“Nancy Drew is as immaculate and self-possessed as a Miss America on tour. She is as cool as Mata Hari and as sweet as Betty Crocker.” - Bobbie Ann Mason

On a steaming hot Monday in Toronto’s High Park, a bunch of Wornettes and friends got together to pay tribute to 3 notorious girls who gather clues and solve crime, all in swishy skirts and lacy gloves. Issue 9 is starting to come together and I can shamelessly say I think it’s going to be the best pages yet, not the least of which is Esme Wornette’s brilliant adaptation of the Nancy Drew mysteries. Just a little sneak peek at how I spent my Monday…

Our make-up columnist Bella B. (who is quickly becoming our regular photoshoot make-up artist too) creates some dewy little ladies.

Events intern Chelsea got wrangled into being our George.

Esme’s darling little sister was our Bess.

Wearing comfy shoes for as long as possible!

Look at those cute plaid boots!

Sore feet!

Cast of lovelies, clockwise: cute blonde girl with bike who held a reflector screen, make-up artist Bella B., Chelsea as George, copyeditor Kate doubling as stylist assistant, Zoe as Nancy Drew, Simone as Bess, showrunner of the entire shoot Esme, photographer Lisa, brand new intern Valentina, (and me behind the camera).

Were you a fan of Nancy Drew fashion as a kid?

xoxo,
Serah-Marie

It hardly seemed possible, but last night, after months of planning, stress, and shameless self-promotion, the SOL[e]D! party happened. Now, it’s no secret that WORN readers are a stylish bunch, but the steady stream of fabulous that came through the doors at the Bata Shoe Museum to celebrate and support the launch of Issue No. 8. was the stuff of legend. In keeping with the evening’s theme, the collection of footwear was divine, from thigh-high lace-up boots (you know who you are!) to sky-high stilettos and everything in between. Dresses were saucy and hats were haute. The men gave Jon Hamm a run for his money. To every person who attended, thank you for your support, without which this publication would not exist.

When time came for the live auction, the crowd rose to the challenge and intrepid auctioneer Amanda MacDonald handled the room like a pro. Thanks to all of you who bid for helping make our fundraiser a success, and congratulations to all of you who won your bids – you walked away with some really beautiful, one-of-a-kind work. The Shake a Tail DJs capped the night with excellent music and it was great to see all our staff together (especially our senior editors who came from Montreal and New York), celebrating an evening they worked so hard to bring together.

Head of Events Meagan giving the Bata one last look
before opening the doors.

I think I can speak on behalf of staff and supporters alike, I’d like to thank the people who helped make last night possible:

Thank you Meagan Allison-Hancock, for spending the last four months of your life living and breathing this event. No detail was too small for your attention, no email went unsent or phone call uncalled. You were organized and thorough and on top of your game. You bravely (and possibly unwittingly) took on a huge responsibility and never faltered. WORN could not have pulled this off without you.

Thank you Chelsea McBroom, WORN’s Events Intern and Meagan’s right-hand. In conversation with Bata staff last night, the word “dynamo” came up and it was not unqualified. You are one of those rare people who tackles every task with cheerful equanimity, getting things done and never complaining. Working with you is a pleasure.

Finally, thanks to all the WORN staff and contributors who spent the last eight months making The Shoe Issue our best one ever. Despite the pressures of school, work and life, you all put incredible time and effort into producing a really beautiful publication and a wonderful evening.

It might be sheer exhaustion talking, but it’s safe to say I’m feelin’ the love.

Your Editor-in-Pants,
Serah-Marie McMahon

Managing Editor Gwen setting up before the party started.

Chelsea Wornette here: I’m the new Events Intern at Worn who will ensure that your experience at our parties is a great one.
For the last few years since I graduated high school in Calgary, I’ve been in and out of colleges searching for my passion. After classes in Theatre, Creative Writing and Journalism, I have finally found my passion at Humber College for their Fashion Arts program and in the offices of Worn. I love Toronto and since I’ve moved here have worked in numerous photo shoots, volunteered to dress models at the Bridal Expo and LG Fashion Week, and helped coordinate events at the Blue Jays games, Meagan’s Walk Charity Gala and CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce.

I don’t watch a lot of TV but I love the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) channel. I get tips from Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Doris Day and Elizabeth Taylor. I’m still searching for the man of my dreams: Cary Grant.

current inspirations…

Tim Walker
Recently added to my list of my favorite photographers.

Art Gallery of Ontario
Nothing more fashion inspiring than our history (and art of course).

Christophe Collette
Great photographs and cinematography.

Bill Cunningham
His voice and his almost comical look at fashion.

Kaleidoscope Eyes
Wanderlust and cosmic dust…for the hippie in me?