Dan Thompson: Beauty Busted

Apr
30
2015

Redefining Beauty: Journalist Laurie Few

The Award Winning Journalist Speaks

Laurie_Few

A few years ago I was working with a designer here in Toronto, creating looks for her clients. It was through this collaboration I met Laurie Few. I created a special look for her; something outlandish while still being extremely sophisticated. To say Laurie's style is unique is to completely miss the point of her fashion sense. Laurie simply cannot be defined.

Laurie began her career as a lawyer in 1982, but soon realized her passion was elsewhere. First and foremost she is a brave voice for those who simply do not have one. With that skill she decided to pursue journalism. Within two years of landing her first journalism job (with CTV National News) she was made a producer. For many years she was a driving force behind the investigative work at W5. During Laurie’s time there, she won an RTDNA award and New York Film award.

In 2011, Laurie was appointed Executive Producer of 16X9, Canada’s most innovative news and current affairs program. With Laurie at the helm, the show has received multiple CSA nominations and won several RTDNA awards, a Gemini award, a New York Film award, a Beyond the Borders award and, most recently, an Amnesty International award.

Above all else, Laurie believes in journalism and the pursuit of the highest attainable version of the truth. When she is not working on a story, Laurie enjoys knitting, belly and flamenco dancing, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Recently I asked Laurie to tell me her definition of beauty:

"I like big, bold statements. I wear clothing like a costume which affords me a wonderful opportunity, every day of my life, to exercise my own creativity.  My style is eclectic, original and fearless. I abhor rules and I avoid the obvious. I seek out creative, local designers – the more unique their designs, the better.

My work requires a certain level of fierce determination. I use this in all areas of my life; competitive spirit; strong character; these are the aspects which define me. I am 54 years old and I embrace my age.  I believe that, as a woman, developing power and leadership is beautiful. My goal is to pass that understanding of strength as beauty on to younger women. I run a team of 15 journalists and the work is intense. So, for me, my leadership, my ability to harness and communicate with my own voice, my ability to be strong, firm and proud of my skills and intelligence have all influenced my personal style."

RELATED: Moisturizer Showdown - Creams vs. Oils

I asked Laurie what her favourite cosmetics products are:

1. Leaves of Trees Argan Oil.  "This stuff is amazing. And it’s a local company!  Yeah!! I like the Orange Blossom Argan Oil best."

2. "Daniel Thompson – Absolute Light. Not just saying this because this is Daniel’s column. This stuff is a GOD SEND when you’ve spent a long night in the edit suite and have to be back, on set, to do an interview."

You can watch Laurie's work on 16X9, which airs nationally on Saturdays at 7:00 pm on Global television