It’s been a little while since we’ve had a stunning fresh face grace this blog - in waltzed an opportunity to interview the very lovely Rebecca Hardy. Amidst the bustlin flow of LG Fashion Week, Rebecca graciously took the time to meet with me at the ever so inconspicuous Starbucks on Queen West West (and West), slightly removed from the hectic style tent of LGFW.

Unlined notepad and no frills ballpoint pen in tow, I tip toed into the Starbucks curious as to whether or not I would be able to spot the top model within the cozy chain. All it really took was a meek wave from a blunt bang-ed beauty to realize we were on the same page.

Jokingly maneuvering her Canadiana flag umbrella aside and accepting a tiny decaf latte, we perched ourselves near a window to observe the bleary grey day and start the interview (fun fact - ’twas the same day that blogTO snapped me outside).

1. What have you been up to lately?

It’s been hectic - there’s a need to be here, there, and everywhere as a model. Since the show I’ve been in Milan, the UK, NYC, and home! I’ve done shows (just got a call to do one today but I’m all booked up), but I’ve been more involved in projects lately. I’ll be doing a show called Extreme Samurai by Hibibe - should be interesting because it’s being held at an Extreme Fitness location.

I’ve also been involved in doing local work, speaking to high school students about how I got started. It’s an interesting change because growing up if you asked my mother, she’d tell you I was the quietest kid on the block.

2. When you were first announced as Canada’s Next Top Model, you were portrayed as “Schneiders Meat Factory worker wins CNTM”. How did you feel about that headline?

I didn’t mind too much for a couple reasons - it was true and wasn’t a typical mall job, it spoke to what kind of person I was, and I got paid to exercise! You should’ve seen the big guns that I had when I was working there (chuckles). It wasn’t the most glamourous job though, basically I combined raw meats in blenders to create uhm…a couple other meat products. I enjoyed my time there, and everyone was really happy for me when it was finally announced that I had won.

3. How was it getting thrust into the fashion world - did you experience any culture shock?

Not too much culture shock - I think the show really helped prepare me for what was to come. I definitely think there are misconceptions about modeling (thinking we don’t eat, etc). It’s hard work - you have to keep healthy and exercise in order to keep up with the 14-15 hour work days, 3 hours of sleep, and wildly unpredictable schedule. It’s about making healthy choices and doing things like throwing sneakers into your luggage in the chance you get to go for a run, to loading up on veggies and avoiding junk.

People were surprisingly humble too - some people have the idea that the industry can be snotty and elitist. While that might be true, no one really wants to work with individuals who aren’t enjoyable to be around.

I also had a little practice with the travelling bit - I was in a serious soccer league when I was a kid (it was my life, and I wanted to do it professionally at one point!)

I always loved modelling in local shows and ads, submitting my demo tape was a last minute decision that I went for. Something clicked and it was right!

4. You were considered a little bit “older” when you got started, how do you feel that affected your experience?

I think it was perfect timing, I was glad to be done school and mature enough to handle so many things at once, I felt mentally and physically prepared for anything. There’s so much going on at once that it’s easier for me to be able to get a grip on everything. I can’t even pinpoint anything past next week in terms of scheduling, so it’s really helpful to be able to roll with the punches.

5. Are there any Canadian fashion figures that you’re in awe of?

Definitely Linda Evangelista. Jay Manuel is also someone that I have some incredible respect for - he has a sense of professionalism and creativity that’s unbelievable. You can see from season to season that the show (CNTM) is really taking off and going places. That and he hails from Toronto!

6. Speaking of Toronto, you’re currently living in the outskirts of the city. What’s your take on it?

The city is rich in culture - you walk down the street and you’ve got a diverse gathering of music and artists, to shops and food. I love that we’re able to help build an identity for the city, and for Canada as a whole.

7. Music and shops - what are your personal picks, and do you have any ’shame shops’?

My ipod goes with me everywhere, and I’ve got everything from metal to hiphop on it. Shopping can range from the local malls to I guess the “shame shops” like Value Village. You know, VV boutique has some good picks sometimes. I also really like H&M - they’ve got the trendy pieces down.

8. How would you describe your model walk?

(laughter) That’s a good one! I would say…a straightforward trot? At a pretty good pace I would say. Joan Heaton taught me how to walk - she’d make me do it, then tell me to do it over again and again until I got it spot on.

9. What’s up next for Rebecca Hardy?

I’d love to get into hosting and more into television! Right after this I’m actually doing a segment with Sarah Taylor from Much Music, for Much On Demand. I’m headed practically next door to check out a store and pick out some cool threads.

> Thank you Rebecca and Marsha for the opportunity!

For those looking for an easy way to glam up a dull winter wardrobe (ahem…points to self), look no further than Brave Beltworks new Metallic Candy Belts. These beauts, from their Fall/Holiday 2009 collection, are available in the shine-y and stud-ly variety – perfect for aspiring fashionistas and rockstars alike.

If belts aren’t your thing, Brave’s metallic studded leather cuffs are a great way to add some drama to your ensemble.

With belts starting at $49 and cuffs at $55, it’s worth the splurge. After all, there’s no better way to spice up your outfit than with a simple cinch at the waist or a sparkle of the wrist!

> Braveleather.com for more

After work tomorrow I’ll be headed back to Schulich to chat it up and bump into some familiar faces. Blog Thursday!

An intensely amazing track. Bliss to listen to. Sweetness for my ears. Call it what you will, Don Diablo delivers. I was looping this absurdly - 99 Fences, a track remixed and mastered by Don Diablo of Fences by Phoenix and 99 Problems from Jay-Z (how fitting that I post this after the Jay-Z concert that I had yearned to go to).

Don Diablo is a monster talent - he DJs, produces music, writes, sings, and hosts his own radio show. And directs music videos. Inspiring. Talented. A beast. The beauty of it is that he blends everything together and absolutely masters the styles. Oh, and may I mention that he’s from Amsterdam, and is smouldering? You’re welcome for sharing this one. He’s coming to Toronto and I’m looking for a partner in crime to attend his show.

More coming! Download the track here:

* Sorry guys, looks like the track was removed. Keep it tuned here to keep listening ;)

> Thanks Stephan!

LIZARES is an emerging men’s ready-to-wear line, under the creative direction of Brian Maristela. Maristela happens to be a keeper of an interesting bio - born and raised in Sudbury, a top graduate of Fashion Design at Fanshawe college, and integrates his Filipino roots into design (cultural materials). The makings of something refreshingly original.

The mission? “To create timeless, powerful pieces that appeal to the likes of global opinion leaders and style makers”.

The line is new (started in 2009), crisp, meticulously detailed, and a welcomed edginess. It debuted at LG Fashion Week (unfortunately during the day so I wasn’t able to attend). Have a look at two other campaign shots below, and more images here.

The Roosevelt Room is a hotly anticipated supper club slated to open late November (though I’ve heard so much about it, and might perhaps stop by the media preview tomorrow. With a menu inspired by the first ever Academy Awards and a beautifully themed reception, it’s pretty hard to pass up). The venue is located behind the TIFF Tower, located on 2 Drummond Place, downtown Toronto. Love the theme of old Hollywood glamour and the 20s theme (flapper dresses and sophisticated head pieces?)

Here’s a smidge more:

The Roosevelt Room is more than just a restaurant and nightclub. It is an unprecedented approach to dining and dancefloor entertainment; a place where the ‘big bands’ of the 1920s have been exchanged for fantastic DJs, but the cabaret girls remain.

Beauty. www.therooseveltroom.ca for more

Jessica Jensen is a fantastic bag designer. Her pieces have stunning textures, weaves, waves, and more. What’s more is that she’s extended her great eye to encompass six pieces in a capsule collection made of cotton sateen. Romantic and hazy imagery has my heart sold on her beautiful dresses.

Looking for a price list? See these images here. Jessica Jensen’s been a busy one, with an event prior to fashion week, involvement in Shadowbox, and upcoming holiday sale (November 6 + 7 at the Gladstone Hotel, up to 75% off). An early start on Christmas shopping anyone?

> thanks Tat!

How to be a Mountie:

• Visit Value Village and pick up a ranger hat and red Chinese jacket (I know this much from the “Dynasty” label). Colour buttons black. $14.
• Go in search for a horse on a stick. By stroke of luck, he might just happen to be the last one perched randomly on a platform at Zellers. If the label looks old, ask for a price check. You might just luck out with the cashier ringing it in at….$2. Feel free to name him. I did. Chestnut Periwinkle to be exact.
• Purchase iron-on Canada patches for a dollar each. $2.
• Throw on some leathery leggings and riding boots

Look alive! It’s Halloween Weekend. Thanks for the messages inviting me out tonight, this one’s going to be one in to get over this sickness / sleeping in / craziness, and get back to my robot self by Monday. I was at the glu mobile party on Thursday, my favourite costume was Lego man (I’ll dig up a photo).

See you guys this weekend if you’re out!

xoxo,
Gloria (and Daphne, the flapper girl)

Lots of posts went up in the last bit covering LG Fashion Week (phew). It was about the only thing I could do because I couldn’t move for the last two days so I decided to blog in bed (B-in-B?)

Thanks for all the messages wishing me better - if you haven’t been up to tweet, I’ve been some kind of sick again (quel surprise) after overworking it last week. But definitely on my way, it’s not the P1G1 (H-D) scare I’m quite certain.

It’s funny, I’ve come to realize that last year I had a crazy energy problem (having too much of it). So much to the point where it would go pretty untamed and unfiltered in my day to day interactions (not good). Now it’s a little more reserved. Got to channel it to be productive, roite?

I’m going to be blogging on another blog again, you’ll have to Google search it because I’m not quite ready to expose my dual personality just yet.

So high-fives-for-haikus, I’ll be blogging very soon friends. Can anyone say a little “Canada’s Next Top Model” action? Big winks to Marsha and Jon there.

This last post concludes the bevy of posts surrounding LG Fashion Week (time to move into the other greatness that is sporadic posting). The Dare To Wear Love show was the week’s star studded (funny term) closer. Stars spelled out to be Jessi Cruickshank (who part hilariously part obnoxiously put on an entertaining show), Jully Black, Monika Schnarre, Stacey McKenzie and Traci Melchor. I was lucky to snatch a seat up (actually, two but had someone flake out on me) for this hot ticket event (again, funny term), as reaffirmed by the girl I checked in with at the front (unfortunately my Brit best-friend-near-the-end check-in girl Sam wasn’t there. Wish I could have said bye!).

25 designers with 1 cause - the Stephen Lewis foundation. A show produced by Hoax Couture (customized designs). Although I was exhausted by the time this show rolled around, it was well worth the intense crowding and wait times. The show embodied music, design, and dance all rolled into one vivid display of fashion artistry down the runway.

See more on Dare to Wear Love here: http://www.daretowearlove.com.

More on the key players:

About the Stephen Lewis Foundation
The Stephen Lewis Foundation was founded to deliver funds directly into the hands of tremendously effective community-based projects working determinedly to turn the tide of AIDS in Africa. Mr. Lewis is the former United Nations Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Deputy Director of UNICEF and leader of the Ontario NDP. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 300 grassroots projects in 15 of the sub-Saharan African countries hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic. Its mandate is to fund projects that work with people living with HIV and AIDS, children orphaned by AIDS and the grandmothers who bury their adult children and then step in to raise the multiple orphaned grandchildren left in their care. http://www.stephenlewisfoundation.org

 

About Hoax Couture
Hoax Couture has been at the cutting edge of Canadian Fashion for over 20 years. They currently run a couture fashion studio in Toronto. The courage and resilience of communities across Africa in the face of the pandemic has inspired Hoax Couture to use their skills and relationships to raise awareness and funds to support their work through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The fashion community has the capacity, heart and ingenuity to bring the urgent goal of turning the tide of AIDS in Africa to reality. http://www.hoaxcouture.com

Love that there was a charitable aspect of it all - we give not to get. The best possible topper to finish off the week.

> images by Gloria Chik