FASHION: A delicate balance
Sean McGirr’s Alexander McQueenSupplied
“For the spring season, we’re going to see a reboot of a more traditional sense of femininity in clothing and how it’s worn. It’s not one note, though. It has an attitude and feels refreshing with all of its unlikely pairings. Sartorial juxtapositions include a strict tailored skirt and vest look at Seán McGirr’s Alexander McQueen that is trimmed all over with soft ruffles (pictured). Tough fabrics such as leather are being paired with elegantly draped pants at Loewe or manipulated into softer silhouettes such as the cropped leather jackets at Chemena Kamali’s Chloé. These were gathered at the shoulders and cuffs in a way that recontextualized a typically rigid material as something more delicate.” – NADIA PIZZIMENTI
BEAUTY: Rennaï‘s rise
Rennai carries more than 175 brands.PHIL BERNARD PHOTOG/Supplied
“Shopping for beauty products in person is getting a glow up as innovative new retailers arrive on the scene and existing ones tweak in-store experience. When the research firm McKinsey found that sales growth in physical channels accelerated in 2023, it singled out specialty stores as an emerging bright spot. For Canadian beauty lovers, this translates to innovative new shops such as Rennaï, a 36,000-square-foot space that recently opened at the Royalmount development in Montreal and is attracting shoppers with exclusive products that include Victoria Beckham Beauty. With more than 175 brands on its shelves, Rennaï is also pioneering a menu of services that combines traditional salon treatments – manicures, facials and the like – with medical aesthetics.” – CAITLIN AGNEW
FRAGRANCE: The next great perfumer is ... AI?
Le Labo fragrance set.Supplied
“It’s the most transformational time in perfumery since the development of synthetic molecules at the turn of the past century. Today, major international fragrance companies have integrated artificial intelligence tools beyond workflow and into creation. Estée Lauder Cos. recently formed a partnership with tech firm OpenAI that will reshape how the company crafts new products across its portfolio of popular brands including Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Jo Malone and Tom Ford. But while quickly computing trend and sales data to generate scents that satisfy existing tastes optimizes commercial success, it does not necessarily elevate olfactory innovation. As a result, the traditional human art of ‘slow perfumery’ still practised by trained noses will feel more like true luxury than ever.” – NATHALIE ATKINSON
WATCHES: Time, off-kilter
The Berneron MirageSupplied
“Stone dials, non-round cases and high-end mechanical movements are among the biggest trends in watches right now, which is why we’re all likely to be hearing a lot more about watch designer Sylvain Berneron and his eponymous brand in 2025. The Berneron Mirage, which was launched in 2023, features an asymmetrical case, a hand-wound movement from an elite Swiss manufacturer and a handsome selection of dials including lapis lazuli and tiger eye. With the Mirage’s production capped at just 48 pieces a year, you can expect internet-breaking levels of hype around the brand’s follow-up, a ‘very technically demanding annual calendar in a round case,’ which will be announced in September.” – JEREMY FREED
DESIGN: Hotel living
An installation called Night and Day will explore the influence of hospitality spaces on the design world.Supplied
“As we emerged from pandemic lockdowns, it was only natural that our decor reference points would shift from futurist social-media-friendly inspiration (see blobby furniture and endless arches) to ideas sourced from the places we’re gathering again: restaurants, boutiques and, especially, hotels. At Toronto’s Interior Design Show this month, an installation called Night and Day will explore the influence of hospitality spaces on the design world at large. Beyond the show floor, watch for small spaces influenced by the Tetris-like organization of boutique hotel suites and a return to showboating design that’s meant to turn your dining room into the hottest reservation in town.” – ANDREW SARDONE
EXHIBITIONS: Fine and dandy
Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton.Anna-Marie Kellen/Supplied
“Referencing Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York’s major exhibition in May will be titled Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. The theme navigates the trajectory of the autonomy-affording sartorial gestures of Black Dandies throughout history, shining a spotlight on the creative vanguards – and the folks who wore (and wear) their designs – who have defined this evolving term. Expect this to result in interest in natty U.K.-based brands such as Wales Bonner and Labrum as well as Pharrell Williams’s work for Louis Vuitton’s men’s-wear collection (pictured).” – ODESSA PALOMA PARKER
TRAVEL: Destinations cool down
Greenland will be among the year's hottest (cold) destinations this year.Supplied
“Bundle up. Travel’s hottest destinations for 2025 are some of the world’s coldest. Think Greenland (pictured), which is now reachable from North America via direct flights on United Airlines from Newark Airport in New Jersey. Or Antarctica. In late 2024, Silversea Cruises announced its plans to develop a 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile, to make getting to one of the company’s most desirable destinations for expedition cruising a more enjoyable experience. Closer to home, French cruise company Ponant will be sailing its icebreaking cruise ship down the St. Lawrence River on a new route through communities in Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, the Magdalen Islands and then on to St. Pierre and Miquelon, just south of Newfoundland.” – MARYAM SIDDIQI
WINE AND SPIRITS: Canada’s whisky moment
Canadian ClubSupplied
“Canadian Club’s Invitation Series moves from strength to strength, following the debut 15-year-old sherry-cask-finished whisky with this year’s model, a one-time release, high-proof (58 per-cent abv) 18-year-old expression. Consistent access to rare and exclusive bottles signals a coming of age for the historic brand as well as the entire Canadian whisky category. Whisky distilleries large and small are increasingly crafting rich and robust spirits and offering different age statements, proof and barrel finishes to attract consumer interest. A growing range of outstanding yet affordable whiskies are ready to enjoy.” – CHRISTOPHER WATERS