Behind the Scene

Backstage at Ottawa Fashion Week. Model Sabrina from Models International Management.

For Jana and Emilia - Chicken Soup for the Fashionable Soul

Jana Hanzel and Emilia Torabi are two magnificent clothes designers based in Ottawa. I have always liked their designs, a fine bridge of innovation, elegance and romance. Through their works I have become dear friends with these two remarkable women. 

 Today, the 28th of March, Jana injured her leg and knee. In her 

Facebook page she said:

"Torn meniscus, cracked knee bone, a cast and crutches - that's me for now. We have so much work in our studio, what am I going to do?"

Jana, here is what you are going to do... 

REST!

Here is a golden chance to take it easy.

 In the meantime, here are some of her latest pieces as shot at Ottawa Fashion Week this February. A special thank you to Grace Odumo, editor and publisher of  613 Style. These pictures were taken for 613 Style, and Grace wanted to show her support for Jana by having these pictures posted.

Be sure to check out Jana's and Emilia's websites. And give Jana a get well message. From me, and from Grace, get well, Jana.

In Action

Thank you, Blackbook Lifestyle, for capturing this image of me.
I have worked with Blackbook and James and Daniel are the greatest!

In Honour of Nelson Mandela, University of Ottawa, 28 February, 2014

On the 26th of February, 2014, the University of Ottawa celebrated Black Heritage Month

with guests Zondwa and Lindo Mandela and Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, wife of Ali Bongo Ondimba,

the President of Gabon. The gala was coordinated remarkably well by a team lead by Gwen Madiba.

Gwen was profiled in the Saturday 8th March issue of Le Droit. She was part of the cover story about

influential and inspirational female leaders in the Francophone Canada

Zondwa Mandela

 Zondwa Mandela and wife Lindo Zici

   

Sylvia Bongo Ondimba

Mrs. Mandela and Gwen Madiba

Scenes from the Parliament

A reporter texts in her report at a demonstration at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, 17 September, 2012.

The demonstration was legal and peaceful. The participants were friendly. They usually are.

Winter Did Its Worst

I'VE HAD IT WITH WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am cold and fed up with putting coats and boots and gloves. 

I hate taking the bus while everyone is 2/3 bigger than they should be. 

I've had it up to my ass falling on my ass.

That said, I give you pictures of summer. Warmth. Mobility. Beauty.

Ahhh, the Montreal Street Fashion Festival again.

What a reprieve. Oh well, back to frosty reality.

 The beautiful (and ultra cool) Sophie Jolin-Roch