Kimberley Marquis, Fashionista/ Photographer/ Anokhi Events Coordinator

I would like to introduce the world to fellow blogger Kimberley Marquis, women extraodinaire. A keen six sense for hot trends in fashion and an amazing photographer, Kimberley is doing what most of us dare not to, she is following her dreams. 

Check out my interview with Torontonian fashionista Kimberley Marquis:

(Kimberley is of Indian decent and was born in Dubai.) Kim when did you come to Canada? Do you have any childhood stories that may be of interest to the fashion heads?

I came to Canada in 1996, 15 years ago. I was always in love with fashion, clothes, and shoes as a kid. I would dance around the house in my mothers heels and watch her put on her make up. I couldn't wait to get older so that I could wear make up and paint my nails. But having a very strict father, I wasn't able to touch make up or nail polish until a certain age. And the first time I ever wore eyeliner was at age 13. I was already a pro at it. It came naturally to me. ;)

So what were your dreams growing up compared to today? Tell me about your program and how do you find it working at Anokhi Magazine?

When I was little all I dreamed about was being a fashion model. I wanted to strut down the runways of Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. Growing up and eventually at the height of 5'6, I realized that I wasn't ever going to be tall enough for runway....

So modelling wasn't for me. But I was determined to make it into the fashion industry! Now, still growing as a person, and finding what I love most about this HUGE industry, I have come to love the marketing, PR, and events side of fashion. Now, my dreams for this industry is to first graduate from the Fashion Communication program at Ryerson University, and then hopefully make my way up to some fabulous magazine. I may find myself in Milan...or Paris....working for Vogue ;) (A girl can dream right?)

Currently working at Anokhi Magazine as an events coordinator, I am just overwhelmed with event planning! It is a fast-paced world with an unusual thrill. And I love every minute of it!

Crazy. Ok the most obvious question, why fashion? What attracted you to it and also what inspires you?

So why Fashion? Well, it is not something that I can explain. The industry is crazy, and a whole lot of fun. It also has its downsides of course, but you have to be a passionate person if you want to be in fashion. You cannot be "soft." And you certainly cannot let people get in your way! Love what you do, and you shall succeed! 

My inspirations come from all over. Everything I see is an inspiration. I love travelling. I haven't been to enough places which is something I am working on. But I have traveled quite a bit. I love culture. All kinds of culture. It is so wonderful that we live in a place like Canada. We are so multicultural and I don't actually have to even travel to see what I want to. Culture is right here in our Country. 

What is your motto or philosophy on life?

My motto on life? There's a saying that goes "Where there's a will, there's a way." But I have tweaked it to make it my own. It goes like this: "Where there's a Kim, there's a way." ---That is my motto on life. 

Make sure to check out Kimberley's blog: kimmarquis.blogspot.com 

Photos by Kimberley Marquis:

                      Photos by Kimberley Marquis

Omari Haneef-Jabari, Producer/ Songwriter/ Author/ Performer

Hailing from the Toronto Suburbs of Markham, Mississauga, and Whitby producer and emcee, Omari J has forged an innovative and unique sound by blending elements of electro and rock with slamming hip hop drums, fresh, witty rhymes and catchy melodies to create a sub genre he refers to as prog-rap.  In his own words the sound is reflective of both surreal and modern art and represents a truly unique and cultured perspective to the urban arts world. When asked where he draws inspiration, Omari cites the work of artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Rene Magritte as well as film maker Alfred Hitchcock, and a plethora of musicians and rappers including the likes of Kanye West, Likke Li, and The Beetles. With two projects in the works and releases scheduled for the summer of 2011, Expect to hear a lot more from this budding Canadian talent.


Watch an exclusive interview with Omari J:
(pause music on the top-right)

Part 1

Part 2

Omari J on the M.I.C.

Follow Omari J on twitter @KnobodiesOmari and on Facebook: Omari Jabari.

Check out Onyx Babers located 219A Yonge Street Toronto, ON 

(Across from the Toronto Eaton Centre)