SHE IS BACK!

Toronto fashanistas cheer long and loud for Patricia Jaggernauth

It was a given that Patricia Jaggernauth would be back in the spotlight again. After resigning from TV station CP24 and taking the broadcaster to Canadian Human Rights Commission with claims of systemic racism, fans of the popular Caribbean Canadian announcer took to social media to say they were in mourning.

Well Toronto, you can put away your veils and black clothing Patricia is back and Howdy.  Last week the former weather announcer was on the cat walk looking anything but FAT dressed to the nine’s as a star model at the Fashion Art Toronto festival’s (FAT).

“That moment (when I stepped out) was the celebration of a new chapter” she posted.”That moment was everything.”

30 fashion designers took part in this November’s FAT. For over ten years the fashion part cultural arts fete has presented the city's designers, creators and models with this multi-day happening.

Held at the  Parkdale Hall on Queen Street West it is considered the last surviving major fashion show in Toronto.  Many similar events did not survive the pandemic.

Pretty wonderful in black, Jaggernauth was modeling the latest fashions by Indigenous designer Leslie Hamilton.  The fashion house’s new lines suited Jaggernauth to a T. She said that her outfit “called out for crystals, feathers and faux leather.”

Her appearance on the red carpet caused a stir from the media.  For many fashion journalists this was the first time they had seen her since her quitting CP24 in October.

The 40-year-old Caribbean Canadian journalist worked as a weather specialist and a  fill-in host of the CP24 morning show for close to 12-years.The Emmy award winner also hosted lifestyle and celebrity talk series, Patricia J Show on Bell Fibe TV1. 

She was also a staple at the best of the best Caribbean events in the city appearing on behalf of the station.  With Jamaican and Guyanese parents, she was raised in Scarborough and is Caribbean to the bone.

Because of her high profile on TV she continues to have one of the largest social media fan base than any other TV announcer in Toronto. Quitting was the last thing her loyal fans thought she would ever do.

It was one shocker after another. The day after pulling the plug she made a formal to the Canadian Human Rights Commission that race played a part in her being passed over for promotions and never being offered a full-time gig. She also complained to the CRTC that she was prevented from earning a living wage after Bell Media (the owners of CP24) prohibited the freelancer from pursuing broadcast opportunities without their prior approval.

Now a totally free agent, Jaggernauth can take gigs like FAT.  Since the festival she has been hinting at bigger things to come. Judging by last week’s  model appearance it is safe to say that she is coming to a catwalk near you.

Editor's Note - since this article came out in the Caribbean Camera newspaper, Patricia says she has a new gig -- Barbie! "I am so excited to be working with the fabulous @worldofbarbietour.  The Sips After Sunset is a series of adult-only evenings insideToroto's hottest venue where I will be your special Barbie Party Host."