Cinematheque Ontario Summer Season 2009

Cinematheque Ontario has officially announced their summer 2009 season line-up of films and it begins Friday, May 22! Cinematheque Ontario is a "screening programme dedicated to presenting the history of world cinema on the big screen in carefully curated retrospectives." It is a venue that provides access to great films—from various eras and originating from all over the world—that we might not have access to outside of a university cinema studies classroom. You might be able to rent or download some of them, but here you get a chance to see important domestic, North American and foreign classic, historical and contemporary films on a big screen for a true cinematic experience. Read on for my recommendations.

The summer season of Cinematheque Ontario promises to be great and is packed with must-see films. Coinciding with the exhibit Surreal Things at the Art Gallery of Ontario from May 9 to August 30, the film line-up features many Surrealist classics. In May, there will be Un Chien Andalou (1929) and L'Âge d'or (1930), collaborations between artist Salvador Dalí and director Luis Buñuel; the first film in Jean Cocteau's famous Surrealist Orphic trilogy, The Blood of a Poet from 1931 and the 1931 Jean Vigo short Taris, roi de l'eau; a trio of short films including two from Germaine Dulac—La Coquille et le clergyman (1927) and Thèmes et variations—and one from Henri Storck, Pour vos beaux yeux from 1928. The Surrealist theme continues in June with the classic 1924 Dada short Entr'acte, directed by René Clair, as well as a free screening of several short films by Man Ray (and one from Marcel Duchamp) spanning from 1923 to 1929.

The Cinematheque programme Fallen Angels: The Films of Otto Preminger, running from May 29 to July 2, focuses on classical Hollywood films by the great American director. Several of Preminger's films feature starlet Gene Tierney: the 1944 film noir Laura, Whirlpool from 1950, and Where the Sidewalk Ends from 1950. Among many other films, the programme also includes the 1939 mystery crime drama Anatomy of a Murder, starring James Stewart and Lee Remick.

A special event programme to catch is Nouvelle Vague: The French New Wave, Then and Now, running from July 3 to August 22. The best of these include Jean-Luc Godard's most accessible cerebral film, Breathless from 1959, as well as two great films from François Truffaut—the bohemian romance-drama Jules et Jim from 1961 and The 400 Blows from 1959.

Films to see in May include Alfred Hitchcock's psychoanalytical thriller from 1945 Spellbound, starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, as well as Sergei Eisenstein's monumental propaganda film from 1925— featuring intellectual montage techniques—Battleship Potemkin. In June, don't miss Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 thriller Blow Up, set in swinging '60s London. In July, check out the 1953 slapstick comedy from Jacques Tati, Les Vacances de M. Hulot, part of the programme Scatterbrained Angel: The Films of Jacques Tati, running from July 31 to August 11. Also make sure to see the Italian neo-realist classics Bicycle Thieves directed in 1948 by Vittorio de Sica, Rome Open City directed in 1945 by Roberto Rosselini, and La Strada directed in 1954 by Federico Fellini. The latter two of these films are part of the special event programme Signore and Signore: Leading Ladies of the Italian Cinema, running from July 10 to August 21.

For more information, check out Cinematheque Ontario's complete schedule of film screenings as well as the list of ticket prices. Unfortunately, according to Cinematheque's General Policies, it looks like as of April 5, 2009, you will no longer be able to use a Cinematheque ticket stub to gain free admission to the AGO.

Banana Republic Canada (Not So) Secret Sale

Banana Republic sent around a coupon early this morning for a three-day-only secret sale. Although the ad specifies it is for their "best customers only," it can surely be used by just about anyone! Since I love sharing a great deal, be sure to print out the coupon below to receive 30% off your entire instore purchase (including sale items) at any of Banana Republic's Canadian locations from April 24 to 26, 2009.



The fine print
*Offer valid April 24 - 26, 2009 at Banana Republic Stores in Canada only. Not valid online or at Banana Republic Factory Stores. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, not value of Giftcards purchased, alterations, applicable taxes, or shipping and handling charges. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, including Gap Inc. employee discount. Reproductions or photocopies will not be accepted. Gap Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen offer.

Lisa's Cosmetics & Fragrances Warehouse Sale

The spring warehouse sale for Lisa's Cosmetics/Fragrances Inc. is only a couple of weeks away. I go to this sale every so often when I need to replenish my perfume supply—the savings are just amazing: up to 80% off!

There you'll find make-up and skin products from Elizabeth Arden, Smashbox and Red Earth Cosmetics. There's also health and beauty products from Neutrogena, Aveeno, Dove, Pantene, L'Oreal, Sunsilk, Johnson & Johnson, Olay and Jergens. As for fragrances, there are too many designers to name here, but to give you an idea of what they stock: Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Givenchy, Guerlain, Lancome, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent and so many more. My personal favourite is L'Eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake. All designer items are authentic (though watch out for the obvious lower end imitations that they sometimes sell) and they even have great gift sets.

The Lisa's Cosmetics sale is taking place at 1380 Rodick Road in Markham, Ontario from May 2 to 5, 8 to 9 and 15 to 18. Hours: Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm; Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm. Cash, credit (MasterCard & VISA) and Interac accepted.

For more information, check out lisascosmetics.com.


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2009 CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival

The website for the 2009 CONTACT Toronto Photography Festival—taking place throughout the month of May—is now live: www.contactphoto.com. This year's theme is STILL REVOLUTION. According to the festival website, "CONTACT 2009 examines how each significant innovation in photography’s evolution has radically altered the creation and consumption of images, irrevocably changing the history of visual representation."

CONTACT features a variety of photography shows—featured exhibitions and open exhibitions—at a number of venues, including the Stephen Bulger Gallery, the Drake Hotel, the Nicholas Metivier Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Gladstone Hotel and many others. It also encompasses public installations at places like Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Royal Ontario Museum, and various TTC Subway Stations. Moreover the festival is hosting film screenings on Saturday afternoon and films on photography are being aired by TVO, including documentaries on Edward Burtynsky ("Manufactured Landscapes"), Annie Leibovitz ("Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens") and Helmut Newton ("Stars by Helmut Newton"). There are also series of lectures, a photography workshop, and other events.

The launch party and opening of the festival's primary exhibition is being held from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday, May 1 at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA), 952 Queen Street West.

The 2009 Toronto Jewish Film Festival Launches This Weekend

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival launches its 17th edition this weekend, running from April 18 to 26, 2009. A full schedule of screenings and events as well as ticket information is available on the festival website: tjiff.com. There is a wide variety of films being screened, from documentaries like the two-part "Being Jewish in France (Comme un Juif en France)" to comedies including "Bart Got a Room" featuring William H. Macy, and dramas such as the Hungarian and Romanian co-production "Gruber's Journey". There are even some Classical Hollywood musicals—"Bells Are Ringing," starring Judy Holliday and Dean Martin, and "The Band Wagon," featuring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, both directed by Vincente Minelli.

On the festival website, Executive Director Helen Zukerman explains that due to economic concerns, they have tried to make the festival affordable and accessible by keeping prices in line, offering some free programmes, and expanding its reach into Richmond Hill with two screenings. Chair Aviva Zukerman Schure also describes the festival's initiative FilmMatters, a Trillium-supported project that seeks to attract students of all denominations to free screenings throughout the year and at the festival. These films address contemporary issues arising from the multicultural nature of the city, including topics of diversity, stereotyping and racism.

TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival Line-Up Announced

The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival has made available a schedule of concerts and ticket information for this year's events on its website tojazz.com. The 23rd edition of the festival will take place this summer, running from June 26 to July 5, 2009. Featured artists include jazz greats Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, Pat Metheny and Branford Marsalis, avant-garde group Medeski, Martin & Wood, jazz-influenced pop-rock group The Sea and Cake, legendary crooner Tony Bennett and many, many more at various venues around the city including the Canon Theatre, the Four Seasons Centre, Nathan Phillips Square, the Opera House, the Danforth Music Hall, The Supermarket, The Pilot and Harbourfront Centre.

According to the Toronto Star, the announcement of the festival lineup comes about two weeks earlier than usual in consideration of the impact of a weak economy on the entertainment funds of consumers. As Executive Producer Pat Taylor, explained, "We need a longer lead time to sell tickets." While last week's news conference revealed many acts, the full schedule of opening acts, club listings and possibly another major headliner or two will be finalized before the program is officially printed in early May.

Sun Life Financial & The Toronto Public Library Team Up For The Museum and Arts Pass

Strategy Magazine recently announced the March 7 launch of the Museum and Arts Pass (MAP) expansion. Sponsored by Sun Life Financial as part of the company's Making the Arts More Accessible program, the extension is geared toward improving community access to culture and the arts in a time when the recession has eaten into many a pocketbook.

The MAP program—which originated in July 2007—provides free passes to a host of Toronto's major cultural institutions. Now available at all 99 library locations, a MAP can be borrowed from a Toronto Public Library branch using a valid adult Toronto library card much like a book and used to gain entry for one family into places like the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, the Museum of Inuit Art, the Bata Shoe Museum and the Ontario Science Centre, among many others.

Linda Hazzan, director of marketing and communications at the Toronto Public Library, explains: "We circulated over 21,000 passes in 2008," due to increased demand as well as the library's focus on "free universal access to culture."

Joe Fresh Mobile Beauty Box Tour

I previously announced the launch of Joe Fresh Style's make-up line and its new website here.

Now to promote the new cosmetics collection, Joe Fresh Beauty is taking to Canada's streets with their Mobile Beauty Box Tour. Visiting major cities across the country, the portable cosmetics studio will have two make-up artists on hand offering free makeovers and with them, a complimentary $5 Joe Fresh Beauty Gift Card that you can use against your next purchase from the make-up collection carried at Loblaws Superstores.

Joe Fresh Beauty has been using social networking to generate buzz—Joe Fresh Style has been advertising via Twitter and the company also created event pages on Facebook to invite consumers to sign up and attend. In the Greater Toronto Area, the Mobile Beauty Team will be hitting Yonge and Dundas Square on April 30, The St. Lawrence Market area on May 1, Queen Street West at Soho Street on May 2, and Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre on May 3.

For events around British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, check out the Joe Fresh Mobile Beauty Box Facebook events listings.

Opera For A New Age

Since September 2007, Toronto's Canadian Opera Company has been offering a promotion for those between the ages of 16 and 29 through the Opera for a New Age program presented by TD Bank Financial Group. With valid photo identification, those under 30 years of age can purchase opera tickets for just $20.00! You can purchase online at the Canadian Opera Company's website using the promotional code "DEAL", over the phone at (416) 363-8231 (or 1-800-250-4653) or in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen Street West.

Approximately 150 seats are reserved in sections 3D, 4C and 5B for each performance under this price. That sounds like a lot but they sell out fast! Unfortunately there is a limit of two tickets per person per opera, so that complicates group outings slightly, but it's still a great promotion geared to attract a younger generation that may not be as enthusiastic about the opera (not to mention the normally pricey tickets).

Opera for a New Age tickets went on sale this morning for the Spring 2009 season, which features three operas: Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra," Puccini's "La Boheme" and Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I'm hoping to see the latter two operas; Shakespeare is always a good bet and I'm looking forward to seeing the opera that inspired the modern-day adaptation, RENT.

Rufus Wainwright's Opera To Get North American Debut at 2010 Luminato

According to the Globe and Mail, Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright's new opera "Prima Donna" will have its North American premiere at Toronto's Luminato Festival in 2010 and its world premiere in Manchester in July. The opera—for which Wainwright wrote the score and a French-language libretto—is set in Paris in 1970 and tells the story of an aging opera singer who strives to regain her international status as a top soprano. The work was co-commissioned by Luminato, the Manchester International Festival and the Melbourne International Arts Festival. In a statement yesterday, Wainwright related his feelings that his composition of the opera was a "daring and risky" venture and thanked Toronto "for having the guts to make it happen."

This month, Wainwright is set to premiere in Berlin his musical adaptation of William Shakespeare's sonnets, which he composed along with the Berliner Ensemble.

The 2009 Luminato Festival runs from June 5 to 15 and takes place in various locations around the city.

French Connection Warehouse Sale in Toronto

French Connection is having their spring/summer clearance event this April! The warehouse sale is taking place at 14 Advance Road in Etobicoke (the west end of the Greater Toronto Area) from Wednesday, April 8 to Saturday, April 11 and continuing from Wednesday, April 15 until Sunday, April 19. The hours are as follows: Monday to Friday, 10:00AM-7:00PM and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM.

If you are driving, your best bet is to take the Gardiner Expressway. If you're taking public transit, Kipling Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line is not too far away, about a 15 minute walk south. Etobicoke is a bit of a trek but you never know what gems you might find, for example, the perfect spring dress for the improving weather!


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Google Street View To Capture Canada's Streets

Looking up Google's Headquarters in Mountain View, Santa Clara, California will
bring up Street Views of Google employees waving, doing handstands and generally
hamming it up for the camera on both Amphitheatre Parkway and Charleston Road.

According to the Globe and Mail and the CBC, Google will soon be bringing its cameras to Canada's public roads to document our cities with its popular Street View application. Street View is available through Google's map applications and provides a "pedestrian's-eye view" of major cities by projecting images captured at street level onto the corresponding road in the virtual map.

Over the coming weeks, employees of Google will be photographing 11 of Canada's largest cities: Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saint John, Saskatoon, Toronto and Vancouver. The service is already available in cities of the United States, Great Britain, Spain, Australia, Japan, France, Italy and a host of other countries around the world. In announcing the Canadian version, the company said, "Using Street View, users can preview holiday accommodation, find meeting spots, explore neighbourhoods and properties, and look up driving directions."

Google has enacted a number of privacy measures for the service and consulted with federal and provincial privacy commissioners in advance of the campaign to photograph Canadian streets. Licence plates and people's faces are automatically blurred out and users can put in requests to remove offensive images. However these types of images have also become part of a recently popular game involving a search for strange happenings captured on Street View. There are even web sites dedicated to finding such sightings, such as people walking in or out of adult stores and clubs, accidentally documented crimes in progress or street fights, and people generally being caught in a range of embarrassing situations.

The Diane von Furstenberg boutique in New York City's Meatpacking District.

Meet Jewellery Designer Alexis Bittar at Holt Renfrew

From 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturday, April 4, 2009, famed jewellery designer Alexis Bittar will be making a personal appearance at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street in Toronto. Also, with a minimum purchase of $250.00 in Alexis Bittar jewellery, as a gift you'll receive an Alexis Bittar geometric gloss bangle (while supplies last, of course).

Bittar has designed couture and costume jewellery for just over two decades, working with fine materials as well as stainless steel, lucite, crystal and Italian glass. His first line of jewellery, launched in 1988, featured depression-era glass from the 1920s with tiny hand-cut chandelier parts. His baubles have been worn by celebrities and fashion insiders alike and he has worked with a host of designers and labels like Patricia Field, Michael Kors, Tuleh, Burberry and Alex & Lee.

Check out Holt Renfrew's website for more information and a short Q&A with the designer himself!

Toronto's LG Fashion Week Recap: Joeffer Caoc

Joeffer Caoc presented a very structured and futuristic-looking collection at Toronto's LG Fashion Week on day two: March 17, 2009. The palette was largely dark metallic and matte neutrals, in shades of black, grey, pewter, bronze and gold, accented with deep reds and blues and a paisley print. There was also lots of texture: matte, sheen, tweed, quilting, patent, ruching and sheer elements. The silhouette was overwhelmingly hourglass, with waists accentuated by belts, ties and seaming, shoulders emphasized with sharp tailoring as well as puff- and cap-sleeves, pencil skirts and wide cropped trousers. All looks were paired with black patent knee-high peep-toe boots—this is a trend I personally cannot comprehend and, in any case, I would have appreciated a little variation. My favourite pieces include a charcoal slouchy boiled wool coat with cropped sleeves and tie-waist, a simple black satin crew-neck sleeveness sheath dress cinched at the waist by a black patent belt (perfect LBD), and a two-toned charcoal and gold sheath dress with a sculptural bodice and neckline, held up by very thin straps. And I also loved the metallic bronze one-shoulder frock with ruched seams!

Watch Joeffer Caoc's Fall 2009 runway video from blogTO:



You can also view FASHION Magazine's video of the show and interview with Joeffer Caoc.

Tiffany & Co. To Open a Second Toronto Location

According to a press release from Tiffany & Co., the luxury jeweller will open a second location in Toronto at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Dufferin Street & Highway 401)—the first and only boutique in the city, until now, is located at 85 Bloor Street West. The release describes the new store as having a "5-foot-high façade with a Mondrian-like stone pattern, Black Zimbabwe marble arch, and Atlas Clock above the entrance. Tiffany's iconic, deco-inspired stainless steel doors will lead to a spacious interior of elegant jewelry salons with gleaming stainless steel showcases, mottled Makore wood and custom furnishings and wall coverings." It will include exclusive Tiffany & Co. collections such as engagement rings, statement jewels, fine and sterling silver jewelry, watches, gifts, accessories, and the designs of Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger and Frank Gehry.

On the subject of the spring 2009 launch, Beth O. Canavan, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co., explained that "Tiffany is well established in Toronto and it gives us great pleasure to provide our growing number of customers with the convenience of shopping in the ideally located Yorkdale. With its recent expansion and elegant upgrade, the centre presents the perfect atmosphere for us to serve everyone with the superior quality, craftsmanship and design excellence that are synonymous with Tiffany & Co."

The new addition comes despite recent news from Women's Wear Daily that Tiffany & Co. reported a 75.6 percent drop in fourth-quarter earnings and a "tepid" sales outlook. New York Magazine's The Cut noted that the jeweler—among other companies like Versace and Abercrombie & Fitch—is refusing to lower prices in order to preserve the luxury brand's integrity, despite the rollbacks being unveiled by competitors.

Toronto's LG Fashion Week Recap: David Dixon

Toronto's LG Fashion Week ended this past weekend. David Dixon presented a double bill on the first day—Monday, March 16—that included his own Fall 2009 collection as well as a fun Barbie capsule collection that will be sold at the Bay in the fall.

For his Fall 2009 line, Dixon presented an elegant collection that featured a sombre palette of greys and blacks accented with raspberry and ivory, classic 50s sheath and A-line silhouettes, wide leg cropped trousers, bold jewellery, wide belts, and lots of sheen, texture, organza and feathers and—somewhat out of place—edgy patent-like technofabrics. I particularly loved the sheath dresses with architectural pleats, ruffles and folds, the jackets with sharp shoulders and nipped waists, and the mirrored bib necklaces. Pretty, structured and sophisticated.

With the Barbie collection, Dixon adhered to a largely black and—naturally—Barbie-pink colour scheme with emphasis on taffeta sheen, girly chiffon, 60s inspired houndstooth and tiered ruffles and ribbons. He mixed bold graphic prints with florals, both in classic black and white, and colourful rosecentric madras plaid. Black A-line party dresses were cinched at the waist with candy-pink patent belts and accessorized with slouchy long finger-less gloves and scarves. Cute, wearable and not overly kitschy.

Watch David Dixon's Fall 2009 and Barbie Collection runway videos from blogTO:







You can also check out FASHION Magazine's runway video and interview with David Dixon.

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street's Contemporary Floor Redesign

Holt Renfrew has unveiled a newly redesigned fashion-forward women's contemporary floor (level 3) at their flagship location at 50 Bloor Street West in Toronto.

Holt's Creative Director John Gerhardt was influenced by an increasing desire for optimism in a time of economic decline: "It's interesting how people respond to colour, particularly bold colours... It's amazing how colour transforms our mood." Gerhardt drew inspiration from a wide array of references to create a fresh, new look he calls "bold new world": "There is a strong nod to the '80s in our redesign, with 'New Wave' and Japanese influences as well as references to Artists such as Dan Flavin, Shepard Fairey and Barbara Kruger, infused with a current nod to fashion's new-found fascination with Pantone primaries."

According to Barbara Atkin, Vice President, Fashion Direction for Holt Renfrew, the brand "continues to surprise and delight our customers, and our environments are a great medium to engage... Our new contemporary space makes our fashions more visible, invites our customers to experience elements of whimsy and the unexpected and showcases the accessibility of our great range of contemporary labels, such as Alexander Wang, Elizabeth and James, Opening Ceremony, rag & bone, and 3.1 phillip lim."

From now until the end of May, visit the women's contemporary floor in the Toronto Bloor Street, Montreal and Vancouver locations of Holt Renfrew for a dynamic mix of new fashions and activities ranging from DJs to graffiti artists.

20% Off at Club Monaco with Student I.D.

As of several months ago, Club Monaco in Canada and the U.S. are offering an extra 20% off regular-priced and sale merchandise when you present valid college or university student identification. And if you read the fine print, you will notice that this promotion is also valid for professors.

In times of recession, retailers have begun to curtail some of their more relaxed return policies. Club Monaco has joined the ranks of French Connection UK in making all sale items final sale. Meanwhile, Banana Republic (as well as sister companies The Gap and Old Navy) are reducing their return policy time frame from 90 days to 30 days. This is reasonable of course, but final sale items leave no room for buyers remorse.

Curators Announced for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2009

Toronto will be transformed for the 2009 edition of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, which will include four exhibitions in different parts of the city curated by five Canadian curators.

The area around City Hall in Zone A will be curated by Gregory Elgstrand as "The Circle With The Hole In The Middle" and will venture into a continuous play of interpretations that will explore ideas celebrating death, philosophy and parades. Yonge-Dundas Square, also in Zone A, will be headed by Thom Sokoloski under the title "What were we before?" It will take the form of an interactive and participatory space in which individual engagement with art will be highlighted. Zone B, taking place in the financial district, will feature visual and extra-visual artworks within the shadows of the urban, concrete environment after dark. This exhibition, entitled "Nightsense," will be curated by Jim Drobnick and Jennifer Fisher, who is a former professor of mine from York University's graduate program in art history. Zone C, encompassing Liberty Village and dubbed "Urban Disaster / Catastrphe / Survival Actions," will be curated by Makiko Hara and will use strategic creative survival actions to investigate the universal human ability to cope with memories of war, disaster and catastrophe.

View an introductory video where the Nuit Blanche curators discuss their creative visions and plans for each zone:



The 4th edition of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche will take place on October 3, 2009 from 7:00pm until 7:00am. For more information, visit www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca.

Lawrence Weiner at The Power Plant

New York-based artist Lawrence Weiner, a critical figure in the history and development of conceptual art, is often credited with establishing the use of language as the foundation of installation art. This month Weiner presents a new installation of typographic text-based works titled "The Other Side of a Cul de Sac," curated by Gregory Burke at the Power Plant. The exhibition encompasses the gallery spaces as well as the Power Plant's signature smokestack and emphasizes the enduring influence of the artist's sculptural practice. Because the works do not rely on a fixed metaphor to convey meaning, the viewer is free to interpret the work from his or her own perspective.

Lawrence Weiner, "The Other Side of a Cul de Sac" runs until May 17, 2009 at the Power Plant Gallery in Toronto (231 Queens Quay West). For more information on the exhibit and preview images, visit the Power Plant website.