Molly Johnson is a glamorous tomboy - Article by Chris Tyrell

Posted by: JimSearle on Wed 15:31PM

from IN Toronto Magazine - April 2011 - see the original at:  intorontomag.com

STYLIN’ with Chris Tyrell

              photo George Whiteside

Known primarily as a jazz singer with a sultry voice and wonderfully unique phrasing, Molly Johnson actually started as a child performer in Mirvish musicals. Lauded as one of Canada’s top singers (can you say Juno Awards and sold-out shows in France?) she received the Order of Canada for her tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of Canadian and international charities, especially those around HIV/AIDS. Molly admits to being a tomboy and detests shopping but, as this pic shows, she sure glams up good.

What are you wearing?
Giambattista Valli from Nicholas Mellamphy at The Room, The Bay. The jewellery is from my mom. Hair by Justin and Christopher at Shagg. Makeup by Jody Daye.

What item of clothing can you not live without?
Definitely my Mountain Equipment fleece. This is also one of the few places that I feel good about shopping at.

Who had the most influence on your sense of style?
My dad was a real clothes-horse. He’d go to Italy every year and have suits made. He was friends with Lou Myles and Harry Rosen in the early days of their careers. He had a full-length fur coat made in Switzerland. He drove my mom crazy spending a lot of cash on clothing.

Your first fashion memory?
Pinafores over a polka-dot dress for the opening of South Pacific at the Royal Alex in 1966. My brother Clark and I performed in it.

If money was no object what would be your fashion purchase?
An Armani suit. It’s sort of like getting your driver’s license.

Describe your style.
I’m a tomboy until my dress fairies get a hold of me. I love casual clothing, except when I’m performing. I have a hard time with the politics of clothing so I don’t shop just anywhere. I read labels and I look at where things are made. I worry when things are really cheap and from Asia and I wonder if kids are involved and if people are being paid a living wage. As much as I love a bargain I’d rather pay more and know that the politics are correct and not exploitative. I look for made in Canada labels.

Fashion pet peeve?
I don’t like written things on people’s bums. Can we pull it up a notch, ladies?

MOLLY JOHNSON Hosts CBC’s Radio 2 Morning from 6am to 9am, Saturdays and Sundays.