EDITOR’S NOTE

This month’s issue explores the return of luxury—especially its unabashed celebration on the international runways this season. The extravagance at Dries Van Noten, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs reflected an unapologetic optimism that carried through to the spring/summer 2016 shows. The more luxe collections have the added bonus of attracting the most impressive A-list front row. When you enter these hallowed venues, which are often ornate and dimly lit, you immediately notice a meteor shower of light surrounding different clusters of celebrities. The only way to find out who’s behind this wall of light is to stealthily make your way into the mix. I was on a mission at the recent shows to capture some front-row catnip for ELLE Canada’s Snapchat. The Elie Saab show always draws boldface patrons, so I knew I had to be ready to snap my 10-sec encounters. (This was my first time snapping—thanks to some coaching lessons from my nephew Liam—so I wasn’t entirely confident in my technique.) Then I spotted my first subject: Kris Jenner. I frantically pressed the red record button and pushed my way into the band of photographers who surrounded one of the world’s most famous momagers. It wasn’t a super-close snap, but it was good enough. While I was fumbling to post the clip to our story, the photogs moved on and I was left standing in front of Jenner and Corey Gamble. I was about to flip my iPhone 6s in her face and snap a real up-close-and-personal clip, but instead I decided to have an up-close-and-personal exchange. I reached out my hand and introduced myself, saying how pleased we were to have her daughter Kylie on our December cover. Mamma K, as I called her on my snap, leaned toward me and smiled. “Thank you for giving Kylie this wonderful opportunity,” she said, her face visibly relaxing. “How did she do? Are you happy with the images? When are they out?” I assured her that her daughter had been amazing—and so engaged in the live cover—and that we were appreciative. I wished her well and stepped back into the darkened side of the room to take my seat. Jenner was soon engulfed by another “flashbulb” mob. During the week, I saw her expertly and patiently pose for professionals as well as selfieseeking fans at many shows. At Hermès, we sat across the runway from each other. Like her fellow seatmates, she had her highly covetable Birkin bag placed by her side. Although this telegraphed the luxurious life she enjoys, I couldn’t help but wonder if luxury—even for her—might be those rare moments when she’s away from the lights. With the holidays approaching, I wish all of you a luxurious celebration—whether that means indulging in some of the 85 gifts you’ll discover in our “Holiday Gift Guide 2015” (page 101) or simply having the luxury of time to do things that inspire you and spend time with the people who genuinely light up your life.