ICYMI: These Were the Highlights From the Stronger Together Concert

April 27, 2020 at 05:47PM The largest single-show broadcast in Canadian history, Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble brought together the biggest names in the country, from actors and athletes to musicians, authors, activists and more. The special event honouring healthcare workers and raising money for Food Banks Canada featured musical performances, messages of hope and solidarity, and also told the stories of frontline workers and COVID-19 survivors. Canadian rocker Sam Roberts kicked off the show with an uplifting acoustic rendition of his 2014 single “We’re All In This Together,” with his three children accompanying him on music. Celine Dion addressed viewers in French and English, praising the “heroes out there around the world who are going to work every single day.” Other celebrities who made an appearance include author Margaret Atwood; dance troupe Cirque du Soleil’s Kevin, Andi and Gasya Atherton; actors Mike Myers, Will Arnett (with a special appearance by Amy Poehler) and Kiefer Sutherland; and the entire cast of Schitt’s Creek. The goal of Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble was to raise money for Food Banks Canada’s $150 million campaign to provide immediate support to food banks across the nation during the pandemic, and over the course of the 90-minute event, so many Canadians sent in donations that they broke the internet. “Canada, you’re amazing,” organizers of the event tweeted. “The @foodbankscanada website has crashed under the weight of your generosity.” For those who still wish to donate, there’s plenty of time. Text COVID to 30333, call 1 (877) 535-0958,

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Here’s How to Grow and Maintain a Beard the Right Way

April 27, 2020 at 04:05PM Attention fellas: are you embracing a beard during this time of house-bound isolation? Whether you’re growing your facial hair out for the first time or refreshing the look of existing face follicles, there are certain steps that separate an awesome beard from a shaggy and unruly-looking one. Here, Matty Conrad, award-winning barber and founder of B.C. -based Victory Barber & Brand, lays down some key ground rules for how to grow a beard, and maintain it, that are worth following at home. Master barber Matty Conrad Know the basic anatomy of a beard and observe how your hair grows: “There are two parts to every beard: The girth, growth or the interior of the beard. That’s basically how thick, how long or how full it is. And then there is the outline. Your outline is essentially what creates the shape. The shape of your beard — the outline you decide to go with — is going to be somewhat dependent on the beard growth itself. Where does it naturally grow thick? Is it thick all over? Is it patchy on some areas? This is the first thing to figure out as far as going for a shape.” Be patient: “When you’re growing your beard for the first time, you want to let it grow for about 3 to 4 weeks to give it a really strong outline.” Invest in the right tools: “When your beard is short, all you need to do is keep the

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Leather Accessories Label Sonya Lee is Now Offering Signature Styles in Smaller Sizes

April 27, 2020 at 02:00PM Since its introduction in 2014, Sonya Lee — the brand founded by Stephanie Ibbitson, who recently relocated to Vancouver from Toronto — has become known for its sleek modern handbags and accessories featuring elements like metal chains. Crafted from leather that’s a by-product of the food industry and primarily sourced in North America (and all but one type of leather used is biodegradable), the materials Ibbitson works with aren’t inexpensive—as most high-quality things aren’t. But at a time when many of her friends and others around the world are being laid off or finding their work hours reduced, Ibbitson realized there was a need to create the kind of exceptional product she specializes in at a lower price point. “I was talking to my mum and my grandpa in March,” she recalls. “And he mentioned how during the depression, he remembers his mum not being able to afford certain things but she would still want to feel special.” Ibbitson set out to translate some of her most cherished styles in half-sizes, allowing customers to treat themselves to a piece that would quickly become a wardrobe staple without overextending their budget. Photography courtesy of Sonya Lee. The Half Rosa — named after Rosa Halpern, founder of the Toronto-based leather jacket brand Namesake — is a take on Sonya Lee’s covetable boxy backpack, and the Half Jess is a petite belt bag that’s perfect for essential-getting outings. Ibbitson has also introduced a selection of styles priced around

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This Week’s Need-To-Know Beauty News

April 26, 2020 at 01:00PM Honest Beauty launches in Canada View this post on Instagram 2 is better than 1 when you’re trying to combat dry skin! ?⁣ ⁣ Use our ultimate dewy duo:⁣ ? Organic Beauty Facial Oil⁣ ✨ Magic Beauty Balm⁣ ⁣ How do you keep your skin hydrated on dry skin days? ⁣ ⁣ #CleanBeautyThatWorks A post shared by Honest Beauty (@honest_beauty) on Apr 23, 2020 at 3:05pm PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company, a wellness brand focused on empowering people to live happy and healthy lives, is making its first foray into the Canadian beauty industry with the launch of Honest Beauty. The safe, effective and clean beauty products, including the Vitamin C Radiance Serum, Magic Beauty Balm and Gentle Gel Cleanser, are beginning to roll out in Shoppers Drug Mart (and Pharmaprix) locations across Canada now, ranging from $12 to $49. Toronto brand Vasanti Cosmetics donates hand sanitizers and skincare packages to frontline COVID-19 workers View this post on Instagram We appreciate you! Tag a healthcare worker you would like to show love to, or share a story of your own ? ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #weseeyou #vasanticosmetics A post shared by Vasanti Cosmetics (@vasanticosmetics) on Apr 21, 2020 at 10:01am PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js Vasanti Cosmetics, a Toronto-based skincare and beauty company, is putting its resources toward fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of their manufacturing partner, who already has its Health Canada NPN and GMP certification, they

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The Fashion News You Missed This Week

April 25, 2020 at 02:00PM Donté Colley hosts Hudson’s Bay TikTok challenge View this post on Instagram #ShowUsYourStripes @HudsonsBay ❤️??? #HbPartner A post shared by Donté Colley (@donte.colley) on Apr 24, 2020 at 7:26am PDT //www.instagram.com/embed.js In honour of Hudson’s Bay’s 350th anniversary next month, the brand is using social media platform TikTok to spark some joy and positivity during these uncertain times. Hosted by FASHION’s March cover star Donté Colley, Hudson’s Bay is creating a TikTok challenge called #ShowUsYourStripes. To participate in the challenge, simply download the TikTok App, search and follow @hudsonsbay and click on their video with Colley. From here you can tap “Share” or “Duet,” or simply click on the audio tag at the bottom and use the sound to make your very own version — wearing your favourite HBC stripes, of course. Tag it with the hashtag and re-post it to Instagram or Facebook to spread some much-needed joy. Kotn embarks on three initiatives in support of COVID-19 relief View this post on Instagram We understand that times are tough at the moment and not everyone is able, or wanting, to shop. So while yesterday we launched our Natural Dye Collection, today we've partnered with Textile Artist and Natural Dyer @maggie_pate to teach you how to do it yourself—giving your old white clothes a new lease on life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ?: Check out our stories for the tutorial, creating your own natural dyes at home! A post shared by Kotn (@kotn) on Apr 23, 2020 at

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Here’s All the Culture News You Missed This Week

April 25, 2020 at 01:00PM Beyoncé donated $6 million to COVID-19 relief Through her charitable initiative BeyGOOD, Beyoncé is providing assistance to essential workers who have been working tirelessly through the pandemic. The foundation has partnered with Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall effort to provide $6 million to organizations providing basic necessities as well as mental health services to communities of colour. These organizations include No Kid Hungry, World Central Kitchen and National Alliance on Mental Health. “Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis,” reads an official statement from the foundation. BeyGOOD partners with @Jack Dorsey's #startsmall to support COVID-19 relief https://t.co/SJMzMWlZgW pic.twitter.com/yJwyBgcBpu — BeyGOOD (@BeyGood) April 23, 2020 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis launched Quarantine Wine Everyone seems to be drinking more these days, including Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, so the couple decided to find a way to continue drinking wine while also raising money for COVID-19 relief. In partnership with Nocking Point Wines in Washington and Battle Creek Vineyards in Oregon, they’ve selected a Pinot Noir as their charity-focused Quarantine Wine. 100 per cent of the profits from the sale of this wine will be donated to charities “that are focusing on

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Toronto Swimwear Brand Ūnika Swim Repurposes Adidas Inventory to Make Mask Covers

April 24, 2020 at 10:21PM Since the middle of March, Toronto-based swimwear brand Ūnika Swim has been navigating uncharted waters (much like everyone else). “Due to the fact that we cut, sew, and produce all of our pieces by hand in the studio, we had no other option but to shut down,” says founder Betsy Campos of the brand’s decision following the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes that the health and safety of her team and clients was top priority. But soon after, Campos felt a sense of guilt. “Here I was, the founder of a company with a full production facility, sleeping at night knowing that there was demand for PPE,” she says. “As the daughter of someone working on the front lines, it really hit home and I knew I had to do something.” Fast forward about a month, and Campos is now working alongside adidas Canada to make a positive impact in their shared community. And it happened rather naturally. Being at the helm of a sustainable, inclusive and eco-friendly brand, Campos wanted to take the best approach to minimizing waste while producing masks for those in need. As swimwear makers, their deadstock doesn’t include cotton, so she had to think external. Campos then pitched the idea to adidas Canada to recycle and repurpose their athletic wear inventory. “Adidas is good at organically knitting themselves into different communities by highlighting leaders that are making changes in diverse circles and neighborhoods, so they agreed to donate the material,” Campos

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9 Comfortable Bras (By Canadian Designers) You’ll Actually Want to Wear at Home

April 24, 2020 at 09:24PM If you’re someone who rips off their bra the second you get home, we can totally relate. Comfortable bras may seem like an oxymoron but while being bra-free feels like a relief, it’s not for everyone. Trading a wired bra for subtle support can be the perfect middle ground especially when spending more time at home. Look for fit (it shouldn’t leave marks on your skin) and soft breathable fabric to set the right foundation for your WFH wardrobe. Try a wireless t-shirt bra or a delicate bralette that makes you feel fancy regardless of what you wear over it. Whether you’re team sweats or jeans for your WFH wardrobe, here are our favourite comfortable bras made by Canadian brands: <div class="sjm-attachment-carousel–header gallery-container–default" data-slick='{"speed":400,"adaptiveHeight":true,"variableWidth":false,"centerMode":true,"centerPadding":"0","slidesToShow":1,"lazyLoad":"ondemand","prevArrow":"Previous”,”nextArrow”:”Next”}’ data-simplemodal=’false’ > 1/9 Thistle Bralette ($56, Thief and Bandit) Made from 100% organic cotton in downtown Halifax, this fresh printed bra will feel freeing with just enough support to keep things in place. Buy Now 2/9 Romie Bra ($84, Bully Boy Lingerie) A soft mesh bralette could be the pop of colour you need to brighten your mood. The light and breathable fabric feels barely there. Buy Now 3/9 Fine Form Bra ($78, Lulu Lemon) Sports bras get a bad rap for flattening or creating a uniboob. This smooth and supportive style will keep your shape thanks to its soft malleable cups. It also offers adjustable straps so you have the option of wearing it racerback. Buy Now 4/9 Carter Bra

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Should You Still Be Wearing SPF Now That You’re at Home?

April 24, 2020 at 07:45PM With stay at home restrictions in place for at least another month in Canada, we continue to adapt to our new ‘normal’ and the challenges and questions it brings with it. Since all non-essential businesses have been temporarily shuttered to help stem the spread of the pandemic, we’ve been forced to take many a beauty matter into our hands: from caring for and colouring our hair, to removing gel manicures and acing the application of press-on nails, taming our brows and having virtual beauty consultations to answer our seemingly endless array of questions. One of the most common questions we’ve been hearing from friends and colleagues is whether or not there’s a need for wearing SPF now that we’re at home most (/all) of the time. We all know SPF is a non-negotiable in a daily routine that involves being outdoors. But what happens when we’re only moving from our bedrooms to our work spaces in a day? In short, you still need to wear your SPF like you would have before social distancing measures began, says Holly Thaggard, the founder of cult suncare brand Supergoop. “UVA rays are present throughout the year at the same intensity, even when we experience cloudy, springtime weather, and the damage they cause is not always immediately visible,” says Thaggard, adding that SPF application is particularly important for those “working near a window or somewhere in your [space] with natural light.” She adds, “UVA ray damage accelerates most of

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From the Archives: Sophie Grégoire Trudeau on the March 2017 Cover of FASHION

April 24, 2020 at 05:15PM “If you were a yoga pose, which one would you be?” I ask Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. We’re midway into our second interview for this feature, and she has just finished describing the thrill of barefooting—which is waterskiing without skis. “You have to be at high speeds, and when you fall, it’s like falling on cement,” she says. “It’s rough, but the sensation is amazing when you’re on your feet.” She tells me that her other athletic pursuits venture from fairly calm (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tennis) to borderline extreme (skydiving, ice climbing and underwater diving with her husband, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau). Her less extreme adventures include yoga and pranayama (controlling the breath). So, back to the pose that best describes this certified hatha yoga instructor’s character. “That’s a funny question!” she says, laughing. “It’s tempting to say the wheel with one leg up [Eka Pada Chakrasana] because it’s just so heart opening, but I think the Baddha Konasana, or sitting pose, is the most challenging one for me because I have to be seated, calm, relaxed and focused.” I’m not sure whether asanas, or poses, reveal one’s character, but it’s not surprising to me that Grégoire Trudeau would excel at the one-legged wheel pose. I imagine there’s a certain extroverted rush from mastering that move, and I’m getting the sense that Grégoire Trudeau embraces her extroversion like metal shavings to a magnet. “I’m an only child,” she explains. “I was taught to go toward

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