FASHION Magazine

Underground Pizza Party pics »

If you had told me back in the early ‘90s that, one day, I’d be at a pizza party hosted by Macauley Culkin, I would have never believed you. And then, obviously, I’d have done this. Well, this very far-flung fantasy came true last Friday when the actor-turned-singer hit Toronto to perform as part of NXNE 2014 with his band Pizza Underground. Just as the name implies, the band exclusively covers The Velvet Underground but replaces lyrics with pizza-related references (“Stephanie Says” is now “Papa John Says,” for example). So, there we were on a sunny Friday afternoon, eating pizza while being serenaded by Culkin and his band, all the while scoping for outfits on the appropriately dressed guests. Local pizza-enthusiast Natalie Petozzi (she just launched a pretty epic pizza blog) went so far as to wear a pizza sash while snacking on the deep-dish delight. Safe to say, it was a pretty epic way to start off the weekend.

See our NXNE 2014 style shots »

Is it just us, or does North by Northeast just get better and better every year? This year’s nine-day Toronto takeover brought hip titans like Sleigh Bells, Juicy-J, Spoon and St. Vincent to venues as varied as a private backyard to a makeshift pizza party (but more on that later). Similarly, NXNE 2014 fashion was seriously on point, with music lovers stepping it up in asymmetrical skirts, ugly chic platform Birks and with pastel-dyed dos. In these photos shot in and around one of NXNE 2014’s biggest stages, Yonge-Dundas Square, we spy stylish summer lovin’ at its best, from actual make-outs to just really good fashion.

See the NXNE 2013 fashion photos »

Toronto became music central this past weekend for the 18th annual North By Northeast. With NXNE 2013 happenings sprawling every end of the downtown core and even into private homes (Friday’s daytime BBQ concert at the legendary 159 Manning was a highlight), it was urban answer to festival season with jam-packed free performances by the likes of Ludacris and The National rocking Yonge and Dundas square. Luckily for us, stylish music fans were aplenty across the city’s various NXNE hubs and we caught some seriously awesome style moments with ease. Less flower child inspired than other festivals of the season, the NXNE 2013 vibe felt decidedly punk. Tattoos, ripped T-shirts and jean shorts were mainstays as were too-cool-for-school facial expressions (yeah, you know who you are). Our favourite accessory? A hearty smile.

Festival season hit Toronto this past week with the annual North By Northeast taking to Yonge-Dundas Square (as well as several city-wide venues) for performances by the Flaming Lips, Raekwon, Of Montreal and more. In and amongst the crowds, photographer-about-town Stefania Yarhi was snapping the best and most creative styles. Click through to see our faves!

View the style snaps »

Toronto’s North by Northeast music and film festival lineup can seem unappealing versus its buzzier Austin-based cousin, South by Southwest, but the indie music fest gets bigger, louder, and more fashionable each year. Take style cues from these five ultra-styling must-see bands:

Dum Dum Girls
Though they play rah-rah garage rock, Dum Dum Girls are less dusty, girls-next-door, more enviably editorialized—expect red lips and lots of black.
Lee’s Palace, June 17, 11 P.M.