Well if fashion is foreplay, then fashion week is the climax and the world is in a big climax for the next few weeks with fashion weeks simultaneously happening in all the major cities across our troubled little marble in space. I for one, am a huge fan of the global foreplay that is fashion week and the joy that it brings. KA loves fashion from Montreal to Milan and NYC in between we will share our love of Fashion Week with you. In the hopes that you too will rally with us in this climax of fun and frivolity well needed and well deserved.

The season is Fall/ Winter 2012-2013 ( I know how the heck do they keep this organized) and how these creative types work on such an odd calendar is the reason why they are creative in the first place.

On a side note just so we are super clear KA magazine thinks the following: Montreal ROCKS!!! and has the most beautiful women in the world as well as some of the best fashion.

Check out some highlights from Day One of MTL Fashion Week.

(photos by Jimmy Hamelin)

MUSE (DIA! We caught you) http://www.muse-cchenail.com

TAVAN & MITTO - http://tavanmitto.com

DUY - http://www.duycollection.com

MELISSA NEPTON - http://www.melissanepton.com

(photos by Jimmy Hamelin)

Yes, Stevie B for Mayor is not such a bad idea after all. Imagine a city where French and English got along. It’s obvious that French is cool right. I mean Montreal without french is like poutine without gravy or (gasp) greasy fries, yum!!!

I must make a disclaimer here, I am cursed (lactose intolerant anyone, in the land of poutine). I am not able to taste this dish without an oxygen mask handy and possibly an ambulance parked outside my favourite Friday night restaurant “La Belle Province”. One can only dream that one day that tasty meal will be reinvented for all to savour sans lactose!

On that day, I will not just order it and close my eyes while using my imagination, I will take a bite of it’s goey goodness…one day. I digress, yes Stevie B for mayor of MTL.

But in the mean time and in between time, lets just say mayor or not, Stevie has KA’s vote hands down as the coolest cat in MTL. Who needs a big Grey building in the Old Port when you have the Hotel De Ville of Cool on Mountain Street above Rosalie’s, harkening back to the good old days (yes I said it) when cool was hot and the doorman sat on his purple Harley outside of his respective club and ate fried chicken from a box.

Full interview with Stevie B. – Vol. 5

I don’t know about you, but nothing spells a “Great Sunday” like models…well, two models to be exact, in bathing suits, posing provocatively for KA Vol.5. This would actually be the top of the top for me on any given Sunday afternoon

Dia and jess were beyond awesome as this was their first shoot for KA Magazine. Dia especially was very very vocal about her love of all things KA, as she enthused: “I’m gonna bring IT Rabi!!”

After a few minutes, the more reserved Jess caught the KA-Sunday-afternoon-bug and it was all fun fun and more fun in the KA studio.

God bless models, without them what would we be left with? I shudder to think of a bathing suit shoot with… a panda as the subject. Ok! Not a good example, since panda’s are really cute, but I am sure you get the point! Models R.O.C.K.!

Speaking of rock, let us not forget the crew; Rabi was incredible as always on hair, and Susan (the other pisces…there are three of us in the crew) was on with her superstar chair! Talking about superstars, did we say Ashley King anyone? She the multi-talented not to be pegged-down creative director of KA, kicking it with her styling and artistic “director-ing”!

KA Vol. 5 is worth the wait Dia. – Until March 2012

Special Thanks to AquaDiLara, Sauipe, NEVIK, Creed, Marleaux, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Ksenia Boeva Collection & Rosenstein Paris

The full editorial will appear in KA Vol. 5′s Limited Edition, available January 2012.

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.

Artist Development, Branding, Recording, Photography, Marketing, Music Production…who needs big mainstream labels anymore?

With the ever growing saturation of generic pop artists and mainstream radio these days – We are all left wondering: Where has all the good music gone? Where are all the unique artists and singers that stand out from all the rest? You know… the kind of music that becomes timeless! Where is the Etta James of 2011? She must be out there somewhere…

The whole concept behind Buddhafish Music is to create moving music that quite simply – wows people! That’s it. That’s all. The label also gives its artist’s the option of fully integrating themselves into various aspects of the company, allowing them to go beyond just the creativity and also learn the ins and outs of the business end. Ultimately, they could end up having a hand in cultivating their own careers and watching it magically unfold before their eyes.

How did this fast-growing Boutique Music Agency begin?
It all started in 2009, when Founder of Buddhafish, noticed a raw talent in one of his then employees. At the time, he didn’t know much about the music recording industry – but his musical ear definitely did not fail in discovering such a star as Ashley King. The two started modestly writing and recording music together, only to see Ms. King explode onto the Montreal Music scene – having been nominated as “Best New Canadian Artist for 2010” in KA Magazine, as well as acquiring a significant amount of positive press coverage and a number of gigs at some of the hottest events/ festivals to take place in Canada.

Two Albums later, Ashley King can now be seen performing and promoting her fresh “electro-soul” music. With her angelic yet powerful voice mixed with heavy yet sultry beats, Ashley seems to turn people into die-hard fans wherever she goes. She is thrilled to be the first artist signed with Buddhafish Music, and watch as all her dreams come true! With its recent move to a chic and trendy loft close to the Atwater Market on St – Ambroise Street, you’d think you were walking into a over the top studio only seen in LA or New York! Who can believe we now have one in the heart of our fabulous little city – Montreal. Having begun with Ashley King, followed by Anna Liani, the label has naturally expanded its roster of talents and added new “family” members to the team: Inus*Aso, Lanisa Dawn, Stallz, and Ibo Natra.

Buddhafish Music – A full-service Artist Development Agency that does everything from working with an artist on song writing, music recording and production, all the way to the promotions side of photography, graphics, marketing and web design. The specialty of musical style is mainly soul, electronic, R&B, hip hop, house, and urban music. Buddhafish Music is also open to (and has already begun) collaborating in song-writing, and other ventures with artists who prefer to work independently – but still interested in joining forces for intriguing projects that fit with the Buddhafish vision.

For music lovers out there, keep an eye (or ear) on releases and shows by Buddhafish Music!

www.buddhafishmusic.com

Humorist Benjamin Marquis will set the stage as Master of Ceremony of the event which will offer a number of performances by the worlds most talented Burlesque artists, such as Coco Lectric, Miss Sugarpuss, Bonbon Bombay et Michelle L’amour.

Burlesque Performer and Founder of the Festival Miss Scarlett James will grace the stage alongside special guests April March, Satan’s Angel and Tiffany Carter. “The Festival is in honor of this amazing period in time when night life was synonymous for Glamour and good times.” Says Scarlett.

A Fashion show will kick of the Festivities on the 25th, showcasing fine Parisian Lingerie from Lise Charmel as well as a sneak peak of the NEVIK Fall /Winter Collection by Montreal Designer Kevin Allwood.

The Fashion show will be followed by a music show “Oh Canada” featuring Canadian performers, headlined by Montreal’s own, singer ASHLEY KING.

This is merely just the beginning, as the whole weekend will be filled with sexy glamour at the Montreal Burlesque Festival 2011.

Visit www.montrealburlesquefestival.ca for tickets and information.

KA — When I met you, I was not expecting such a down to earth generous person as with the field you are in, most of the guys are not so genuine. How do you keep both feet on the ground?

SH — I started at the bottom and understood every step of the way. It allowed me to understand the value of things and most importantly the value of people, trying very hard in never taking things for granted. I was told at a young age that who ever you meet on the way up will be the ones you meet on the way down so stay true, humble & genuine…part of that lesson came from family. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with real things, spirituality, family, good friends and the basic values of life.

KA — The thing I was struck by was your particular sense of style; part ‘boho’ part retro, part Bond. Have you ever thought of going into fashion from the design perspective?

SH — Its funny you ask…I actually started my career in fashion but more on the retail manage- ment & buying side but quickly got bored and felt isolated. Fortunately my fashion experience led me to special event planning mixing both fashion & event production and giving birth to my first event brand “Don’t tell my booker” in 1998 with now offices in Paris, Miami & Montreal and with more than 10 international events a year. I’m also currently working on developing a premium denim line out of Montreal for worldwide distribution

KA — DTMB (Don’t Tell My Booker) is a phenomenal success, all the events that you do seem to be an immediate success. At the obvious risk of it not being a secret after we print, what is “your secret”?

SH — Secret huh? hahaha! If I tell you I will have to kill you!!(007)…Seriously though…it’s the combination of many things.1.CREATIVITY: I’m always looking for the wow factor in a DTMB event, the fear of doing just a regular thing scares me that’s why I spend a lot of time thinking outside the box. People need to escape and I’m there to give it to them. 2. AMBIANCE: ambiance is extremely important but often underestimated. It’s about understand- ing the flow of a room, knowing what and how to program the evenings entertainment. 3.CREDIBILITY: Make strong contacts and build your credibility, people talk and doors open 4.PERSISTENCE & STRONG WORK ETHIC: I always say, “you’re only good as your last event” That saying is what keeps me working hard, if you aim for the stars and only reach the moon well that is still good ‘cause your still out there.

KA — What new projects are on the burner?

SH — Always new projects on the burner, it’s what keeps me alive? I’m working on developing new hosting cities for DON’T TELL MY BOOKER. DTMB merchandising. A new denim line for early 2011. Also on the horizon restaurants, clubs and hotels…the more projects I have the hap- pier I get

KA — What is it about Montreal that seems to draw us back, even though the rewards are not close to being equal to the massive efforts?

SH — I left this city many times and for long periods of time but coming back always felt like home. Probably because things don’t change much, so you can leave for a while, come back, and always know what to expect…My only two set backs have been the cold weather and the lack of unity between French & English speaking Quebec. If both parties worked on one agenda, this city would be invincible. Montreal needs to start acting like a big city…so once again, blame it on politics.

KA — When do you take a break?

SH — I don’t …I live and breathe this stuff but no ones complaining here.

KA — When KA decided to do Best of Canada, you were an immediate choice. Does this sort of thing really make a difference to the person who receives it?

SH — Of course It does….most people who are passionate of their job never expect rewards , I know I don’t but being acknowledged sure gets appreciated…so thank you KA mag.

KA — Who is Stevie B.?

SH — Happy, passionate, inspired, determined and always ready.

When we first met Maya, we were floored by the amount of energy that she had, plus the magazine that she was publishing (YU) is amazing. Now, Maya has continued to reinvent herself, and coupled with her experience in print media, she has launched her PR and marketing company. Seeing Maya work and her attention to details, we at KA cannot help but agree that she is truly Best of Canada.

KA — When did you decide that becoming your own boss was the thing to do?

MS — I’ve always been on my own…call it the entrepreneur curse!

KA — You were the editor of a beautiful magazine “YU”, what about this expe- rience would you say helped you the most in doing what you are doing now?

MS — Being the Editor in Chief of a high-end lifestyle publication gave me the opportunity to develop a solid and enviable business network. I got to meet a lot of great successful and inspiring Montrealers. Also I developed my leading skills; I had a great team that consisted of editors, designers, sales, photogra- phers, stylists etc…

KA — When you meet people for a living, how do you do this casually when you are no longer working? Or like an artist, are you always painting?

MS — I love developing my network; I am constantly meeting new people. I believe every single person we meet has something to offer, an experience to share, or needs some kind of referral. One unpredictable encounter can change the whole course of your life, on both business and personal levels, so keep your mind and heart open.

KA — Maya: it is the illusion that is pulled over our eyes to believe what we see as the real world. How much of what we see of “Maya” is illusion, and how much is allowed to be real?

MS — There is no illusion, what you see is what you get. That said, sometimes people get the wrong impression based purely on my lifestyle, they build a certain image without really getting to know me. There is much more to every person than just what we see…you would be surprised. I think the least judg- mental people are the ones with the strongest network.

KA — As a woman it is sometimes expected that unlike men, you have to be more open and sensitive. How do you respond to this when sometimes you wish to just get the job done and get past the sensitive stuff?

MS — Men are sensitive… but the difference is they always get the job done. After all, business is business…nothing personal. That’s how women should be also.

KA — You are an avid golfer, how did this come about?

MS — My parents have always been members of a golf club; I spent all my childhood summers on the driving range. After winning at 13 my club’s Presi- dent’s Cup Championship, I fell in love with the game, and with winning! Golf is a great asset for business development; also it is nice being sometimes the only lady playing at an important charity tournament with more than a 100 men!

KA — When you travel to the UAE, what is it about coming back to Canada that you appreciate the most?

MS — Dubai is an amazing source of inspiration, very surreal; but what I ap- preciate in Canada is the professional way business is done. Rules of the game are very different there.

KA — Who is Maya?

MS — Still trying to figure that one out..183