Getting TIFF Ready with the Stylist Suite

The Toronto International Film Festival has descended onto our city and along with the films come their stars. While fans line the red carpets hoping to get a glimpse of their favourite celebrities, those same celebrities are getting ready in the Stylist Suite at the Trump Residences. I was fortunate enough to preview the suite before it was filled wth celebrities transforming into the stars of the red carpet they are.

The Stylist Box connects emerging and established fashion and accessory brands to high-profile personalities, top fashion and celebrity wardrobe stylists, and fashion editors. ​Located in Toronto’s trendy Dundas West neighbourhood, the exclusive showroom avails the latest fashions and accessories from some of Canada’s hottest fashion and accessory brands for red carpet events, special appearances, performances, magazine editorials, music videos, and more. For more information, visit stylistbox.com. ​

When I entered the beautiful penthouse suite of the Trump Residences, located at the 56th floor amongst the clouds and the Toronto skyscrapers, I could feel the excitement that is unique to TIFF. The first room I walked through was a buzz with Toronto fashion's "it" designers showcasing their pieces before they go in front of the million bulbs and flashes of the red carpet. Stylist Box co-founders Gail McInnes and Christian Dare have their hands on the pulse of the best of Canadian fashion and know their clients well, aligning celebrities with unique pieces that fit their needs, all while showcasing the best of Canadian talent.

TIFF is one of the few times, if not the only time, that the streets and sidewalks of Toronto are covered with a red carpet, and with red carpets come red carpet fashion. The Stylist Suite's designers brought a beautifully curated selection of formal wear from their respective collections. I was familliar with some of the designers at the Trump Residences having seen them at World MasterCard Fashion Week, this was a unique opportunity though to speak with the designers and discuss where they saw their pieces being worn during TIFF.

Zarucci is an emerging Canadian talent that specializes in evening wear. Founded by designer Nora Zabarah Pucci, Zarucci is a beautiful collection of dresses with exquisiste draping, cuts and bead work that looks to have both a vintage and Eastern inspiration. The use of lace and sheer materials makes it look as though the woman wearing the pieces has body tattoos, ensuring a unique and beautiful look while gracing the carpet. Zarucci has already been seen both at TIFF and the Oscars and will surely be seen on many more carpets to come.

Another evening wear staple and a World MasterCard Fashion Week favourite is Narces. Narces, created and founded by Nikki Wirthensohn, is inspired and by the romanticism and iconic women of the 1940s and 60s era. Wirthensohn grew up in a design family, with a Mother whom worked on dresses worn by iconic women such as Princess Diana. Having had an international upbringing and being a Canadian of Persian descent growing up in both Iran and the UK, Nikki has an original flare that is worldly and all her own.

What I have always loved about Narces is the story the dresses tell, I can always spot a Narces dress as they accentuate a woman in a way that only a woman could think of. They're fun, beautifully crafted and make a woman shine from within. Excitingly, Narces has won a place in the Mercedes Benz Start Up competition at the upcoming World MasterCard Fashion Week, I look forward to seeing the latest designs grace the catwalk and the red carpet. My personal favourite, a lace jumpsuit that has all of the French Je ne sais quoi I could ask for was seen on Stacey Mackenzie.

Not all of the TIFF events are red carpet or call for eveningwear. The Stylist Suite has their clientele covered with Huntington. Huntington is a unique womens wear line created by British born artist Angela Huntington. I was first introduced to Huntington at the Toronto Fashion Incubator's Press and Buyer's Brunch. Angela's collection of empowering cuts and tailoring is made even more exquisite through her strong command of colour. The pieces at the Stylist Suite all used black, white and red, creating sensual movement through the lines and colour blocking. Huntington is an empowering line designed for the woman who is as comfortable in the creative environment as she is in a business environment which is fitting for the film festival. I look forward to seeing more of Huntington in the seasons to come.

One of my favourite designers Hilary MacMillan was also at the Stylist Suite. I have been raving about Hilary since I saw her show at my first World MasterCard Fashion Week, a Fall Winter collection inspired by her then recent travels to the Scottish Highlands in exploration of her family roots. Since that collection I have seen others inspired by Canadian Summers and Mexico's Day of the Dead. Hilary reminds me of Anna Sui, whom when I met said that what she loved best about her job was that each collection came from something that she obsessed over and translated into the clothes, creating an inspired capsule of her musings. Hilary does the same thing, her clothes have an astoundingly beautiful balance between classic design and youthful creativity. She's honed her craft and through her mastery is able to create a cohesive and original collection. Hilary is quickly establishing herself as a force in the Canadian Fashion world, and with her new studio I can only wait in anticipation for how far she will go.

Finally, as I completed my walk around the fashion room of the Stylist Suite I found my self enchanted by the collection of designer Christopher Paunil. Christopher Paunil is the winner of the Stylist Box award at the Toronto Fashion Incubator's Press and Buyer's Brunch and through that award has a place in the Stylist Box as well as many other opportunities. The enigmatic Christopher brings an enthusiam and passion for what he does-and does so well-that is contagious. Christopher is the modern bride's dream. Making white gowns that showcase a bride's personality while respecting the importance of her day. Like an aisle, the red carpet presents a once in a lifetime fashion opportunity and through Christopher's designs a woman can command and seize her moment.

Through intricate and masterful uses of cutouts and sheer panels, the dresses are unlike any others you may see. I think one of the hallmarks of a true designer is one who can create a variety of pieces but have every piece undistiguishably theirs. Christopher has certainly achieved that. In talking with Christopher about the pieces he had at the Stylist Suite it became apparent how self aware and business savvy he is. He has a plan for what he wants his collection to deliver and where he sees the Christopher Paunil brand headed. It's exciting to think how far he will go and I can't wait to see the collections that will result from his sure to be incredible trajectory.

No outfit is complete without accessories, and the accessories at the Stylist Suite are to DIE FOR! My heart was racing as soon as I entered the gorgeous room filled with gold, silver and jewels that sparkled like the flashes and bulbs that would be setting them a glitter as they grace the red carpet.

One of the jewellery designers featured at the Stylist Suite was Atelier by MMCrystal, a glamorous collection created by Michelle Merizzi. Michelle is not new to the world of fashion or the red carpet. Beginning her career 29 years ago manufacturing handmade crystal jewelry featured internationally at Holt Renfrew in Canada, New York, and as far away as Kings Road, Hong Kong. Her pieces have graced red carpets internationally, at the Oscars, Emmys and even a unique piece created for Cher. MMCrystal is a gorgeous collection of Swarovski crystal, impeccable design and an ode to when women dressed for the occasion. Michelle was an absolute delight to speak with. She loves what she does and it's apparent in how she talks about her pieces, finding and pulling from her wide variety, showcasing what she thought would be best for me. I was dazzled and captivated, as her crystal not only mesmerised me but sent me day dreaming of all the places I would love to be seen wearing MMCrystal.

It's not every day that you meet someone who lives in the world of luxury but can be found scouring the back roads for untapped resources in some of the remote areas of the world all for gems but that's who Diane Robinson is. Diane Robinson is the co-designer and entreprepneur extrordinaire behind Huntress a unique brand of jewellery that offers some of the most rare and beautiful gems in the most stunning settings and pairings. I have always had an affinity for the bohemian and I love when gems are left in their natural state instead of being cut into expected designs. Huntress accentuate the best that their gems have to offer, amethyst, sapphire, emeralds and more, in beautiful cuffs, necklaces and even in clutches that glimmer not only because of the gems set a top but from the sting ray leather.

Huntress is breath taking and I loved how captivating not only their pieces are but the story of the individuals behind the creation of all the pieces. The hunt for the gems, the safe and responisble collection of the gems and the creativity of the design are all equally important to Diane and her partner Ron LeBlanc. Inspiring, Huntress is not to be missed and brings something new to the red carpet.

After being blown away by the fashion and accessories in the Stylist Suite I moved along to the beauty room. As a beauty lover I know that good beauty starts before you grab your make up bag. No amount of make up will ever be able to compensate for unhealthy skin, as the largest organ of your body it's important to take care of it and to know what you're putting on it. You wouldn't drink a bottle of chemicals so you shouldn't be applying a bottle to your skin. I was slightly speechless when I met Monika Schnarre, as a fashion obsessed young woman I knew who she was right away from the many magazines she's covered. I was touched by her honesty as she introduced me to her new skincare line iampure. iampure came from Monika's own experience of trying to get pregnant and after having difficulty she began to re examine her own beauty routines and when she couldn't find an alternative skin care brand that delivered the results she wanted without the harsh chemicals, she created her own. I find it inspiring when women create solutions to their own problems and share and educate other women. More to come about iampure on the blog so look for it in the upcoming weeks.

Your nails are as important as your lips these days and are something many women will not leave the house without done. Like skincare though, many nail brands have chemicals and formulations that some women would like to go without. MOOV Cosmetics is a brand started by women, Shivani Kumar-Chohan, Rachel Lane and Wan Lu, who worked as flight attendants. Part of their uniform was to have their nails painted in designated colours but they often found that the formulations were harsh and damaging to their nails. MOOV is a 7-free vegan friendly nail polish with fun travel inspired names. They are a company started by women, run by women all for women and are having fun while doing it on their terms. With a manicure station ready to get the Stylist Suite clients red carpet ready, MOOV is definitely a company to look out for.

With skin and tips on point it was time to have some make up fun and I followed to beauty yellow brick road to a seat with Emerald City Beauty Bar. I love the Wizard of Oz so I was on board all ready. Located in Toronto's trendy Yorkville neighborhood, Emerald City is an all inclusive beauty bar that ensures it's clients walk out looking their very best. I clicked right away with founder Dyane Campbell and her fun and knowledgeable approach to talking about all things beauty from trends to brow therapy.

Their philosophy is one I can completely get behind, they believe in making women feel their best through make up while teaching them how to do it. Make up can be empowering and can be the difference between a woman pulling herself away or stepping up. Offering and using a wide array of high end and make up artist favourites, Emerald City Beauty Bar is on my list of places to return, just follow the yellow brick road.

With my nails and make up done, my hair was in need of some remedy. The day was hot and humid and my hair was less than stellar. I was almost embarassed to sit down in the chair for the team of Salon Daniel but what girl can surpass the opportunity of having her hair done? The magic they conjured to take my hair from less than to me wanting to show it off was remakable.

Using my favourite Kerastase products and a curling iron, they took my flat locks to beautiful retro inspired waves. Daniel and I discussed red carpet trends and my favourite trend of undone-done hair. Having the curls go only half way up the hair and in the style of the lflat waves of the forties were swoon worthy and I was in love as soon as I looked in the mirror. Any celebrity who sits in that chair is surely leaving with #HairGoals.

Aside from all the fashion, accessory and beauty goodness that the Stylist Suite offers, they have the fun and relaxation component covered. Not only featuring beautiful, luxurious furnishings from Artemano and art that pokes fun and celebrates pop culture icons, they have a ping pong table from Spin Toronto going all while their clients can enjoy a beautiful selection of wines form Pour Niagara, beer from Steam Whistle, Boxed Water and Juice from the Raw Juice Company and yummy popcorn from the Toronto Popcorn Company.

The Trump Penthouse suite is a divine setting for all the glamour and fun being offered by the Stylist Suite, its beautiful white walls with floor to ceiling windows accompanied by luxurious finishings and white marble make for an escape during the craziness that is TIFF. It was a pleasure to attend the Stylist Suite and get a glimpse into the celebrity styling life and process before the carpet. I enjoyed discussing the creations and passions of the designers, entrepreneurs, make up artists and stylists. Thank you Gail and Christian!