NICHE style Holiday 2016

GLITTER GUIDE
20LUXE PAGES FILLED WITH GIFTS YOU WANT TO GIVE RECEIVE
+
FASHION | BEAUTY | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
HOLIDAY
GLAM
ISSUE
HOLIDAY 2016
Online at NICHE.style

NICHE magazine
holiday 2016
CONTENTS
8 EDITOR’S MESSAGE | Season of Joy
12 SHOOT! | Take Me To Church
32 HELL ON HEELS | Holiday Faves
46
35 MODEL CITIZENS | Red Carpet Glam
46 GIFT GIVING | 2016 Glitter Guide
66 WHAT’S IN MY BAG? | Stocking Stuffers
68 FASHION FIX | Velvet
70 FASHION NEWS | Helmut Newton x MAC
72 TREND REPORT | The Season of Sequin
80 TRAVELLING EDITOR | Ovolo Southside
68
82 FASHION LEGEND | Dior: Then & Now
96 STYLE GUIDE | Fancy Pants
98 TRAVEL WITH NICHE | Vienna, Austria
104 ICON | Marilyn Monroe
108 STYLISH LIFE | Eric Himel’s Holiday Party Tips
110 CLOUD NINE | Chanel FW2016
72
4
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

FEATURES
12 SHOOT! | TAKE ME TO CHURCH
Five stunning faces, an Airstream filled with the most
glamorous holiday gowns, and a 150-year old abandoned
stone church. The perfect recipe for an epic photo shoot.
46 GIFT GIVING | GLITTER GUIDE
From luxury splurges to affordable finds, NICHE magazine’s
annual gift giving Glitter Guide is filled with beautiful,
fashionable and practical gifts you will want to give, and receive.
72 TREND REPORT | SEASON OF SEQUIN
Sequin embellished fashion is everywhere; from understated
to outlandish, and cocktail to street wear. Find out the history
of sequin and the best ways to wear it this holiday season.
82 FASHION LEGEND | DIOR THEN & NOW
Christian Dior changed the fashion world and the brand
continues to be a force. NICHE looks at the man that started
it all, and showcases the details of the FW2016 collection.
holiday issue
visit our
NEW website
NICHE.style
@NICHEMAGAZINE
FACEBOOK.COM/NICHEONLINE
@NICHE_MAG
EXCLUSIVE
12NICHE
SHOOT
WWW.NICHE.STYLE 5

every single day, more than
EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE
get on an airplane & travel
Those who love to travel crave information on
new countries to visit, exciting sights to see and
once-in-a-lifetime adventures to experience.
DRIFT covers all the travel bases for our
readers; from hotels, airlines and cruises to city
guides, culinary destinations, secret beaches
and must-have accessories.
EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TRACEY DRAKE
STYLE EDITOR
JOSIE SALDAT
HOLIDAY 2016 CREATIVE &
PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTORS
Samantha Angelo, Meagan Brandon, Jennifer Costanzo,
Jane Cross, Steve Drake, Alexandra Forman, Diana
Gavrilina, Kristi Gogsadze, Brittany Gray, Eric Himel,
Dale Jordan, Jessica Leung, Trish Monkhouse, Helmut
Newton, Jessica Ramsay, Greg Szabo, Sylvia Tennant,
Gracie Welch
Published six times a year, DRIFT is an exciting magazine
HOLIDAY 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTORS
Richard Avedon, Victoria Adamson, Adobe Stock,
Clarins Group, HomeSense, Elizabeth Dean, Steve Drake,
Sebastian Erras, FashionStock.com, Fashion Wire Press,
Getty Images, Go Runway, Omi Hay, Ovidiu Hrubaru,
Karma Group, Dorottya Kovács, Willy Maywald, Anton
Oparin, Ovolo Hotel Group, Irving Penn, Valentin
Pupazescu, Raden, Lev Radin, Nata Sha, Shutterstock,
Styleograph, Debbie Steeper, TopFoto
that is a pleasure to read and an inspirational resource for travel
lovers. Working with many of the best travel experts in the
industry, each issue of DRIFT offers up articles on exotic
destinations, city secrets, adventure meccas, resort
reports, global hot-spots, grab-n-go technology and travel
gear. Using our publication mantra “travel often, live well”
as a launching point, DRIFT is filled with exclusive editorial
FROM THE COVER
TAKE ME TO CHURCH
HOLIDAY FASHION EDITORIAL
STONE BUTTER CHURCH, BC
FEATURE ON PAGE 12
PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEBBIE STEEPER
EXCLUSIVELY FOR NICHE MAGAZINE
on where to go, how to get there and what to do once you arrive;
stories punctuated with meaningful, useful, expertly written travel
guides and awe-inspiring travel photography.
read DRIFT Travel online
drifttravel.com
ADVERTISING, ADVERTORIAL & PRODUCT PLACEMENT: sales@DRIFTtravel.com
TOURISM PR & PARTNERSHIPS: editor@DRIFTtravel.com
TRAVEL WRITER & PHOTO JOURNALIST SUBMISSIONS: [email only please] submissions@DRIFTtravel.com
SALES & CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
STEVE DRAKE
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
sales@NICHE.style | www.NICHE.style
All rights reserved. No part of NICHE magazine may be copied, reprinted or
reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. For permission
requests, contact NICHE magazine sales@NICHE.style
Copyright © NICHE magazine 2012-2016

NICHE magazine
a note from the
EDITOR
Follow
NICHE
editor Follow online
facebook.com/
traceydrakeeditor
@TraceyDrakeEditor
Style
is primarily a matter of instinct.
- BILL BLASS
@TraceyDrakeEditor
Follow Tracey online for
daily fashion, beauty &
lifestyle inspiration, events
& contests just for you!
Are you ready for the season of
joy, celebration and cocktail
parties? If not, don’t despair
- NICHE holiday issue has got you
covered with 100+ pages of fashion,
beauty and lifestyle inspiration.
The NICHE style team is reporting
all the hottest trends for this festive
season including velvet [Fashion Fix
,page 68], sequin [Season of Sequin,
page 72]. and pants [Style Guide, page
96].
Celebrities and super models also
showed up to help us celebrate the
festive season. Don’t miss Gisele,
Karlie, Bella and Alessandra in their
red carpet finest [Model Citizens, page
35], the biography of Marilyn Monroe
[Screen Star Icons, page 104] and we
showcase the past and present of one
of the world’s most prolific fashion
houses, Christian Dior [Fashion
Legend, page 82].
Of course, the holiday issue of NICHE
magazine would never be complete
without our Glitter Guide. For 2016,
our coveted gift giving guide is bigger
than ever, with must-have products
on everyone’s wish list - fashion and
beauty, living and lifestyle, save and
splurge gift items.
I wish you joy, peace and magical
memories this Christmas. May all
your dreams and wishes come true.
Discover Yours -
Tracey Drake, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
publisher@NICHEmagazine.ca
8
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

NICHE magazine
TAKE
ME TO
CHURCH
We traveled far and wide to find a magical
location to shoot our 2016 holiday feature.
Set amidst the beauty of British Columbia’s
Cowichan Valley, we chose the old haunted
Stone Butter Church (see page 29 for details
about this haunted historical location).
Christmastime is all about pretty, glam and
elegance. It includes home gatherings, office
parties and glitzy soirées. It is also about
letting your own personal style shine all
though the holiday season. We handpicked
five stunning models with very different
looks, and chose fashion that celebrated their
uniqueness. This is NICHE magazine’s tribute
to holiday glamour - enjoy the elegance!
Photographers
STEVE DRAKE
DEBBIE STEEPER
Shoot Location
OLD STONE BUTTER CHURCH
COWICHAN BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA
12
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

Stylist
JOSIE SALDAT
Stylist Assistant
JENNE COSTANZO
Hair
DALE JORDAN
JESSICA LEUNG
JESSICA RAMSAY
[CARREIRO THE STUDIO]
Makeup
ALEXANDRA FORMAN
TRISH MONKHOUSE
GRACIE WELCH
Fashion & Set Partners
CAMPING IN A CAN
GALA-VAN PARTY SHOP
HUDSON’S BAY
MICHAL NEGRIN
SHADES OF WHITE BRIDAL
STANDARD FURNITURE GROUP

NICHE magazine
THE LOOK
Dress, red ruffle mermaid
gown, Madison James Prom,
Shades of White. Ring, Michal
Negrin. Earrings and hair
clip, Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Shoes, faux fur wrap and belt,
stylist’s own.
14
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

16
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

THE LOOK
Dress, black and white gown,
Allure Bridal, Shades of White.
Black tulle bow-tie, stylist’s
own.
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
17

NICHE magazine
THE LOOK
Dress, black and white floral
gown, Madison James Prom,
Shades of White. Earrings,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Gloves, stylist’s own. Headpiece,
Debbie Steeper.
18
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

WWW.NICHE.STYLE 19

NICHE magazine
20
FALL FASHION ISSUE 2016

THE LOOK
Top, Calvin Klein black open
blazer, Hudson’s Bay [shown
in group shot, page 12]. Skirt,
ruffle organza, Allure Bridal,
Shades of White. Earrings and
necklace, Expression, Hudson’s
Bay. Floral bra and tulle bowtie,
stylist’s own.
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
21

NICHE magazine
THE LOOK
Fitted crepe skirt, Allure Bridal,
Shades of White. Jacket,
houndstooth, Karl Lagerfeld Paris,
Hudson’s Bay. Bracelets and
necklace, Expression, Hudson’s
Bay. Gloves, stylist’s own.
22
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

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NICHE magazine
24
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

THE LOOK <
Dress, satin and chiffon in
Champagne, Dessy, Shades
of White. Choker necklace,
ear cuff, bracelets and rings,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Shoes and socks, stylist’s own.
THE LOOK >
Dress, Watters Bridal, Shades
of White. Necklace, Expression,
Hudson’s Bay. Earrings, Betsey
Johnson, Hudson’s Bay. Beaded
crown, Debbie Steeper.
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
25

NICHE magazine
THE LOOKS >
Aisling: Velvet military jacket,
Denim and Supply by Ralph
Lauren, Hudson’s Bay. Fitted
crepe skirt, Allure Bridal, Shades
of White. Jewelry, Hudson’s Bay.
Mary: Dress, satin and chiffon
in Champagne, Dessy, Shades
of White. Blazer, Karl Lagerfeld
Paris, Hudson’s Bay. Jewelry,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Maria: Dress, Silver and
black gown, Dessy, Shades of
White. Jacket, Vero Moda Velvet
cardigan, Hudson’s Bay. Jewelry,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Olivia: Dress, Purple strapless,
Dessy, Shades of White.
Necklace, and tassel earrings,
Michal Negrin. Rings and cuff,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
Heidi: Dress, red ruffle mermaid
gown, Madison James Prom,
Shades of White. Ring, Michal
Negrin. Earrings and hair clip,
Expression, Hudson’s Bay.
26
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

WWW.NICHE.STYLE 27

NICHE magazine
28
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

In 1870, in the sleepy beautiful hills
of Cowichan Valley, British Columbia,
Canada, Father Rondeauld built the stone
church on Comiaken Hill, with the help
of native workers. It is known as the
Butter Church because he paid helpers
with funds raised from the sale of butter
from his dairy herd on the mission’s farm.
It only served as a church for ten years, and
over the decades, the old Stone Butter Church
was abandoned and repeatedly vandalized.
It developed a reputation as the haunted
church. Repairs were attempted in 1922 and
again in 1958 and 1980 when it was rebuilt
as a cultural center but the church rapidly
reverted to the ghostly vandalized structure
prominently located on Comiaken Hill.
The haunted church has a rich oral history,
which was reported by Ripley’s Believe It or
Not, which described it as “The church of
no services...in which no congregation has
ever gathered.” According to Ripley, “the
Indians will not go near (it) because all those
who actually built it died mysteriously.”
For more information about the old Stone
Butter Church, visit CowichanCulture.ca.
THE LOOK <
Dress, satin and chiffon in
Champagne, Dessy, Shades of
White. Blazer, Karl Lagerfeld
Paris, Hudson’s Bay. Choker
necklace, ear cuff, bracelets
and rings, Expression,
Hudson’s Bay. Shoes and
socks, stylist’s own.
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
29

NICHE magazine
HELL
HEELS
HOLIDAY HEELS
NICHE MAGAZINE TOP FOUR DESIGNER
HEELS TO WEAR THIS SEASON
There is no better season to don pretty shoes; fancy pumps and
sandals that sparkle, exude elegance and echo the festive nature of
the Christmas season. These are our top four picks for holiday 2016.
Clockwise from above: Nicholas Kirkwood Gold Cutout Leda Pumps
$1495, Christian Louboutin Follies Strass Crystal Pumps $1195,
Jimmy Choo Lottie Optic Glitter Sandals $795, SJP by Sarah Jessica
Parker Skyline Blue Trance Satin Bow Pumps $549.
32
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

“GIVE A GIRL THE RIGHT SHOES
AND SHE CAN
CONQUER THE WORLD.”
- MARILYN MONROE
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
33

‘Tis the season for red carpets,
holiday balls and glamour
gowns. We tracked down
four of our favorite super
models - Gisele Bündchen,
Karlie Kloss, Bella Hadid
and Alessandra Ambrosio -
and we’re sharing how they
do the red carpet... right!
MODEL CITIZENS
GISELE | KARLIE | BELLA | ALESSANDRA
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
35

NICHE magazine
VERSACE
GISELE
BÜNDCHEN
It is of no surprise that fashion legend and
Brazilian goddess, Bündchen made our holiday
Model Citizens edition. She is one of the most
iconic and highest paid super models of our
time and she has long since mastered red carpet
glamour. Making appearances with her hubby
Tom Brady, Bündchen can make any dress look
priceless with a juxtaposition of soft and sexy.
Her go-to dress is often a silk or satin gown with
a plunging neckline, in a palette of champagne or
midnight black.
VERSACE
36
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

BALENCIAGA
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
37

NICHE magazine
KARLIE
KLOSS
All eyes are on Kloss when she steps out on the red
carpet. Similar to super models before her, Kloss
knows how to command a room or runway, any
place and any time. Known for her slender figure
and staggering 6’2” frame, Kloss pairs all formal
attire with her unforgettable sparkling grin. Her
go-to red carpet look? Kloss is not afraid to show
some leg, as she owns the side slit dress as if it
was created for her.
MARCHESA
38
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

LOUIS VUITTON
NICHOLAS OAKWELL
LOUIS VUITTON
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
39

NICHE magazine
TOPSHOP
BELLA
HADID
In the spotlight, sister of Gigi Hadid, Bella has
recently streamlined her own fashion pathway in
the industry, gracing the covers of international
magazines and snapped daily for her street style
looks. Although her personality may seem shy,
her red carpet style says otherwise. Best known
for her Alexandre Vauthier Couture red dress
with a side slit up to her waist-line and her black
Givenchy ruffled dress at the Met Gala, Hadid
proves that there is room on the red carpet for
two Hadids.
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
40
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

GIVENCHY
ROBERTO CAVALLI
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
41

NICHE magazine
MICHAEL KORS
ROBERTO CAVALLI
ALESSANDRA
AMBROSIO
The Brazilian Victoria’s Secret Angel is not only
one of the highest paid models, but at age 35,
Ambrosio has become known for her flawless
fashion choices and been cited in media as one
of the world’s sexiest woman. Her red carpet
attire always consists of a spectacular sparkling
gown shimmering with embellishments and
paired with dazzling jewels that complement
her toned and tanned skin. Ambrosio adores
wearing dresses created by masters of evening
wear: Zuhair Murad and Roberto Cavalli.
42
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

ZUHAIR MURAD
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
43

NICHE magazine
46
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

Glitter
Guide
Welcome to the 2016 holiday gift giving guide.
Keep flipping for twenty pages filled with the
beautiful things you want to give... and receive!
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
47

NICHE holiday glitter guide
TIFFANY & CO. TIFFANY T
SQUARE DIAMOND BRACELET
IN 18K WHITE GOLD
tiffany.ca, $13,600.00
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
INSIGNIA CALFSKIN LEATHER
SHOULDER BAG
nordstrom.com, $3,095.00
BURBERRY CASHMERE
CHECKS & HEARTS
66” SCARF
burberry.com, $650.00
BACCARAT CRYSTAL
VÉGA MARTINI SET OF 4
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED GLASSES
baccarat.com, $820.00
48
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD
MAEVA PEARLY HEEL
METALLIC LEATHER ANKLE-
STRAP SANDALS
saksfifthavenue.com, $1,255.00
SAECO GRANBARISTO
AVANTI BLUETOOTH
COFFEE MACHINE
philips.com, $2,999.00
CHOPARD HAPPY SPIRIT
DIAMOND, 18K ROSE & WHITE
GOLD EARRINGS
saksfifthavenue.com, $9,745.00
LA PRAIRIE LTD EDITION
ICONIC CAVIAR
INDULGENCES
laprairie.com, $1,315.00
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
49

NICHE holiday glitter guide
H&M SATIN LOOK
BOMBER JACKET
IN POWDER PINK
hm.com, $49.99
MICHAL NEGRIN GITANE
LEATHER & SWAROVSKI
KISS FROM NY BRACELET
michalnegrin.com, $99.00
J.CREW ANTIQUE
GOLD CHANDELIER
TASSEL EARRINGS
jcrew.com, $65.00
BLOOMINGDALE’S
IPHONE 6 CASE
FLAGSHIP STOREFRONT
bloomingdales.com, $30.00
HANS LEIBNIZ ORTHO
SOLUTIONS FASHION BOOTS
BLACK LEATHER & SUEDE
shumaker.ca, $135.00
50
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

KATE SPADE NEW YORK
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
HALLIE TOTE
macys.com, $198.00
THE NORTH FACE
TRIPLE CABLE
POM BEANIE
thenorthface.com, $30.00
TORY BURCH
ORNATE SHEARLING
PACER VEST
toryburch.com, $995.00
VICTORIA’S SECRET
PILLOWTALK TANK
PAJAMA SET
victoriassecret.com, $52.50
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
51

NICHE holiday glitter guide
IMAGINE VINCE CAMUTO
DEVIN SANDAL
IN SUNFLOWER SATIN
nordstrom.com, $109.95
UGG WIRED CLASSIC
SHEEPSKIN EARMUFF
ugg.com, $75.00
REBECCA MINKOFF
STUDDED LEATHER
HANDBAG STRAP
saksfifthavenue.com, $95.00
H&M X KENZO
PILE-LINED
LEATHER JACKET
hm.com, $399.00
DAVID YURMAN 17MM
PURE FORM
TWO ROW RING
davidyurman.com, $650.00
52
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
MULTI-TIE RUFFLE BUSTIER
modaoperandi.com, $650.00
RALPH LAUREN
LEATHER A-LINE
MINI SKIRT
ralphlauren.com, $595.00
ECIRCLED 8-IN-1
CHRYSALIS CARDI
encircled.ca, $138.00
ROBERT MATTHEW
RACHEL TOTE
IN CARAMEL
robertmatthew.com, $192.00
JIMMY CHOO VIVY 20TH
ANNIVERSARY SUNGLASSES
DETACHABLE JEWEL CLIP-ON
jimmychoo.com, $1,000.00
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
53

NICHE holiday glitter guide
CUYANA LEATHER
TRAVEL CASE SET
cuyana.com, $110.00
TRIA HAIR REMOVAL
LASER 4X
triabeauty.com, $403.00
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAGIC
COMPLEXION BRUSH
ROSE GOLD
charlottetilbury.com, $68.00
MAC COSMETICS
NUTCRACKER SWEET EYE
COMPACT (WARM)
maccosmetics.com, $47.50
EMINENCE OILS & SERUMS
SIGNATURE SERIES
DISCOVERY SET
eminenceorganics.com, $90.00
54
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

CLINIQUE LONG
LAST LIPSTICK
IN BAMBOO PINK
clinique.com, $21.00
CLARINS FACE
BOOSTER DETOX
clarins.ca, $40.00
TATA HARPER
REBUILDING
MOISTURIZER
tataharperskincare.com, $105.00
TOO FACED
GRANDE HOTEL
CAFÉ HOLIDAY SET
sephora.com, $49.00
PHILIPS SATINELLE
PRESTIGE WET-N-DRY
EPILATOR
shoppersdrugmart.ca, $139.99
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
55

NICHE holiday glitter guide
CLARINS SPA AT
HOME
HOLIDAY GIFT SET
clarins.ca, $71.00
PAULA’S CHOICE
RADIANCE RENEWAL
MASK
nordstrom.com, $36.00
COACH THE FRAGRANCE
EAU DE PARFUM
coach.com, $95.00 (90ml)
BURBERRY LIP
VELVET LIPSTICK
IN NUDE ROSE
burberry.com, $38.00
DYSON
SUPERSONIC HAIR
DRYER
dyson.ca, $499.99
56
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

AEOS ORGANIC OPTIMAL
ESSENTIALS SKINCARE SET
aeos.net, $83.00
GOODY
CLEAN RADIANCE
COPPER HAIRBRUSH
londondrugs.com, $16.99
AG HAIR
CLEANSING CREAM
aghair.com, $24.00
NYX COSMETICS
WANDERLUST
ADVENT CALENDAR
nyxcosmetics.com, $50.00
TRIA AGE-DEFYING EYE
WRINKLE CORRECTING
LASER
triabeauty.com, $269.00
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
57

NICHE holiday glitter guide
USB LAMP SOCKET
CHARGER & ADAPTER FOR
CELL PHONES & TABLETS
amazon.com, $19.99
BREVILLE JUICE
FOUNTAIN COLD
70 OZ JUICER
breville.ca, $269.99
LG 55” SUPER UHD
4K TELEVISION
lg.com, $2999.00
PHILIPS SONICARE
DIAMONDCLEAN ROSE GOLD
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
amazon.ca, $239.99
58
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

JONATHAN ADLER
SMARTPHONE HOLDER
& DOCKING STATION
neimanmarcus.com, $48.00
BEDFACE SUPER
SLEEP SET
bedface.com, $246.00
ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT
MINI PROJECT PACK
anniesloan.com, $100.00
HUDSON’S BAY
COMPANY HBC
BARBIE DOLL
thebay.com, $59.99
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
59

NICHE holiday glitter guide
CROFTERS PLAID
HERRINGBONE WEAVE
THROW IN GLACIAL GREY
indigo.ca, $49.50
HOME SENSE FAUX FUR
HOLIDAY WREATH
homesense.ca, $34.99
ZUS USB CAR
CHARGER & SMART
CAR LOCATOR
nonda.co, $29.99
60
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

BREVILLE QUICK CRISP
MICROWAVE OVEN
breville.com, $599.00
HOMEDICS® DEEP SLEEP
SOUND MACHINE
bedbathandbeyond.com, $79.99
LG G5
SMARTPHONE
lg.com, prices vary
LE CREUSET ZEN
JAPANESE INSPIRED
TEA KETTLE
williams-sonoma.com, $80.00
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61

NICHE holiday glitter guide
RESPECT YOUR UNIVERSE
GO-TO TRAVEL PACK
ryu.ca, $173.00
HEMINGWAY LEATHER
JOURNAL - COFFEE BEAN BY
NATALIZIA S.A.S DI LUCA
indigo.ca, $40.00
FANTASTIC CITIES: A COLORING
BOOK OF AMAZING PLACES REAL
AND IMAGINED
indigo.ca, $20.95
ZHIYUN-TECH - SMOOTH II GIMBAL
WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
ADJUSTS FOCUS & ANGLES
zhiyun-tech.com, $279.00
62
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

TRAVELLER COLLECTIVE CLIP & COUNTRY
RINGS (COLLECT AS YOU TRAVEL)
travellercollective.com, $18.50/clip + $3.25 per country ring
ZHIYUN-TECH - Z1 CRANE GIMBAL
WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
ADJUSTS FOCUS & ANGLES
zhiyun-tech.com, $649.00
CLINIQUE TRAVEL PEP-START
CLEANSING SWIPES POP-UPS
sephora.com, $13.00
RADEN A50 SET WITH
BLUETOOTH TRAVEL TECH:
LOCATE, WEIGH, CHARGE
raden.com, $595.00/set
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63

NICHE holiday glitter guide
MS. PARTY DRESS
FOX ORNAMENT
indigo.ca, $15.00
14K GP ENGRAVED GEORGIA
NAMEPLATE BAR NECKLACE
bestnamenecklace.com, $92.00
NIVEA Q10
ANTI-WRINKLE
DAY CARE & NIGHT
CARE CREAM
amazon.ca, $17.57 each
FUZZY PENGUIN
CREW SOCKS
2-PACK
forever21.com, $4.00
MAC COSMETICS NUTCRACKER
SWEET MINI LIP GLOSS SET
maccosmetics.com, $42.00
ZARA GOLD
KNIT CAP
zara.com, $15.90
PUR TRIPLE THREAT
MASCARA
purcosmetics.com, $22.00
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HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

COACH MLB WALLET
IN SPORT CALF LEATHER
coach.com, $195.00
NIEGELOH
HAVANA XL 7PC
MANICURE SET IN
LEATHER CASE
menessentials.com, $250.00
HUDSON’S BAY
COMPANY BOXED SET
(3) MENS SOCKS
thebay.com, $25.00
MR. TAYLORS
GENTLEMAN’S COLOGNE
taylorofoldbondstreet.com, $43.20
TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET
ALMOND SHAVING CREAM
taylorofoldbondstreet.com, $12.60
CHROME BUTTERFLY DOUBLE
EDGE SAFETY RAZOR
mensessentials.ca, $13.00
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1
#WHATSINMYBAG
Tis’ the season to start wracking your brain for holiday
presents that are sure to impress and delight the ones
you love. Wondering what the best holiday stocking
stuffers are with the beauty world in mind? I’ve rounded up
my top 5 selects for you, in order to take the guesswork out of
shopping this season.
HOLIDAY STOCKING STUFFERS
5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS EVERY
WOMAN NEEDS THIS SEASON
1
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
THE GIFT OF RED CARPET SKIN KIT
Charlotte Tilbury is a celebrity makeup artist and
a true veteran in the industry. Her newly launched
makeup and skincare line is truly NEXT LEVEL. I
have personally been using her products for some
time now and this little kit for the holiday season is
a major gem. The kit contains a GODDESS SKIN
CLAY MASK tube 15ml, Travel MULTI MIRACLE
GLOW tube 15ml, Travel MAGIC CREAM pot
15ml, Travel WONDERGLOW tube 15ml, Travel
SUPERMODEL BODY tube 15ml, and Travel TAKE
IT ALL OFF tube 15ml.mascara. Two to three coats
on both the top and bottom is absolutely necessary.
2
NYX
LOVE CONTOURS ALL PALETTE
Looking for something that is under the $30 mark that
has some serious impact? Look no further than this
cheap and cheerful palette by NYX cosmetics. This
amazing collection has literally everything you need
for complete definition. It includes pigmented eye
shadows in edgy, neutral tones, blendable highlighting
and contouring shades, and beautiful brow powders.
You can create a whole look using this one sleek palette.
BRITTANY GRAY is a beauty expert, entrepreneur and nationally recognized actress
and television personality. She is the founder of Fancy Face Inc., one of Canada’s top luxury
mobile beauty companies, specializing in hair and makeup services for weddings, special events,
entertainment industry functions, and celebrity glamour. Online at fancyface.ca
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2
Brittany
Gray
3
4
3
ELIZABETH AND JAMES
NIRVANA BOURBON (SEPHORA
EXCLUSIVE)
The Olsen Twins seem to know a thing or two
about fragrance and style. This newly launched
scent encompasses a whole lot of delicious and is
sure to be a crowd pleaser. The Elizabeth and James
Nirvana fragrance collection represents the ultimate
state of happiness: an idyllic memory, feeling,
moment, or experience. The fragrance contains
notes of Vanilla Bourbon, Oakwood and Tuberose.
4
DAVINES
SOLU SHAMPOO
This little gem is my absolute favorite shampoo on
the market. Perfect for all hair types, the formula
is designed to cleanse in depth. It is particularly
designed for those who use styling products to
remove build up from the environment and who want
a fresh start with their hair. It’s foam is rich but airy.
5
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS
GLOW KIT - ULTIMATE GLOW
The holidays are surely a time to let your natural
radiance shine. What better to do that with than a palette
full of the best highlighters on the market. Anastasia
Beverly Hills is definitely getting a serious social
media following for their eye shadows, matte lipsticks
and highlighters, along with their kick-butt brow
products. This product will definitely be a fan favorite.
5
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NICHE magazine
CRUSH ON VELVET
FIX
by Jennifer Costanzo | fashion columnist
When the chill sets in you will be
thrilled velvet is having a moment.
Designers showcased the fabric on dresses,
suiting, midi skirt, and even jumpsuits,
as well as accessories. It is not only the
touchable fabric that is striking but also
the bold colors and rich hues seen on the
Fall/Winter 2016 runways which enhance it.
The velvet trend is one that can be worn
during any season. The key for dressing up
that perfect velvet piece is to wear it in an
understated way, with glistening skin and
tousled hair, letting the piece speak for
itself. When the cooler weather does settle
in layer your favorite velvet piece with a few
black basics, like a leather jacket, paper-thin
turtleneck or tights to keep yourself warm.
Velvet made its presence felt everywhere
this Fall/Winter 2016 season. It created
quite an impact at Milan and London
fashion weeks adding a touch of fluidity
to already feminine silhouettes. For
those who are not as experimental in the
fashion world, play it safe with a simple
velvet piece like a slip dress or midi skirt.
The term velvet refers to the structure of
the fabric, not the fiber. There are different
types of velvet, depending on the way it is
woven and the technique it is made with.
Historically velvet was made from silk,
however, it can also be created from a variety
of fibers, such as rayon. Iraq was one of the
first producers of velvet. The technique to
create it was so complex and time consuming
it was an extremely high-end luxury good
available only to royalty and the very rich.
Italy was one of the first European countries
to create a velvet industry for itself. The
Renaissance was a high point for velvet
production, particularly the intricately
patterned velvets typically associated with
the time. As the Industrial Revolution began,
velvet production became mechanized and
much more readily available. Although it
was much easier and faster to produce, the
association with wealth continued to stick
and in the 1920’s velvet became very in vogue.
Throughout the decades, velvet gained a
special place in fashion history with the
fashionable and glamorous vibe of the
1970’s. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s
velvet was still popular, however, this time
it was crushed velvet, frequently worn
by pop culture icons of both decades.
Today, velvet continues to influence the
fashion trends, seen not only on the
catwalks but also on the street worn by off
duty models and bloggers. This fabric is one
that should be seen and shown off, perfect
for holiday parties - think New Years Eve.
Look to the celebrity set for inspiration
where the trend has already permeated
their wardrobes. Seen on Blake Lively and
Keira Knightly in sumptuous jewel tones to
Lady Gaga and Lily Donaldson in jet black.
How will you wear velvet this season?
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PRADA
BALMAIN
PHILLIP LIM
RALPH LAUREN
ON OUR RADAR\ VELVET
RALPH LAUREN
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HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

HELMUT NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHS
BRING GRITTY GLAM TO M∙A∙C
LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY COLLECTION
M∙A∙C Limited Edition celebrates the erotically charged
and elegant work of legendary photographer, Helmut
Newton. He is known for his precise, glamorous and
empowering photography of women. This limitededition
color collection captures the photographer’s
provocative, exquisite taste, dressing wine-stained
lips in sultry rogue while darkening eyes in the black
and white shades of his signature aesthetic. Nails
are lacquered in colors inspired by Monte Carlo and
Berlin, two of his homes. A selection of Newton’s most
iconic photographs adorns the bespoke packaging –
his work remains as distinctive and influential as ever.
Available online and in stores until December 15.
RETRO MATTE
LIQUID LIP COLOR
STUDIO NAIL
1 LACQUER
HIGH HEEL RED $21
2 CALL TIME GREY $13
POINT’N’ SHOOT
EYESHADOW
3 X4 COLORS $32
4
BOOT
LIQUID EYELINER
BLACK $21
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THE SEASON
OF SEQUIN
HOLIDAY 2016

NICHE magazine
DOLCE & GABBANA
THE SEASON
OF SEQUIN
HOLIDAY 2016
As portrayed on the Fall/Winter 2016
runways, a decadent season is upon us.
Think luxe textures, opulent prints and
rich hues, cue the sequin trend. Fall/
Winter 2016 designers piled the glitter
and glamour on to their collections with
palettes and sequins on everything from
dresses, skirts and even pantsuits. This was
proof that any silhouette is ready to party
and nothing says festive quite like a sparkly
frock.
S H I N E
When we think of sequins the first thing
that usually comes to mind is New Years
ON
Eve, a holiday when people venture out
in their most shimmery separates to
celebrate the coming year amid even
shinier decorations. Sometimes it can be
overkill but there is a way to wear sequins
that won’t render you a cliché. This season
you don’t have to wait for the perfect party
to pull out your sparkling piece. As new
voluminous proportions emerged, they
were surprisingly forgiving and paired best
with simple accessories, think sneakers or
flat booties, and a leather or denim jacket
when it gets cool.
CONVERSE SNEAKERS
Chuck Taylor® All Star ‘Holiday Party’ Low
Top Sequined Sneaker
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ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
STELLA MCCARTNEY
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VALENTINO
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THE SEASON
OF SEQUIN
HOLIDAY 2016
The style experienced a resurgence in
the 1920’s when King Tut’s tomb was
discovered. The garments he was buried
in were covered in gold sequin-like discs.
Historians believe they were meant to
ensure his financial stability in the afterlife.
The monetary association held up, as the
word sequin is derived from the Arabic
‘sikka’ which stands for coin. These discs
were usually made of gold or other precious
metals and sewn onto clothing and worked
as both status symbols and in some cases
as actual coins for trading. In Egypt, India
and Peru, they were considered capable of
warding off evil spirits. Eventually sequins
became purely decorative, which were seen
on intricate garments of Victorian men
and women.
NINA RICCI
DIOR SEQUIN BAG
FW2016 with sequins and fringe
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NICHE magazine
THE SEASON
OF SEQUIN
HOLIDAY 2016
With the trend of sequins is the question,
are we ready to ditch the athleisure
trend and dazzle from head-to-toe? The
sequin trend seen at Dolce and Gabbana,
Balenciaga, Valentino, Gucci and Dior, sent
knee-length sparkly gowns down the Fall/
Winter 2016 catwalks. These, however,
were different from your typical red carpet
styles. This season the sequin style is more
relaxed, as sparkly pieces go. Rather than
the glittery body-con mini dresses of past
seasons, the new style was designed with a
more demure style in mind with high-neck
or longer length styles.
How will you pair your sequined pieces?
Look to street style inspiration and off duty
model looks to make your style stand out!
GUCCI
JADED SEQUIN BAG
Mermaid blue sequin makeup or clutch
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BALENCIAGA
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NICHE magazine
TRAVELLING
EDITOR
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW
SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?
BY: TRACEY DRAKE | THE TRAVELLING EDITOR
M
y first time in Hong Kong and I wanted to make
sure that I had a unique experience. I know
that everyone stays in the Central and Kowloon
districts, where you can find big brand hotels, fine
dining and designer shops, but I wasn’t looking for that kind
of Hong Kong memory. I went on a quest to find out where
young, urban travellers were staying in Hong Kong and I
happened upon Ovolo Southside. I am so glad that I did.
Set in the up-and-coming Southside neighbourhood, this
hip area is teeming with art galleries, coffee shops, and green
spaces with easy access to transit. Before I checked in, I
knew that Ovolo Southside was formerly a warehouse, but
I was so pleased to see that Ovolo Hotels had maintained
much of the building’s original industrial charm - embracing
its working class roots, which cleverly speaks to a whole new
generation of world travellers.
The loft-like rooms are trendy and well thought out, with
great modern amenities, AppleTV, free mini-bar and room
to stretch out after a long day of sightseeing. The main lobby
(LoLounge) is uber chic, with a first-rate Italian coffee bar,
pool table and Mid Century modern decor that doubles as a
comfortable lounge and common work area. I wanted to live
in Above, the rooftop bar lounge - like literally move in! It
was the best place to just relax, order a cocktail and take in
the stellar views.
The artwork on and around the hotel is quite something.
You could spend several hours just taking it all in, and
OVOLO SOUTHSIDE \ HONG KONG
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learning about the Hong Kong artists that created each
piece. I had a few favourites - the Made In Hong Kong neon
sign that was tucked away in a stairway and the graffiti style
murals on the walls outside Cirqle, the modern bistro-style
restaurant on the fourth floor.
Whatever your Hong Kong day looks like, you can get
everywhere from here. One afternoon, we walked down
to Aberdeen Fishing Village - an unforgettable experience.
Another day, we hopped on a bus, grabbed the MTR and
headed to Tai Po Market with Hong Kong Food Tours for an
exceptional day of authentic, local cuisine (including snake
soup). If you’re a foodie, I highly recommend this tour.
Hong Kong’s first warehouse conversion hotel, Ovolo
Southside is a master-class in urban architecture and
contemporary art, and is the perfect option for those
looking for a fresh, new take on a Hong Kong experience.
Learn more about Ovolo Southside at ovolohotels.com.
FOLLOW @TRACEYDRAKEEDITOR ON INSTAGRAM
AND TWITTER, OR GOOGLE HER HASHTAG
#THETRAVELLINGEDITOR
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FASHION
CHRISTIAN DIOR
THE MASTER COUTURIER OF
SIMPLICITY AND GOOD TASTE
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Dior was like a magnificent
painting you hang on the wall.
-YVES SAINT LAURENT
A
mature lady was assisted by two men into
30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, France
on February 12th, 1947. She donned fine
furs, white gloves and an air of absenteeism. Inside
the fashion house, she sat on the couch, where she
appeared to sleep for the duration of the press showing
of 171 designs of haute couture.
The next day, the same woman returned to the fashion
house alone and requested to see ten dresses again.
So meticulous were her descriptions of the dresses,
down to the very last stitch, that it took the sales staff
no longer than 15 minutes to locate the ten garments.
She left the house and made the famous phone call to
America describing the line as the “New Look”. The
woman was none other than Carmel Snow, iconic
Editor-in-Chief of famed fashion magazine Harper
Bazaar, and the house she entered that changed the
fashion industry forever, was that of Christian Dior.
A mere three years before the debut of Dior’s first
collection on that February day, the German troops of
the Third Reich were occupying Paris. Parisian citizens
were living through a period of poverty and dismay.
The New Look returned to woman the femininity
which had been put aside during the tragic war years.
In essence, Dior offered women a new look and a
renewed outlook.
The first collection – Corolle - featured rounded
shoulders, cinched waists and full skirts – celebrating
femininity in its finest, most glamorous form. The
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HOUSE OF
elegance of the ‘Corolla’ theme (the botanical term for
a circlet of flower petals), with its distinctive off-theshoulder
décolleté and yards of magnificent material
marked a new era for fashion.
Christian Dior loved to play with silhouettes, and
once stated “I have designed flower women.” In the
1950’s, haute couture fashion from the House of Dior
were crafted from sumptuous fabrics, embellished and
supported with boning, bodices, petticoats, and hip
padding to give any woman wearing a Dior garment a
graceful yet curvaceous figure.
Women from every walk of life loved Dior and he
quickly became a household name. The couturier
dressed the world’s most fabulous people. From first
THE EARLY YEARS
1946 | House of Dior becomes a reality at
30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris
1947 | First collection, New Look, debuts
on February 12th, and is made instantly
famous by Carmen Snow
1947 | Miss Dior perfume is launched &
named after his sister, Catherine Dior.
1948 | Dior opens on Fifth Avenue, NYC
1955 | Dior hires a young Yves St. Laurent
1957 | Christian Dior dies October 3
in Montecatini
1957 | At 21, YSL becomes head designer
at Christian Dior
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NICHE magazine
ladies and movie stars to royalty and socialites, they
came from all corners of the globe to visit The House
of Dior and be dressed in his famous fashion house at
30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris.
Dior was an artist. He found great inspiration in
the female form - a spectacular canvas to which he
created extraordinary, timeless works of wearable art.
He mentored a future generation of haute couture
designers, including Yves St. Laurent.
Dior’s untimely death in 1957 left a void in the fashion
world. Dior was a pioneer of French fashion and
today, remains the legend that inspired the spectacular
French city to be dubbed the world’s capital of fashion.
The House of Dior remains a true exemplar of fashion
and with the inspiration of Dior at its helm; the line
will continue to be at the forefront of imaginative yet
wearable haute couture.
My weakness...is architecture.
I think of my work as ephemeral
architecture, dedicated to the
beauty of the female body.
- CHRISTIAN DIOR
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LAST WORD:
CHRISTIAN DIOR
on the topic of elegance:
“I will only say now that elegance must be the
right combination of distinction, naturalness,
care and simplicity. Outside this, believe me, there
is no elegance… only pretension. Elegance is not
dependent on money. Of the four things I have
mentioned above, the most important of all is care.
Care in choosing your clothes. Care in wearing
them. Care in keeping them. But it is possible for a
woman to be elegant without spending very much
money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules
of fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that
suit her personality.”
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FASHION
FORWARD
CHRISTIAN DIOR
in the details
FW2016/2017

NICHE magazine
THE SPIRIT OF THE CATWALK
Winter 2016 Fashion Show ankle boots in
tejus effect calfskin and crocodile, in black and
metallic white with two side opening.
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STELLA MCCARTNEY
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THE SPIRIT OF THE CATWALK
Winter 2016 Fashion Show bag
entirely embroidered with flowers
made up of sequins and fringes.
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THE SPIRIT OF THE CATWALK
Winter 2016 Fashion Show fashion
rings - the “Blissful Dior” line features
moving parts like talismans,
paying homage to Monsieur Dior’s
superstitious nature. Gold-tone finish
ring adorned with glass and crystals.
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NICHE magazine
NICHE
style guide
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
POLKA DOT PALAZZO PANTS
JOHANNA ORTIZ
FORMENTERA SILK PANTS
SELF PO
LARA LAC
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5
HOLIDAY
PANTS
that are as good as a cocktail dress
Are pants more your style? Here’s five of our favorite trouser styles that can stand
up to any cocktail dress or evening jumpsuit. Pants are back in the very best way!
RTRAIT
E PANTS
DEREK LAM 10
CROSBY PANTS
ROSIE ASSOULIN
BEARDED IRIS PANT
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NICHE magazine
Vienna
TRAVEL WITH
NICHE to...
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HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016
NICHE magazine exclusive

Over the Christmas season, Vienna Austria is a city to savor. A spirited
and festive wonderland filled with beautiful sights, nostalgic sounds and
heavenly tastes. It is holiday folk tradition at its absolute finest.
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NICHE magazine
Be whisked back into the glorious
imperial years by exploring the
Christkindlmarkt at Belvedere Palace.
100 HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

Holiday
IN VIENNA
Light dustings of snow fall over designer coats and stone
streets that glow with sparkling lights and festive décor.
Exquisite couture dresses dance across ancient floors at
the seasons many formal balls. Gentleman escort lovely
Fräulein’s dressed in jewels and gowns to dine on decadent cakes
at Kaffeehäuses. Shoppers hurry to the warmth of their homes with
parcels and red nosed children in their arms. Christkindlmarkts
speckle the city and infuse the air with sweet smells of spiced wine
and gingerbread. Frosty breathed choirs serenade the twinkling
night’s sky with holiday carols. The city bustles with vibrant
people and the air is filled with excitement, anticipation and an
overwhelming spirit of holiday joy.
Drenched in a baroque façade Vienna is a magical city, it is rich
in history and there are endless museums, cathedrals, squares and
palaces to explore. While the aesthetic of Vienna is ancient, the
city is a lively place to visit—particularly over the holidays when
every turn you take will stir a lovely feeling of nostalgia in the pit
of your stomach and ignite that long forgotten seasonal wonder of
childhood.
There are 23 distinct districts in Vienna which spiral out clockwise
from the core of the city. The majority of time will be spent in the
central region, namely the Inner Stadt, or Inner City.
The Inner Stadt is encircled by a massive boulevard called the
Ringstrasse. One of Vienna’s most famed sights, the Ringstrasse is
dotted with some of the city’s most important political and cultural
institutions, including the Parliament and State Opera House. The
Ringstrasse is incredibly chaotic with dense traffic but certainly
can’t be missed. Your best bet will be to bundle up in your winter
finest and take a tram ride around it.
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NICHE magazine
The streets of Vienna are paved
with culture, the streets of other
cities with asphalt.
-KARL KRAUS
HALF-TRUTHS AND ONE-AND-A-HALF TRUTHS
The core of the Inner Stadt will be much more enjoyable to explore,
it offers several pedestrian only streets — the Kärntnerstrasse is
a lovely one to stroll, it is lined with plenty of shops, chocolatiers
and Kaffeehäuses (which are the social center of Vienna). Over
the holidays Kärntnerstrasse is dripping with sparkling lights and
holiday décor. Among the many prestigious designer shops is the
Swarovski flagship store, it is particularly dazzling around the
holiday season so be sure to stop inside. The Kärntnerstrasse runs
from the State Opera House on the Ringstrasse to St. Stephen’s
Cathedral, where you will be able to continue down Graben —
another pedestrian only street which is equally superb over the
holidays.
An afternoon should be set aside to explore the majestic Hofburg
complex, the former Emperor’s residence. Today it is home to the
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Austrian president and several museums. Explore the precious
jewels in the Imperial Treasury and then cozy up to your loved ones
and listen to the enchanting sounds of the Vienna Boys Choir.
The frosty winter evenings in Vienna are especially dreamy. There
are over 300 balls during the season, and when it comes to balls the
Viennese do not fool around. Try and conjure up an image of a ball
in the imperial past. Think brilliant classical music, tuxedoed men
and regal ladies in tumbling layers of expensive material — and
the dance floor, it moves with impeccably choreographed fluidity
as guests perform the grandest dance of them all, the Viennese
Waltz. That façade hasn’t changed much in the past hundred years,
and neither have the venues. It is well worth attending at least one
ball during your stay to experience the sheer magnificence. The
Viennese Waltz is still in good practice today, so be sure to enlist
one of the many instructors for an afternoon lesson before you zip
up that McQueen gown.
Balls generally end around midnight and that’s when the winter
streets become truly enchanting. Gorgeous women in heavy furs
and designer gowns illuminate the streets with the embers of their
cigarettes as their dates lead them into Kaffeehäuses to nibble divine
sweets and smoke long cigarettes. The Kaffeehäuse proves itself as
the greatest people watching destination at this hour. Clouds of
smoke intertwine with expensive perfume and laughter. Couture
gowns rest casually on matrons at small tables with decadent cake
crumbs falling on them.
A less formal evening, but completely enthralling, will be spent at
the Christkindlmarkt in front of the Rathhaus, or City Hall. While
there are numerous markets in the city over advent (all of which
should be explored if you have time), this market is the largest and
has been a Viennese tradition since before Christmas was even
celebrated in the 7th century. It was previously a December market
to trade goods and gradually transformed into the market it is today
with over 145 independent vendors selling a variety of hand crafted
items and delicious holiday fare out of wooden stalls. The market
is open during the day but the lights and decorations are really
spectacular at night, particularly in the adjoining Rathauspark
where there are all kinds of festive activities and sights. Buy a mug
of glühwein (spiced wine) and roasted chestnuts to get you started
and experience one of the most spellbinding and spirited places you
will ever visit.
Winter is a particularly romantic time to visit Vienna, offering an
escape from the ordinary into a magical world of extraordinary.
Prepare to embrace the unexpected and watch your favorite holiday
fairytale come to life before your very eyes, in Vienna.
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“IMPERFECTION IS BEAUTY,
MADNESS IS GENIUS AND IT’S BETTER
TO BE ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THAN
ABSOLUTELY BORING.”
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ICON
SILVER SCREEN SERIES
MARILYN
MONROE
by Josie Joy Saldat
One of the most iconic figures
in American Culture and film,
Marilyn Monroe was born with the
birth name of Norma Jeane Baker
on June 1, 1926. Norma Jeane’s mother was a
film cutter at RKO Studios who, widowed and
mentally ill, abandoned her to a sequence of
foster homes. At nine, the LA Orphans’ Home
paid her a nickel a month for kitchen work
while taking back a penny every Sunday for
church. At sixteen Monroe married neighbor,
Jim Dougherty and became a stay at home wife.
He joined the military during WWII and left
to sea with the marines. In 1945 Monroe was
working at a Burbank defense plant when an
Army photographer taking photos of women
working approached her and snapped a photo.
This launched her career in modeling and
led her to movie producer, Howard Hughes.
In her early years, young Monroe studied
acting at the Actors’ lab in Hollywood, and
took literature courses at UCLA downtown.
By this time Monroe had also begun
bleaching her hair blonde and modeling for
pin-up photos. In 1948, Columbia gave her
a six-month contract, changed her name
to Marilyn Monroe and turned her over to
coach Natasha Lytess who featured her in
the B movie Ladies of the Chorus (1948) in
which she plays a young burlesque queen and
sang two numbers. Joseph L. Mankiewicz
saw her in a small part in The Asphalt Jungle
(1950) and cast her in All About Eve (1950),
resulting in 20th Century re-signing her to a
seven-year contract. Appearing in three films
in 1953: Niagara, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
and How to Marry and Millionaire launched
her image as a sensual sex symbol superstar.
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did you KNOW?
MARILYN MONROE’S CAREER
lasted just fifteen years
TRUMAN CAPOTE
considered Monroe for the lead role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s;
she even performed two scenes for him
PLAYBOY’S FIRST PLAYMATE
of the month in 1953
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HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

“I DON’T MIND LIVING IN A
MAN’S WORLD AS LONG AS I
CAN BE A WOMAN IN IT.”
- MARILYN MONROE
In 1954, Monroe married and divorced
baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Their infamous
romance was fueled with fights and some
reports have said DiMaggio got physical. After
The Seven Year Itch (1955), she wanted serious
acting to replace the sexpot image and went
to New York’s Actors Studio. She worked with
director Lee Strasberg and also underwent
psychoanalysis to learn more about herself.
Critics praised her transformation in Bus
Stop (1956) and the press was stunned by her
marriage to playwright Arthur Miller. They
traveled to England where she made The
Prince and the Showgirl (1957) with Laurence
Olivier, fighting with him and falling further
prey to alcohol and pills. Two miscarriages
and gynecological surgery followed. So
did an affair with Yves Montand. Despite
her glamorous appearance and life in the
spotlight, there was a disconnect from family
and virtually no friends that kept her visiting
a therapist almost daily. In 1959 Monroe
returned to the silver screen after a year off
and won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for
Some Like it Hot. Work on her last picture
The Misfits (1961), written for her by Miller
was interrupted by exhaustion. She was
dropped from the unfinished Something’s Got
to Give (1962) due to chronic lateness and
drug dependency. The same year, Monroe
performed her legendary ‘Happy Birthday
Mr. President’ song to John F Kennedy at
Madison Square Gardens. In 1961, Dr. Kris
convinced Monroe to check herself into Payne
Withney psychiatric ward, as her inevitable
issues with abuse, isolation and constant
surveillance took a toll on her daily life.
Monroe’s career was a brief moment of
only 15 sparkling years in the industry.
On August 5, 1962 Marilyn Monroe, age
36 was found dead in bed. The coroner
stated she had died from acute barbiturate
poisoning, and it was a probable suicide. The
dazzling star was buried at Westwood Village
Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
107

NICHE magazine
Eric Himel’s
STYLISH LIFE
BY: ERIC HIMEL | CELEBRITY STYLIST
P
arty, soirée, gathering, function, bash
whatever you call it, there will be lots of them
this holiday season. What to wear and how
to decipher what is appropriate for each one can be
daunting at best and embarrassing if you show up
under- or over- dressed for the occasion! Here is a
guide to make sure you are always PARTY PERFECT.
THE HOME GATHERING
Dress Code: “Festive Casual”
DO: Be chic but comfortable. You will probably be sitting
on a sofa at some point and you don’t want to look stiff.
DON’T: Overdress - it’s not a competition and you never
want to look better than your hostess.
THE OFFICE PARTY
Dress Code: “Holiday Cocktail”
DO: Be tasteful and stay away from Christmas colors like
red and green - work environments offer an array of personal
beliefs and you don’t want to offend anyone.
DON’T: Dress like a hussy (overly sexual) or go directly
from your work clothes to the party.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Dress Code: “Holiday Chic”
DO: Straddle that line between well-turned out yet relaxed.
DON’T: Dress literally - like you are trying to invoke
Christmas itself.
J.CREW
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Dress Code: “Festive & Fancy”
DO: Turn up the glam factor and think outside the box.
DON’T: Wear a predictable LBD, a short, tight body-con
dress or anything ‘sexy’ that might translate to slutty. You
may want to get lucky but you don’t want to look like you do.
IT’S NOT “HOLIDAY PARTY” AS USUAL
ERIC HIMEL
is a widely known celebrity stylist, fashion expert and media personality. Himel attended Parson’s School
of Design and trained under Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, then moved to Los Angeles and began his styling career,
expanding his business across North America. Himel’s roster of celebrity clientele has included Jenny McCarthy,
Giuliana Rancic, Pete Wentz, and Gabby Douglas. He’s best known for his signature Closet Purge and
now leverages the online landscape, offering Virtual Styling Sessions - erichimel.com
108
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

ROLAND MOURET
KATE SPADE
WWW.NICHE.STYLE
109

NINE
STREETS OF NEW YORK
Designer Naeem Khan took inspiration for his Fall
2016 collection from the streets of New York, and
wove his creative mastery into a runway that was
filled with elegantly embroidered Art Deco gowns,
skyscraper boots and maxi capes.
NAEEM KHAN FALL 2016
110
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2016

Surviving
looks a lot
like thriving
Breast cancer flipped Katherine’s world upside down.
But in the five years since she underwent treatment,
Katherine’s been doing some flips of her own.
Thanks to research to discover new treatments,
women like Katherine are having their lives put right
side up after a cancer diagnosis. That’s why
Stand Up To Cancer Canada and Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation have teamed up to accelerate
the pace of research done by collaborative teams of
scientists working to develop new treatments faster.
Giving more women, like Katherine, their lives back.
To learn more about advances in research, clinical trials
testing innovative treatments, and how to get involved,
go to standup2cancer.ca/breastcancer and cbcf.org.
Photography: Andrew Macpherson
Kim Cattrall, Stand Up To Cancer Canada Ambassador
Katherine Chan, Breast Cancer Survivor
Stand Up To Cancer Canada is a program of EIF Canada, a Canadian Registered Charity (Reg. #80550 6730 RR0001).
Stand Up To Cancer Canada brand marks are licensed trademarks of the Entertainment Industry Foundation.