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24 Hours With

Elmer Olsen

How the modelling agency honcho would spend a single perfect day. Toronto on an unlimited budget By Amy Verner

I’d begin by taking my husky, Yuushi, for an hour-long walk. I live near Bloor and Sherbourne, so our route takes us north on Mount Pleasant through Rosedale. I’d take myself to Maison de la Presse Internationale (99 Yorkville Ave., 416-928-2328) to see if all the new international fashion magazines have arrived. With my Italian, French and British Vogue, W and Numéro ($66.65), I’d head over to the Four Seasons Hotel (21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411) for a leisurely breakfast. I always go upstairs to the Studio Café and order the yogurt, granola and fruit parfait—all the healthy stuff— and a latte ($12). Around 10:30, I would quickly pop over to see my friend John Gerhardt at Holt Renfrew— he’s the editor of their twice-yearly fashion books. I’d fill him in on all my newest girls for his editorial pages; right now, I have a model named Alana Zimmer (pictured at right) who’s poised to be really big and is already off shooting for the European magazines. He’d then take me through the men’s department where I’d buy a Paul Smith brown velvet blazer ($825), striped turtleneck ($275) and flat-front pant ($395). Dressed to the nines, I’d go down to my office on Richmond; I’d have a bunch of appointments scheduled, and I’d be praying that the next 14-year-old Daria Werbowy would be waiting to meet with me. A few hours later, I’d be ready for lunch. If one of my stars—Maria, Madeleine or Honorine—were home visiting, I would take her to the newest location of Fresh by Juice for Life (147 Spadina Ave., 416-599-4442), because I’m addicted to the sweet-potato fries and the high-protein Life burgers. If we wanted to be really decadent, we would share the vegan carrot cake or chocolate cake (lunch for two, $40). From there, I’d go with my friend Jeannette Hanson to a Blue Jays game; we’re both fanatics and would sit behind home plate ($386, 1 Blue Jays Way, 416-341-1234). After the game, Jeannette and I would have dinner with my partner Gary Kane and our friend Barbara Alexander, who is a makeup artist. We’d go to Il Fornello on the Danforth (576 Danforth Ave., 416-466-2931), where I’ve been ordering the same salad for 10 years: mixed greens with a double order of grilled chicken, pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes ($10.75). It’s actually in their system as the Elmer salad (dinner for four, $60). Gary and I would go home and I’d take Yuushi for one more walk. Lastly, I’d call my 83-yearold mother, Margaret, who lives in Saskatchewan, and tell her about my day—she loves to talk about baseball.

$2,070.40

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TEST Originally published October 2006

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