WHO IS SHE? Michelle Mama is the host of Fashion File Host
Hunt (Thursdays, 7:30pm, CBC), although she can often be found behind
the scenes working as a director, producer or writer.
“I discovered I am an enthusiast, not a fashionista,” Mama says
about working on Fashion File Host Hunt. “I always thought I knew a lot
about fashion, but the contestants on the show are so up on
everything.”
We're enthusiastic about Mama's deconstructed grey jacket by
Vivienne Westwood, J Brand Jeans, Rashmi Varma top and Italian boots.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE “I came of age in the '90s, when
everything was plain, which is really reflected in my look,” says Mama,
who avoids extreme trends and busy patterns. “Although, I think the
best thing to keep in mind is you can't be too outrageous or too
boring. You need a mix of both.”
BRANDTASTIC Not usually one for label flaunting, Mama
can't get enough of Montreal-based M0851 (23 St. Thomas). “Not only do
I love it, but people in New York stop me on the street and ask me
where I got my jacket.”
BANDTASTIC “I'm happiest in an indie-rock t-shirt and jeans,” says Mama, who believes music and fashion go hand in hand.
“Toronto is having a real cultural moment, like New York City's
Lower East Side in the '70s. I've never been so excited to come home to
Toronto,” she says about returning from the many places she's travelled
to in the past few years, including Denmark, Paris and NYC. “Nowhere
else in the world has so much creativity and thriving underground
culture. There is so much great music and fashion here right now, you
can't go wrong.”
PERFECT DAY IN TORONTO “My perfect day would involve two
brunches, my favourite meal on earth. The first would be at Mitzi's
(100 Sorauren) and the second would be a “Sunday lupper” at The Rosebud
(669 Queen W.). Next I'd go to Soundscapes (572 College) and Rotate
This (620 Queen W.) to browse music, followed by a spot of shopping on
Queen Street. After this, I would just wander a bit down Queen to take
in the day. Then I would take in a movie at Cinematheque (317 Dundas
W.) and have dinner at Gandhi (554 Queen W.), then see an awesome show
at Lee's Palace (529 Bloor W.) followed by cocktails at Beaver Café
(1192 Queen W.).”