#elitehotseat: MALIK

What designer or team have you worked with that you’ve identified the most with aesthetically, creatively, and/or personally?

-- The designer that I have worked with and identified with the most aesthetically and creatively would have to be George Heaton of Represent clothing, from the UK. I did a presentation for the brand during New York Men’s Fashion Week and the clothes were all totally my style, street and edgy.

What was going through your head backstage before and on the runway during your first walk?

-- I can remember thinking to myself “Don’t look at all of the people in the audience, just stare straight ahead.” As I walked down the runway at my first show I remember being surprised at how bright the lights were and how many cameras were in my face, it was kind of distracting.

When you first began modelling, how did you become comfortable in front of the camera? 

-- The best way to get comfortable in front of the camera for me is by building a relationship with the photographer. Once I have something to talk about with the photographer it helps me to relax and makes things much easier.

Outside of modelling, who is Malik?

-- Both inside and outside of modelling I am a very social person, I love making new friends

and learning life experience from other people. I am also always looking for different ways to

experience New York city.

Can you think of an embarrassing moment that you’ve encountered while modelling? If so what would it be?

-- We had to pretend to play football on set, and I tackled one of the other models and he landed on his finger and fractured it, they had to pause the whole shoot and take him to the hospital.

If you saw yourself walk into a casting, what would your first impression be of yourself?

-- My first impression would be “Wow, that guy has a great smile :)”

How would you say you’ve evolved as a model comparing yourself now to the very beginning of your career? 

-- I would say that I have gotten better at remembering people's names, whether it be casting directors, producers, stylists or photographers. I have found that remembering the names of people I’ve worked with helps to leave a very good impression which ultimately leads to being booked more.

How does your approach change when shooting editorials or campaigns versus walking runway?

-- The biggest difference between my approach for a shoot then for a runway is that I am more focused on getting into character for a shoot depending on who it’s for, some brands are much more smiley than others etc. For a runway I usually just have to focus on keeping a serious expression and walking straight.

Is there anything modelling has taught you that you can say you’ve been able to apply to your everyday life?

-- The biggest things modelling has taught me is how to make meaningful conversation with complete strangers, and being comfortable with working with people I may not necessarily like.

Before you were a model, what did you foresee your future entailing?

-- Before modelling I planned to study broadcast media, and hopefully someday become a news reporter.

You do a lot of travelling for your job, what place would you say you’ve fallen in love with the most and why; any favourite travelling experiences?

-- London is my favourite place that I’ve been next to New York. I love the culture there and I’ve made some amazing friends.

When you’re on location somewhere what’s your favourite thing to do to keep busy during off time?

-- Favourite thing to do during my off time when on location is usually to explore the location.

How has modelling changed how you view the fashion industry and other creative industries involved?

-- Modelling has made me realize that there is a lot more time spent planning leading up to a shoot or a runway show then I thought. Often producers have already planned a shoot for Winter when the one for Summer has only just been shot.

What’s your next career move? Anyone you’d love to work with or a place you hope to visit for work?

-- I would like to start assisting on video shoots so I can learn more about becoming a creative director, as that is a job I can see myself doing after modelling. Also studying however I haven’t decided which courses I will take yet, likely something to do with business management. As far as modelling goes my dream is to do a shoot for Tom Ford, and I hope that I will get a chance to work with Guy Aroch again (my favorite photographer).

What would your top foolproof advice be for taking a good photo?

--Look into the camera the same way you would look at the waiter when your food arrives.

How would you describe your personal style? Has it changed since you started your career?

-- Personal style has always been streetwearish, denim, combat boots kind of deal. Also pretty much all of my favorite pieces of clothing (besides my jeans) are black.

#elitehotseat: ROBBIE BEESER

How did you get discovered?

-- I was scouted at a Rihanna concert downtown when I was 17. 

How did it feel when you got scouted?

-- Getting scouted caught me a little off guard, but I figured I'd give it a try and see where it could take me. 

What do you think about when you walk the runway?

-- Even after three years, I get a little nervous before every show - normally imagining myself falling or messing up. 

What’s been the biggest highlight of your modelling career so far?

-- The biggest highlight of my career would probably be walking for Versace and getting to experience that top brand in action. 

What do you like the most about your job?

-- My favourite part about modelling would have to be the opportunity to travel and see the world.

As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

-- Growing up I’d always dream of being a pro hockey player. 

What do you like to do when you’re not modelling or off-duty?

-- When I'm not working I often stay at my girlfriends apartment, just relaxing maybe a few drinks. 

What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?

-- The last song that got stuck in my head would have to be Novacane by Frank Ocean. 

If you could hang out with any three people who would you choose?

-- If I could hang out with any three people I would have to choose Carey Prive, P.K. Subban and Brendan Gallegher, being the big hand fan I am. 

What’s one subject you could talk about for at least 5 minutes?

-- I could talk about hockey for hours.

What’s something about yourself that might surprise people?

-- It might surprise most people that hockey was actually my first word as a baby. 

What do you see yourself doing after your modelling career?

-- After modelling I plan on going to university in Toronto, then moving to Honduras to run my families beach bar.

#elitehotseat: SABRINA RINALDI

How long have you been doing makeup, and when did you know a career in beauty was for you?

-- I started doing makeup freelance in 2003. Before that, I worked at Mac Cosmetics at Selfridges in London, England and then in Toronto before making the decision to go freelance. My father was a hairdresser and my aunt had a makeup studio/spa in my family’s salon, so I grew up around it and worked with them every Saturday from the age of 5 - 17! I used to buy my clothes at a vintage store and put together these themed outfits (fully inspired by Madonna and her constantly changing looks). I would think of what hair and makeup I wanted to do with each particular look and that would be what I would wear to school for the day. My teachers thought I should be an actress because I dressed in character, but I knew I just wanted to put the character together. I loved planning the hair and makeup around the outfit. It gave me purpose during those difficult teen years.

What do you love most about your job?

-- Honestly, I love the people. There are so many great teams and so many talented people here in Canada. I really enjoy my days on set. I also have a love for fashion and beauty trends. I love always moving on to the next thing, the next inspiration, the next job - the constant fast pace suits my personality.

Who are some of your beauty inspirations?

-- I am such a huge fan of fellow Canadian Hung Vango. He has done so well for himself and deservedly so; his artistry and skill is breathtaking and absolutely some of my favourite work.

What influences your work? Which sources do you use for inspiration for shoots?

-- I know it probably sounds expected, but I look to the international markets to see what they are doing every season. I love looking online at fashion shows and the behind the scenes. I look at a lot of magazines and I also find inspiration from street style and people I see out and about. I also love referencing a past decade and finding new ways to interpret it. I find that exciting and something I am always interested to do.

You've worked with Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmo, Flare, Elle and Dress to Kill (just to name a few). How does that feel, and how do you prepare for those shoots?

-- I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many amazing magazines! I love how each one of them has their own particular style and vision. Being a part of the teams that work on these shoots has been an incredible experience. I start off my preparation by doing research, putting together visual references and putting a lot of thought into my shoots. I think about my hair and makeup looks, techniques, products, approach - everything - while I drive, workout or try and fall sleep - lol - it’s basically on my mind until it is shot and done (and then I think of how could have improved it! Ha!).

Who do you most enjoy collaborating with?

-- That’s a loaded question and the honest (and boring) answer is there are too many to name. As I’ve said, I am lucky to work with the top people in this country so a day on set with these photographers, stylists and models doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do and it is extremely rewarding to work with other passionate people.

Do you like creating really out-there looks, or do you prefer something classically beautiful?

-- Funny, I just had this conversation today. I like a range, but I definitely like the minimal dewy makeup that enhances the person’s features and natural beauty. I also love going glam with a strong eye, lip and cheek. at the end of the day my goal is to make things look refined and expensive. If I can achieve that I am happy.

How do you think the industry has changed since you’ve started? The beauty industry specifically.

-- It’s changed a lot in the way that it has grown considerably. When I started pursuing this industry in 1999 it wasn’t common to be a makeup artist or a fashion stylist. Now with television shows and social media, a lot of creative kids are getting exposed to these career paths. The beauty industry has changed drastically with social media. Youtube and Instagram are giving a voice and platform to a new kind of beauty and beauty representative. It definitely has changed things.

How do makeup artists assert themselves in the creative process of a shoot?

-- I think it works in your favour to have ideas and suggestions when it comes to the hair and makeup, although sometimes direction is given. I think having an open dialogue with your team and client is key. Don’t be afraid to have the conversation and be clear on what they are wanting. Having visual references helps a lot as well.

If you turn up at a shoot and the model has terrible skin, what do you do?

-- Leave it to Photoshop! Haha, it sounds funny, but it’s true. I don’t like a heavy base - I want pores to read regardless so I leave the foundation light so that the retoucher has good skin texture to pull from to clear up any imperfections.

You've had an amazing career so far - what have been your highlights?

-- Winning Makeup Artist of the Year was a great moment for me. Also, going to Bora Bora with the crew of Fashion Magazine last year was memorable. I love to travel and it was so beautiful - I couldn’t have been with better people. I must say the shoot I did with Chris Nichols and Cary Tauben for Dress to Kill at the Bowmanville Zoo with all the jungle animals was a definite highlight. It was a concept and idea I pitched to the magazine and team and I worked so hard putting it all together. I love animals so being able to do a shoot with them was super cool to say the least.

You've done such stunning work on so many models and celebrities. Who have you not worked on that you'd kill to get into your chair? 

-- That’s a great question - I’d have to say Kate Moss because there is just no one like her... and if we’re going to dream big then Madonna because, well it’s madonna, and she has influenced so much of who I am today.

What’s next for you? 

-- Next is a night shoot tomorrow for Flare Magazine with Andrew Soule and then TIFF begins...

#elitehotseat: TRAVIS TADDEO

When did you realize that you wanted to be a designer?

-- As soon as I figured out that I couldn’t sing and my dreams of becoming a rock star were crushed. I was like 6 or 7

How has your fashion background influenced you as a designer?

-- You learn patience and practice to perfect your vision.

Where do you draw inspiration?

-- My inspiration usually comes from a social or cultural ideology. The need to tell a story about society at a specific time.

What is usually your first thought when you wake up?

-- Get out of bed.

Who were two role models you looked up to as a kid?

-- Kate moss, Jeanne Becker

If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would you choose and why?

-- Beethoven for sound, Plato for conversation and princess Diana for elegance.

What kind of music do you play in your studio when you’re working?

-- Classical, when I’m on my own…

How would you describe your creative process?

-- 5 am, espresso, pen and paper, patterns, cutting, sewing, repeat.

What do you look for in models when casting?

-- They need to have an energy that represents the story I’m trying to tell.

Which celebrity has amazing style?

-- Donatella Versace 

Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind your SS15 collection.

-- HUSTLER ELITE is about hustling in every way imaginable, but at the same time making sure your game is tight.

Describe one of your personal favourite pieces you’ve ever created.

-- In SS 13 we did a black silk tulle dress with hand sewn silk bows covering the essentials. That was pretty fun to do.

When it comes to fashion and trends, is there anything that's hot right now that you despise?

-- Hahaha I despise the idea of trend as it completely takes individuality away

Aside from designing, what else are you passionate about?

-- Plants

Name three words that best describe your brand.

-- Minimal. Edge. Street.

What’s next for you?

-- I keep dreaming of opening my own store ☺

Shop Travis Taddeo's collection here.