WATCH IT! Magazine Spring-Summer 2017

Where time matters more

SPRING-SUMMER 2017

025

FEATURING CANADA’S MOST STYLISH INFLUENCERS

TAKE ME

FRESH PICKS

WHENEVER THEY CHECK THE TIME, THEY SHOULD SEE YOUR FACE.

ES3435 $175

Copyright 2017 WATCH IT! No part of this publication may be reproduced without the explicit written consent of WATCH IT! Incorporated.

Watches, sunglasses, and accessories appearing in this magazine may be purchased at WATCH IT! stores or online at www.watchit.ca.

Selection may vary by store. All items sold while supplies last. Prices deemed to be accurate at time of printing but are subject to change.

See in store for details.

MK6466 $335 3/17/17 2:33 PM

KOR1668604_SP17_WATCH_IT_MAG_AD.indd 1 KOR1668604_SP17_WATCH_IT_MAG_AD.indd

SPRING/SUMMER 2017

DANIEL WELLINGTON BLACK SHEFFIELD DW00100145 $279

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our team WORK BENCH CONTENT MANAGER Katie O'Connell CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alisa Kuzmina PRODUCT STYLIST Autumn Allen MARKETING ASSISTANT Keanna Brodie

Welco me. We’re glad yo u fo un d u s.

PHOTOGRAPHER AIDAN CAMPBELL parallelimaging.ca/

This twice-yearly magazine starts life as blank sheets on which the life and times of interesting people, places, events, and products can be written and illustrated. It

TALENT

is all anchored in our belief that what we do with our time, and who we choose to

AHSAN KHAN @khansequence

share it with, form the basis of what makes life great. We look forward to warmly

COURTNEY MASSNER @jai_styles

welcoming you into our stores—one-of-a-kind destinations for those who want how

JUSTIN STYLER @jai_styles

they tell the time to be equally unique.

KEANNA BRODIE @keannabrodie MAKAYLA FOSTER @najibayasmina STEPHANIE HOEGH @mostlysteph

spe c ial t h an k s BEN & BOULE TRADING benandbouletrading.com CHARMING CHAOS charmingchaos.co LUST HAIR SALON lusthairsalon.com NIXON nixon.com PLENTY plenty-humanwear.com

ON THE COVER

PEARL & DOT pearlanddot.com

MEDIUM DEBUT

ROARK REVIVAL roarkrevival.com

MED-DB218 $200

IN THIS ISSUE

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M O VA D O B O L D

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M O VA D O

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INNER VIEW: TINA DAO

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DANIEL WELLINGTON

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I N N O V AT I O N O F A E S T H E T I C S

I N N E R V I E W : A B H I S H E K D E K AT E M E D I U M W AT C H C O .

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I N N E R V I E W : J A S P E R LY CASIO

THE NOVICE COLLECTOR B U L O VA

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CITIZEN

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INNER VIEW: FOXGLOVE STUDIO OLIVIA BURTON

INNER VIEW: CHARRON UNGAR BOSS BY HUGO BOSS

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INNER VIEW: REBECCA BLAIR NIXON

W ha t’s yo ur Medium?

MED-SUM302 $275

W0638L4 $195

©2016 movado group, inc.

BOLD® METALS TIME REFLECTS A NEW SOPHISTICATION IN GOLD-TONED AND ROSE GOLD-TONED STEEL

3600085 $725 3600086 $775

M O VA D O B O L D Meet time with a new modern attitude.

Meet time with a new modern attitude—watches and chronographs that are fashion-forward and on trend, featuring dials detailed by bold signature dots, new textures, and bright colours. This collection draws on innovative materials and cool finishes, including glossy TR90, sand-blasted titanium, matte aluminum, and sleek polished steel. It includes styles on mixed material, metal mesh and link bracelets, and fine leather and supple silicone straps, some with sparkling diamond or crystal accents. Featured here, from the Movado Bold Metals group: Stainless steel bracelet designs for men and women, some with rich ion-plated finishes. Crafted with Swiss quartz movements and K1 crystals, all are water-resistant.

3600202

$675

3600296

$875

3600260

$575

Fashion-forward bangles.This feminine 34 mm

This striking 42.5 mm Movado Bold men’s link

Mesh goes modern. This thin 44 mm Movado

Movado BOLD watch is highlighted in a rose gold

bracelet watch with push-button deployment

Bold men’s watch is crafted in a stainless steel

ion-plated stainless steel case with a rose gold-

clasp is featured in ink-blue, ion-plated stainless

case with a silver-toned sunray dial and matching

toned sunray dial, a clear crystal-set dot, and a

steel. Protected by a K1 crystal with a ring of

sunray dot and hands. The retro-inspired mesh

gorgeous bangle-style bracelet with back sizing

reflective ink-blue metallization, it has a dark navy

bracelet features mesh-textured back sizing links

links and deployment clasp.

metallic dial with matching sunray dot.

and push-button deployment clasp.

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©2016 movado group, inc.

BOLD® METALS MODERN, MONOCHROMATIC MEN’S DESIGN. 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH.

3600276 $975

NOVO PURE NO-PURE-FT $199

DIESEL HYBRID DZT1004 $300

BULOVA AUTOMATIC 98A178 $795

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PAUL HEWITT SAILOR PH-SA-R-SM-W-135 $270

DANIEL WELLINGTON BLACK SHEFFIELD DW00100145 $279 DANIEL WELLINGTON CLASSIC CUFF DW004000004 $79

NIXON ARROW A10912621 $175 STAFF PRODUCT REVIEW: NIXON ARROW Available on both leather and stainless steel bands, the Arrow has quickly proven itself as a new Nixon classic. This 38 mm timepiece boasts a minimalist design, meaning that it’s both versatile and practical. Effortlessly classy, it not only completes everyday looks, it’s also perfect for special occasions. Overall, with the Arrow, Nixon has once again crafted a watch that represents the pinnacle of fashion and function. - Ally Clouthier, Rideau Centre - 12 -

DW0010061 $235

INNER VIEW

TINA DAO Toronto-based fashion, beauty, and travel digital content creator and brand influencer.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I work full-time as a client engagement specialist at RL Solutions, a healthcare software company in downtown Toronto. Outside of that, you’ll find me bingeing on Netflix, blogging, stuffing my face with food, or all of the above. I created simplyteee a year ago as a creative fashion outlet, but it’s turned into a second full-time job. My blogging journey has allowed me to partner with so many of my favourite brands (even ones I only dreamt of collaborating with), and meet so many likeminded individuals all in pursuit of the same goals.

Can you tell us about your blog, and what inspired you to start it?

I created simplyteee in September of 2015 on a whim. I wanted to get into blogging for a couple years prior to starting, and I decided one day to just do it. Initially, I focused on solely fashion and it was more of a creative outlet for myself, but the blog has expanded to now include travel and beauty. I decided to see where it took me after a year and go from there. It’s a lot of work and there are days where I want to quit it all, but ultimately I love what I’m doing and the people I’ve met along this journey.

What is your top style tip?

Be comfortable! It’s a bit of a cliche, but the main rule I live by is “comfort over everything.”

No matter what I’m doing, whether it’s going to work, a wedding, the gym, or the airport, I want to be comfortable so I only buy pieces I know I’ll wear over and over again. Yes, that means you’ll never find me walking out in a pair of high-heeled pumps or stilettos (unless they’re padded with marshmallows).

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PHOTOGRAPHY:

The biggest style lesson you’ve ever learned?

VINCENT KO | vincent-ko.com

For the longest time, I avoided wearing maxi skirts and dresses, culottes and wide-legged trousers, and long jumpers because I believed it would make a petite individual like me appear shorter. It wasn’t until I launched my blog that I started venturing outside of my comfort zone and wearing different styles I wouldn’t have thought suited me. A petite gal’s best friend is her tailor, and, if what you’re wearing is tailored properly, you can do no wrong.

What pieces do you invest in and why?

I invest in bags and purses because they can easily elevate or add depth to any outfit. Similar to how your mood can depict your outfit, a purse can completely alter a look and take it from drab to fab.

If we looked into your closet, we would see that you love to spurge on...

Sweaters! I can never have enough sweaters, and if I love one enough I’ll buy three of the same one in different colours.

How does your Daniel Wellington watch fit into your everyday look?

I wear a lot of neutrals, so the classic black DW watch goes with pretty much everything I wear. I like the subtle accent of the rose gold, as it adds a touch of elegance to the simple design.

‘Comfort over everything’ is how I’d describe my personal style. It is usually a reflection of my mood.

What do you admire about Daniel Wellington?

being real and inspiring young women to support

I like the simplicity of the design, as it makes it

another. She’s also got a natural swagger that

great for everyday wear. It’s also extremely light

resonates in her effortless style, which I absolutely

on my wrist—I often forget it’s there (unlike most

love.

other watches I own).

What’s the biggest tip you have for anyone Imagine you open your closet and it’s empty.

wanting to start a fashion blog or website?

What’s the first thing you would buy?

Just do it! I tell this to everyone asks me this

A nice tailored coat! I’m a sucker for coats as well,

question. The hardest part is actually starting

and I’d use my empty closet as an excuse to buy

it, but once it’s up and running it’s simply about

more.

filling it with pieces of you and what you love. The best decision I made was to start my blog. What I

What is your go-to resource for inspiration?

love most is the tight-knit community of bloggers

Instagram. I like to describe my style as simplicity

that I’ve met in Toronto. Toronto is a city of over

meets comfort. It mostly depends on my mood—

2.6 million people, but the sense of community

some days I feel like wearing lace head to toe, and

among the local creatives gives you reassurance

other days I’m decked out in menswear. Sincerely

that you’re not alone. I’m surrounded by like-

Jules and Happily Grey will forever be my fashion

minded individuals with a shared purpose, to keep

icons and they’re who I aspire to be one day.

pursuing my goals.

DW00100139 $279

Zendaya may be young, but I admire her for - 15 -

REDUX COLLECTION AVAILABLE NOW

VITALYDESIGN.COM

Untitled-4 1

2017-03-17 6:24 PM

SOH-06 $264.50

RAY-BAN CLUBMASTER RB30161157-51 $205

VITALY BASEL BSL-05 $333.50 VITALY BORR B731-DBC-MB-8 $80 VITALY ORBIS B729-ORB-BL5-8 $55

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BOSS NAVIGATOR 1513496 $395

CASIO G-SHOCK GSTS100G-1A $380

STAFF PRODUCT REVIEW: VITALY With influences from the city streets of Toronto, the Vitaly Basel is both casual and classy at the same time. The mesh band is a must-have with its unique style and self-adjusting abilities, so you can adjust on the go! The disappearing crown gives the watch a sleek look and comfortable fit on the wrist. Also, the Swiss movement speaks for itself and the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is the cherry on top. The Vitaly Basel is a great time piece for any given occasion. - Omor Azam, Vaughan Mills

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FTW2108 $395 FSL1671808_SU17_Watch It_Ad.indd 1 FSL1671808_SU17_Watch It_Ad.indd

3/14/17 6:12 PM

P RO U D LY M A D E I N C A N A DA B4801T-G-S $359.99

CASIO CLASSIC LA680WGA-1B $99

NIXON PORTER A1058510 $150

TENSE SMALL HAMPTON M4701W-T $214.99

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OB16BD97 $229 OB16BD79 $229

INNER VIEW

FOXGLOVE STUDIO Floral pioneer, Foxglove Studio, finds inspiration in the vintage-inspired designs of Olivia Burton.

Olivia Burton is the fashion watch brand established by ex-fashion buyers Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings, who launched the label in 2012.

Having met on their first day of London College of Fashion, the best friends founded Olivia Burton after spotting a gap in the market for affordable, stylish and fashion-led watches.

Just like Lesa and Jemma, Lauren Yuriko Plante and Tasha Barrie met while working in various floral shops and then later again at art college. Their mutual adoration for floral design, combined with their respective backgrounds in textiles and photography, led them to the creation of Foxglove Studio, “a magical combination of all the mediums we love!” On any given day, you can find Lauren and Tasha in the studio making textiles or taking photographs inspired by their floral creations.

Their love of art-making results in a floral style that is unique and organic, yet always enchanting.

Lauren and Tasha, what attracted you to the flower business?

We wish we could say we knew from the start that floral design would be one of our main vocations.

The truth is, we fell into it while looking for a job that was practical and creative. It didn’t hurt that we were surrounded by beautiful natural elements every day. What started as a practical part-time job while we were in college became an all-consuming passion that complemented our other creative interests perfectly.

Despite coming from different artistic backgrounds, you share a mutual love for floral design. How do your individual educational backgrounds complement Foxglove’s unique style?

Coming from art backgrounds, we both approach floral design in a less traditional, more artistic way.

We both tend to see floral design as an opportunity to make a unique and temporary sculptural creation. Lauren’s personal work stems from her OB16AD02 $179

Japanese heritage and love for feminine ethereal design, which is reflected in her ikebana-inspired - 24 -

OB15EG39 $299

PHOTOGRAPHY: TASHA BARRIE AND COLBY JONES LOCATION:

floral arrangements. Tasha’s background in studio

What about the Olivia Burton brand do you

photography compels her to design flowers as

like and how does it inspire you?

still-life photographic subjects.

We love the classic elegant and feminine design.

FOXGLOVE STUDIO, CALGARY

The design is simple but sophisticated—a lovely What is your favourite design style and why?

combo. And of course we love the floral elements.

That’s tough! We are inspired by a lot of different

We can really relate to the founders of Olivia

styles. Generally, we love a vintage style mixed

Burton. Jemma and Lesa are two best friends

with romantic modernism. We adore Victorian

who met in college and then together launched a

still-life floral paintings, because they are dark

creative endeavour, just like us! The brand has also

and powerful-looking yet feminine. That said, we

really found its niche in the industry, providing

also love the light, effortlessly romantic style of

affordable watches that are full of personality,

modern women, and how both of those styles can

femininity, and timeless charm. We are inspired to

combine and translate into floral design.

make a name and reputation in our industry, just as they have!

How did you develop the Foxglove look you’re known for?

If you could put your own flower arrangement

Our style has developed through experimentation

on an Olivia Burton watch, what would it be?

and curiosity. We consistently seek out new flower

We love the Winter Garden collection! We would

varieties that intrigue us and challenge us to push

make a dark, moody, and feminine design using

our own boundaries of design. It’s also simply a

some of our favourite floral ingredients: ranuncu-

reflection of our personal tastes and a desire to

lus, hellebore, and roses.

make what we wish existed.

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FSL1671862_SU17_Watch It_Ad.indd 1

3/15/17 9:25 AM FSL1671862_SU17_Watch It_Ad.indd

ES4193 $175

98A162 $1095

T H E N OV I C E CO L L E C TO R My name is Christian Dare, and I will admit I’m a bit of a watch

As a watch aficionado, I wanted to sit down with Bulova to find

addict. I have dabbled in watch collecting since I was a young

out more about their latest innovations and the brand. So we

boy. I still recall receiving my first serious watch when I graduat-

reached out to Susan Chandler, vice president of merchandising

ed high school. While most kids my age wanted some high-tech

at Bulova, to find out more.

gadget, I opted for a collectable grown-up watch. Sure, it cost more than a laptop back then, but it’s still in my collection today.

So why go fully curved (inside and out)?

We introduced the world’s first chronograph movement and

Now I wouldn’t call myself a serious collector—more like a nov-

CURV watch, adding yet another milestone to our history of

ice collector. But I can tell you this: Bulova makes covetable

firsts. This project was over two years in the making. Technolog-

timepieces. And any serious watch collector can back that up.

ical improvements in our proprietary high-performance quartz

Bulova is one of the few heritage-watch companies still innovat-

movements and advanced design made it possible.

ing the industry to this day. Rather than simply a watch company known for its status through price-point, they established

What inspired the concept?

themselves as the standard of well-made watches. As a pio-

Form follows function. Nothing on your body is flat, so why

neer in the industry, Bulova can claim ownership of many of the

should your watch be? We built this product from the inside

world’s “firsts”—first wristwatch collection, first clock radio, and

out.

first fully electronic watch. In addition, the brand broadcasted the first TV and radio commercials and accompanied NASA on

What kind of man are you trying to appeal to with the CURV?

46 missions with the brand’s innovative Accutron tuning fork

We are looking for an aspirational urbanite. Someone who ap-

technology. They also created one of my favourite watches in

preciates design, function, and something new and different.

my collection, the 1960s Accutron. Known as the most accurate watch in the world, I just love how the seconds hand glides ef-

Bulova was recently recognized as having one of the best

fortlessly rather than ticking away.

new watches at Basel. Tell us more about that accolade.

It is always great to receive recognition, especially amongst the

My latest Bulova addiction came about last year when the

ranks of all the high-end Swiss products. It is even more special

company announced another industry milestone: creation of

when you create a watch retailing for a little over $1,000 and re-

the first fully curved chronograph watch. The concept behind

ceive praise alongside some Swiss watches that cost hundreds

the CURV Chronograph is that your watch feels more inte-

of thousands of dollars.

grated into your body. The designers’ full curve matches the anatomy of the wrist, making it very easy to wear. This is my

What is your favourite model in the CURV line up?

go-to watch now for everyday—it just sits so comfortably on

Model 98A162. The titanium makes this extremely light and

my wrist and hugs my body. Unlike other watches that feature

wonderful to wear.

only a curved casing, Bulova made all of its interior movements curved. Some models even feature the movements exposed for

What can we expect next from Bulova?

all to see. (More about the movement: the watch has a 262 kilo-

Some secrets must be kept.

hertz frequency, as opposed to about 32 kilohertz for a conventional quartz oscillator. But what exactly does this mean? Way better accuracy.)

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Hybrid Smartwatch

SKT1109 | $290

Harness the Power and Beauty of Light.

Eco-Drive.

Powered by the light around you.

Never needs a battery.

Š2017 Citizen Watch Company citizenwatch.com

CITIZEN

EM0464-59D $975

Carina

I N N O VAT I O N O F A E S T H E T I C S As a leading trendsetter in the watch world, Citizen not only pushes the boundaries of technological advancement, they’re also paving the way of how a timepiece should look and feel.

Citizen has always strived to innovate technologies that enhance the capabilities of its watches. The brand has cemented itself as a worldwide leader through its record of world firsts. From the world’s slimmest LCD watch to the first voice-recognition watch and the world’s first professional dive watch with an electronic depth-sensor, Citizen can be found at the forefront of each of these innovations. While many of these world firsts have enhanced the technical side of watches, some advances in technology have contributed to the aesthetics of this Japanese powerhouse brand. Citizen applies the same vigorous thought-process when it comes to furthering the types of materials used in crafting its timepieces.

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PARADEX(EM0480-52N) $350 Always ready to introduce new beauty to the world, Citizen incorporated Swarovski crystals to its latest timepieces from the brand’s Paradex collection,

providing

fashionistas

everywhere

the perfect amount of sparkle and shine. While some brands tend to overdetail the look of their timepieces, Citizen subscribes to a less is more mentality, ensuring a clean look that also stands out. With a trendy light blue mother-of-pearl concave dial and spherical crystal, this new Paradex does just that—stand out.

SUPER TITANIUM™ (AW1540-88E) $495 When discussing the brand’s very own Super Titanium

technology,

Citizen’s

thought-filled

approach can clearly be seen. The fabrication history of their titanium technology dates back to the 1960s, the same period in which the Apollo moon mission showed the potential of this alloy as a material for commercial products. With the first glimpse of titanium’s potential, Citizen engineers began to apply their knowledge to exploring the possibilities of incorporating titanium into watch manufacturing. In 1970 the brand introduced the world’s first timepiece with a solid titanium case.

Today, Citizen’s Super Titanium collection has created a niche market for consumers looking to purchase a watch that is 40 percent lighter than stainless steel, hypoallergenic, and resistant to rusting. Moreover, this collection features the

brand’s

proprietary

surface-hardening

technology, Duratect. By applying Duratect to titanium, the brand achieves a material that is five times the hardness of stainless steel, making these timepieces far more resistant to scratches.

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SMART WATCHMAKING

TW2P94800L3 MAP: $199.99

TWG013500L3 MAP: $199.99

TW2P95100L3 MAP: $199.99

©2017 Timex Group USA, Inc. TIMEX, IQ+ and SMART WATCHMAKING are trademarks of Timex Group B.V. and it subsidiaries.

INNER VIEW

A B H I S H E K D E K AT E Toronto-based fashion, food and lifestyle photographer, digital content creator, and brand influencer.

Tell us a little about yourself.

of experimenting and self-learning, I taught my-

I’m a 20-something boy who left a small town to

self the tricks of the trade on how to tackle the

fulfill my passion for food in a big city, Toronto. I

social media world of Instagrammin’ and bloggin’.

owe my passion to my family, who never stopped encouraging me to experiment and create new

You express your passions through blog-

tastes. Through this, I was able to create my own

ging, describing what you do in the form of

identity in the kitchen. I showed a keen interest

a recipe. What is it about gastronomy that

in recipe development, the gateway to the begin-

inspires you?

ning of a never-ending culinary journey. A Calgary

When I think of gastronomy, I think of Chef’s Table

native, my love for food took me to George Brown

on Netflix and, of course, the one and only Antho-

Culinary School in the heart of Toronto. There I

ny Bourdain. The curiosity of putting ingredients

unearthed a hidden passion for food styling and

together and creating something extraordinary is

photography. For me, recipes didn’t need to just

what inspires me.

be tasty; they needed to be visually appealing.

Food photography became my outlet, a transla-

I recently had the opportunity to wine and dine

tion of my passion for food and styling through

at Alo, a Toronto hidden gem worthy of Canada’s

my own lens. Today my passion lies in the inter-

first Michelin star, with two of my closest friends.

section of creating, developing, and experiencing

Throughout our meal we got to watch the chefs

gastronomic creations and effortless everyday

in the kitchen as they carefully put together and

men’s fashion.

plated each dish with so much love and compassion. Their kitchen was equipped with all the

With over 8,000 Instagram followers and

gadgets you could possibly think of. As I carefully

counting, while embracing the title of Narci-

took a bite into each dish, I could hear violins play-

ty’s “8 of Toronto’s Hottest Male Bloggers to

ing in the background. It was perfect. The level of

Check Out ASAP,” what goes into develop-

creativity; the use of fresh, local ingredients; and

ing an insightful blog?

the flavour combinations left me speechless, for

Today having a blog is the same as having an

once, because I talk a lot! As Anthony Bourdain

iPhone—it’s common. Success doesn’t happen

once said: “Food is everything we are. It’s an ex-

overnight and neither did I gain my following or

tension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your

readership on my blog easily. At first, I struggled

personal history, your province, your region, your

PHOTOGRAPHY:

finding my voice. I didn’t know what type of con-

tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those

VINCENT KO | vincent-ko.com

tent to post, how to edit my photos, or—better

from the get-go.”

yet—how to take my photos! I began my journey LOCATION:

with an iPhone 4s camera and, let me tell you, I’ve

What makes the perfect dish?

BURGERS PRIEST, TORONTO

definitely come a long way since then. With years

As a creative, I don’t like sticking to cookie-cut-

- 35 -

ter recipes off websites or blogs. I enjoy tweaking

digital never sleeps. For the first few months, it

and adding my own twist to making them unique.

became hard for me to separate the digital world

Much like blogging, I had to find my voice in the

from the real world. I noticed that I was constantly

kitchen. I used to spend hours in the kitchen ex-

working on the go because everything was acces-

perimenting on various dishes, for fun until I found

sible on my phone if I didn’t have access to my

the right flavour combinations that worked best.

laptop. It became toxic.

Coming from an Indian background and being exposed to a wide array of different spice blends,

It’s important to not just make the minutes count

I noticed that in some way or the other I always

for your passions but also to make them count for

ended up adding the “Indian touch” to everything

yourself. By creating a set schedule, I’m able to

I cooked. It became a signature. To me a perfect

stay on top of my tasks for the day and still have

dish is one that hits all flavour notes. It’s like an

time to focus on the things I love doing the most.

umami explosion in your mouth. It has the right balance of savoury to sweet and soft to crunchy.

What is it about Medium that you’re so passionate about?

How do you make the minutes count, split-

Medium has become a part of my daily lifestyle. I

ting your time between your passions?

love the simplicity and minimalistic approach they

Productivity is key. Hyper-productivity is not. I am

took while designing this timepiece. It can be car-

a full-time student, run an online food magazine,

ried from day to night effortlessly because it goes

and currently freelance as a full-time digital media

with every look and it makes you feel good about

content creator. I won’t lie; it’s hard sometimes to

yourself when you walk out the door. Not only

juggle essentially three “full-time” jobs at once, so

does this watch act as a statement piece, it has

at the beginning of this year I compiled my top-

now become a conversation starter in my day-to-

five life hacks on how to manage my time not just

day life. I’ve made connections with people asking

effectively, but efficiently! They are as follows:

me where I got my watch or dropping a compliment. It’s an accessory that does the talking for

1. Get a planner.

itself, saving me the time and effort of doing so!

2. Isolate yourself.

3. Learn to say “NO.”

What’s next for you?

4. Allocate time efficiently.

I’m currently in my last semester of hospitality

5. Eat. Sleep. Eat. Repeat.

and tourism management. I’m looking forward to graduating soon and pursuing my career in

Overall, I ensure that I separate work from play

the exciting, fast-paced hospitality industry, while

and leave some me time at the end of the day.

pursuing my love for digital media and photogra-

Because, trust me, when you’re working digital,

phy on the side.

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MED-SUM302 $275

MICHAEL KORS ACCESS MKT5001 $420

NIXON SENTRY CHRONO A4052091 $325

TIMEX FAIRFIELD

SKAGEN HAGEN

TW2R26600 $110

SKW2581 $175

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MAKE YOUR TIME COUNT

DSL1668681_SP17_WatchIt_Ad.indd 1

3/14/17 11:52 AM DZ4443 $240 DSL1668681_SP17_WatchIt_Ad.indd

MEDIUM THE DEBUT MED-DB218 $200

- 39 -

1513476 $395

LEADING STYLE In this role for Avi Urban Homes, Charron Ungar knows that being “the boss” of a busy construction company doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

As the president of a multi-award-winning home-building company, how does a day in your life look?

Home-building is a fast-paced and highly fluid industry.

Changing market conditions, inventory levels, and opportunities mean I never have the same day twice. I’m a design guy at heart, and I come at most things from a creative and sometimes unorthodox angle. I’m fortunate to work with a team of people that are comfortable with my constantly changing environment, so it allows me to do what I love most—create amazing places for people to call home.

What’s your go-to outfit for the office? Working directly with so many contractors and builders, do you ever have to adapt your style?

I consider my sense of style rather eclectic. A broken-in pair of jeans, dress shirt, nicely cut jacket finished off with a great pair of shoes pretty much describes my daily outfit. I like to keep it simple and comfortable. Plus, I tend to avoid winter jackets whenever possible and choose to layer instead. I pretty much wear what I want most days—I’m quite fortunate that I get to do that.

GROOMING:

Avi Urban’s vision is to “bring modern aesthetic and

VERED AMIR

innovative design to the forefront.” Do you feel like this is a reflection of your own personal style?

LOCATION:

I moved to Cliff Bungalow in Calgary about 25 years ago. I

HOMES BY AVI DEFINITION CENTRE, CALGARY

bought an old brick house and renovated it to my taste. I love older neighbourhoods and the way they transition and evolve - 41 -

1513175 $365

over time to reflect the modern taste of the people drawn to live

Being the boss can be very time-consuming. What do

there. It’s that diversity and character that I appreciate most,

you do with your free time?

and I try to bring that ethos into the products that we build as

I stay pretty active. I have a couple of bulldogs that keep me

well. Putting in that extra effort and heightening that sense of

company on my walks around the neighbourhood, plus my two

individuality in our homes is important to me.

boys make for an endless supply of things that need to get done and great times to be had.

What do you like about the Hugo Boss brand? How does it fit into your wardrobe?

As the father of two boys, has your admiration for style

Hugo Boss has been around for as long as I can remember. I

been passed on to them?

find that brand synonymous with a clean and modern European

I hope so! I have so many pieces in my wardrobe that I refuse

aesthetic.

to get rid of in the hope that one day I can pass them on and that they’ll be impressed with their father’s fashion sense. It’s

You once had your own clothing line, Ungar Clothing

about comfort and style in equal balance. If put together right,

Company, which had great success. Tell us a little bit

I believe your character and individuality will shine through. At

about it and why you chose another path outside of the

the end of the day, I hope that’s what they pick up from me. Be

fashion industry.

yourself and reflect that self-assurance in everything you do.

I wouldn’t say it was a great success. The clothing business is very competitive, and I knew nothing about how to be

Any plans for the future?

successful. I established my company on one basic premise,

Well, as we sit here, it’s officially the first day of spring, and

that I couldn’t find a well-made, fitted t-shirt. Now you can

I am really looking forward to green grass and sunshine. Not

find them pretty much anywhere, but back then it was a really

just that it heralds the start of golf and cycling season, but

frustrating exercise. So I sourced a great fabric from Italy, found

it also means that Avi Urban swings into high production

a Canadian manufacturer, and set up distribution in several

for all our developments. We’ve got new projects planned in

markets across the country. I had amazing fun creating a new

the near future that will add a fresh perspective to Calgary’s

product and found limited success selling it; but I also realized

urban landscape; I’m really looking forward to bringing these

that my true passion was building homes, so I sold my existing

developments to market.

stock and the rest is history. Plus, I got to keep quite a few of the shirts for myself after all was said and done.

- 42 -

Š2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

The Phantom Collection.

The Arrow, The Kensington Leather, The Bullet Leather

WATCH_IT_PHANTOM_COLLECTION_AD_8.25x10.75.indd 1

3/29/17 3:39 PM

A10902226 $235 A1082226 $150 A4732226 $235

INNER VIEW

REBECCA BLAIR

How did you get started in the

one—oops! It’s since been converted

tattoo industry?

into a back piece.

To be honest, it came as a surprise and was rather spontaneous. I drew

Can you talk a little about your

a lot at the time, both at home and

journey to your current style?

on scrap paper at my retail job while

I basically started out doing the same

it was slow. I posted everything I

style as I do now, but it’s less refined.

drew on my Instagram. One of my

I like to compare it to starting out

followers, without my knowledge,

by drawing cutesy bubble letters

had shown my Instagram account

on your binder in high school to

to his friend who owned a tattoo

creating more mature calligraphy

shop in Saskatoon. I was at work

as a young adult (laughs). I mostly

when I received a message shortly

enjoy doing neo-traditional (girly, if

after explaining that if I were to head

I can get away with it), lady faces,

down to the shop at some point that

black and grey realism, and portraits

day, I’d have a job. I immediately

in any style. Previous to tattooing, I

left work and had accepted the

was a commissioned pencil portrait

apprenticeship within half an hour

artist, so I’m very comfortable with

of receiving the message!

value and facial features.

How did you practise?

Do you find your work attracts a

My mentor literally just turned to me

specific type of clientele?

one day and said “get someone to

Because of the amount of flowers

tattoo today.” I immediately called

and girly subject matter, I get a lot

my brother, who was kind enough to

of women. I love it—women are so

reply with, “What am I getting and

tough! I’m very fortunate, though.

what time do you want me there?”

Basically all of my clients—male and

I have, however, tattooed myself a

female—have really fun ideas that I

few times.

get very excited about drawing up!

What was your first tattoo?

Where do you find inspiration?

PHOTOGRAPHY:

My first was a small heart/cross/

Instagram is huge. There are so

KIMBERLY SLIPCHUK | kimberlyslipchukphotography.ca

music note on my shoulder blade.

many talented tattoo artists and

LOCATION:

I think it took a total of 10 minutes,

friends of mine on there. Whenever I

RITES OF PASSAGE TATTOO, SASKATOON

and my mom was with me! I assured

feel uninspired, I just head there!

her that I would only ever want - 45 -

Have

any

famous

artists,

tattooists or not, influenced you on your career path?

My coworkers at Rites of Passage Tattoo

are

a

huge

inspiration.

Everyone I work with pushes me to work harder and advance my drawing. Justin Hartman is another tattoo artist whose work is an enormous inspiration to me. He creates such beautiful imagery that is both bold and soft at the same time.

I adore everything he does. Canada is also filled with some fantastic talent. Both Jessica Wright (Capital Tattoo

in

Edmonton)

and

Sam

Smith (Scythe and Spade Tattoo in Calgary) are great inspirations to me, not only in tattooing but as strong, very successful female shopowners, who know the ins and outs of this tough industry.

What do you admire about the Nixon brand?

I love that Nixon is able to conquer both modern and classic-looking styles in everything they design.

I

have

several

Nixon

watches,

and they range from minimalist to statement pieces, so there’s a watch for every occasion and outfit.

They’re very in tune with styles and colours that are on trend, but they never create a design that will go out of style. This means these pieces will be in your life for a long time, as the quality of all of their products is very impressive.

If you had to create your own watch, what would it look like?

If I were to create my own version, it would most likely be a gold casing on a gold-link strap. I would have a white watch-face with a design in a contrasting white finish in the centre of a very simple, very traditional rose. I think it would be a subtle, classy design with a little hint of flare and personality that would work for many occasions.

What is your favourite Nixon?

I would have to say my Facet 42 mm in ‘All Gold.’ I wear it nearly every single day, everywhere I go.

A09927 10 $215

- 46 -

GA700-1A $130

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CASIO BABY-G

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- 48 -

INNER VIEW

J A S P E R LY

As one of WATCH IT!’s leading gurus, Jasper

“Crush.” He was a student of Tight Eyez for many

known for precision, explosive rapid movements,

Ly is a multi-tasker with style. Born and raised

years and is known as “The Prince of Krump.” He’s

and a rude attitude—but in a good way! So, like

in Scarborough, his constant music and dance

been a mentor to me for about four years now.

a submachine gun, it birthed my dance name,

surroundings have made him a leader in the Krump

“SMG.”

community. When he’s not busy managing two of

Some might describe Krump as an out-of-

our GTA stores, he spends his time “Krumping Out

body experience. How does it make you feel?

You’ve been dancing professionally for six

Crime,” with this organization that helps Toronto

Man, there really are no words to explain the

years. Can you tell us about a difficult moment

youth at risk get off the street and onto the dance

feeling of Krump. The ability to let everything

in your dance career and what motivated you

floor. With his never-fail attitude, it’s no wonder

out—your joys, pain, victories, and losses—all in

to keep going?

Jasper was voted by his peers to become WATCH

an out-of-body experience, is unreal. Many may

I think the misconceptions people have about

IT!’s ambassador for G-Shock watches.

not know this, but Krump is an uplifting dance. So

Krump, like that it’s a seizure or an angry person’s

when you see all of the yelling and screaming, it’s

dance, is a constant challenge throughout my

At what point did you realize you wanted

all a way of supporting and giving energy to the

career. However, it’s also what fuels my motivation

to pursue Krump? Were there mentors or

person dancing. The hype is key to this feeling… in

to enlighten and educate people of the true depth

influential dancers you watched?

Krump lingo, we call it “BUCKK.”

of this dance.

across it in a YouTube video and I never looked

Are there any moves you're known for?

Can you share with us your involvement with

back. In the video I saw a man named Ceasare

I have my moves, but I’d like to be remembered

Krumping Out Crime?

Laron Willis (a.k.a. “Tight Eyez”), who is the

more for my style. Growing up, I’ve always found

We partnered with the Toronto Police to hold

creator of Krump. To this day, he has been my

it challenging to sit or stand still, and Krump

an afterschool program to work with youth

biggest influence and inspiration. Secondly, my

became a tool for me to channel all of that extra

at risk. The students receive mentorship with

mentor goes by the name of Marquith Miller, a.k.a.

energy. This really influenced my style as I became

their schoolwork in the first hour, and then in

I discovered Krump at the age of 16. I stumbled

- 49 -

the second hour we get to hang out with them and teach them how to Krump. Many of these kids were able to learn how to use Krump as a positive outlet in their life, and many have become long-lasting friendships. To see a passionate next generation of youth carry the movement forward while doing something positive is really inspiring to me.

How does G-Shock represent your lifestyle?

Being heavily influenced by street dance and Krump culture growing up, I love that G-Shock represents my lifestyle with the rugged, urban, and artistic elements that they put into their watches. I wear them knowing it’s not a watch I need to worry about breaking—it will stay tough through performances, battles, or even in a crazy session.

Do you have a favourite G-Shock you like to wear?

Definitely the black and gold GA400 design, as it was inspired by hip hop and b-boy culture. Also, with my crew’s colours being black and gold, it’s an easy pick for shows.

What are your future dance goals?

I work out of Simply Swagg Studios, Canada’s premiere hip-hop dance studio. We offer such disciplines as hip hop, breaking, Krump, and more to ages 4+. Our goal at Simply Swagg is to help youth find and build their identity through the art of dance. We provide an environment and community free of judgment that allows our students to grow both personally and in their life endeavours.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Other than dancing, what occupies your time?

BRAXTON WIGNALL | bybraxtonwignall.com

Taking

LOCATION:

NORTHBUCK, Simply Swagg Dance Studio, the

SIMPLY SWAGG DANCE, TORONTO

whole SMG & 40 Family, my Rudey Rudez, the

care

of

my

people!

Shout

out

Mini Militia and of course my WATCH IT! crew!

GSTS100G-1A $380

- 50 -

to

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN YAU| yauken.com

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