Tastemaker: Natasha Koifman

Natasha Koifman is a purveyor of public relations, a lover of fashion, family and the freedom that Toronto offers. Working alongside some of the top brands in Toronto and beyond, we figured we had to catch up with this savvy gal to find out about what’s good in her world…

Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I am a passionate person, and I love sharing inspirational quotes that are meaningful to me. I recently connected to one from Steve Jobs, who said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Personally and professionally, I’m a firm believer that genuine passion can go a long way! With passion can come success, and success to me has always meant giving back. From the beginning, NKPR has been a cause-focused agency, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support some amazing causes that are close to my heart, including Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ). As a board member for APJ, I have worked the past few years with Paul Haggis and his team to support education and health programs in Haiti – including building the first free high school in Port-au-Prince. Next month, APJ CEO David Belle, Paul, and I will visit the Academy for Peace and Justice – every time I see the power education has to change a nation, I’m always in awe.

Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…because it’s my home and as they say, home is where the heart is. I have places in New York and Toronto, but for me Toronto will always be home.

We have world-class museums and galleries that attract international talent to Toronto. I have recently developed a love for collecting art. Izzy Sulejmani, owner of Izzy Gallery in Yorkville, has introduced me to some of the most iconic artists of our time – like the original bad-boy photographer Bert Stern and fashion photographer powerhouse Ellen von Unwerth. I’m really excited about Izzy Gallery’s exhibit “Developing,” which features the work of the very talented British fashion and portrait photographer Mary McCartney (yes, of Linda and Paul McCartney fame). I love Mary’s “Let Me Out” paparazzi-style shot of her sister Stella getting out of a London cab.

What are three things you simply cannot live without?
Well there are the usual things, like Blackberry/iPhone/iPad, but…

First and foremost, I could not live without my family. My family keeps me grounded. I’m a real introvert, and I always recharge when I’m with family. I have one of the hardest working teams in the business, and I could not do it without them. NKPR has 30 amazing minds at work, and I’m always inspired at the creative and strategic plans that we develop. And, of course, love. I am surrounded by so much love! Love is what makes the world go round.

What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
We recently worked with Buonanotte to launch their restaurant on Mercer Street. It’s become one of my go-to spots for working lunches with clients. For dinner, Joso’s is a great place for seafood with a New York vibe in Bloor-Yorkville. I am dedicated to eating healthy (most of the time!) and their grilled fish is some of the best in the city. When I’m in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, their ink squid risotto is out of this world.

What’s your favourite drink/cocktail and where do you go to get it?
I’m not much of a drinker so I prefer non-alcoholic beverages like bottlegreen’s Elderflower sparkling pressés. I always pick up a few bottles when I do my grocery shopping at my favourite grocery store, Summerhill Market. When entertaining, I like to mix bottlegreen’s Elderflower sparkling pressés with a bit of vodka for guests. As an added touch, I top off my drinks with cute paper swizzle straws. The Elderflower flavour is fresh and naturally sweet, which makes for a cool summer cocktail. It’s all that and only 75 calories!

Who’s your favourite designer/brand and why do you sport their fashions?
I love fashion so I can’t pick just one favorite designer!

When I was last in New York, Rachel Roy inspired me. She’s a global style icon with a deep understanding of fashion. Her designs strike just the right balance of strength and femininity, and her unexpected details bring something special to every piece she creates. I also love Rachel’s pay-it-forward thinking when it comes to supporting others in their businesses. When I mentioned that I loved her ring-to-wrist bracelets, she shared that independent jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche made them and encouraged me to get some pieces of my own. I had custom pieces created and I’ve barely taken them off. They are such original statement pieces. Of course, you can’t go wrong with anything by Greta Constantine. They just designed a dress for me to model in the Dare to Wear Love fashion show, and I’m looking forward to seeing their next collection later this month. Victoria Beckham also makes dresses that are practically made for my body; her fit is always perfectly tailored. Finally, this year, I am loving everything vintage from Melet Mercantile in New York. I did mention that I couldn’t pick just one…

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your city-trotting?
Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | and check out our blog, too!