What to wear to Operanation: 10 partygoers share outfit inspiration ahead of this year’s event

Date May 13, 2016

The cherry blossoms may not be, but party season is here. First up? Operanation, the Canadian Opera Company’s (epic) annual gala fundraiser, which I co-chair. Anyone who attended last year’s event will know that I enjoy a zany theme and 2016 is no different. This year’s, Queen of The Night, is what you’d get if Mozart’s infamous villain took a stroll through Madonna’s “Human Nature” video—in a word? Latex. Another few? Seduction, badassery and hella good times.

As always, Operanation will blend opera with the arts, and feature a performance by Dragonette alongside the opera’s sopranos, a set from Toronto’s own Good Enough karaoke, a live floral mural by artist Gillian G, amongst others. To boot, the night’s raffle tickets will be sold in form of temp tattoos created just for the event by designer Tanya Taylor, artist Shary Boyle and tattoo artist Curtis Montgomery. #YasQueen.

Dress code is pretty high on the list of priorities, given that I’m a co-chair, and the liner notes sound something like: “Queen of the Night is Mozart’s fiercest villain. Invoke her spirit at Operanation in leather, lace and richly dark hues.” Below, see how 10 partygoers are interpreting it for their outfits.

Itching to join the party? A few tickets can still be found at operanation.ca. Buy at your own risk—you may just get whipped.

1/10

Sid-Neigum-Fall-2016

“As a professional performer, I am drawn to the dramatic feel of many of Sid’s pieces. I love the conceptual feel, the movement and texture of his creations and the fact that every one of them seems to tell a story. The dark sensibility in many of his pieces makes them a perfect for this year’s Queen of the Night theme.”

—Simone Osbourne, soprano and Operanation host, Canadian Opera Company

2/10

Kim-Tanenbaum

“I only ever wear black and my everyday style is Victorian Goth meets Dominatrix, so this is a gala theme that I can actually shop my closet for! I will be borrowing elements from some of my past favourite outfits, as well as wearing some fabulous vintage jewellery from my mother-in-law’s collection (Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection), to curate my look for the gala.”

—Kim Tanenbaum, yoga teacher and Operanation guest

3/10

Tyler

“Dries has had me officially hooked on straps and d-rings for years now (never met a strappy number from him i didn’t need) so I couldn’t of fallen harder for Craig Green’s karate inspired collection featuring nipple cut-out knits and harness like straps on poplin for a softer take on kink.”

—Tyler Franch, Buyer’s Assistant & VIP Client Relations, The Room and Operanation guest

4/10

April-Wozny

“My look is inspired by medieval romance and 18th century menswear with a hint of Cara Delevigne.”

—April Wozny, event planner and Operanation committee member

5/10

Kirk

“I am channeling my mentors/besties Dean & Dan Caten and John Galliano
in his Dior days. Stay tuned!”

—Kirk Pickersgill, designer, Greta Constantine

6/10

Markoo-Fall-2016

“Markoo designers Tania Martins and Mona Koochek are reworking this leather bustier from their fall collection into a full out dress for me. I’ll be accessorizing with an Hermes whip and a dominatrix-worthy choker.”

—Randi Bergman, executive digital editor, FASHION, and Operanation co-chair

7/10

Amy

“My Operanation outfit is a little more challenging this year as I will be over 8 months pregnant. It’s all about the long black dress and letting my Queen of the Night style shine with dominatrix inspired accessories. These Aquazzura “French Lover” leather lace-up heels I bought at the designer’s presentation in Florence and a statement piece of vintage jewellery with lots of chains along with some dramatic makeup is my plan of attack.”

—Amy Burstyn-Fritz, partner, The Knot Group and Operanation committee member

8/10

Diego

“Feeling this double breasted suit look both by Margiela, but since MMM isn’t in my budget this year I’m opting for a similar look by Topman x Studio Kim (the amazing seamstress!)”

—Diego Armand, Operanation DJ

9/10

Shary-Boyle-Tattoo

“I’m channeling my inner queen with a long Tadashi Shoji cape dress (because what Queen doesn’t have a cape?) paired with wild hair and fierce nails. Of course I will also be donning our custom Operanation tattoos by Shary Boyle (pictured), Tanya Taylor and Curtis Montgomery, all available at the event.”

—Tracy Abergel, senior manager of events, Canadian Opera Company

10/10

Lucia

“My look for Operanation is dark and dramatic, with emphasis on jewellery. I found the dress in Australia in March. It’s soft black silk by Magali Pascal. I’ll probably pair it with a leather jacket and ankle boots for some rock and roll.”

—Lucia Graca Remedios, owner, Analogue gallery and Operanation guest