How To: Survive A Canadian Winter In Style

Writer’s Note: This story was originally written for the Canadian edition of ZINK magazine’s Winter issue. I was informed that the story would not go to print because of the inadequate photos I submitted to the editor. Despite my efforts to coordinate the submission of the photos from the participants, they were not of satisfactory quality — says the editor.

Welcome to (Canadian) print magazines, where budgets are slimmer than the models and in-house photo editors are as nonexistent as ad dollars. Yes, writers, your resumes may now require “photographer” or “photo editor” on it (or, at least in this case).  The kicker? I offered to produce this story for no charge — as ZINK doesn’t pay its writers.

Given the amount of back and forth — and how amazing these interviewees were (thanks, guys!) — I’ve decided to publish this on my blog. It may not have the same reach as ZINK Canada (though, really, what could its circulation be?), I’ve come to realize that if you’re going to work that hard you might as well do it for your damn self.

- Sachin Bhola

Once upon a time, after three long seasons had passed, a young Canadian beauty’s worries were reawakened by the first sight of snow. Nostalgic, she recalled a simpler time; a time when she would snowshoe angelically in the snowy Canadian mountains and skate in the capital’s largest rink until her cheeks were frosty.

“What happened?” she sighed. Now, as a young woman, she dreaded the salt-stained leather shoes, colossal layers and banal parkas that awaited her. With sub-zero temperatures and the menacing great outdoors, she wondered how she would survive a Canadian winter in style. “Alas, a curse has been put on me.”

Sound familiar? Join the club. We’ve seen what the winter does to even the most stylish among us. That’s why ZINK is going straight to the source – industry experts – to present you with the ultimate guide on how to survive a Canadian winter in style. With their expert advice, let’s put this cautionary tale behind us…

No sooner had those very words echoed in her bedroom did her fairy godmother appear with a message of hope.

“Fear not,” she whispered. “You shall conquer the perils of winter. You must simply find your inspiration. Look to those who can guide the way, young one.”

Renee Thompson, Model, Toronto

Renee calls Toronto, Montreal and, more recently, New York home – so when it comes to cold weather, she knows a thing or two (or ten). Having walked for the likes of DSquared2 and Giorgio Armani, Renee’s not just another pretty face. Her recent appearance in The Color of Beauty, a documentary by the National Film Board of Canada, gave her a platform to speak out on the challenges of being an ethnic model.

Your winter uniform consists of…
A Gsus coral-green cashmere sweater, Chip and Pepper skinny jeans and some throwback fur rider boots.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
Definately an Izzy Camilleri leather coat. Or, my good old faithful Club Monaco tweed coat. It’s flattering to the body and warm enough for any minus-degree weather.
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
I wouldn’t be caught wearing peeptoe shoes or strappy sandals. And definitely not the color pink! What are the most common winter fashion mistakes? Mismatched gloves, scarves and hats are a no-no for me. Your winter city escape is… Namibia in South Africa — absolute bliss all year round!

Leslie-Ann Thomson, Make-Up Artist, Montreal

Trained at L’Academie des Couturiers Canadiens, Leslie-Ann has developed a name for herself working with talent like Arcade Fire, Teenflo, rag & bone, and Virgin. When she’s not spending time perfecting other peoples’ style, she’s crafting her own.

Your winter uniform consists of…
Very practical, warm clothes — especially when you are on set outside in the winter. Yes, I will admit it, the cliché Canada Goose jacket and Ugg Adirondack boots.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
Wool strangler from Complex Geometries
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
A full-length fur coat and sneakers
What are the most common winter fashion mistakes? Salt stains Your winter city escape is… No escape — I love winter.

Felix Bujo, Model, Montreal

When you’ve walked for Louis Vuitton, Lacoste and William Rast, Canada can’t help but smile. A regular on the international scene, Felix isn’t too proud to come back home to model for the likes of Dubuc, SSense and Rudsak. So, what does he know about winter style…

Your winter uniform consists of…
Helly Hansen snow pants and long johns (molto important, wouldn’t catch me dead in the winter without them), and a massive Buckler wool and rabbit hair tricot on the hotter days. A hairy Royal Sunday fur hat or a long fluorescent tuque to crown everything.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
Sila Aviator hat from Harricana
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
Sock holders, even though they look quite cool, they’re just useless and annoying.
What are the most common winter fashion mistakes?
Not wearing practical clothes. Winter can be very enjoyable if your body is warm and dry. Don’t try to be sexy in the winter; hide it like a pearl. Wear all kinds of fluo if you need; actually, I think life needs fluo in winter.

Matthew Parsons, Booker, Toronto

Remember that fashion show you saw on Fashion Television? Guess what? Those models were booked by this young pro. Booking Canadian beauties for shows like Chanel Cruise and Denis Gagnon, we’ll let you fill in the blanks. One of our favorite moments was watching Matthew being pulled onstage by Beyonce (Destiny’s Child concert), and her saying, “Wow, you’re so tall, you must me a model…” Heck, if he stands out to Beyonce, he’s definitely got the goods.

Your winter uniform consists of…
Layers, layers and layers – plus, a good moisturizer.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
I have a thing for turtlenecks.
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
Nothing
What are the most common winter fashion mistakes?
Not dressing warmly enough

Inès Steinmetzer, Model, Montreal

Armani Prive? Check. Oscar de la Renta? Check. Cool, artsy 6’0” model? Double-check. As if her height wasn’t reason enough to look, Inès has made a name for herself with her cheeky sense of style, fresh attitude and approachability.

Your winter uniform consists of…
The biggest, warmest scarf I can find, plus a long sweater that covers my bum so I can wear it with leggings and boots.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
A fur coat. I never had one, and I’m still searching for the perfect cut in secondhand shops, like Value Village.
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
Leg warmers worn over high heel boots.
What are the most common winter fashion mistakes?
Wearing lightweight clothes, not to look wrapped in layers, but pretending not to be freezing.
Your winter city escape is… Chibougamau: not humid, plenty of snow, plenty of lakes to skate on, and family.

Cary Tauben, Stylist, Montreal

Don’t let Cary’s long tresses, five-inch heels and I-wear-my-sunglasses-at-night appearance distract you. If his sense of personal style wasn’t justification enough, his talents have been booked by a slew of Canadian fashion magazines – including ZINK – and he’s worked with pros like Amanda Laine and Stars (the band).

Your winter uniform consists of…
Five-inch platforms, Givenchy leggings, Dries sweatpants, Heavy knits, Margiela tuques, Rick basics, and anything & everything with fur.
What one must-have piece will you be buying to update your look for Winter 2011?
Already purchased Burberry Prorsum’s shearling coat
You wouldn’t be caught dead in the winter wearing…
Inappropriate footwear
What are the most common winter fashion mistakes?
Over-layering, because it’s not always flattering.
Your winter city escape is…
Miami for the warm weather and the shopping!