Odessa Paloma Parker, Editorial Director
Odessa Paloma Parker received an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and a diploma in Book & Magazine Publishing from Centennial College. After working for Ukula Magazine, she joined artist agency Judy Inc and Complections International Academy of Make-up Artistry in the role of Marketing Coordinator for both. She founded Plaid Magazine in March 2010. A lover of all things design-related, you can find her obsessing over interior decor mags and British Vogue on the regular.
Fashion favourites: Renata Morales, Marc Jacobs, Chris Benz, Jonathan Saunders, Prada, Erdem, Dries Van Noten, J.Crew, Repetto, Charlotte Olympia, Alexander McQueen, Ports 1961, Balenciaga, Ossie Clark, Sid Neigum, Laura Siegel, Denis Gagnon
My can’t live without product: Rimmel Extra Super Lash mascara, Carthusia Perfume Capri, NARS blush in “Orgasm”
Favourite places to go in Toronto: Vintage shops on Ossington and elsewhere; Terroni on Queen for a Nizzarda salad and Terroni Spritz; mid-century furniture stores in Leslieville; Le Paradis for pretty much anything on the menu.
odessa@plaidmag.com
Robert Weir, Beauty Editor
Robert began his fashion career in 2000 as wardrobe stylist, and a year later moved to makeup artistry. His work has appeared in major magazines throughout Canada, including Z!NK, FASHION and Today’s Bride. As a national artist, skin care specialist and hairstylist, he is an expert in all aspects of beauty. Robert joined the Plaid team in 2011 as Beauty Editor.
Fashion favourites: Givenchy, Lanvin, Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Jeremy Laing, Alexander McQueen
My can’t live without product: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Corioliss flat iron
Favourite places to go in Toronto: The Local Kitchen Restaurant on Queen West; looking at Magazines at Le Presse International; shopping at Carte Blanche and UPC Boutique; karaoke with friends in a private room in Bar+; a summer afternoon on the Toronto Island
robert@plaidmag.com
Barbara Ann Solomon, Art Director
Barbara Ann Solomon graduated from The Ontario College of Art and Design University, with a degree in Advertising Design. She fell in love with all aspects of fashion, advertising, design and photography while working in different capacities within these fields. Barbara joined Plaid in June 2010 as the magazine’s print Art Director. She also continues to work as a graphic designer at an advertising agency.
Fashion Favourites: Chloé, Jeffrey Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Elizabeth & James, VAWK
My can’t live without product: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Anna Sui Rouge Jar
Favourite places to go in Toronto: The Grange Park, Kensington Market, Toronto Island
barbaras@plaidmag.com
Laura Hermiston, Music Editor
Laura Hermiston received an Honours BA from the University of Toronto. She comes from a household of musicians/writers/composers, where she wakes up to jazz bands rehearsing next to her bedroom, hears a song her brother recorded on a commercial, and ends her day checking out local bands around the city or going to her own band’s practices. Needless to say, her life revolves around music and she loves discovering new songs to obsess over.
Fashion favourites: Miu Miu, Prada, Chloé, Lauren Moffatt, A.P.C.
My can’t live without product: Gucci by Gucci perfume, Stila Convertible Colour in “Fuschia”, Aveda “Brilliant” Hairspray
Favourite places to go in Toronto: St.Lawrence Antique Market on Sundays; Nadège for an Almond Croissant and eating it in Bellwoods park and then possibly walking over to Frantic City Records to find one of a kind vinyl.
laura@plaidmag.com
Megan Leahy, Arts & Culture Editor
Megan graduated from the University of Toronto with a Specialist in History and then quickly booked a flight and moved to Paris, France to intern as a fashion photographer. When she was not busy covering the runways of some of the world’s most acclaimed designers in Paris and Milan, including Elie Saab, Cavalli and Lanvin, she spent her time travelling. Discovering a true love for writing, she returned home to pursue a career as an Editor and joined the Plaid team in March 2012. With an infinite and ever expanding list of passions including music, literature, travel, food and drink, as the Arts & Culture Editor don’t be surprised to see her name appear under any of Plaid’s headings.
Fashion favourites: Proenza Schouler, Chloé, Jerome Dreyfuss, Elizabeth and James, Loeffler Randall, DANNIJO, Club Monaco, Marni
My can’t live without product: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero, Benefit The POREfessional, Josie Maran Argan Self Tanning Cream
Favourite places to go in Toronto: Victory Cafe for local beers and a big patio, Dakota Tavern for live music and dancing any night of the week, Hanlan’s Point Beach (clothing optional) on Canada Day for bonfires and fireworks
megan@plaidmag.com
Nichole Jankowski, Media Relations Coordinator
Nichole Jankowski holds an Honours BA from McMaster University. She joined the Plaid Magazine team in January 2011 as the Media Relations Coordinator. In addition to answering your emails and queries, updating the Plaid blog and Facebook page, she is a writer and communicator. She is a vegetarian in sheep’s clothing (or a vintage fur coat) and a modern hippie with a penchant for high fashion.
Fashion favourites: HUGO Hugo Boss, vintage (especially Ralph Lauren), Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, Club Monaco, Opening Ceremony
My can’t live without products: Avène Eau Thermale/Thermal Spring Water, Ultraflesh Panthera mascara
Favourite places to go in Toronto: Unlovable and Dundas West for drinks; A2Zane for accessories; World Eyewear for her glasses; Yorkville for sale shopping; Kensington Market for hongo tacos from El Trompo
nichole@plaidmag.com
Managing Editor, James Harrison
james@plaidmag.com
Staff Photographer, Mark Binks
mark@plaidmag.com
Jr. Media Relations Coordinator, Allegra McCreath
allegra@plaidmag.com
Advertising Sales, Rachel Martin
rachel@plaidmag.com
Event Coordinator, Halyna Polischuk
halyna@plaidmag.com
Contributors:
Adam Steel
Amanda Stancati
Amanda Thomas
D’Loraine Miranda
Erin Lucuik
Hannah Rittner
Jacquie Clancy
Jarelle Gabison
Kate Davies
Kate Fane
Kate Gadiyeva
Laura Cappe
Laura Chang
Lauren Cooper
Madison van Rijn
Mariam Magsi
Marissa Spada
Matt R. Loney
Maya Hamovitch
Rachel Martin
Rebecca Poynton-Murray
Reem Jazar
Editorial Interns:
Amanda Elizabeth Smith
Courtney Wong
Diana Baba
Marjory Maclean
Natasha Hunt
Nina Cherry
Rachel Walker
