All posts filed under: Parties

“Give your clothes a new lease on life” campaign by Jacob

“Give your clothes a new lease on life”, this initiative will invite women to go through their wardrobe and bring to stores clothing that will bring happiness to women in need. The goal of the campaign is to collect at least 50,000 articles of clothing before December 24! Give and Receive In order to encourage customers to participate in the campaign and further donations of numerous articles of clothing, the company will give a 25% discount on any regular-priced JACOB or JACOB Lingerie item for every article of clothing donated. This way, not only will the women in need benefit from the initiative, but so will customers. “Donations of reusable and resalable goods are a vital link for Goodwill,” points out Dr. Ken Connelly, CEO Goodwill Toronto, Central and Eastern Ontario. “Each year millions of tonnes of clothing and reusable household items help to change lives by supporting Goodwill’s mission of providing work to people facing barriers to employment. We are thrilled JACOB is encouraging clothing donations across its chain of retail stores.” Like and …

The Frocktail Party – November 12, 2010

The Frocktail Party started in 2009 by a close group of friends who wanted to make a difference: Ali Reid, Talor Wallace, Catherine Pringle, Sabrina Carr, Christina Perreault, Lorraine Forster and Jen Foster who have long standing friendships with sister’s Vanessa and Jessica Oliver — Vanessa was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six-years old and has lived with daily insulin injections, finger pokes, insulin pump and the worry of long-term complications every day for the past 25 years. In their ten-year relationship with the Oliver family, the girls have seen Vanessa and the Oliver family face these challenges with courage, grace and a fierce commitment to supporting a quest for a cure. With this, they were inspired to create the Frocktail Party to show love and gain support for this important cause. Last year’s inaugural event brought together over 500 Canadian fashion designers, celebrities and party goers for a stylish evening that raised over $23,000 dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Frocktail Party puts a twist on charity events by combining …

Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball – October 29, 2010

Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball, presented by TD Canada Trust, is the Canadian Opera Company’s premier event for young urban professionals, melding the inspirational venue of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with the must-attend arts fundraiser of the fall social season. On Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, Operanation VII will celebrate the world’s most-beloved fairytale, Cinderella, which is the inspiration for Rossini’s opera, La Cenerentola, appearing onstage during the COC’s 2010/2011 season. The event will take a very modern spin on the traditional Opera Ball and feature an incredible live performance by Broken Social Scene alongside the COC’s up-and-coming opera stars. To boot, a very special performance by Clara Venice will be unveiled when the clock strikes 12. Journey from rags-to-riches in one night, and live happily ever after at the best bash of the year! At Operanation VII, Cinderella: Rock the Ball party-goers will indulge in a spectacular array of the finest cuisine and cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment, dancing and much more. For $150 a ticket, 1,100 of Toronto’s young …

Paws For The Cause – October 28, 2010

Paws For The Cause is a fashion fundraiser for the OSPCA. It involves dogs and even though I’m a cat person I agreed to help spread the word about this great event and cause. Animal companionship is a wonderful thing so I’m not taking sides here. Paws for the Cause is a dog fashion show and cocktail party donating 100% of funds raised to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). The evening will kick off with a runway presentation featuring 10 Canadian fashion designers who will dress 10 precious pups and 10 familiar faces from Toronto. October 28 . 2010 Red Bull 381 Projects 381 Queen St. W # 200 8 p.m. Visit http://www.pawsforthecause.ca to buy tickets for the Oct 28th event, and for your chance to win an Olympus camera. I also participated in the Paws For The Cause video. I thought it was a photoshoot when I agree to do it. A lunch hour photoshoot turned into a lunch hour video shoot. The concept was presented to me …

Pic Me Tommy Ton at Holt Renfrew

Tommy Ton returned to the Toronto fashion scene for an exhibition of his work. Holt Renfrew is displaying Tommy Ton’s photos on the mezzanine level at the Bloor Street store from August 18 – August 30, 2010. Holt Renfrew is delighted to welcome fashion photographer Tommy Ton to Holt Renfrew Bloor Street, Wednesday, August 18, 2010 for a private event to launch an exhibit of his work. The exhibit of 12 images of some of fall 2010’s most sought-after footwear styles will be housed at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street from August 18 to August 30 on the mezzanine level. These one-of-a-kind photos were taken by Tommy Ton this spring in Toronto and have each been signed by the photographer himself. For the duration of the exhibit, Holt Renfrew will host a contest where one can enter the chance to win one of 12 framed and autographed prints valued at $1,500. Please see contest details at Holt Renfrew Bloor Street. I attended the party for Tommy opening night. I really liked what they did with the …

Todd Selby in Toronto

Todd Selby in Toronto

Todd Selby (aka The Selby) came to Toronto to promote his new book, The Selby is in your House.   Holt Renfrew hosted a public book signing session in the Bloor street store.  A party in his honour at was held at Parts & Labour the night before. It was at this party I would learn about Todd’s site and why I was always hearing his name in fashion circles. Yep, I was that ignorant about the man. I don’t follow interiors that much and since he loves to photograph homes I can see why I never really bothered to check him out.  I knew he was important, the why was never that important to me. For those of you not familiar with The Selby, he takes photos of people’s homes. These people are usually creative types and many big players in the fashion industry. My first exposure to The Selby was on the walls of P&L. Holt Renfrew had printed all the pages of his book on these panels that lined the walls.  There were …

Thompson Toronto

I was lucky enough to see the rooftop of the Thompson Toronto, the newest edition to the Thompson Hotel family around the world. The rooftop boasts 360 degree views and an infinity pool. It really is stunning. Thompson Hotel Rooftop from Anita Clarke on Vimeo.

Brian Atwood at The Room

Brian Atwood at The Room

Brian Atwood made a personal appearance at The Room. Brian Atwood is a CFDA award-winning footwear designer. He grew up in Chicago and studied clothing design at FIT. This formal model began working for Gianni Versace in 1996 on the Versus Line and then was promoted to chief designer of women’s accessories. This is where he learned all about shoes. In 2001, the Brian Atwood label was created. In 2003, Brian was awarded the Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design from the CFDA. I did a little interview with Brian on my lunch hour.  I was a little taken back by just how good-looking the man is.  The photo says everything. Anita: You seem have everything right now. Celebrity fans, a 9+ year business that has been very successful, you are award winning. What are your next steps? Where do you see yourself in the future? What are you working toward? Brian: Definitely opening stores and giving the customer more of an inside look at what they would look like in this Brian Atwood …

Harley-Davidson's Precious Metal Gala - May 11, 2010

Harley-Davidson’s Precious Metal Gala – May 11, 2010

Harley-Davidson’s Precious Metal Gala Welcome to the Harley-Davidson® Garage for the 2nd Annual Precious Metal Event. In Support of ReThink Breast Cancer. An event exclusively for women! On May 11, The Fermenting Cellar will be transformed into a back-lot studio. Explore your inner rebel during the biker chic faux film shoot. Start with hair, make-up and wardrobe, then run some lines with the Harley Hunks, take part in the Pick Up Shot and learn how to lift a bike. Have your cover shot taken, but only after you learn how to get your licence and star in your own adventure riding scene. With Billie as the Director there are sure to be a few more surprises. Enjoy decadent hors d’Å“uvres and cocktails with the top female taste-makers of Toronto. The way girl’s night out was meant to be! May 11, 2010 6:30pm-10:30pm The Fermenting Cellar at the Distillery District An event exclusively for women! – Limited tickets available TICKET PRICES: $75, available for purchase at www.garageparty.ca VENUE: Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District, 55 Mill Street Building …

Buy Design Spring Social

Buy Design Spring Social is on Saturday!

Buy Design Spring Social is Windfall’s seventh annual dress up party! On Saturday, April 10 at 8 pm, The Fermenting Cellar in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District will be transformed into a dirty thirties fundraiser featuring a mess hall auction, croquet and badminton lawns and a swinging dance hall tent. Sip sidecars, sours and planters punch and parade across the big band stage in the boater pageant. Throw darts at the Beauty Balloon Buster game and sample brown-bagged bites from the country fare stands and bake sale. Hosted by TV and fashion personality ADRIAN MAINELLA. Tickets are $75 each or 6 for $375. Order online or call 416-703-8435. images: Anna Lisa Sang

PROM V: Noir

On the weekend I attending PROM V: Noir, a fundraiser for the Royal Ontario Museum. Welcome to the dark side of the ROM with PROM V: NOIR, a thrilling night of dramatic glamour and cinematic fantasy inspired by the ROM’s captivating collection of winged creatures in the newly revamped Bat Cave and the recently opened Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Hosted by MTV’s Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank, hundreds of YPC members and guests will take a sensational step back into vintage Hollywood complete with private eyes and femmes fatales. Experience the melodrama of a dazzling Golden Age film première—with a contemporary twist—as you pose for a mob of flashbulbs on the black carpet, investigate tempting diversions in dark shadows, sip swishy cocktails, and shimmy the night away on a fierce dance floor to the sounds of a live Big Band and stellar Toronto DJs. There were a few great 40s themed outfits to be seen.  Of course, black ruled the join.  I saw very little colour on Saturday. I wore Greta Constantine …

Buy Design Spring Social images Anna Lisa Sang

Buy Design Spring Social

Buy Design is my favourite fundraiser of the year. It really is the one that is closest to my heart. I’ve participated in two advertising campaigns for Buy Design and it’s always a great party.  I love an excuse to play model and get my make up done. Buy Design Spring Social is Windfall’s seventh annual dress up party! On Saturday, April 10 at 8 pm, The Fermenting Cellar in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District will be transformed into a dirty thirties fundraiser featuring a mess hall auction, croquet and badminton lawns and a swinging dance hall tent. Sip sidecars, sours and planters punch and parade across the big band stage in the boater pageant. Throw darts at the Beauty Balloon Buster game and sample brown-bagged bites from the country fare stands and bake sale. Hosted by TV and fashion personality ADRIAN MAINELLA. Tickets are $75 each or 6 for $375. Order online or call 416-703-8435. images: Anna Lisa Sang

PROM at the ROM 2009

PROM V: Noir – March 27, 2010

I’m very excited to be attending one of the hottest parties in the city, Prom at the ROM, PROM V: NOIR. I’ll be bringing my trusty photographer Paul Baik with me as we try to capture the spirit and fashion of the event. Welcome to the dark side of the ROM with PROM V: NOIR, a thrilling night of dramatic glamour and cinematic fantasy inspired by the ROM’s captivating collection of winged creatures in the newly revamped Bat Cave and the recently opened Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Hosted by MTV’s Dan Levy and Jessi Cruickshank, hundreds of YPC members and guests will take a sensational step back into vintage Hollywood complete with private eyes and femmes fatales. Experience the melodrama of a dazzling Golden Age film première—with a contemporary twist—as you pose for a mob of flashbulbs on the black carpet, investigate tempting diversions in dark shadows, sip swishy cocktails, and shimmy the night away on a fierce dance floor to the sounds of a live Big Band and stellar Toronto DJs. …

Motionball’s Cloud Nine Gala

Motionball’s Cloud Nine Gala Friday February 5th, 2010, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. In celebration of Motionball’s ninth year in support of Special Olympics Canada, Torontonians are invited to mingle with young professionals and Special Olympic athletes over cocktails, live music, fashion and dancing at one of the city’s most coveted annual parties. Like all Motionball events, the Cloud Nine Gala aims to educate attendees about the importance of the Special Olympics and create an atmosphere where athletes and supporters can celebrate the great cause together. Motionball is the brainchild of three best friends, who also happen to be brothers. Mark, Sean and Paul Etherington have been aligned with Special Olympics Canada since childhood when they volunteered at fundraising events organized by their parents, who co-founded the Sports Celebrities Festival, which has raised in excess of $25,000,000 for Special Olympics Canada since 1983. Noticing a lack of integration between supporters and the athletes they support, Mark, Sean and Paul Etherington brought Motionball to life. The Cloud Nine Gala will feature live music by Escalate, a …

Top of The Burroughes New Years Eve Photos

Oh New Year’s Eve, what a hilarious party. I didn’t take any photos myself but a photographer named Will took a ton of photos and posted them on his website Lost in the WILLDERNESS. My mask is creepy as hell isn’t it.  When I showed it to my cats they were hissing like crazy at me. I’m loving Photoscape.  It’s a great freeware photo editor and it allowed me to combine these photos with ease. images: lostinthewillderness.com

Mark Fast Cocktail at Ame

Mark Fast was in town last week for a Spring 2010 preview. I wasn’t able to attend the preview during the day but I went to Ame for a cocktails in his honour. Mark is from Manitoba originally. He studied at Seneca College in Ontario briefly before going to London. He attended the prestigious Central Saint Martins and got his BA and MA. Mark designs by hand on a domestic knitting machine. His work is formed onto the body as he knits, and he has devised innovative stitching techniques, blending lycra with viscose, angora or wool. He is inspired by the endless possibilities of lycra yarns, sculpting areas of tension and areas of volume over the body. Mark’s fascination with the cinema drives his creative process as he channels the energy of the characters who inspire him into his knits. Obsessed with texture, Mark’s most recent work explores the relationship of garments to the wearers body. I didn’t realize the work that goes into a Mark Fast dress until I saw the models milling about …

The Top of the Burroughes New Years Eve

Tickets are going fast for The Top of the Burroughes New Years Eve. I’ll be bringing in the new year with Shinan Govani, Marcello Cabezas, Todor Kobakov, Tyrone Edwards and my good friends Kirk and Stephen of Greta Constantine. You can guarantee you will see Jason Howlett, my contest winner, and I busting it out on the dance floor. STOLI presents Top of The Burroughes New Years Eve! December 31st The Burroughes brings back the glamour of the past for one memorable night to mark the beginning of 2010. In the spirit of Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball, There will be no ice sculptures, no elaborate bouquets, no standard sights as seen at every society party, the gorgeous swans and other beautiful people will be the flowers. Dress: Modern Masquerade. The Burroughes will provide the masks! $100 Open Bar A Ticket – Ticket Price Includes All Alcohol (beer, Wine, Champagne, Liquor) & Hors D’oeuvres DJ’S: Sebastien Grainger, Scott Cudmore, Stuart Berman, Ian Worang, Rob Gordon There are a few tickets left. Head to …

Boldface Names at Barbara Edwards Contemporary

Shinan had a small, intimate gathering of people for his Boldface Names book at Barbara Edwards Contemporary gallery. We enjoyed artwork from Barbara’s latest exhibition by photographer Taras Polataiko. The gallery is in Barbara’s home, which explained why the party felt so warm and inviting. She has an amazing kitchen with beautiful gas stove. It was such a treat watching our cute ginger-haired chef, Nathan Isberg go to town making us culinary delights. There were a couple personalities in the group (besides myself that is, har, har). Steven and Chris joined us as well as a cute young actor named Michael Seater. Michael was wearing this amazing green velvet jacket. A friend took a picture but I wish I took one myself. The desserts were to die for. Egg custard served in egg shells and Lemon mint sorbet served in lemons. The egg custard was the best custard I’ve ever tasted. It wasn’t just about food, it was an opportunity to meet other people.  It wasn’t just the usual fashion crowd there were some of …

The Coat, Philip and I

I was send a video that brought back memories of taking this photo with Philip Sparks at the Holt Renfrew TIFF party. It was Philip’s idea to get for me to wear the racoon fur buffalo coat from the Fall 2009 collection. We come into play at 0:38 in the video. It’s originally from Radio Canada We had a total blast taking the photo and I’m glad the moment is recorded somewhere. Loves It! Anita <3s Philip.

Miori Boutique Opening

The Miori Boutique opening was in my stomping grounds, The Path so I decided to check it out. This new womenswear store opened up in the Exchange Tower. I talked to the owners and learned that they are long term retailers in the city. They even had a store that I was one of my rounds in Scotia Plaza before the reno and Brooks Brothers. The woman behind Miori Boutiques is Gita Kowsari, a Toronto-area entrepreneur who opened her first store in 1990 and has over 17 years of experience in the fashion industry. Gita Kowsari’s personal flair for fashion combined with her expertise as a buyer can be found at the core of Miori’s success. 60% of Miori’s merchandise is from Canadian designers. The others are mostly from Europe like 2026 clothing, Rinascimento, Soyaconcept and Sinéquanone. Miori carries Mackage for those path dwellers that don’t want to head to the Eaton Centre on lunch. I was surprised at the selection of casual items, it was much more than I expected. I thought it would …

5 days till Bloor Street Entertains – THE PARTY

It’s getting close to The Party. Pick up your tickets soon and dress 50s glam. Do you need an excuse to wear that fancy dress? Now you have one! The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and BMO Financial Group invite you to THE PARTY: the culmination of CANFAR’s signature event, Bloor Street Entertains. Please join Co-Chairs Joseph Mimran and Kimberley Newport-Mimran for THE PARTY, an exclusive and elegant evening in support of Canadian-led discoveries in HIV/AIDS research. Held at The Royal Ontario Museum, this award-winning party promises a night of magic with an incredibly diverse and well-heeled guest list, vintage glamour, exceptional entertainment and the very best in silent auction offerings. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009 | 9:00 p.m. TICKETS TO THE PARTY: $100 Telephone 416-361-6281 E-mail bse@canfar.com Cocktails and Hors d’Å“uvres are included in the ticket price. You can purchase tickets online on the Bloor Street Entertains website. Be sure to select “A referral from Anita Clarke ” in the “How did you hear about The Party?” survey question when purchasing.

The Frocktail Party

I wasn’t very excited about attending the Frocktail Party to be honest. I wasn’t planning to bid on any dresses but I was covering it for the blog. I’m really, really glad I went as it turned out to be a really good time. The DJ was playing good music and I ended up dancing the night away with friends and designers. This was the first annual Frocktail Party and all the proceeds from the silent auction when to Juvenile Diabetes research. The auction consisted of donated designer dresses in immaculate condition. Many people were surprised I didn’t bid for anything. I took one look at where the clothing was setup and I didn’t want to deal. It was packed with people and the lighting was terrible. Some people got some great deals and I know someone who got a Gucci strapless floor length gown for $150 dollars! I bet the material costs more than that.

Burberry Toronto Store Opening Party

The Burberry store in Toronto opened quietly in October. The opening fete was last week and I was in attendance. Burberry celebrated the recent opening of its new flagship store on Bloor Street in Toronto, Canada. Over 200 guests attended the event at the store including Ali Larter who wore Burberry. Music on the evening was provided by British DJ Tom Guinness who features in the Autumn Winter 2009 Burberry ad campaign and who was flown in from New York for the event. I had already checked the place out and was disappointed that majority of items in the store were of the Burberry check variety. I thought they did a better job with the men’s clothing than the women’s. I was hoping for more of the unusual pieces from Burberry Porsum in the store. Alas, they were left behind in England, unfit for Canadian consumption. Boo. The store is pretty nice. It’s 2 floors and carries Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London, Burberry Brit collections as well as Burberry Sport, Childrenswear and accessories. Tom Guinness played …

Macallan Scotch Tasting at ONE Hazelton

I was invited to the Macallan Scotch Tasting which was held at ONE in the Hazelton Hotel from the folk at Matchstick. I accepted on a lark. I didn’t like scotch but I decided to learn more about it. I attended the Kettle One Vodka tasting and had a great time. So, I invited three friends and headed down. We were presented with four different glasses. They contained Macallan scotch of different ages; 10, 12, 15 and 18 year old. I didn’t liked scotch before but now I can say I do. It’s a complex drink and I was partial to the 15 year old. I liked the combination of the bourbon and sherry casks instead of just the sherry alone. We saw the Macallan ice ball making machine in action. It takes a cube of ice and turns it into a ball. The circular shaped ice doesn’t melt as fast as a cube so you can chill your scotch which diluting it too much. I was lucky enough to get the demo glass. More …