The ANOKHI PRESTIGE Experience (T.A.P.E) #ThisIsMyStyle sold-out event boasted a fulfilling day of style, support and inspiration.
The extravaganza took place on August 20, 2017, at #ThisIsMyStyle’s venue partner the Thompson Toronto Hotel. Guests were treated to an incredible lineup of personalities from far-ranging career journeys who were enthusiastic to share their unique perspectives, inspirations and support. It was all part of T.A.P.E’s mantra of creating an environment of camaraderie and fulfillment for South Asian women and women from all walks of life.
This members-only event series, which started with the #ThisIsMyBeauty event this spring, continued to focus on past momentum. Again, we brought together like-minded people under one roof with a salon ambiance. #ThisIsMyStyle was ANOKHI’s way of continuing to celebrate the summer season. And with 300 style-savvy supporters in attendance, this event truly showed off the energy needed to pull off such a fashionable event.
“When I created the idea around the T.A.P.E. boutique event series, it was to fill a void for women who are looking for an entertaining, educational and inspiring way to connect with different aspects of things that make up a significant part of their identity. ” Raj Girn, CEO of ANOKHI MEDIA and founder of T.A.P.E explains what was magical about this year’s T.A.P.E. series. “The first event in the spring showcased the discussion around beauty, while the summer event focused on style. Next year, we are looking to expand the series so that there’s a themed event each season, leading up to the much-anticipated 15th Annual Awards Show in the Winter of 2018. My team and I look forward to an incredible year of event experience to fill that void of live interaction in a world oversaturated with virtual communication. We are proud to bring back the human touch!”
The lobby of the Thompson Toronto was command central. There, guests were treated to a continental breakfast, a fusion lunch, a dessert table and tasty snacks throughout the day. The expansive space was filled with fashion enthusiasts exploring the sponsors’ lounge, which included [free-them], Home of Dentistry, Infuse MedSpa, Sherni’s Authentic Sauces, T-Fal, Toronto Fashion Academy and Vasanti Cosmetics. Awesome music from the inimitable DJ Fizza further elevated the ambiance of the space.
Guests were also treated to a fashion installation presented by Fashion Installation Partner the Toronto Fashion Academy. The installation featured a customized showroom with live mannequins. It provided an exclusive opportunity for fashion lovers to take an up-close and personal look at the breathtaking ensembles presented by noted global fashion designers Alia Qureshi, Dinesh Ramsay Designs, Hatecopy, Babbu The Painter, Paridhaan, Satya Paul Canada and Shannalina.
As guests topped up on their scrumptious goodies, the day began with opening remarks by Raj Girn, including the first official announcement of ANOKHI’s upcoming awards on November 30 in Toronto. The announcement led to a riveting performance by creative director and dancer from the Tarana Dance Network, Reshmi Chetram, which flowed smoothly to a Celebrity Fireside Chat hosted by OPEN CHEST WITH RAJ GIRN. Next came the “Building An Iconic Brand” chat with philanthropist, writer and speaker Joan Kelley Walker from The Real Housewives of Toronto.
T-Fal stepped up to the spotlight with an exciting demonstration of their products. Of course, the demo had our audience of cooking enthusiasts taking notes!
Author, motivational speaker and women’s coach Dimple Mukherjee kept the audience enthralled with her soul-enriching keynote address. After her speech came the final speaker of the morning, Shae Invidiata, the founder of [free-them]. She shared her journey with her human rights charity that focuses on taking action to stop the heartbreaking human trafficking epidemic in Canada and abroad.
After lunch, the afternoon commenced with a heartwarming performance by singer-songwriter Dahlia. Next came the first of two panel discussions scheduled for the afternoon.
The first panel discussion covered the often complicated topic of the “Business of Fashion.” It was hosted by ANOKHI Magazine and Blogs Editor-In-Chief Hina P. Ansari. She discussed unique ways to navigate the business and creative worlds with panelists Hatecopy, Babbu The Painter, Alia Qureshi and Sarita Jain of Paridhaan. The discussion started with a fabulous fashion show presented in partnership with the Toronto Fashion Academy, showcasing the unique and broad spectrum of design with two pieces presented by each designer.
Dessert was the order of the day during tea time. The lobby filled with guests replenishing themselves with an array of goodies.
After tea time, performer Selena Dhillon started the final segment of the day with her performance. Her number was immediately followed by a speaking session by Ritu Bhasin of Bhasin Consulting Inc.
The final panel discussion of the day, “How Style Influences Identity,” was moderated by Wellness media personality Sonia Jhas. She delved into the psychology of style and substance with panelists Olympian Emanuel Sandhu, CP24 Breakfast‘s Pooja Handa and Toronto Fashion Academy CEO Jason Cameron.
The day was punctuated by raffle draws (with a total value of $4,000 CDN), thanks to our raffle sponsors:
Alia Qureshi: (a designer piece from her collection)
ANOKHI MEDIA: (two VVIP tickets to the ANOKHI Awards 2017)
Babbu The Painter: (a “Bakwaas” baseball cap)
For Beloved Girl: (one of each product from Lumi’s Key collection, one of each mask from For Beloved Girl, one box of Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturizing Bio-Cellulose mask)
Hatecopy: (Trust No Aunty book)
Home of Dentistry: (Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Electric Toothbrush)
Infuse Med Spa: (Package of six Brazilian Laser Treatments with one Diamond Facial)
Julie West Events : (seven-day car rental Enterprise Rent-a-Car)
OPEN CHEST: (one-hour free consultation: Life Coaching)
Sarita Jain from Paridhaan Designs: (a designer piece from her collection)
Shiseido: (a full skin care regimen kit)
Styleworthy: Gift Baskets: (two dresses, two tops, one necklace, one ring, and one pair of earrings)
Vasanti Cosmetics: (a four-step skin care system)
And the fun didn’t stop there! In addition to a day filled with soulful style segments, guests were treated to a gift bag worth $800 CDN, which included items and certificates for services and discounts from the following sponsors.
Products:
Vasanti Cosmetics: (facial scrub)
Body Fantasies: (Body Fantasies Body Spray)
Home of Dentistry: (Home of Dentistry Toothbrush)
Shiseido: (Shiseido Luxe Face Oil)
Pretty Woman Cosmetics: (Pretty Woman Cosmetics skin moisturizer)
Organic Cliff: (Organic Cliff Nut Butter Energy Bars)
Services:
Home of Dentistry: (free bleaching kit or Sonicare Toothbrush free with service sign-up)
Alia Qureshi: (30-minute free bridal/image consulting services + a 20% discount online for Shannalina Tunics)
RGM Consulting: (a 30-minute consultation)
Foodora: (a 20% discount code)
Brochure:
Dimple Mukherjee: (bookmarks)
[free-them]: ([free-them] Charity Awareness Bracelets and Brochures)
Finally, we would love to thank our incredible #ThisIsMyStyle event sponsors.
We can’t wait to continue the vision of The ANOKHI PRESTIGE Experience in 2018! To keep up with announcements, visit us at www.anokhiprestige.com. Join our front-of-line event announcements at [email protected]!
Main Image Photo Credit: Olga Hutsul Photography and Andrea Villegas
Hina P. Ansari
Author
Hina P. Ansari is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). Since then she has carved a successful career in Canada's national fashion-publishing world as the Entertainment/Photo Editor at FLARE Magazine, Canada's national fashion magazine. She was the first South Asian in...