Vancouver’s Diner en Blanc celebrated its 5th anniversary in such a glamorous way. The largest one yet, totalling over 6000 people with 2000 more than previous years. One-third of the stylish attendees were Le Diner en Blanc first time participants, joining the veterans as we all enjoyed a magical evening together! I (Justin Voitic) attended with my fave photographer Kuna Photography Group and were impressed as always not only by the effort those had put into their elegant all-white looks but by the extravagance of the table displays created but attendees who set up their own tables, linens and decorations as they dine al fresco. The Vancouver Circus School is always a stand out with their talented contortionists who showed off their gymnastic strength in these photos, sprayed in beautiful white and silver body paint and shimmery makeup artistry to suit the event. The incomparable Dani Barnes / House Of Barnes styled Crystal Carson and myself this year in looks by Boo La La Costumes. Crystal Carson the Style Director was a whimsical vision in white with a lace bustle, LED lights which took the dress day to night, an amazing fascinator and jewellery by the iconic Carolyn Bruce who creates incredible Steam-Punk jewellery. Our friends at Moet & Chandon hooked me up with a limited edition fan, which I had fun flapping as I felt it went well with my white feather plumed top hat and pearls which Dani Barnes had picked out for me. Thanks to Craig and the team inside the Media lounge for making our experience to entertaining, inside the Concord Pacific building which was air-conditioned and a nice breather to regroup as we sipped on delicious Rose before heading out again to continue our coverage. The climax was the memorable tradition of lighting the night aglow with sparklers, as everyone soaked up the experience and celebrated with new and old friends while Juno nominated band The Lost Fingers serenaded us to cap off the 5th year of Le Diner en Blanc- Vancouver We then head over to the after-party to continue to dance the night away, as always we couldn’t shake off the afterglow of a blissful and unforgettable evening. Shoutout to The Social Concierge & Camber Communications for inviting us and rocking the event increasingly every year! See you next time.
We had a rousing time as all the hottest Vancouver fashionistas gathered at the Hastings Racetrack for a good old fashioned day at the races. The sweet smell of cigar smoke was in the air, you could hear the sound of champagne bottles popping amidst laughter and great conversations.
This event was filled with stylish and sexy individuals! The men were fine in their best dapper derby inspired looks.
The women were also dressed to the nines, and I think I saw some of the largest and most ornate fascinators to date this year as everyone went all out on their looks!
We saw excited bidders waving their tickets and shouting for the horse they had placed their bets on as the horses raced around the tracks with impressive speed.
It’s always a pleasure to see the owner of The Optical Boutique (who recently fitted Kuna with some stylish new frames which I was coveting that day) Sue Randhawa – this woman is not only a dear friend and a sweet soul but she is a style icon who we are fortunate to have with us here in Vancouver.
Sue was one of the judges of the Deighton Cup Style Stakes Awards, which we enjoyed watching this year. Stephanie Zen who attended with us and myself also self-nominated ourselves which was a new feature this year. Stephanie was rocking a baby blue number with a matching Hermes Kelly bag which gave me life!
Kudos to Crystal Carson, the Style Director of the Deighton Cup who really did a fab job teaching everyone the fashion etiquette and history of the event with her fun posts and news appearances leading up to this year’s cup. It looks like everyone took note as the crowd was looking extra chic this year!
To make things fair, Crystal Carson pulled self-nominated fashionistas up on stage at random by drawing ballots.
One of our lovely friends Dominique Hanke was called up on stage, and I was obsessing over her hat which she crafted beautifully. The legendary Liz Bell did the final judging and the best-dressed man and woman were awarded each $500 for the Style Stakes Awards.
I pulled my outfit together last minute out of my closet using clothes I had purchased with my personal shopper who you should all go visit at Topman, Mr Nano Clow. I was rocking accessories pulled from the company I work for, LXR&CO also located in Hudson’s Bay. Specializing in vintage luxury we just moved our location upstairs to the Main Floor in handbags. From LXR&CO at this event I was wearing Tom Ford glasses, a damier ebene Louis Vuitton briefcase, and a Balenciaga clutch wallet. You can purchase all three for under $2000 which is an excellent value. I always love to rock eco-fashion looks so I paired my pre-loved LXR&CO luxury swag with a vintage fox fur that I had thrifted.
After the winners were announced, the music kicked back in and the party really started to pick up as the sun came out and we made our way to enjoy the complimentary meals, which were delicious!
Extra thanks to our friends at Veuve Clicquot for having us in your private booth and popping some of your delicious bubbles with us!
With over 4000 attendees this year, The Deighton Cup is just getting bigger and more amazing each year, also more fierce as everyone really does go all out which is nice to see in Vancouver! Props to Camber Communications for doing a fabulous job, and it was so great to see everyone. See you all next at Diner en Blanc, Vancouver!!!
My partner in Fashion, (rather than crime) the talented photographer Kuna Lu & I attended the 4th annual Diner en Blanc – Vancouver on Tuesday, Aug 25th, which was held this year at Canada Place and was well attended by 4500 guests!
Everyone was decked out in their best all-white-on-blanc looks (and sometimes off-white or even cream in some cases.) Many were whimsical, and a few were even wonderfully creative art installations!
Contortionists doing their thang and getting all bendy with it from the Vancouver Circus School.
As we signed in we saw many familiar faces and met some new friends as well! Shout out to Steven Schelling and his fabulous team at Camber Communications for our invites to Diner en Blanc – Vancouver this year as well as the last event we covered together, The Deighton Cup! After checking in, we were entertained by the talented contortionists and circus performers from the Vancouver Circus School.
Our friend Jigme Nehring, owner of Mine & Yours dazzled in her all-white creation. We love you!
We made our way upstairs to the media area where we enjoyed some bubbly sponsored byCharton-Hobbs and delicious canapés provided by the excellent Hawksworth Restaurant.
Our bartender had real flair and was quite the classy gentWe nibbled on delicious canapes catered by The Hawksworth.
After bumping into several familiar faces and colleagues in the media such as Christie Lohr the creator of StyleNineToFive, we headed back down and took in some of the creative ways that the attendees set up their tables to dine in Blanc al fresco.
Bikki & his friends had fun posing with me at the booth by Photobooth Vancouver against a floral wall by The Flower Factory, Bikki is a fabulous Men’s suit designer who is sporting a white pair of suspenders designed by local talent JJ Suspenders.
The sun began to set and the stylish attendees enjoyed their meals and wine, either brought with them from home or catered by several different restaurants. This is how it all began in Paris, and is now recreated around the world in many different cities annually.
Guests enjoy their meals either catered or brought from home. They all brought their own tables and chairs, too.
I stopped to have a moment of fun with the Marie Antoinette ladies in white from Zynth & co.
4 Marie Antoinette’s from Zynth & Co flapped their fans and stopped for a photo with me.
Kuna and I were pleasantly surprised by the life and first ever real wedding that took place at Diner en Blanc Vancouver, as Rachel & Sam Merrell got married to all of us as their guests witnessing this beautiful moment of love.
You may now kiss the bride!
We continued rounds as the event this year was split up into several different zones as Kuna snapped pictures of several guests with their friends at their gorgeously decorated tables. At 9pm, after the sunset we all celebrated with a memorable moment of unity as we lit our sparklers and rejoiced in wonderful company.
Sparklers were lit at 9pm as we all enjoyed this moment in time together.I love this group shot! Can you spot me?
After the sparklers died down, I enjoyed bumping into my friend Jessica Luxe & her man and making some new friends along the way as we headed through the crowds’ en blanc ending up at the main stage.
Jessica Luxe was looking extra cute in bunny ears with her new violet ‘do!
The party began as the music played on the main stage. I even had time to squeeze in a dance on the floor and a fist pump after checking out talented artist Johnny Taylor who was painting his abstract canvases live in front of the guests.
Johnny Taylor creating beautiful art in front of us, I now have a piece by him on my wish list!We were getting Turnt en Blanc in Vancouver to end Summer 2015 with a bang!
We had a blast and it was so awesome seeing all of you in your beautiful outfits. I leave you all with some of my favourite peeps as well as my top picks for the best looks of the evening. Thanks for having us and see you next year!
Style Director Crystal Carson looked beautiful in her friend’s wedding dress re-purposed with the addition of an art installation headpiece which looked amazing on her!Soul couple Mandy Carnahan looking lovely with her husband!I am hoping to see these girls come shop with me at LXR&CO in HBC as their luxury handbag game was snatched!The creative Sarah Mae treated me to one of her yummy white swirl lollies!
Despite a rainy day prior, we enjoyed the perfect amount of heat to keep all of our fascinators & fedoras in place for the lucky number seven edition (7th annual year) of The Deighton Cup 2015 presented by The Social Concierge, MMG Group, Camber Communications & more.
A day at the Races! The Deighton Cup – Lucky Number 7 was a ton of fun
Kuna Lu & I skipped the insanely long line and headed straight for the Media check-in to get our wristbands, admiring many adorned headpieces, gorgeous floral sundresses, and dapper gents on our way down.
Really enjoyed this creative newspaper fascinator!Loved that Peacock Fascinator!
We first checked out the Veuve Clicqout VIP lounge for some bubbles & snapped some stylish guys & dolls sporting their best “Day at the Races” inspired looks.
Michael, Jonathan & Guests had their own table reserved in the VIP Veuve Clicquot lounge.Crystal Carson (Style Director of The Deighton Cup) & I gushing over our beloved mutual friend GT (Ginelle Taylor) who is now the President of Archeology of BC!The band preparing for their next rousing number.
The sweet smell of cigar smoke filled the air and the jazz band played as we were transported into another time & place with the glamour. Could this really be Vancouver, or were my eyes playing tricks on me? There was not a yoga pant in sight! ?
Having fun with Jacqueline Ryan & friends!
I entered the Style Stakes-Best Dressed Awards, presented by Market One Media Group Inc. hosted by SHAW TV’s Fiona Forbes, where the best-dressed “Belle Du Jour & Gallant Sartorialist” win $500 each at The Deighton Cup. The prize was well deserved and won by couple Lucy Orellana-Lopez & her man Michael Boulet who both embodied the alternative/pin-up/indie version of this award. Michael helped Lucy with the construction of her beautiful hat, both are such a creative couple!
The beautiful couple winning the Style Stakes Awards!Interview with Fiona Forbes on the Red Carpet during the Style Stakes Best Dressed Awards
Horses sped by with jockeys riding like the wind during gallops my friend Michelle & her man had their money ($500 each) on #5.
I had fun checking out the Luxury Cars – my fave was the orange Mclaren that Nicki Minaj owns.
Once again my talented Stylist, Raul Manriquez knocked my look out of the park derby style, with a polka dot pant, neck jewels from Holt Renfew, a black blazer and a chrome clutch paired with my newly purchased style specs shades and Moschino timepiece/bracelet by Jeremy Scott both picked up at Mine & Yours on Hornby. Check Raul’s style blog here: http://theraulyycblog.tumblr.com
Whimsical hat!
Overall I met some cool peeps, shared some laughs, saw some old friends & enjoyed this event very much! Thanks for having us!!
It was great catching up with Mary Zilba from The Real Housewives of Vancouver who I met through my cousin Christina Kiesel who was her castmate for Season 1 of RHOV.
Fierce. Fresh. Fleek! This gal has got the 3 F’s mastered.
Our Luxurious Invite alongside the first issue of LUXJ PS – Your Invite contains a 100$ Giftcard to Green Field SpaServing Tuxedo Mask 2015 Realness on the Red Carpet with talented Youtube Star Sisters Linda & Kelly Dong.
LYFE Vancouver brought Glamour back to the city (and the Ocean) and literally gave me LYFE with their roaring 20’s inspired Fashion Masquerade Party! LYFE means “Live Young Forever” – with their definitive taste & efficiency in event planning I knew we were in store for a night to remember. For this event, I was styled by my new Stylist the talented Raul Manriquez of Raul YYC Fashion Styling, who is also coming up with 2 more looks for me this summer when we cover The Deighton Cup 2015 next week, and Diner En Blanc Vancouver in late August. Kuna & I headed down to the docks at the Plaza of Nations, where we first enjoyed a Luxury Car Show before hitting up the Red Carpet:
Beautiful Models posed beside Luxury Cars.
The VIP guests then walked down the Red Carpet holding beautifully crafted Invitations before boarding the beautiful 3 floor mega-yacht “The Magic Spirit” which holds capacity at 400 people.
Cathy Lai knocked this event out of the park! She, at 23 is the owner of LYFE Vancouver, Lux. J, & Live Young Forever Holding Group Ltd. With elite sponsors such as Versace & Aston Martin backing Cathy, I’d say this talented young Mogul has only begun to blow us away by giving us a juicy taste with this event of what’s to come. I know she will continue to succeed Worldwide.
On to the fun times! I had a blast. As we boarded the “Magic Spirit”, I spotted these killer shoes worn by a VIP guest ahead of me in line. Kuna & I had to street-style snap this gentleman as I enjoyed his shades, the pearl embellishments on his white dress shirt & those zippered pants paired with these beauties.
Those shoes though. Want!“Mama” Keiko Boxall looking fabulous as always, still scouting young talent as a Runway Coach and Agent in Vancouver – she met me when I was 21 & I was doing my first shoots and runway shows like a model and has served as a role model, mentor and Matriarchal figure in our Fashion Industry for decades! Slay, Keiko, Slay!
I made fast friends with a talented Fashion Designer named Angela Huang – who left me gagged as all I could say in my first introductory words to her, was “Beautiful!” to which she replied, “You Too”. The rest was history! Her 1920’s inspired red dress was designed by Angela herself (Angel Huang Design) & she killed it! GIRL.
Talented Fashion Designer rocking her own Design in this beautiful red dress
It was my intention with this event to cover the fashion that I felt brought the essence of the 1920’s all the way into 2015 & Angela Huang definitely rocked that, especially in this impromptu shoot we had with Kuna Lu on the side deck of the vessel, where I shouted ‘your man is lost at Sea!’ & she channelled the feeling instantly! Angela Huang is always on point, we talked about how with her Instagram feed she expresses herself, as an Artist – her Insta-feed has a gradient flow with an International Fashion Blogger feel.
Angela Huang, Fashion Designer is extremely creative, kind, and beautiful!
Linda Dong vlogging her Red Carpet experience at the Lyfe Masquerade Yacht Event with her sister Kelly Dong.
International Superstar DJ Pac Man flew in from Hong Kong just to play at this event & ripped things up on the decks all night while we got Turnt on the top deck LED dance floor PS -I love Pac-Man’s line of custom made luxe Watches, made with some of the same quality parts that Rolex uses to create their timepieces.
Cathy brought something fresh to the city by incorporating her outside-the-box concepts and wild ideas which has “built the foundation of a truly unique Chinese Canadian social platform” as described in her bio on the LYFE Vancouver website!
Mask #2
A VIP Media Gold wristband brought me up to the VIP Lounge where I enjoyed champagne, had a bottle of white & red served with hospitality by Magic Spirit staff which was shared with some new talented friends as we shared life stories while connecting with each other collectively.
Beautiful Ice Sculpture aboard the Magic Spirit Yacht – yes I touched it, I couldn’t resist?
Ice Sculptures with the LYFE Vancouver logo lined the Red Carpet aboard the top deck where two guards parted a gorgeous curtain which led us into VIP Lounge. Here, we enjoyed a large shell-shaped ice sculpture – elegantly cut which held a delicious spread of crab legs, raw oysters, fresh mussels & smoked salmon upon it catered by the Magic Spirit staff. Fabulous guests everywhere were clinking glasses, laughing and enjoying the stylish company surrounding them as we continued to experience the LYFE event & our voyage.
Lush Floral Displays by Elsie, founder of Miss Qi Event Design.
Floral centrepieces and displays by Elsie, The founder and head designer of Miss Qi Event Design who stayed up until 3am preparing the breathtaking Floral event design displays & shared with me (when we met) that she named her adorable son Justin because “anyone named Justin is good looking!”?
Another gorgeous display in the VIP Lounge by Elsie of Miss Qi Event Design
It was a pleasure to meet the owner of Blaq Sheep Coffee, Tan Tran – who definitely knows how to “Live Young Forever” (LYFE) & who’s lovely, beautiful wife is the sister of Hong Kong Actress and cantopop singer Cecelia Cheung, their brother is none other than DJ Pacman!
We finished the beautiful voyage and evening on the waters of Vancouver by dancing on the LED Dancefloor on the top deck of the yacht after another fun synchronized dance performance by the energetic GSG Productions, Inc dance troupe.
The GSG Productions, Inc. dance troupe working up a storm on the LED Dance floor which glowed even brighter after a stunning sunset in Vancouver.
The Afterparty was held at the Shangri-La XiShi lounge & you could see Limos departing immediately after we landed back ashore. Keep your eyes on the events that LYFE Vancouver crank out in the future. I, for one am thrilled to see what they have in store for us!
Thank you so much for having us – hats off to Cathy & her team!
Hi my name is Justin Voitic & here is my Red Carpet Fashion Review of The Leo Awards 2015! The Leo was held at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and my friend Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography joined me in covering all the Red Carpet Fashion for the 2015 Winners, Nominees & Presenters for HUSH. I was Red Carpet ready thanks to the iconic Sue Randhawa owner of The Optical Boutique, who sponsored two high fashion pieces of Theo Eye Wear for this occasion!
The stars were out in full effect dazzling the room with their talent, charm, quick wit, good humour – and what we came here for – to gag on the Eleganza of their Red Carpet Fashion!
Time to take a look at my top picks of the best looks of the evening & their style stories when it came to bringing their look together!
Dressed as a Grecian Goddess in H&M (Styled by Dominique Hanke), Sarah Deakins who was nominated for the film Greece nailed this themed look! I love Dom’s choice of gold jewellery & accessories that complement the white dress which has a high slit, so if you want to have an Angelina moment on the Red Carpet you can by strutting your sexy leg out!
I loved hearing Kristin Lehman from the TV Series Motive’s style Story behind her bright floral dress – “I originally bought it as a high-necked, Ill Fitting Mu Mu at a thrift shop in Kenzington Market in Toronto” – Kristin Lehmen She then took the Mu Mu to a top Industry Seamstress who re-imagined it into this gorgeous dress which flattering cuts. Talk about taking your Eco Chic skills to the next level, Kristin!
Brooke Nevin slayed in a Cobalt Blue gown which was done by the Costello Stello featuring not only an elegant train but a sensual cut out in the front of the design which showed off her gorgeous silhouette!
“DO YOU LIKE MY BEAUTIFUL GOWN?” -Zach Lipovsky, Director of On The Lot fame (who is in town to Direct a film & did not pack a suit but still looked amazing) I was loving the quick-witted comedy from some of the Men, not only did the funny moment above with Zach have me giggling; I also want to tip my hat off to another good sport – Actor Woody Jeffreys even took his own shoe off on the Red Carpet for me to reveal the name of the Italian Leather designer – All in the name of FASHION I tell ya! Thanks for having fun with me, gentlemen!
I loved when Jennifer Copping (star of Bed Bugs: A Musical Love Story), pictured above right with Shauna Johannesen) told me her inspiration behind the bold floral Reformation jumpsuit she chose to rock on the Red Carpet. “It’s something bright, strong & fun that my character would wear”! – Jennifer Copping – Eco Fashion was a big theme this year on the Red Carpet & it makes me happy!
Powerhouse Michael Eklund displayed pure confidence in a Dolce & Gabbanna suit paired with fresh Nike kicks. Michael has a wonderful personality & is a truly talented actor who inspires me!
Talk about double trouble! It was a pleasure meeting Joyce & Jacqueline Robbins who rocked the Red Carpet of the 2015 Leo Awards wearing both Michael Kors & amazing attitudes. You shine bright, sisters!
If they were handing out an award for the Most Gorgeous Couple of the Evening, I think these two would have snatched the trophy. Anja Savčić pictured left in a stunning Ellebay Bridalgown & was Styled by the designer herself, Merly Bayona. Anja was nominated for Strange Empire & is pictured above with her boyfriend Jeremy Laurie.
While the Stars mingled with Champagne outside the Ballroom, the staff inside were busy setting the tables & preparing for the 3rd & final Leo Awards 2015 Ceremony to begin. Kuna & I made our way over to the Eco Fashion Week Gift Lounge to connect with some familiar friends!
Myriam Laroche & Ashleigh Said of Eco Fashion Week hosted the beautiful Eco Fashion Week Gift Lounge – was great to both catches up and explore the Local, Organic, Healthy, Craft choices from the amazing sponsors that put together a gift bag that was both West Coast & Eco Friendly. Thank you for spoiling us!
That’s a wrap! Until next year! Big thanks to Kuna Photography, Helen Yagi & the whole Leo Awards team, all the wonderful Nominees, Winners & Presenters and everyone else I got to meet and chat with! We had a great time – this astrological Leo is signing out!
Year of Sheep. LunarFest Vancouver 2015 brings many little sheep as art display in front of Vancouver Art Gallery.
It is fun and cute to see so many lovely display cute sheep lining together spread out the ground.
From a high bird-view, it is not hard to notice two Chinese characters shown in front of viewers’ eyes. The two letters are mean lucky and sheep. It means to bring good fortune to everyone who visited.
I enjoy this artist’s sheep the most. It is clever to combine traditional elements and materials for the design. It really turns a simple display into a beautiful collection.
Of course, the dragon dance is one of the highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration in Chinese tradition. To play this dragon requires a solid material base and technics.
All the gorgeous performers are coming from the National University of Tainan and the high school of Taiwan.
I truly enjoy the dragon dance which is different from than traditional style. Watching a different kinds of dragons playing on the stage.
Especially the last dragon, Lotus Dragon, is the most fascinating one. Performers assemble the dragons by lotus flower on the stage. And playing this unique one under the black light to demonstrate the fluorescent effect.
This year, the LunarFest date has met up with the Lunar New Year celebration and Chinatown parade which attracts more people and tourism than ever. I am looking forward to seeing what surprise LunaFest will showcase next year. Happy Lunar New Year!!
Chinatown parade Vancouver is an annual activity. It starts walking from Millennium door of Chinatown, walking a circle end back at a block away from T&T supermarket.
Everyone came from different cultural backgrounds gathering together and celebrating. Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday in Asia; Same as Christmas in Western society.
Floral car is often the highlight at every parade.
I like the Omni TV car with colourful design and firecracker decoration hanging on the car door handle.
English Bagpiper with traditional outfit definite is unique. It is like West meets East, English walk for Chinese New Year.
Betty Lu, Miss World Canada delegate wearing a traditional Chinese outfit with the joyful colour red.
The parade is a great time to join with family and friends. Share the love and joy.
This year, we are lucky to have 11 Miss World Canada and 2 Mr World Canada join the parade. They bring different input for the Year of Goat Lunar Parade.
Wish everyone has the great year 2015, good health and best fortune. Happy Lunar Year!!
Polar bear swim, a spectacular way to celebrate the new year! be part of VanCity’s annual tradition.
This year, we have a beautiful day in the new year with gorgeous sunshine and blue sky. More than 2,000 brave souls douse themselves into ice-cold water and are part of this swimming competition.
Swimmers have been starting the New Year by plunging into the chilly waters of English Bay since 1920 when the Polar Bear Swim was started by Peter Pantages. The swim, which is hosted by the Vancouver Park Board, has remained largely unchanged over the years. Wear a costume, compete in the Peter Pantages Memorial 100-Yard Swim Race, or just come out to watch and enjoy the fun!
“The Polar Bear Swim is a great Vancouver tradition and has been part of many people’s holiday to-do lists,” said Park Board Chair Niki Sharma. “If you are joining us, please help make a difference by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.”
Shoutout to The Social Concierge & Camber Communications for inviting us and rocking the event increasingly every year! 
See you next time.
