All posts filed under: Events

Lexus Live at Distillery with The Stills

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The Distillery District turned into a free concert venue for a weekend when Lexus debuted the CT 200h to the public. The Lexus CT 200h is their entry into the hybrid market with this sporty coup design. They claim it’s the world’s first luxury compact hybrid car. It also used recycled material for parts like the seats. The car reminded me of my friend in Santa Monica, Paul. He has a hybrid car and tells me he fills up once a month. LA memories and desires were still fresh at this time and everything reminded me that I needed to go back. I attended a little cocktail before the performance of The Stills at The Boiler House which is a gorgeous looking restaurant. I had dinner there a long time ago, probably like 5 years. I’ve been back for the occasional party though. The Still were very good. This was my first exposure to them and I was told they were so four years ago. Who knew! I don’t follow music much at all. I …

Pic Me Tommy Ton at Holt Renfrew

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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 …

Ezra Constantine Spring 2011 Preview

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The Ezra Constantine Spring 2011 preview took place at the home of Michael Cooper and Krystal Koo. They are friends of Kirk and Stephen’s who generously made their home available for a great fashion experience.  The choice of forgoing the fashion show was a smart one as the garden party atmosphere was enjoyed by everyone and well into the night.  It’s hard not to love good looking men, Macallan Scotch, Peroni, great fashion, friends and beautiful weather. It was an eight look preview into the Spring 2011 collection. The boys promised their will be more to looks to come. The collection continued along with design treatments from previous season with cowl necks, slim and fitted pants with oversized pockets. I felt there was a touch of safari and military in the olive and khaki looks. I liked the draping added to the structure in those pieces. They even threw in some sheer pants and put them on beautiful Paolo. Standouts for me were the white shirt and khaki skort look and the khaki button up …

Watch It: Anita’s Awesome Adventure by Jaime Woo

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Every time I see the Anita’s awesome adventure video by Jaime Woo it makes my heart quicken. It brings me back to the end of June 2009 on the night that the Holt Renfrew Bloggers Windows were unveiled. This video brings it all back like it was yesterday, it gives me goosebumps. My dear friend last year celebrated her birthday at the same time that Holt Renfrew celebrated her work as a fashion blogger, paying homage to her with a display window. I filmed it as a belated present for her. <3 you, Anita! I hope you all enjoy this little behind the scenes look. It’s a year later and I still can’t believe this happened to me. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities in my life and I can’t help but look back at them and think about how fucking lucky I am. This moment is something that I will always cherish. Thank you Jaime Woo for filming. Thank you Gail Mcinnes for the awesome Louis Vuitton birthday cake. Thank you to everyone who …

Alexander Wang in Toronto

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Alexander Wang visited his fans in Toronto last week at Holt Renfrew. There was a public personal appearance in the afternoon and a private party in the evening. I was at work during the day so I went to the party. I wasn’t too star struck by Alexander and I managed to get a quick hello and photo with him. He’s just one of those beautiful people. The man has a flawless complexion. He was also very good at working the crowd and talking to everyone. Holt Renfrew setup the 2nd floor with a ton of Alexander Wang merchandise and samples of the Fall 2010 collection. I’m a lover of the Wang accessory. The shoes and bags are always a hit. I wasn’t all that jazzed about this Fall 2010 Ready to Wear collection back in February but after seeing some of the pieces that Holt Renfrew is picking up in person, I have to say I’m a fan. Great pants and blazers are everywhere.  It seems to be a trend, I didn’t care much …

The Drinks Show 2010

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I headed to the Drinks Show 2010 this year. It’s always been one of those things I say I want to do every summer, but never get around to it. The Drinks Show is a cocktail extravaganza that is celebrating Canada’s growing cocktail culture. Sipping cool cocktails on a hot summers night while overlooking the breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline has also made this Show one of the hottest events of the year. There is a flat fee for admission and you then buy tickets for the sample. I attended the show on a media pass and that got me free entry and some tickets for samples. I brought Gail McInnes as my guest and we boarded the Fun Bus to Polson Pier. This was also my first time visiting Polson Pier. I’ve seen a few concerts at what was then called The Docks, but I had never been to the patio and pier area. It was a gorgeous setting for a party. Polson Pier provides spectacular views of the city.  There were many booths …

Terrazza di Peroni, A Celebration of Peroni

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The Spoke Club has one of the best rooftops in the city so it was only natural to accept an invitation to Terrazza di Peroni, a celebration of Italy’s premium beer, Peroni. I associate Peroni with fashion as it’s usually the beer of choice at fashion parties. I quite enjoy it when I’m not drinking champers. It only seemed fitting as I’m drinking this fashion associated beer that I begin to notice a trend among the men. It’s a see of gingham and plaid.  That is the go to pattern of summer for men with blue being the palette of choice. I also had to stare at these Givenchy Velvet and Calfskin Studded Sneakers. They part of the Fall 2010 collection and are so hot. You can purchase them online at luisaviaroma.com

Svedka Vodka Launch

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So Svedka launched in Canada. There was a party held at Parts & Labour. It was there I learned of Svedka’s mascot. It is one of the most bizarre product mascots I’ve seen, a sexy fembot. SVEDKA‟s futuristic branding is the platform on which SVEDKA_Grl, the world‟s first fun & flirtatious spokesbot, was born. She was designed in 2005 by Stan Winston, the mastermind and visual effects supervisor behind The Terminator and Jurassic Park. As fembots go, the Svedka _Grl looks good. I’m just having a hard time trying to reconcile how this sells vodka. The New York Times wrote a story that talks about the marketing plan. Early this year, SVEDKA debuted its first television commercial in the US. The “Soul Train meets the year 2033” future/retro themed commercial was directed by Francis Lawrence (whose credits include Lady Gaga‟s “Bad Romance” video, Britney Spears‟ “Circus,” Justin Timberlake‟s “Rock Your Body” and Gwen Stefani‟s “What You Waiting For”) and features a cover of the Jackson 5 classic song “Dancing Machine.” The bizarre commercial is burned …

From the Soul: Caribana Art Exhibit at The Royal Ontario Museum, July 23 – August 13, 2010

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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) joins in the excitement of the Scotiabank Caribana Festival and presents From the Soul: Caribana Art Exhibit, July 23 to August 13, 2010, Canada’s largest ever single juried display of works of art by African Canadian artists. Curated by renowned African Canadian artist and activist, Joan Butterfield, the exhibition is produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists, in conjunction with Scotiabank Caribana and the ROM. From the Soul will be on display in the Museum’s Bronfman Hall, Level 2 during the citywide festival, which takes place from July 15 to August 15, 2010. More than 160 works on canvas, several Caribana parade costumes, three dimensional bronze sculptures and award-winning ceramic pieces by 49 artists will be on display. Ms. Butterfield said, “This collection of works will arouse the conscious, still the mind and soothe the soul. Our goal is to attract a new and expanded audience to this exhibition with the hope of inspiring others with the message of courage, love and respect prevalent throughout the displays. Art is …

Plastik Wrap Presents Stuntkid aka Jason Levesque

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PLASTIK WRAP â„¢ Presents Stuntkid » aka Jason Levesque Jason’s work regularly depicts “pin up” style girls with elements inspired by both the beautiful and ugly parts of the natural world. “Aquatic life” is a collection of underwater, deep sea inspired illustrations with fashionable flare. Please join us for the opening reception on August 5th. Plastik Wrap boutique, 2235 Dundas st. West From 7.00 pm till 11.00 pm

Plutino at Parts & Labour

Plutino at Parts & Labour

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I was at the Plutino Group Official Website Relaunch at Parts & Labour this week. It was a blast. I’m loving Parts & Labour right now. It’s best to enjoy it early before it gets too well know people. I got obsessed with some Versace shoes and other fashionable details.  I went photo crazy. Enjoy.

smart Expeditions Toronto

smart Expeditions Toronto

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I didn’t know what to expect when I said yes to a smart Expeditions in The Distillery District. The description read as follows: smart is presenting an urban curated ride & drive that will guide people to discover Toronto’s art/theater/music/culture in rogue areas of the city that they have yet to experience. This ‘never-been-done-before’ experience will feature live art installations, musicians, fire twirlers and additional surprises around every corner. Instead of just educating the city where they can experience this culture, we are going to show it to them LIVE via multiple vignette’s including the Distillery District, parking lots and warehouses – all from behind the wheel of a smart fortwo. It was a very clever take on the test drive. After filling out some information and checking my driver’s license, I was sitting behind the wheel of a smart fortwo. There was a group of four cars and we followed the lead car on our adventure. We found ourselves driving to different spots around the area where we would stop for entertainment. There was …

Jason Wu At The Room

Jason Wu at The Room

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Jason Wu and I have similar shaped heads. I can’t get that thought out of my mind whenever I look at this picture. I met Jason when he came to The Room for a Trunk Show and cocktail party in his honour. Jason Wu’s bio reads like one of the those prodigy kids. At 16 he was well on his way to becoming a designer creating couture like clothing for dolls at Integrity Toys. At 17, he became the Creative Director of Integrity Toys. Jason studied fashion design at Parson and started his namesake label in 2006. He created Michelle Obama’s ivory inaugural gown which pushed him into the limelight and made him a household name. I never appreciated Jason’s collection until I saw it up close. His style is very ladylike; socialite wear if you’d like. The details and fabrics that make his clothing interesting aren’t noticeable in photos. I was really surprised at some of the luxurious fabrics he used in the collections. All clothing is manufactured in the United States. The Room …

Haider Ackermann comes to Toronto

Haider Ackermann comes to Toronto

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There was small group of people to gathered to see the Haider Ackermann Fall 2010 fashion show at the ROM. It was a real treat.  119 Corbo is the exclusive Toronto retailer for Haider Ackermann and they were responsible for bringing him to the city. Holt Renfrew Calgary and Vancouver will carry Haider in the fall. I wrote about the Haider Ackermann Fall Winter 2010 show during Paris fashion week. This presentation wasn’t the full collection but it was amazing to see the pieces up close. Haider is a master of materials. The draping and architectural details were phenomenal. The collection and music almost brought a tear to my eye. It’s the same emotional reaction that I get when I go to the symphony or opera.  I wish I had the access to play and touch the clothing. I’m going to have to befriend Linda Perisa, owner of 119 Corbo. My photos were completely shit. I still have to learn how to take good low light shots with the Olympus E-PL1. The two shots I’ve …

Derek Blasberg at The Room

Derek Blasberg at The Room

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Derek Blasberg was at The Room to promote his best selling book, Classy, Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady. If you’ve ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest “Worst Dressed List”)—Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class. This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you’ve got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp! The people watching at the party was very interesting. There were a lot of scenester kids around dressed to the nines. I love that. They make fashion fun and I’m glad someone is there to take it …

Holt Renfrew Fall Winter 2010 – 2011 Womenswear Preview

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I took a day off work and attended the Holt Renfrew Fall 2010 Womenswear preview.  It was a chance to see samples of the fall merchandise and learn about upcoming fall trends according to Holt Renfrew. Fall 2010 Holt Renfrew Women’s Trends The Masculine Topper The Reefer The Fur Trimmed Parka The Vest The Masculine Shirt The Feminine Blouse The Slim Leg – legging or cigarette; looking newest in prints The Fuller Pant – masculine, pleated or military influenced The Shorter Skirt The Longer Skirt The Knit Dress The Long Sleeve Dress Fall 2010 Holt Renfrew Women’s Accessories Trends The Oversized Beret The Knit Hair Band The Loop Scarf – fur or knit The Pendant The Brooch The Extra Long Belt The “Stash” Bag The Iconic Satchel The Lace-up Boot The Wedge The Loafer – high or low heel The Pointy Toe Pump New Designers – 6126, Carven, Christ Shearling, Cinzia Rocca, Cosabella, Dylan George, Eight Sixty, Fuzzi, Helen Morely, Hudson Collection, Jane Post, JNBY, Lounge Lover, Marlies Dekkers, Michael Michael Kors, One Teaspoon, Pleasure …

Summer Entertaining with Bombay Sapphire on top of 533 Richmond Street West

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Food and drink based events make me excited. They have introduced me to new new scotchs, beers and vodkas. Last year, I attended a Bombay Sapphire food and drink pairing event in Rosedale. It combined education about summer entertaining and a voyeuristic peak into the former home of Ted Rogers. For this year’s event, Bombay moved the venue to the penthouse of 533 Richmond Street West. Merlin Griffiths, Master Mixologist and Bombay Sapphire Global Brand Ambassador was back to show us new drinks and celebrity BBQ master, Chef Rob Rainford. The penthouse of 533 Richmond Street West is pretty stunning. It has the whole rooftop as a terrace. The views are spectacular and probably will stay that way for a few years as everything is pretty much developed around it. The unit itself has two levels and an additional balcony on the first floor. Chef Rob Rainford created some really tasty dishes for us. It wasn’t vegetarian friendly for the most part but the SAPPHIRE Salsa Fresca and the Honey Dew Melon Soup were delicious. …

I want – I got goes to the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – Behind the Lens Tour

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I went on the Heineken Behind the Lens Tour which is a guided tour of Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival exhibits. It was a fun way to see more exhibits at the festival in a group setting. Join us each Saturday afternoon in May for the Heineken Behind the Lens Tour, an exclusive interactive tour of Scotiabank CONTACT. Go behind the scenes with top photographers and other culture mavens as they share curated insights on fascinating photography from an insider’s vantage point. Each tour, located in one of Toronto’s unique neighborhoods, will end at a local watering hole for discussion, snacks and the opportunity to enjoy a cold Heineken. I chose the City Centre tour which took us to the AGO for Barbara Kruger’s Untitled (It), U of Toronto Arts Centre for The Brothel Without Walls and Probing McLuhan, the ROM for Creative Commons and the Boss Store for Glen Baxter. Barbara Kruger’s Untitled (It) At this stop in the tour we had one of the curators talk about various aspects of the installation. This piece …

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – Hermann & Audrey

I want – I got goes to the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – Hermann & Audrey

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The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival exhibit by Hermann & Audrey is held in The Baitshop and I’m obsessed with it. There is a huge skateboarding ramp as soon as you walk in. The ceilings are high with exposed beams, ductwork and brick. The Baitshop makes me want to throw a party or an event. The space is just that inviting. The exhibit features photographers Steve Carty, Javier Lovera, Stefania Sgambelluri, Jalani Morgan and Cory Vanderploeg. These photographers will collaboration with artists Skam, Jon Todd, Derooted’s Simon Rojas, Smakstudio’s Scott McIntyre and Kimmy Yun to create 40 pieces challenging Marshall McLuhan’s theory of Hot and Cold media. In Understanding Media, Marshall McLuhan defined photography as a ‘hot’ medium, characterized by single sense stimulation with a high degree of data. According to McLuhan, absorption of the ‘hot’ message requires minimal involvement on the part of the viewer. ‘Cold’ mediums, by contrast, are low in data because little visual information is provided, thus putting the user in a more active role of filling in the gaps. Hermann & …

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – Right To Play – Azerbaijan, 2009

I want – I got goes to the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival – Right To Play – Azerbaijan, 2009

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Right To Play – Azerbaijan, 2009 is Glen Baxter’s exhibition for the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. I had no idea that Glen was a photographer. This is his fifth solo show with Scotiabank CONTACT. I just assumed he was always in front of the camera as the host of In Fashion and not behind. Glen traveled solo to Azerbaijan and visited the many settlements which host a million people displaced by war and conflict. Glen is auctioning off all 25 images in the show with 100% of the proceeds going to Right to Play. He has raised over $45,000 with his photography for Right to Play to date. The show is in the 3rd floor event space in the BOSS store on Bloor street. It was my first time in the space and it’s perfect for an art event.  There is lots of wall space and minimal obstructions in the middle of the room to allow for chatting and socializing without distracting those that want to stare at the photos.  I’m looking forward to attending …

Markover - stylist Afiya Francisco, make-up/appearance specialist Janine Falcon and hair stylist Gary May, photography Rannie Turingan

I got a Marksover

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Mark’s aka Mark’s Work Warehouse has decided to change focus and is now trying to get people to think of them differently. They’ve changed their name to Mark’s to rid themselves of the work warehouse moniker. With this they’ve changed some of the offerings in the store to appeal to a larger audience but still serve that core business of workwear. To get the word out about this change they invited members of the media to: Come experience the latest in style and innovation from Mark’s Work Wearhouse. We’re pleased to invite you to an interactive style event, featuring the Spring/Summer 2010 clothing line from Mark’s Work Wearhouse. They called this a Marksover and we used it as a hashtag for twitter conversations. This would include a talk with Marks representatives about the new innovations they have added, a stylist to help you select a perfect Marks outfit, hairstylist to work your do and a makeup artist to round out the whole package. I was told it was an exercise to see the reactions from …

Oscar de la Renta at Holt Renfrew

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So Oscar de la Renta made an appearance in Toronto for a fancy fundraiser and a PA at Holt Renfrew. Unfortunately I was at work during his Holt Renfrew PA. I definitely didn’t have the money to be at his fancy fundraiser either. All I have is these photos that were provided to me by Holts. Maybe one day I’ll get to meet this legend. Holt’s prepared for Oscar’s arrival with dedicated windows. Holt Renfrew unveils its “Croquet, Anyone?” national window installation to celebrate the arrival of spring. Mannequins play with giant mallets and brightly coloured croquet balls inside the windows. “The uncompromising style of C.Z. Guest, the timelessness of Slim Aaron’s photography and the unapologetic spirit of The Official Preppy Handbook were all inspirations for our croquet windows this spring,” says John Gerhardt, Creative Director of Holt Renfrew. “We played with patterns and proportions this national window installation, resulting in whimsical and joyful treatments.” The window fashions take inspiration from the prep-school trend from the spring 2010 collections of designers such as Oscar de …

TFI New Labels Design Competition at the Elle Event - April 24, 2010

TFI New Labels Design Competition at the Elle Event – April 24, 2010

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TFI New Labels Design Competition Saturday, April 24, 2010 Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels® Competition and Fashion Show Fundraiser evening. The ELLE Event is also the lead-in to the one of the fashion industry’s most anticipated annual events – the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels® Fashion Design Competition. As presenting sponsor of the New Labels® competition, ELLE Canada is thrilled to host this sophisticated fund-raising gala to help build the fashion stars of tomorrow. Join event emceeAnne-Marie Mediwake from CBC News, to find out WHO will win this year’s New Labels Fashion Design Competition and walk away with a prize package valuedat over $35,000 including $10,000 CASH! Enjoy the not-to-be-missed fashion show of the season, amazing prizes to be won, delicious cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, a VIP dinner, an ELLE Canada goody bag and all of this while schmoozing with celebrities and shopping at fantastic vendor booths! TFI New Labels® VIP Cocktail 6:00 PM ­ 7:00 PM TFI New Labels® Cocktail 7:00 PM ­ 9:00 PM TFI New Labels® VIP Dinner 7:00 PM ­ 9:00 …

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

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

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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 …

Corsage Project 2010

Corsage Project 2010

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I learned about the Corsage Project way to late last year to post about it or volunteer. This year I’m on top of my game and I’ve volunteered already. I don’t know why this organization struck a chord with me so much. I went to my prom (I was one of those sole prom goers) and didn’t think much of it. Although it was fun talking to the teaching staff hammered out of my tree. Despite my ambivalent feeling about prom I knew I wanted to help out. Mission To provide formal gowns and accessories, free of charge, to Toronto area high school girls who are unable to purchase their own prom attire. Background The Corsage Project was founded in 1999 as a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Children’s Aid Foundation. The founders believe that every high school girl should have the opportunity to celebrate the milestone of her high school graduation with pride and in style. Students are identified through confidential referrals from school guidance counselors, Children’s Aid, youth, or social …