Tux in the City | Art feeds the soul

If ever you’re looking for a nicely orchestrated elevator pitch speak to Corrine Asseraf, the president of Corinne & Co. She had me sold on her event within 30 seconds. The tricky part for me though was yet to come! Assembling a tuxedo in 24hrs… it’s more complicated then it sounds when you vaguely remember having the jacket and bow tie that both need dusting off and every other piece of attire is missing. After scrambling to 3 downtown mens clothing locations (Zara, Simons and Harry Rosen) and consulting 3 suit experts on the latest styles I found THE 1 store that had it ALL – Zara.

The concept originates from New York’s tuxedo and bow-tie high society movement and was smoothly adopted by our classy city – Montreal. Dress code compulsory for men and women. No exceptions made; no ties and no dresses! The strict dress code took me into uncharted territory (all my close friends will agree on that;). But what I had to look forward to was music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, people and of course fashion, all in support for our local cultural community. For Tux in the City 1st year anniversary there was definitely a sense of glam and attitude of the Oscars on a silver platter! To add to the mix my buddy/professional animator Angelo Cadet looked after introducing well known local DJ and musicians in the Quebec local scene, playing carefully selected 70s to today’s hits. The evening was topped off with a brilliant ‘I want to make love to you’ saxophone player and a sexy burlesque show where the pin up did her number in a huge martini glass… now that’s what I call show biz.

So what is the Art for Healing Foundation? It was created to integrate the healing power of art in hospitals and health clinics, transforming these soulless environments to the patients and their families a sense of hope and serenity from the beauty of art. To this day 8,000 works of art have been distributed in 57 institutions across the country (from Newfoundland to British Columbia). A silent auction among other activities were held to raise funds for the worthy cause. Unfortunately someone outbid me for hockey tickets! My consolation prize though was leaving in good company :)