Photography by Kennedy Pollard and Ryan Emberley

Social Snaps: Queen’s Plate, Royal York’s 90th and More

A snapshot of recent parties and events on the Toronto social calendar.

By Ryan Emberley

Date August 2, 2019

With fascinators and chino shorts in high supply, the 160th running of the Queen’s Plate took place at Woodbine Racetrack. Living up to his name, One Bad Boy lead the race from start to finish, taking the $1M prize. According to organizers, this year’s Queen’s Plate smashed Woodbine’s single-day wagering record.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Fairmont Royal York welcomed Toronto’s society circuit to a lavish event on its handsomely updated events floor. Having just completed a painstaking seven-year renovation, the Royal York was the peacock of its own party; with darting eyes and champagne in hand, guests sauntered from opulent room to opulent room in a scene reminiscent, I’m sure, of when the hotel first opened its doors as the preeminent place to stay in yesteryear Toronto. Live music here, a fashion show there (expertly organized by Vicky Milner and CAFA), the festivities continued late into the evening, with an impromptu afterparty (or several impromptu afterparties) creeping into the stunning new Clockwork lobby bar.

A young and energetic crowd gathered again for this year’s All-Star Gala, in support of the Hospital for Sick Children. Jack Armstrong, broadcaster for the NBA champion Toronto Raptors, emceed the event, which featured performances by Keys n Krates’ David Matisse and country duo The Reklaws. Also in attendance: Astrid Loch and Kevin Wendt of Bachelor in Paradise fame and hockey types Luke Gazdic and Ben Thomas.

Finally, Toronto’s Institute of Human Mechanics held a launch event for the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed friends and clientele of Drs. Trevor Born and Anthony Galea. Notable attendees included: Real Housewives alum Ann Kaplan Mulholland, model and style star Judith Maria Bradley, and Canadian fashion trailblazer Jeanne Beker.