Welcome to our first ever Friday Follow Feature, where we will be spotlighting our favourite event and wedding industry gurus and trying to pick their brains. We're excited to introduce the lovely Laura Serra, who has one of the best jobs, writing for the Globe Mail's social page section and attending some of the most exclusive industry events.
Name: Laura Serra
Occupation: Social Page Editor, The Globe and Mail
Who is your role model/mentor:
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a variety of different mentors during my time at The Globe and Mail, from when I was a part-time university student, until now. Sue Grimbly, Craig Offman, James Horlock and Maggie Wrobel to name a few.
I have a girl crush on Barbara Amiel Black, too. She is the type of woman I strive to be - strong, independent, intelligent, outspoken, and kind, all at the same time. And she always looks graceful and elegant.
What do you like most about your job:
The social aspect. I get to meet and mingle with everyone from the flashy talent on stage to the hard-working public relations girls behind the scenes. I’ve also developed a friendship with similar party-goers in the same circles - we’ve crafted a unique clique in our gala-hopping travels, so often times I’m out and working with friends. Even though most people consider social pages the “fluff” of the newspaper, I think it’s necessary to highlight how much this city does for various charities and organizations and shine a spotlight on the select individuals who donate their time and money to make it all happen.
Daily ritual:
Wake up too late for work. Play with my dog in bed for 15 mins. Quick shower and out the door. Walk to work with earphones blazing. A pitstop at Jimmy’s Coffee for an authentic latte (but lately I’m into espressinos). After a full day at the office, I’m usually off to a gala, fundraiser, party, art show, or fashion event for the evening. I try to be home before it’s too late to catch up on my PVR (Gossip Girl, The Good Wife, Glee).
The best event I’ve been to and am most excited about:
I’m biased as the founder and co-chair of Paws for the Cause (www.pawsforthecause.ca). Besides that one, I enjoy the intimacy of restaurant openings, the hype and electricity that city-wide events like TIFF and LG Fashion Week ignite, but also the annual glitzy galas, like: ONEXONE, Grand Cru, Operanation, Innovator’s Ball, the Giller Prize, CANFAR, and the Venetian Ball.
Is there an event you didn’t get to go to but wish you had:
This year I missed Operanation, since it was the night after Paws for the Cause, and I was really looking forward to the Cinderella theme.
Most creative invitation you’ve received:
These days most invitations arrive via email, which is great for the environment, but I must say a hard invitation does add a certain level of sophistication to the event. It’s fun to get something in the mail that isn’t a bill. Holt Renfrew is definitely a leader there and always sends hard invites. This year, the Venetian Ball sent me a full carnivale face mask from Venice as an invitation - that one definitely takes the cake for 2010.
Best gift bag and item:
The Buy Design for Windfall Spring Social had the biggest and heaviest gift bag I’ve ever seen. One of items was a Timberland leather gel for shoes which I use religiously and fear the day I run out. I also loved the bowties and lipstick with the recent Lanvin and H&M collaboration.
Favourite celebrity encounter:
This sounds totally cliché, but it’s the honest truth - Sarah Jessica Parker at the Halston Heritage launch at The Bay. I was legitimately speechless and weirdly emotional.
This year I did some TIFF coverage for The Globe so I had the pleasure of meeting many A-list celebrities, like Hilary Swank (who is a sweetheart), and um, a little someone by the name of JAMES FRANCO. That was, how do I say... special.
Favourite hangout:
After work, we stay in the neighbourhood and head to Marben (try Le Petite Serra named after me!), Le Select or KiWe - KiWe has the best staff on the planet and cozy booths you can sink into after a long day. At night, I’m usually on Queen West somewhere like The Swan or Terroni and as the night gets later, we saunter into old favourites like The Beaconsfield or new-found hidden gems like Unlovable on Dundas.
Favourite outfit to wear to an event:
I don’t have a favourite since every event calls for a certain style and my mood will dictate how much effort I put into my look. I did, however, love the dress I wore to PROM and the ROM with my friend Ainsley Kerr (pictured above). It’s a ballerina-style vintage dress I picked up in Mirvish village complete with a crinoline and sequin belt.
Favourite childhood memory:
Running around our dining room in my mom’s platform white sandals. I was only 3-years-old when my shoe addiction began. I had long blonde ringlets. I used to love watching her get ready.
If there was more time in the day you would:
Dedicate more time to personal wellness like spin classes, yoga, and the steam room at Hammam Spa in Toronto.
Favourite social network:
Twitter! You can follow me at @lauraserra, @GlobeParties and @Paws4theCauseTO
Last website you visited:
Was just reading my friend Jessie’s hilarious food blog: http://foodieandthebeast.wordpress.com/
Favourite Blog:
As above, and http://youareatoy.tumblr.com/ for interesting photography.
Thanks Laura for sharing your stories with our readers. You can follow Laura on Twitter for more on what's on the haps around town.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment