The List
Suzanne Rogers
Toronto’s sparkliest glitter girl, a fashion week aficionado and the wife of cable scion Edward, shares the 10 things she can’t live without
My style icon
As a child, I was mesmerized by the character Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She had the most amazing clothes and hair. I think subconsciously she has always been my fashion inspiration.
My crooner crush
I can listen to Harry Connick Jr. on repeat all day. “It Had to Be You” was my wedding song, and he sang at my late father-in-law’s 75th birthday. I got this photo with Harry that night—I was beaming like a schoolgirl.
My son’s school uniform
When I see my four-year-old wearing his navy Sterling Hall school blazer, it always makes me smile.
He looks like such a little big boy. Sometimes it even brings tears to my eyes, because I imagine him in a navy blue blazer 30 years from now.
The great outdoors, indoors
I absolutely must have flowers in the house—big bouquets of pink peonies. Nobody does them better than Shawn and Michael at Teatro Verde (98 Yorkville Ave., 416‑966-2227).
My gown guru
Kim Ironmonger is Toronto’s best-kept secret for custom clothing. She owns Valencienne, a bridal shop on Eglinton, but she can make anything. Last year, I wore one of her creations to Paris fashion week, and it was
mistaken for Dior.
Designer dresses
I also have beautiful special- order gowns by Dior, Chanel and Marchesa. Some of them I’ve worn only once. I’ll eventually auction them off for charity, so they can help a good cause instead of just sitting in my closet.
Paying it forward
I read to the children at SickKids once a week. I get so much joy out of volunteering, it almost
feels selfish. And it reminds me how blessed I am to have three healthy children.
My signature scent
I’ve been wearing Coco Chanel since I was 17. I’ve tried many others, but I always come back to Coco.
My favourite serial killer
My husband and I are huge fans of Dexter. We’ve never missed an episode, and we talk about the show for days after. There’s nothing like it on TV. I love the fact that he’s killing people for a good reason. Sometimes I close my eyes during the gory scenes.
My arm candy
I love Birkin bags. I don’t want to say how many I have, but I’ve been collecting them for a few years. They’re timeless. You could wear pyjamas and carry a Birkin and still look good.
Photographs of Rogers, dress, and bag by John Cullen; flowers courtesy of Teatro Verde; Dexter courtesy of Showtime
10 Comments
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I'm sure Suzanne is a very nice person but with all due respect, this is a "favourite things" list that almost no one can (or might wish to) achieve. Perhaps Suzanne was unaware of how the article would read - as it presents her as superficial, almost ridiculous and terribly indulgent in a time when many are worried about simply paying their bills (including their Rogers bills!) and mortgages.
I'm also very much hoping that a person who can't keep track of how many Birkin bags she owns donates more than reading to kids once a week.
February 17, 2010 | by nadine67For those who have picked up a magazine, newspaper or spoken with anyone who knows her, it is evident that Suzanne is a sweet, caring and family oriented person. She gives generously of her time, money and energy to numerous causes including Sick Kids Hospital and ONEXONE.
I found the piece projected her in a fun, positive light and I respect her for all that she does for those less fortunate!
We need more women of her stature, personality and social commitment in Toronto - Go Suzanne!!
February 20, 2010 | by chocolateI was impressed that in what is essentially a fashion "fluff piece" article, Suzanne referenced her family several times -illustrating her strong sense of sentiment & emotional attachment. She mentions her 75 year old father-in-law, her son and her husband in loving terms. Instead of simply writing donation cheques, this woman volunteers to help children and uses her expensive clothing to auction off for charity.
February 20, 2010 | by andoffThis sounds like a little woman with a big heart to me.
I'm sure Nadine67 would say the same about the late Princess Diana.
The piece is about SUSANNE'S favorite things. Berkin bag or paper bag is not the point. In a time when people are giving less, Suzanne and her family are giving more. They donate millions of dollars to many charities and hundreds of hours of their personal time.
February 20, 2010 | by OllieSuzanne Rogers is known as the fashionista in Toronto and it's nice that we have such glamorous women! but equally she is known for all of her charitable works; her personal time and the financial resources she puts into them - she is no fluff girl...she has taken her name and used it for recognition in a positive way..The city is lucky to have such a recognizable woman who does good things. Cute article!
February 20, 2010 | by samantha_millerNadine67.....Jealousy is a mental cancer. To take the time to comment on a women you clearly do not know is quite irresponsible. The questions asked are based on maily materialistic things and Suzanne still sounds like a loving wife, mother and generous human being. If the article was about Suzanne's charity work which she donates to personally and finaciallly the article would consume the entire magazine. Think before you comment.
February 21, 2010 | by McCormicknadine 67-i am sure the whole point was to have fun with this article...i think its safe to say suzanne does a lot and if anything hopefully people look at this and think maybe i should try and do something...there are many people with the means who do nothing and the fact she does something is great...
February 23, 2010 | by windmobileAs I read your City Survivor Column featuring Susanne Rogers I couldn't help but be reminded of the infamous Barbara Amiel Black Vogue article. In it she declared that her extravagance knew no bounds. This marked the beginning of Lord Black's downfall. How completely tasteless of Ms. Roger to state that she couldn't live without her collection of Hermes Birkin bags and Dior couture gowns. During the past 16 months Rogers Communications has been systematically culling its staff, to date that number stands at almost two thousand people. While she considers the colour of her next $25,000 purse those of us who were part of the downsizing are wondering if we'll be able to keep up with our mortgage payments, food bills and of course pay our Rogers cable/phone/internet bill on time, we wouldn't want Ms. Rogers to go without her “necessities.”
February 25, 2010 | by julieisnotI always thought this feature was materialistic, elistist, and self-indulgent.
Yet, for some reason I still continue to read it.
February 26, 2010 | by FeatheredKudos for the great work you are doing Suzanne. I love and admire the way you connect the glamour of high fashion with the charities and good cause.
Have you ever tried "Stylish Girl", the iPhone app? It's an amazing gadget and I am sure once you try it it will find its place on your next "must have" list.
I am sure you have a stylist who puts up together all your different looks, so perhaps using it together would be even more fun for you and easier for her/him.
Try it. It's free to download from the AppStore.
BTW - the Oscar De La Renta fashion Show at Carlu was amazing.
October 19, 2010 | by dubravko101Greetings,
Dubravko