Dressing Up for TIFF: We Ask the Pros

Source: By CHRIS JANCELEWICZ

Posted: 08/25/08 10:16AM

Filed Under: 2008 TIFF Guide

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
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Are you preparing for the red carpet and don't know where to start? Should you wear your hair up or down? Should you dress up or dress down? We've asked three professionals in the Toronto styling industry for their expert opinions on what to wear and how to wear it for the Toronto International Film Festival. This stuff is all you need to know.

HAIR, Toronto Hairdresser Jason Kearns
Mr. Kearns has worked with countless celebrities and his hair has appeared in hundreds of magazines nationwide. He'll have plenty of clients for this year's TIFF.
Jason Kearns Homepage
Kearns-Davidson Hair & Skin Care

Do's

The key is to be yourself; be very, very natural. This thing of having your hair so overdone for a gala is making a statement, but it's making a bad statement. I think if it’s natural, loose, and not too structured, that's the way to go. I guess if you're Amy Winehouse, you'll have that big bouffant. That’s part of the beauty of her. But we're talking a gala, not a runway. It's not a Galliano or Michael Kors show. These are real people wearing real clothes.

Don't's

Don't overuse hairspray. Don't overuse the gel. Don’t make it too 'set'-looking. Just make it as natural as possible.

Celeb Trend Setters

The person I’ve always related to was Deborah Unger. I'm also a big fan of Marion Cotillard. She's got this French casual look, she looks so well put-together, but not too put-together at the same time. I love Renee Zellweger, what she does with her hair.

As for who to emulate, I think funnily enough, a lot of people keep looking at Katie Holmes. She's gotten rid of the bob, and now she's got the pixie. Audrey Tautou, that whole kind of French pixie thing.

Photo Gallery
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Inspiring Styles for TIFF

She seems to be the hair apparent. "I'm also a big fan of Marion Cotillard. She's got this French casual look, she looks so well put-together, but not put-together at the same time," says hairstylist Jason Kearns.
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PHOTOS

MAKE-UP, Toronto Hair and Makeup Artist David Goveia
Mr. Goveia has done makeup for Darryl Hannah, Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy, and Sonja Smits, to name a few. If you live in Toronto, you've seen his work all over the city.
Agency: Artist Group Limited
About David Goveia

Do's

Non-celebrity TIFF attendees, like the celebs, should have foundation and powder-free-looking makeup, then choose either the eyes or the lips as focus. Darker skin tones can wear brighter colors and still look natural; brands should include a mix of products, both high- and low-end. This year, some will choose the red lip. It says, 'Look at me!'. Others will choose the smokey eye, which is a bit more intense.

If you're partying all night long, that means you're going to need added concealer and more blush. The added blush distracts from the dark circles and looks healthier. Another tip is to curl lashes before applying mascara. It really opens up the eyes.

Don't's

Don't use too much powder, just enough in the middle of the face where it shines too much. Do use very black mascara.

Celeb Trend Setters

In terms of makeup and celebrities being emulated, it depends. Blondes emulate blondes like Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss, and brunettes emulate brunettes, like Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham.


FASHION, Toronto Fashion Wardrobe Stylist Juliana Schiavinatto
Ms. Schiavinatto has helped style celebs like John Legend and David Cronenberg, and her upscale style has been portrayed in numerous magazines across the country.
Agency: Plutino Group
About Juliana Schiavinatto

Do's

To stand out in a crowd, colour is a must, and a great way for non-celebrities to get attention. Purples, blues and dark jewel tones are perfect for this season. Cream and white are other great options. Just-below-the-knee dresses are the new trend, and also very flattering on most body types. Men should try to jazz it up with slimmer cut suits and play with colour as well for a pocket square, tie or a shirt.

Celebrities tend to be a little more relaxed in Toronto, so I would predict that many will wear that perfect short strapless simple dress or dressy separates like a gorgeous blouse with a sharp pencil skirt. Deep jewel tones should pop up more than usual this season. Men usually opt for a slightly more casual take with a great suit and unbuttoned shirt with no tie, but a vest instead.

Don't's

Don't overdo it with accessories - pick a fantastic fit, colour and style for your outfit and let it shine. Do wear fantastic heels - they can make your outfit come to life even more.

Celeb Trend Setters

Last year, I loved Kiera Knightley in that beautiful burgundy Chanel dress she wore for the Atonement premiere.

Charlize Theron is one of my favorites when it comes to red carpet - she knows when to turn it up with couture or when to keep it simple and flawless, but she always shines. She's been very fashion-savvy recently at her last few movie premieres and her sexy style is emulated everywhere.

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