Armani Exchange's Spring/Summer 2010 Ad. Being gay is sexy!!!

The fashion industry is global multi-billion dollar business. Strip away the lights, glamour, supermodels, clothes, runway presentations and cameras what do you have? You have a man (though there are women designers as well), who secretly read Vogue, and believed in his vision. At the end of the day he worked hard, had the talent and drive to make his dream come true, but what’s more important: he got the world to believe in his world. Fashion is about fantasy. It’s not about eating disorders, makeup, hair, clothes or even glitter (though there’s lots of that too).

Like many of you I was attracted to boys, told it was wrong, felt out of place and didn’t know where to turn. I came out when I was 16 and yes it was hard, I would never have changed it for the world. Being homosexual rocks and in fact if there was a “heterosexual fairy” and he or she said, “I can make you straight.” I’d say, “f**k off with that.” We as gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people have a unique view of the world. It’s not right or wrong (well usually it’s right) but it just is that, unique. Your voice can change the way people think, dream, love, dress, live, love, even have sex all over the world and now plus throughout history. Homosexuality is NOT abnormal, shameful, bad, or evil. It is just a part of you and as you discover a wonderful part of you.

As I now sit by the runways of the world watching dresses, suits, pants, shirts, and other pieces of clothing presented in creatively wonderful ways, I think to myself how lucky I am. In only the short time I have been with GayGuideToronto.com as their Style blogger I hope I have shown you the power of what one gay man’s vision can do. That man being an openly gay designer who changes the world each season with the power of style and is helping fans and the industry see a different visual aesthetic every season. My love is bringing that to you.

My fashion journalism mentors: Elsa Klench, the late Liz Tibardis, Tim Blanks, Grace Mirabella, David Livingstone, Francis Lear, and Suzie Menkies all taught me one thing. Whether you’re gay or straight, fashion is about allowing people to dream for a single moment and in one simple outfit you can change the way someone sees the world. Fear not gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth you are in great company with designers: John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, DSquared’s Dean and Dan Caten, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Dolce and Gabanna, WL&T and many, many more are all openly gay men. Fashion has and always will be a gay man’s playground. From the 16 year old, awkward, pimply faced, 6 foot tall, newly out teenage to the 40-year old multimedia fashion journalist and model I am today, I lift a champagne glass to all of you and proudly say, “IT DOES GET A LOT BETTER!” Never! Never! Never! Put up with being picked on, bullied, being called names, or told you are less than. You are worth far more than that.

A wise man once told me, “Never let anyone’s baggage become yours!” It’s very true and that is what got me to being that Style Guy I am today.

Ezra Constantine Spring/Summer 2011

Last Friday, October 15th saw three things. The first was modernist design team Greta Constantine not showing in the Audi dealership as they usually do. Two, the locations of their Spring/Summer 2011 collection was near Spadina and Queen which saw lineups and people being turned away. Three, the people who did make it in were treated to watching Coco Rocha strut her way down the catwalk. I have to show a little bit of journalistic bias so forgive me. I never miss a Greta and Ezra Constantine show! There is always something to watch. You know a show is a hot ticket when people are being turned away.

So What Was The Collection Like? In August there was a much bigger display of Ezra Constantine. But the few pieces I did see, I loved. Simple shirts paired with shorts bearing over sized pockets. It was actually wearable. No I’m not just saying that! There are wearable pieces which will mix well in any wardrobe. You have to remember Ezra Constantine offers a modern take on menswear. But just like every designer, it’s all about how you piece it together.

Coco Rocha at Greta Constantine Spring/Summer 2011

Do You Need A Piece of Ezra Constantine? Yes. It’s easy to say, “sure go out any buy this”. However, there are very few pieces to this unique collection made so what is in the stores, is what you will see.

Where Do You Get It? Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor Street West.

The Godfather of House Music

To a whole generation of music fans there was only one name synonymous with “House music”, Frankie Knuckles. From the moment he spun “The Whistle Song” at The Sound Factory in Manhattan, he became this one moment etched him into the heart and ears of music lovers everywhere. Over the years Knuckles not only became spun house music. He “was” the face of house and given the term by many in the genre, “The Godfather of House Music”.

His landmark career has seen him work with just about everyone including Diana Ross and The Pet Shop Boys. In addition, to having played in every major city you can name in 1997 he won a Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year.  If that wasn’t enough in the evolution of his career, he has become a musical luxury brand. His name has been dropped on shows like Absolutely Fabulous and through Internet sound bites on Ministry of Sound. With his numerous talents, celebrity following and able bring out the soul in music he still remains very humble and gracious to this day. So what do you ask him?

On a personal note, every Journalist has their “bucket list” interviews. Those dream interviews you hope to land one day. As many times I danced to Knuckles’ grooves in cities all over North America, I’ve never actual said to two words to him. For the first time I was actually nervous. What do you ask the man who, since the late 80s, got you and your friends on the dance floor Voguing, strutting and cat walking your way through his music?

Knuckles is not just a DJ. He’s the symbol of an era, one which evokes memories of when House Music and fashion were a true marriage. A time where gay men dressed to go dancing and had a reason sashay and be proud to be gay men regardless of colour and class.  So as sweaty and shaking as I was, I rang him in Manhattan and upon hearing his “Barry White” voice, I knew it was going to be an interview unlike any other.

Max MacDonald: What inspired The Whistle Song?

Frankie Knuckles: Everyone made that song a classic. There are some songs which are a signature and that song is the signature of House. I was asked to fill in one night at the Sound Factory. I wanted to spin something which would make the room sparkle. After I spun, people were asking me, “what was that you played? Who are you again? That was amazing!” The rest is history.

MM: What was your favourite gig?

FK: Sound Factory Bar! The room was custom built to the way I play and it was smack dab in the community. The place stayed packed all night long.

MM: OK I’ve got to ask in your opinion who is the “Godmother of House”?

FK: Honestly, I don’t think there is one. There are performers who “try” to lay claim on it.  Barbara Tucker tried to lay claim on it. No disrespect to Barbara but she isn’t it. I’m just trying to keep it real. Singers come and go but no one has lasted long enough to lay claim on it. There are some who come close.

MM: Whoa Frankie! I’m a huge Barbara Tucker fan! Don’t you think she deserves some credit?

FK: Max don’t get me wrong I love Barbara but there is not one specific female singer who has been around long enough to lay claim on the title. Barbara is really good.

MM: How has House changed?

FK: This is simple. What you and your generation in the late 80s grew up with is song-based dance music. Where a singer had a song and it was produced into a dance hit. That’s what I do as a producer. Somewhere in between 95 and 98 house became a DJ culture. At the same time, Trance music blew up in Europe. That trickled across the ocean to North American and started showing up in House. The DJ’s today are not song writers as anyone can become a DJ. Back then House was much more 3D and today it is more 2D. It is not pure House.

MM: What can anyone travelling to Montreal’s Diverscite expect to hear from you?

FK: Hmmm. I try to stay as current as possible so you will a lot my take on the music of today.

MM: Finally, what would you say to young DJ who wants to be the next Frankie Knuckles?

FK: Wow! Be yourself! Be honest about the music you present. You can tell whether it is coming from the heart and soul or if it’s not. You can teach someone how to spin a record but you can’t teach them soul. It has to be there. You have to recognize music for what it is. Most people today can’t recognize a DJ from a performer. That’s where the soul comes in. A performer can perform a DJ has to have the music in his soul.

The Whistle Song video

Frankie Knuckles will be spinning his set on Saturday, July 31st at 7 p.m. during Diverscite. The is a $2 entrance fee. For more information visit the official website

For more information about Frankie Knuckles visit his website

Defected UK! Those two words with get two responses: F**KIN COOL! Or what’s Defected? If you’re like me you’ve know, love and basically heard everything off Defected’s label. For those not in know Defected started as “Defected In The House” with a radio segment on Ministry of Sound hosted by UK house DJ extrodinare Simon Dunmore. With the popularity of the show, Defected did just that and became it’s own label and the rest is history. For many years Defected’s many loyal Toronto fans have been waiting patiently for any signs of a tour. Wait no more!

The Roosevelt Room has started once a month Defected nights which are connected to the UK label. This Friday, May 7th. their Defected night continues with, direct from the UK, The Shapeshifters. If you are a club boy or girl you inadvertantly heard The Shapeshifters and may have not known it. To help refresh your memory.

The Shapeshifters’ evening begins with a dinner at The Roosevelt Room then this UK duo will spin the night away. Information about dinner with The Shapeshifters and evening’s festivities can be found by contacting the The Roosevelt Room.   Get your tickets early and on-line as this is a ONE NIGHT ONLY exclusive event! Of couse, with any Style Guy posting look chic, The Roosevelt Room will have a dress code in effect for this event.

If you haven’t noticed there has been a lot of great sales lately and here’s another. Fashion Group International the global member organization dedicated to the promotion, education and advancement of the fashion industry has it own special sales and not just for members. (Yours truly is a proud member.) For two days only FGI hosts a “not to be missed” sample sale and thankfully it’s not all women’s. Venerable Canadian menswear designers Philip Sparks and Farley Chatto will be there. If you are looking for designer deals don’t speed walk, run to this sale. The good stuff always goes first and remeber; getting a great deal on something stylish is always in fashion.

The FGI Designer Sample Sale runs Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both day. Located in Liberty Village, you can max out your credit cards at: 171 East Liberty St, Suites 18 & 19, Ground Floor Galleria.

Start the car! Start the car!!!

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week,  within Studio City’s Film Studio Complex in Liberty Village, concludes it’s 5th year anniversary by presenting |FAT| Market. |FAT| Market is an industry viewing and designer sample sale that looks to promote the inventive fashions of the festival. It is a timely extension of |FAT|’s mandate to connect emerging designers with industry, media and the public. This intimate space will allow for a closer examination of the runway collections while assessing their viability for the marketplace.

From 1pm – 5pm |FAT| Market welcomes the public for a unique buying opportunity. With collections from 18 designers the public will be able to purchase unique clothing hot off the runway.

|FAT| Market will feature 20 national and international designers from the 2010 |FAT| lineup, including Kirsty McKenzie, Felicia Burke, Dayna Philips, Dystropolis, youth.inAsia, Fashion Whore, William Pointon, Jessica Mary Clayton, Avendano, Paria Lambina, Sans Soucie, Taessa Chorny, Aimee Tobolka, One Of Us Swimwear, Anúna by Tami & Lubica, Jasper Garvida, Romandin and Melow par Mélissa Bolduc.

Entry into the market is free
Please bring cash only for the sample sale.

When you think of fashion schools which automatically comes to mind? If you are a Torontonian, Ryerson. A fashion follower, Parsons in New York City. Or for the true style junkie, St. Martin’s in London who’s most famous graduate – Alexander McQueen was discovered in their graduate fashion show. However most think of Humber College  (http://www.humber.ca) (or Slumber College as some people refer to it, hey I’m a Centennial grad.) as a second choice. They are out to change that this Thursday, April 15th at 6:30 p.m.

Students of the Fashion Arts Program will showcase the Grand Opening of the Humber Spa featuring“Walk It Out…Style Me A Future”.  It will be taking place at Humber College, North Campus in the “A” building, directly across from the new Humber Spa. The event will be showcasing three fashion shows, starting at 11:30am for local high school students, as well as two evening shows at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Humber College has expanded their Fashion Institute to include the Cosmetic Management, Esthetician/Spa Management, and Fashion Arts programs.

The fashion show will be showcasing clothes from various up-and-coming Toronto designers, and it is sure to be an unforgettable evening. Pauline Ashworth, Program Coordinator for the Fashion Arts Program at Humber College says, “This event is a pivotal moment for the graduating class, who have spent the last two years diligently focusing on their studies. “Walk It Out” marks a final transition and an opportunity for the students to highlight their skills as they enter the fashion work force.” Because fashion is such an international business, the Humber Fashion program places an emphasis on retail operations from both domestic and international perspectives.

At attend the show RSVP via the invitation below:

The invite.

Last season Rudsak (http://www.rudsak.com) paid homage to the jet set life of the 60s and exchanged sex for, well a more conservative look. The Spring 10 collection, which most gay men salivate over, frankly left them a little disinterested. I was invited backstage to meet he designer Evik Asatoorian. In my “bull in a china shop” style of fashion journalism I asked, “Evik where the sex?” A little taken aback be blinked and asked, “what do you mean?” I explained, “Evik Rudsak is known for their extremely sexy menswear, so where the sex?” He explained that Spring  10 was a more conservative look for men and he wanted more style or sex. For Fall 10 the  sex is back at Rudsak.

Sitting at the Rudsak show I was a little more skeptical than usual. Frankly I wanted to see hot sex go down the runway. From the minute the lights went down and the runway was ablaze, I wasn’t disappointed. The sex came back big time and went off to war. Taking from the military theme at many of the Toronto collections, Asatoorian brought back the sex with three-quarter length belted coats, hot leather and fabric pants with the leather in the inseam, military hats and boots. In short, it was freakin’ sexy.

After the show, I went backstage and bowed in Asatoorian’s presence. In a media scrum people RAVED about collection. When it came my turn to meet with him I gave him a hug and congratulated him on a job well done. I asked him what brought the sex back? In short he replied, Montreal gay men. They have been working the military look since December and Asatoorian spun it in his own unique way. If you want to new spin on military you should be heading into the Rudsak boutique on Queen Street West around August 2010.

A taste of Rudsak Fall 10

Rudsak's Evik Asatoorian

Here who was at Evan Biddell:

Jamaican-Canadian Supermodel Stacy McKenzie @ Evan Biddell

Designer Andrew Majtenyi @ Evan Biddell

Of all the Canadian designer collections I try to never miss Zoran Dobric’s (http://www.zorandobric.com) is on my top must view list. It was my good friend Julian at Model Citizen in Kensington, who happens to be the largest retailer of Dobric’s collection, who got me hooked on it. I bought my first piece last summer and the amount of compliments I got on it, in Montreal, got me hooked for life. This season Dobric did not disappoint. Sitting front row I was able to see,  as you will, first hand of why Dobric is one Toronto designer to watch.

Each season he plays on different themes, shapes, colours and designs. So with the new masculine edge returning to menswear I was curious to see what his interpretation would be. The collection description calls it “tribal and belle epoque” inspirations for the prints. However, I see much more. There were richly constructed vests done in earth tones, low-seated pants which sat at the waist pockets, deconstructed cardigans and unconstructed jackets. Each look was tied together with either a gold leaf print or tribal jewelry. This compliments fall’s more masculine edge by giving men a new way to look at rich tones and gold without having the tacky 80s feel. For any guy looking for a standout piece a piece from the collection will uplift the simplest look to something elegant and noticeable.

Where To Get It: Model Citizen, 279 Augusta Avenue

What I Wore To Zoran Dobric

Beginning of the Zoran Dobric Show

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear From Zoran Dobric

Menswear by Zoran Dobric

Zoran Dobric (on the left) taking his bow.