by Jennifer McShane
12th Dec 2015
12th Dec 2015
Santa Claus has received a drastic makeover just in time for the holiday season. Thanks to Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, St. Nick has traded in his traditional red fur-trimmed suit in favour of a much dapper look, and it’s all for a charitable cause. He looks good – and, dare we say, kinda hot – in his new threads, portrayed by model Paul Mason. This fashion Santa has a significantly slimmer waistline (he’s obviously been keeping away from the mince pies) and tidier beard than his traditional counterparts. He also favours designer wear: Burberry topcoats, Givenchy sneakers and cashmere Salvatore Ferragamo scarves?no polyester Santa hats in sight. However, he is still doing what Santa does best – bringing Christmas cheer to children.
For every selfie posted with the hashtag #YorkdaleFashionSanta, the mall will donate $1 to the Hospital for Sick Kids Foundation, a Canadian charity. The campaign aims to raise up to $10,000 and so far, it’s doing very well with plenty of photos cropping up on social media. We’re not the only ones who think that the 51-year-old model is rather easy on the eyes; he is the resident “silver fox” according to many Twitter users and he has participated in a series of shots – a modern spin on the typical Santa photos – to highlight his campaign, some of which you can see below. Mason said he thought of the idea two years ago when he grew a beard and he is reprising his 2014 role.
His good deed has gone viral and along with making Santa a little more popular among some adults, it looks like the campaign should reach its target.
Via Quartz