In Style

When Tim Blanks quit his long-standing gig as host of Newsworld’s Fashion File, it seemed like the end of an era for Canadian-produced runway coverage. Who would provide the arch antidote to Jeanne Beker’s worship of celebrity designers? FF’s producers had an idea: turn the search for a new host into a reality show. An open call in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal brought out nearly 2,000 hopefuls, while a short list of 10 vied for the top spot on the series, broadcast from February to a finale on April 5. The three industry-insider judges (former British Vogue editor Bronwyn Cosgrave, FF producer Réjean Beaudin and one-time Flare editor Suzanne Boyd) aspired to Simon Cowell–level bitchiness, and the contestants performed “challenges” (such as interviewing a Canadian fashion icon) that would test the patience of even the most dedicated clotheshound. While the winner—who will also be producing a column for Toronto Life sister publication Fashion—had yet to be revealed at press time, a strapping stylist named Adrian Mainella was a slam-dunk for the post. Not only could he tell the difference between Dolce and Gabbana, he had previously hosted Diva on a Dime, a makeover show on Global. The notably unmentioned fact that he’s a bosom buddy of the competition’s stylish MC Michelle Mama—they’ve hung out since college days—also couldn’t have hurt.—Paul Nelson