FASHION Magazine

See all the photos from the Purple Party 2013 »

Remember that heart-swelling Buzzfeed post “21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity”? Well, last Thursday was officially the IRL version, as Childhood Cancer Canada hosted its second annual Purple Party. The sold-out event filled Toronto’s Drake Hotel, with purple-clad partygoers, notable guests and, most importantly, inspirational childhood cancer heroes.

At the centre of it all was the Purple Party’s duo co-chairs—who, coincidentally, represented two mainstays of Canadian culture. Murdoch Mysteries star Yannick Bisson and wife Shantelle and former NHL player Brad May and wife Brigette kept the party going strong all night long, as well as spurring on a very competitive live auction.

See our Design Exchange gala photos »

Toronto’s creative elite was treated to a veritable feast for the eyes at last Friday’s annual Design Exchange gala, this year revamped and restyled under the theme of “Intersection.” Surely meant to rival the glittering reputation held by the Power Plant’s annual Power Ball gala for being the art party of the year, the event succeeded in being everything it wanted to be—part art exhibit, part auction, party VIP hobnob and part knockout bash—complete with guest of honour Douglas Coupland posing for pictures, making speeches and even imitating a Canada goose.

Various phases of the night stretched across parts of the DX I didn’t even know existed. Case in point: a pop up mystery dinner put on by Matty Matheson of Parts + Labour catering, which took place in a dimly lit library overlooking King Street. There was trout roe, but where were the books?

See all the pictures from the Toronto Life Most Influential party »

Last night Toronto Life celebrated the reveal of their Most Influential list by toasting Toronto’s 50 most influential people at The Ritz-Carlton. The lucky heavyweights—ranging from politicians to bankers to TV personalities—were profiled in the magazine’s December issue and, as the evening’s emcee Amanda Lang was eager to point out, also given a definitive rank. (Her 41st place spot obviously not affecting said eagerness.) Upon our arrival it was clear how those on the list have become so successful: they’re certainly not the familiar faces of Toronto’s late-night party circuit. The mood was much more about networking than clamouring for a cocktail, despite the impressive array of Ketel One and Tanqueray creations. Tailored suits and black dresses dominated—though oxblood items and fur accessories proved to be just as popular, including many a lush stole and a pair of furry booties on Leesa Butler.