Organization

Working at Knot PR (and the world of PR) requires the use of labels, tags and filters to tame the mass amount of contacts, emails and appointments that flood our computers on a daily basis. Without said life saving Google Apps, operating at the efficiency and precision Knot PR does would be impossible. Nothing slips through the cracks. Similarly, a gentleman would never be late for a date, forget to send a thank you or follow up, or neglect to save that special phone number properly.

• Intern Tip: Whatever your platform of choice (I recommend Google – Calendar, Mail, Docs) sync everything together and share with others, connecting the dots in the digital world will have serious rewards in real life.

Aesthetics

From the layout of a press release to a perfectly pressed shirt, both PR pros and gentlemen alike know the importance of aesthetics. Who can forget the iconic business card scene in American Psycho? Attention to the little things – from properly hemmed pants to a clean desk – demonstrates a detail oriented mindset crucial for the PR world. Appearance doesn’t replace substance, rather complements quality work and sets one apart from the crowd of men, or sea of press releases in tastemakers’ inboxes.

• Intern Tip: The age-old proverb of dressing for the job you want, not the job you have, is ever-relevant today. And always air on the side of simplicity (for both digital and personal styling) – it is safe, easy to digest, and keeps the real focus on substance.

Being in the Know

Conversation is key, and a true gentleman is educated and up to date with current events. PR is all about being in the know, a successful PR guru always knows what’s happened, what’s now, and what’s next. You’ll not only impress both clients and media, but also put yourself in a position to make educated and informed decisions.You’ll never know what article in the back of this morning’s arts section could be your next deal-making conversation piece at tonight’s dinner party.

• Intern Tip: We are all guilty of social media indulgence, but try to devote your daily time spent on Facebook toward ingesting interesting quality and relevant information – not what high-school acquaintance lost twenty pounds, or which old co-worker just got back from vacation. Utilize RSS feeds to never miss a post on your favourite blogs/websites. Toronto Life is one of many great resources for city news both hard and soft, and Twisted Sifter is a beautiful hodgepodge of travel, art, architecture, history and science news. Unfollow old acquaintances and silly meme Twitter accounts and start following well-read journalists and newsbreakers, like @ShinanGovani and @RandiBergman, for great article links and a dose of humour.

As I put my newfound skills and knowledge to the test during my next few months at Knot, I hope I will come out of it not only a PR pro, but a dandy gentleman as well.

And learn I have! After only a week I’ve learned to use new programs (Hello Gmail!), all about our clients and the way things are done at Knot PR. However, one thing threw me for a loop. This PR fantasy of mine came with some numbers. Before freaking out (I didn’t even bring my calculator?!) I figured out that this had nothing to do with math. Here is a numerical breakdown of my first intern week and some tips and tricks I’ve learned (mostly the hard way).

• 0 – Amount of PR experience I have. (Watching the reality TV show Kell on Earth does not count!)

  Intern Tip: It’s okay! Even PR Pros have to start somewhere.

• 3 - Number of full-on “lost girl” circle turns I did on my way from Union Station to the Knot PR offices on my first day to work. (Note: It is right around the corner… Took me 35 minutes #embarrassing)

Intern Tip: Map out your trip before you go. There are great apps for living and working in Toronto.

• 4 - Number of days I have already been to St. Lawrence Market for Sushi.

Intern Tip: One of the perks of Knot PR – the location. Explore the market and The Esplanade.

• 5 - Number of outfits I tried on before my first day.

Intern Tip: Scope out working girl blogs and magazine spreads to inspire a look.

• 7 - Number of different projects I have found myself simultaneously working on in one day.

Intern Tip: Make a To-Do List and create deadlines for yourself. It’s fun to check off something when you’r done (It IS fun, I promise!)

• 17 - Number of computer programs used and to be learned.

Intern Tip: Don’t get flustered (I did), it’s all A LOT easier than it looks. Be patient! Other interns will help you (Thanks, JLC).

• 11 - Number of coloured sticky notes I had on my computer and desk by the end of my first day.

Intern Tip: Sticky notes = love. Use them and abuse them.

• 24 - Number of Gmail Tags I now have.

Intern Tip: Three words: Colour-Code, Abbreviate, Archive!

• 126 - Number of day’s I have left in the Knot PR office and I can already predict will whiz by.

Intern Tip: Sitting from 9-5 can be tough. Take walks!

• A LOT - Of things I still have to learn. The learning curve is steep (Sink or Swim!). I’m definitely doggy paddling through my first week but there will be no floating around here. PR is an ongoing marathon of learning, not a sprint.

Intern Tip: You never know everything! Listen up and pay attention to others tips and mistakes.

• BONUS: At Least 8 - Number of pastries I’m going to HAVE to try at Nadège (good Interns are never done working right?)

Trying to decide what to write for my final blog was not easy. I don’t know how to express my feelings about Knot PR and my time here. It’s hard to pinpoint a favourite moment as there were so many (anything with macarons does come to mind though). So I have decided to provide some tips to the new generation of KPR interns.

Research – Do your due diligence. There is a good possibility you can find all you are looking for on the wiki, past examples and, of course, Google. Everything you need to complete a task is at your fingertips. That being said,

Understand – It is important to understand the reason things are done the way they are at Knot. If you are able to understand why certain procedures are put in place – you’re on your way to success. Also, read and listen to instructions for projects carefully. If something is not clear don’t be nervous to ask questions for clarification. There’s nothing worse than completing a project and finding out you did it wrong (And, yes, this has happened to me).

Notes & Notebook – I cannot stress this enough, get a notebook and use it constantly. Make the notebook an extension of you, you should always be writing things down and keeping yourself organized. I had my notebook with me so much that one time when TVR called me into her office I asked if I should bring my notebook and her response was “Are you ever without it?”

That’s my simple, easy to follow “Survival Guide” for new interns. Follow them and follow them well and I am sure you will be just fine. Good luck to you all.

JLC out!

Who knew that learning how to make the perfect foam to blending Frappucinos could be so relatable to public relations. Lessons from both these jobs are surprisingly interchangeable between each other.

• Learning the lingo
  I never thought that learning all the drink codes and acronyms for Starbucks drinks would prepare me for learning all the internal acronyms at Knot.

• Being tech-savvy
  I thought the till system at Starbucks was complex, where there is literally a button for every food item, drink, syrup, type of milk and extra addition that exists on the menu. Then I came to Knot and learned about an entire new dictionary of apps, programs and websites to add to my technological repertoire.

• Work atmosphere
  Both Knot and Starbucks are very organized and systematic work environments, but Starbucks is loud and busy, with customers chattering, calling drink orders, coffee grinding and the milk steamer screeching. At Knot, it’s calm and relaxed and no one reeks of coffee and steamed milk.

Key things I’ve taken away so far:

Time Matters
There have been challenges of working both jobs at the same time, the key challenge being time management. After starting at Knot and Starbucks, I’ve learned that there is no room for procrastination and time is of the essence. There is no time to lose when serving a customer or client; every minute counts and there’s no such thing as “I’ll do it later”. Knowing how many seconds it takes to pull a shot of espresso and to steam your milk to helping senior staff with an urgent request is all about being timely and efficient.

Being Remarkable
You just can’t let the ball drop when you’re working in a team and communication is key. Public relations is in the business of communicating. As an intern, it’s important to be keeping the senior staff regularly updated on projects and deadlines. At Starbucks, the customer communicates what they want to the person on till, who then communicates the order to the person on bar. Communication is essential in both my jobs, whether it’s yelling a drink order across the bar to a fellow barista or briefing senior staff on an assigned task.

Getting on the grind
With PR being the second most caffeinated profession, being both a coffee connoisseur and PR intern feels natural. From getting to know the barista basics to the Knot PR website, I’m delighted to be working as both a barista and intern. I’m always looking for new experiences and I’m anticipating a summer full of learning, growing and new adventures.

Note: One major difference I’ve noticed and appreciated: at Starbucks, I’m constantly on my feet, running around making drinks. At Knot, I get to sit at my desk and drink Starbucks.

This year’s awards will be honouring:

• Michael Maclear – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Galit Rodan – Photojournalism Award Winner
• New York Times – Honoured by Ken Taylor

For information on the awards, please visit Media Room.
For ticket and table information, visit 2013 CJF Awards.

The week-long program will run from June 14th to 21st with talks scheduled from 6:00PM to 7:15PM nightly. Discussions will focus on a diverse range of topics, including: a discussion on how individuals live together and collaborate in cities, a tribute to composers Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, a dialogue on Marina Abramovic’s fascination with the mutual gaze, a talk with dance theatre creator Mark Morris, a gala reading by some of North America’s most celebrated authors, and a lively discussion on how artists and scientists make creative leaps in their work. Admission to Evening Illuminations is $20 per night, with the exception of A Gala Reading on Thursday, June 20th (being held at Toronto Reference Library) which is free to the public.

“Every weeknight during the Luminato Festival, Evening Illuminations will offer a whole other side of the Festival to all attendees,” said Jorn Weisbrodt, Artistic Director, Luminato Festival. “Featuring some of the world’s most engaging speakers and thinkers, these six-o’clock talks will feature such encounters as Mark Morris in conversation with Gerard Mortier, the general director of Madrid’s Teatro Real. Richard Sennett, the renowned sociologist and thinker, will discuss how the modern city acts as a stage for social renewal and cultural ideas. We’ll celebrate the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s and Wagner’s birthdays, and much more, including appearances from Vincent Lam, Rufus Wainwright, neurobiologist Dr. Suzanne Dikker, Alan Lightman, and other illustrious guests.”

WATCH Jorn Weisbrodt discuss Luminato Festival’s exciting 2013 program at this morning’s Media Announcement: http://youtu.be/dPYQA-tt42E

Friday, June 14

The City as a Stage
The city is the theatre of our culture. The City as a Stage is a conversation about how we live together and collaborate in cities, and how public space defines our daily social interactions. What can cities do to create a harmonious and inspiring co-existence among its citizens? Joining Richard Sennett, Centennial Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, in conversation is Toronto’s Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, and Bob Rennie, Vancouver’s “condo king.” Presented in collaboration with CityAge, with support from the British Council.

Monday, June 17

Verdi vs. Wagner: A Love Story?
A clash of the titans! Luminato Festival celebrates the 200th birthdays of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. This event brings together acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright, who’s full opera Prima Dona appeared at the Luminato Festival in 2010, General Director of Teatro Real Madrid Gerard Mortier, and other guests to compare and contrast the work and legacies of these two beloved composers.

Tuesday, June 18

The Power of Mutual Gaze
According to Marina Abramovic, on average, people only look into each other’s eyes for a maximum of eight seconds— only lovers and people who are about to kill each other lock eyes for longer. Drawing on Abramovic’s interest in the prolonged mutual gaze, as explored in Marina.Abramovic.Insitute-Prototype, this discussion brings together facilitator and author Misha Glouberman, neuroscientist Suzanne Dikker from the Sackler Institute, and experimental videographer Amie Siegel.

Wednesday, June 19

A Conversation with Mark Morris
Mark Morris is one of the most important creators of dance theatre in the world. The Mark Morris Dance Group will present his masterpiece, L’ALLEGRO, IL PENSEROSO ED IL MODERATO at the Luminato Festival, as well as L’ALLEGRO MOVEMENT PROJECT, in conjunction with Toronto’s Dancing with Parkinson’s. Morris will discuss these projects and more live onstage.

Thursday, June 20

A Gala Reading
Join host Michael Redhill along with Claire Messud and three of Canada’s best-loved authors, Lisa Moore, Sheila Heti and Miranda Hill, for A Gala Reading, Luminato Festival-style, in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library. This free evening discussion will be a fine warm-up for the Festival’s A Literary Picnic, being held on June 22 in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Friday, June 21

How Do Quantum Leaps of Creativity Occur?
How do artists and scientists make creative leaps in their work? How does something that did not exist before come into our consciousness? Join three trailblazers as they collide in a wide-ranging conversation: author and Giller-prize winner Vincent Lam, physicist and author Alan Lightman, and multi-faceted visual artist Michael Snow.

LUMINATO FESTIVAL 2013
Evening Illuminations
Friday, June 14, 2013 – Friday, June 21, 2013
6:00 PM-7:15 PM (no intermission)
June 14, 17, 18, 19, 21
TIFF Bell Lightbox Reitman Square
350 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6

All Tickets $20 (includes HST and facility fee; plus applicable service charges)

Purchase online at luminatofestival.com or by phone at 416-368-4TIX (4849)

June 20 – FREE
Toronto Reference Library
Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4W 2G8

The seventh annual Luminato Festival takes place from June 14–23, 2013. Tickets for all Luminato Festival 2013 programs will be available for sale beginning Saturday, April 20. For details, visit luminatofestival.com.

Twitter: @Luminato
Hashtags: #Luminato #LuminatoMoment
Facebook: Luminato Festival
Instagram: @LuminatoFestival

ABOUT THE LUMINATO FESTIVAL

Luminato Festival is the international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world. For ten days each June, the Luminato Festival transforms theatres, parks and public spaces across the city and creates a home for artists to come play, share and create. When the unexpected meets the transformative, that’s a Luminato moment.

Luminato Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support and vision of its Founding Luminaries, SuperNova donors, and Patron Circle Members. The Festival would not be possible without the support of our Partner in Creativity, L’Oréal Canada. Luminato also proudly acknowledges the support of its Founding Government Partner the Province of Ontario, as well as the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, and the Ontario Arts Council.

Luminato Partner in Creativity: L’Oréal Canada.

Luminato Presenting Partners: Kia Canada, TELUS, President’s Choice®, Manulife Financial, City of Toronto and Sun Life Financial.

Luminato Media Partners: Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and St. Joseph Communications.

List represents commitments as of of April 16, 2013.

Media Downloads:
luminatofestival.com/pages/press/media-assets

Media Contact
Melanie Filipp
416-532-9035
Twitter @MelanieFilipp
maf@knotpr.com

“This is our second Education and Outreach project that sits at the core of the festival program – and this year, we invite you to sit at the Kid’s Table,” said Jorn Weisbrodt, Artistic Director, Luminato festival. “We have invited a group of chefs to work with Toronto’s next generation, our children, to teach them how to cook and they will run the entire well-belove food component of Luminato Festival. It has been a huge pleasure to work with Darren O’Donnell from Mammalian Diving Reflex on this project whose humor alone, with his ever so gentle and slightly mischievous and sardonic sarcasm, has always intrigued me. Have you ever thought that your kids could feed you rather than you always having to make them dinner? We have proof that dinner they can cook is an absolutely delicious one.”

WATCH Jorn Weisbrodt discuss Luminato Festival’s exciting 2013 program at this morning’s Media Announcement: http://youtu.be/dPYQA-tt42E

The weeks-long collaboration will come to fruition opening weekend at the Kids’ Table, a communal eating space where children will interact with attendees, serve as chef ambassadors and share their new passion for food. Over 25 participating professional chefs will prepare delicious dishes (priced at five dollars) showcasing the city’s diverse cultures. Festival-goers may soon discover that kids engage in food in much the same way that adults do.

“I’m very excited to see the outcome of our close collaboration with Mammalian Diving Reflex and students from across the city of Toronto,” added Jessica Dargo Caplan, Director, Education and Community Outreach, Luminato Festival. “Torontonians will enjoy sitting at the Kids’ Table as the students share their culinary adventures with the Festival’s participating chefs, act as judges in our Food Lab Challenge, and engage the public in interesting and creative dialogue about the art of cooking.”

To supplement the chef mentorship and Kids’ Table, Luminato Festival will present Food Lab Challenge, a unique chef competition, with Joshna Maharaj acting as host. Children will use President’s Choice® PC® Blue Menu® and PC® Black Label Collection products for inclusion in head-to-head recipe battles, while acting as official judges of the competition.

Also new this year, the Luminato Lounge Feauring Food Truck Eats at the Hub. Up to six different food trucks will be stationed near the licensed lounge at the Hub on weekdays throughout the Festival, three trucks for lunch from 11:30AM to 2:30PM and another three for dinner from 4:30PM to late. The food trucks will showcase edible works of art from a variety of local chefs – a nice complement for audiences who want to catch a Lunchtime Illumination or other aspects of the Hub’s diverse programming.

LUMINATO FESTIVAL 2013
Future Tastes of Toronto: At the Kids’ Table
The Distillery Historic District, 9 Trinity Street
Saturday, June 15, Noon – 7PM
Sunday, June 16, Noon – 7PM
Free to attend
Each culinary delight is priced at $5

A project of Luminato Festival’s Education and Community Outreach program
Presented by President’s Choice©

The seventh annual Luminato Festival takes place from June 14–23, 2013. Tickets for all Luminato Festival 2013 programs will be available for sale beginning Saturday, April 20. For details, visit luminatofestival.com.

Twitter: @Luminato
Hashtags: #Luminato #LuminatoMoment
Facebook: Luminato Festival
Instagram: @LuminatoFestival

ABOUT THE LUMINATO FESTIVAL

Luminato Festival is the international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world. For ten days each June, the Luminato Festival transforms theatres, parks and public spaces across the city and creates a home for artists to come play, share and create. When the unexpected meets the transformative, that’s a Luminato moment.

Luminato Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support and vision of its Founding Luminaries, SuperNova donors, and Patron Circle Members. The Festival would not be possible without the support of our Partner in Creativity, L’Oréal Canada. Luminato also proudly acknowledges the support of its Founding Government Partner the Province of Ontario, as well as the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, and the Ontario Arts Council.

Luminato Partner in Creativity: L’Oréal Canada.

Luminato Presenting Partners: Kia Canada, TELUS, President’s Choice®, Manulife Financial, City of Toronto and Sun Life Financial.

Luminato Media Partners: Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and St. Joseph Communications.

List represents commitments as of of April 16, 2013.

Media Downloads:
luminatofestival.com/pages/press/media-assets

Media Contact
Melanie Filipp
416-532-9035
Twitter @MelanieFilipp
maf@knotpr.com

“We believe that building and promoting healthy and balanced lifestyles begins at a young age which is a view we share with our friends at Variety Village ” says Lorna Caldwell, Executive Vice-President of Cambridge Group of Clubs. “Working with their team is a natural extension of our Clubs’ ongoing charitable initiatives, which focuses on the philosophy that all children, in particular those with intellectual or physical disabilities and challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, deserve an active lifestyle. We’re excited to raise money for a worthwhile charity all while having an amazing time dancing and encouraging donors to get fit.”

The evening will feature Mobile Productions DJs, a menu from Stratus Restaurant Executive Chef, David Ross, highlighted by the comedic stylings of Carla Collins and various dance instructions and demonstrations from Bollywood to Hip Hop.

Variety Village: A Healthy Tomorrow for Everyone

Cambridge Group of Clubs and Variety Village partnership ensures that all kids grow up with a love of sport and healthy lifestyles. Established in 1981, Variety Village breaks down the barriers to accessible fitness through comprehensive, inclusive and adapted sports and fitness for individuals of all ages and abilities. The Variety Village philosophy goes beyond solely acting as a fitness facility and extends to being a place of community.

Cambridge Cares for Kids

The Cambridge Group of Clubs is a strong advocate of health promotion for children and youth. In addition to their work with Variety Village, they also work closely with a number of charitable causes including Urban Squash Toronto (UST). UST provides local underserved children with access to mentoring, athletic programming, and access to sport.

Dare 2 Dance by the Numbers

• Goal: $100,000
• Guests: 500
• Hours of Dancing: 9
• Number of people reached by Variety Village: 30,000
• Hours of Variety Village programming per year: 2 million
• Canadians between ages 6 and 16 that have a moderate level of daily exercise: 10%
• Size of Variety Village: 168,000 square feet

Event Details, Sponsorship and Tickets

For more information on how to register a team, make a donation, Variety Village or Dare 2 Dance, please visit Dare 2 Dance

About The Cambridge Group of Clubs

Established in 1973, The Cambridge Group of Clubs own and operate the Adelaide Club, Toronto Athletic Club, Cambridge Club and Club Sportif MAA, top-tier health wellness and sports clubs, and Cambridge @ Work, a service which develops tailored workplace wellness programs. The Cambridge Group of Clubs serve a clientele of elite business professionals and are dedicated to providing their members the ultimate club experience. The Clubs have adopted the highest standards of excellence in the areas of service, club staff, and fitness facilities. cambridgegroupofclubs.com

About Variety Village

By offering specialized programs and services, Variety Village creates a level playing field without intimidation or other obstacles. Variety encourages people of all abilities to reach their goals and feel comfortable participating in activities alongside their peers. Variety Village has long set the benchmark for excellence in integrated recreational programming and inclusive activities and has been training individuals, school groups, corporations and community groups across Ontario for over 30 years. varietyvillage.ca

Media Contact
Halysha Maloni
416-532-9035
Twitter @halysha
hkm@knotpr.com

“Bluenotes’ goal is to bring attention to today’s youth about social and charitable issues through fashion,” says Royal Nasager, Director of Marketing at Bluenotes. “We want to foster tomorrow’s concerned, caring and informed citizens. Our work with National Denim Day is a natural fit.”

Expanding on last year’s contribution, Bluenotes will be donating $1 for every denim purchase, including all mens and womens blue, fashion and coloured denim, sold nationwide, both online and in store, for the week of National Denim Day.

Feel Good Fashion

Founded in 1996, the CURE Foundation has raised nearly $25 million since it’s inception, with National Denim Day as it’s largest initiative. In 2012, the organization raised nearly $1.7 million. Money raised are used for the purchase of equipment, and the funding of research, education and awareness across Canada.

Canada’s Denim Darlings: Bluenotes

Bluenotes has grown to be a trusted household name for Canadian denim and fashion – tailored to be affordable and trendy for today’s youth. Expanding their product offerings for SS13, Bluenotes carries jean shorts, coloured, printed and patterned denim and jeggings.

Bluenotes jeans retail from $20.00 to $39.50 (CDN) and are available at all 120 Bluenotes locations across Canada and at bluenotes.ca throughout North America.

About Bluenotes

Since its establishment in 1984, Bluenotes remains one of Canada’s leading denim retailers. Bluenotes currently operates 120 stores in Canada, including an online store, bluenotes.ca, which has successfully crossed over the border continuing to ship to a growing number customers in the US. Since 1997, Bluenotes has been a proud and major sponsor for Kids Help Phone, raising more than $1.5 million throughout its years of involvement. bluenotes.ca

For Interview or Sample Requests
Halysha Maloni
416-532-9035
Twitter @halysha
hkm@knotpr.com

To commemorate their one year anniversary, the shop launched a newly redesigned website (torisbakeshop.ca) featuring a revamped product list with images and ingredient lists, along with an FAQ page where customers can get answers to commonly asked Tori’s Bakeshop questions.

About Tori’s Bakeshop

Tori’s Bakeshop is Toronto’s first eat-in vegan bakery and café. Baker and Proprietor Tori Vaccher celebrates all things natural and organic at Tori’s Bakeshop, offering fresh baked (and raw) treats that radiate goodness. Tori’s delicious vegan and gluten-free goods are made with love in a chemical-free, preservative-free and refined sugar-free environment. Tori lives and bakes in The Beach. Follow Tori on twitter: @torisbakeshop or visit Torisbakeshop.com

“What I love about Viktor&Rolf’s dolls is that they work on so many levels,” says Jorn Weisbrodt, Artistic Director of Luminato. “They are absolutely stunning to look at and amaze everyone from four to 104 years old. The dolls cross the border between fashion and art, which fits well with my ideal of mixing the art forms, sophisticated to accessible. I have always admired the Viktor&Rolf approach to fashion that is conceptual and absolutely glamorous at the same time. It is a great honor and pleasure to work with Viktor&Rolf, and Studio Job, on a unique presentation of the catwalk for Toronto. The city will fall in love with these dolls.”

Luminato’s Big Bang Bash will be comprised of three components: a cocktail reception to exclusively premiere Dolls by Viktor&Rolf, followed by a seated dinner for attendees and a range of Festival artists. The night will culminate with a one-of-a-kind after-party, where patrons of the arts will celebrate Toronto’s seventh annual festival of arts and creativity.

Dolls by Viktor&Rolf
Viktor&Rolf are widely recognized and respected for their conceptual glamour and provocative creations. At their core, is the undying vision to create spectacular beauty and unexpected elegance, spanning their menswear and womenswear lines, lifestyle accessories and fragrances including FLOWERBOMB and SPICEBOMB.

Among the most notable presentation of Viktor&Rolf’s work was their 15th anniversary retrospective, The House of Viktor&Rolf, staged at the Barbican Art Gallery in London, England. Viktor&Rolf’s giant doll house accommodated miniature mannequins that were Victorian dolls dressed in hand-crafted, precisely scaled-down garments.

For the Dolls by Viktor&Rolf exhibition, Viktor&Rolf have proposed a new, unique catwalk platform, specifically crafted for the ROM’s Spirit House space. The scenography of the exhibition is designed in collaboration with the Dutch-Belgium Studio Job, founded in 2000 by Mr. & Mrs. Smeets, world famous for creating a new approach to contemporary design.

The exhibit will be open from Sunday, June 9, 2013 to Sunday, June 30, 2013 at the ROM’s Thorsell Spirit House. Enter via the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal entrance (Bloor Street West main entrance). Admission is free to the public and open during regular Museum hours – Saturday through Thursday 10:00am to 5:30pm; Friday 10:00am to 8:30pm.

ABOUT VIKTOR&ROLF

Viktor&Rolf are widely recognized and respected for their conceptual glamour and provocative creations. Viktor&Rolf have staged their signature collections at spectacular shows in Paris for over twenty years while their fashion label has grown worldwide. Grounded in Womenswear since their first couture collection in Spring/Summer 1998, Viktor&Rolf have a meticulous dedication to their craft always playing with scale and proportion. Their first Menswear show in Autumn/Winter 2003 marked their successful expansion into the Menswear arena with their sophisticated yet ironic Monsieur collections. Viktor&Rolf offer complimentary lifestyle products such as luxurious accessories, Viktor&Rolf Vision and a catalogue of fragrances including FLOWERBOMB and SPICEBOMB. At their core, is the undying vision to create spectacular beauty and unexpected elegance. Visit viktor-rolf.com

ABOUT LUMINATO

Luminato Festival is the international multi-arts festival for people open to having art change their outlook on the world. For ten days each June, the Luminato Festival transforms theatres, parks and public spaces across the city and creates a home for artists to come play, share and create. When the unexpected meets the transformative, that’s a Luminato moment. Luminato gratefully acknowledges the generous support and vision of its Founding Luminaries, SuperNova donors, and Patron Circle Members. The Festival would not be possible without the support of our Partner in Creativity, L’Oréal Canada. Luminato also proudly acknowledges the support of its Founding Government Partner the Province of Ontario, as well as the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, and the Ontario Arts Council. Visit luminato.com

ABOUT THE ROM

Opened in 1914, the ROM is Canada’s largest museum of natural history and world cultures with collections and galleries showcasing art, archaeology and natural science. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For 24-hour information in English and French, please call 416-586-8000 or visit the ROM’s web site at rom.on.ca

Luminato Partner in Creativity: L’Oréal Canada

Luminato Presenting Partners: Kia Canada, TELUS, President’s Choice®, Manulife Financial, City of Toronto and Sun Life Financial

Luminato Media Partners: Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and St. Joseph Communications

Luminato Preferred Hotel: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

List represents commitments as of March 18, 2013.
Media Contact
Melanie Filipp
416-532-9035
Twitter @MelanieFilipp
maf@knotpr.com

Media Downloads: luminato.box.com/s/rhwno0a9jdy9clqle12e
Password (case sensitive): Luminato2013

Big Bang Bash Contact: For more information on attending the Big Bang Bash, including table purchases and after-party tickets, please contact Martha Haldenby at mhaldenby@luminato.com or 416-368-3100 x 238.