For those who watched episode upon episode of charity galas, masquerade balls and silent auctions on Gossip Girl, wondering “yeah, but actually?”—This one’s for you. This year, I ascended the ranks of Waldorf wannabes everywhere by becoming a co-chair of Operanation, the Canadian Opera Company’s annual gala. In its 11th year, the event aims to raise funds for the company while engaging Toronto’s hip, social types in one of high culture’s oldest art forms. On the level, Operanation also has a reputation for being one of the best parties of the season, something I, along with my co-chairs Patrick Sambrook and Anne Maggisano and our group of stylish committee members hope to uphold with this year’s event.
This year’s theme, Light up the Night, is what I like to describe as “Pablo Picasso goes to a rave.” Translation? A nutty blend of the COC’s current production of The Barber of Seville and flashing lights. In addition to a performance by French dance-pop band Yelle, guests can expect collaborations with plenty of local artists including designers Kaelen, Beaufille and Sarah Stevenson who created limited-edition slap bracelets (yes, slap bracelets), which will act as wearable raffle tickets throughout the night.
For a preview of this year’s event, flip through the gallery of behind the scenes shots as well as a series of outfit selects from some notably stylish attendees. See you there!
To purchase tickets to Operanation 2014, visit coc.ca.
Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani
Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani
Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani
Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani
1/15
Operanation-2014-Markoo-Tania
“I’m thinking of wearing the Markoo Randi top. It’s leather, feminine and has a bit of a Spanish feel to it which is perfect for the event”
—Tania Martins, designer, Markoo
2/15
Operanation-2014-Amina
“I’m going with this glorified lingerie slip by Karla Spetic. Its neon accent is my ode to this year’s theme.”
—Amina Said, PR consultant
3/15
Operanation-2014-Brittany
“After seeing all of the bare shoulders on the Spring 2015 runways, I was inspired to try the look for myself! It’s the perfect way to give a little black dress a fun twist.”
—Brittany Barkwell, manager online editorial and social media, Holt Renfrew
4/15
Operanation-2014-Paige
“I did all my summer shopping during September’s heat wave, so in my mind the season’s just begun. As such, a slinky, lacy slip dress (with some on-theme neon undergarments, probably) is how I’m doing Operanation.”
—Paige Dzenis, writer
5/15
Operanation-2014-Amy
“I pride myself on always dressing in theme, so this year, my Operanation outfit is all about loud bright neon colours. I’m wearing my fluorescent Roksanda Ilincic dress, highlighter green Dannijo earrings and sky high Rupert Sanderson platforms with pops of turquoise and orange.”
—Amy Burstyn Fritz, principal, Knot PR
6/15
Operanation-2014-Markoo-Randi
“Considering that I was such a fierce supporter of this year’s neon theme, it’s ironic (yet completely unsurprising) that I am going for a Markoo black slip dress from the label’s Spring 2015 collection. How could I resist? It’s got PVC!
—Randi Bergman, executive digital editor, FASHION Magazine
7/15
Operanation-2014-Tracy
“I’m wearing this Maggy London printed sheath and chose it because of the bright green bursts of colour. The print reminds me of a modern Spanish frock which is totally on-theme for this year’s event.”
—Tracy Briggs, senior manager, special events, Canadian Opera Company
8/15
Operanation-2014-Christina
“I’m going to let my accessories and lipstick light up the night and keep it pulled together with a new Mackage leather.”
“I’m wearing a tie dye maxi dress from Cabaret Vintage. I’m really digging a ’70s vibe right now, so I’ll accessorize with silver booties from L’F shoes and some jewels.”
—Odessa Paloma Parker, fashion editor, The Globe and Mail
10/15
Operanation-2014-Slap-Bracelets
Operanation 2014’s limited-edition slap bracelet designs by Sarah Stevenson Design, Kaelen and Beaufille
11/15
Operanation 2014 BTS
Behind the scenes at Operanation 2014’s creative shoot
12/15
Operanation-2014-BTS-01
Behind the scenes at Operanation 2014’s creative shoot
13/15
Operanation-2014-BTS-02
Behind the scenes at Operanation 2014’s creative shoot
14/15
Operanation-2014-BTS-03
Behind the scenes at Operanation 2014’s creative shoot
15/15
Operanation-2014-Creative
The final look, a Jonathan Saunders dress and Gianvito Rossi heels courtesy of The Room
