Truly, I have loved every interview I have had the privilege of facilitating. So choosing 5 to highlight is no easy task. Here they are, in no particular order.
Sophie Theallet, fashion designer – Room 502 (Fashion and Retail Forum – a partnership with CAFA and The Globe Style Advisor, Toronto)
Sophie was brave and vulnerable speaking about her refusal to dress First Lady Trump; something that garnered her international (unwanted) attention. Initially she wanted to stay clear of this topic, but in the moment in front of the audience at the event she spoke candidly about it. It was an honour to be there and support her so she could share her whole story.
Atarah Valentine, certified Hypnotherapist/ Embodiment Coach (FashionTalks: season 3, episode 5)
Atarah is a force of nature. Initially I wanted to talk about the relationship between what we chose to wear and self worth and our interview went there and so many other moving places. Our mind and mindset is impacted by all the factors around us, including the clothing we chose to wear.
Rebecca McKillican, CEO McKesson Canada – includes well.ca (for Canadian Club of Toronto)
It was a privilege to interview a business leader as open as Rebecca. She spoke unapologetically about leadership and parenthood. She was proud of well.ca being close to 90% female employees. She comfortably moved from discussing market trends to entrepreneurship to understanding core customers to the expectations of being a woman.
Mahrzad Lari, designer Wide the Brand and Chantel Charter, designer Love and Nudes (FashionTalks: season 3 episodes 6 and 2)
Two inspirational episodes that emphasized the truth that fashion is about way more than the actual clothes. It is about belonging, being seen, self worth, self confidence and an emotional connection to one’s self. When your clothing choices are limited, due to race or size, the impact is deep. Mahrzad and Chantal spoke with strength and honestly about how their experiences lead to starting their own brands.
The 20+ dinner guests hosted by Quartz Co and Toronto Life Insiders/ St Joseph’s Media (private event, Toronto)
Moderating a dinner party conversation on The Future of Retail with a table full of Toronto’s fashion and media leaders, not to mention executives from a sought after national brand, was an engaging and unique event for everyone, me included. It transformed a typical, albeit lovely, evening into a one of a kind event full of spirited conversation (guided by yours truly). The feedback was “outstanding”.
Myles Sexton, model, HIV/ AIDS/ sobriety activist & queer fashion nomad (FashionTalks: season 3, episode 9)
Having someone share their story unedited with you is a privilege. Myles shared so much of their soul, heart and insights during our episode. Their journey of self love through to public displays of acceptance (such as being the Canadian chosen to wear the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress on its global tour) was recounted with raw honesty, gratitude and reflection. Sometimes you just know you have heard a voice for the ages.
