Tastemaker: Bryanna Brown

With TIFF 2014 on the horizon, almost everyone in Toronto’s PR and media scene is gearing up (and bracing themselves) for the sleepless nights, 20-hour work days, and non-stop insanity that is our city’s world-renowned film festival. Fortunately for all of us old-timers, there are fresh faces in our industry to remind us that: 1) Our jobs are actually pretty fun, despite the sleep deprivation; and 2) We should probably appreciate our occupations a little bit more because there’s a whole new generation of rising stars ready to work hard and lend their creative thinking and social media savvy to the industry. Meet public relations’ newest fresh face: Bryanna Brown.

Joining PR maven Gail McInnes at Magnet Creative Management, Brown is now working as the fashion PR house’s coordinator, where she’s lucky enough to be the Whitney Port to McInnes’ Kelly Cutrone, except with less drama and MTV cameras, of course. It never hurts to start your career learning from the very best in your industry, but does she have any idea how insane yet entirely glamourous her job is about to get as TIFF comes to town? With both the CAFTCAD Celebrates Costume event at the Spoke Club on the horizon and the return of exclusive celebrity and VIP lounges like The Stylist Lounge, an exclusive lounge that preps celebs for red carpets from head-to-toe, Brown is not just about to get her feet wet; she’s diving right in. While the thought of running events for the biggest A-listers in the world would have most of us having premature panic attacks, Brown’s psyched at the chance to be a part of the little festival that could that also somehow took the world by storm. We caught up with her to find out more…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
I’m a native Calgarian, and lived overseas in Saudi Arabia for awhile, but I’m a Torontonian at heart. I’ve been working in fashion for the past 7 years in lots of different positions – writing, styling, videography, marketing, PR, and more! I’m currently working at Magnet Creative and I’m so excited that I get to work with an exciting team! Working in fashion publicity is a dream job, and working with loads of amazing samples from Canadian designers is a treat in and of itself. I’m also working for Te Koop on Queen Street on their social media team, which is definitely exercising my creative muscles. I like to keep myself extra busy, so I’m delving into the world of astrology to create a special personal project to launch soon!

What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
Time management is a challenge for balancing so many different jobs, but with the internet and all its awesomeness, anything is possible! The rewards heavily outweigh the challenges, in that I get to learn something new every day and meet new people to collaborate with all the time!

What are three things you can’t live without?
I couldn’t survive without my iPhone, as I’m addicted to Instagram! When will those new emojis be coming out? I’d be a much unhappier person without my bicycle, and since it’s the summer the TTC is just not an option when it’s sunny and lovely. Plus, bicycling from the Junction to downtown does double duty as a daily workout! The last thing that I absolutely can’t live without is the internet. Staying connected is a huge part of my livelihood.

Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it’s consistently bustling with culture and events! Toronto is always ready to surprise you.

What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Rose City Kitchen is my new favourite restaurant in Toronto, because they offer Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches that remind me of home! Plus, their branding is on point and adorable (an iconic red rose). I dare you to go there and not want to Instagram everything in sight. Their pitas are the perfect size if you’re on the go! I highly recommend their Morrocan pita – it’ll hit the spot. They also make a great cold poutine and kale salad.

What’s one of your favourite go-to designers/brands or accessories lines and why do you sport their fashions?
Everyone who knows me knows that I’m obsessed with Joe Fresh. They always keep their style chic, simple, and affordable! I own over 10 of their silk shirts in loads of prints and colours – they’re a style staple! I’ve bought the same pair of boyfriend jeans multiple times, and I’m now on pair number four! Whenever I’m having a bad day, I hit up Joe for some instant gratification.

What products are always in your beauty bag?
Mac Studio Fix concealer for touch-ups on the go, Maybelline felt tip eyeliner to get the easiest cat eye you’ll ever do, and compressed powder to stay looking polished.

What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
Style wise, I’m currently obsessed with cut-out, chunky, mid-heeled booties, perfect for wearing out all day and night! Crop tops are a figure flatterer for almost anyone, of which I have a large stash! Boyfriend jeans are a trend that doesn’t really flatter my body, but I’ll be damned if I miss out on a trend so comfortable. Cuffed jeans make high heels look a little fresher.

What’s your favourite spa or service?
Although I rarely indulge, The 10 Spot always does an A+ job for a quick manicure!

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
I’m always Instagramming and tweeting, and am currently researching astrology for starcrossedstyle.com!