The List: 10 things model Stacey McKenzie can’t live without
Ten things Stacey McKenzie, Toronto’s kookiest fashion model and runway coach, can’t live without
Gold bangles
I grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, and my mom used to buy me a gold bangle for every birthday. When I got my first paycheque at 15—I had a summer job working in a candy factory—I continued the tradition. Later in my life, I lost almost all of my money. I’d made very bad investments, and I didn’t know how I was going to survive, so I had to sell many of the bangles. The few I kept are a reminder of where I came from and what it took for me to get here.
My red Bible
I was raised in the Baptist church. I had a major crush on the pastor’s son, so I got baptized at 14, in hopes of marrying him—but that’s another story. It’s still important for me to have the Word close at hand. This Bible was a gift from my 10‑year-old niece, Madonna.
Madonna
She’s the most beautiful little girl, the little sister I never had, and boy, do I show it. I try to take her everywhere with me. She walked the Diesel shows this year at LG fashion week.
Emergency heels
When I’m out and about, I carry a pair of my fave stilettos. It’s a model thing; if by chance my agent calls me to go to a last-minute appointment, I can always throw them on and look like a million bucks effortlessly. Right now, I’m loving Alexander Wang booties with jeans and a tank.
Mango and shea butters
These are the only beauty products I use from head to toe, and they’re my skincare secret weapon. My East Indian boys in Brooklyn, who run an on-line shop called Madina, get it directly from Ghana, so every few months I make sure to stop by and replenish my stash.
My oldies collection
I live for old movies. Cleopatra Jones, Lolita, Coffy, Last Tango in Paris and the original Thomas Crown Affair are my favourites. Beautiful, fashionable, kick-ass women inspire me. And I can’t stop reading biographies of Eartha Kitt, Bette Davis and Nina Simone.
My purple leather scrapbook
I purchased it at a bookstore in New York, and I call it my Vogue book. It’s my personal collection, clipped from magazines, of all the different things that inspire my passion for fashion: Grace Jones, a Lexus, images of India, a piece of kente cloth.
Organic groceries
I was majorly into junk food until a few years ago, when I met a handsome man who schooled me in the art of healthy eating. Now I shop for groceries at the Organic Boutique at Queen and Ossington, and that handsome man is my boyfriend.
My resistance band
I am the worst at working out. There are only two things I do. I walk, which I can do from my place downtown to my family’s house at Jane and Bloor, no problem. It’s the best for your booty, and I can shop at the same time. And then leg and arm exercises, with just an ordinary $10 resistance band, while lying on the couch or bed.
Canadian design
I’m a big fan of up-and-coming fashion designers, and Pho Pa on Queen West is my go‑to store. The staff are stylists, and the owner, Alexia Lewis, is a wicked designer herself. This girl can whip up a tight outfit out of anything.
(Images: Jaime Hogg)
healthy eater loves you too
I adore Stacey McKenzie she is such an inspiration to us all. I wish her continued success!
Love that Stacey always keeps it real with who she is. Big kiss from the UK!
Stacy McKenzie is the Best! She exzemplifies what a true model is! A top Role Model that is…Her honesty shines through and she is an inspiration to all. “Keep going Stacy” I am a fan! For you; the Best is still yet to come!
To Be Young Gifted and Black! “Oh what a Precious Thing”
I love how Stacey personalized her top 10 list with a personal story for each of her faves! As I was reading it, it felt like I was going through the journey with her. I also love how Stacey stays true to herself. She’s awesome!
this here is a real inspirational young lady…coming from where she is coming from and doing what she does, is truly inspirational, who would of thought determination to do what she wanted to do would’ve taken her this far? i had the opportunity to sit in on one of her Walk This Way Workshops and it was crazy full of entertainment, direction, informative, real and even had its emotional side! girls left wanting more and inspired to OWN U (a catch phrase used through out the seminar) EXCEPTIONAL WORK MS MCKENZIE the industry ain’t gonna b the same by the time u done with it….keep it up…cant wait for the international masses get the chance to have u mentor them…ITS GONNA BE A MS MCKENZIE WORLD WITHOUT FAIL!!!
That’s a pretty comprehensive list that you got there Stacey!
I would agree with a lot of the items on that list and the reason for them being there are definitely SOLID!
Great article and about to do a re-read ;)
Good Job Stacey!!
Armed with your bible and healthy eating…you can’t go wrong!