Merle TARUN Hollywood’s First Taste TAHILIANI of the Far East Glitters in Oberon Cannes John and Simone Rocha at LFW RAHUL MISHRA WINS THE WOOLMARK PRIZE

APRIL/MAY 2014 $4.99 CAD | Dhs 18.08 AED | £3.28 Your Ultimate SPRING FASHION GUIDE 2 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 3 Editor/Publisher KAMRAN ZAIDI

Executive Editor PRIYA KUMAR

Associate Editor LIZ GUBER

National Advertising Director ADRIAN BHATTI

Art Layout Coordinator JENNIFER RONG

Travel Contributor ROBIN ESROCK

Features Contributors HARPREET BRAR, FARIA JAFRI

Health & Wellness Contributor SAM TROTTA

Social Media Manager ERUM ZEHRA

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4 SHE CANADA SHE Content

IN EVERY ISSUE: EDITOR’S NOTE 6 SHE ONLINE 7 CONTRIBUTORS 8 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 9 STYLE SCOOP 10 HE 63 ∙ HE Said, SHE Said ∙ Fall Looks for HIM SHE CARES 74 ∙ Lady Fatemah Trust ∙ SMILE SHE DEBATES 77 ∙ Faria Jafri: Why I’m Afraid to Call Myself a Feminist HEALTH/WELLNESS 78 ∙ The Secret to Working Out Smarter ON THE ROAD 84 ∙ Migration of the Wildebeest BEAUTY 88 ∙ Our Top Spa Picks ∙ Spring Beauty Product Reviews QUOTE/UNQUOTE 94 ∙ Famous Quotes on Peace

FEATURES: FASHION CENTRAL 18 ∙ Collette Dinnigan SS14 ∙ John and Simone Rocha: A Family Affair ∙ Tarun Tahiliani Wows at Cannes ∙ Manish Malhotra Presents “Reflections” at Lakmé Fashion Week COVER STORY 38 ∙ Merle Oberon: Revealing her Best-Kept Secret SPECIAL FEATURES 54 ∙Afghan Women’s Conference ∙ MAX Agency ∙ Remembering Fehmina Chaudry SOUTH ASIA 46 ∙ The Latest Fashion and Lifestyle Scoop Events 70 ∙ SHE Takes in a Sunday Game of Polo RESTAURANT REVIEW 68 ∙ Beef Bar Mixes Great Vibes with Great Food in Paris

SOPHIA WEBSTER Patent Leather Butterfly Sandal $660

SHE CANADA 5 Editor’snote

s this issue was going to print, the world observed International Women’s ADay. Marked on the 8th of March each year, IWD takes on different forms in many parts of the world. In Eastern Europe, March 8th is a hybrid of Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, with women receiving flowers and gifts as a form of appreciation from their male relatives and loved ones. Elsewhere, the political message behind March 8th remains at the forefront, with the UN declaring “Equality for Women is Progress for All” as this year’s theme.

In the fight for women’s progress and equality around the world, one woman caught our attention. Her name is Laxmi, and at just 16 years of age she became the victim of an acid attack at a bus stop in India. Her attacker was an acquaintance seeking revenge after Laxmi refused his romantic advances. Instead of hiding as countless other victims have done, Laxmi became the brave face of a powerful movement to curb acid sales and an advocate for the victims. The Indian Supreme Court called for the immediate regulation of acid sales and the aid and rehabilitation of victims following this brave young woman’s many television appearances and volunteer efforts.

EDITOR Laxmi received global attention after she was awarded the International Women of S.M. Kamran Zaidi Courage Award, but that hardly means that our work in international women’s rights is finished. Here in North America, it can be all too easy to forget the struggle for women’s equality around the world—from India to Afghanistan and the Congo.

As always, our pages are filled with women who have inspired others through their dedication to their work, their talent and their unflinching determination. Among them is this month’s cover girl: Merle Oberon. This Hollywood screen legend dazzled audiences with her beauty and commanding performances in Hollywood’s Golden Age, but the starlet had a secret. Priya Kumar reveals what Oberon tried to keep hidden in our must-read cover story. (p.38)

As summer becomes less of a distant promise and more of a tangible reality, we bring you the latest must-have trends to wear now and during the heat waves to come. Our fashion coverage is our most diverse yet, as we look at talented names from London, Paris, Mumbai and Namibia.

Lastly, we look back on one particularly frosty winter day when Canada took on the US in the Northeast semi-finals in Polo. Did Canada make it to the finals? Read on to find out. (p. 70) On the same day as the Polo match, the Canadian men’s hockey team battled Sweden for the gold medal in Sochi. I’m sure that our readers are as pleased as we are with their victory, as well as that of the women’s hockey team and the gold medal sweep by both the men’s and women’s curling team.

Although International Women’s Day has come and gone, I urge you to be reminded of the plight for equality and fairness each day. It shouldn’t take a holiday to raise global awareness to this critical cause.

6 SHE CANADA Well, dear readers, with spring upon us it’s time to get out of that long winter slump. Fun in the city is just beginning! With your favourite outdoor patios and rooftops reopening, we at SHE Online have the scoop on what to expect as another exciting, sleepless summer arrives in Toronto. Ditch your jacket and start enjoying longer days outside!

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DEC/JAN 2014 $4.99 CAD | Dhs 18.08 AED | £3.28 SAVEOur Foolproof Cheque (enclosed) Credit Card HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 60% Expiry Date MM/YY Credit Card Number Security Code Contributors “With the deep freeze finally coming to an end, what is your favourite sign of springtime?”

PRIYA KUMAR ROBIN ESROCK LIZ GUBER Executive Editor Travel Contributor Associate Editor The change in the air when it goes from There comes a day, usually in early March, There’s one week in the late spring, when crisp to sweet and fragrant. when the day just seems a little longer, and the trees on my street bloom. The heavenly buds appear on the barren winter trees. smell, the white blossoms —it’s like some- Then editors start calling asking for Spring thing out of a Pablo Neruda poem. Break stories, and I know that the icy twig of winter has finally snapped.

HARPREET BRAR SAM TROTTA JENNIFER RONG Features Contributor Health & Wellness Contributor Art Layout Coordinator Greenery on trees, blue skies, and the yel- My favourite sign of spring is seeing more My favourite sign of springtime is seeing new low sunshine. And ice cream trucks. people outdoors. Whether on patios or go- buds bloom, and nature awakening from its ing for walks and jogs, springtime brings a winter slumber with a gentle, warm breeze in great outdoor social atmosphere to the city the air. that I really enjoy.

8 SHE CANADA letters to the Editor

As a huge Priyanka Chopra fan, I was thrilled to see I loved that you guys showcased numerous types of her on your last cover—she looks better than ever. I braids in your hair trend section. I just wish that you thoroughly enjoyed her interview, she seems like such a included a “how-to” for each one. down-to-earth woman! -Maryam, Toronto -Tina, Scarborough I was delighted to see a feature on Pooja Handa’s Your Brown Girl Problems section really gave me some wedding. It’s nice to get a glimpse at the lives of news perspective on a personal situation of mine. I appreciate anchors, whose true personalities are rarely displayed on the brutally honest answers! screen. -Fatima, Brampton -Ravneet, Brampton

Thanks for the Weslodge Saloon restaurant review! I had The travel feature in the past issue was the best I’ve read no idea it existed until I read up on it in your magazine. in a long time. Robin Esrock has a way of conveying I’m hoping for more brunch reviews in SHE! every journey so vividly, that it makes me want to pack -Rachel, London my bags and immediately head to the airport. -Jenny, Markham The clothing sections for little girls and boys were ador- able! However, I wish there were more affordable pieces put in the sections. -Ayla, North York

I loved the article on the Louis Vuitton SS14 runway show. The pictures and the detailed descriptions made me feel as if I was there! Thank you. -Prita, Vaughan

Personally, after the bad publicity that lululemon has gained from “fat-shaming,” I was not so thrilled to see an article on them in your magazine. I feel that they EXCLUSIVE How Tinder don’t deserve to be more recognized than they already Revolutionalized are after those comments. PRIYANKA Online Dating -Jackie, Toronto CHOPRA SISTER for GUESS AGNES-MARIAM A Voice for Syria FEB/ Dancing with the Stars� MARC Cheryl Burke JACOBS MARCH Curtain Closer at Louis Vuitton

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SHE CANADA 11 1 3

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8 GUCCI Bamboo Shopper leather-trimmed raffia tote $1450 8 16 SHE CANADA Spring/Summer 2014 Collette Dinnigan By Priya Kumar

“This collection is very much about emotional contrasts, but at the same time I wanted to reach back

to where I started,” Kiwi designer Collette Dinnigan said of her SS14 effort backstage. As a manifestation of this notion, Dinnigan aptly named the collection “Both Sides Now” in honour of Canadian folk singer Joni Mitchell’s famed song. Having welcomed a new baby in 2013, released a book and solidified herself as perhaps one of the greatest designers to hail from New Zealand, it’s been a huge year for Dinnigan and she had no qualms about expressing her feelings about it though her SS14 collection.

Radiating hyper femininity, the collection opened with cotton shorts and lacy tees. Evening looks were ushered in quickly however, with diamanté embellishments and chiffon appliqué flowers adding texture to the final looks. A flower child theme was certainly evident throughout but was made demure with intricate Swarovski beading on embroidery. Dinnigan described much of these sparse trimmings as “a gentle drama” in her notes.

The collection closed with a series of embellished maxi dresses that, given their volume of embellishment and soft colours, would be equally comfortable at a black- tie ball or luncheon with the girls—a fairly accurate allegory for the collection as a whole.

SHE CANADA 17 Autumn/Winter 2014 John Rocha By Priya Kumar

here are very few spectacles in the industry quite like London Fashion Week. Called Tthe street style capital of the world, London is a far cry from New York’s understated army of “black crows” sporting the latest in funeral-chic to very hot-ticket shows. In London it’s all about ostentation and creativity—the louder, the better; I of course didn’t get the memo. Going to London Fashion Week is about seeing and being seen, much of the time forsaking good taste in favour of being noticed. The fashion scene in London is not young, but the designers that are based here tend to be millennial-aged visionaries, marching to the beat of their own drum.

It is for this reason Hong Kong-born, Ireland-based designer John Rocha is an endangered species at London Fashion Week. As one of the few veteran designers left showing at Somerset House, he has years of wisdom and industry knowledge next- gen designers are decades off from grasping. His daughter Simone Rocha, a burgeoning, London- based designer in her own right, recently told New York Times’ fashion critic Suzy Menkes that Rocha Sr. believes, “I’m old school, you’re new school. We do things different. But we all want the same thing.”

This season was no exception. Finding inspiration in the island nation of Iceland, Rocha’s Autumn/ Winter 2014 collection was an exploration of romanticism. The juxtaposition between the dark

18 SHE CANADA light at dusk in the winter and skies that never sleep in the summer manifested itself into Rocha’s work. “There’s a certain part of the year when it’s all dark, and then it’s all bright. I love the transition and all the different textures there,” he said backstage after the show. At times the collection was demure and sophisticated while other looks were youthful and passionate. While the two opposing forces were omnipresent throughout the collection, there was also a distinct feeling of balance and symmetry—heavy and light, tender and bold.

The silhouettes displayed a certain bounce with each step. Rocha’s signature georgettes and layers of texturized ruffles of leather, lace and organza gave the looks a life of their own. The colour palette served as an enabler to the wintery theme with all shades of black, forest green, garnet and charcoal featuring prominently. “Raw-edge tweed trapeze coats and cropped jackets fall from the shoulder…Great coats wrap the body in velvets, and sweetly figured dresses and shells define the silhouette, creating a play on both volume and sculptural forms,” the label put out in a statement.

Features that include hand crochet elements; intricate floral appliqué and a flurry of cutwork collectively serve as narratives to Rocha’s polar winter wonderland. Simone may be the current darling of LFW, but John Rocha’s A/W14 effort fortified his role as the reigning king of London’s fashion monarchy.

SHE CANADA 19 “After 45 years in the business I know that every show only lasts six months and then you have to start over again,” John Rocha said of his hesitation about his daughter Simone entering the fashion industry as a designer. Enterprising, young and audacious, Simone had other ideas. After completing her Masters at the renowned Central Saint Martins in London back in 2010, the younger Rocha put out her first collection. Simone Rocha Called “British fashion’s rising star, and a rare one,” by New York Times fashion critic Suzy Menkes, Rocha’s and her SS14 London debut at LFW was strong and impressive. Her half- Chinese, half-Irish heritage consistently lends itself Fashion Week Family Affair creatively to her collections, while her family’s fashion industry know-how allowed her to learn the ropes By Priya Kumar at the helm of an eponymous label. Rocha’s label was immediately scooped up by Colette and Bon Marché in Paris, 10 Corso Como in Milan and Net-A-Porter online.

20 SHE CANADA For her Spring/Summer 2014 effort, she saying, “Look at the drew her inspiration from Connemara, punkish hair—see, Ireland where she attended a wedding. The that’s my generation!” creative process saw her evoking the contrast between the intricate ivory lace and hard While her choice of natural elements of the environment like textiles are girly to sheep, moss, boulders and mustard-coloured the core—beaded gorse. Of Rocha’s decision to choose Ireland lace, crochet and frilly frocks embellished wrong they turn out right.” as her muse she says, “It’s so alive. And it’s with pearls—she manages to marry these so rich culturally and it was very human and traditional elements with some edge; Her fearlessness has brought her label to very community-[oriented]. I feel that’s really Lucite, leather and silhouettes made boxy new heights and being able to grow and a part of me. I’m really into the reality of and masculine with the use of scuba fabric experiment in a city like London will allow things; I think I’m quite a realistic person.” recur throughout the collection. By mixing her the flexibility not afforded by New York, seemingly incompatible looks, fabrics and Paris and Milan-based emerging designers. Not a far cry from her father’s F/W14 accessories, she somehow makes them She closes her S/S14 show with the last three offering, Rocha’s was “a balance and a work: “I’m naturally attracted to feminine models bundled in tulle veils. Although constraint, soft and rough and tough, men things, but I want to bring them somewhere she describes that decision as being “very and women.” While it may sound a bit different so they’re interesting. I think it’s personal,” it is clearly a nod at the state of the demure for the young twenty-something about seeing two things that maybe aren’t modern millennial woman understood the designer, she rebuffs those suggestions right together but when they’re put together world over.

SHE CANADA 21 all that Karlie Kloss backstage with Tarun Tahiliani GLITTERSis By Liz Guber GOLD

t’s a little hard to believe that The Cannes Film Festival was once Istrapped for cash—it was cancelled in 1948 and again in 1950 due to budgetary restrictions. Today the star-studded affair gathers the world’s greatest influencers at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and has become synonymous with glamour and exclusivity. Along with show-stopping red carpet appearances and an extraordinary roster of international film premieres, Cannes has served as the stage for many impressive brand collaborations and charitable initiatives. And no event got people talking quite like the Cinema Against AIDS Gala to benefit amfAR.

Restraint was certainly not on the minds of the gala organizers, and for its 20th anniversary Cinema Against Aids partnered with LoveGold to bring spectators The Ultimate Gold Collection fashion show. Curated by larger-than-life former Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld in collaboration with Naomi Campbell, the show featured gold-themed creations by many of today’s top design houses. Making things a bit more fun for those of us that didn’t receive an invite, the event was live-streamed for all to see—and what a sight it was!

22 SHE CANADA The Setting is Cannes, the designer is Tarun Tahiliani and the model is Karlie Kloss. The outcome? Pure magic.

Attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and been a delight to be part of this exclusive event, evocative of high Aishwarya Rai. The guests looked on as Liberty Ross shimmied down fashion, definitive of glamour, culture, cinema and philanthropy,” in a tassled Altazurra number, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned adding “We are proud to have showcased our vision in gold [which in a custom gold McQueen and Anna Dello Russo brought the was the theme] of India’s rich cultural heritage and design, amongst energy in the room to new heights as she strutted her stuff in Pucci. fashion stalwarts from different parts of the world.” But model of the moment Karlie Kloss managed to outshine them all when she walked out in Tarun Tahiliani. The designer garments were sold off at the charity auction following the runway show. Sharon Stone along with Goldie Hawn, Dita Von Looking like the portrait of loveliness, Kloss wore a gold permanently Teese, Rosario Dawson and Milla Jovovich acted as auctioneers, pleated sari over a delicate sheer bodysuit, embroidered with art bringing in €1.2 million for the entire collection. Other notable nouveau flowers and cinched with a thin belt. Opting for a more offers up for grabs were a week at Donna Karan’s resort in Parrot subtle shade of gold than some of his fellow designers, Tahiliani’s Cay, a chance to play soccer with Zinedine Zidane and the privilege sari gave off subtle iridescent shimmer. The final touch was a heavily to sit next to Leo DiCaprio on a flight into outer space on Richard detailed gold headpiece (originally meant to be worn as a necklace, Bronson’s Virgin Galactic. The charity auction brought in €25 million but switched up at the last minute backstage), which highlighted the to go toward AIDS research and was capped off with performances Karlie Kloss backstage with Tarun Tahiliani supermodel’s signature bangs nicely. An Amrapali bangle finished by Ellie Goulding and Dame Shirley Bassey who, appropriately, sang off the ensemble. True to Tahiliani’s design ethos, the look was equal “Goldfinger.” parts traditional and contemporary. And to whomever won the bid for the Tarun Tahiliani sari, here’s Tahiliani—one of India’s most celebrated designers—was the nation’s hoping they’ll wear it well. first to participate in the gala and spoke highly of the event, “It has

Left to right: Liberty Ross, Anna Dello Russo, Iryna Shayk and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

SHE CANADA 23 Events

anish alhotra MBreaks all the Rules M with “Reflections” By Priya Kumar

eason after season, Manish Malhotra’s runway offerings are a Lakmé Fashion Week stand out and this year’s “Reflections” was no Sexception. "'Reflections', my festive collection for this season, is high on colour and on new silhouettes, while it plays with the concept of lightness of being with celebration in mind. To me, a festive occasion is a wonderful blend of tradition, culture, rituals, colours, and intensity of emotions. Time-honoured practices come together with special occasions and new traditions to create happy times. It is this melding of the old and the new that has inspired 'Reflections'," says Malhotra of the collection.

24 SHE CANADA Heavily influenced by Rajasthan and Kutch, the pieces displayed fine mirror work and traditional colour blocking. Speaking of tradition, deep green, dark beige and mustard were all a part of the Malhotra’s colour palette. ‘Reflections’ was something you could feel with your eyes aided by the use of textured silks, youthful bright colours and saturated hues, not to mention the embellishments of customized zari work straight from Kashmir.

The highlight of the collection was without a doubt the ghagra pant, described as “a fusion of the sharara and the classic pant.” It offers a whole new silhouette to Indian formal wear and is an alternative to the classic lehenga. I cannot stress the ground-breaking nature of this silhouette enough. This past season of Mad Men saw Peggy Olson wearing a pant-suit to work for the first time. Highlighting the changes that American fashion saw in the 1960s, my feeling is that “Reflections” is the South Asian fashion equivalent. It would have been unthinkable in the past for a bride to wear pants to her own wedding, but with Malhotra’s work, fashion has given the progressive look its blessing.

Manish Malhotra is known for his loyal and devoted ensemble of celebrity supporters. The front row was packed with Bollywood’s A-list including Karishma Kapoor, Kajol, Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi and Neha Dhupia among countless others. Undoubtedly the hottest ticket this season, Malhotra’s luminary-filled clientele did not leave disappointed.

Urmila Matondkar with Manish Malhotra

SHE CANADA 25 Fashion Central

Shweta Wahi’s Next Act: global domination By Priya Kumar

26 SHE CANADA Fashion Central

Shweta Wahi’s jetset career has brought her to all corners of the globe. You most recently showed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Born in New Delhi, India, raised in Dubai and educated in Canada, Africa. Tell me a bit about the experience. What opportunities do Wahi brands herself, “a Toronto-girl in transition.” By the tender age you see arising from this emerging market? of 10 she realized her calling was in the Fine Arts and by 2010 the self- taught fashion visionary became one of the youngest designers asked Africa is now being recognized for more than its commodities and to show at Ottawa Fashion Week. She has since shown at Mercedes- problems. Its people are joining the ranks of leadership across the Benz Fashion Week Africa, sat on a council as an advisor for the world. And its place as a fashion hub is at that juncture as well. To Fashion Design Council of Mauritius and raised over $50,000 for my mind, the Fashion Weeks in Johannesburg as well as Cape Town various charitable organizations around the world through over 20 are on par with global standards—in terms of talent, quality, and fashion showcases and exhibitions. Her label is aptly called SOLACE management infrastructure. But for each designer that succeeds, and most recently launched in Windhoek, Namibia. Late this winter there are hundreds who struggle as the African fashion industry is I had the opportunity to catch up with Wahi on a brief trip to London still in its infancy. to chat about her trailblazing career until now:

SHE CANADA 27 We need more initiatives like the Cape Tell me a bit about the Shweta Wahi design Town Fashion Council and Africa Fashion sensibility. Who would be your typical International, which are quite similar to the clientele? Fashion Design Council in places like Canada. The Shweta Wahi woman is all about no-fuss I had the opportunity to be a part of what was silhouettes that are commercially viable, yet are the launch of the Fashion Design Council in high-cut and high-fashion. She is comfortable, Mauritius, where I spoke to other young like- yet edgy and confident. I have a philosophy that minded designers about my experiences. I now I use my brand to spread: “With comfort comes sit on the council as an international advisor and confidence, and confidence is always in style.” hope to continue to help them promote ‘Made BY Mauritius.’ I know I am a young voice amongst Talk about your past—you were born in India, esteemed veterans of the industry, but I have spent time in Dubai and South Africa but ambitious goals for Africa. I would eventually consider Toronto home. How did this eclectic like to start a fashion school and provide the background come about and how do your same kinds of opportunities I’ve had to girls and collections evoke your heritage? Who or what boys across the continent. inspires you when you design?

28 SHE CANADA Over the course of my six-year journey in the industry, I learned that it isn’t glitz and glamour at all. Fashion is a highly competitive industry and its takes a lot of time and effort to be recognized.

I always have a tough time when people ask me where I am from. who then called my parents to school. I expected a firm reprimand; Despite being born in India, I am perceived as a ‘foreigner‘ when I instead when I got home, my parents had a look at my sketches go back. Dubai has been home for many years, but I will never be and decided that I must go to arts school in the evenings. A sewing ‘from’ the United Arab Emirates. Johannesburg has been a second machine on my 10th birthday, a bag of fabric scraps, and I was on home for me since 2006, and Toronto has been a third home since my way! 2008. There are many like me. We’re the ‘third-culture’ generation. I don’t spend more than a month or two at a time in a city and this What can we expect from the future of Shweta Wahi as a label? has highly impacted my work as I derive inspiration from different cultures for my collections. Over the course of my six-year journey in the industry, I learned that it isn’t glitz and glamour at all. Fashion is a highly competitive In recent collections you can find Batik from Bali, Shwe Shwe from industry and its takes a lot of time and effort to be recognized. It can South Africa, embroideries from India, and hand-bead work from take years and years of unrewarding diligence—and to be frank, it’s Bangladesh. I combine them with clean and simple silhouettes, quite demoralizing at times. But I always realize the gift of being which gives my work an edgy but culture-rich feel. able to do what I love—to express myself.

What led to your career in design? When did you realize it was I would ideally like to get involved in opening that fashion school, as your calling? well as help set up more fashion incubators in different parts of the world. As for the Shweta Wahi label? Hopefully a flagship store! Designers are starting younger each year and it is always good if one can recognize their passion at an early age. When I was in Grade SOLACE by Shweta Wahi currently stocks at several multibrand 4, I was often caught drawing in my science classes. One fine day stores in Africa, Dubai and the UAE, and most recently at Pomp & my teacher was fed up with me and sent me to the principal’s office, Pageantry, 112 Scollard Street in Yorkville.

SHE CANADA 29 4TH INTERNATIONAL FASHION FESTIVAL TORONTO 2014 May 23 - 25, 2014

Thursday May 22, 2014 KICK – OFF – PARTY At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 8:00PM

Friday May 23, 2014 I F F T AWARD NIGHT GALA At The Warehouse Venue Toronto Red Carpet at 7:00PM

Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25, 2014 EXHIBITION At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 11:00AM to 7:00PM

Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25, 2014 FASHION SHOW At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 4:30PM to 7:00PM

Email: [email protected] Website: www.ifft.ca Youtube: International Fashion Festival Toronto Twitter: @ifftoronto

30 SHE CANADA 4TH INTERNATIONAL FASHION FESTIVAL TORONTO 2014 May 23 - 25, 2014

Thursday May 22, 2014 KICK – OFF – PARTY At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 8:00PM

Friday May 23, 2014 I F F T AWARD NIGHT GALA At The Warehouse Venue Toronto Red Carpet at 7:00PM

Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25, 2014 EXHIBITION At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 11:00AM to 7:00PM

Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25, 2014 FASHION SHOW At Delta Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre Mississauga 4:30PM to 7:00PM

Email: [email protected] Website: www.ifft.ca Youtube: International Fashion Festival Toronto Twitter: @ifftoronto

SHE CANADA 31 Rahul Mishra with two of his winning designs And The Winner Is… By Liz Guber With his refreshing take on old-world craftsmanship and a passion for innovative design, Rahul Mishra takes home the 2014 International Woolmark Prize

32 SHE CANADA The designer manipulated the wool fibers so finely that, to an untrained eye, the garments appeared to be made out of fine cotton.

Woolmark was set up in 1937 to promote the use of Australian wool eye, the garments appeared to be made of fine cotton. The cream in the fashion industry. In 1954 it gave out its first International Prize. coloured coats and dresses he presented were intricately embroidered. The winners? An 18-year-old Yves Saint Laurent in the dress category A particular standout example was the tree motif featured prominently and a yet to be known Karl Lagerfeld for the coat category. Decades on the bodice of one of his dresses. later, the prize is still associated with the recognition of up-and- coming design talent and the innovation of new, creative uses of wool Frida Giannini, creative director of Gucci expressed her thoughts after in clothing. Finalists are selected upon winning competitions in their the ceremony: “For me, Rahul has won because of his ability to apply respective regions. Mishra won in the India/Middle East region back his knowledge of embroideries through wool, one of the most versatile in July 2013. fibers with originality in an unexpected way.” Franca Sozzani, Tim Blanks and Alexa Chung joined Giannini on the judging panel. Mishra, who was up against the United States’ Joseph Altuzarra— Upon being announced the winner, Mishra cried on stage. He will nominated by the CFDA and considered the favourite by many—took receive a monetary prize of $90,000 and introductions to many home the top prize. But Mishra’s win was not unprecedented. The important international retailers, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and designer manipulated the wool fibers so finely that, to an untrained Colette in Paris.

SHE CANADA 33 Other candidates included ffiXXed, the regional winner for Asia, Christopher Esber (Australia) and Sibling London (Europe). All the designers offered up creations worthy of the prize.

Mishra is the first Indian designer to take home the prize, but this is not his first prestigious award. Following his graduation from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Mishra won Best Student Designer of the Year in 2005. Four years later he became the first non-European designer to be awarded a prestigious scholarship to the Istituto Marangoni in Milan.

Since making his debut at Lakmé Fashion Week in 2006, Mishra has shown in Dubai, London and Australia. His designs celebrate the craftsmanship and textile traditions of his native India. In large part because of designers like Mishra, India continues to grow its profile on the international fashion stage.

34 SHE CANADA PRESENTED BY

         

SHE CANADA 35 36 SHE CANADA Merle Oberon Hollywood’s First Taste of the Far East By Priya Kumar

ast summer, geneticists revealed that the Duke of Katherine in Gujarati when her daughter moved to Scotland as a Cambridge has genetic ties to India. As it turns out, six generations young lady. It’s an interesting choice considering the number of Lago, a housekeeper in India by the name of Eliza Kewark had a languages by which they could have communicated. relationship with Theodore Forbes that resulted in several children. Among these children was Katherine, born in 1812, from whom The Indian Constitution defines Anglo-Indian as “a person Princess Diana would prove to be directly descended. Although whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male initially believed to have been an Armenian living in India where line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within she met the Scottish noble Forbes, analysis of William’s relatives at the territory of India and is or was born within such territory of the University of Edinburgh have confirmed otherwise. It was in the parents habitually resident therein and not established there for type of DNA—the rare R30b found only in those from the South temporary purposes only.” Due to the aforementioned ostracism Asian subcontinent—passed along that led to this realization. This of the race, Anglo-Indian communities developed a wholly unique means William is a member of an endangered race—Anglo-Indians culture of their own. Anglo-Indian food, dress, dialect and religion now number only 350,000 across the world. (Christianity) all played a part in making the diaspora the close-knit community it is today. The race sprung from the British East India Company’s occupation of India during the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to the sheer It was the fall of the British Raj that brought Anglo-Indian society number of young British soldiers and workers in British India at to its knees. Prior to Indian independence, Anglo-Indians were the time, it was not uncommon for them to take local wives and protected by labour laws. For example, a recent New York Times have bi-racial families. This diverse utopia came to an abrupt end exposé titled “Fadeout for a Culture That’s Neither Indian Nor however, with the Indian Rebellion of 1857 resulting in many anti- British” looked at the wages of railway engineers in the ‘40s: “[A] miscegenation laws barring the two races from mixing. The new British train engineer earned around 300 rupees a month, while rulings marginalized India’s Eurasian population, forcing them to an Anglo-Indian would earn 200 and an Indian 100.” The British fraternize only amongst themselves. It is perhaps this reason that exodus left Anglo-Indians in a precarious position—the labour laws Eliza Kewark led everyone to believe she was Armenian as opposed that had previously protected them no longer applied. As a result, to Anglo-Indian. It is also said that Kewark corresponded with the wealthier and highly skilled left for Commonwealth nations

SHE CANADA 37 38 SHE CANADA like Canada, Australia and the UK. The government subsidized school system that aimed to preserve Anglo-Indian culture was discontinued in 1961.

Throughout the twentieth century, while some worked as professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.), most men worked in the military, commercial companies and transportation services. Anglo-Indian women worked in secretarial and clerical fields—the culture was relatively socially progressive for its time. Estelle Merle O’Brien Thompson entered Hollywood in the roaring For the remaining Anglo-Indian community in India, life was ‘20s. She took bit parts on-screen and made ends meet as a hostess at plagued with difficulties. By having culturally rejected Indian nightclubs under the name Queenie O’Brien. Queenie was a child- customs—the language, cuisine, the way of dress—Anglo-Indians hood nickname she carried well into adulthood. Oberon got her big had inadvertently marginalized themselves. Securing employment break when famed film director Alexander Korda cast her as Anne opportunities became difficult due to their inability to speak Hindi Boleyn in The Private Life of Henry VIII (1939) with the screen name and other local dialects. They were after all raised speaking the Merle Oberon. Given the film’s success, she was offered more lead- Queen’s English at home and taught French and Latin in school. ing roles including Lady Blakeney in The Scarlet Pimpernel opposite Leslie Howard. Oberon went on to marry Korda who sold shares For the Anglo-Indians who chose to leave, many have been known of her contract to legendary producer Samuel Goldwyn. With ties to completely erase their identity by assimilating with western to Goldwyn, Oberon could do no wrong in Hollywood in the ‘30s. culture. Perhaps the most infamous case of an Anglo-Indian She earned her only Academy Award for Best Actress nomination obscuring her identity was that of the iconic Hollywood starlet in 1935 for The Dark Angel. The film was produced by Goldwyn and Merle Oberon. led to the role of Cathy in perhaps the most celebrated film of her

SHE CANADA 39 As Oberon’s career hit its many peaks and valleys throughout the twentieth century, the façade she wore to protect her past began to crack with age.

career, Wuthering Heights (1939) opposite Laurence Olivier. of Oberon ever having been to Tasmania let alone being born there. In fact, the only other trip she made to Australia was in 1965 to Oberon’s feted career was no accident. Besides manufacturing her promote a film. In light of this, the reception was not cancelled and screen-appropriate name, Korda also scripted a past for Oberon Oberon arrived as scheduled. While in Tasmania she refused all that would sit well with her legions of new-found fans. Throughout requests for media interviews and told an even more peculiar lie to her life Oberon claimed to have been born and raised in Tasmania, her chauffer who drove her around while in Australia. She claimed Australia. In the late ‘70s, Hobart, Tasmania erected a theater and that she was passing Tasmania as a young child on a ship and her wanted to name the structure in her honour. In the days leading up father fell ill near the small Australian island. As a result, she spent to the reception, it became clear to officials that there was no record her formative years in Tasmania. At the reception she backtracked

40 SHE CANADA on having been born Australian; the duress of all the lies she had whipped up over the years became too much to handle and she ended up collapsing at the reception as a result. Her biographer Charles Higham said in an Australian documentary about Oberon, “It was a tragedy. She should have never gone there.”

Who was Merle Oberon? In Higham’s biography of the Hollywood starlet titled Princess Merle, published in 1983, he uncovers her true birthplace as being Bombay, British India in 1911. Her nickname Queenie was in honour of Queen Mary and King George’s visit to the city the same year. While her place of birth became clear, her parentage did not. Her birth certificate lists Arthur Terrence O’Brian Thompson as her father. A British mechanical engineer stationed in Bombay, his partner was Charlotte Selby of Ceylon, the imperial name for Sri Lanka. It was a second relationship for Selby—her first husband was Irish tea planter Henry Alfred Selby with whom she had four children. The eldest of these children was Constance—a relation that would prove quite significant in the twisted tale that was Merle Oberon’s life. As Constance would have been 14 or 15 years old at the time of Oberon’s birth, her maternity came into question with the truth not revealing itself until much later.

SHE CANADA 41 Regardless of Oberon’s exact bloodline, it is believed that once in to crack with age. Constance Selby’s son Harry, who incidentally England on the path to stardom, Alexander Korda and the team settled in Toronto, managed to track down Oberon’s original birth responsible for making her America’s sweetheart felt shrouding her certificate in Bombay and made a startling discovery. According to true heritage was in everyone’s best interest. Tasmania was selected the document Oberon was in fact his sister, not his aunt as he was as an ideal birthplace for the rising star due to its relative seclusion raised to believe. He went looking for her in Los Angeles and even from the western world. What’s more, there would be no question made it to her front doorstep; she refused to see him. about her Anglo-Saxon roots if she were from the southern-most tip of Australia. Racial insensitivity ran high in the ‘30s and ‘40s and It was clear that Oberon’s lies had caught up with her, but it was the Oberon’s team of handlers felt her career would not withstand the Hobart, Tasmania theater reception fiasco that would lead to her discovery of her true lineage. eventual undoing. Oberon passed away a year later at the age of 68 in 1979 after suffering a severe stroke. It has been said that it was her It was a time well before the gossip rags cared to destroy the careers trip “home” that forever weakened her heart. of Hollywood leading ladies for profit; a time before mean-spirited bloggers could tear celebrities down in their prime with the click Merle Oberon is interned at the famed Forest Lawn Memorial of a button; and certainly a time before anyone had the knowhow Cemetery in Glendale, California among many of Hollywood’s biggest to trace the true identity the world’s most public figures’ genetics. and brightest stars. She has also been immortalized with a star on the As Oberon’s career hit its many peaks and valleys throughout the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard for her work twentieth century, the façade she wore to protect her past began in Motion Pictures.

42 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 43 Special Feature

TheBy Eloise Proof Alba is in the Talent

44 SHE CANADA

Special Feature

By Emily Durham s one of the top talent agencies in Canada, MAX Agency represents a diverse spectrum of talent, inclusive of all ages and backgrounds. To maintain its position as an in-demand, progressive talent Arepresentative, MAX strives to propel its talent to the very top. The myriad of success stories of its clients are certainly proof of just that.

From the moment a potential model or actor meets with MAX, their journey toward success begins. MAX Agents determine which facet of the industry a client would be best suited for by getting to know their unique characteristics and personalities. Based on these findings Agents can then promote the individual in all areas where they think they can succeed.

Training in modeling and acting, as well as the basics such as what to expect at an audition make the difference at MAX. This means that experience isn’t necessary to become a part of MAX’s roster, but drive and passion certainly help. With the right training and guidance from certified acting coaches, anything is possible. Take MAX Model Albiyona Smith, who recently booked an ad campaign with TD Bank, or Meagan D’agostini, Will Huck or Katie Keca who will all be making appearances in an upcoming commercial for Tim Horton’s. Another talent represented by MAX has just booked a recurring role on the popular television show Degrassi.

MAX’s support is evident throughout the actors’ and models’ journeys. Social media is a key tool for the promotion of talent, and MAX Agency uses this tool to its full advantage. Blogging, tweeting and even Instagram-ing about the stories of their talent has been a great way to promote the achievements of the many talented individuals represented by MAX.

So the next time you find yourself watching television at home and thinking “that could be me on that screen” consider the success stories of regular people, whose hard work, dedication and willingness to learn and put themselves out there have paid off. But at the end of the day none of this would have been possible without a little help from MAX Agency, of course. Ready for the spotlight? Contact MAX Agency at (416) 482-5392 or check out their website at www.maxagency.com SHE CANADA 45 46 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 47 48 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 49 50 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 51 Special Feature Special Fea ture

Leonardo Dicaprio in Blood Diamond (2006) 54 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 55 The Afghan Women’s Outreach Programme Conference Friday 21st February 2014 Goldsmiths University, New Cross Gate, South London

Far right: Dr Jasmine Gani

56 SHE CANADA Left to right: Humera Khan, Erin Saltman, Jo Atwool, Angela Quartermaine

he Afghan Women’s Outreach Programme aims to provide on the uniqueness of Islam in Central Asia due to the Soviet invasion. a safe space to discuss Islam, human rights and extremist activity; Their anti-religious policies erased how Central Asians identified Tto equip women with the knowledge and skills to challenge violent themselves via religion as opposed to strategy. Since the fall of the extremism when advocated by offering an environment to voice Eastern Bloc however, religion has brought Central Asian Muslims their opinions and have them be acknowledged; and to promote together across the globe. understanding and inclusion within a new culture. On February 21 at Goldsmiths University at New Cross Gate, South London, a dialogue Mojan Ahmad of the charity MoreAid added to the western has been started to discuss the Muslim Identity in the UK (Panel I) withdrawal of Afghanistan post-2014 and how it will affect women. and Radicalization and its Prevention (Panel II). Foreign governments and media play an important role in the messages they relay to their people as alarmist media is presently After a reception of coffee and tea to enable pre-programme causing anti-immigration rhetoric abroad. Lauren De Rooij of discussion, the conference commenced with a few words by Shabnam the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University Nasimi, Muslim Women Engagement Officer at the Afghan Women’s chimed in via video chat to add to the discourse on the media’s role Outreach Program. Panel I kicked off with author Georgina Jardim in Afghanistan’s identity abroad. He pointed out that depending on (Recovering the Female Voice in Islamic Scripture), speaking on the the cost of the medium transmitting the news, a different story is question of identity, specifically in the context of immigrating to the presented to readers. The Internet has revolutionized this by allowing UK from Afghanistan. Problem solving abilities shift back and forth the free-flow of information and the ability to pick and choose what from how one’s mother would have dealt with a challenge versus to read and from where. one’s new society. The primary transitional issue Muslim women face is having their voice heard. Ms. Jardim’s talk was followed up by After a lunch to facilitate the discussion amongst the members of the Mumtoz Kamolzoda, a PhD student from the School of Government audience, Panel II commenced on “Radicalisation and Prevention”. and International Affairs at Durham University. Her research is based With the changes Afghanistan is undergoing and the foreign

SHE CANADA 57 environments to which emigrants must adapt, a loss of identity is extremists, however creating unrest amongst the youth that can lead to radicalization. she pointed out The Panel’s aim was to hash-out what can be done on a ground level. one must really The Panel was opened by Humera Khan of the An-Nisa Society know what they are that provides counselling for families. She validly pointed out that looking for online Muslims have a much longer history with the UK than meets the eye. to come across Islamic civilization throughout history was akin to the West today; terrorist affiliated it propagated critical thinking with its knowledge and culture. Due rhetoric. In order to war and unrest in many Muslim nations in present-day, much to do so, there involuntary migration has occurred (ethnic cleansing, war) resulting must be a spark in intolerance for these communities in their new host countries in real life leading (Islamophobia, racism), leading to a loss of identity for the post- the individual down this path. By moderate censorship, the voice is 9/11 generation. Programs that enable education for youth and their muffled but still heard. Complete censorship presents a problem as parents need to be implemented to avoid vulnerability about their extremism is a grey area that is difficult to define and infringes on heritage and religion. freedom of speech.

Angela Quartermaine of the Religious Education Research Unit Dr. Jasmine Gani, a Fellow at the London School of Economics in at Warwick University continued the dialog by discussing how to International Relations in the Middle East, closed the second panel prevent terrorism by safeguarding children. She outlined PREVENT’s with an impassioned talk on terminology, discourse and the need strategies as being threefold: Firstly, safeguard children by programs to be critical. The link between brown skin and terrorism needs similar to drug prevention. Secondly, challenge terrorist ideologies to be broken in order for Muslims not to be made a part of the by discussing different types of extremists (IRA, Greenpeace, PETA). wider discourse leading to radicalization in a vicious cycle. Being Finally, improve on community cohesion by building a stronger sense critical is important in recognizing that there is a disconnect in this of belonging for Muslim youth. terminology. Having an in-depth knowledge about one’s faith opens avenues of understanding and will prevent being led down the path Jo Atwool carried the conversation out of prevention in childhood of radicalization. Finally, in theme with the conference, Dr. Gani and discussed the implication a university education has. She looked pointed out that women play an important role as 50% of society. into PREVENT’s presence at university and how its resources are By having a greater knowledge of their religion will encourage more attempting to divert students away from radicalization. Although active participation in the community at large. criticized for being too Al-Qaida focused, PREVENT is also aiming to customize its program depending on the university’s needs. The common thread throughout the conference was the importance of opening the lines of communication in the community. Through Dr. Erin Saltman, research project officer at the counter-extremist discourse and the spreading of knowledge, youth will be less at risk think tank Quilliam, added to the discussion by focusing on the to moral corruption by misguided philosophies. The UK is on the necessity of moderate censorship versus complete censorship. It’s right path, but only time will tell if PREVENT is effectively protecting largely believed the Internet plays a huge role in the radicalization of those most as risk.

58 SHE CANADA What is PREVENT?

PREVENT is a government backed initiative in the United Kingdom that aims to curb terrorism and terrorism activity at the root through education.

The PREVENT strategy: • Responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views • Provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support • Works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health) where there are risks of radicalization that we need to deal with

SHE CANADA 59 Fehmina

CThehaudry Story Of A Pakistani Beauty Queen Takes A Tragic Turn By: Harpreet Brar

hile searching for a place for her mother in her crime where he dumped Chaudhry’s body in a stream just outside of homeland Pakistan, Singapore-based supermodel and aspiring Islamabad. Waqar had met and became friends with Fehmina back WBollywood actress Fehmina Chaudhry was found dead in a stream in in Singapore where the two had talked about starting an advertising the outskirts of Islamabad a week after she was declared missing. and fashion business in Pakistan.

While Chaudhry’s real estate agent, Maaz Waqar, was assisting in the Chaudhry leaves behind a husband and two children, a son and a search of a new home for her mother, he also had every intention of daughter, back in Singapore. The well-known Pakistani supermodel holding her for ransom in his hotel on October 12, 2013. Chaudhry’s was a dedicated philanthropist and had plans to open a fashion mother would receive a text message from her daughter soon after school in Pakistan. She had also won a number of beauty pageants telling her that she had been kidnapped and that her abductors along with becoming the first Miss Asia International in 2012. demanded 20 million rupees (about $189,000) in exchange for her release. With the help from a friend from India, Umesh Argarwal, Chaudhry’s dreams of making her debut in Bollywood had almost What led the police to the fashion model’s body was the come to life. She was scheduled to fly to India on the 4th of interrogation of Waqar during which he confessed to the kidnapping December for auditions to hopefully land what would be her big and murder of Chaudhry. He then led the police to the scene of the break.

60 SHE CANADA While it’s obvious as to why Waqar would choose a glamorous (and wealthy) model to hold for ransom,the act of kidnapping is still a national epidemic in Pakistan with or without the demand for money. Statistics have recorded roughly 15,000 kidnappings a year in Pakistan although the number may be higher. What’s worth noting is that up to only 20 percent of the kidnappings seem to be for ransom.

Dr. Jahanzeb Effendi, co-founder of First Response Initiative of Pakistan, describes the culture of kidnapping as remorseless in Pakistan. Effendi stated:

“For these criminals, kidnapping for ransom is not just their profession, it’s their birthright; it is their inheritance, their culture and their custom; it is their livelihood, their sole mode of income and their ultimate right. They do not believe that kidnapping is unjust, illegal or against the laws of the land. They eat, breathe and live this profession, just as their ancestors have for centuries. They have no conscience.”

Effendi also states that kidnappers are able to easily get away with these crimes because many of them work with the police.

It seems that kidnapping in Pakistan stems out to be more of an ethical issue than it is a legal one. Fehmina Chaudhry’s ambition will be remembered by those who knew and looked up to her.

SHE CANADA 61 62 SHE CANADA My husband and I have been married for just over them. Secondly, it doesn’t hurt to follow up with each company. Show six months and I feel like he doesn’t make the same that you care about the job more than anyone else and the employer will take notice. effort that he used to when it came to taking me out on special dates. I understand we both have busy schedules but our weekends now usually consist of SHE: I can’t stress this enough. Start a blog, start a blog, start a blog! Post on it multiple times a day, show off as much as you watching a movie at home unless we have an event want on it. This is your platform to showcase your best work. Build up to go to. How do I get us out of this rut without the content on it. Include your website link on both your resume and making it seem like I’m overreacting? your cover letter and urge the employer to visit it. Employers don’t want to hear about what you’re capable of—they want to see it!

HE: It seems like your husband has gotten comfortable. As a twenty-something, social media surrounds Instead of making it an issue, send him a text at work and tell him you’re me. It’s no surprise when I receive a tweet from my taking him out on Friday night. It’ll make him want to reciprocate for weekends to come. best friend instead of a text, asking me if I want to go to the movies with her. I recently began dating a guy (casually) two months ago and I’ve noticed SHE: You should find an upcoming event in your city – whether it be a comedy show, a concert, or a sporting event – and ask that he tends to communicate flirtatiously on him if he’s interested in going. You two might find yourselves doing social media with other women—which bothers this more often if you enjoy it! me quite a bit. Is this something I can confront him about or will I just come off as nosy and rude?

I just graduated with a degree and at the moment I’m working a minimum wage part-time job that HE: You two aren’t exclusive, so I don’t think that he’s obligated to behave in any sort of way. Until you two have the “talk” has no correlation to my field of expertise (graphic about becoming exclusive, he may think you’re coming off too strong design). It’s been about three months and I’ve by confronting him about an issue that doesn’t necessarily involve you. sent resume after resume to numerous businesses without hearing a single word back. I feel like I SHE: Let me ask you this: do you two behave like a couple? should have heard something back by now! How If yes, then by all means confront him. If this is something that makes do I get noticed and set myself apart from all of you feel insecure then you have every right to try and feel secure again. the other recent grads? It’s the social media era, there’s no such thing as being nosy anymore.

HE: First of all, ensure that your resume is tailored towards each job. By now, you know that every business looks for keywords and will throw your resume in the trash if it doesn’t possess the majority of

SHE CANADA 63 64 SHE CANADA SHE CANADA 65 1 3

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SHE CANADA 67 68 SHE CANADA le Beef Club By Priya Kumar paris

On a rainy Sunday evening in Paris I decided I wanted to try a trendy memories of Pastis and Balthazar (or vice versa) from New York restaurant nearby the studio I was renting at Palais Royale. This was City, and is truly compact—I repeatedly knocked over items on the apparently too much to ask—little did I know Paris virtually shuts table with my clumsy Canadian hands throughout the evening. The down after 5PM on Sunday night. After Google-translating Le Fooding retro-linoleum checkered flooring and oak furnishings appeared to (Paris’ answer to Zagat Survey) and seeking the advice of some local emulate the ambience of a resto-bar like Automat in London’s uppity friends, I ended up at Le Beef Club on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. neighbourhood of Mayfair, which is incidentally known to be an “American fine-dining” brunch hotspot. Le Beef Club is indeed where all the cool kids (read: plaid wearing hipsters) go to graze. It has a typical Parisian brasserie feel, invoking From my research Le Beef Club is an “Anglo-Saxon” restaurant; in Paris this archaic term refers to any eatery serving cuisine from an English-speaking nation (that includes Mexican cantinas and cupcake shops). While the menu suggests a British influence, with all cuts of beef originating from Tim Wilson’s farm in Yorkshire, certain aspects of the experience were unarguably American. The muddled menu also included American sides (Mac ‘n’ Cheese, thickly cut potato wedges) that made for a gastronomic experience that can really only be called “Anglo-Saxon comfort food.”

We ordered the Entrecôte steak to share accompanied by two sides. Entrecôte refers to the t-bone or rib-eye cut—both of which I usually find not nearly lean enough. But at Beef Club it seemed just right. Ordered rare, the piece was crispy on the outside and melt-in-your- mouth on the inside. With garlic mushrooms and Mac ‘n’ Cheese to compliment the meat, we left anything but hungry. It’s interesting to note, my French dining companion had never seen macaroni and cheese prior to this experience. I had to look into the dish’s history and discovered that Thomas Jefferson came across the cheesy pasta dish in both Paris and northern Italy in the late 1700s. He decided to bring the recipe to America and served Macaroni Pie at a state dinner—it’s been associated with the United States ever since. This particular side of Mac ‘n’ Cheese was unique in both its presentation (served up in a mini-casserole dish) and that it was drizzled with truffle oil on top, giving the classic American dish a Parisian twist.

After downing the sinfully rich New York-style Cheese Cake, we reached for the bill. At €127 for two, there was nothing American about the price tag. And unfortunately, the night I popped in the basement Ballroom club was shut (ugh, Sunday in France). The speakeasy-style space is known for its elaborate beverage menu, vintage upholstery and overall appropriately hip vibe.

58 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris, France, +33 9 54 37 13 65, http://www.eccbeefclub.com

SHE CANADA 69 A Sunday Match of POLO By Liz Guber

t’s hard to imagine a scene more idyllic than the grounds I arrived unsure of what to expect—this would be my first match of the Toronto Polo Club in Richmond Hill. Although only 40 of Polo, both as a spectator and journalist. After meeting with Iminutes north of downtown Toronto, the vast fields and winding Karen White, Toronto Polo Club’s charismatic director, I was country roads suggest a scene entirely too rugged to be in such lead through the stables, which looked every bit like the perfect close proximity to a bustling metropolis. My GPS was effectively background to a Ralph Lauren ad campaign. The surrounding rendered useless in this farmland landscape and I found myself far walls of the indoor polo field didn’t offer much of a barrier from out of my urban element. the cold, but luckily, an upstairs lounge provided much needed refuge. Following a long, slow drive down a road icy enough to play a game of hockey on, I conceded; we were lost. The lack of any other Walking upstairs to the viewing box was akin to stepping inside vehicles to suggest the presence of fellow polo enthusiasts was a family cottage. The well-loved furniture, chicken noodle soup concerning, though there were plenty of horses—too bad they bubbling on the kitchen stove and even the requisite canine friend couldn’t offer directions. Blanketed from the cold, they seemed made for a sports viewing environment unlike any other. Picture indifferent to my confused state. At last, I spotted another person the quintessential American football game during Thanksgiving, leading a pony into the stables and was directed to the indoor polo now replace the television screen with floor-to-ceiling windows grounds. and the football game with a live action Polo match and you’ve got a Sunday afternoon to remember.

70 SHE CANADA On the very same day as the the gold medal game in men’s hocket at the Olympics, the A and B teams competed U.S.P.A. Interscholastic North East Regional Finals. It was a Canada-US face-off that made for some truly captivating play. The Toronto A team of King Ward Jr., Mich Ward, Jack Venhuizen and Luke Sifton won the North East Open Regional Title, defeating Country Farms 22-13. This team will now proceed to the Nationals in California in March.

Haviland Hollow narrowly defeated the Toronto B team consisting of Braedon McComb, Ryan Watchorn and Tyler Sifton in the Consolation game, losing by 2 goals. This young team of boys— who have only been playing together for a few months—was incredible to watch and made some fantastic plays. Among them were two 2-point goals scored by Ryan Watchorn.

SHE CANADA 71 Haviland Hollow takes on the Toronto B team

For an amateur polo enthusiast like myself, the game’s various intri- This Polo tournament was a mere preview to the excitement and spec- cacies weren’t always clear. However, the sheer power of the animals tacle that is Polo for Heart. The three-day event features teams from galloping just beneath my camera’s lens was palpable. The horses’ breath all over the world, fashion shows, silent auctions and champagne divot was visible as it came out of their flared nostrils, their braided tails stomps. Since its inception in 1979, Polo for Heart has raised over $5 bounced against powerful muscle as they raced from one end of the million for heart and stroke research and treatment. 2014 will mark field and back again. Before I knew it, I was hooked, cheering for every the event’s 35th anniversary and proceeds will go to the Heart & Stroke point and expressing my dismay at every miss. Foundation’s Centre for Stroke Recovery at Sunnybrook Health and Sciences Centre and to the Southlake Foundation for the purchase of a In the last chukker (polo-speak for period lasting 7 minutes, of which new MRI machine. there may be 4,6, or 8) I wanted to take in the match from the sidelines. Following several warnings to avoid being on the receiving end of a Many will remember this winter as the coldest in decades, providing loose ball, I decided to take my chances. The atmosphere so close to the unrelenting frost and a legendary ice storm. I’ve chosen to narrow my field was decidedly different from that of the upstairs viewing lounge. recollection of this bitter season down to one Sunday afternoon spent Here, spectators were impassioned, shouting directions to the players watching a spirited young generation carry on the centuries-old tradi- and expressing their dismay at the opposition’s success through mut- tion of a beautiful sport. tered expletives—a form of entertainment on its own. Polo for Heart will take place from June 20th to the 22nd at the Gormley Polo Club.

72 SHE CANADA Left to right: Haviland Hollow (US),Country Farms (US), Toronto A team and B team

The horses’ breath was visible as it came out of their flared nostrils, their braided tails bounced against pow- erful muscle as they raced from one end of the field and back again. Before I knew it, I was hooked, cheering for every point and expressing my dismay at every miss.

SHE CANADA 73 SHE Debates:

Why I’m Afraid to Call Myself a Feminist By Faria Jafri

he word “feminist” has weathered many stereotypes throughout its history—from invoking the image of angry women Tburning bras and hating men, to more recently being branded a security threat on national television. Of course there is little reality to any of this. My problem with Feminism however, is not term slut has varying degrees of meaning for different cultures and associated with these stereotypes, but rather with Feminism’s backgrounds. While it could mean a woman who engages with tendency to become an overarching white feminist’s privileged multiple partners and wears revealing attire, for many Eastern attitude towards other feminists. As we enter the stage of the third cultures it can also be directed at a woman that is strictly flirting wave and beyond, Feminism has to move forward from being a with a man. This is another perception that the SlutWalk movement restrictive movement to one that includes more than one identity. does not consider. The currentBy Liz pigeonholing Guber of this important movement is making it inaccessible to many. FEMEN is a feminist group that was founded in the Ukraine in 2008. They perform nude protests to oppose sex tourism, religious The feminist campaigns SlutWalk and FEMEN attest to the institutions, patriarchy and sexism. FEMEN is even more restric- exclusivity of Feminism for white women. SlutWalk started as a tive and actually oppressive towards women of colour, specifically protest movement in Toronto on April 3rd, 2011. It was primarily a Muslim women. It has been considered very hostile towards Islam reaction to the slut-shaming comments made by a Toronto Police by alienating Muslim women. FEMEN has constantly perpetu- officer, Constable Michael Sanguinetti. He suggested that “women ated a white exclusive idea that nudity is a means to an end for should avoid dressing like sluts” to prevent sexual assault. Women women’s freedom. Since many Muslim women practice hijab (veil wore revealing attire and marched on the streets to challenge the that covers most of the female body), FEMEN propagates that their victim blaming ideology behind the officer’s comment. SlutWalk religion oppresses them. In other words, the campaign is telling has since become an international movement as protests now Muslim women that their Islamic beliefs marginalize them instead take place in America, Latin America, India, England and other of asking how patriarchy affects them. This represents the concept countries. SlutWalk has been a vital campaign to deconstruct that women of colour could not possibly know how to be free and patriarchal rule and criticize slut-shaming. As an activist, these therefore a white woman should tell them. Instead of obligating issues are very important to me. Unfortunately, SlutWalk does this women to abide by their definition of liberation, FEMEN should by trying to reclaim the word “slut.” Many feminists do not wish to have focused on the issue of the male gaze dictating women’s bod- reclaim the word whatsoever. For a woman of colour with specific ies. That issue unites all feminists equally. religious affiliations, the reclamation of this term alone makes the movement inaccessible to me. I can no longer identify with the More recently in the media, we have also witnessed white women movement even if I advocate against the very same discrimination. dictating the Feminism sphere. Lily Allen’s music video for Hard What’s more, there is a complete disregard of what the word could Out Here was quickly branded the national anthem for feminists. mean for feminists of colour. The meaning of the word “slut” that There was a grave oversight in this assertion. Allen clearly uses the group is focused on is exclusive to a Western definition. The Black and Asian women in the background as accessories. The song

74 SHE CANADA SHE DeBates

may have been radical in pointing out how world throughout the women are scrutinized by the media but course of history. Rani unfortunately, it was also underhandedly Laxmibai of Jhansi racist by positioning the only clothed white (1835 – 1858) was a woman in the foreground, speaking for the major leader of rebel- rest of the women in the background, who lion against the British obviously cannot speak for themselves. rule in India. She fiercely led her army into hammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received a battle before being nobly martyred fighting marriage proposal from a woman, Khadi- The issue of race can be better identified in for her land and people. Moving further jah. She was a rich business owner and Feminism by recognizing all the different East presents us with Ancient China’s only many years his senior. The Prophet (PBUH) histories of the women who are advocating female Empress, the Empress Wu Zetian accepted the proposal without feeling emas- for women’s rights. Some of these cultures (624 – 705). From childhood she continu- culated by it, while we are still subjected even predate the predominantly white ously resisted gender norms by refusing to a heteronormative structure in which a women’s suffrage movement. Before patri- activities conventionally designated to girls. woman must await her gentleman caller. archal imperialism took over Feminism’s She would instead engage in reading that birthplace, tribal North America demon- helped her critical thinking and political I do not identify myself as a Feminist strated very progressive women’s rights. insight. Empress Wu was power-driven and because it restricts me and my identity as Many Native American tribes like the did not let anything oppose her opportunity a human rights activist. I still advocate for Cherokees, were matrilineal—the system by to rule. She has since been praised for politi- Feminist objectives because many of them which decent is traced maternally. Besides cal reforms, even though they resulted in align with my own. But until the Feminist lineage, women were also able to own prop- the loss of life at times. movement works to include intersectionality erty and were honoured leaders. It is worth under its mandate by embracing people of noting that the women’s rights movement is FEMEN keeps branding Islam as sexist, colour, disability, gender and sexual orienta- not exclusive to North America. There are but it seems to forget the very first Muslim tion, class and all identities universally, I am accounts of powerful women all around the woman. Some 600 years ago, Prophet Mu- afraid to call myself a Feminist.

SHE CANADA 75 SHE CARES

he economic situation in the Palestinian West nutrients to grow and develop healthily. A family who has a sack of Bank is becoming desperate. Due to the political rice will be able to spend its daily cash supply on other food items and situation in the region, economic activities are will thus eat sufficiently and have a more balanced diet. at an all-time low and unemployment is on the rise. Even people who are employed suffer as A sack of rice will enable family providers to adequately feed their their employers, notably the Palestinian National families for a month or more. Assuming an average family size of Authority, are unable to pay their salaries. It seven, which is a conservative estimate in Palestine, 2,450 people will is estimated that presently 65 percent of the benefit from this project, at least two thirds of them children. A mere population in the West Bank lives in poverty. This means hidden four Euro are sufficient to improve a person’s nutrition for a whole starvation, especially for families who already were poor before the month. current economic recession and do not have reserves to fall back on. Families headed by a woman and without a male breadwinner, the Dear LFT donors: When you sit down for your daily meals, think of sick and the elderly are hit hardest. Most Palestinian families are those who look at an empty table and have to go to bed hungry. By large. In some regions, the average family comprises no less than nine giving a small part of what you spend on food every month, you can members, most of them children of school age, who all rely on a sole significantly improve their lives. breadwinner.

Humanitarian Relief Society (HRS), a Palestinian humanitarian To Donate or Get Involved Contact: organization active in the West Bank, especially in Arroub refugee camp, therefore proposes to distribute a 20-kg sack of rice to 350 September Lodge, Village Way, extremely poor families. Rice is the main staple of the Palestinian Little Chalfont diet and is eaten for lunch and frequently dinner. Most families Buckinghamshire cannot afford to purchase a sack of rice and resort to buying small HP7 9PU quantities on a daily basis. Little money remains to purchase other ingredients of a nutritious meal, for example vegetables, cooking oil [email protected] and meat. Eating only or mainly carbohydrates leads to malnutrition Tel: +44 (0) 1494 762 063 in the long run, especially among children, who need all kinds of Fax: +44 (0) 1494 762 286 Mob: +44 (0) 7798 761 020 / +44 (0) 7798 769 030 76 SHE CANADA SHE CARES

The Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust is one of the first charities to use its own unique text code, LFCT14, to raise funds by using JustTextGiving, a service available to Vodafone subscribers internationally.

In the spirit of the LFT, this is a new service which has no set up or associated costs for the LFT and every penny donated via text goes directly to the LFT. Once your donation has gone through, you can also add Gift Aid to the donation, which we recommend as it gives us an extra 25% on your donation.

For more success stories and information about how to donate, please visit: http://www.ladyfatemahtrust.org/

SHE CANADA 77 A Non-Profit Organization For Special Needs Children

n April 4th, SMILE hosted its 6th Annual child, parents, and families with integrative events, educational Fundraising Gala at Swagat Banquet Hall in Toronto. SMILE is workshops, scholarships, and buddy programs. The organization Otargeted towards families of children that have special needs, is entirely run by volunteers ranging from students, to members particularly in the Muslim community. of the community, all the way up to healthcare professionals.

SMILE is a Canadian non-profit organization that aims to SMILE is an organization that aspires to open doors for special expand boundaries and kick down barriers for children with needs children. Their integrative events are intended for the mental disabilities as they learn and grow. SMILE works to children and the whole family. A variety of fun and interactive improve the lives of children with special needs by providing the activities are provided which assist in further enhancing a

78 SHE CANADA child’s abilities. Additionally, they of special needs children. growing organization that hopes to soon serve as educational tools for families expand based on their donations to make to increasingly improve their children’s SMILE also provides a number of it easier for more families to join and lives. In the past, children have enjoyed scholarships for children based on the attend. activities such as craft making, animal donations received. The scholarships are shows and magic shows. Moreover, intended for covering the costs of specific While these enhancements are directed these activities allow families to build therapy services for the children. What’s towards the children and their families, a network among themselves and share more is that SMILE enjoys assisting they also aime to educate the community their knowledge and experiences with families with their buddy system. The at large to bring awareness and garner each other. buddy system consists of volunteers who interest towards the concerns of special are carefully matched with children in needs children. Spreading awareness Educational workshops are integrated into the SMILE program. The volunteers makes it possible for the children to SMILE’s program to inform parents and spend their time playing interactive and grow to their potential in the healthiest families on their growing child’s potential educational activities with their buddy. way. The organization seeks to spread needs. SMILE connects with top notch awareness and happiness —hence the professionals and experts who deliver SMILE individualizes each and every one name. SMILE continues to help children educational workshops focused in differ- of their members by targeting their needs realize their full potential so they can live ent areas. The workshops are designed to to better assist them in the organization. fulfilling and educated lives. educate and support the community in This is done with a one-on-one assessment order to improve and develop the lifestyle with the child and their families. This is a

These activities allow families to build a network among themselves and share their knowledge and experiences with each other.

SHE CANADA 79 Health & Wellness WORK SmartOUT not hard By: Sam Trotta

Sam Trotta, RTSM, MATCS is the Co-Founder of Striation 6, an exercise consultancy firm in Toronto. He was the 65th person globally to attain the distinguished dual designation of Mastery Level Resistance Training Specialist and Muscle Activation Techniques Certified Specialist. He has been a personal trainer and manual treatment specialist in Toronto for 12 years.

n the springtime, motivation at the gym is brought on by the season itself. Sunnier and longer days bring a new light into an exerciser’s eye and encourage Ithem to work harder. The springtime is a crucial time as many people attempt to attain a beach-ready body.

The downside of these rush periods, however, is the participation drop- off that seems to occur within 30 to 60 days from each of their starts. The common belief is that the once-held enthusiasm by the barrage of new exercise participants fades from either lack of interest, or a gained interest in other activities (like watching television, having coffee with friends or essentially anything that is easier than going for a workout). In my 12 years in the fitness industry, however, I can tell you with great certainty that that is a myth. People are not inherently lazy, nor they looking for a “way out” of their workouts.

The greatest cause of inconsistent, short-lived participation in exercise is being physically unprepared for the exercise itself. Yes, life does sometimes get in the way; and yes, there are certain people who do

80 SHE CANADA Health & Wellness

not care for that whole “effort” aspect of a regular exercise regimen. I can tell you personally that I have had countless clients in both my Muscle Activation Techniques™ and exercise practices that came to me originally because of injuries, and that I soon learned were a result of an overzealous approach to a new exercise routine.

There seems to be a widely held belief that exercise has to be hard; that your workouts should leave you drained, and that unless your personal trainer has “killed you” for the day, then he or she has not done the job properly.

Ladies and Gentlemen, that is just simply wrong.

A hard workout is not necessarily a bad thing— it simply depends on the participant. Are you prepared for the exercise load being administered? What steps have you taken to ensure that the upcoming workout will yield greater benefit to you than the risk it imposes on your body? And, most importantly, what are the qualifications of your While I would encourage you to engage in a regular exercise exercise instructor, and are they aware of your routine, I would also offer the following pieces of advice: current physical settings? • Work smart, not hard. Determine your exercise goals and work The “just do it” mentality can be very towards them in the most efficient way possible. motivating—but in therein lies the inherent problem with it. Motivation, by definition, • Make your individual safety your prime directive in exercise. Get is temporary. I do not impose any goals an assessment from a Muscle Activation Techniques Specialist on my clients, except for this one: that and/or chiropractor before engaging in any new exercise routine. your participation in a meaningful Keep a regular schedule with these professionals in order to and beneficial exercise regimen be a maintain optimal muscular stability and prevent injury. lifetime commitment. I strive to give my clients the tools to • Your success in exercise is your most important goal. If you exercise in a healthy are being lead by a fitness professional that holds their own ego way with or without needs above your best interests, drop that person. He or she is my supervision. risking your safety and should not be practicing in the exercise Through gaining profession. But . . . this knowledge, their individual • Do seek the help of a qualified fitness professional. Individual commitments to services in the industry start as low as $60 per session and can go exercise are both a very long way towards efficiently, safely and effectively helping tacit and easy. you to achieve your physical goals. Knowledge truly is power when it • See each gain or accomplishment in exercise as a milestone. comes to the Small successes in the short-term amount large long term gain. exercise process. I am always available for inquiries and information via email ([email protected]), and look forward to hearing from you and helping you on your way to your physical success.

SHE CANADA 81 Migrationof the Wildebeest By: Robin Esrock

82 SHE CANADA he Great Migration across the Masai- witness a chase. Many people go on safari with Serengeti eco-system is the Superbowl of Safaris. this sort of expectation. Typically it all comes down TSome of the best seats in the house are in Kenya’s to patience, timing, and luck. During the Great Masai Mara National Reserve, part of a 25,000 Migration, however, fortune is bound to be in my km² protected natural habitat for Africa’s storied favour. wildlife: the big cats, elephant, zebra, giraffe, hippos, antelope, buffalo, hyena, and most of all, wildebeest. The Landrover approaches &Beyond’s Bateleur The annual migration of approximately 1.4 million Camp, built into the forest on the edge of the savanna wildebeest in search of food—along with hundreds in the Masai Mara. Overlooking a vast plain, the of thousands of accompanying gazelle, zebra and camp offers luxury tent accommodation, guided others—is the largest single movement of animals on safari excursions, and some of the best meals I’ve earth. tasted anywhere. Large leather sofas in the lounge tent provide a comfy mid-day refuge to read classic As my charter flight approaches the dirt runway, I National Geographic magazines from the ‘60s and see shaggy-faced wildebeest scattered all over the ‘70s. Dining is outdoors, set just metres from a low savanna, like an invasion of ants on a carrot cake. electrified fence keeping elephant, hippo and the Warthog are grunting on the runway, causing our occasional lion from wandering into camp. Best of pilot to brake hard and bounce the Cessna Caravan all, an infinity swimming pool allows me to swim to a stop. Safari rangers and Landrovers greet us and view wildlife at the same time. With a limited with gourmet snacks and chilled champagne. This is number of guests, it doesn’t take long for Bateleur’s the wild African bush, as presented by &Beyond, a staff to remember the names of every guest, offering company that specializes in luxury safari adventures. drinks at every opportunity. Ginger ale made frothy Clients may sleep in tents, but these tents have four- with fresh cucumber is a perfect libation for the dry, poster beds and en-suite bathrooms. African heat.

On the drive from the landing strip, I already spot On the afternoon’s game drive, we encounter another giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, antelope and a pride of lions, lazing in the shade of an acacia tree. pride of lions. I am hoping to see a kill, or perhaps Just a few kilometres away, I see tall, robed figures

SHE CANADA 83 herding cattle. According to their legends, the Masai people have lived here since the dawn of time. I ask Joseph, my guide, why the lions don’t attack the Masai, or their cattle. He points to the thousands of wildebeest, and the sheer abundance of food available. He jokingly refers to wildebeest as “lion takeout” and warthog as “lion sausage.” Joseph, a member of the Masai tribe, discusses the natural fear lions have for Masai warriors, and the fact that for generations, Masai boys would come of age I catch a glimpse of the final two. A night safari yields dozens of by killing a lion. Lions have learned to fear people, and vice-versa, hippos, far from a river, silently roaming in the dark, like ominous resulting in a peaceful co-existence. Still, visitors at Bateleur are tanks. It is hippos that kill more people than any other mammal in advised to walk the camp at night only with an armed guard. Masai Africa, save for man. Excited with our daily haul, Joseph is equally villages, meanwhile, protect themselves with a circular defense of thrilled that we spotted an elusive aardwolf, an animal he’d only thorny scrub. seen once before in the Mara. There is always something to see on safari. Every drive can result in the spectacular, the mundane, or The Big 5—leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino—got their most likely, a combination of both. name from English colonial hunters, not fans of the modern safari. These were the animals that hunters feared most, and subsequently The following day, we almost catch a kill when the wildebeest roam have become a checklist for anyone on safari. Within an hour into a little too close to a pride of lions. The tense moment passes when the late afternoon’s drive, I see 3 of the big 5, and by the next day, a dozen Land Cruisers pull up, with European tourists chattering

84 SHE CANADA loudly with excitement. There’s a lot of traffic in the Mara, and our A nearby Masai village welcomes visiting tourists, offering cultural camp is by no means the only luxury lodge around. Using radio, encounters and a craft market. Here I learned about the Masai art guides share information on animal sightings, but also do their best of jumping, and how men who can leap the highest are the most to satisfy their clients desire to be as close as possible to the action. attractive to potential wives. The Masai are polygamous, but after As we wait for a potential chase, a large, muscular lioness walks jumping together with a group of warriors, I joke that I’d surely be right past our open-air vehicle, just feet away from my legs. She the only single guy in the village. gazes directly into my eyes. It would be easy for her to leap up and have me for lunch. Fortunately, lions don’t attack cars. On the final evening, we join Masai villagers and other camp guests for a BBQ on the savanna. The stars glisten above us as we listen to The wildebeest are being stalked, and they know it. Instinctively the harmonies of red-robed Masai men singing around the fire. This they group together, with the largest adults on the rim. This is a is the Africa we all dream about, where members of different tribes waiting game, and after an hour and a half, we have waited more come together in peace, to celebrate good fortune, and to enjoy the than our bladders can stand. We drive off for an anxious pee in the untamed magnificence of the continent’s beauty. Whether your bush, safely guarded by our ranger. goal is to see wildlife or share this dream, a visit to the Masai Mara is truly unforgettable. With a never-ending conveyer belt of prey—over two million animals—predators can patiently wait, pick out the weak, and leave plenty of scraps for the hyenas, vultures and other scavengers. We Robin Esrock is the bestselling author of The Great Canadian Bucket see dozens of skeletons to prove as much. In nature, nothing goes List, and the host of the OLN/City TV series Word Travels. You can to waste. Back at Bateleur, the same goes with the immaculately find him at www.robinesrock.com presented meals on my dinner plate.

SHE CANADA 85 SHE PARENTS

2 4

1

3

6

5 Jprincessungle Give your girl a ‘roaring’ look with pieces that are as playful as she is. Leopard print is everywhere this season from dresses to sandals, which gives the little ones a chance 7 to act like the clothes they wear. Just brace yourself for a Lion King movie marathon!

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1 ROBERTO CAVALLI Animal print dress $203

2 MINI RODINI Overall $95

3 H&M Cotton dress $16.95

4 MONNALISA Reversible leopard onesie $86

5 VANS Pink leopard $50

6 OH BABY LONDON Leopard print onesie $49

7 GAP Cheetah print one-piece $24.95

8 JUICY COUTURE Socks $30

86 SHE CANADA SHE PARENTS

3

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little Soldier 5 6

4 Start your child’s boot camp early with soldier inspired pieces. Clothing in 1 LITTLE MARC JACOBS Graphic print top $54 camouflage and khaki will 2 LILI GAUFRETTE Sweater $130 make your little one march 3 RALPH LAUREN Shawl-collar coverall $65 with added toughness. 4 TRUE RELIGION Cargo pants $65 Now if only you could 5 march them to pick up BABY GAP Denim Sneakers $30 their toys... 6 LITTLE MARC JACOBS Belt $54 7 OIOI Baby diaper bag carryall $155

7 8 BILLY BOB Camo Pacifier $5.99

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SHE CANADA 87 beauty product reviews

Garnier Body Repair Intensive Repairing Lotion and Body Repair Reparative Balm Elizabeth Arden Untold With summer approaching, it’s time to repair the Untold was designed to embody the many damage from the dry winter air. Thankfully the facets of the modern woman, whether they are Garnier Body line has the solution. The everyday apparent on the surface or remain hidden. This lotion is infused with Canadian maple extract well-rounded fragrance combines fruity florals, for skin smoothing benefits and the balm targets ambers and musk to create a memorable scent problem areas with nourishing shea butter. perfect for everyday wear.

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

It’s time for some shiny, beach wave-ready hair. To restore Estée Lauder Sumptuous healthy looking hair, Aveda’s Extreme Waterproof Mascara styling formula adds shine while smoothing and conditioning. This new mascara creates The product dries with a soft and extreme volume even when wet. touchable finish that is suitable Protecting your lashes from all for all hair types. kinds of weather, the formula contains three different fibers that act like lash extensions to multiply and grow the look of lashes without smudges or flakes. Eyes look brighter and wider with extreme volume and lift. Lancôme Teint Visionnaire

The skin correcting foundation covers and repairs your skin’s dark spots, pores and fine lines with daily use. It provides moderate to full coverage with SPF 20 and contains the active ingredient in the Visionnaire line of products that can transform your skin. Makeup that improves your skin instead of just covering it up? Perfect.

88 SHE CANADA Aveda stress-fix body lotion $29.50

If you’re on the hunt for something to relieve that built-up tension this lotion may be your quick fix. Aveda’s Stress-Fix body Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder lotion is proven to do exactly $7.99 what it says. Have your choice in whether you want to smell of Most powders leave a chalky residue on your face. That’s lavender, lavandin, and clary sage why Maybelline’s new Dream Wonder is a game-changer. — all scents from organic farms The powder glides on without leaving residue and leaves you created using pure essential oils with the airbrushed look that you long for. If you’re looking and the science of aromaology. for a liquid foundation finish without the mess —this is your solution.

Aveda Nourish Mint Lip Liner $25.00 Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Aveda’s Nourish Mint Lip Liner $6.99 is created with plant waxes and fruit butters complimented with Huge pores? Maybelline’s Instant Pore a certified organic peppermint Eraser may just be the miracle you’ve scent and flavour. If you’re in been wishing for. Just smooth it on for need of a lip liner that does not instantaneous flawless skin. The insta-blur feather, look to the Nourish Mint technology hides pores right away when Lip Liner, which will provide smoothed over visible pores. This product long-lasting coverage all day. is fragrance free and can be worn under your makeup for a seamless and smooth look all day.

Vasanti Soft Finish Matte Lipstick with Anti-Oxidant $15.00 Biotherm Blue Therapy Serum $67-$97 Most matte lipsticks tend to leave our lips dry. One of Vasanti’s The new Blue Therapy line of products top selling productsare their is designed to make you look younger. Soft Finish Matte Lipsticks. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles They’re made with hydrating, and dark spots in just 8 weeks with light-diffusing, and anti-oxidant this serum that melts into the skin for properties. Moisturize your matte a visible transformation. Look into the lips on a night out while they’re whole line of products for best results. bright with colour.

SHE CANADA 89 Spas in the

By Nehas Naviwalapri and Roxanne Zimanngtime

Let’s face it, you’ve been working hard all winter in anticipation of a warm vacation. Luckily, relaxation doesn’t have to take place overseas! Treat yourself to one (or more) of the spas below and celebrate winter’s end—finally!

Step out of your hectic urban routine and into a relaxing Arabian oasis at Hammam Spa. This award-winning spa offers the best of a millennia-old Roman-Turkish bath tradition 1reinvented with New World chic. Essential oils infused in the deep heat of the co-ed Hammam Steam Room will refresh and revitalize your skin and help your body release built-up stress and toxins ($55 per visit). Immerse yourself in a candlelit and rosemary scented environment with the traditional Hammam Turkish bath treatment ($125 for 60 minutes) or a Dermalogica Custom Facial ($130 for 60 minutes), a uniquely designed skin therapy guaranteed to be the best in the city. 602 King St. West www.hammamspa.ca

2. Rejuvenate by “taking the waters” at Body Blitz Spa. The spa’s famous Therapeutic Waters Circuit harnesses the natural power of water therapy and massage to 2soothe aching muscles, natural ‘Dead Sea Salt Bath’ exfoliation, and a pore-tightening cold plunge pool, which also helps to regulate your core body temperature and heart rate. A minimum of an hour and up to 2.5 hours is recommended for maximum benefit from the waters, and access to the circuit is included when you book any of the spa’s other treatments and services, or it is $54 for just the visit. What’s more? This spa is for women only, and it’s clothing-optional. Sorry, guys! 471 Adelaide St. West; 497 King St. East bodyblitzspa.com

90 SHE CANADA Novo Spa in Yorkville will offer you the full gamut of spa services, and thanks to the spa’s more balanced offerings for both women and men than you’ll find at other places, 3you can make a day of it with that special someone. The spa also boasts some standout luxury features, including a luxury couple’s suite, spa cuisine, specialized tea rituals, and dedicated relaxation lounges. From their Eminence Organic Customized Facial to the Aroma Colour Therapy Sauna to full day spa packages for both singles and couples, Novo Spa offers a lavish upscale get-away in charming Yorkville. 66 Avenue Rd. www.novospa.ca

Are you a nature lover? Lush and Lavish Salon and Spa is one of the few certified Green spas in the city. Replete with Oriental touches, the spa serves tea and organic delicacies 4to its customers to help escape the dreadful cold—if only for a little while. The spa’s signatures treatments include the Organic Microdermabrasion Facial (75 minutes; $110). Lush and Lavish also doubles as a hair salon and laser clinic, so it’s the perfect place to go and get your skin, hair, and body refreshed and renewed after a harsh work day. 200 Ossington Ave. www.lushandlavish.com

The Spa at the Hazelton Hotel is ideal for those in need of a relaxing break after strenuous and tiring travel, offering treatments such as the Jetlag Facial and Anti-Fatigue Leg 5treatment (combined treatment, $220 for 90 minutes) or the Copper Relaxation Body Rub ($120 for 60 minutes). With a full range of services housed in Toronto’s “most exclusive 5-star hotel,” a hotel package that includes lovely, spacious suites, breakfast for two (with room service), and $150 worth of credit which can be used toward services at The Spa, this is the ideal spot for a luxurious weekend get-away after your get-away. 118 Yorkville Ave. www.thehazeltonhotel.com/offers/spa

SHE CANADA 91 Book Review

Love in Chelsea By Alykhan Meghani 343 Pages, Amazon.ca Kobo/Kindle Price $4.17 ISBN: 13:9781301634088

Review by Priya Kumar

Oh boy, where do I even begin? Here at SHE we love reviewing attempting to paint the fictional character of “Sara” as a freeloader, coming of age South Asian literature, so when I heard about Love for lack of a better word. What you don’t see is the fact that Aiden in Chelsea from a close friend of mine I knew it would be ideal for is completely in the wrong. If a man is going to ask a woman out our next issue. Love in Chelsea is a romantic thriller that follows he better be expected to pay—at least during the first few weeks/ Aidan Khan—a good (read: suitable), young South Asian man months of courtship. Until we live in a world where Sara is going to from London. He comes from a nice family in the well-heeled make the same amount as Aiden probably does working in private neighbourhood of Fulham, works in private equity, pulls in six equity then a woman’s right to choose not go Dutch is in effect. Now figures annually and sees himself as a fairly levelheaded guy. That is of course opinions will differ on the topic case-by-case, woman-to- until he meets Chelsea-girl, Sara Varsi. For those not familiar with woman, but this is the part where you as a man decide whether or London’s socio-economic landscape, Chelsea is the most elite and not this particular woman is for you. Sara is clearly a princess who pricy neighbourhood in the city where high society from around has been given everything she’s ever desired her whole life. Aiden the world tends to own property. Coming from a line of real estate can choose to proceed with another date or not at all given Sara’s scions, Sara is literally the girl who has everything. The wealth she expectations. By judging Sara and portraying her as expectant on grew up with and continues to feed off of an adult is so vast, there date number two is not only unfair to Sara but completely naïve of is very little any suitor can offer the ingénue. That said, what could Aiden in regards to what the future has in store. they possibly bring to the relationship? Aiden is not your average suitor. After one date out with Sara, he’s smitten. In the meantime, Meghani does a poor job at connecting the dots for readers. There is no tangible relationship building going on Their relationship starts slowly with many an email and Facebook in this novel. In fact, by the time love is evident between the two chat chronicled in the novel. Soon we see the couple in the throws of characters my knee-jerk response is, “Already?” a full-blown romance, but as a reader I had to note even at the best of times their “happiness” seemed contrived. This cringe-worthy The truth is, if these two characters were real people (and I situation unfolded on date number two: have it on good authority that they are) they would not have the dispositions to last past date one or two. Instead Meghani forces After the meal we were presented with the bill. I waited for the the two together in spite of their glaringly obvious differences. To courtesy reach from Sara, but sensed it wasn’t going to come. back this point up, a rather unsettling incident halfway through the novel almost had me putting the book down for good. After going “Shall we go ‘Dutch’?” I asked tentatively. through Sara’s phone while she was out of the room, Aiden loses it “You asked me out, didn’t you?” she retorted. in an exchange that defies all logic: “Yes, I did, but I don’t think it’s fair that I pay everytime we go out.” “Listen, I’m not one of those girls who expects a guy to pay all the I didn’t even bother putting the phone back into her handbag. I kept it time. Let’s take turns instead,” she said, sounding uneasy about in my hand. I was going to have it out with her, right there, right then. sharing the bill. It’s worth noting that Sara did nothing. She’d exchanged texts Okay Alykhan Meghani, I see what you’re doing here. You’re with another guy and proceeded to tell him she was unavailable

92 SHE CANADA Their relationship starts slowly with many an email and Facebook chat chronicled in the novel. Soon we see the couple the throws of a full-blown romance, but as a reader I had to note even at the best of times their “happiness” seemed contrived.

and in love with her boyfriend. Even this was unacceptable to self-described “levelheaded” Aidan.

“How dare you? How dare you [explicative] cheat on me? I read your conversation with that guy on your phone. How could you?” I was shouting louder and louder and freaking out, banging my hands against the steering wheel.

And then the most appalling act of the whole book occurs. Aiden raises his hand to Sara:

She was infuriating me by not listening. She grabbed my hand forcefully but I resisted. We wrestled with each other before I lost control and grabbed her by the neck, pushing her back.

All right, Alykhan, err I mean Aiden. Things have gone too far here. Meghani has set out to write a book about how a spoiled Chelsea girl and her family push his protagonist to the limit. Knowing the book is based on Meghani and a social acquaintance of mine I will not name, he succeeds in his goal of extracting reader empathy—for his ex-girlfriend.

Love in Chelsea is a pathetic freshman effort for Meghani. It’s poorly written, the spacing in the book is perplexing—if he wanted to write a 350- page book he should have included more content, not triple spaced the lines on pages that include one inch margins. Besides a creative writing class, perhaps a lesson in etiquette on how to treat a lady will serve him well in the future. Meghani probably shouldn’t consider quitting his day job just yet.

SHE CANADA 93 peace

“Peace is happiness digesting.” victor hugo

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one. ” “A peace is of the nature of a conquest; for then john lennon both parties nobly are subdued, and neither party loser. ” william shakespeare

“To make peace, one must be an “If we have no peace, it is because we have “Where ignorance is our master, there is no uncompromising leader. To make peace, one forgotten that we belong to each other. ” possibility of real peace. ” must also embody compromise. ” mother teresa MAHATMA GANDHI benazir bhutto 94 SHE CANADA EXCLUSIVE IMITATION JEWELRY AT WHOLESALE PRICES

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