"I like a lot of layers with patterns. I often get fashion inspiration from women's styles -- particularly Kylie Jenner. Her fashion is edgy and effortless. I like to incorporate her look into men's fashion."
Follow Domenic on Instagram.
Statcounter
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Domenic
"I like a lot of layers with patterns. I often get fashion inspiration from women's styles -- particularly Kylie Jenner. Her fashion is edgy and effortless. I like to incorporate her look into men's fashion."
Follow Domenic on Instagram.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Satan's Doll: Andrea Werhun
One of my favourite films from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival was The Editor, a fun feature that lovingly pays homage to Giallo (a bloody sub-genre of 70‘s Italian crime-thrillers). Interestingly, at the recent Toronto After Dark Film Festival, there was another Canadian film that paid tribute to the risqué genre: Satan’s Dolls, directed by Carlo Schefter. The film was well-received and soon will be making the rounds at other festivals.
In Satan’s Dolls, Toronto-native, Andrea Werhun (25) plays a femme-fatale who’s not afraid to stab or shoot her way out of a sticky situation. I visited Werhun at the Fertile Ground Farm in St. Agatha (just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo) to talk about the film and more.
TV: What’s it like watching yourself on the big screen?
AW: It’s surreal. I’ve seen myself on a big-screen before (Advocate) and the first time was a shock. Seeing myself the second time was an enjoyable experience. I felt like I was part of the audience, watching it for the very first time. My ass looked so big on screen. It was awesome.
TV: Have your folks seen the movie?
AW: Yeah, they really enjoyed it. I warned them about seeing my naked butt and told them to cover their eyes during that scene (laughs).
TV: You’ve worked with Second City. What was that like?
AW: I’ve taken improv classes there and have been involved with a few troupes. I haven’t done any improv since I’ve been living on the farm, but I’m definitely considering doing more when I get back to Toronto.
TV: What’s it like doing improv in front of an audience?
AW: It can be completely nerve-racking or the most magical experience. It’s incredible to be totally devoted to a character that has spontaneously come out of you. When it works, it’s not only magical to be a part of, it’s also magical to see it as an audience member. Of course bad improv is the opposite of magical and terrible to watch.
TV: So you were telling me that you’re trying to have as little presence as possible on the internet. Why is that?
AW: Yes, it’s just that when I came to the farm I realized that I was on Facebook way too much. I was senselessly developing jealousies. I was upset that everything was happening away from here. I eventually learned that I needed to be focussed on where I was. I was also getting frustrated with people who were lurking -- people who value looking at your online profile instead of personally interacting with you. I didn’t want my life to be lurked. I guess it was also a test to see who my real friends were.
TV: How do you plan to build your acting career while remaining faithful to that commitment?
AW: I plan to build my acting career on my ability to act. I don’t think interacting with people through social media would make me a better actor. I also don’t think it’s good for my mental health to be constantly promoting myself online. I would rather focus on being a good artist.
TV: Why have you chosen to live on a farm since the beginning of summer?
AW: Because my boyfriend is the field manager here. I also had practical reasons: I wanted to discipline myself by working hard and sticking to a routine. I wake up very early every day to harvest loads of vegetables for 9 hours. I also wanted a better relationship with nature because I lived my whole life in the city. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to experience giant skies, old trees and lovely trails. I have the freedom and space to do whatever I want and it’s incredible to see what darkness really looks like when there are no lights around. I’m pleased that I was able to easily adapt to this different lifestyle. I think that’s an important skill to have when you’re an actor -- to be able to adapt to any given role. Now I can adapt to the role of a hard working farm intern and do it without complaining. As an actress, I make it my main priority to live my life to the fullest so when it comes time to playing roles, I have many life experiences that I can draw upon.
TV: TorontoVerve is a street style blog so I'm obligated to ask: how would you describe your fashion?
AW: Ninety-five percent of my wardrobe is secondhand. I love the quality and workmanship of vintage fabric. I think that there are too many new pieces of clothing. If you want H&M or Joe Fresh, just go to Goodwill. They have their whole collection there.
TV: So what are you working on next?
AW: My Satan Dolls’ cast mate, Nicole Bazuin, and I are developing a comic book together called "Modern Whore". It examines sex work in a larger cultural context and how people of all backgrounds relate to whores. Unfortunately, prostitutes are humanity’s dumpster. Nicole and I believe that there are female, male and trans sex workers who deserve love and affection just like everyone else. It’s an issue that I hold very close to my heart. I’m writing the stories and Nicole is illustrating them.
TV: How will you be humanizing sex workers in your comic book?
AW: With first-person accounts. I’ve done much research and interviews with people in the sex trade. I think the reason people can’t relate to sex workers is because they don’t know their stories. They don’t know how similar their lives and experiences are.
TV: What have you discovered is the most common reason for someone to turn to a life of prostitution?
AW: It’s flexible work. It obviously pays a lot of money, and believe it or not, it can be quite fulfilling, which is what we want to explore in our comic. It also parallels much work in the service industry. Anyone who has ever been a waitress or barista can probably relate to many of their experiences. There are also some poor people who have no choice but to enter the sex trade to survive, and I don’t think it’s right to chastise them simply because prostitution was their last resort. There’s nothing inherently wrong with prostitution. What’s wrong is poverty and not giving opportunities to people who are at their very bottom.
TV: You’re obviously very passionate about it.
AW: Yes, I’m also quite interested in the politics of women and sexuality. Sexuality is a commodity. As an actress, I don’t feel that I’m doing anything all that different. I feel like I’m selling my sexuality in my roles all the time and I don’t have a problem with that because I like my sexuality. Often women are oppressed or shamed for expressing their sexuality. That’s why I’m open to nudity in film because I don’t want anyone to hold my body hostage and make me feel ashamed of who I am.
TV: Will you be collaborating with Carlo again anytime soon?
AW: Yes, he casted me in his new music video, "Blood Royale". I play a stripper and murderer (laughs).
TV: You appear to be Carlo’s go-to-person for those deadly characters.
AW: I am (laughs) and I’m totally cool with that. I love playing badass characters, but at some point, I’d like to play a nice girl. I think I’m fully capable of doing that too.
Visit Andrea Werhun's website.
Check out the Satan's Dolls teaser below:
In Satan’s Dolls, Toronto-native, Andrea Werhun (25) plays a femme-fatale who’s not afraid to stab or shoot her way out of a sticky situation. I visited Werhun at the Fertile Ground Farm in St. Agatha (just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo) to talk about the film and more.
TorontoVerve: What was your first experience like at Toronto After Dark?
Andrea Werhun: It was awesome. The crowd was so supportive and laughed at all the silliness of the film. It was a fantastic experience. I didn’t feel nervous at all.
TV: Tell us about Satan’s Dolls and your character.
AW: It’s a Giallo-inspired short film about a lesbian nunnery. It’s a crazy sensory experience. The director, Carlo Schefter, casted me as Suzy, a mobster queen who secretly worships the devil. I get to kill people and make out with a nun and priest (laughs).
TV: So what were your feelings about the film after you saw it?
AW: I was in love. I laughed the entire time. It turned out so beautifully. The music was right on point. The editing was amazing. I’m very proud of this 20 minute film.
AW: It’s surreal. I’ve seen myself on a big-screen before (Advocate) and the first time was a shock. Seeing myself the second time was an enjoyable experience. I felt like I was part of the audience, watching it for the very first time. My ass looked so big on screen. It was awesome.
TV: Have your folks seen the movie?
AW: Yeah, they really enjoyed it. I warned them about seeing my naked butt and told them to cover their eyes during that scene (laughs).
TV: You’ve worked with Second City. What was that like?
AW: I’ve taken improv classes there and have been involved with a few troupes. I haven’t done any improv since I’ve been living on the farm, but I’m definitely considering doing more when I get back to Toronto.
TV: What’s it like doing improv in front of an audience?
AW: It can be completely nerve-racking or the most magical experience. It’s incredible to be totally devoted to a character that has spontaneously come out of you. When it works, it’s not only magical to be a part of, it’s also magical to see it as an audience member. Of course bad improv is the opposite of magical and terrible to watch.
TV: So you were telling me that you’re trying to have as little presence as possible on the internet. Why is that?
AW: Yes, it’s just that when I came to the farm I realized that I was on Facebook way too much. I was senselessly developing jealousies. I was upset that everything was happening away from here. I eventually learned that I needed to be focussed on where I was. I was also getting frustrated with people who were lurking -- people who value looking at your online profile instead of personally interacting with you. I didn’t want my life to be lurked. I guess it was also a test to see who my real friends were.
TV: How do you plan to build your acting career while remaining faithful to that commitment?
AW: I plan to build my acting career on my ability to act. I don’t think interacting with people through social media would make me a better actor. I also don’t think it’s good for my mental health to be constantly promoting myself online. I would rather focus on being a good artist.
TV: Why have you chosen to live on a farm since the beginning of summer?
AW: Because my boyfriend is the field manager here. I also had practical reasons: I wanted to discipline myself by working hard and sticking to a routine. I wake up very early every day to harvest loads of vegetables for 9 hours. I also wanted a better relationship with nature because I lived my whole life in the city. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to experience giant skies, old trees and lovely trails. I have the freedom and space to do whatever I want and it’s incredible to see what darkness really looks like when there are no lights around. I’m pleased that I was able to easily adapt to this different lifestyle. I think that’s an important skill to have when you’re an actor -- to be able to adapt to any given role. Now I can adapt to the role of a hard working farm intern and do it without complaining. As an actress, I make it my main priority to live my life to the fullest so when it comes time to playing roles, I have many life experiences that I can draw upon.
TV: TorontoVerve is a street style blog so I'm obligated to ask: how would you describe your fashion?
AW: Ninety-five percent of my wardrobe is secondhand. I love the quality and workmanship of vintage fabric. I think that there are too many new pieces of clothing. If you want H&M or Joe Fresh, just go to Goodwill. They have their whole collection there.
TV: So what are you working on next?
AW: My Satan Dolls’ cast mate, Nicole Bazuin, and I are developing a comic book together called "Modern Whore". It examines sex work in a larger cultural context and how people of all backgrounds relate to whores. Unfortunately, prostitutes are humanity’s dumpster. Nicole and I believe that there are female, male and trans sex workers who deserve love and affection just like everyone else. It’s an issue that I hold very close to my heart. I’m writing the stories and Nicole is illustrating them.
TV: How will you be humanizing sex workers in your comic book?
AW: With first-person accounts. I’ve done much research and interviews with people in the sex trade. I think the reason people can’t relate to sex workers is because they don’t know their stories. They don’t know how similar their lives and experiences are.
TV: What have you discovered is the most common reason for someone to turn to a life of prostitution?
AW: It’s flexible work. It obviously pays a lot of money, and believe it or not, it can be quite fulfilling, which is what we want to explore in our comic. It also parallels much work in the service industry. Anyone who has ever been a waitress or barista can probably relate to many of their experiences. There are also some poor people who have no choice but to enter the sex trade to survive, and I don’t think it’s right to chastise them simply because prostitution was their last resort. There’s nothing inherently wrong with prostitution. What’s wrong is poverty and not giving opportunities to people who are at their very bottom.
TV: You’re obviously very passionate about it.
AW: Yes, I’m also quite interested in the politics of women and sexuality. Sexuality is a commodity. As an actress, I don’t feel that I’m doing anything all that different. I feel like I’m selling my sexuality in my roles all the time and I don’t have a problem with that because I like my sexuality. Often women are oppressed or shamed for expressing their sexuality. That’s why I’m open to nudity in film because I don’t want anyone to hold my body hostage and make me feel ashamed of who I am.
TV: Will you be collaborating with Carlo again anytime soon?
AW: Yes, he casted me in his new music video, "Blood Royale". I play a stripper and murderer (laughs).
TV: You appear to be Carlo’s go-to-person for those deadly characters.
AW: I am (laughs) and I’m totally cool with that. I love playing badass characters, but at some point, I’d like to play a nice girl. I think I’m fully capable of doing that too.
* * *
Visit Andrea Werhun's website.
Check out the Satan's Dolls teaser below:
Thursday, December 11, 2014
It's Our 5th Year Anniversary!!!
"I could shoot street style like the Sartorialist!" Those were the words that started it all. Five years ago today, I first walked the streets of Toronto searching for cool and exciting fashions. Since then, I've met, photographed and interviewed many interesting people.
Someone recently asked me, "So why do you do it?" The answer is quite simple: I do it because I love creating extraordinary photos. I love seeing the smile they bring to my street style subjects. I love telling people's inspiring stories, and more importantly, I love sharing my vision of Toronto with everyone.
People always ask, "How often do people turn you down?" And I'm happy to say not often. About 8 out of every 10 people I approach agree to appear on my blog, which is a great indication of our city's confidence and pride.
It's been a great five years!
- Nigel
Someone recently asked me, "So why do you do it?" The answer is quite simple: I do it because I love creating extraordinary photos. I love seeing the smile they bring to my street style subjects. I love telling people's inspiring stories, and more importantly, I love sharing my vision of Toronto with everyone.
People always ask, "How often do people turn you down?" And I'm happy to say not often. About 8 out of every 10 people I approach agree to appear on my blog, which is a great indication of our city's confidence and pride.
Not long ago, a friend inquired, "How long will you continue doing it?" I really don't know. I'm actually surprised I made it to five years. I suspect that when my love for it is gone, that's when I'll hang up my camera, but I don't anticipate that happening anytime soon.
* * *
I want to give a big thanks to everyone who's appeared on my blog and to all my new and loyal followers!It's been a great five years!
- Nigel
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Derek
Derek: Most of the time I dress very monochromatic. My style is just really my own. It's from years and years of experimenting and what not. I would describe it as 'Street Parisian.'
TorontoVerve: What are you most proud of in life?
Derek: What I'm most proud of? That's huge. I think it changes daily. I'm proud of who I am and who I continue to develop being. I guess I'm proud of my journey to becoming me.
We previously captured Derek's street style four years ago.
Follow Derek on Instagram & Twitter.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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Monday, December 8, 2014
Gege
"This is my only had two hours of sleep look."
We previously captured Gege's street style last fall.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Jay
Jay: "My style is trendy. I used to play hockey so it's also a little bit sporty. I try to have an outdoorsy feel. I'm inspired by English model Ricki Hall. I like his whole look and the vibe he gives off."
TorontoVerve: "What's your favourite memory of 2014?"
Jay: "I would have to say signing a contract with a talent agency as an actor and model. It's an interesting career change."
Follow Jay on Instagram and Twitter.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Emily
"My style is always changing. I try to stay true to myself and not follow trends. I want to be comfortable in my own skin."
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Dawn
"My style is easy, eccentric, and different every day. I don't follow any particular niche, but I'm kinda into dorky men's fashion these days."
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Kellie
"My style is all over the place. Somedays I dress comfortable and somedays I dress up like a pin-up girl. Whatever the weather allows."
We previously captured Kellie's street style last year.
Follow Kellie on Instagram.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Thadea
"I like cyber-goth clothing and fluffy things like this sweater. I'm inspired by Brooke Candy and Grimes, and a whole lot of people in platform shoes."
Thadea is a musician and describes her sound as "alternative rock inspired by old-school blues, but then I started making drum and bass a few months ago. I really took a weird jump (laughs)."
You can check out her music at ThadeoMusic.com.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Andrew
"I don't even know how to describe my style. I go vintage shopping sometimes. I get inspiration from random fashion blogs, but I'm not following any particular movement or anything."
Friday, November 7, 2014
Riley
Riley: My style has always been vintage. This top is from the lingerie section of The Salvation Army. My mother inspires me. She's the most womanly woman I know. She would never leave the house in anything less than lipstick and a pair of pumps and I think I just took everything from her -- especially now that I'm grown up. Lipstick is like my weapon (laughs).
TorontoVerve: What are you most happiest about this year?
Riley: I've been working on this startup company all year and we just incorporated. It's a film company based in Nova Scotia and we're going to produce the kind of projects that's going to put Nova Scotia on the map. I'm so over-the-moon excited about it.
TorontoVerve: You moved to Halifax from Toronto. What has the transition been like for you?
Riley: It's hard to go from a big city to a small centre. You lose the diversity and energy, but you really have to figure how to create it on your own. You can either fade into the background and decide it's a small town, I should just stay home and watch Netflix, or you can just go out and make crazy waves. I feel like I've done more things in the past year in a big way than I would have done in Toronto in the next five years.
TorontoVerve: How would you describe the street style in Halifax?
Riley: There's not much street style in Halifax, but when there is, people are so ambitious about it and they're completely unapologetic. They do not care. They would just throw it all out there and I have to admire them for that.
Riley's vintage street style previously appeared on TorontoVerve two years ago.
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
David & Oge
David: I'm not sure how to describe my style, but Oge inspires me.
Oge: My style goes from edgy to sporty.
Check out David's blog The Smiling Pluviophile. "It's my written work with pictures."
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Caroline
Caroline: My style is cool, calm and casual. The triple "C". I like to dress according to how I feel. My style is very governed by what is typically associated with male fashion. I've always liked to wear loose clothing. As I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate my femininity, which is mostly shown in my face, jewellery and by the way I style my hair. I like to wear kicks, baggy pants and t-shirts. That's when I feel sexiest -- not when I'm wearing a skirt. I feel strong this way and that's when I feel more beautiful.
TorontoVerve: You're a photographer. How would you describe your creative work?
Caroline: It's raw. I always want to capture realism. When I see a photo, I want to be able to feel that I know that person -- like I'm almost getting emotionally attached. I prefer to do portraits and doc-style. Something that conveys a story -- something real. I'm not into the bravado or what you see in most magazines. I think the photos in advertisements are awesome, but they don't make me want to buy clothes. However, sometimes they make me want to put on make-up and cuddle with a guy at the beach.
Check out Caroline's photos and videos at CarolineBrassard.com or visit her Instagram.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Glyde
"I follow the trends of my intuition. I bought this coat last year at Mama Loves You Vintage and now mohair sweaters are trendy, but probably Mama Loves You knew that would happen. Although I'm not looking so glamourous today, I'm inspired by old glamour photographs -- beautiful shots of glamourous people throughout history. I love Katharine Hepburn's style or 40's glamour like sheers and sequins with a masculine cut."
Check out Glyde's Instagram. She says her photos are "a provocation to make you see yourself. I hope for others to also reflect on how they're integrated in lovely things in our lives."
Glyde's street style previously appeared on TorontoVerve twice before.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Chrystal
Chrystal: My style was just thrown together.
TorontoVerve: What's your inspiration for your tattoos?
Chrystal: They're my life. Every single one of them tells a story. A very long story and I'm not done telling it yet.
TorontoVerve: What's your favourite memory of summer?
Chrystal: My favourite memory was actually in Spring. It's when all the women go crazy and don't care about style. They're so happy it's warm that they just want to be naked outside. It's my favourite time.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Luis
Luis: I think patterns are the best colours -- something gay to brighten up the day. I'm inspired by designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. She's always inventive. She can make something ugly look beautiful.
TorontoVerve: What's your favourite memory of Summer?
Luis: The nude beach on Toronto Island. It's the best place to be in the city.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
The Evolution of Tanya Grossi's Salvador Darling
During the last 9 years, Tanya Grossi (39) has transformed Salvador Darling into several profitable business ventures: a vintage boutique, a trendy café and a hip bar. What’s more interesting is that she did it all at the same Parkdale address. Indeed, no one can accuse Grossi of lacking vision.
She’s a woman who fearlessly follows her desires rather than the rules of conformity, and last month, she celebrated her sixth-year anniversary as a bar owner. I recently dropped by 1237 Queen Street West to talk to Grossi about Salvador Darling’s impressive evolution.
TorontoVerve: How did Salvador Darling start?
Tanya: My background is in fashion. I first worked in wardrobe styling and then I was a buyer at Le Château. When I left Le Château, I knew that I would inevitably open a vintage boutique of my own. I bought this location when there were no other boutiques in the neighbourhood. It eventually became a café, but when more coffee shops appeared, I decided that it was time to do the bar thing. I live around the corner and I was tired of leaving the neighbourhood to go anywhere. I wanted to open a place where I can shop, drink coffee, and hang out. And hopefully, people would come.
TV: So why did you close the boutique to open a coffee shop? Was business not working out?
Tanya: It totally was, but being a creative person, I get bored easily. I’m always looking for the next project. It’s all about timing. I always move on when I’m on top.
TV: Did you completely stop selling clothing when you opened the café?
Tanya: No, I continued to sell clothes in the back, but then a couple of other vintage stores opened up so I decided to go full-café. I love to entertain and cook. I sold Panini and salads, and it was a lot of fun until it was time to do the next thing. People still tell me that I sold the best sandwiches. Some clients ask me: “why don’t you do the café in the day and the bar at night?” I tried that and it was just too much. I wanted to really focus on the night business and it was hard doing both and having a life.
TV: How hard was it to establish yourself as a bar in your first year?
Tanya: It was very hard and, still to this day, people walk by thinking that it’s a furniture store. I don’t have the money to advertise. Word of mouth has kept my business going. Basically, I make sure that the people who walk through my door come back. I want people to have a good time.
TV: How would you describe the vibe at Salvador Darling?
Tanya: It’s like being in a really cool person’s living room. I collect a lot of art, antiques and weird objects. Everything here has a warmth or a story behind it. The concept was if Salvador Dali owned a bar, what would it look like? His whole surrealism movement was about having fun with art and not being so serious. When I go out, I want to be visually stimulated. I love watching my customers look around. I provide them with an experience.
TV: So you were inspired by Salvador Dali’s vision. How exactly did you come up with the name, Salvador Darling?
Tanya: It just came to me on a sleepless night. Dali saw things as dreamlike -- an adult playground. He also said that some of the most sophisticated people he knew were children inside. That’s my favourite thing. I always say: “never grow up, never be boring and never let the man get to you.” Why can’t I have fun when I reach a certain age? That’s why I have hula-hoops and a rocking horse here (laughs).
TV: I read that one of your loyal customers is none other than actor Geoffrey Rush. How did that happen?
Tanya: That’s a funny story (laughs). About 7 or 8 years ago, my sister and I were in the Bahamas, and we saw him come out of a convenience store. Apparently, he was there shooting one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I had always been a fan of his independent films like Shine and Frida so I told him that I love his work -- especially his art film, Lantana. He was surprised that I even knew about Lantana. After we chatted for a bit, he said: “I love you two. I’m sending you a limo and you’re going to visit us on the set.” And the next day, we were on the Pirates set and we met Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom. Plus, we got to hang out with Geoffrey. Whenever he was in town for the Toronto International Film Festival, he would drop by and give us tickets for his film. We still keep in touch. It’s kinda cool.
TV: On your fifth-year anniversary invite it says, ‘you’ll never forget that a woman owns a bar.’ What did you mean by that? Is there a difference between male and female bar owners?
Tanya: My ex-boyfriend at the time wasn’t proud that his girlfriend owned a bar so he was telling everyone that the bar was his. I also had a guy working for me and everyone assumed that he was the owner. And that always bothered me because there’s this assumption that a woman can’t own a bar. People who knew my ex would come in and ask: “where’s the guy who owns the bar?” And I would respond, “the guy who owns the bar? I own the bar and I worked my f@$king ass off for it!” So that’s why I said that on the invite. Owning a bar is not all fun and games and being in this business as a woman is rare too. Sometimes, I have to be a bitch. People come in and order booze and don’t pay. As a woman, I get taken advantage of. So I have to be a tough ass. It’s a fun business, but it’s hard finding a partner who’s secure enough having a girlfriend whose business is entertaining people. I’m kinda seeing someone now who gets it.
TV: Why did your ex have a problem with you owning a bar?
Tanya: Jealousy. I tried to make him a part of all this. The reasons why he liked me -- I’m independent and have my own business -- were the same reasons he resented me. That’s not a partnership.
TV: What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?
Tanya: There’s this assumption that I live this crazy life. I don’t go out to clubs. I love staying home. I have a dog. I read. I live a healthy lifestyle. I’ll be going to the Bahamas soon for a month and I’ll be doing a lot of deep-sea fishing -- it’s one of my favourite things to do in the world. I also love training hardcore.
TV: How do you train?
Tanya: I love shadow boxing. Sometimes I do yoga. I can do almost every yoga move. I’m not a gym person. I don’t lift weights, but I do lift a lot of beer cases (laughs). I’m a hand-ons person.
TV: What other talents do you have?
Tanya: I love music. I also DJ here and every second Tuesday at The Beaconsfield down the street. I love hip-hop. I consider myself a f@$king classy girl who loves hard hip-hop. I’ll often DJ in a dress and high heels. It’s hard to label me.
TV: How would you describe your style?
Tanya: I love being a woman with a bit of an edge. I love dresses. I think I only own two pairs of pants. My edginess usually comes from my accessories or shoes. I’m confident and comfortable in my skin so I know the kind of stuff that’s going to look good on me.
TV: Where do you like to shop?
Tanya: Mostly in vintage stores. My inspiration comes from my parents and they always dressed cool. My dad comes from a very big Italian family and he married a non-Italian. My mom is Eastern-European. She’s tall and looks like Marilyn Monroe. She always walks with an air of confidence. There’s a passion with the way that I dress and I think it comes from my background. If you have to think too hard about your style then it’s not you. To me, style is instinctual. It comes from wherever your inspirations are.
TV: Salvador Darling has been a bar for six years now. Are you getting bored? Will there be another evolution?
Tanya: I’m definitely on for another couple of years, and then I want to do something else. Maybe a bed and breakfast someplace where it’s warm all-year round, but before that happens, I think there’ll be one more evolution (laughs). Then I’ll go when I’m on top.
Follow Tanya & Salvador Darling on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
She’s a woman who fearlessly follows her desires rather than the rules of conformity, and last month, she celebrated her sixth-year anniversary as a bar owner. I recently dropped by 1237 Queen Street West to talk to Grossi about Salvador Darling’s impressive evolution.
TorontoVerve: How did Salvador Darling start?
Tanya: My background is in fashion. I first worked in wardrobe styling and then I was a buyer at Le Château. When I left Le Château, I knew that I would inevitably open a vintage boutique of my own. I bought this location when there were no other boutiques in the neighbourhood. It eventually became a café, but when more coffee shops appeared, I decided that it was time to do the bar thing. I live around the corner and I was tired of leaving the neighbourhood to go anywhere. I wanted to open a place where I can shop, drink coffee, and hang out. And hopefully, people would come.
TV: So why did you close the boutique to open a coffee shop? Was business not working out?
Tanya: It totally was, but being a creative person, I get bored easily. I’m always looking for the next project. It’s all about timing. I always move on when I’m on top.
TV: Did you completely stop selling clothing when you opened the café?
Tanya: No, I continued to sell clothes in the back, but then a couple of other vintage stores opened up so I decided to go full-café. I love to entertain and cook. I sold Panini and salads, and it was a lot of fun until it was time to do the next thing. People still tell me that I sold the best sandwiches. Some clients ask me: “why don’t you do the café in the day and the bar at night?” I tried that and it was just too much. I wanted to really focus on the night business and it was hard doing both and having a life.
TV: How hard was it to establish yourself as a bar in your first year?
Tanya: It was very hard and, still to this day, people walk by thinking that it’s a furniture store. I don’t have the money to advertise. Word of mouth has kept my business going. Basically, I make sure that the people who walk through my door come back. I want people to have a good time.
TV: How would you describe the vibe at Salvador Darling?
Tanya: It’s like being in a really cool person’s living room. I collect a lot of art, antiques and weird objects. Everything here has a warmth or a story behind it. The concept was if Salvador Dali owned a bar, what would it look like? His whole surrealism movement was about having fun with art and not being so serious. When I go out, I want to be visually stimulated. I love watching my customers look around. I provide them with an experience.
TV: So you were inspired by Salvador Dali’s vision. How exactly did you come up with the name, Salvador Darling?
Tanya: It just came to me on a sleepless night. Dali saw things as dreamlike -- an adult playground. He also said that some of the most sophisticated people he knew were children inside. That’s my favourite thing. I always say: “never grow up, never be boring and never let the man get to you.” Why can’t I have fun when I reach a certain age? That’s why I have hula-hoops and a rocking horse here (laughs).
TV: I read that one of your loyal customers is none other than actor Geoffrey Rush. How did that happen?
Tanya: That’s a funny story (laughs). About 7 or 8 years ago, my sister and I were in the Bahamas, and we saw him come out of a convenience store. Apparently, he was there shooting one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. I had always been a fan of his independent films like Shine and Frida so I told him that I love his work -- especially his art film, Lantana. He was surprised that I even knew about Lantana. After we chatted for a bit, he said: “I love you two. I’m sending you a limo and you’re going to visit us on the set.” And the next day, we were on the Pirates set and we met Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom. Plus, we got to hang out with Geoffrey. Whenever he was in town for the Toronto International Film Festival, he would drop by and give us tickets for his film. We still keep in touch. It’s kinda cool.
TV: On your fifth-year anniversary invite it says, ‘you’ll never forget that a woman owns a bar.’ What did you mean by that? Is there a difference between male and female bar owners?
Tanya: My ex-boyfriend at the time wasn’t proud that his girlfriend owned a bar so he was telling everyone that the bar was his. I also had a guy working for me and everyone assumed that he was the owner. And that always bothered me because there’s this assumption that a woman can’t own a bar. People who knew my ex would come in and ask: “where’s the guy who owns the bar?” And I would respond, “the guy who owns the bar? I own the bar and I worked my f@$king ass off for it!” So that’s why I said that on the invite. Owning a bar is not all fun and games and being in this business as a woman is rare too. Sometimes, I have to be a bitch. People come in and order booze and don’t pay. As a woman, I get taken advantage of. So I have to be a tough ass. It’s a fun business, but it’s hard finding a partner who’s secure enough having a girlfriend whose business is entertaining people. I’m kinda seeing someone now who gets it.
TV: Why did your ex have a problem with you owning a bar?
Tanya: Jealousy. I tried to make him a part of all this. The reasons why he liked me -- I’m independent and have my own business -- were the same reasons he resented me. That’s not a partnership.
TV: What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?
Tanya: There’s this assumption that I live this crazy life. I don’t go out to clubs. I love staying home. I have a dog. I read. I live a healthy lifestyle. I’ll be going to the Bahamas soon for a month and I’ll be doing a lot of deep-sea fishing -- it’s one of my favourite things to do in the world. I also love training hardcore.
TV: How do you train?
Tanya: I love shadow boxing. Sometimes I do yoga. I can do almost every yoga move. I’m not a gym person. I don’t lift weights, but I do lift a lot of beer cases (laughs). I’m a hand-ons person.
TV: What other talents do you have?
Tanya: I love music. I also DJ here and every second Tuesday at The Beaconsfield down the street. I love hip-hop. I consider myself a f@$king classy girl who loves hard hip-hop. I’ll often DJ in a dress and high heels. It’s hard to label me.
TV: How would you describe your style?
Tanya: I love being a woman with a bit of an edge. I love dresses. I think I only own two pairs of pants. My edginess usually comes from my accessories or shoes. I’m confident and comfortable in my skin so I know the kind of stuff that’s going to look good on me.
TV: Where do you like to shop?
Tanya: Mostly in vintage stores. My inspiration comes from my parents and they always dressed cool. My dad comes from a very big Italian family and he married a non-Italian. My mom is Eastern-European. She’s tall and looks like Marilyn Monroe. She always walks with an air of confidence. There’s a passion with the way that I dress and I think it comes from my background. If you have to think too hard about your style then it’s not you. To me, style is instinctual. It comes from wherever your inspirations are.
TV: Salvador Darling has been a bar for six years now. Are you getting bored? Will there be another evolution?
Tanya: I’m definitely on for another couple of years, and then I want to do something else. Maybe a bed and breakfast someplace where it’s warm all-year round, but before that happens, I think there’ll be one more evolution (laughs). Then I’ll go when I’m on top.
Follow Tanya & Salvador Darling on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Monday, October 6, 2014
Jason & Alex
Jason: "My style is modern rock n' roll."
TorontoVerve: "What's your biggest regret in life?"
Jason: "Not listening to my parents. I should have listened to my parents."
TorontoVerve: "What was one thing that you should have listened to them about?"
Jason: "Choose your friends wisely."
Alex: "My style is laid back -- whatever's comfortable. I'm not picky. I'm not a freak who lays out her clothes in the morning. I just pick it up and go. I'm usually in a rush."
Follow Jason on Instagram.
& Alex on Instagram & Twitter.
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