While this intensely awkward image won’t do Ivy Lam’s efforts any justice, I had to use it as an opportunity to plug her. Typically when I have someone doing my hair + makeup at a shoot I don’t have the most pleasant of experiences (somehow  my quirks translate into “let’s give this tall asian chik some whack green make up and freaky hair to call it a day”). There’s reason to my deeming Ivy impeccable – she does hair, make up, and knows what she’s doing. A deep braid swept …

 
The Ghost in the Machine is right – my beloved and well preferred method of audio when I was pre-teen has been resurfacing countless times in the last several weeks (and has been something I’ve been eyeing for a video project). Cool Hunter looped me in on this amazing art created by iri5. Inspired by rockstars and the odd kung fu, it’s a lovely array of media art. Link here for the full set.

 
A fanatic and advocate for graduate art (nothing like fresh talent), I did some moseying over to Yorkville to the Drabinsky Gallery, a two level wonder filled to the brim with photography and video (literally, every tip and turn of the gallery held incredible pieces). A backdrop?
 

This student-driven exhibition introduces an exciting group of talented emerging artists from the prestigious photography program of the Ontario College of Art & Design. This exhibition showcases a variety of photographic perspectives from the thesis work of these promising recent …

 
The Power Plant is something that I hold plenty near and dear to my heart – primarily due to the abundance of nostalgia that I’m overcome with when I step foot inside (back in the day when I had taken Contemporary Arts and Technologies as a summer school credit. Amazing).
 
The outdoor imagery of individuals created solely through newspapers was one to supply with a double take. The concept? How press, news, and gossip has managed to manifest itself into the creation of an individual identity.
 
“The 50 people in the photograph …

 
Love having international pitches come through the email – nothing like being globally aware (if you went to school with me you’ll know what I’m alluding to. Nerdo.)
 
CIPHER presents BIG CITY BRIGHT LIGHTS, an initiative featuring 10 influential Hong Kong musical artists. In better words:
 

We are launching a new initiative with 10 influential Hong Kong artists who have produced some music for a CIPHER mixtape. The focus for this project is to express Hong Kong culture in a global context; the contrast, the inspiration and the diversity that exists in …

 
There’s something astoundingly pleasant about briskly strolling the lanes within the Distillery District. Better yet, doing it with purpose – the end destination being Sheridan Applied Arts’ Photo display at 55 Mill Street (Arta Gallery). Aside from mistakenly wedding crashing (nothing like an obtuse venture into a near-matrimonial union).
 
Despite the faulty visit, I was swept away by the beautiful imagery that was produced by the young talent that resides within Sheridan College (always without fail). They say that the display defies categorization – and I’m more than willing to embrace …

> pictured above is Désiré Bara-Assi’s collection “Inside Walks Out”. My absolute favourite.
 
I’ve been slow to post lately – apologies. Things are finally settling down, my life is not as much in a disarray, and I’m going to be in Toronto for the next little while (not that I want to anyone to be under the guise of me being some sort of jetsetter. I’m just sick of airplanes right now. But ask me in a week and I’ll have changed my mind). On the topic of Toronto – here’s …

 
Orange. Angela Chen is an up and coming designer who hails from a diverse background – originally from Taiwan, to the West Coast of Canada (Vancouver), and New York for the Parsons School of Design. She’s a vibrant soul and down to earth, bursting with energy and sass. When I arrived at Lotus Leaf Communications’ office, I was welcomed by the rush of media, models, and stunning clothes as my surroundings. Funny enough, I was then instantly ushered into the back office whilst filming of a segment for LGFW, and …

 
Darkhorse Espresso Bar on Queen and Spadina is buzzing on a Saturday afternoon as I scurry through the doors to be met by a quirky girl with one furry earring dangling from her right lobe. Instantly I knew that I was looking at Tatomme Flanagan, finalist in the AXE Summer Gig Contest. 5 girls and 5 boys are pitted against one another in online challenges to win what they’ve referred to as the “Ridiculously, Ridiculously Good Summer Gig” – yes, complete with shades in the typography. It’s 60 days when …

 
A little more amazing from JWu. Loammi Goetghebeur (Major Paris). Filmed by Justin Wu (www.jwuphoto.com). Stylist: Jennifer Clemson. Hair: Michael Marenco (Toni&Guy). Caesars – Jerk it Out.