Event | Dean Brody Performs At FOSSIL Canada
Having the opportunity to score a preview to FOSSIL’s new watch collections AND watch Canadian country singer, Dean Brody at a single venue was like killing 2 birds with one stone. I’ve been meaning to venture out to the FOSSIL Canada showroom (whom also distribute the watches from Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Burberry and more) and check Dean out for a while so when the chance to see Dean preform an acoustic set of chart topping hits I was over the moon!
Tightly huddled together, guests heard Dean belt out songs from his latest album, Dirt like his #1 Country hit Canadian Girls (which is the first Canadian song to hit #1 at Country radio since February 2008!) It was awesome because Dean hung out with guests and naturally, I snuck my way for a photo op!
I love country now, it was never on my play list and some have crawled their way onto my phone! Buy Dean’s album here, I recommend it!
Photos: Barry Roden
Interview | Fashionights Hangs Out With Hanson
You’ve heard of them before, you may have been following them since the band formed back in the early 90s or perhaps fell off their musical boat, but the eclectic pop-rock brother band, Hanson are alive and well - and with their latest album, Shout It Out, the brothers promise to dish out some classic rock ‘n’ roll beats.
The trio of Oklahoma blondes took over the radio in the early to mid 90s with their grudge style that was prevalent in pop cultural thanks to Nirvana and that fateful show where Marc Jacobs showed an entire dishevelled collection of unwashwashed hair, disproportionate separates and a whole lot of plaid! Fast forward nearly 20 years, thankfully fashion and the boys have evolved and we’re welcoming the refreshing change, both aesthetically and musically!
The Grammy nominated trio, announced the Canadian release of their fifth studio album, Shout It Out, back on April 3, 2012 (3CG Records/604 Records/Universal Music Canada). Released in Canada as a dual CD and live DVD package, the album will include 12 original tracks along with HANSON’s Best of 5 DVD set which features live performances of the band’s most iconic songs from their five album catalogue. Shout It Out, is proof that Hanson are here to stay, drawing on the classic sounds of R&B, soul and blues albums they listened to growing up, Shout it Out is a collection of hook-heavy, brass-indebted rock songs that’ll have you putting songs on repeat.
The boys’ style choices vary and are as colourful as their personalities. Isacc, the eldest finds comfort in tailored suiting and formal aesthetic. “I’m a fairly emotional person and the lack of stress and the structure of clothing is helpful, because I’ve always been one of those people that gets stressed out by the process of getting dressed. And I’ve realized I can simplify things that all I have to do is pick a tie for an outfit!” He’s also found a new love for shoes, a man that appreciates shoes is a winner in my books!
Zac who says he doesn’t really have much of an interest in style and fashion, but probably has not realized his relaxed and easy pant pairings with cotton shirts and layered jackets - the guy oozes that easy rock ‘n’ roll feel! Zac goes on to say, “it’s having that great leather jacket that you wear for a decade and looks better. Every. Time.” Rugged, rustic and relaxed!!
Probably the most fashion conscious of the three, Taylor isn’t bashful in admitting that he’ll accessorize the crap out of an outfit. Whether it’s incorporating scarves, jewellery a hat or a combination of the three, Taylor’s belief: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! “To me, it’s the thing that keeps it all together, the balance that pulls it all together, the swagger. I mean it’s one thing to put on a shirt, put on a jacket, and it’s another thing to put it all together.” A man after my own heart! You all know how I can live without my accessories!
From what I’ve been told, Madonna hand picked, the world’s top male model, Sean O’Pry, Canadian, Simon Nessman, Jon Kortajarena, Rob Evans and Brad Alphonso for her latest video for Girl Gone Wild.
Madonna’s recent ties to the fashion industry (Givenchy wardrobe from Super Bowl, Tom Ford dresses her) is yet another one of her reinventions, and a good one at that. Everyone is paying attention to high fashion and getting the industry’s biggest photographers (Mert & Marcus) to director your video, alongside top models, you’re in!! The homoerotic video marks Mert & Marcus’ first high profile music video!
Video Source: Mert & Marcus
Julio Reyes
Liv Tyler for Givenchy?! YES, please! The stunning rock royalty child celebrates the launch of Very Irrésistible Givenchy Electric Rose, with a sick cover! Liv Tyler reinterprets, Need You Tonight, by INXS in this sultry and seductive video! God, she’s so stunning!
The hit single Need You Tonight was shot by Johan Renck. I’ll have the fragrance campaign photos coming up too!
Video Source: Givenchy
Event | Howie D. Album Launch Party For ‘Back To Me’
Cue shrieks, now! Many of you have been Tweeting and commenting on how jealous you were that I was hanging out and had the opportunity to interview Howie Dorough of Backstreet Boys (coming soon), and here’s a little sustenance while I get the interview out.
That same day (and day before official album release) Howie celebrated with media, friends and other guests his launch of his debut album Back To Me!
Held at Liberty Studios in Toronto’s Liberty Village, the launch also featured a gifting lounge from brands such as Killigrew Fashion (I’ll feature them come the new year), RW & Co. and Lug whom gifted all the guests some wonderful product and merchandise! Thanks for all the awesome swag guys!
After this week’s Howie D. buzz and my interview, which is coming up soon with pictures, I’m going to keep your interest with this behind-the-scenes short of the making of the Lie To Me music video, staring Neverest! And hey, it’s an exclusive to Canada! Haha, we love you Howie!!
During Monday’s CD listening/release party, Howie debuted the finished product of the video, and it was amazing! The return of real pop music!! You know what I’m talking about, those catchy ballads, the chorus that replays in your head over and over.
Video Source: Howie D.
TIFF | Diesel & ONEXONE Present: Lupe Fiasco, Kardinal Offishall + more
This was it! A concert during TIFF that had the public, celebs and myself jumping around like monkeys!! Diesel & ONEXONE presented a sick concert that consisted the talents of Lupe Fiasco, Kardinal Offishall, Melanie Fiona, Jully Black and more.
Thanks to my friends at Diesel here in Canada, I was invited to join the likes of Stereos, band member, Daniel (who has become a regular on Fashionights), local Toronto personalities and employees of Diesel from around Canada, to the VIP Diesel Lounge. Strategically placed, in front of the stage, at a perfect distant that we overlook the crowd, it was as if we had front row seats! Except with an open bar, jelly beans and 5-Star hors d’oeuvres.
I got to meet some new friends! LOVE Fashion Friends! So hoping that Ben, who works at Diesel Flagship store in Toronto would be there (because he said he would be), but ended up being a no show, boo! Nonetheless, had a B.L.A.S.T. and regret nothing.
I totally thought that Kardinal was a major bust, but I get why people like him. Ok, there I said it; he definitely gets an entire room moving!
SKYY Vodka models walking around the Diesel Lounge.
TIFF | IT Lounge At The NKPR Office
The Toronto International Film Festival draws celebrities, influencers, revenue, a whole lot of fun, stress and joy for an astounding 11 days (although for some, longer).
I’ve been quite the busy bee the past few days, what with covering lounges, galas, premieres and the like, remember earlier I blogged about The Swarovski Suite featuring the Wings of Fantasy F/W 2011 Catwalk Collection?
NKPR’s popular gifting suite, the IT Lounge, kick off with a renewed focus on the global and local reach of its initiatives and charitable campaigns. This year’s IT Lounge, held from September 8 to 14, connects diverse brands such as Canada’s RW&CO. and Italy’s Coccinelle to raise funds and awareness not only for international charity partner Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), but locally for Camp Oochigeas, where children with cancer rediscover the magic of childhood.
IT Lounge doesn’t overlook those who need support close to home, with participating brands also donating to local charity Camp Oochigeas – a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer with a unique opportunity for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.
Though Natasha Koifman, president and founder of NKPR Inc., is quick to admit the film festival is her favourite time of year, it’s not just because of red carpet calls and gala events.
“Working with our partners to raise funds and awareness for a number of different causes gives us a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and their families on both a global and local scale.”
IT Lounge media centre, this year created by interior designer Karen Sealy, owner of Sealy Design Inc. Make sure to click the link to see all the fun, products and photos from the IT Lounge.
MMVA | The Field Music Video Party 2011
Whenever the MMVAs roll into the city, it’s an atmosphere that all tweens and teens live for, seeing their favourite Canadian or International artist(s) is their living dream! But I’ve long outgrown the childish allure that the MMVA once had and I look forward to hanging out with other media friends, producers and publicists at the after parties and gifting lounges that happen before and during the MMVAs.
This year I managed to end up going to a few, this one dubbed The Field Music Video Party (now in it’s 9th year) celebrated in music insiders, fashion elite, and of course artists and celebrities. Gifting lounges are fun because you’re exposed to products and services that, for the most part you’re not aware of. This year participants included The Body Shop, Salon Daniel, TOMS Shoes, Magnum Ice cream, Foxy Jeans, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Nars Cosmetics, SOOS Rocks Jewellery amongst many others!
Montreal, super-fashion blogger, Robyn Chalmers (wearing Denis Gagnon S/S 2011) & Serge Kerbel, Creative and Fashion Director for Argyle Magazine & Women Of Influence.
See more pictures after the jump!
Those of you anxiously waiting Lady Gaga’s Born This Way album release tomorrow can gush over this pre-release of Scheiße.
A video mash-up of Nicola Formichetti’s MUGLER - Anatomy of Change A/W 2011/12
Gareth Pugh/Ruth Hogben S/S 2011, Pitti 2011 and Joie de Vivre A/W 2010.
Interview | Brandon Pacheco
My initial thought when I met 13-year-old, Brandon Pacheco was, “this kid is too cute to take serious.” This was laid to rest, early.
Don’t let his height and wide-eyed demeanor fool you, Brandon Pacheco has talent, personality & spunk that’ll have you asking for more. And if his over 100K viewed videos on YouTube don’t sell you, his anticipated debut CD, Broke Up, will have you sign, sealed and delivered! The album which was co-produced & co-written by Rob Wells, who has worked with the likes of Mika, Backstreet Boys, Cyndi Lauper and Justin Bieber has hit written all over it!
While we’re on the Bieber topic, a lot of people and media are calling him the next Justin Bieber, and I really don’t want that falling on the boy, because really - asides the whole YouTube thing - they’re different and have a different outreach from one another. Pacheco has such a vibrant and dynamic voice!
I sat down with Brandon and his crew at Groovy, a Queen West hotspot for the latest and greatest in street-chic kicks and apparel. Since Brandon is all about high tops, we chatted amongst the PF Flyers and Chucks!
I asked him how it felt with all this buzz and if it’s nerve-racking following his win at the Hamilton Junior Idol Competition in 2010 and a Canadian National Anthem performance, “Interesting, it was just like, in order for me to get there, I had to win first place in the competition. I guess during the competition I was kind of nervous but afterwards I was like ‘Ahh, so much more experience.’” Clearly, practice makes perfect and alleviates things!
The rampant comparisons with Justin Bieber will only grow with continued success and I asked Brandon what he thought about these comments and if Bieber is an influence for him and his initial reactions from the success of Youtube.
“I saw Justin Bieber’s With You video, and I was like ‘Oh, I can do that,’ and then a couple months later I got a web-cam and started making videos - so I look up to him in that way.”
“It was amazing, I didn’t expect to get that many views, but now I have four, five songs out and it’s amazing… I want to keep making videos and keep making people, I guess send messages through music, just telling them that anything is possible. Two years ago, I didn’t expect this to happen, I was just a little kid in my living room recording covers of famous people songs and so I didn’t expect to like have MY OWN songs, being produced, having a music video, being on Much Music or being in an interview like this.”
Aw, I’m flattered, but look at yourself Brandon, you’re on the right track to being that famous person! You’re certainly on the right track.
Brandon’s debut single Broke Up hit radio stations earlier this week and his video is now live on YouTube. And while you’re at it his EP by the same title, is now available on iTunes so get yours now!
I caught up with his publicist a couple days ago and she told me how Brandon told her how he thought I was so cool, but honestly, this kid has the cool factor cranked up on high - keep your eyes and ears open for this little fire-cracker he’s destined for big things! You, watch!
Music | Seventh Rain Styling Trip At Greg May Hair Architects
Calgary pop-rock band, Seventh Rain popped into Toronto during Canadian Music week and I joined them while they stopped in at Greg May Hair Architects.
The band were in town to preform during Canadian Music Week and I was delighted to follow along for the day!
The band consists of Ryan Williams as lead vocals, Rich MacFarlane on the guitar, Luke Sheppard on bass and John Byskal on drums. The boys are such laid-back guys that love to joke around, myself, the band, Greg and his team all had a blast!
Formed seven years ago in Calgary, the band began their journey with strong support from Calgary based radio stations which saw their last album Byda spawn four singles including the top 20 radio debut of one of their singles on the Vibe 98.5’s top 30 list. “With sing-along melodies and catchy guitar riffs, we really feel proud of this album! We are thrilled to have some new music for our fans and show them we are definitely ready for the next exciting stage in our career!” exclaims lead vocalist Ryan Williams.
Left to right: Rich, Greg May, Ryan, Mike Baronowski of Greg May Hair Architects, John and Luke.
Seventh Rain’s third album The Ghost in Me is available now to listen and a word to the wise friends, visit Greg May Hair Architects soon because Grey is absolutely brilliant.
