Holt Renfrew paid tribute to Scott Schuman—the photographer behind fashion blog The Sartorialist—with a cocktail reception for 200 guests in the menswear department at its flagship store on Bloor Street Wednesday. The event, which featured an exhibit of 20 of Schuman's photographs, is part of a national tribute to fashion bloggers that includes window installations at the retailer's nine locations.
Holt Renfrew invited top customers and media representatives to the 90-minute reception, which began at 6:30 p.m. Guests had the opportunity to view Schuman's photographs, which hung on a series of panels positioned in the centre of the space, prior to a short Q&A session with the photographer. Schuman addressed the crowd from a podium accessorized by a vintage street lamp and black bicycle.
"We wanted to celebrate bloggers being what we're calling fashion's new stars," said John Gerhardt, creative director for Holt Renfrew. Schuman, who started The Sartorialist in 2005, has developed a loyal fan base and received numerous accolades, including his naming to Time’s Design 100 list. He is a regular contributor to GQ and Style.com and has also contributed as a photographer and writer to Holt Renfrew's Holts magazine. "As one of the world’s top fashion bloggers, Scott’s influence on the world of design is incredible," Gerhardt said.
Severs offered wine and Peroni beer to guests and Holts Café catered a selection of hors d'oeuvres including charred beef on crostini with arugula and horseradish cream, smoked salmon puffs with fresh dill, and caramelized onion and brie cheese tarts. Dessert offerings included fresh fruit tarts and mini profiteroles with espresso cream.
Schuman is one of six bloggers featured in Gerhardt's windows. The others include Jane Aldridge (seaofshoes.typepad.com), Anita Clarke (iwantigot.geekigirl.com), Tommy Ton (jakandjil.com), Bryan Boy (bryanboy.com), and Garance Dore (garancedore.fr/en).
"These six really represent a good cross section for us. They have incredible style and diversity. I wanted to find bloggers that had a lot of personality behind them," said Gerhardt, who drew inspiration for the displays "by getting into their personalities and their style. Each one of them talks to different audiences that we have at Holt Renfrew."
The windows, unveiled June 26, are running nationally in Holt Renfrew's nine stores until the end of July. Schuman's photographs will remain on display until Wednesday.
