The Making Of Toronto's Mille Femmes

"We are delighted to partner with Lancôme in this exciting initiative; to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the unique character, beauty and passion of Toronto's women in the arts," said Janice Price, CEO of Luminato. "Luminato is a celebration of arts and creativity, so Pierre Maraval's Toronto's Mille Femmes - a celebration of Toronto's most creative women - fits perfectly in line with the spirit of the festival."

Creative women who are participating in the project include Adrienne Clarkson, Lynda Reeves (Interior Designer), Cynthia Dale (Actress), Valerie Pringle (Journalist), Diane Francis (Journalist), Jane Hawtin (Journalist), Olivia Chow (Politician), Pastel Supernova (Entertainer-singer/dancer), Jackie Burroughs (Actress), Pat McDonagh (Fashion Designer), Izzy Camilleri (Fashion Designer), Ula Zukowska (Fashion Designer), and Rita Letendre (Artist).

Top "Creative Women" have nominated "Protégés" to participate in the tribute, in addition to numerous young rising stars, creating a dynamic visual network united by passion, admiration, and creativity. Photo shoots of each of these women will result in a beautiful work composed of 1,000 portraits, to be presented together as an exhibition at Luminato 2008.

For every Protégé who participates in Toronto's Mille Femmes project, Lancôme will make a donation to the Ontario College of Art & Design, Canada's largest art and design university.

"For Lancôme, the source of women's beauty relies on the harmony between heart, body, and spirit and these values are reflected in the work of Pierre Maraval and the Toronto's Mille Femmes project creating an immediate and natural bond," said Heidi Strohl, Vice-President and General Manager of Lancôme Canada. "In addition to helping to produce the event, Lancôme will also contribute to the work by providing its world-renowned beauty expertise for these 1000 vibrant women."

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