By Julia Eskins
Over the years, FAJO has featured some of the most influential people in the worlds of fashion, art, beauty and culture. From top Canadian designers to trailblazing entrepreneurs, we’ve sat down to chat with the successful and stylish industry leaders of today.
In light of the New Year, our editorial team has looked back on our favourite Exclusives to date. Meet FAJO’s Top 20 for 2013 – a list of movers, shakers, moguls and tastemakers making their mark in Canada, the United States and around the globe.
Karen Kain, artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, Toronto, Canada
Since beginning her career as a classical ballet dancer, Karen Kain has captivated audiences with her poise and elegance. Now as the Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, Kain continues to be a creative visionary.
Karen Kain. Photography by Sian Richards.
Olivier Courtin-Clarins, managing director of Clarins, Paris, France
Clarins is a household name among luxury skincare aficionados. At its helm in France is Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, who has helped further grow the company into an international beauty empire.
Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins. Photography courtesy of Clarins.
Suzanne Rogers, philanthropist, Toronto, Canada
Suzanne Rogers’ name comes to mind when you think of Toronto’s most recognized socialites. The glamour maven is also a dedicated philanthropist, who combines her passions for charity, fashion and family.
Suzanne Rogers. Photography by Robin Gartner, FAJO Magazine.
Fern Mallis, president of Fern Mallis LLC, New York, U.S.A.
As the former senior vice-president of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis is a notable figure in the fashion world. Since creating 7th on Sixth Productions (now known as the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York), Mallis continues to be a true industry pioneer. She is currently the president of a leading fashion and design consultancy firm, and a host of Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis on 92nd Street Y.
Fern Mallis. Photography by Kareen Mallon, FAJO Magazine.
David Dixon, designer, Toronto, Canada
David Dixon’s ability to seamlessly blend classic sophistication with ingenuity has left a stamp on Canadian runways. Season after season, the Toronto-based fashion designer continues to impress.
David Dixon. Photography by Kareen Mallon, FAJO Magazine.
Kobi Levi, shoe designer, Tel Aviv, Israel
Shoe designer Kobi Levi’s creations go beyond the realm of stylish footwear. From bright yellow banana-shaped shoes to custom designs for Lady Gaga, this Israel-based designer creates wearable works of art that have been been featured in many exhibitions and museums around the world.
Kobi Levi. Photography courtesy of the designer.
Sunny Fong, designer, Toronto, Canada
Fashion brand VAWK consistently delivers pieces that radiate glamour and strength. Behind the line is Toronto-based fashion designer Sunny Fong, who takes his success to new heights every season, having presented many successful runway shows and dressed the likes of Katy Perry.
Sunny Fong. Photography by Kareen Mallon, FAJO Magazine.
Tyler Hilton, singer, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton first enchanted audiences with his breakthrough performance as Elvis in Walk the Line. With a newly released full-length LP, the California-based musician continues to garner international fanfare.
Tyler Hilton. Photography by Aleyah Solomon, FAJO Magazine.
Rick Campanelli, television host, Toronto, Canada
Rick Campanelli is one of Canada’s most well-known television personalities in the world of entertainment. The Toronto-based co-host of ET Canada continually lights up the screen with his infectious energy.
Rick Campanelli. Photography by Kareen Mallon, FAJO Magazine.
Jeanne Beker, fashion journalist and icon, Toronto, Canada
From hosting FashionTelevision to developing her own clothing line, Jeanne Beker is a true Canadian fashion icon with international clout. With projects on the go, Toronto-based Beker continues to extend her influence nationally and around the globe.
Jeanne Beker. Photography by R. Stephenson Price, FAJO Magazine.
Paul Venoit, beauty expert, Toronto, Canada
Canadian beauty expert Paul Venoit has made a career out of transforming and empowering women. From celebrities to Red Carpet appearances, the Toronto-based make-up artist and hairstylist is a leader in the beauty industry.
Paul Venoit. Photography courtesy of Paul Venoit.
Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, socialite and owner of VIVRE, New York, U.S.A.
New York City socialite Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti is known for her sense of style and entrepreneurial endeavours in the luxury lifestyle scene. Named one of the “10 most stylish women in fashion” by Vogue, she brings a personal touch to her brand, VIVRE.
Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti. Photography by Alex Mouganis, FAJO Magazine.
Ines Di Santo, bridal designer, Canada
Bridal designer Ines Di Santo is globally recognized for bringing a romantic touch to her wedding gowns. The designer’s store in Toronto attracts brides-to-be from around the world and she is frequently featured in television shows and publications from around the world.
Ines Di Santo. Photography by Tara West, FAJO Magazine.
David Clemmer, Judy Inc. agency owner, Toronto, Canada
As CEO of one of the most recognized artist management companies in Canada, Judy Inc, David Clemmer is a stylist to the stars, a well-known television personality on a number of hit shows and a commentator at various award shows.
David Clemmer. Photography by Kalynn Friesen, FAJO Magazine.
Angie Sakla-Seymour, modeling agency owner, Ottawa, Canada
Since first discovering Ryan Gosling, model agent Angie Sakla-Seymour has made a career out of scouting talent, including supermodel Herieth Paul. Sakla-Seymour is now the owner of Ottawa’s largest modelling agency, Angie’s Models & Talent International.
Angie Sakla-Seymour. Photography by James Park, FAJO Magazine.
Farley Chatto, designer, Toronto, Canada
Canadian fashion designer Farley Chatto is admired for his ability to traverse the worlds of menswear and womenswear. The designer has spent the past 25 years making a name for himself and building a loyal clientele and a huge national admiration for his creative work.
Farley Chatto. Photography by Kareen Mallon.
Denis Gagnon, designer, Montréal, Canada
Denis Gagnon’s high-end designs with an avant-garde twist make him a national treasure in the Canadian fashion industry. The always-evolving designer brings his signature aesthetic to every collaboration and project he touches.
Denis Gagnon. Photography by Maciek Wilkos, FAJO Magazine.
Lucian Matis, designer, Toronto, Canada
Lucian Matis’ collections are synonymous with artistry, craftsmanship and femininity. Since his Project Runway debut, he has become one of the most sought after designers in Canada and is well on his way to building an empire around his brand.
Lucian Matis. Photography by Kareen Mallon, FAJO Magazine.
Vanja Vasic, founder of |FAT| Arts & Fashion Week, Toronto, Canada
|FAT| Arts & Fashion Week is celebrated for pushing the creative boundaries in design, music, film and art. Behind the multi-art event is founder and Toronto-based entrepreneur Vanja Vasic, who is helping take creative forms of fashion to a new level.
Vanja Vasic. Photography by Kareen Mallon. FAJO Magazine.
Amy Lu, stylist, Toronto, Canada
Amy Lu has worked with the world’s top designers, photographers and celebrities. After more than a decade in the industry, she continues to find passion and success in all her projects, bringing a distinct sophisticated taste to every assignment.
Amy Lu. Photography courtesy of Amy Lu.
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