Melanie Fiona sits down with Billboard to pay tribute to Whitney Houston as she sings “One Moment In Time”.
For more info: melaniefionaworld.com
Previously: Melanie Fiona – “Wrong Side Of A Love Song” (Video)
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When Sheyla Abdic made the solo trip to Toronto from Austria to pursue her studies at York University and start a new life, she never thought she’d also find herself smack dab in the middle of an emotionally and mentally troubling situation. No, not that 12 page, single spaced, fully annotated paper, but rather, the firsthand discovery of the stark divide between the haves and the have-nots.
Through media and gossip, Sheyla was starting to have a not-so-pretty picture painted of an area nearby known as, Jane and Finch, a troubled neighbourhood rattled with stigmas and stereotypes. She explains, “Being a naturally curious person, I walked into Driftwood Community Centre at Jane and Finch and began to volunteer my time in order to observe the dynamics of everyday life myself”. She began mentoring the ‘Girl’s Club’ and observed the sub-culture within the area drenched in fear and accustomed to fighting to survive, literally. “There have been many occasions in which one of my girls would start crying, just because of hunger pain. Behavioural problems were prevalent absolutely every single day. Children simply cannot concentrate in school or during play.” The lack of funding and constant struggle to meet the basic needs of the children at Driftwood, gnawed at her subconscious.
Meanwhile, to support herself, Sheyla was using her exceptional academic talents to tutor children from upper class families ready to dish out the dinero for their kids. By putting herself through school by tutoring and scholarships, she understood the enormous power that education has and how it can transform a person’s life. Although everyone has the potential to become a success, not everyone has the necessary means or opportunities.
“I began to ask myself, what if there was an after school program in place that could help Toronto’s high risk youth with their studies by using the same quality tutors that wealthy people would pay for, to volunteer their time, keeping them engaged in academics, while at the same time providing them with financial assistance for their hard work…” So Sheyla developed, The Ace Project which does exactly that and is under the umbrella of her company Ace One Tutors which launched officially after winning a 2011 nation-wide competition for female entrepreneurs called, “Start Something with Alesse”. While pursing her goals towards medicine, Sheyla keeps herself busy with tutoring and The Ace Project.
“I believe it all comes down to not only the choices that people make, but most importantly the opportunities that are presented to them.” Thanks to her initiative and innovative idea, more children will have a leg up on that ladder to the top with an ace up their sleeve.
For more info e-mail Ace One Tutors at: info@aceonetutors.com
Posted by Samira Zia Rehman
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Muttonhead presents “Good Sport, Eh”, their Spring/Summer 2013 Collection “strongly influenced by the 1970′s sporting culture and style.” This season the collection is made up of 10z denim, corduroy, coated linen, cotton twill, french terry and recycled hemp with classic sportswear cuts and modern shapes. Check out their look-book which is partially composed of a series of vintage style baseball cards.
For more info: muttonheadcollective.com
Posted by Jessica Franklin
Previously: Muttonhead – “Great Exploration” Collection
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Toronto punkers Metz are still flying high on the success of their self-titled debut album. They recently dropped a new music video for “Wasted,” directed by Scott Cudmore. Metz appear in the video along with a bunch of other Toronto bands, including members of Holy Fuck, Fucked Up, Prince Innocence, The Soup Cans, and more.
For more info: metzztem.com
Posted by Simone Zucker
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Toronto-based Outclass just released their Spring/Summer Collection for 2013. The collection includes camo denim shorts, pants and bag, a series of chambray button ups along with an updated teal leather belt and indigo dyed scarf.
Available Online: shop.outclass.ca
Photography by Matthew Furtado
Previously: Outclass – Autumn/Winter 2012
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If you take a peep into the fashion scene in Toronto, you are bound to catch a glimpse of Spiro Mandylor. He is the Torontonian behind itsallstyletome.com, which is an informative online magazine with blurbs on various fashion shows and events nationally & internationally. Career-wise, Spiro didn’t start out in fashion. After moving back to Toronto from England, he was perpelled into it by using his love for the art among a lengthy resume of skills (including photography, writing, marketing, etc) to create his website. Check out our Q&A below.
1. How would you define your job description and is it everything that you had imagined you would have been doing? If not, how did it change along the way?
I was working as an international marketing manager for a medical device company, living and working in London, England. I returned to Toronto in 2008 because I didn’t want to be relocated to Holland. I thought that I could find similar work here, but I was wrong. Toronto is a major hub for finance, telecommunications and automotive – but not much in medical, so finding work in my field was proving impossible. I worked a few project management consulting contracts with the Canadian government between 2008-2010 and honestly hated it every minute of it. When I saw the abuse of power and how nothing got done, I wanted out. The politics were stifling. Trying to figure out what to do next, I always had an obsession with fashion and decided to pursue it by blogging about men’s fashion in particular. It was a great way to blend my IT, marketing, branding, writing, and photography skills into one project and learn more about the industry.
2. Describe a typical work day (Duties, responsibilities, demands) and what is your favorite part of your days/least favorite part of your day?
Each day is different and naturally when it’s fashion week the insanity is around the clock. I usually filter through 40-80 emails/day and various news feeds to see what’s happening or what is coming up. I then fill my schedule with upcoming events. I write at least one post/day, sometimes more and always try to take the weekends off. I spend a lot of time on social media tools such as FB, Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Some of my day (not enough of it) is spent on business development like trying to get advertisers on board or working on special paid social media activation projects. The best part of any day is covering fashion shows and events. The worst part of my day has to be dealing with all of the junk mail and people looking for free promotion.
3. Would you say that living in Toronto influenced your career choice, if so how did/does it do so?
Well given my answer to question #1, you could say that in a round about way it pushed me in that direction. I wouldn’t use the word influenced though.
4. How do you feel about fashion in Toronto and how does it compare to other fashion cities of the world?
There is an amazing fashionable ‘subculture’ here and as far as North America goes, this has to be one of the more fashionable cities. It’s nowhere near London, New York, Milan, or Paris though. Now if you’re talking fashion industry, that’s a different story. Toronto and Canada for that matter have incredible talent in all sectors of the fashion industry. We have the best models in the world as far as I’m concerned. We also have some of the best designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion stylists, photographers, journalists, etc. The problem is that both our government and our people aren’t very supportive of the industry. Most Torontonians can’t name a single Canadian designer let alone buy Canadian fashion. The system has no money. Everyone except Joe Fresh seems to be working for free.
5. What are your plans for the future in regards to your career in the city?
Honestly, my plan is to get out. It’s been a fun 5 years in Toronto and I’ve enjoyed working in the local fashion industry. I know that my future and success is firmly capped here in Toronto. If I want to grow and take this to the next level, then I need to make a move. London, New York, Milan, or Paris is where fashion lives. That’s where all the big fashion houses, retailers, and media outlets are and hence – the opportunities. Todd Lynn knows it, Jean-Pierre Braganza knows it, Dean and Dan Caten (DSquared2) know it, Joe Zee knows it… and the list goes on. Fingers crossed.
Photo by Jeffrey Chan
Posted by Jessica Franklin
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Yesterday, Grounders released their debut EP Wreck Of A Smile via Nevado Records. Watch their colourful new music video for “Grand Prize Drawl,” which features footage from BBC Life series, edited by Grounders’ multi-instrumentalist Dan Busheikin.
Previously: Grounders – “Wreck Of A Smile” EP
Posted by Simone Zucker
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Toronto Fashion Week is almost upon us! Some of the best designers in Canadian fashion will be showcasing their Fall 2013 collections at David Pecaut Square. So it’s only fitting that we countdown the Top 5 most anticipated fashion shows in Toronto this Spring.
#5: Arthur Mendoça
Acclaimed nationally and internationally, Toronto-based Arthur Mendoça always creates classic ready-to-wear garments with a twist. He has presented his collections in London, Montreal and Sao Paulo just to name a few and always exudes the perfect amount of tradition and modernism.
arthurmendonca.ca
#4: Caitlin Power
Toronto fashionista Caitlin Power is known for her sophisticated silhouettes and impeccable tailoring. There is always a youthful edge about her collections and we can’t wait to see it!
caitlinpower.com
#3: Line Knitwear
Line Knitwear is arguably one of the most wearable lines in and from the city. Most, if not all of their pieces could slide into any wardrobe making them undoubtedly a staple.
lineknitwear.com
#2: Chloe Comme Parris
The only debacle there is when combing through a Chloe Comme Parris collection is wether to focus on the clothing or the accessories. With one part of the design duo specializing in accessories and the other in RTW clothing this powerhouse came in close second.
chloecommeparris.com
#1: Pavoni
Who doesn’t like to see deliciously well-made gowns coming down the runway? Pavoni at #1 is pretty self-explanatory… but just in case it isn’t, please see the above photo of Halle Berry in the black cocktail dress.
pavonicollection.com
See you on the runway!
Posted by Jessica Franklin
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The Gladstone Hotel holds the longest running weekly life drawing class in Toronto. And for $10 for 2 hours, it’s quite the steal. A hotel is not your typical setting for a life drawing class, but when has the Gladstone Hotel ever been known to do something typical? (case in point: Come Up To My Room, their incredibly successful contemporary art event that happens every year) With jazz flowing through the speakers and an open invitation to enjoy a pint of beer from the hotel bar, the Gladstone Hotel’s life drawing class provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere open to all participants regardless of previous experience.
For more info: gladstonehotel.com
Posted by Tahnee Pantig
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City and Colour (Dallas Green) just released “Of Space And Time” off his new album which is due out this summer.
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The 2013 City Life Film Project is now looking for new applicants. They are looking for storytellers, writers, fresh new voices, film lovers and anyone who has something to say to the world. The program starts in May and runs 2 evenings a week to work around your schedule. They focus on scriptwriting and visual storytelling, with 3 filmmakers chosen to win $30,000 to make their first short film and premiere at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
APPLY NOW
(Deadline is April 1, 2013)
For more info: citylifefilmproject.com
Toronto-based Freedom Or Death just released a new song entitled “Burn”. Listen below!
For more info: freedomordeathmusic.com
Previously: Freedom Or Death – “Inside” (Video)
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