For over 25 years, this particular style of startling beauty has transformed residential and commercial properties around the world, delivering dramatic yet elegant interiors to high-profile clientele and celebrities. Founded by designer Stéphane Fréchette and business partner Robert Sauvé, the company first began in Montreal and Miami, and has since expanded to Toronto’s King Street West district. In 2012, the brand will stretch its reach to Mexico.  “I know that people are looking for something different and dramatic,” says Fréchette, who splits his time between the four cities. He’ll be in Toronto this January when NordSouth debuts its collections at the prestigious Interior Design Show.

Often referred to as the “King of Eclectic,” Fréchette ensures that his designs fill in the gap that’s left behind by inclusive interiors. He seamlessly blends various styles such as minimalism, art deco and gothic. “I love contemporary but I think it’s too cold on its own, so I mix different tastes and cultures together for a charming, warm atmosphere,” says Fréchette, who handpicks quality home accessories and furniture from various designer hot spots across the globe. He and his team of interior designers and artists are equipped with the vision and experience to transform every room in your abode.

Juxtaposing the simple things that make a house into a home with the grandness you’d find in a five-star hotel, NordSouth’s spaces spill with spectacularly balanced settings with not a replica in sight. “I’m very strong on art accessories and paintings. Everything I put in my décor is original – I never use fake flowers or mainstream prints. I work with artists.”

www.nordsouth.com

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix
Nothing brings a capsized day to shore better than a nightcap. MacPhee chooses to get whisked away by the warmth of Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix single malt scotch whisky. www.glenfiddich.com

Jaguar XF
MacPhee chose this mid-size luxury ride for all the right reasons: it’s easy on the eyes and the environment. This car gets him from A to B and beyond in sophisticated style. www.jaguar.com

Rado DiaStar Watch
An invariable element of MacPhee’s wardrobe is Rado’s Integral two-tone watch with its sapphire crystal elegance and high-tech psyche. www.rado.com

Prada Chelsea Boots
MacPhee slips on his black leather Prada Chelsea boots to give him that extra kick. www.prada.com

Ermenegildo Zegna
We communicate with our words, actions and even our attire. For MacPhee, Zegna’s bespoke suits do all the talking. www.zegna.com

Isaac Hayes
When it comes to music, MacPhee has Hayes fever. The songster behind the musical score for Shaft impresses with Hot Buttered Soul. www.isaachayes.com

Stewart MacPhee is president and CEO of Toronto public relations firm PUNCH Canada Inc. www.punchcanada.com

1. Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion and Shower Gel: Renowned designer Tomas Maier debuts a decadent, exclusive scent that’s perfect for that special person in your life. Available at select The Bay stores and Holt Renfrew locations across Canada.

2. Kodak EasyShare Camera: Capture those special moments with this easy-to-use point-and-click camera.

3. CHI Straightener: All frizzed out? Get straight, shiny locks with the power of ceramic technology.

4. Dimples Bracelet: An earth-friendly silver charm bracelet that captures the fingerprint impression of a loved one, newborn infant or pet.

5. Chanel Sublimage La Crème: The ultimate in skin regeneration, this silky cream nourishes your complexion with moisture and radiance while firming facial contours.

6. Keurig Special Edition Brewing System: Good morning, coffee connoisseurs! This special edition single cup brewer is a great holiday gift for those on the go or a friend that entertains.

7. Philip Stein Timepiece: Beneficial to life and health, the frequencies of a Philip Stein watch provide a lifestyle experience that is more resilient and adaptable to stress.

8. Hydra Thermal with Light Therapy Facial Gift Card at King Country Day Spa: This lifting facial with a gentle micro current and light therapy session stimulates the collagen in your skin at the cellular level.

Congratulations to our winners, Eileen & Jim Wright!

Thank you to the following sponsors: Cupido, L’Oro Jewellery, Coty Canada, Chanel, Keurig, King Country Day Spa

Breville Espresso Machine
To keep his days feeling short and sweet, Birchall prefers the steamy precision extraction of The Dual Boiler espresso machine. www.breville.ca

Progressive Nutritional
In the progressive world we live in, one must be conscious of keeping healthy. This is why Birchall starts his day with a multivitamin that complements his dynamic lifestyle.www.progressivenutritional.com

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
When driving in the fast lane, Birchall beckons the torque of Ford Mustang’s Shelby GT500. With a 5.4-L supercharged V-8 engine, fellow roadsters are left in the dust. www.ford.com

Rolex
The watch you choose to wrap around your wrist can say a lot about your character. With a sea of brands, sizes and styles to choose from, Birchall sticks to the classic eminence of Rolex Deepsea. www.rolex.com

Milwaukee’s M12 Heated Jacket
Birchall doesn’t let the cold air give him cold feet when it comes to staying active outdoors. Instead he slips on Milwaukee’s M12 Heated Jacket. www.milwaukeetool.com

Jim Birchall is founder of Birchall & Associates Inc. www.birchallpr.com

For Immediate Release
Ronn Torossian totes his top-selling public relations book For Immediate Release wherever he goes. www.ronntorossian.com

Philip Stein
When he’s keeping track of time, Torossian does it with Philip Stein Prestige. www.philipstein.com

Hint Water
Torossian drops a Hint about seeing his glass half full. www.drinkhint.com

Ronn Torossian is CEO of New York-based PR firm 5WPR. www.5wpr.com

“That day was devastating,” says president Frank Luchetta, sitting at a table surrounded by his sister Ida Pusateri, her children Rosanna and Sammy Pusateri and general manager John Mastroianni. The day he’s referring to is Oct. 20, 2011, when Pusateri’s flagship was ordered to close due to a pest issue. “It’s been non-stop, no sleep … it affected everybody. We were all shocked because it’s just something that’s never, ever happened,” says Rosanna, who grew up in the aisles of a company founded by her late father, Cosimo Pusateri. This news was particularly unexpected of a gourmet grocery brand that’s considered Toronto’s crème de la crème. “It was devastating because we let our customers down and we recognize that we have to regain their trust,” Luchetta adds, who was overwhelmed by the support his family received from local chefs, suppliers and loyal customers who called and made public appearances to display their fidelity. Jennifer Montemarano is one of those customers. “I was back the day after they reopened. I think my initial reaction was shock,” says Montemarano, whose been shopping at Pusateri’s for the past 10 years. “I just think everybody deserves a second chance. I know how devastating this was to them, and I know that they will do everything in their power to never let anything like this happen again.”

It’s in these circumstances that a business has to choose a fight-or-flight response that will measure recovery and dictate the future. Standing in solidarity with its burgeoning staff, Pusateri’s reopened three days later with an entirely new outlook on what they would do to not only win back loyalty, but surpass industry expectations. Its road to recovery is paved by a Gold Standard campaign that’s founded on principles of transparency and is committed to quality assurance and customer service. “In our stores and on our products, you’ll now see a gold seal that represents our family’s promise to our customers and friends,” says Luchetta. Their pledge is a commitment to excellence in all categories, something their selective clientele have come to expect.

Another fundamental facet of the campaign is bringing in former York Region health protection manager Dominic Fortuna as Pusateri’s full-time vice president of quality assurance. “I have an opportunity at this point to develop a program that you’ll never find anywhere else,” says Fortuna, who has more than 15 years of government and private sector experience standing on the other side as an inspector and manager responsible for ensuring food safety and public health. His multi-tiered approach includes self-enforcing monthly inspections, refining existing procedures and implementing additional standards to ensure Pusateri’s is surpassing the industry’s current quarterly protocol.

“Out of every challenge comes opportunity, for us that opportunity came while reflecting on our founding principles,” says Luchetta. Cosimo Pusateri began his brand in 1986 with the vision of establishing a fine food retail concept that was non-existent at the time. Toronto foodies no longer had to fly to Italy and France to fill their fridges with foreign delicacies, as they were now exclusively available at Pusateri’s. His idea caught on like flambéed crêpe suzette as many of the city’s top chefs and discerning consumers called on his idiosyncratic selections for rare ingredients, event catering and homemade gastronomy. Suppliers from around the world wanted their specialty products to find their place on Pusateri’s shelves; for many, belonging to the local luxe-mart was a mark of accomplishment. “Cosimo had insight, and that’s what it takes to make successful businesses. I call it the sixth sense, always knowing what’s next. It’s not always easy to find that,” says Vincent Liberatore, whose been supplying his Continental Noodles Ltd. products to Pusateri’s for 16 years.

Today, the community fixture has added a couple more links to its intimate independent chain, with locations in Yorkville and its most recent in Bayview Village Mall, bringing the staff total to more than 600. Famous faces that take advantage of Pusateri’s chefs and cuisine include U2’s Bono, The Rolling Stones and Kim Cattrall, who Ida says was seen shopping at the Yorkville location almost daily during her recent stay in Toronto.

With steaming housemade coffees in hand, everyone sitting at the table is confident that the implementation of gold standards and superior customer service will allow them to continue providing shoppers the same exceptional experience that Cosimo envisioned. Heading back downstairs and seeing the eccentric Manoucher Etminan serving his internationally sold specialty breads, as food-preneurs often come in to do, and finding out that 79-year-old Nonna Dina had stopped by earlier to make Hello Dollies for her clients, it’s clear that many of Pusateri’s tender traditions are still in tact. “We look at it as the three F’s: family, friends and food. It doesn’t matter what you do, if it’s a baby shower or a wedding or a bat mitzvah, whatever it is, at the end of the day, the thing that pulls it all together is family and breaking bread together,” says Mastroianni. www.pusateris.com

Gastro-maniacs from afar are licking their lips for June 23 when reservations will be accepted, so now’s the time to start mapping out your dining route. To help, we’ve compiled this list featuring just a few of the remarkable venues whetting the palates of famished food lovers. Bon appétit!

While this is just one soaring example of the brotherly phenomenon, they aren’t the only birds of a feather that have flourished together. There is an impressive roster of others that spans from The Jackson 5 to the Warner Bros. and the Fisher men of GM to the Marx boys.

So why do some duos take flight while others can’t get off the ground? As a professor at Toronto’s distinguished Schulich School of Business and senior consultant for The Family Business Consulting Group, Kelly LeCouvie has become an authority on the topic. “There are advantages in that you have known this person your entire life, you know their strengths and weaknesses, and instinctively brothers typically want to protect each other and support each other,” says LeCouvie, who has also had experience watching three of her four brothers work in the family business together. “There has to be mutual respect and there has to be a high level of trust … Where we’ve seen sibling groups fail is often where people feel that information has not been shared with them, so transparency is really a critical success factor,” she adds.

Dolce Vita Magazine is dedicating this feature to divulging the personal and professional secrets of those who have mastered the business of brotherhood. From Trump siblings Eric and Donald Jr., to Canada’s own Dean and Dan Caten of luxury fashion house Dsquared2, red-hot restaurateurs Michael and Guy Rubino, graphic artists Phillip, Richard and Jody Murray and chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro, these stories aim to illuminate the challenges, triumphs and unbreakable bond of brothers.

Twice the Trump: Trump Brothers
Effortlessly perched atop the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago, Eric and Donald Jr. have learned how to soar in the corporate world’s skies without ruffling each other’s feathers. In the case of the Trump brothers, this is mainly a testament to their famous father, international real estate developer Donald J. Trump. “We grew up playing with Legos on the floor of our father’s office listening to him make deals, and then joined him together on construction sites following him around and taking it all in,” says Donald Jr., 33.

As executive vice presidents of The Trump Organization, Eric and Donald Jr. work together to help expand and accelerate the company’s real estate, commercial, hotel and golf properties as well as collaborating on new projects and advising on The Celebrity Apprentice. Considered the next generation of their father’s colossal enterprise, along with sister Ivanka, the Trumps have proven to function effectively as family and fellow co-workers. “I have seen some family relationships crumble due to conflict in business. For us, we continue to see this as an advantage and as a positive. We are lucky to have a great relationship and really enjoy working side-by-side each day,” says Donald Jr., whose first job with his brother was chopping up fallen trees and mowing fields in Westchester, New York. “It wasn’t glamorous by any means, but we loved every minute of it,” says Eric, 27.

So why do these two flourish where others sometimes fail? While Donald Jr. attributes their triumphs to the unabashed ability to ask the other for advice, Eric believes it’s more to do with having an immense amount of mutual respect and always keeping airwaves open so issues are immediately addressed.

As prodigy of one of the most renowned real estate empires in the world, the Trump brothers have the towering pressure of perpetuating a legacy. “The brand is the single, most important invaluable aspect of the company, and there is no one more incentivized to help safeguard it then us, as it is our last name,” says Eric. www.trump.com

Double Duty: Caten Brothers of DSquared2
Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake, Eva Mendes and Christina Aguilera have all donned the cool, cutting-edge cloth conceptualized by luxury Canadian fashion designers Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2. It takes true talent to take a label from the true North to a global stage, and in the case of this Toronto-born design duo, it admittedly takes the talent of twins. “We’re so similar and we know each other so well. We can communicate very quickly without even speaking and we’re steps beyond people we’re working with because we understand each other,” says Dan of his relationship with brother and business partner Dean.

With their eminent fashion house based in Milan, Italy, the identical inventors have built their lucrative brand on innovation and provocative runway presentations; one of which saw international supermodels Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Karolina Kurkova and Fernanda Tavares exiting a pink private jet before parading down the runway with the swagger of Mick Jagger. Despite the Caten men’s current level of success, it’s taken the intense tie of brotherhood for the hosts of Bravo’s former reality fashion series Launch My Line to skyrocket to such improbable heights. “There’s an extra sense of assuredness and confidence because you’re in tune and you’re two,” says Dan, who designed under Diesel and Gianni Versace with his brother before bringing DSquared2 to life.

With careers that are catalyzed by creativity and inspiration, Dean and Dan have learned how to capitalize on their unique connection. Whether it’s finishing each other’s sentences at a social soiree, waking up in the middle of the night to discuss dreams, or spending a 10-hour flight drafting designs, the blessings of being twins in trade is telltale. “When things have to get done quickly maybe for a show or something, we’ll divide off. We don’t have to be together because I know he’s doing what I would have done and he knows I’m doing what he would have done,” says Dan. While one might expect conflict to arise from such extreme closeness, Dan insists that their fights are few and far – likely an ode to the pair’s shared vision and family values.

Reflecting on their astounding journey, Dan evokes the evolution of his relationship and DSquared2. “We kind of never really fit in growing up and I think our bond is as strong now that we don’t need to fit in anymore. It’s OK, because it makes us stronger being brothers and makes us a force to be reckoned with. I think that’s why superheroes have partners.” www.dsquared2.com

Two Peas in a Pod: Rubino Brothers
When siblings depart together on a business venture, a major benefit arises from the fact that each can rely on the other to responsibly tackle  separate aspects of the business. Canadian restaurateurs and business partners Guy and Michael Rubino have perfected this recipe, creating a harmonizing relationship that complements the talents of the other.

For the Rubino brothers, their polar-opposite personalities allows each to flourish in the environment they find most comfortable. “There was never an issue of Michael wanting to be in the kitchen and myself wanting to be the frontman in the front of the house,” says Guy, who has led each kitchen of their various restaurants. “It’s very defined as to whose role was going to be what.”

Michael, who graduated from Sir Wilfred Laurier University with an honours degree in business administration, has always been more business-oriented while Guy – who spent five years training in various kitchens across North America before opening their first concept restaurant Zoom Caffe and Bar – was always the creative one. The combination of business and art has culminated in five successful restaurants – including Ame (Japanese for “rain”), a Japanese relaunch of their previous venture Rain – and a popular television show called Made to Order.

But it’s not just the mastery of their individual roles that has seen their careers shimmer. Like the other siblings mentioned, there is simply no substitute for the fraternal bond brothers share. “The beautiful thing about having a business relationship with a sibling is the fact that the trust factor is always there,” explains Guy. And while disputes may come between unrelated business partners, it’s just too hard to stay mad at your brother. As Michael adds, “when you are a brother or a sister or a family member, at the end of the day you will forgive the other person for what they said.”

For nearly 25 years, the Rubino brothers have been dazzling the Toronto dining scene with their various culinary exploits and always entertaining television series. After many years dedicated to food, this dynamic duo is exploring other avenues of interest. This summer, Guy is “taking a break” from the restaurant industry, embarking on a tour with his band, BMD. Michael, a father of two, is looking to try several new Internet-based ventures while ensuring their restaurant continues to deliver their trademark excellence. Although they are parting ways for now, these two entrepreneurs still share many interests and remain close. “Because of the similarities in the things that we like to do,” concludes Guy, “it naturally lends itself to spending more time together.”
www.amecuisine.com

The Murray men of Imagenation: Murray Brothers
“The passing of our father was the key catalyst in us starting Imagenation,” says Phillip Murray, of the graphic art design company he founded with his brothers, Richard and Jody. If it weren’t for the profound entrepreneurial spirit of their parents, these three brothers might not have been propelled to transform their passion into a profession.

The Murray men’s New Zealand-based business illuminates their nation’s indigenous Maori culture, which their father raised them to be proud of. “Family, community and our cultural identity are the sign post reminders on the path that we travel,” says Richard. Maori influences are evident in every Imagenation project, whether it’s the incorporation of elements like water and fire or the graphic interpretations of traditional facial artwork, known as “moko.”

With pieces ranging in price from $200–$150,000, their new-media designs have caught the eye of clients from around the globe, including Adidas, Samsung, Vodafone, Novotel Hotels and even New Zealand’s government agencies. The Murrays were most recently commissioned to provide interior and exterior designs, artwork and cultural visual interpretations for a new $26 million community facility with the intent of transmitting Maori stories and history.

With each brother possessing a distinct skill – Richard is the artist, Phillip is the marketer and Jody is the web expert – they redefine the art of creative collaboration. While the clear division of roles has certainly benefited their business, the occasional crossover tends to be their biggest source of conflict. “The most common disagreement is when we stray across into each other’s field of expertise. For example, myself telling Richard how to design or Jody telling me how to sell; this leads to many healthy discussions on what’s good and what’s not good for our business,” says Phillip. “We need to rely on and trust each other and that creates a stronger bond and makes it special,” he adds.

Their unique venture is an impressive illustration of the imaginable beauty of brothers in business. With a shared vision and culture, Phillip, Richard and Jody teach us to not only imagine the possibilities, but actually pursue them. www.image-nation.co.nz

Double Your Delight: Carro Brothers
Having a brother as a business partner brings an element of trust and security that can be quite elusive outside the family circle. So, if being related is a bonus, then having a twin must even better, right? Nicola and Fabrizio Carro think so. “Being brothers in business is good, because you protect your family,” explains Fabrizio. These visually matching men have pooled their distinct cooking talents to flambé a mesmerizing menu and bring a little taste of Italy to mighty metropolises of America.

Born and raised in the Alessandria province of the Piedmont region of Italy, identical twins Nicola and Fabrizio found their love of gastronomy at 13. After spending several years separated – travelling, training and honing their skills – the pair took the U.S.’s eastern seaboard by storm, opening their first Quattro Gastronomia Italiana restaurant in Miami in 2006. “We chose Miami as the location because it’s very trendy and [there’s] a lot of potential business,” recalls Nicola.

After rocking the shores of South Beach for four steamy years, the two decided to branch out and open a second location in New York in 2010. The Big Apple meant adjusting to the tastes of the posh populous and squeezing into the already tight culinary climate. “There’s a lot more competition, there’s a lot of different kind of clientele,” says Fabrizio, who is the head chef of the New York Quattro. “People are looking for a little different style of cooking, which is not better, no, it’s just different.” Although this expansion meant tapping into new demographics, it also meant parting ways. As Nicola explains, Fabrizio was responsible for setting up their New York location. “I was just the support.”

Distance may separate them, but blood is thicker than water – and apparently geography as well. “We still call each other every day, three or four times – for business, for food, for anything relating to the restaurant,” says Nicola, who remains in Miami, running their original Quattro. Fabrizio adds, “We share information by e-mail, phone calls, and we see each other often – once a month. We lead our kitchens separately now, but we share the same project, so it isn’t that difficult.”

Due to the outstanding food and service their establishments exude, both Quattro locations won the 2011 Five Star Diamond Award from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. With this kind of success, it’s easy to see why they stay so close. “I can change him with nobody else,” says Nicola. “If I have to choose, I’d choose Fabrizio, 100 per cent all the time.” www.quattromiami.com, www.quattronewyork.com

1.Vivre This Daisy Yellow Ostrich Sandal by Phyllis Morgan is accented with moonstone and white opal flowers, perfect footwear fit for a stroll. www.vivre.com

2.Bob Blumer The star host of Glutton for Punishment is exploring the other side of the food spectrum with his new book, Glutton for Pleasure. www.bobblumer.com

3.HStudio The Moon Chair can dominate a room or add modern appeal. It comes in a variety of upholstery fabrics and your choice of steel, wood or acrylic legs. www.hstudio.com

4.Chanel Femininity, purity, and optimism combine to make Chance Eau Tendre the perfume to rejuvenate your senses. www.chanel.com

5.Molisana Imports Every bottle of Acetaia Dodi balsamic vinegar is rich in taste and tradition. Each generation took the recipe with care and made it better until it was perfected. www.molisana.com

6.iPad Wallet The cool “flame case” and quality craftsmanship of the Waterfield Designs iPad Wallet Case is available in six colours. www.sfbags.com

7.Brioni Anyone who puts on a Brioni suit immediately becomes a man of power and status. The Brioni insignia represents supreme class. www.brioni.com

8.Dewitt Hundreds of little pieces working together with a lovely chocolate brown backdrop make this Tourbillon model a complicated piece of art. www.dewitt.ch

9.Room Service The Room Service Store makes trendsetters feel at home. Versatility is key: add this powder blue winged chair to a Victorian décor scheme or into a modern loft for contrast. www.roomservicestore.com

10.Ria Restaurant Chicago Reservations are nearly impossible to attain at the Ria Restaurant in Chicago’s Elysian Hotel. Try booking at least two weeks in advance. It’s worth it. www.riarestaurantchicago.com

2. Burnt Sugar
Deck the halls with an attention-grabbing, metallic hue swept over your lids. This gorgeous, gold shade, sugar from Bobbi Brown will have your eyes sparkling like the ornaments on your tree. www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

3. Need for Tweed
The celebrated tweed fabric from Chanel has now inspired a blush duo that will keep you looking cheery and polished. Two contrasting colours help to collectively create a radiant glow on your cheeks. www.chanel.com

4. Scintillantes Glossimer
This limited edition, shimmering gloss will have your lips popping with a perfect pout. Sweep on one of its array of hues or pair it with a lipstick for an added punch of colour and twinkle. www.chanel.com

5. Portrait-Perfect
Banish that tired look and get ready for the holidays. This year you’ll look fresh and flawless with a new foundation that boosts the skin’s natural light for a fresh, more radiant complexion for all your Kodak moments. www.lancome.ca

6. Illuminati
Housed in an elegant and fabulously designed compact, this stylish powder contains an assortment of luminous shades to emphasize the colour of your skin while concealing unsightly blemishes. Brighten your glow under those bright Christmas lights with this advanced cover-up. www.sephora.com

7. From Dusk ‘Till Dawn
If you’re planning to party all night this time of the year, you don’t have to worry about your magnificent makeup wasting away after a few hours. With this spray, you can set your look and keep it perfect all night. www.urbandecay.com

8. Bottled Beauty
This stunning gold bottle is attention-grabbing on its own and the delicious scent inside bursting with notes of mandarin, pink pepper, peach, lilac, geranium and patchouli will surely win over anyone who comes close enough. www.gucci.com/fragrances

9. Sequin Seduction
Accentuate your exquisite eyes and magnify your magical stare to captivate that special someone. Locking eyes won’t be a problem with this eye-popping colour from Laura Mercier. www.lauramercier.com