Bombs at Opera House

September 7th, 2008

I think my growing addiction to this up and coming band, has almost reached a point of requiring a visit to the rehab clinic. Watching these amazing performers get into the groove, while letting the music pour out of them with such passion, you can't help but get turned on.

The natural progression of this band is something to marvel at, as they walk on stage looking totally delicious in all black and white, this band now looks like a signed group of talented rockers. Which I think the fans in the audience totally appreciated, and when you compare them to the rest of the bands showcasing that night... Bombs taught the rest of the performers, how to rock it out in style.... so you lame ass bitches, get back stage and re-think costume before hitting another stage with Bombs!!!

At the front of the stage applauding Bombs; are the proclaimed "family of bombs" and lately we are beginning to feel a bit like groupies, which is a title I don't mind having while dancing my ass off to the tracks of indie rock that Bombs layed down for their "family" and fans.

A few days prior to this show, I had the opportunity to get these guys together for a photo shoot... me being the only person on time (what do you expect from rock musicians) I patiently waited for the band members arrival. My assumptions were certainly correct on who would be the first to arrive... that's right, it's Dan!! We laughed at how he is the most time conscious member of the band. Tom, is the next to show, and proceeds to tell me that I now have to ride a bus, and for those of you that ride the TTC with me, bus is a definite NO NO!

An hour and half later we finally have the whole band together and we start the shoot. On location at their jam spot, the guys wanted to shoot in the studio, but I had other ideas in mind, and decided to take this show outside. The lighting was overcast, and the rain lingering over our shoot, was perfect for the mood I wanted to capture. To see these photos check out www.bombsmusic.com and see what we came up with.

Now back to the show; being told on the way in that I am not allowed to bring my slr camera into the venue, almost set me off on the security team, but wanting to enjoy the night... I decided to conform to the bars rules "temporarily". Which certainly worked out well, cause I didn't have to lug my big bag around with me for the whole night. But as soon as the show was about to hit the stage, I went to coat check, asked for my bag, and ran with it to the front of the stage to catch some amazing shots. Being dubbed as the bands photographer, I couldn't let the guys down, and I had no intentions of doing so.

Tonight's performance was a-fucking-mazing!!! Tom, the lead singer, sang like never before, pushing himself to new limits of his unreal vocal talent. With Ryan beside him, who said just before going on stage "I play the same for ten people as I do for ten thousand" and he proved that on stage... being the guy he is, there needs to be something that happens that everyone leaves talking about, and well if you want to know what it was, you should have been there!!! Phil on the other hand is laying into his drum kit with all three legs and two arms, looking so into it when he hit sits in front of the drums, it's almost as though he is comfortably drowning in his love for the instrument, If he makes love the way he plays, then some lucky girl spends her whole day walking around with a "giant" smile on her face :) Last but never least, is Dan... I love Dan!! He has loosened up on stage and is having fun with it now, laughing and even taking an opportunity to pose for the camera... armed with a smile that could melt the ice cap (we could almost blame Dan for global warming lol) being the awesome bass guitarist that he is, really pushed himself for this performance.

With the show now done, we wait for the guys to finish up backstage and congratulate them on the show. Standing in front of the Opera house in the wee hours of the morning, trying to decide where they party will go on from there. With a decision made, we board our rides and head out.

Rock on Bombs!!!

Elad at Soho Party

August 20th 2008

Last night Elad was invited to the Soho Advertisers party at the Drake, a beautiful venue located in the Queen West neighborhood, for a gathering of different people submersed in the creative world of advertising.

Invitations went out in the style of boarding passes, asking people to get on board the party plane. Which would explain why a space age flight attendant was checking off the guest list as everybody arrived. As we progressed to the Skybar of the Drake, the theme of flight was everywhere to be seen; all bar staff were sporting pilot caps and all dressed in black... I thought the cab had accidentally dropped me off in the village on fetish night, being slightly confused I bee lined it directly to the open bar for my classic beverage, the vodka cranberry!

Now armed with alcohol and one of my close and sexy associates Joey, we eyed over the crowd to see what we had just signed up for. The crowd seemed to be having a great time, the music was awesome, but as a request from the company throwing the party, they wanted the music kept a listening level... so no dance party was happening, to make it more of a "get to know each other" style party.

As we scanned the room looking for the person that invited us to the party, DJ extraordinaire Didier... super cool guy, and very talented at what he does. Finding him, we finally make our official entrance into the mingle party.

After a few moments of chat with Didier's group, we progress to make our rounds of the room, talking to some really cool people that were down to earth, and really wanted to make the most of the night. You could almost hear the slight faint noise of business cards being swapped and job opportunities confirmed and landed in one evening. The facilitator of this event really new what they were doing!

Joey and I, spotted some seats and decided to grab them. As we sat, we couldn't help but notice the great fashion or the fashion mishaps. Knowing we couldn't walk out of this party with out collecting some photos of the well dressed, and the unfortunate mistakes... we were back on our feet, with our canon rebel in hand, we set out to collect.

Our first choice of "Oh god no!!" was a very pretty girl with her heart in the right place, but the hem lines and drapings in all the wrong places. Now I completely appreciate the goddess style and the very loose and billowing style dresses, but when its done in sea foam blue and is made from a poly blend, it can only mean one thing... who ever sold it to you, lied!... did you ask if they were on commission??? I am sure somewhere under the many yards of material their is a great body, but unfortunately this number makes you think "what's this girl hiding?" If you are tempted to wear this again.. i strongly recommend a waist belt or a stop at your local twenty four hour hardware store and grab some rope and cinch in that waist... Please!!

Many of the attendees at this event do not understand the importance of matching shoes not only to the colours in your outfit, but also to the style and attitude of the ensemble. If you are wearing a below the knee length dress, and you are in the dilemma of "boots or shoes" either would normally work, however... you should always be able to see a break of skin between the dresses hem line and the top edge of the boot. If the boots are high enough to go under the dress, stop and re-think it... because this will cause your body to loose visual height, but also looks terrible. If you are unsure, go with shoes!

On a brighter side of the fashion police raids, some of the women had it going on, with the soft and delicate dresses to the casually strewn look of neutral blending, offered a soft and approachable style, that suited perfect for the party.

As for the guys at this event, I will tip my hat to them. I have to say this is first party where the men are better dressed then some of the women, so props to the fellas that made the effort to look as good as you can, but also to do it in a way that doesn't look like you tried really hard to make this style choice work.

You know the night is coming to and end when the final round of the Drakes mini burgers are followed up with mini ice cream bars and brownie ice cream sandwiches. Yum!

Walking the room one last time to say good night to the great people we had just met, and those that we have known for while. Joey and I hopped in to a cab and began the journey home.

Yet another great night!!

Elad gets JUZD

A few weeks back Elad was asked to bring in it's style team, also known as the "Elad Entourage" service, where we provided models(Endri & Evan), make up and hair artist (Sasha Simler) and wardrobe (Nikita Stanley, Contributing Fashion Director & Eda Greff, Assisting Stylist)to bring the creative vision of our innovative client JUZD to life.

With arms full of clothing and accessories, we meet in an alley on King near Spadina. As we approach the location, with Nikita and I being the first to arrive, we notice Jing unpacking his wares from the back of his van. As we take a few moments to see what we are working with, Jing fills us in on the many benefits of JUZD.

JUZD is a brand that prides itself on the use of high quality bamboo in the production of all its garments, which is not only eco friendly, but also cools the skin and retains the colour of even their black shirts without ever fading, that and they sparkle... gotta love the sparkle.

As the rest of the team begins to show; so did the rain clouds, and the song "One way or another, I'm gonna getcha getcha getcha" starts playing in our minds as mother nature toys with the idea to dump all over this committed team of artists.

Feeling the trickles of the rain, we rushed our first two models Evan (shown here) and Vlada in to hair and make up. The photographer Igor Yu then arrives and begins to set up lighting, with a little concern for the rain and his equipment, we decide to push forth with the project.

Meanwhile, back at the van; Nikita and Eda are planning wardrobe for the next few following scenes, to help progress the shoot in hopes that we can wrap at least this portion before the rain.

Evan and Vlada were amazing models to work with, they poured in to each and every scene with emotion and care for what Jing wanted, creating a chemistry that would dry up all the rain, and the itsy bitsy spider would have its way with the world again.

Wrapping up the first location, the remaining two models, Endri and Camilla arrive. Endri (shown here) who was a special request by the client, so much so they are even considering him as a spokes model for the brand; pulled up on a sick motorcycle, taking everyone’s attention momentarily away from the task at hand. Now that we have everyone here, we pack up the first location and head to the second.

Arriving in Liberty Village, which the time is now approaching midnight, we begin the set up of the next location. The ladies of style once again take their position at the back of the van and begin to lay out the remaining scenes.

To bring a new attitude to these photos, Jing had reached out to a friend to borrow a leather love seat for the next scene. With it now in place, the rain we have been wishing would hold out, finally decided to pour down on us, hiding under umbrellas and any available overhangs, we waited until the rain slowed.

With the long day that everyone had just put in, we knew rescheduling would not be an option, so we pushed on with the day, got our models in scene raining or not.

As the team worked to come up with ideas and poses for the models to use while on the couch, the direction was not coming out as planned... so I decided to get on the couch and show the pretties what it was we were looking for. After a few quick pose ideas, the team had it and we were on a roll again... shooting photo after photo until we ran out.

It's now 3 A.M. and we are packing up for the day, with a congratulatory clap to all whose efforts were greatly appreciated, and for the long day we had all just put in. Everyone was still smiling, laughing and joking at the end of the night... It was great to see, and even better to have been part of it.

I love our team!!

For more photos follow this link www.elad.ca/juzd

Bombs Away

July 24th 2008

Last night I decided to take my boy Tom up on his offer to come see his band (Bombs) play at the Rivoli... so to my closet I went, to find something that would appeal to the rocker crowd. After selecting what I call a "Holy Shit Hot" outfit... I grabbed my camera and headed to the door.

Arriving on Queen street, I was greeted by a scary man throwing bottles from the recylcing into the street corner near Spadina; taking evasive action, until the light turned green, I tucked my tiny self behind a pole, for those of you that know me... you know this is totally possible!!

Safely in front of Rivoli, I texted the band to find out where they were all hiding out before the big show. Sneaking away to their hideout just down the street, I had a few minutes to chat with the guys about this soon to explode rock bomb.

Lead singer Tomas Priesler and a very dear friend of mine for many years, is decked out in a hot pair of black skinny jeans, a body hugging light weight cotton peacoat and a sick pair of wing tipped shoes...this boy is ready to rock!

Next up is singer and guitarist Ryan Yoker, certianly a character... but a great guy none the less. A brief flash back to the era of the Beattles, with the George Harrison mutton chops and a shaggy do, this guy was bred for brit pop. Wearining indigo coloured flare jeans, a navy peacoat with every single button done up and finished with white exposed seamed shoes. Moments before he went on stage, Ryan mentioned that he is dedicating the first song to me... totally awesome!



On Drums we have Mr Phil Mailey a super cool guy that is very easy to talk to. Phil lives up to the drummer style with his rockin ripped jeans, along with the ever classic t-shirt and finished with a check patterned poor boy hat.






Bass guitarist Dan Hollingsworth is a pretty chilled cat, that seems to be the guy that tries to get these rockers on stage, on time... and that in itself can be pretty challenging. Dan is the super casual style member of the band wearing a long sleeve mocha coloured t-shirt and a pair of boot cut flare jeans. I think Dan is the kind of guy that could perform in just about anything.

Totally pumped for the show, and ready to hit the stage... with a few minor adjustments, and the guys are ready to head out.



Now at Rivoli, we await the current band to finish their set, so I head over to bar grab a vodka cran and take my spot centre stage to get some great shots of the Bombs in action, which will be posted on my site www.elad.ca/bombs

They played five songs, but the engergy of the crowd and these seasoned performers.. they easily dealt out excitment to get the crowd off their feet and at centre stage rocking along with the music. Which I have to say was AMAZING!!! I am so looking forward to their next gig.

After their session, we all took some chill time on the patio and chatted about what we just saw. Especially considering the ending, where Ryan decided to end the show with some attitude, pounding his pride guitar into the mic stand, knocking it to the floor, and leaving the audience with the sounds of interferrance as the fellas left the stage. People were coming up and congratulating the guys, and commenting on how they just found some new fans... I am sure this is a sign of the great things ahead for this great group of guys and their future in the music industry.

With the night now done, I flag a cab and begin to look forward to my safe arrival at home, and the comfort of my bed. Until the cab veared off the road and onto the sidewalk, due to the fact that he was talking on his cell phone and trying to turn on the interior light for me to find my wallet. I expressed my gratitude for accomodating the lighting situation in the car, but clearly made a point to say " Arrive alive usually means, me paying for a safe ride home after a night out, you may want to keep that in mind for your next fare". And they say cabbies need protection... should they be allowed to talk on cell phones while driving a person home... I think not!

Those of you interested in attending the next show, feel free to email me and I will keep you posted on dates.

Be safe.

Elad and Escada

Thursday July 17, 2008

Following tradition, we normally meet up in Yorkville for a chat and some water prior to arriving at the Escada showroom on Bloor St. Normally this little get together "goes down" without any serious issues to write about... however, on this fateful day, not only was the sun scorching the entire population of Toronto, but was even strong enough to knock the most well put together fashionista off their feet (no names will be mentioned, but you know who you are!) As we scurry about (by we, I refer to a good friend of ours and I), in search of a cool spot to lay them down.

As our friend regains conscioness, we clean up and continue on our journey to Escada. Within moments of stepping through the doors, we are greeted with a lovely glass of champagne and a couple snacky poos, which you will hear more about as the story continues.

Everyone is dressed to impress and gathered on the second level of this beautiful boutique, models are styled in sneak peek preview items from Escada's upcoming fall season.

Toying with a youthful silhouette, aimed at attracting the younger Escada fans back to this classic house of uber style, with bold prints of things like giraffe and leopard, paired with strong confident colours of Emerald, Plum and Poppy, not only takes you from "stepping out of the jungle" but warns the rest of the animal kingdom "The lioness has left her den".

Making our way through the remainder of the collection, while keeping an eye out for the J's of Escada: Joe, Jerome and James, three of the most amazing guys ever. Showing the collection with passion, knowledge and excitement, it's enough to get even Mary Murphy on the high octave note. Great job as always guys!!!

The waiters at this event, certainly liked to hang around our little area, the canapés would come out of the kitchen and bee line directly for us, which was great, seeing I am on a new diet to gain twenty five pounds. But being at this event a few times in the past, I knew to hold out for the chocolate pyramids stuffed with pistachio… what a mind blowing concoction.

As the event reached its conclusion, we made sure to say good night to all our friends, and new friends we had just made. With a kiss kiss and a little squeeze another successful event reaches a close.

Thank you all at Escada for such an amazing event.

For more photos of this event, simply follow this link to the Elad website www.elad.ca/events/index.htm

Enjoy!