “wanted to do something in the mobile state,” but wasn’t sure in which direction to take it until coffee with a friend gave him the idea that would change his life. She wanted to make a change, moving from her corporate job to become an artist. Sean immediately asked, “How are you going to market yourself?” Sean realized that while

the galleries act as agents for artists, they had been slow to adapt to the digital world. He found that there was “no neat, easy, and comprehensive way of pulling up an app and being ‘dialed into’ your art scene.” Sean began meeting with every collector, artist, and gallery that would take his call, trying to find a way to create a “bridge between social media and the art world.” The idea for My City Muse was born, and it has quickly become the must-have app for anyone who wants to be more involved with art in their city. Sean hopes to bring My City Muse to every city around the world. He says that Toronto is “a great ground to cultivate relationships, develop the app [and] get great feedback.” He describes the city as “honest,” and because it is still developing in so many ways, “you always feel like you’re working toward something.” My City Muse seized an opportunity to merge social media and an electrifying art scene with captivating results. There is an overflow of awe-inspiring art all around you, download the My City Muse app and find the pieces with which you will fall in love. Sean is currently preparing to make a big push into the United States and hopes to use that as a “sounding board” to cross into Europe. At home or abroad, My City Muse will always be your guide for great art near you.

WORDS: TIM LUTHER PHOTOS: NICK WONS JACKETS BY CHRISTOPHER BATES

PROM I

t was a night of dinner, dancing, and storytelling. The Senior Prom. Everyone in attendance was wearing their best gowns, their nicest suits, and a yellow rose boutonniere. The boutonnieres symbolized the Yellow Rose Project, an organization founded in 2011 by gerontologist and community organizer Elise Kayfetz that gives Holocaust survivors the opportunity to build relationships, celebrate life, and educate the younger generation about the Holocaust. The 4th annual Senior Prom, held on June 18, 2013, brought elder Holocaust survivors and younger people together to share in a night of happiness and love of life. The Senior Prom was designed to give a prom experience to those who never had one. Hiding in basements, living in concentration camps, or running away, most Holocaust survivors never had the chance to attend high school, let alone celebrate prom.

In our modern culture, prom is seen as a rite of passage, and now this Senior Prom is an annual event to which survivors can look forward. Attendees are treated to a beauty makeover, transportation, dinner, live entertainment, a prom photo, and a boutonniere. Just as a yellow Star of David was the symbol that would designate Jewish people during the time of the Nazi regime, the yellow rose has become the promâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symbol for celebration and new beginnings. Gathering these two seemingly diverse groups in a room for one night gets more important every year, since this generation will be the last group that will have personal experiences with Holocaust survivors. It becomes integral for younger people to hear the stories and share experiences with survivors so they can learn about and remember one of the worst tragedies in human history. Says

NIGHT Elise, “We will dance and celebrate life with survivors until the last [survivor] is alive...and then we will dance with their grandchildren, and their children, and so on...” After tearing up the dance floor, one elderly lady called me over to her table, where she showed me a black and white photo of herself when she was liberated from Auschwitz. She was pictured with six other girls, all of whom she keeps in touch. Last year, those who were able made a mission back to the concentration camp to revisit the place where they tragically had to spend their youth. Another survivor told us a story about her experiences as a young Jewish girl in Paris during World War II. She showed us pictures of herself as a young girl and told us that despite her blond hair and blue eyes, she was still recognized as a Jew. Stories such as these, directly from survivors’ lips, are meant

BILL NIGHTENGALE, FELLA SAKS, HOWARD KLEINBERG, JAIME, LERMAN, KYLE KOFSKY, MANIA HUDY, NANCY KLEINBERG & FRIENDS

to personalize the Holocaust in a unique way. The stories shared and relationships built help the younger generation identify with the tragedies of the Holocaust in a way that no book or movie ever can. Yet, The Senior Prom is not about sadness or remorse; rather, it is a celebration of life, recognition of community, and a display of resilience. It is an opportunity to share, to dance, and to rejoice in a unique and meaningful way. A prom king and prom queen are named and the night (late afternoon) is partied away. Together, the younger generation and the old can carry on memories and pass on lessons with a smile. See you next year.

WORDS: BRIAN SWEIGMAN PHOTOS: ISAAC ZELUNKA

STILL N WHITE B

NOT THE E FLUFFY BUNNIES

STARKERS! CORSETRY ON KERTNEY LYNN RUSSELL & FAERY LEPIDOPTERA

DIANNA DINOBLE

stablished in 1991, Dianna DiNoble has gained a huge and devoted following as corsetiere and proprietor of Starkers! Corsetry. Dianna was kind enough to take some time out of her jam-packed schedule, creating custom-made corsets for prestigious clients all over the world, to talk about all things corsets and what’s coming up for Starkers! “About a year ago, a couple of my colleagues confessed to me that they were wearing corsets under their office wear. That is when I realized that corsets weren’t just for burlesque performers, Goths, and Marie-Antoinette themed parties anymore: the corset had officially gone mainstream. “Some customers see it as a fetish item; some see it as a pretty lingerie piece or solid base to a gown. Some find that they can transform themselves into an alter-ego just by putting on their corset, much like a superhero transforms themselves simply by putting something on,” says Dianna of the growing popularity of corsets in modern life. Dianna acquired her practical skills at Sheridan College, where she learned pattern drafting, alongside many other industry techniques. However, her passion for corsets started way before that. Having attended an arts-centric high school, where she studied art history, she couldn’t help but notice the role that corsets have played for centuries, “In many old paintings and photographs, I saw the corset as either a focal point or under-stated piece that wasn’t meant to be noticed.” A fascination with corsetry was born. “I loved how a piece of cloth and metal could shape someone’s body so dramatically and was instantly drawn to the beauty and structure of the corset,” says Dianna. Already making her own clothes at this point, Dianna turned her attention to corset-making. “Most of the nitty-gritty skills were self-taught after interpreting and misinterpreting old corset-making manuals from the early 1800s when I was in my late teens, early 20s.” With her refined DIY techniques, combined with practical training, and years of sweat equity, Dianna developed her own method of corset construction and is constantly evolving it to make her corsets stronger and more comfortable. Citing ballet, biker culture, technology, nature, and her clients as her sources of inspiration, Dianna has the gift of seeing beauty in everything around her and interpreting that into the perfect corset. As to what’s next for Starkers! Corsetry, Dianna coyly hints at the big things she has planned for the future, “I’ve been working on a new direction that I’ve been toying around with for a number of years, collaborating with my husband who has special expertise in certain mediums...that I will leave as surprise. Expect something that has never been done before with corsets!”

WORDS: MELISSA ALLEN PHOTOS: SASS FRASER HAIR & MUA: LEXY ROBIDOUX & NATALIE SHEMUEL

TIL YOU DROP

VAVA VALENTINA & ANGELA PHUNG

ava Valentina and Angela Phung are The Store on Queen (TSOQ). The two have put everything into their shop, and the city has responded in kind. In less than one year, TSOQ has become an integral part of the Queen Street West experience and a landmark in the Toronto fashion scene. “TSOQ is not just a store; it’s a lifestyle.” The two came together only one year ago. Vava had sold her previous shop and moved to Toronto in search of a spot on Queen Street West to begin again. Angela, a successful restaurateur, came to the city for a year-long vacation and to get to know the area. The two met for their first lunch in February of 2012, and maybe it was happenstance, but on their drive home they spotted a storefront they both agreed was perfect. Seven days later, both of their names were on the lease and TSOQ was born. In a short amount of time, TSOQ has grown into a staple of Queen Street West. “Fashionable, fun, and affordable,” it is at the forefront of buyer Vava Valentina’s mind as she searches for things to fill the store. One is immediately surrounded by colourful, vibrant patterns that break boundaries and set trends. The girls pride themselves on creating more than “just a store that people shop at.” It is a “dance party,” a “GirlGab” hangout, and a “retail therapy session” that can brighten even the worst of days. They describe TSOQ as “fun, loud, energetic, and comfortable - with the sweet smell of vanilla flowing in the air.” TSOQ brings the outgoing and fun-loving side of the city to light, but the city also gives back. Both say that they are “honoured and so appreciative” of all they have received so far. Angela Phung, who heads branding and marketing for the pair, says Toronto boasts some obvious advantages. She points to the city’s “huge diversity, densely populated [area], and great fashion scene,” taking full advantage of Toronto’s upbeat spirit and Queen Street’s high foot traffic. Aside from the snow, which hinders their trips to the beach, Toronto fits Vava and Angela perfectly. TSOQ has come to define the Queen Street West experience in Toronto. Rapidly, this tiny shop has grown into a spot talked about all over the city. Whether you’re looking for some fun additions to your wardrobe, or you’re looking to replace it altogether, The Store on Queen needs to be a part of your next shopping trip.

“... not just a store; it’s a lifestyle.”

WORDS: TIM LUTHER PHOTOS: ISAAC ZELUNKA HAIR & MUA: NINA MÜLLER

LICK THIS PAGE

ith what seems like an Italian restaurant on every corner, it can be hard to differentiate between margarita pastas. However, while it may not be easy for a resto to stand out, hand-picking a chef from Rome, a mixologist from Portugal, and importing the ingredients directly from Italy is a great way to start. To create Osteria de Ganzi, Dan Gunam, Luca Viscardi, and Ron Yeung did everything in their power to replicate the true Italian experience. The result is an Italian homestead that offers a remarkable atmosphere which is both accommodating and accessible. The genesis of opening Ganzi came from a deep love of Italy. After travelling to Italy, co-owner Dan Gunam noticed that Toronto lacked an authentic osteria, a place serving wine and simple food intended as a meeting place for after work and dinner refreshment - a place that appealed to a laid-back crowd, instead of a stuffy, high-end restaurant. Having met through friends at a dinner party, Luca Viscardi and Dan connected over their love of food. They spoke about food, business, and their motivation. Luca had been a successful restaurateur in Italy and Dan had opened the Roosevelt Room a few years ago and brought Nikki Beach to Toronto during TIFF. They decided to work together to bring a traditional Italian osteria to Toronto. However, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take off until they found the perfect location. Situated at Jarvis and Wellesley, Ganzi is run out of one of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest heritage homes, a mansion that was built in 1891. The home embodies the traditional experience that they were trying to create. To put the finishing touches on the home before opening Ganzi, they revitalized

it by sprucing up the patio, redesigning the solarium as a cocktail lounge, and remodelling the interior for dining. The renovations were all hand-crafted by a Mennonite group that specializes in heritage homes. Finally, to bring life to the walls, they commissioned a local artist from Kensington, who created dynamic art, including a Vespa hanging in the cocktail lounge. The next step to perfecting the traditional experience was to bring in the right team to operate the restaurant. Luca and Dan started with the kitchen, importing a respected chef from Rome, and a pizza maker, trained in Florence, to create Tuscan-style pizzas. For

DAN GUNAM, LUCA VISCARDI & CHEF GUERRINO STAROPOLI

the bar, Luca and Dan brought in the head mixologist from luxury hotel Sofitel in Portugal. Together, they have created a beautiful atmosphere with innovative cocktails like barrel-aged negronis and outrageously delicious authentic Italian fare. Although many entrepreneurs develop an idea and open shop before they are truly ready, as you can see, doing it “right” for Ganzi took a significant investment in the location, décor, team, and atmosphere. The opening of Ganzi was planned to the last corkscrew and that sort of preparation allowed the restaurant to offer a unique, unpretentious atmosphere.

The intention was to focus on the traditional Italian experience, which always starts with the food and wine but develops into a social experience. The result is the Osteria de Ganzi, an accessible local establishment, where anyone could stop in for a drink, a meal or a conversation, and where everyone this author has spoken with has come away both satisfied and ready to return again.

WORDS: BRIAN SWEIGMAN PHOTOS: TARA NOELLE

OF MOOSE & MEN WILL POHO

ccording to Will Poho, the meaning of life has 4 stages: 1) Learn something; 2) Apply what you learned; 3) Feel good about it; and 4) Repeat. 1) Learn: After working by selling fabric-cutting machines to fashion manufacturers, Will enrolled in a Master’s Degree program in fashion management at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. He learned that the global perception of Canada was wildlife, the rural outdoors, and cold. Following that stereotype, countries such as Korea and China looked to Canada for how to dress for snow. As a result, Canadian jackets, specifically parkas, were thriving on the global scale. 2) Apply: Studying this trend, Will noticed a gap in the market. Nobody was selling Canadian parkas in Canada. After graduation, using his sense of humour as a marketing tool, he started the brand Moose Knuckles and designed parkas to be sold in Canada. But as a recent graduate with no experience, nobody would take a chance on him. To stay afloat, Will accepted other fashion contracts. All the while, Moose Knuckles continued to design clothing. His plaid shirt design saw some success when he gave samples to Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip and Dallas Green of City and Colour to wear in a music video. However, his central piece, the parka, was still having trouble finding a manufacturer to produce them and a store to sell them. Eventually, Will found a mom-and-pop shop in Winnipeg willing to make his jackets. He called department stores such as Holt Renfrew to sell them, but was met with rejection. He called again. Rejection. After a year, Will was still holding onto his parkas with no place to sell them.

3) Feel Good: Will got a call from Gord Downie’s manager saying that Gord’s favourite shirt is the Moose Knuckles plaid shirt that was given to him at the video shoot. He wears it on tour almost every night. We need more. As a “thank you,” Gord asked Will if he could do anything for him, perhaps an autograph or a picture. Instead, Will asked Gord to call Holt Renfrew on his behalf. Begrudgingly, Gord called the VP of Sales at Holt’s. Unsurprisingly, they took his call, which got Moose Knuckles in the store. After Moose Knuckles jackets hit the floor at Holt’s, Will went to check them out. To his dismay, they weren’t there. They weren’t in the back. They weren’t anywhere. Will called his contact and claimed that he was “out to get him.” A bit of research revealed that the jackets had sold out. Holt’s “re-upped” their order. They sold out again. From there, stores accepted Will Poho and the Moose Knuckles brand with open arms. He partnered with the Levy Group, a leader in the fashion industry, and took the brand global. Moose Knuckles parkas are now sold in 30 countries worldwide. And in August 2013, they opened their first four independent stores, located in Korea. 4) Repeat: After creating the brand Moose Knuckles, seeing it through to success, and feeling good about it, Will Poho is stepping down as President in December 2013 and into the role of Founder and Creative Director. He is looking for his next project and learning to start again.

WORDS: BRIAN SWEIGMAN PHOTOS: ADAM ZIVO GROOMING: MICHELLE SILVERSTEIN JACKET BY MOOSE KNUCKLES

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