Celebrity DJ Alexandra Richards was recently in Toronto, where she performed at the Right to Play charity party.

Earlier in the day, she met with FAJO and chatted about music, fashion and her incredible international success.

ALEYAH SOLOMON: What projects are you currently working on?

ALEXANDRA RICHARDS: I have been DJ-ing and traveling for four years, but really just started getting heavy on the traveling in the past year, so that has been my main focus.

I am working on a handbag collection, called Hung On You, with my mom [international model Patti Hansen], and she is going to appear on HSN television down in Miami to talk about the bags soon. It’s also her first time on live TV! (laughs)

When will they be available?

We already sell them on the Internet, and this summer Barney’s bought a bunch to sell in New York and L.A.

You have been active in the fashion industry in general. What have been your latest experiences?

We just had the fashion week in New York, and I was at Michael Kors, Jen Kao and Helmut Lang’s shows. Helmet is one of my favourites, and so is Michael. Helmet did these pants with the built-in boot that are in the jean; they are so hot. And, then Michael did these long, amazing knit sweaters that were just throw-ons in plaid; really cool for fall. So those are going to be the two designers I am looking for next season. And, Micheal Kors: he knows how to dress a woman!

How would you describe your musical style, and does your fashion reflect that?

My musical style moves around, so it depends on the event I am doing and who I am playing for. I don’t know how fashion is incorporated in the music per se, but there is definitely a feel and a mood with the people and the surroundings.

Music is a big part of your life. Where would you say was your most memorable performance to date?

I have had a lot, a lot of fun ones, and a lot of crazy ones I don’t want to remember…I think my most recent one was pretty incredible: it was on the beach in Uruguay. I was just down in South America DJ-ing an event for Vitamin Water, in Punta del Este; so gorgeous, sunset on the beach, about 400 people. There is nothing better than leaving New York in the middle of winter and coming back with a tan.

Richards was in Toronto for the exclusive Right to Play party.

You have worked with some amazing photographers too. What would you say was your most memorable shoot, and why?

I did a shoot for Habitual Jeans and their small catalogue, but the pictures that came out of that are actually still in my modeling book to this day. They are by a photographer called Dusan Reljin. His work is just very natural, like no make-up and dressed in jeans…it was a beautiful shoot, done just in the studio. But we had fun!

It was really easy going, and you have to really cherish those shoots because when you have those shoots and are very still, you know everything has to stay in place. I like moving around and having a connection with the photographer. He was really great to work with!

When you DJ, would you say you have a different style you portray from your normal, everyday life?

I don’t have a style icon, I dress to my surroundings, I dress to my mood, you know?

If I am feeling I want to be comfortable, I will just wear my jeans, a T-shirt and converse sneakers, and a leather jacket. If I feel like being sexy, if I am going to an event, I love wearing my Dolce & Gabbana dresses.

How would you describe your style in three words?

Sexy, cool (laughs) and chic, I guess.

Do you wear any Canadian designers?

I don’t know if it is too typical to say Joe Fresh, but I just got a bunch of their T-shirts with the baby pockets and they came in all these different colours. I just picked them up!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tonight is going to be very fun, and it is for a great cause!

A photoshoot with Alexandra Richards

Right to Play Party 2012

Hosted by CTV In Fashion’s, Glen Baxter, the party was held at the Thompson Hotel private penthouse on Thursday, Feb.23, 2012.

This was the first year for the Right to Play Party in Toronto, and it exceeded expectations, grossing $80,000. Right to Play is an international humanitarian organization to assist children and communities in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.  Members of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadian Olympic heroes and other sports figures, such as Brian Williams, Eric Lindros, Curt Harnett, Brian Stemmle and Tessa Bonhomme, were also in attendance at the event.

Richards at the Right to Play Party