FAREWELL CITYLINE • END OF AN ERA

I couldn’t say all I wanted to in my last Instagram post because they only allow 2,200 words and spaces?

Here’s the full story I wanted to tell.

I was invited to return and join the OG fashion alumni and founding producers for the 40th anniversary of Cityline which aired Friday, May 3rd, 2024. This was also a disguised secret that wasn’t disclosed until Tuesday, April 30 when Rogers Media announced in the news that Canada’s longest running daytime television show Cityline has been cancelled. This was a very special, somewhat sad day that was also touching and fun. We knew the secret but couldn’t tell.

Being a makeup artist and beauty expert on Cityline was a very important part of my career. Picture it, Yorkville, July 5, 1991. I was working at the Mira Linder Spa and was invited to be on Cityline’s Fashion Friday with Marilyn Denis. Here I was this small-town gay garcon from Montreal about to do make-up on national TV. And I adored it! I loved the spontaneous energy, challenges and joy of live television and some people took notice.

I had the privilege of working, learning and playing with, on and off camera, the original Cityline Makeover Dream Team members who shared their talents generously, graciously and with a gaggle of giggles and laughs. Props to Bill Rowley, Derek Selby, Maurice Fiorio, Kirk Brierley and our beloved Grace Tartaglia who passed away suddenly and way too soon back in 2018.

The association of being on Cityline afforded me new business opportunities. In 2000 I opened my private makeup studio and rolled-out my makeup collection DDB. The Cityline connection awarded me wonderful loyal and delightful clients who continue to use my services and introduce me to their friends, daughters and granddaughters and some husbands and sons. I’m so flattered and touched to hear that many new clients came to me from afar, Charlottetown to Chicago. To hear them tell me that their appointment with me had been on their bucket list is the best compliment I could ever hear.

Going down Cityline memory lane on this last episode was a blast especially the backstage fete. It was like a home coming filled with laughter, tears and delicious gossip. I have great admiration, respect and affection for all the producers, models, stylists, beauty experts and hair wizards who returned to reunite and celebrate this important milestone together.

On a corporate level, the Cityline association garnered commercial contracts serving as national make-up artist and spokesperson for Revlon Canada, Murale, The Hudson’s Bay Company and Shoppers Drug Mart. Some better than others. SDM was the best fit and my go to for certain cosmetics and supplies. Thanks to Audrey Hyams-Romoff and Tammy Smitham.

I appeared on Cityline for the last time on February 4th, 2020, after the rise and ripples of social media took hold and changed the landscape of beauty broadcasting. It was an amazing run, to be on Cityline for 29 years. That’s 18 years longer than Carol Burnett. Tug on ear. Wink, wink.

I must acknowledge and thank the original Cityline guard that believed in me and groomed me for beauty broadcasting without compromising my beliefs of playing on the practical side of beauty with truth and humor. The antithesis of the way beauty is done today. This incredibly talented, creative, committed and compassionate team created, nurtured, elevated and protected Canada’s longest running and acclaimed daytime television show and national treasure that showed you how to cook, clean, dress, decorate, do your makeup and hair, garden, sew, make a repair, have an affair and more…

Clangorous shout outs to Chrissie Rejman, Candy Signorini, Patrick Reynolds, Jordy, JC Chessel, Marilyn Denis and Tracy Moore. I salute you with immense gratitude, admiration, affection and respect. I send the same best wishes to all the lovely Cityline makeover models who trusted us and the viewers I have met and especially those whom I cherish as clients and friends.

If you missed this special episode you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOMR55fB9Wk The old video footage is a hoot to see. I was so cute. Lol!

Au revoir Cityline. We will miss you and never forget you.

As always, with love and lip gloss,

Dino