How do you upstage a statuesque 6-foot tall Brazilian beauty in an equally tall, colourful, feathered costume? Or the dancer who wore nothing but glittering body paint and stilettos?
While most patrons at the 41st annual Brazilian Ball, held Saturday night at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, wouldn't even think of competing with the troupe of over 60 dancers and their spectacular costumes – all flown in from Rio de Janiero – it appeared that a few guests did go some distance with their attire for this black-tie fundraiser event.
Actor Michael James Regan opted for an exquisite Venetian costume, specially made for him by a couturier in the Italian city.
Philanthropist Stephanie Barry wore a pink gown by Brazilian designer Carlos Miele, which she bought last fall from Saks in New York just for this night.
I wasn't sure it would still fit, and the zipper broke when I put it on tonight, she said.
Thankfully, her husband, nimble with a needle and thread was able to fix it.
Or Jodi Neichenbauer, who seems to be the same size as Nelly Furtado. As the sales agent who represents designer Arthur Mendonça, Neichenbauer was able to acquire his fuchsia chiffon gown, the very same sample that the singer wore at this year's Juno Awards.
But if you had to find two fashionistas whose sartorial choices could hold up, not only next to any of the fabulous dancers but also next to supermodel Yasmine Warsame, they were Jie Matar and Toufik Sarwa. Both donned dapper straw fedoras and unbuttoned white shirts to display an expanse of chest.
This year's gala raised funds in support of the University Health Network's Arthritis Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation.
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