A Love Letter to Toronto in Five Parts
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Toronto Toronto. The city is a centre of concentrated creative energy that’s constantly on the rise. Founder of Byredo Ben Gorham, author Sheila Heti, designer Aurora James, actor Dan Levy, and, of course, Drake (no qualifier needed) all hail from here—and that’s just to name a few. Toronto also happens to be Mejuri’s very own home base.
No one person sums up Toronto’s diverse and creative energy, so how about five? For the launch of Dôme in the City: Toronto Edition—our collection of limited edition Dôme Rings inspired by the cities we call home—born-and-bred photographer Renée Rodenkirchen captured five creative women (herself included) from all over the city. Some grew up in the city, some are transplants, all carry with them a deep meaning when it comes to their home. Renée’s inspiration when it came to this very visual love letter? “Autumn in Toronto,” she says. “Something I love about Toronto is that it has a lot of green space—there is a strong intersection between the urban landscape and nature. This season feels very romantic to me, so I wanted that to translate into the portraits of these beautiful women.”
Here, four Toronto women share their notes on our always changing, ever romanticized hometown—Renée’s golden lens makes five love letters in all.
Jordana Masi
Florist, White Oak
I first moved to Toronto when I was eighteen—for the same reason every suburban kid does. Something inside me instantly switched. Toronto helped me grow up. It’s always tested me, it’s always delighted me. It’s the city where I started my business and continue to return to always. It inspires me to be myself and follow that feeling. It’s taught me to trust my instincts, and for that I'll always be grateful.
Dear Toronto,
You excite me. You infuriate me. You make me feel alive. I’m inspired by your quirky corners and happy faces. I may not be with you forever, but you’ll always be with me.
Love always, Joey
Siham & Iman Hashi
Musicians, FAARROW
Toronto is the city we were raised in, and we’re constantly inspired by all the different cultures around us. It’s a melting pot of people, music, fashion, and because of that, our music and fashion sense has always been a fusion of our experiences.
Dear Toronto,
You are the city we were destined to grow up in and for that we love you.
We never thought we’d say this, but we don’t hate winter anymore.
Elena Lohse
Blogger, This House 5000
I grew up 30 minutes away from Toronto in the suburbs, but I always dreamt of living in the city. Five years ago my dream came true, so one could say "I'm living the dream." As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto inspires me to be creative, express myself through design, all while embracing my ethnicity. I am continually motivated to try new things.
Nourhan Hesham
Writer, Mejuri
I moved from Egypt to Toronto with my family over a decade ago. It’s where I went to school, met my best friends, fell in love, dove into the creative community, met my husband, made my first home. It’s where I continue to discover myself at every corner. Toronto for me is small town intimacy and a big city feel—it has such a diverse community that you never feel disconnected from the world. I keep on falling in love with it.