About

Benjamin Kanarek’s portrait by Marv Kanarek

Benjamin Kanarek

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

I was born and grew up in Toronto, Canada. Never quite sure what I wanted in life, I fell into many things by accident. Photography, Web Concept development and Creative Direction are just a few examples. I played drums in a few punk rock groups, one of which, the “Existers”, with the single “Telex Love” was produced by John Cale. Another, the “Poles”, had a semi-successful hit called “CN Tower”.

Afterward, I entered Carleton University where I studied Architecture. I then worked in several companies, including Webb Zerafa Menkes & Housden, best known for designing the CN Tower in Toronto. After a serious accident where I fell from a five meter mezzanine, I literally fell into photography. There was a photographer taking photos at the party and I landed on his toe!!!

My second shoot was an advertising campaign in Toronto. While in Toronto, I was the first Canadian photographer to shoot Kim Alexis, which I did for the cover of Chatelaine. I moved to Los Angeles and stayed there for just over a year before moving to New York. In NY, I shot quite a few campaigns as well as the Dayton Hudsons Christmas book with Andie MacDowell, Elle MacPherson, Bitten Knudsen. I have worked with some of the classic great top models like Angie Everhart, Laetitia Firmin-Didot, Carole Alt, Helena Christensen, Kirsten Owen, Karen Mulder, Adriana Sklenarikova Karembeu, Brooke Shields, Kim Alexis, Janice Dickinson, Roberta Chirko, and more recently with Irina Lazareanu and Tetyana Brazhnyk… etc. I also shot several covers for Vogue South America.

I then moved to Milan where I shot for Harper’s BAZAAR and Cosmopolitan. I came back to Toronto for a short stint before a friend suggested that I try Paris.

After six weeks in Paris, I was given an opportunity to shoot the Haute Couture for L’Officiel. Since then, Paris has become my base.

I also compose and write Pop-Rock music for several artists.

I also consult as a creative director for worldwide agencies and clients.

Some of the magazines I have been published in include :

VOGUE Italy, VOGUE Paris, VOGUE Brasil, RG VOGUE, VOGUE Mexico, Harper’s BAZAAR China, Harper’s BAZAAR en Español, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore, Harper’s BAZAAR Hong Kong, Harper’s BAZAAR Italy, L’Officiel Paris, New York Daily News Fashion, New York Times  Magazine – Fashion Supplement, Women’s Wear Daily, Cosmopolitan (France and Italy), Elle (Spain, Portugal and Greece editions), Madame Figaro, Votre Beauté, “W” Magazine UK, Flare, Chatelaine, Glamour (French), Biba, 100 Cose, Dealer Deluxe, Oyster, Deutsch, Icon, Issue One, Tank, West East, Jardin des Modes, Dépêche Mode…

Official Website: Benjamin Kanarek, Exhitions: 21 Gallery, Lumas

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Frédérique Renaut’s portrait by Benjamin Kanarek

Frédérique Renaut

Fashion & Beauty Director

I am an Islander from Paris. Yes it is possible… Born on Ile de la Cité, facing Notre Dame!

As a child I was surrounded by my grand mother and mother sewing their own garments and as a result learned to appreciate the art of Couture. As a teenager, I attended several Dé d’Or Award Ceremonies (the equivalent of the CFDA in the USA) and I made up my mind: when I grow up I want to work in the Fashion industry.

I received my MBA in International Trade. I directed my career in marketing and communication, in the Fashion and Luxury business.

My first professional experience in Marketing was at Elle Magazine International and Yves Saint Laurent Couture. In the mid 90′s, I joined the Press Team at the Louis Féraud Haute Couture House where I worked for 3 years. I participated in the organization of the Couture shows and all of the public relations events. I also spent some time at Louis Féraud Inc. in the New York showroom. I left Louis Féraud just before the house was sold and went on to join the Givenchy Design Studio headed by Alexander McQueen when he was the Artistic Director.

In 1998, I joined Beauté Prestige International (BPI), a subsidiary of the Japanese giant Shiseido Cosmetics Group for Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier and Narciso Rodriguez perfumes and cosmetics. I created the Media Department and took the lead role as Director of Worldwide Media. In 9 years, my Department managed more than 30 countries for 3 brands and 5 perfume lines and executed 10 world-wide media launches of perfumes and cosmetics. I was also a member of the Media Commission of the UDA (Consortium of French Advertisers).

In 2000, I started Creative Direction Consulting & Digital Retouching for Fashion and Beauty Productions that I am still engaged in.

Since 2008, I have been working as a consultant specializing in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, Traditional Media, Internet & Social Networking.

I launched the Benjamin Kanarek Blog with Benjamin in June 2009. It has been a real adventure!