REALITY CHECK

Oh, ELLE Canada, you’ve surprised me once again! In your April issue—among all the fashion-world glam— there was a heartwrenching story of courage and perseverance: “Escape From North Korea” [ELLE World]. I had the privilege to know a few North Korean escapees during my years working in China; I am deeply humbled and amazed by their extraordinary resilience. You always maintain a perfect balance between a brightly lit runway and a noisy, bustling street— I’m happy to see you’re not afraid to set foot in the darker alleys. After all, they are as real as the vast avenues. INESE, COQUITLAM, B.C.