Styling by Lauren Taylor Guy / Hair by Ramiro Rodrigez / Makeup by Kimberly Pletz.

HOMETOWN : ST. CATHERINES, ON

It would not even be a thought to do a Best of Canada issue with a models’ section, and not in- clude the queen herself: Ms. Linda Evangelista. We all love the fashion, the editorials, the maga- zine covers, but what did it for me was seeing Linda in the George Michael’s video, Freedom! The video itself was genius, but the sight of Linda just made it “butter”. She has been called legendary and a fashion chameleon who along side her famous friends ( we all remember Linda, Christy, and Naomi) changed the model game forever. Yeah, and it is so sweet that she is Cana- dian too! Linda is definitely KA’s Best of Canada 2010 and if we were to ever have a hall of fame, she is already on the short list.

JESSICA STAM

HOMETOWN : KINCARDINE, ON

What is it about farms or the rural country side that seem to produce tall lanky beautiful girls? I am sure if a poll was done on where the the most beautiful models in our world came from, the majority of them would have been raised either on a farm or in the country! Case in point, Jessica Stam, or as she is called by friends “Stam”, hails from Kincardine, Ontario. She grew up, yes you guessed it, on a farm, raised by a devoutly religious family and attended Sacred Hearts School. If that wasn’t enough of a point, she also worked at a local Tim Horton’s, where she was discovered by a scout, who was on her way back from (of all places) Canada’s Wonderland. Fast forward to Stam becoming the “it” girl for photographer Steven Meisel, who afterwards practically placed the Canadian beauty in every campaign and cover that he photographed, and the rest is history. Now Ms Stam, you have also been chosen as Best of Canada 2010.

UBAH HASSAN

HOMETOWN : VANCOUVER, BC

We found Ubah, like all good things in life: by chance. This is the story. It was last year around this time, there we were, looking at a magazine, and bam!! The picture of a goddess in a poured- on gold evening dress just jumped out of the page at us. After a moment to put our eyes back into our heads, the only question was “Who is this girl and when do we put her on the cover of KA Magazine?” Then you can only imagine our surprise when we found out she was Canadian. The Somalian born model fled her war torn country at an early age to finally land in Vancouver Canada. After being discovered in Vancouver, she was then picked up by Click Models NYC. She instantly became the face to watch and after her appearance in the now legendary all black issue of Vogue Italia shot by Steven Meisel (yes Steven definitely seems to like the Canadians), that her star was on a definite rise. It wasn’t long after that, other designers were asking about this Canadian beauty from Vancouver. Fast forward to a go-see at Ralph Lauren and the rest is history.

“I wasn’t expecting him (R.L.) to be there, and he asked me to come over. Then he touched my hair and said that I had the most beautiful face.” says Ubah. Yes Mr. Lauren, we definitely agree with you and we are glad you approve of our choice for Best of Canada 2010: The beautiful Miss Ubah Hassan.

CREDITS:

Photography by : Kevin Allwood

Models : Gabrielle, Elle – Montage Models

Hair : Rabi Bazzi

Makeup : Leah Toduruk

Styling : Ashley King

Clothing : Kevin Allwood, Ursula B

Accessories : Bvlgari, Rosenstein Paris (Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo), Ursula B

Suitcase : Rimowa

Porsche 911 Turbo : Lauzon Porsche

Photographed by Ashley King –

What is it about fashion week that the mere mention of the word in any city can create a feeling of immediate expectation and excitement? Gone are the days when couturiers were the people we hired to stay somewhere in the background in case we broke a hem. Now fashion designers are stars and baby, they are Canadian!

Toronto’s official LG Fashion week is run by Robin Kay and a small army of professionals and volunteers. Which includes Erika Larva and Liz Walsh of Monarch Events, who I might add, were instrumental in KA having a successful Fashion Week backstage viewing. Thank you ladies, and a huge bravo to all the amazing Canadian designers out there; those who showed at Fashion Week, as well as those who are silently doing their thing.

DAVID DIXON  PINK TARTAN  BUSTLE  BARBIE  LUCIAN MATIS  ANDY THE-AHN  COCCOLILY  JOE FRESH STYLE  ORANGE  KATRINA TUTTLE  SANIYA KHAN  LOVAS  COMRAGS  IZMA  GAUDET  DIMITRICHRIS  BASCH  PAT MCDONAGH  JULES POWER  ATTITUDE  ZORAN DOBRIC  LUNDSTROM  EVAN BIDDEL  PRELOVED  RUDSAK

city, the style, and the fun — Here is a taste of this city’s flavour.

Photo coverage of LG Fashion Week will be online Friday April 2nd, 2010

The CN Tower glowing in the sunshine — amongst the silver skyscrapers. Construction is

booming in T.O.

The city’s window displays showcase the designers at Toronto Fashion Week

Indigo Books – a flagship store where KA MAGAZINE will be Sold this Spring 2010. You will

find KA Vol. 3 ” The Love Issue”.

Yellow cabs and tramways take over the streets of Toronto — Toronto is the only city in Canada that

kept it’s old school Tramway system. We like.

Canadians all love Much Music — these are the windows that has seen the world’s best artists and performers.

IP — My favorite aspect about modeling has to be the different characters that I project. When I step out on
the set, it has nothing to do with ‘me’ anymore. It is about becoming this other woman with her own story.
I love taking on different roles and switching my mind-set. This to me, is very fascinating.

KA — What is the biggest change that has occurred in your life, and how are you different today?

IP — I try to always live my life in the present moment. Every day there are different obstacles. You are
constantly faced with changes in your life that you have no control over. You must adjust to these
changes, you simply have to adapt to them and accept them. I have overcome many problems that made
me who I am today. Many times, I’m faced with negativity, but I don’t let it get the best of me because
there is always a lesson that is learnt which allows me to make smarter choices  in the future.

KA — If you had to choose between modeling and acting, what would it be?

IP — I would do both. They are both very much alike yet different at the same time. In modeling, you are
a silent beauty talking with your eyes and your body language… People are always left wondering who
this woman really is. In acting, your character is scripted and you evolve on that… People warm up to
that person portrayed or not. At the end of the day, both require you to step into a certain character that
is not yourself.

KA — As models are so visible these days and girls are being introduced to this industry at such a
young age, modeling has now become a dream to so many….What do you feel your role is in all this
going forward?

IP — I think the most important thing is to be real and be who you are. Be composed and mysterious.
I want to have a positive influence on people’s lives and inspire them to be their best.

KA — What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

IP — Dream.

KA — Who is Ifigenia?

IP — Not sure,… Who is she?
Model –– Ifigenia Papadimitriou
Clothing –– Kevin Allwood
Photography –– Kevin Allwood
Hair and Makeup –– KA
Stylist –– Ashley King
Shoes –– Christian Louboutin
Location –– St-Paul Hotel

After flipping through page after page of images we have already seen, we were stopped suddenly by the vision of Ubah Hassan in a poured-on gold dress posing beside a liquid silver vintage airplane. The choice was made, we had to have her. A quick research pointed to a local agency that was representing her, but with a not-so-positive response from them, we were not deterred in our quest and without pause, contacted Click agency in New York. Her manager Harold Mindel, after seeing the magazine’s online version, was more than happy to assist us in the interview and story on Ubah.

Who is Ubah Hassan? We think that this question will not be asked for long, and to do our part in speeding up the process, here are a few specs on this most rare of finds, the modest beauty.

Born in 1987 in Somalia, Ubah like many others, had to flee this war-torn country, to go to Kenya. This flight was especially painful since the young Ubah had to separate from her mother and sister, who both went to Ethiopia. The story of Ubah does however have a happy beginning. Seven years after fleeing Somalia, her mother and sister were once again reunited in Canada. At the age of 17, Ubah was spotted by a photographer, and the rest is history.

Here is a short chronicle on the rise (and rise) of Ubah Hassan…

- 2007 Ubah signs with Click Management in New York

- 2008 She is featured in the all-black issue of Italian Vogue, photographed by Steven Meisel ( this issue went on to become one of the highest selling issue of the magazine’s history)

- 2009 She becomes the face of Ralph Lauren (in the photo that stole all our hearts at KA)

- 2009 She appears in an editorial, photographed by Bruce Weber

- 2009 She stars in a video with Iman discussing diversity of race and modeling

- 2009 Ubah appears on cover of KA magazine … (This is a good year!)

KA — Models are masters of the “quick change”— during shows, you change full outfits and look immaculate in 1 minute flat. From shoot to shoot you can change from vamp to virgin. How do you Ubah, deal with personal change?

UH — When you are at a photo shoot or about to go on a runway, there is always a strong team behind all the magnificent photo shoots or behind the glamour of the fashion shows. When it comes to personal change, I don’t usually have a big change. I usually go from white shirts and jeans to a black dress or lip gloss to mascara. Nothing too drastic.

KA — When we think of a model’s life, we are bombarded with glossy images and scenes of Jet Set, but the reality is long hours, sleepless nights and jet lag. How do you create balance for yourself with such a busy schedule?

UH — Jet lag is the worst for me, so I try to avoid it as much as I can. I usually travel a day before the job or sleep over so I don’t have to catch the red eye, unless I have to work the next day. And I drink plenty of water. When it comes to my time, I have learned to manage my time better. I won’t go out dancing until 3 am when I have to work or catch a flight the next day. I have learned to say no to some invitations. Most importantly, I have learned to enjoy time alone. I have come to realize that it is so important to be alone sometimes.

KA — What single life event has change you the most?

UH — Moving to Canada.

KA — What novel or music are you listening to or reading right now?

UH — I just finished a book called “My Sister’s Keeper”, and I’m listening to Michael Jackson-Thriller R.I.P

KA — Where do you have the most fun?

UH — In the kitchen with my niece and nephew, while making pancakes for them. Or on a dance floor, I love to dance.

KA — If you were to do a “dream campaign”, what would it be?

UH — Romance by Ralph Lauren. It is one of my sister’s favorite perfumes. Or an Estee Lauder beauty campaign.

KA — Which design house has been your favorite to work with?

UH — I enjoyed working with Ralph Lauren and his team. Philip Treacy, Oscar de la Renta, Organic by John Patrick. I’m very thankful to work with such amazing people.

KA — The Ralph Lauren image is breathtaking. What were you thinking at that moment to create such a “Queen” image?

UH — I wouldn’t say “Queen image”, but thank you for the compliment! I was just being myself. Thank God for Carter Berg (photographer) he was easy going and very helpful.

KA — When I saw your image, I thought “This girl rocks — Clear out the space, we need to cover her!” but it wasn’t about black or white, it was just about an amazing talent. How do you reconcile with being such a beauty?

UH — I don’t see myself in that way. I enjoy my job and when I’m done working, I’m just a normal girl in jeans and a white t-shirt. But sometimes, I do use my “double D’s” to skip a long line! (lol)

KA — At your age, the whole world seems to be there for the taking. Does this overwhelm you?

UH — My feet are on the ground. I know how quick you can lose something or someone. I thank God that I have a wonderful family, agent, boyfriend, and friends. So no, it is not overwhelming for me, as I’m surrounded with amazing people who care for me very much.

KA — Which city in the world is your favorite, and what little restaurant makes you feel good and down to earth when you are there?

UH — I love New York, but Paris proved me wrong. I went to Paris this July for the first time. I was speechless.

Restaurant :

I’m a very picky eater so when I go to a restaurant, I usually make my own menu.

I love when my mom cooks for me.

She knows exactly what I like and don’t like. Nothing beats that.

KA — When you are alone, what little gremlin in your head would you prefer not to listen to, and what is it saying to you?

UH — “You don’t need to go to the gym today.”

Make a wish… what would it be?

I can’t tell my wish, (or) it won’t come true. But I have to say, most of my wishes have already come true. I have a great family, a great agent, true friends and a wonderful supportive boyfriend. What else does a girl want… maybe some cheesecake once in a while!

Modern, Clean, Simple — NEVIK designer Kevin Allwood’s Bridal collection is a modern woman’s fantasy. In a world where puffs and bows are overdone, this collection is a breath of clear fresh air.

See the full collection online at www.kevinallwood.com

By Appointment only~ contact@kevinallwood.com