2012 IDC/IIDA Toronto Leaders Breakfast

On November 30, 2012, Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) will present Ray Staples with the prestigious 2012 IDC/IIDA Leadership Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes outstanding contributions to the profession of interior design. Legendary Canadian shoe designer John Fluevog will deliver the keynote address. Tickets for the 2012 IDC/IIDA Toronto Leaders Breakfast are now available here. Don’t miss this iconic event in the interior design community.

Speaker: John Fluevog, Shoe Designer

Canadian design icon and entrepreneur John Fluevog is known for his progressive and art deco inspired shoe styles. He has more than a dozen stores in North America and has gained fans all over the world including high profile celebrities.

Fluevog has a strong green philosophy, from the designs of his eco-friendly workspace to the natural and recycled materials he uses in his shoe creations. Fluevog was recently recognized by The Two/Ten Foundation of Canada as the Canadian Footwear Industry's Shoe Person of the Year. His company, John Fluevog Shoes, was named one of the world's most innovative companies in the fashion industry by FastCompany.

Over the years, Fluevog has stayed true to his street-wise edge, which has earned him a loyal following called “Fluevogers.” His flagship store is a landmark for Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood.

 
 Honouree: Ray Staples, Interior Design Pioneer

Ray Staples was an influential figure in the Ontario interior design community for more than 70 years.

A graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and Parsons School of Design in New York, Staples began her career as an interior designer in the early 1940s, working mainly in residential design. She called her approach to design “show-biz glitz,” where more is always better. Her take on the client-designer dynamic was also eccentric: “It’s a team effort. An intimate yet brief relationship – like a one-night stand,” Staples was once quoted.

Her quirky insights and vibrant personality made Staples a popular television host. In 1972, Staples co-hosted the CBC television show “Outside/Inside” with Alex Trebek. She was also seen regularly across Canada on CityTV’s Thursday edition of CityLine, where, along with host Marilyn Denis, she gave tips and answered viewers’ questions about decorating their homes.

Staples joined the Interior Designers of Ontario (IDO) in 1965 and served two terms as president. She was a founding member of the Association of Registered interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO, formerly IDO) and served as its president in 1974. An ARIDO Fellow and Life Member, Staples has been nicknamed “Mother ARIDO.”

Sadly, Ray passed away in July at the age of 92. She was “flattered beyond words” to be recognized by the interior design community with this award. Members of her family will accept the award in Ray’s honour.

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