All posts filed under: Parties

Nao Steakhouse x I want - I got Dinner Party

Nao Steakhouse x I want – I got Dinner Party

Published by

Nao Steakhouse teamed up with me, Sidewalk Hustle and The Soles of My Shoes on a special dinner event in which we invited some of closest influencer friends to experience the food and cocktails of this modern steakhouse. Nao sources its cuts of meat from top local and global producers and accents them with spices and flavours of Asia-Pacific. I invited my good friends Andrew Sardone, Editor of Globe Style Advisor and Philip Sparks, a Toronto based menswear designer. Executive Chef, Stuart Cameron prepared a wonderful menu that gave everyone a chance to try the variety of dishes on the menu. Here are all the mouthwatering details. We were excited for the epic experience the menu hinted at. First course Tuna Tartar – Wasabi Leaf + Avocado + Puffed Rice + Wasabi Lao Raw Beef Tartar – Squid Ink Chip + Kaffir Lime + Chili Binchotan Grilled Shishito Peppers – Amabito No Moshio Salt Second Course 24 Oz Strip Loin – Dry Aged 40+ Days USDA Prime, Nebraska, USA Whole Branzino – Red Yuzukosho Marinade …

The Final PROM at the ROM - PROM X, March 28, 2015

The Final PROM at the ROM – PROM X, March 28, 2015

Published by

It’s the end of an era. This Saturday, March 28, 2015 is the last PROM at the ROM party. It’s been 10 years and I’ve attended several PROM parties, so it’s a little bittersweet to say goodbye. The final PROM at the ROM, PROM X is inspired by the works of Douglas Coupland and the ROM’s latest exhibit Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything. I’m a big fan of Douglas Coupland’s work so I’m really looking forward to what the ROM is calling a Pop Explosion Party that pays homage to this iconic Canadian artist. There will be live music, dancing, electric activities, gourmet fare and lounge areas to relax in between all the fun. Guests are encouraged to “curate an artistic or experimental ensemble that screams avant-garde, be playful with neon colours or celebrate contemporary Canadiana.” Tickets for the PROM X are still available online. There will be a small number of tickets available at the door with a $25 surcharge. PARTY TICKET includes food and beverage (open bar), dancing, interactive …

Luminato and Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party and Big Bang Bash

Luminato at The Hearn Generating Station

Published by

I’ve been around the event block many, many times in this city and these days it takes a lot to impress me. Luminato’s Big Bang Bash and the Yves Saint Laurent Opening Night Party at the Hearn Generating Station did just that last night. It was a combination of a spectacular venue and major nostalgia that took hold of me and never let go. I love Luminato. It’s been a great addition to the Toronto arts scene. Anticipation was high for the after I received the press release letting the world know that the Hearn Generating Station would be the location for this year’s fundraising gala. I didn’t know anything about the Hearn Generating Station at the time but clarity happened once I read over the words “The one-of-a-kind venue has never before been used for an event like this, of this magnitude, but glimpses of the facility have been seen in the popular films, Pacific Rim and Robocop.” I just watched the horrible Robocop remake the day before. I knew the movie was filmed …

ALDO Fights AIDS with Waris Ahluwalia

ALDO Fights AIDS with Waris Ahluwalia

Published by

ALDO Fights AIDS. ALDO and Waris Ahluwalia (designer and CEO of Waris Loves You and House of Waris, actor and globe-trotting tastemaker) have teamed up to raise money for Partners In Health and its HIV/AIDS programs. Waris and ALDO created a really cute friendship bracelet that come in four different colours for $5. All the proceeds from the sale of the #FriendFight bracelets will go to Partners in Health. Partners In Health strives to achieve two overarching goals: to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need of them and to serve as an antidote to despair. In 1998, Partners In Health’s HIV Equity Initiative in rural Haiti was one of the first programs in the world to provide free, comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment in settings of poverty. The program’s success changed how the world approaches and funds diseases of the poor. Today, Partners In Health provides housing, water, food, and psychosocial support to thousands of people living with HIV; addressing the root causes of poverty and disease, and not just the disease itself. …

I want - I got's Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

I want – I got’s Toronto Design Offsite Festival 2014 Picks

Published by

In Toronto the third week in January is all about design. Some really cool people I know help make the Toronto Design Offsite Festival a reality. The Toronto Design Offsite Festival (TO DO) is a not-for-profit, independent design festival happening annually at the end of January. TO DO’s aim is to provide exposure for local and national designers; to foster public understanding and knowledge of the practice of design; and to create an ongoing presence that promotes Canada’s creativity, drawing on great thinkers, practitioners, and educators to a deliver an innovative celebration of art and design. The TO DO Festival runs from January 20 – 26, 2014. Here are some I want – I got approved options if you are looking to check it out. A Film: Eames: The Architect and The Painter Tue, Jan 21, 2014 Herman Miller Canada Showroom | Film Narrated by James Franco, the film brings to light a virgin cache of archival material, visually stunning films, photographs and artifacts produced by Charles and Ray Eames with their talented staff during …

KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee

Published by

Operanation might be over for the year but you can still support the Canadian Opera Company with a limited edition KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee. The T-shirt incorporates elements of this years Operanation theme, Temptation. We may not have gotten the Kaelen x Amy Burstyn-Fritz treatment but the t-shirt is a more accessible way to get into Kaelen. As a friend of Operanation, I was gifted a KAELEN X Sam Roberts Band Operanation Tee to wear. The first thing that struck me was the fit. It might just be me but when I put on a t-shirt with the perfect fit everything feels right in the world. The next thing that hit me was the perfect branding. I hate logo shirts so it was really refreshing to have a t-shirt that managed to namedrop without it being overpowering to the design. The third thing that stood out was the design itself (and that it extends to the back of the shirt). This is a t-shirt that looks like it wasn’t designed by committee. …

Heartbeats for Africa Online Print Sale – Starts November 15, 2012

Published by

Heartbeats for Africa Online Print Sale – Starts November 15, 2012. The third Heartbeats for Africa fundraiser launches on November 15, 2012 at noon with a limited-edition print sale by top Canadian artists including Aleks Rdest, Deborah Moss, Susan Collett, Miguel Jacob, Brendan Canning and many more to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation. For the first year the fundraiser will take place online so art lovers from coast to coast can shop and support. You can view the full print collection here: http://heartbeatsforafrica.com/2012_Print_Sale.html The print sale will go live on November 15, 2012 at 12:00pm EST here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartbeatsforafrica

DX Intersection – November 16, 2012

Published by

DX Intersection – November 16, 2012 Design Exchange celebrates its relaunch as Canada’s Design Museum with an unprecedented experience: creative disciplines and cultures converge in a large-scale blowout featuring a selection of Canada’s most iconic designers, architects, chefs, filmmakers, and artists. Multiple DJs will fill the multi-level venue with energizing tunes, brought to you by Embrace. The Toronto-based trio behind Keys N Krates will take the stage with their blend of hip hop, electronica, and jam that truly shows off the artistry of live remix. Celebrity chefs and mixologists will conjure up offerings that are as visually appealing as perfectly balanced for the palate. Designers and artists will create installations that evoke question and intrigue. Whimsical balloons will float through the air as guests are enticed to participate in an amusement park-style raffle with unprecedented prizes. A silent auction will allow 20 lucky guests to walk away with custom creations. As the end of the evening draws near, late night guests will be rewarded with a food market in the Link, inside the lobby of …

The Redesign WORN Fashion Journal Project

Published by

WORN Fashion Journal is getting a makeover this fall and they are running an Indiegogo campaign to help fund the project. Our readers have told us they keep their issues of WORN at record-breaking rates. Over 97% of WORN readers keep their issues forever. Our content is timeless and always relevant. We believe it makes perfect sense for our readers to want to hang on to their issues of WORN forever. We believe a thicker, perfect-bound edition reflects the true value of WORN. It’s a prestige object our readers should be able to stack on a bookshelf, keep safe in a purse, or display proudly on a coffee table. We believe this new format is a necessary step for WORN. We are no longer a group of friends working in a living room; we’re a real business that makes a product we believe in with all our hearts. We want the outside of WORN to reflect the inside. Where will the money go? WORN needs $5,000 to complete this project. The breakdown is as follows: …

Terrazza di Peroni at the Malaparte Rooftop Terrace

Published by

One of my favourite event beers, Peroni, held a party at the Malaparte Rooftop Terrace at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Terrazza di Peroni was “a sunset soirée inspired by the Italian Coast on the spectacular new Malaparte rooftop terrace.” Malaparte is a private event space on the 6th floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox building. The rooftop terrace and outdoor amphitheatre is inspired by the roof of Villa Malaparte in Capri where Jean-Luc Godard shot Le Mépris. The rooftop boasts stunning views of the city and it’s great for live music. I was blown away and it’s one of the best rooftop terraces in the city. The Compendium Daily has a nice photo of me in my Prada Minimal Baroque sunglasses. I enjoyed that Derick Chetty at The Star noticed all the men in bright, colourful pants. I have to admit that I love spring summer 2011 because of the way people embraced colour. I hope it continues into the fall and beyond.

Power Ball 13

Published by

Last year I swore that I would wear something fun to the 2011 edition of The Power Ball. I attended the very popular fundraiser last year and realized that I should have dressed for a party. My outfit was a standard skirt and top. I should have looked to my SpinTO and Buy Design outfits for inspiration instead. So when the buzz around Power Ball Thirteen started my mind started thinking about the outfit. I’ve been on the hunt for a catsuit for a few years. I contemplated buying one from American Apparel many times but that never materialized. I found myself falling in love with a unitard by Faster by Mark Fast. I remembered when Jenna Bitove wore the unitard at an event. It was great to see it up close. That love turned to obsession and eventually I ordered the unitard from Mark directly. The subject of Power Ball outfits came up again and I realized that my newly acquired Faster unitard was the perfect choice. I made sure to take a vacation …

Playing in Shrimpton Couture’s Closet for La Societe

Published by

I took the lovely Cheri, owner of shrimptoncouture.com as my date to the opening of Charles Khabouth’s new restaurant, La Société. Charles Khabouth owner of INK Entertainment and Alessandro Munge of Munge Leung Design Associates talked to me about La Société at Balthazar’s when I did the I want – I got’s Bisha Adventure in New York City with them last summer. I’ve waited patiently since then to see the results and I got my chance at the launch party.  La Société is a beautiful and I’m  amazed that they managed to blow away any reference to the former occupants, Dynasty Restaurant.  The patios are massive and they will be a very popular this summer with the “see and be seen” crowd.   The dinning area and bar are full of rich woods and stained glass ceiling is an amazing statement fixture that everyone should see, just stunning. (See the facebook page for photos) I’m looking forward to a new lunch option for my regular Saturday Yorkville excursions. Steak tartar, yum. Cheri decided that she wanted to dress …

Playing Model for Philip Sparks

Published by

Last weekend Stefania Yarhi from Textstyles held a party for the 3rd year anniversary of her site. The party included a fashion show of Stefania’s favourite Toronto designers. Philip Sparks made the list and asked me to be muse/model for the event. Of course, I said yes. The Philip Sparks blog talks about the preparations for the event (with more photos) in a post called Philip Sparks X I Want I Got X Textstyles. I got Andrew Sardone to record the fashion show so here it is for you to enjoy. I hit the catwalk around the 5:00 mark.

Proenza Schouler at The Room

Published by

The Proenza Schouler duo of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough came to Toronto for very short day trip and The Room celebrated their arrival. Unlike the Anna Dello Russo party, this was a small affair. It was a welcome change from the madness of Anna. I brought a long time blogging friend Zoë Hong with me. She’s a designer from San Fransisco that happened to be vacationing in Toronto for the weekend. Her Asymmetrical black leather corselet belt made my I want list. I still think about it. It was hilarious that Zoë visits Toronto and Danielle isn’t in the country.  Zoë did tell me stories of her adventures with Danielle in NYC to fill the void. It was pretty surprising that Jennifer Campbell of Flare recognized Zoë from the Internet. Oh, old school fash blogging days. Some media got interview time with Jack and Lazaro at the beginning of the event. I met them, super quickly made small talk and then photos. It’s like a factory floor when all the guests want to meet the guests. The guys were really …

Second Nature Boutique’s Fashion Show & Fundraiser: “Love you to Pieces” – June 5, 2011

Published by

Second Nature Boutique Presents A Fashion Show & Fundraiser “Love you to Pieces” Please join us for an afternoon event in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research. Enjoy browsing the Art Gallery while sipping on champagne and indulging in Hors d’oeuvres. Watch our models as they hit the runway showcasing pieces by Oscar De la Renta, Chloe, Miu Miu and more. Come prepared to find that special piece to add to your spring and summer wardrobe! Thank you for helping us to make fashion fun & affordable and participating in making a difference. Date: Sunday June 5th, 2011 Time: 1:00P.M-4:00P.M Location: Denison Art Gallery 33 Wingold ave, Toronto www.denisongallery.com Free parking Admission: $40 Tickets available online or in store www.secondnaturebtq.com loveyoutopiecesfashionevent@gmail.com

Quadrangle Architects 25th Anniversary Party at Corus Quay

Published by

One of my favourite parties from last week was the Quadrangle Architects 25th Anniversary at the Corus Quay building. I was dying to get an invite to this party because I wanted to see the Corus Quay building first hand. Corus Quay, the new Toronto headquarters for Corus Entertainment, is located on Toronto’s waterfront. Corus Entertainment is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company, and a market leader in specialty television and radio, with additional assets in pay television, television broadcasting, children’s book publishing and children’s animation. Corus Quay was designed by world-renowned architect Jack Diamond of Diamond and Schmitt Architects. The interior was outfitted by Quadrangle Architects Ltd., an expert in broadcast architectural design. Corus Quay is an amazing building. The party hosts took guests on a tour of the building where we learned many facts about the building. Not only does it have interesting architecture and interiors, I was totally geeking out over the many, massive server rooms in the building that contains storage enough for 2 petabytes of data. After seeing the building …

unScripted: Opening Night Gala Performance Party – May 13, 2011

Published by

Canadian Stage Visionaries are thrilled to present unScripted: Opening Night, the annual gala fundraiser in support of Canadian Stage, one of the country’s leading non-profit theatre companies. This unique celebration, which plays on the theme of backstage drama from the 1920s to the 21st century, will be held at One King West on Friday, May 13. The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dancing, as well as exciting celebrity-curated live performances and dramatic installation spaces, inspired by the glamour of opening night at the theatre. Artistic concepts will be brought to life by a stellar roster of Canadian talent including fashion designer Evan Biddell, Republic of Doyle’s Allan Hawco, stage director Weyni Mengesha, filmmaker Charles Officer, visual artist Charles Pachter, Slice and ReVamped expert Kaitlyn Regehr, The Company Theatre’s Philip Riccio and unScripted event host, MuchMusic’s RAPCITY host, Tyrone “T-RexXx” Edwards. Proceeds from this fundraising initiative will support the youth and community initiatives of Canadian Stage, working to make the theatre experience more accessible to future artists and new audiences. The unScripted: Opening Night Gala …

WORN Fashion Journal’s Issue 12 Release Party: The Fancy Pants Vintage Dance – May 7, 2011

Published by

Worn Fashion Journal‘s Issue 12 Release Party: The Fancy Pants Vintage Dance – May 7, 2011 WORN Fashion Journal invites Toronto to celebrate their sartorial seats at our Fancy-Pants Vintage Dance and issue launch. On Saturday, May 7th, 2011, celebrate the launch of WORN Fashion Journal Issue 12 with a tribute to two-legged tailoring. Do you long to lindy in your leggings? Charleston in your churidars? Do you jones to jive in your jodhpurs and burn to boogie in your Oxford bags? Maybe you can’t dress for success – but you can show ’em who wears the pants. However you interpret trousers, get your best pair on and shake your moneymaker at the Fancy-Pants Vintage Dance. And when you’re done parading your pretty pantalettes, get a leg up. Show off your shimmy as our DJ spins a mix of oldies guaranteed to put some ants in those very fancy pants. The Dovercourt House 805 Dovercourt Rd. (just one block north of Bloor St.) Pants ON at 9pm Pants OFF at 2am (But seriously, don’t. We’ll …

BOLDLY, a charity event in benefit of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline – April 28, 2011

Published by

BOLDLY, a charity event in benefit of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline – April 28, 2011 Over a year in the making, 18Karat is proud to present Boldly – a fundraising event in benefit of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. Boldly is an event based on and inspired by our community – the individual members, businesses, and organizations that have come together in support of each other and those in need. At the center of this event is the Boldly Collection – a collection of 10 handcrafted jewellery pieces created by Toronto based goldsmiths and designers inspired by their interpretation of the evenings theme strength and courage. Each piece will be raffled during the evening event. I was asked to be one of three judges for the event. We are tasked with determining the winners for the Boldly Collection Best in Design and Best in Show awards.  There are some very beautiful designs in the running.  I’ve already had my insider access to the pieces ahead of time for closer inspection.  The final decision hasn’t been made …

Santé Soirée, April 13, 2011

Published by

Santé Soirée, a blowout benefit that brings together some of Canada’s hottest performers in conjunction with Prostate Cancer Canada. The star studded line-up will be co-hosted by the Juno Award-winning darling Divine Brown, and star comedian Trixx, known for his sell-out performances at Yuk Yuks and appearances on Much Music’s Video On Trial. Taking place at the Embassy Night Club in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment district, the evening’s performers include rapper Silver (aka Solitair) responsible for the chart-topping Kardinal Offishal’s anthemic “BaKardi Slang,” powerhouse R&B songstress, Liberty Silver, who has had the honour of performing for Barack Obama and numerous other heads of state. Also on the bill is Mac Graham, who’s current single, “Midnight,” has been receiving enthusiastic playback from radio stations across Canada. Doors open at 7:00pm for this mélange of intimate performances, with complimentary cocktails from Bacardi Rum, Lifford Wines and Molson Canadian, with Caribbean-fusion delicacies like ackee and callaloo spring rolls, being served by Chef Washington of Room Service Restaurant and Catering. Tickets are $20, which also includes a donation …

Eternal Sunrise: A Benefit for Japan – March 30, 2011

Published by

Eternal Sunrise: A Benefit for Japan – March 30, 2011 Fundraiser features Performance from Jully Black, DJ sets Brendan Canning (Broken Social Scene), DJ Shine (Nelly Furtado), Dubmatix (2009 Juno Nominee) The Makeover (Jeremy Glenn & Rod Skimmins), Nate Wize (Sony Music), Baby Joel Smye (Footwork Nightclub), Jeff Kirkwood (Byzantium), Agile (Brass Munk), Addy (Hi Bias Records) and Iron Horse (Pawn Shop Records) On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, Eternal Sunrise: A Benefit for Japan will take place at Revival Bar at 783 College Street. MuchMusic’s Sarah Taylor will host the event in support of Plan Canada’s relief efforts in Japan. The evening will also feature a food stand from Caplansky’s Smoked Meats, a raffle and silent auction with more than 50 different items up for bid such as Raptors vs Heat Tickets, gift baskets, concert tickets, jewelry, dinner gift cards, clothing, artwork and much more. Auction items will be available to take home that night, and are payable by cash or credit card. The auction ends at midnight and winners will be announced immediately after. …

Elle Canada’s 10th Anniversary Party

Published by

Elle Canada had their 10th Anniversary a few weeks ago and of course held a party. I wore a dress from the Greta Constantine spring summer 2011 collection. I was going for a total monochromatic red look but I was missing the red handbag and shoes. I need to rectify that big time. There was a video made from the night and I made the final cut. See 1:45. I’ve place the video after the jump because it autoplays. Check your sound levels too before checking it out.

Ron White Annual Shoe Drive, January 6 – February 13, 2010

Published by

The Ron White Foundation kicks off the fifteenth year of Canada’s largest shoe drive this week on January 6th with the support of music legends Celine Dion, David Foster, Paul Anka, The Canadian Tenors, and prodigious newcomers Nikki Yanofsky and Charice. All have signed and donated their shoes to support Ron as he encourages people to “Follow in the Footsteps of their Favourite Celebrity” and donate their gently worn shoes and boots to those in need. All donations are welcome beginning Thursday, January 6th and will be collected through Sunday, February 13th at all five RON WHITE locations across the Greater Toronto Area. An additional collection depot is located on the Avenues Level of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. Shoes and boots collected in all locations will be sorted, cleaned and distributed to shelters and organizations in need. This year’s charity partners include: Dress for Success, StreetHealth, Halton Place, Out of the Cold and Ve’ahavta.

Ribbon Rouge #5, December 11, 2010

Published by

Ribbon Rouge #5 is a Fashion and Art exhibition with a silent auction which has over the past 5 years raised and donated approximately $10,000 towards HIV relief in Africa. This year’s show will be held on the 11th of December at 20 Grovsenor Street Toronto. Guests will be treated to a tasteful mixer in the company of classy “fashionistas”, enjoy free delectable hors d’oeuvres, listen to the soulful renditions of The Jonathan Blaak Jazz Trio, The Recipe (2009 Canadian festival of spoken word champions), and be entertained by dance sensations Sapphire dance productions and African Dance Festival Our guests will win several gifts (Including a spa package, Dining gift cards, Free purses, discounts off bespoke clothing and discounts off portraits). In addition, guests will have the opportunity to buy fabulous fashions and art, which are awesome Christmas gifts, from our silent auction. ALL proceeds go to UNAIDS in support of HIV survivors. Music by DJ. Nijero Fashion and Art by Arewa tickets at 6475003163 or www.arewa.ca $5 students (with valid student I.D), $10 general, …

BIG BANG: The Campaign by Esprit and SOS Children’s Villages

Published by

From October 26 – November 13, 2010 each Esprit stores in Canada will provide customers with a drumstick, which will direct them online to a virtual super drum from via www.esprit.com/bigbang. The target is to reach 3 million ‘bangs’ globally, at which point Esprit will donate a further 500,000 Euros worldwide to the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug, INDIA. Customers will also be able to purchase a specially designed SOS mug in-store, priced at $9.95, with the proceeds going directly to the SOS campaign. You’re probably wondering what the hell is a Bang? You goto the website, select your country and click on a virtual drum. I tried it myself. No login and super easy. If they reach 3 million bangs Espirt coughs up the cash. Oscar nominated actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband, the critically acclaimed actor, Peter Sarsgaard have been chosen to act as global ambassadors for the opening of the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug. The couple was inspired to be part of the monumental opening of the SOS Children’s Village Alibaug and raise …