The list of celebrities gracing the streets of Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year is endless! As you may hav noticed from our recent TIFF 2019 Celebrity Spotting list published. This year, although at the same time as NYFW, included one of the biggest names in fashion media, Dame Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, and artistic director and global content advisor of Condé Nast.
See also:
The Ultimate Guide to the Toronto International Film Festival
Guide to the VIP TIFF Parties, Events and more.
Jlo, Nick Jonas, Drake, Anna Wintour OH MY — All the A-list celebrities to spot during TIFF
How to get around downtown Toronto during TIFF?
We know what you’re thinking… What convinced THE Anna Wintor to come to Toronto during one of the hottest Fashion Weeks of the World, in her home town. Well, to accept an award. Not just any award, Dame Anna Wintour was the recipient of the inaugural Icon Award, presented by TIFF’s Share Her Journey campaign and the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
Our sources tell us that Wintour made an in-and-out appearance, and was back on a plane shortly after the presentation, but luckily the special guests were invited to join her for the presentation over brunch.
The presenters for the brunch event were Barry Avrich (film director and producer), Halla Rafati (Halo PR), Robin Mirsky (TIFF) and Konrad Gstrein (Four Seasons Hotel Toronto), hosted by Suzanne Rogers and Sylvia Mantella. It was definitely a relaxed VIBE all around — while guests were being served avocado toast with poached eggs and mimosas. I mean, that sounds like a win-win to us. Brunch and Fashion Royalty! 😉
Surprisingly, in her acceptance speech, Wintour spoke about the lessons she learnt in life which inspired her and the need for people to be involved in different ways to help the world.
Unsurprisngly, the Dame’s presence had local and international celebrities flocking alike. The hosts of The Social, Coco Rocha, Lili Reinhart and even Dakota Johnson were some of the big names that dropped by. A common denominator in the room was definitely Women–which included both older and younger Toronto socialites. Great to see a room overflowing with some of Toronto, and the World’s, most inspiring and powerful Women.
The Icon Award serves as recognition of a lifetime achievement for the advancement of women in film, television, and the arts. In 1988, when Wintour took the helm of American Vogue, she fearlessly revitalized the title in many ways, especially by showcasing celebrities on its covers which before had shown only models.
Joana Vicente, executive director and co-head TIFF says Share Her Journey is TIFF’s five-year campaign aimed at increasing participation, skills, and opportunities for women behind and in front of the camera. This year’s inaugural presentation of the Icon Award at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto with TIFF’s Share Her Journey was in partnership with Yorkville Village.
Here’s some of the highlights from this glorious afternoon, courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto shot by the amazing Ryan Emberley.
RELATED: Our Ultimate TIFF 2019 Guide. >>>
Credits:
Contributing Writers: Revathy Rajan, Steven Branco
Contributing Editors: Nicki Laborie, Steven Branco
Photographer: Ryan Emberley
Special thanks to Halla Rafati and Halo PR for having us!