Having moved to Toronto just a few days ago, I was eager to begin networking. I had emailed blogger and fashion illustrator Danielle Meder last month letting her know I am moving and would like to get involved in the scene. Bloggers are the best. Why? Because they, unlike many people these days, respond to your emails. This is something I try to live by, to answer everyone between 24-48 hours.
Well I emailed Danielle again Sunday letting her know I’m here and she sends me an invite to the “Lagerfeld Lady” single + video release party for this band called Fritz Helder and the Phantoms at Strangelove in Little Italy. One problem – I was supposed to confirm with the publicist Sunday, it’s now Monday, so I try my luck and email her any way. Luckily, she turns out to be one of the nicest and most helpful publicists I’ve ever met and grants me access to this jam (yes I used the word jam). She also lets me know that Pastel Supernova and Diego Superstar from the band are originally from Ottawa!
So I dress up (luckily I did) and head out solo. Now, I don’t know what Danielle looks like because I didn’t think of Facebook stalking her or anything so this was going to be a challenge. I look around, then I run into the publicist who describes Danielle to me. I find Danielle and her entourage. Blogger Anita Clarke sits on her left, designer Philip Sparks on her right, and to his left Now Toronto’s Fashion Editor Andrew Sardone. Danielle mentions the firm I’ll be working at and I am happy to know most of them know the company well.
I like the location because it’s small and intimate and you have the opportunity to chat with everyone.
I notice cameras are all over the band and I can’t help but admire their style. The lead singer is wearing a pair of turquoise April 77’s (I was wearing my April’s too) and I was tempted to strike up a conversation about how great these jeans are but refrained myself. I kept staring at them for a bit and realized how much their look reminds me of Hercules and Love Affair.
The video starts playing, the Hercules and Love Affair vibe is growing but I see a little more of Prince (à la Erotic City) in the lead singer’s persona. It’s original and fresh, I’m enjoying it (you can too, see the video below).
Danielle introduces me to more people, including designer Nada Shepherd (who just showed at L’Oreal Fashion Week) and Gail McInnes (I spelt your name right this time…are you reading this?) Gail’s personality and personal style is great, she’s also one of those people who responds to your emails. Another thing about Gail? She knows everyone so she introduces me to the owner of Stylus Canada and Fabric Magazine, who, tum tum tum, studied at Carleton University (does everyone have a tiny attachment to Ottawa around here?).
After chatting for a bit I head out, having thoroughly enjoyed the band and meeting all these great people. I look forward to more events like this, and seeing Justice at Circa tonight.
www.fritzhelder.com
www.myspace.com/fritzhelderandthephantoms
