Kaia Gerber Is Wired on Mushroom Coffee and Ready To Hit the Cottage

19-year-old model Kaia Gerber spent the last year and a half just like the rest of us: baking banana bread, experimenting with DIY specialty coffees (“I’ve gotten very into making my own mushroom coffee so I’m wired all day,” she says) and starting a book club. Unlike the rest of us, her bi-weekly book club is still going strong and features celebrity guest appearances. (In the club’s first meeting, Gerber and Normal People actors Daisy Edgar Jones and Paul Mescal discussed the Sally Rooney novel of the same name.)

“I never wanted to overstep in the literary community,” says Gerber, who’s an avid reader. “But I’m grateful to have been accepted into this world that I’ve always wanted to be a part of.” Gerber’s hobby caught the attention of her longtime collaborator, designer Marc Jacobs, who even donated masks to NYU Langone Health Centre in honour of the model’s book club.

 

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Now, the two have paired up again — this time in their usual way, swapping books for bottles as Gerber stars in the latest campaign for the Daisy Marc Jacobs fragrance franchise, which she’s been a face of since 2017.

 

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The newest scent, Daisy Eau So Intense (from $115), is inspired by the warmth of the sun, the beauty of golden hour and — what else — fields of fresh daisies. With notes of strawberry, pear, honey and vanilla, Daisy Eau So Intense is bright and deeply joyful. “It reminds me of watching the sunset with my family,” says Gerber, who’s counting down the days until she can head back to her beloved Muskoka cottage. “By the way, everyone here [in California] calls it a house. I’ll say ‘cottage’ and people are like, ‘Are you from Goldilocks and the Three Bears?’” she laughs.

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Everything You Need To Know About Selfless by Hyram, Straight From the Social Media Star Himself

Skinfluencer Hyram Yarbro is best known for his YouTube and TikTok videos providing honest skincare product reviews for his Gen Z audience (he’s got almost 11.5 million followers across both platforms). He’s built his massive online presence by simplifying the often complex and confusing ingredients found in our (often also complex and confusing) skincare routines. And on any given video, he receives tons of comments from his adoring young fans asking when he’ll be launching a skincare line of his own. Luckily for them, that day is today. Well, okay not today, but Yarbro did just announce his new beauty brand today, and promised more info soon! Colour us intrigued…

Selfless by Hyram was created in collaboration with The Inkey List, the U.K.-based skincare brand founded by Colette Newberry and Mark Curry that’s focused on sharing skincare knowledge and producing affordable products with simple ingredients. Appropriately named Selfless, the brand’s mission is to use gentle skincare as a vehicle for social change. The three founders chatted with FASHION about the creation of the line and its philosophy.

The social impact vision behind Selfless by Hyram

With the vision of merging humanitarianism with skincare, Selfless by Hyram holds itself accountable and contributes to the betterment of the planet. The line will support various organizations across four key areas: the environment, health, education and empowerment. With every purchase, customers contribute to these organizations’ initiatives, like providing a year’s worth of clean drinking water, or protecting tropical forests from deforestation through land purchase. The brand has also established partnerships with organizations addressing the climate and water crisis, such as Rainforest Trust and youth-activated water charity Thirst Project.

Ensuring every ingredient is ethically sourced was no small feat. When developing the formulas, Yarbro came to Newberry and Curry with the ingredients that he wanted to work with. His vision, coupled with the duo’s knowledge and access to innovative ingredients, resulted in unique, custom formulas. Once they were clear on their vision, they made sure every step in producing the product was one that would contribute to their goal of social change. The Inkey List founders sent their manufacturers hundreds of questions about every ingredient’s origin, a gruelling process they say is part of their “Selfless standard,” an ever-evolving set of self-imposed guidelines to hold them accountable to creating the best products possible.

“Having that set of standards from the conception of the brand was amazing, because you’ve got a blank slate, and you can really drive change through the manufacturers and the processes that we’ve used,” says Newberry. “But what’s really important to note is those standards are not going to stand still. That excites us, because we want to disrupt the industry.”

Colette Newberry and Mark Curry, founders of The Inkey List

The power of collaboration

Since the beginning of his channel, Yarbro has been getting questions about if and when he would launch a skincare line. At first, he was hesitant to do so. “I wasn’t necessarily sure what I could introduce to the industry that was new,” says Yarbro. “It wasn’t until I realized that my brand could be a catalyst for social change, where we could combine social good and direct, measurable social impact efforts, with a skincare product purchase that I was like, ‘Okay wait, this could be awesome.’”

Coincidentally, Yarbro had been working on his own skincare line for a few months, and was originally planning on launching independently. But when he connected with Newberry and Curry, he saw how their visions aligned, and their partnership has been cohesive ever since.

So what exactly is in the Selfless by Hyram line?

Details are still under wraps, but what we know is that the line is launching with five products, which will all be ringing in under $30. “We intentionally priced everything to be as affordable as possible while still fairly compensating for the sustainable ingredients, the sustainable packaging and the sourcing standards of quality,” says Yarbro.

Hyram Yarbro

How Selfless by Hyram will translate to Yarbro’s social media channels

Known for his honest skincare reviews, transparency is a crucial part of Yarbro’s online presence. As a founder of Selfless, he wants to be open about his inevitable bias towards his line when doing deep dives into different elements of the brand on his channel. “Obviously I created what I would define as the perfect brand,” he laughs. “I want that bias to be visible.”

With this new endeavour, the social media star says his content may shift. “When I started my channel, it was all about pushing for brands to create formulas that are better for sensitive skin [and] that are accessible to all people. That was the primary mission,” he reflects. Now, he says the skincare community on social media has gotten so huge, and there are so many other creators doing deep dives into brand and product reviews, that he feels he can pass on the torch and focus on Selfless by Hyram. “I feel like my work has been done in that sense. This gives me an opportunity to show a new side of myself and a side of the brand that people wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.”

Yarbro says humanitarian work has always been his primary passion, and he’s excited to have that be the pillar of this brand. “For me, it’s all about what small, daily changes people [can] make to be able to leave a positive impact on the world,” he explains. “More than anything, [I want to explore] how can that leave an impact on the most pressing issues facing the planet.”

Selfless by Hyram products will be rolling out at Sephora soon. Watch this space for more details!

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Your Guide To the Virtual Pride Events Happening in Canada This Summer

COVID-19 has squashed plans for in-person Pride festivals across most of Canada once again, but queer folks are resilient and we won’t let a global pandemic get in the way of a good celebration. From pet clubs to drag shows, dance parties and Two-Spirit sharing circles, queer people across the country are finding new ways to maintain community during Pride Month Canada 2021 despite physical distancing.

Here are some of the most exciting virtual events for Pride Month Canada 2021. And best of all, they’re all free! Keep checking back for more — this list will be updated as new events are announced.

Bitchcraft

The scoop: DJ, producer and poet Sofia Fly has kept in-the-know queers dancing in their homes during quarantine with her superb 2020 album Fly Beats II Virgo Rising and ongoing Twitch dance parties. For Pride, she’s curating a special edition of her party series Bitchcraft featuring The Noise Witch, Nicki Nastasia, Gay Jesus and more.
When: June 18, 1 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

2Spirit Pride

The scoop: This year’s 2Spirit Pride is a special edition of Tygr Willy and Weird Alice Yankadic’s magnificent Indigiqueer and 2-spirit variety show Thirst Nation. The pair of performer-slash-producers are co-hosting the event, which has a stacked lineup including Feather Tahlia and Veronica Johnny.
When: June 18, 2:30 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Pet Club

The scoop: The Queer Yukon Society has a full schedule of ongoing digital programming to keep queers up north connected during the pandemic, including the cutest event on any Pride calendar in the country — an LGBTQIA2S+ pet club. The best part? You don’t even need to be a pet parent to join in and make new furry friends.
When: Ongoing, the first Monday of every month
Find it: Zoom via queeryukon.com

Blockorama 23: Black is love

The scoop: Pride Toronto’s longest-running stage is back once again this year for Blockorama 23 — another triumphant celebration of Black talent and Black love. This year’s Blockorama includes DJ Carma, artist Karim Olen Ash and local drag heroes Jada Hudson and Nicolette Brown.
When: June 27, 6 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Yohomo Dance Party

The scoop: The fun-loving folks at Yohomo are masters of nightlife curation, so the collective’s own mini Pride party is sure to be a rager. The party will include DJ sets from Yohomo’s own Armand Digdoyo and Phil as well as Young Teesh, plus performances from Tygr Willy and Mango. Videographer, DJ and New Ho Queen co-founder Lulu Wei is one of several artists providing visuals.
When: June 26, 9 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Kick Your Boots Off: A Country Drag Show

The scoop: Regina’s Pride festival kicks off early in the month with a yee-haw country-style drag show hosted by Saskatchewan’s 30th Imperial House of Leather and Lace. Cowboy hats, PVC chaps and Orville Peck-style masks presumably encouraged.
When: June 4, 9:30 p.m.
Find it: YouTube 

Eat With Pride Brunch Edition

The scoop: The Tegan and Sara Foundation has funded a five-week virtual cook-along series for Fredericton Pride. The organization is delivering free ingredients to New Brunswick queers who want to participate, starting with pancakes on June 6.
When: June 6 and 20, July 4 and 18, August 1
Find it: Zoom via Fierté Fredericton Pride

Two-Spirit Circle

The scoop: The Pride group QLink in Windsor-Wessex has an ongoing program of digital drop-ins, counselling services and activities like crafting nights. Among the programing is a virtual circle for Two-Spirit folks and their families, friends and allies. The events include traditional teachings, music and games.
When: Biweekly on Mondays, 7 p.m.
Find it: Zoom via QLink Windsor-Essex

New Ho Queen

The scoop: Pre-pandemic, New Ho Queen’s parties were a sensation in Toronto’s queer scene. Throughout COVID-19, the queer Asian collective has rallied against racism via digtial activism and partnered with organizations like the Reel Asian Film Festival on digital events. Back in action for Pride, New Ho Queen’s official Pride Toronto stream is not to be missed.
When: June 19, 9 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Posh Ball

The scoop: Vancouver’s Van Vogue Jam is hosting its summer ball in late July in partnership with the Vancouver Pride Society. This ball will be hosted by Posh Gvasalia of the Kiki House Of Gvasalia and have DJ Blackcat and DJ Softishan on the decks. The group’s past balls have featured international ballroom icons like Leiomy Maldonado and west coast drag stars like Kendall Gender and Rose Butch. And keep an eye on Van Vogue Jam’s socials for info on its upcoming VVJ Ballroom Talk Series with folks like Twysted.
When: July 31, 6 p.m.
Fees: By donation
Find it: vanvoguejam.com

Buddies in Bad Times Tea Dance

The scoop: Buddies in Bad Times is helping close out Pride’s busiest weekend with the long-held gay tradition of the Sunday tea dance. Hosted by the exuberant, charismatic theatre artist Ryan G. Hinds, the Buddies Tea Dance may be your only chance this Pride to hang with queer Toronto’s most beloved bartender, Buddies’ own Patricia Wilson. Plus, performances by boylesque performer Wrong Note Rusty and self-proclaimed human disaster Bombae.
When: June 27, 5 p.m.
Find it: Gather via buddiesinbadtimes.com

‘Out’ in the Country

The scoop: Pride extends well beyond big circuit parties in major cities; small towns all over Canada host festivals and programming that are vital to keeping rural queers safe and connected to their communities. Case in point: Kincardine Pride’s ‘Out’ in the Country Webinar series this June, including an educational event on the importance of Pride in rural Ontario.
When: June 24, 7 p.m.
Find it: Kincardine Pride Facebook

Pride Live

The scoop: Pride is a rare chance to see an excess of top-tier queer musicians all on one stage. This year the stage is digital and the format for Pride Live is music video-style performances. Featuring singer-songwriter, dancer and occasional model Roney X (a must-follow on Insta) and Tafari Anthony, whose single “Centrefold” off his new EP The Way You See Me should already be on your Pride playlist.
When: June 19, 4:30 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Dyke March

The scoop: Too many Pride events centre the queer community’s most profitable consumers: white, cisgender gay dudes. The Dyke March has always created space for those who fall outside that narrow scope and in recent years it has focused on inclusivity even among dykes — all self-identified dykes, including trans dykes and non-binary dykes are welcome. With speeches, spoken word performances and even the live creation of a painting, 2020’s Dyke March was one of the most politically-charged and moving parts of the digital festival and this year’s march is sure to be as well.
When: June 26, 1 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Drag Queen Storytime with Fay & Fluffy

The scoop: There’s plenty of Pride events for families, even in the digital world — and free, open events like the Kitchener Public Library’s drag queen storytime mean that queer families and allies can tune in even if they’re not physically close to a major Pride festival. KPL’s storytime is hosted by Fay & Fluffy, who are widely admired in the drag storytime space. Families on west coast time, meanwhile, can check out Pride Calgary’s Reading With Royalty event.
When:Find it: Zoom via KPL.org

Drag Ball

The scoop: Curated by Yohomo’s Phil Villeneuve (who you may know as Dancing Phil), the 2020 Drag Ball features an eclectic mix of Toronto’s best drag performers, from the queen of the west end, Allysin Chaynes, to drag king sensation Manny Dingo, the queer messiah himself Gay Jesus and high fashion club kid Bombae. Hosted by Canada’s Drag Race’s BOA.
When: June 26, 7 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Speakeasy TV’s Hollywood Squares

The scoop: Toronto’s online drag bar Speakeasy TV is raising money for Rainbow Railroad with the second edition of its absurd send-up of the television classic Hollywood Squares this Pride. The event features Canada’s Drag Race alum Juiceboxx, Halifax drag legend Elle Noir and House of Kings producer ZacKey Lime. (Full disclosure: I’m one of the contestants!)
When: June 5, 8 p.m.
Find it: speakeasy-tv.com

Painting Church Street in Lavender: Zine Launch!

The scoop: Lavender has a reputation for throwing some of the best queer parties in Toronto. The  series, which is for queer women and people of all genders, hosts an official Pride stream on Saturday, June 19 (1 p.m.). Then on June 21, it’s celebrating three years of sweaty, joyful parties with the launch of a zine that documents community memories of Lavender.
When: June 21, 8:30 p.m.
Find it: Zoom via Glad Day TV

Sober Pride

The scoop: Pride events typically revolve around drinking, but there’s been a rise of sober queer folks in recent years and creating spaces for them, even in the digital world, is crucial. That’s exactly the aim behind Pride Toronto’s official Sober Pride event, which will celebrate milestones in sobriety.
When: June 19, 1 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

“I Can’t Breathe”

The scoop: If 2020’s Pride season taught us anything, it’s that Pride is intrinsically linked to Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements that seek social equity, just like Pride. In Ontario this year, film director Steve Haining has partnered with Pride Hamilton for a special, politically-charged stream on Juneteenth titled “I Can’t Breathe” (The title is, of course, a common refrain associated with the Black Lives Matter movement originating from the shooting of Eric Garner.)
When: June 19
Find it: More info to come via Pride Hamilton

Indigenous People’s Day Showcase

The scoop: Pride Toronto is marking Indigenous People’s Day with a circle discussion led by Elder Blu Waters with 2S and Indigiqueer leaders from 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations Leadership Building Initiative — Kiley May, and Shane Lyon. The livestream event will also feature traditional Anishinaabe singing from Kiyana Johnston and Anishinaabe dancing from Nenookaasi.
When: June 21, 6 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

Digital Pride Parade

The scoop: Fresh off releasing a banger music video for her new single “Cake,” Canada’s Drag Race season one winner Priyanka is serving as the host for Pride Toronto’s digital parade. The parade will also feature singer-songwriter iskwē and Canadian indie pop it-girl Allie X. Later in the evening catch the incomparable Tynomi Banks presiding over the closing ceremony.
When: June 27, 2 p.m.
Find it: pridetoronto.com

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Naomi Osaka Withdraws From the French Open To Focus On Her Mental Health

Tennis star Naomi Osaka announced on May 31 that she was withdrawing from the French Open, an annual tennis tournament held over two weeks in Paris, France, to focus on her mental health.

Osaka had announced last week that she would not be participating in any press conferences during the French Open (also called Roland-Garros) for mental health reasons. “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health and this rings very true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” she wrote in her statement, adding that she hoped any fines she was charged for refuisng to speak with the press would go to a mental health charity.

The 23-year-old athlete was hit with a $15,000 fine by the Grand Slam tournaments, for not speaking to the media after her first-round match on May 30. Osaka then took to Twitter to announce her withdrawal from the tournament altogether, further opening up about her mental health struggles. She wrote that since winning her first Grand Slam title in 2018 at the U.S. Open, she’s “suffered long bouts of depression.”

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD

— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

“I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media. I get really nervous and find it stressful to always try to engage and give you the best answers I can,” the statement read in part.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support for Osaka from public figures, including tennis legends Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova.

I am so sad about Naomi Osaka.I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi- we are all pulling for you!

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 31, 2021

The situation has sparked a larger conversation surrounding the lack of mental health support for high-level athletes, especially those in the public eye. Aside from playing a stressful and competitive sport, players are then expected to give entertaining, quotable answers in news conferences that are replayed in front of the whole world. Osaka highlighted that this is harmful to athletes’ mental health, saying these rules are outdated.

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans,” Osaka wrote.

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Do You Need To Be Worried About Benzene in Sunscreen?

After a long, locked-in winter, it’s finally time to shed our sweatsuits, move our plant babies outside and maybe even (safely) leave our homes. That all means stepping up our sunscreen game, too — but a new study is making some think twice before slathering it on. On May 24, a Connecticut-based online pharmacy called Valisure announced that it found the chemical benzene in sunscreen offerings from popular brands (27 percent of the 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products it tested, to be exact). The company, which also offers a drug-product certification service to brands, is now calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall 40 of the affected product batches.

Just how dangerous is benzene? Is this reason for panic? Will there be a recall? To get the scoop on the study, we turned to chemist and author Dr. Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, and dermatologist and University of British Columbia clinical instructor Dr. Monica Li.

What is benzene and what’s it used for?

Picture a clear liquid with a sweet, gasoline-like smell. “Benzene is a starting material for many, many chemical processes,” says Schwarcz. “It’s used in the making of plastics and nylon, for example. There’s a myriad of uses for benzene industrially.” In the past, the chemical was used to decaffeinate coffee and to scent aftershave, but you won’t find it on any ingredient lists anymore because it’s now known to be carcinogenic (that means it can cause cancer at certain doses — more on that in a sec!).

You’ll still encounter benzene in day-to-day life, though. It’s derived from petroleum but is also made naturally when organic material burns. Think: volcanoes and forest fires. You’re exposed to benzene every time you hit a gas station or inhale cigarette smoke, too. “It’s not surprising that it shows up in trace amounts in the environment because it’s just produced in such vast amounts,” says Schwarcz.

What exactly did the study find regarding benzene?

The study analyzed 294 batches of sunscreens and after-sun products from 69 different brands. Of that 294, 78 product batches had detectable levels of benzene, and 14 of those had concentrations higher than two parts per million (ppm). “It should be noted that the FDA concentration limit of benzene is two ppm for soft drinks and hand sanitizers,” says Li. (You can download the report with lists of contaminated batches here, and the attachment with all the uncontaminated batches here.)

The max amount that the study found was 6.77 ppm in Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray SPF 100+ (which isn’t sold in Canada, by the way) from lot 04820E04 — and yes, that code matters. The study’s findings are based on the batches from those specific samples, explains Li. “It is the sunscreen products with this exact identifying information that were tested and found to contain benzene contaminants.” So, it doesn’t mean that every bottle of Ultra Sheer Weightless — or any of the other 77 product batches — is affected. And it also doesn’t mean that you need to dodge these brands across the board, either. In fact, many that made the contaminated list also had batches on the uncontaminated list.

Wondering how much a ppm is? “If you had a litre of water, and it had one part per million of something, that means it has one milligram, which is one-thousandth of a gram, in one litre,” says Schwarcz. “It’s an extremely, extremely small amount. If you would look at any food that we eat down to the level of parts per million, you would find thousands of compounds.”

How dangerous is benzene?

“The major health effect associated with benzene exposure — long term — is its impact on the blood,” says Li. In petroleum-industry workers, there’s been a link between chronic benzene exposure and increased risk of leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells. That’s why you’ll hear benzene described as a carcinogen, which means that it has the potential to cause cancer. “But it does not mean that everyone exposed to it will get cancer,” says Li.

Schwarcz likes to break it down with an analogy: “To term something a carcinogen, it’s very much like saying something is flammable. It means it has the possibility of burning. It doesn’t mean if you encounter it, it will burst into flames.”

Dose plays a major role here. “If you think of coffee, it contains thousands of compounds, including a number that are carcinogens,” says Schwarcz. “Each of these can be termed carcinogens because if you isolate them and feed them in high enough doses to animals, you can trigger cancer. But of course, we know that coffee doesn’t cause cancer — if it did, we would surely know because there are enough people drinking it.”

Similarly, the type of exposure matters, too. Benzene can penetrate through skin, says Schwarcz, “but the question is, does it amount to significant levels in the blood?” The study only tested the sunscreens themselves, and not the blood of people who’ve used it. Schwarcz notes that benzene is highly volatile, so it’s more likely to evaporate than absorb. “The highest level [Valisure] found in the sunscreens is six ppm — that is a very, very, very small amount,” he adds. “I think the chance that that leads to any significant amount in the blood is infinitesimal.”

Why would there be benzene in sunscreen in the first place?

Even though “benzene” might sound similar to some of the ingredients you see on your sunscreen’s label, like oxybenzone and avobenzone, they’re not the same. “Benzene is not, as we currently understand, a breakdown product of sunscreen ingredients, nor is it a UV filter,” says Li. “It is a contaminant due to the manufacturing process of the product. No reputable company will intentionally put benzene in sunscreens.”

Are the sunscreens with detectable levels of benzene being recalled?

Valisure is petitioning the FDA to recall 40 of the batches, but there’s been no response as of publication time. The news could still come, though. “I think it would be scientifically unjustified, but there are many things that are done for business reasons that are scientifically unjustified,” says Schwarcz. You can bookmark the FDA’s recall list and Health Canada’s if you want to keep tabs.

Should you happen to have a tube from an affected batch (again, the specific lot number needs to match up), don’t panic. “I would keep using whatever sunscreen you’re happy with,” says Schwarz. “If you do have any concern, which I would not have, then the next time you buy one, buy one of the ones listed that hasn’t been found to contain benzene.” If it really freaks you out, you can switch to another sunscreen sooner. “I would suggest keeping the bottle, though, [in case there is] a recall in the future,” says Li.

Should I stop wearing sunscreen?

Definitely not! “We should not assume that all sunscreens are dangerous,” says Li. “In fact, they have been shown time and time again to reduce the risk of skin cancers — don’t forget UV radiation is a known carcinogen, too — and signs of premature aging.”

Stick to a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply often. Don’t let the study deter you, says Schwarz. “Of all of the things we’re exposed to and all the legitimate worries that might be up there, I would rank this extremely low on the worry scale.”

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Invest In a Timeless Watch For Everyday

A great watch is more than just a functional accessory or eye candy. It can show off artistry and craftsmanship and speak volumes about your personal style. When it comes to purchasing a watch that’ll be a part of your signature look, there are plenty to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to retro and vintage-inspired timepieces, or modern and contemporary ones, the right piece will be a staple in your wardrobe, just like a finely tailored blazer or a pair of pearl earrings. 

Choosing a watch can be intimidating, but a few thoughtful considerations can help make it a smoother process. 

Set a budget  

Prices for watches run the gamut from super spendy to cheap and cheerful, which is why it’s important to establish a budget. Since it’s an investment piece, you want it to be a lasting relationship. Prioritize quality.

Study up

Before you dive into research, remember that the world of watches has its own language, which can easily leave an outsider stumped. Study up on basic terminology so you can understand frequently used words such as movement (the engine of a watch) and bezel (the metal or ceramic ring that surrounds the watch crystal).

Decide on a style 

If you’re on the market for an everyday accessory, you’ll want one that’s versatile enough to wear with any outfit and suitable for any occasion—ranging from a business meeting to cocktail hour. A flashy timepiece may be a showstopper, but if your style is more understated, it’s guaranteed to stay in your drawer rather than on your wrist. Go for timeless rather than an of-the-moment style that’s cool and trendy for the time being. That way, you don’t have to retire it early.

The design is also important and a lot of it comes down to taste and preference. Do you want a leather strap or metal? Do you like gold, silver or mixed metal? Simple or embellished with crystals? Think about how the watch will fit into your lifestyle. If you only ever wear gold jewellery, you’ll want a watch that complements it.

Size matters

Watches aren’t and shouldn’t be one size fits all. For an everyday timepiece, you want to choose one that’s comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis (a sporty, oversized watch, for example, may not be the best choice). If you have a delicate wrist, a smaller timepiece will be more flattering. The case size and thickness, as well as the strap thickness, are all things to consider when making a decision. Make sure to measure your wrist to ensure it’s the right fit.

Land on a brand 

For some, it’s important that a company’s ethos and values align with their own. A trusted watchmaker and heritage brand like Bulova, for example, has hundreds of years of history dating back to 1875. The iconic brand is known for bringing together craftsmanship, innovation and technology. The latest Regatta collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage timepieces, putting a contemporary spin with the selection of watches.

A watch also forges a personal connection with its owner and can have immense sentimental value. For many, it’s a cherished heirloom that’s passed on from generation to generation (similar to a necklace or fine china that may have been given to you by a family member). When you finally find the perfect timepiece, it will hopefully be in your wardrobe—and your life—for years to come.

Click through for our favourite pieces from Bulova’s Regatta collection.

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Regatta Collection

($475, Bulova)

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($475, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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($525, Bulova)

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8/12

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Toronto Musician Luna Li On the Power of Femininity and Being Her Own Representation

Luna Li is inspired by nature, and is particularly drawn to the moon. “The moon is so powerful, and it has a feminine energy which resonates with me,” she says. “I think the imagery of the light shining through the dark is also just really beautiful.”  Hannah Bussiere, the Korean-Canadian musician behind Luna Li, says she wanted a stage name she could “step into” to take on an unapologetic, confident presence when performing. Bussiere feels grounded when she’s in the presence of the moon (or “luna” in Italian and Spanish) — her dreamy melodies and self-imposed nickname “moon fairy” come from this source of creativity — and so the name Luna Li was born.

In March 2020, after COVID-19 first hit, Bussiere started posting “jam videos” to her social media — clips of her in her bedroom playing different instruments, which she then cuts and layers to create pop melodies. From these videos, Bussiere cultivated a large online following. And for good reason — the multi-instrumental musician’s entrancing tunes and vibrant fashion looks speak to her individuality as an artist.

The Toronto-born musician chatted with FASHION about coming up in the music scene, her style philosophy and her vision for the “Luna Li project,” which is how Bussiere refers to her musical alter ego.

omnichord jam🦋✨ pic.twitter.com/kCrDCB3Yw3

— Luna Li (@lunaliband) May 4, 2021

Navigating Toronto’s not-so-inclusive indie music scene

Bussiere always wanted to make music. With a classical training background, she plays a myriad of instruments to her songs. From harp to violin to electric guitar — and of course vocals — each of Luna Li’s songs are their own distinct symphony. But before she started as Luna Li, Bussiere hesitated to pursue indie pop because of the lack of representation for Asian women within the genre.

“When I was sort of trying to find my path, it was a little tricky, because I started in the classical world, and I felt that there was a lot of representation [for me] there. I initially started to pursue that side of things because that’s where I saw myself, and not so much in the Toronto indie scene,” she says.

Feeling like she wasn’t yet where she wanted to be, Bussiere decided to leave the classical world and venture into Toronto’s music scene anyway. “Despite not always feeling like I fit in or seeing myself in that scene, I started to just realize that I was going to be the first one there to represent myself and I had a lot of support, which was great,” she says.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELICE TRINIDAD

Luna Li’s approach to style — and rejecting fashion norms

Luna Li’s music is optimistic, and her style reflect this. With lots of patterns, bright colours and crafty accessories, the 24-year-old artist says having a fun wardrobe plays into her overall message of positivity. She notes that her style is fluid and always changing; she likes to have elements that feel magical, while still incorporating a bit of an edge.

And, crucially, she tries not to let restrictive fashion rules impact the way she dresses, building her unique look with pieces that move her, instead of following trends. “I think anything can be cool if it feels authentic,” she says. “So I love to bend the rules and just do what I feel is the most exciting to me at the moment.”

She cites musicians Raveena and Solange as her fashion inspirations. Raveena often mixes texture and colour combos to create surrealistic outfits that match her genre-blurring sound. Solange, known for her singular style, never shies away from artful statement pieces.

While Luna Li’s outfits are intentionally put together, Bussiere’s “off duty” style is more laidback. “In terms of my personal style, I try to shop sustainably,” she says. “I love to go thrifting, and there’s a great community for that in Toronto. There are so many shops and [I try to] also support local businesses.”

Blending the worlds of Luna Li and Hannah Bussiere

Doing performances mainly from her room for the past year has blurred the lines between Bussiere and Luna Li. She says this overlap has manifested itself in her style, because she’s no longer carefully curating looks to step on a stage and perform. It’s also impacted her songs. “I think my music has gotten more personal and more vulnerable,” she reflects. “The blurring of the lines has created a more authentic story.”

Combatting the male gaze through Luna Li

Working with a team of all women produces a magical feeling, Bussiere says. “It’s just something really, really special to me.”

“Like 99 percent of the Luna Li visuals have all been thought of by other women. When I first entered the scene, there wasn’t very many women working and creating, and I just sort of made this pledge to myself to make sure that I work with other women and try to uplift and support other women as I go through my career,” she says. “I also just feel that there is this essence of femininity that is a part of the Luna Li project, that other women are able to get behind and understand and help push the vision to where I want it to go.”

 

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A post shared by LUNA LI (@lunaliband)

When it comes to things like photoshoots and music videos for Luna Li, Bussiere is focused on combatting the male gaze. “When I first started out, I was worried about being judged and men being condescending about my music, and that kind of thing. And I think that really inhibited me at first, because I was always trying to prove myself, which was exhausting. So recently, I’ve been taking a step back from that, and thinking about how I can present myself the most authentically, and what feels the best to me,” she explains. “When people can be authentic, that is the most important thing. But I can’t be bothered anymore to be worried about being perceived by men.”

Bussiere hopes to be the representation that she didn’t have growing up. “The most meaningful to me would be to have my music resonate with young Asian women who are growing up in North America, because that’s directly my experience — and there’s a lot of obstacles to face,” she says. “I hope that they can see themselves represented in my music and can feel seen or heard.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELICE TRINIDAD

Luna Li’s layered orchestral arrangements paired with her distinct voice radiate a feeling of freedom, and it’s no surprise that her music has resonated with people through such an isolating time. Following her most recent single “Alone But Not Lonely,” the artist will be releasing a full-length project later this year. Until then, keep up with Luna Li on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok — and maybe even have your timeline blessed by one of her ethereal jam videos. 

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Why the Newest Collection by Sandy Gill Highlights the Climate Migrant Crisis

When stylist and designer Sandy Gill launched her content platform nearly a decade ago, it was with the intention of providing a resource for “people who wanted to find confidence through fashion.” Fast-forward to today, and Gill’s reach — and ethos — has expanded to embrace a broader type of support. And with the introduction of her unisex athleisure label Tuff Banditz last year, Gill is able to satisfy both her love of clothing and desire to educate, empower and provide visibility for others in her community and beyond.

“I’ve learned a lot about what I want to share with the world,” she told FASHION over a video call in mid-May, shortly after Tuff Banditz’s new collection — called Land with Grace — dropped via the AI-driven design company Urbancoolab. “As someone who’s been in the fashion space for almost eight years, it took me a long time to figure out what the story is that I want to tell, and what impact I want to make in this space. It’s become a lot clearer, especially with the pandemic.”

Photography courtesy of Urbancoolab

Gill, who is also an elementary school teacher, says that a number of personal losses, as well as witnessing people around the world lose everything from jobs to loved ones, provoked her to explore the concept of experiencing loss for Tuff Banditz’s second offering. Urbancoolab used its AI tech to graphically translate imagery — from moving boxes and calendars to paper planes — that convey the spirit of the idea on an array of boldly-hued leisurewear pieces. You’ll also find phrases like “Land with Grace,” a statement that carried Gill through tough times and that she’s imparted to others enduring difficult moments.

She also addresses the notion of loss through the amplification of an urgent and global issue: Climate change and the climate migrant crisis. “I want to tell stories through each collection and have these collections create impact for people in communities that are hurting,” she says of why she homed in on highlighting the topic when creating the new pieces. “So many people have been displaced,” Gill says, pointing to those around the world struggling to re-home after fleeing environmental hazards from drought to floods. A report by the World Bank suggests that by 2050, “Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America could see more than 140 million people move within their countries’ borders.”

To enhance her commitment to this urgent matter, Gill is donating proceeds from sales of the new collection to Structure, an organization that provides displaced communities with sustainably-minded housing. And she credits friends working in the climate activism space and the folks at Structure for also enlightening her about environmental issues, personal impact, and how small steps can actually amount to big differences.

Photography courtesy of Urbancoolab

“[This] topic always scared me,” she says about the impact our daily lives have on the environment. “It’s looming over our heads, and could kill us. It’s the scariest thing to think about. And I avoided thinking about it for a long time because there are so many things you think you have to change if you want to make change; it can get very overwhelming.”

There’s so much to be overwhelmed by these days, and Gill says she’s mindful of taking time to process and reflect on current events of the past year in particular, and how to best serve those who need their voices heard. “As my platform grew, I’ve tried to grow with it,” she says, nodding to her activism around the groundswell of the Black Lives Matter movement and the farmer protests in India as two opportunities to shed light on crucial events and their implications the world over.

“I realized that if I don’t use my platform to share these stories, my platform is useless,” she says, adding that the farmer protests directly affected her family, and the censorship framing the events caused her to lose engagement and followers. “If we don’t speak up,” she rightly asks, “who will?”

Gill also positions her projects as a way to illuminate people closer to home who deserve attention, such as the models featured in her new collection’s imagery. “I wanted to pay homage to BIPOC and AAPI Toronto-based creatives,” she says. “Those who’ve tried to make the best out of the worst during the pandemic.” The group includes dancer O’Shani ‘Ocean’ Cardwell and comedian Norm Alconcel.

 

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A post shared by Sandy Kaur Gill (@thesandylion)

And let’s not forget Tuff Banditz’s first collection, Working Class Heroes, which was inspired by Gill’s father (who also starred in its campaign). The pieces boasted renderings of Punjabi fabrics and graphics like cab signs in a tender tribute to her taxi-driving dad.

With all these uplifting ideas constantly brewing within Gill, one has to wonder how she manages it all in the face of enduring stress and struggle. “I’m still learning that I have to take care of my mental health,” she says. “Being with kids every day reminds me of it. I need to be in a head space where I can be with them, and not allow negativity to affect my students.”

She says that she’s dug deeper into “healthier self-care” methods from journaling — “That took a long time to be comfortable with but I carry a journal with me everywhere now,” she notes — to “grounding practices” such as prayer and meditation. And she’s found great appreciation for therapy sessions. “I especially tell this to people in the South Asian community who are afraid to do it — once you find someone you’re comfortable speaking with, [they offer] outside perspective and they have the knowledge and education to help you.”

Now equipped with such ways to navigate through what life reveals to her on personal, professional and communal levels, Gill speaks of the future with enthusiasm — particularly when it comes to mentioning that she’s hoping to launch a collection based around the “Sandy Suit,” a look made in collaboration with Brampton, Ont.’s Sahiba Fashions that was worn by Utkarsh Ambudkar to the 2020 Oscars, taking it from a now custom-made model to ready-to-wear. “I’m excited to keep going,” she says. But we can rest assured she won’t forget where she came from.

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