In a sea of similarly dressed socialites at the launch party for the revamped Teatro Verde store in Yorkville, we came across fashion stylist Roslyn Griffith Hall, who nailed recession chic in a denim jumpsuit from The Gap. Here, her take on why less is not necessarily more and her not-so-secret connection to Ben Mulroney’s blazers.
(Photo by Emer Connon)
There’s a lot going on in that outfit. Are you a more-is-more kind of person?
Sure. For me, it’s all about the mood I’m in. I’ve been wearing this hat for years, and since I started designing jewellery, I tend to wear a lot of it.
What about the gloves? Are those a nod to fashion or a nod to swine flu?
I’ve been wearing gloves forever, so it’s not because of swine flu. They’re like a second skin. Whenever Holts gets new gloves, I buy out the size sevens.
Is there a particular designer you are loving these days?
Haider Ackermann. He’s all about sexy rock ’n’ roll, but with class. His pieces are expensive but amazing.
What kind of styling do you do?
For years, I was doing everyone on Canadian Idol, but now that’s on a break, so I’m working on my jewellery line.
Are you telling us that you’re the woman behind Ben Mulroney’s blazers?
Yes. I chose all of Ben’s suits for Idol, and I dressed him recently for the Innovators’ Ball.
What about the tan?
I didn’t have anything to do with the tan, but I did do his pocket squares.
Final question: are you planning to leave the sunglasses on all night?
Yeah. I guess you could say they’re the new eye makeup.
Wouldn’t want her to dress me..
May 20, 2009 at 10:39 am | by blossomEw…she looks like a denim space-woman. I’m all for funky and unique, but this is just awful.
May 20, 2009 at 12:18 pm | by MiLeI’m really liking the idea of replacing mascara with sunglasses.
May 20, 2009 at 1:23 pm | by TartiniShe looks just hideous! The crotch is a little disturbing and whoever said that jumpsuits are in was playing a cruel joke on all of the fashion victims out there. Nice glasses though!
May 20, 2009 at 1:43 pm | by MaryI agree with the variety of comments made, the outfit definitely does not fit,the crotch is riding too low. Not fond of her accessories either.
May 20, 2009 at 1:49 pm | by Judith ThorneOK…SO WHO REALLY DECIDES WHO THE BEST DRESSED IS IN TOWN FOR THIS COLUMN?????
JUST kidding…to each his own. It is a bit spacey, 80′s and hideous for my taste but she has symmetry, balance and guts. It is not BEST DRESSED as what our eyes are normally accustomed to believing what is best dressed. In her world,on that day in her mood that can be the best she can come up with.
May 20, 2009 at 3:04 pm | by helenShe look like a gay gal…and she looks like she is having fun. Hey, her guts made her thru this page…so there must be something there ’bout her outfit,the columnist find best dressed ,among the crowd that night.
Let’s take it easy…the choices they make here is always out of focus…at leat we have something to despise, complain or hate about other than those Hollywood Crap.
What a fun, fearless and fabulous woman! I love her individuality and fresh take on the denim trend!
May 20, 2009 at 3:31 pm | by ChloeThe glasses don’t fit her face well, and with the hat, it makes her look like a black Charlie Chaplin from outer space. She’s just missing her space age cane.
Let’s get somebody REALLY dressed to impress on this page!
May 21, 2009 at 9:48 am | by JLThis is one of the coolest women in Toronto, maintaining her cool for years, as styles/trends come and go – she still manages to put her own unique and gutsy spin on things. You can criticize… but what are YOU wearing and does anyone give you a second glance… or just a yawn. Ms. Griffiths Hall definitely has fun with it and doesn’t take it too seriously.
May 22, 2009 at 9:09 am | by Rhonda[...] Karan for more accessibly priced style. There are also so many great local accessory designers; Roslyn Griffith Hall, my go-to stylist, is doing her own jewellery line. Are you craving anything in particular right [...]
May 25, 2009 at 3:04 pm | by Designer Nada Shepherd wants to take moms out of jogging pants and get them in tight jeans | My Style | torontolife.com/dailyCompletely agree with Rhonda.
Looking fab Roslyn! You’ve always been ahead of your time, unique and never afraid to push the envelope.
May 27, 2009 at 5:37 pm | by DianaWhile I’m more of a classic dresser myself, I’m always inspired by your style – so much fun.. it’s no wonder you were chosen as one of our best dressed!
scary.
May 28, 2009 at 10:37 am | by chicBest dressed? We are getting Punked, right?
May 29, 2009 at 2:00 pm | by NeidiUGH. yuck. and people that wear sunglasses indoors esp at night are even more ridiculous. wank!!
May 30, 2009 at 1:36 pm | by yvettehot mess but to each his/her own
June 1, 2009 at 10:19 pm | by donna