TRINITY-BELLWOODS SETS A FASHIONABLE SCENE
Story by Odessa Paloma Parker
Toronto-based photographer Angela Lewis keeps herself busy between gigs shooting for her blog, Woodies And Belles. Conceived as a way to showcase the fashionable crowd around Toronto’s hippest park, the site features a mix of sensibilities and subjects, from The Fashion Collective’s Kate Mullin to Atlas’87 publicist Max Mohenu to those who are slightly more anonymous but still uber-stylish.
When and why did you start the site?
Living across from Trinity-Bellwoods Park (and frequenting it often during the warmer months) has allowed me to spot the interesting-looking folks that wander through it. I really think it is a hub for a variety of creative people, which usually results in some attractive fashion sense. Some even look like they coordinate with their dogs! I thought developing the site would be a neat way for me to meet these people. I began photographing [for it] in July of 2011.
What about Toronto street-style do you find most inspiring?
Toronto has a lot of unique individuals expressing their one-of-a-kind style and I tend to give my attention to the ones that surprise me. I notice confidence and courage before anything else in a person, and after that, I look at all the individual pieces that lead me to them.
We have a ton of vintage to choose from in Toronto. The London Telegraph just had me photograph 6 (out of 50) vintage stores here in the city, to showcase the mass variety and boutique-like atmosphere. The knowledge behind the trends from each era is engaging, so its lead me to really admire when people bring vintage into the mix.
Supporting local talent is important to me, as I shoot a lot of lookbooks for Toronto designers. I get especially excited when seeing someone wearing their items, and how they’ve decided to dress it up. I am also a sucker for well-tailored pieces; if an item fits perfectly, I get pretty psyched.
Why did you choose Bellwoods as the site of the images?
I literally can see the park from my window, so its extremely convenient and there really are some magical things that happen in this park. The summer time hang outs, birthday parties, live music, drinking while laying in the sun, having the cute women pick up your empties, puppy dogs everywhere, watching families have picnics. Attendees of this park respect it, its a place for everyone. I also feel like Bellwoods is one of the most fashionable places that I can relate to in the city, so I’m inspired by a lot of the woodies and belles who prance around.
Are most people up for being shot or are they shy?
I’ve had both. I’ve got a few skeptical looks from people upon approaching them, but I like to try and get to know them first, and eventually they get into it. The most memorable shot that comes to mind is of Belle Deyla; she greeted me with a huge grin and invited me to sit and hang out with her pals for some snacks. As I mentioned earlier, the vibes in the park are happy, and I hope that me photographing these people just brings another swell occurrence to their day.
How do you feel, as a fashion photographer, that street style is changing fashion photography (if at all)?
Street style fashion photography has definitely brought a different approach to the fashion audience. It’s a whole different thing all together, to see a real person wearing the trends, as opposed to a styled model. Seeing pieces that are styled for the runway or magazines is wonderful, but seeing someone who generally loves fashion interpret those trends becomes inspirational and relatable.
