During the pandemic, Salah Bachir, former president of Cineplex Media, started sharing tidbits of his life on social media. People told him they wanted more, so with the help of a writer—his friend Jami Bernard—he decided to compile the stories into a memoir. First to Leave the Party: My Life With Ordinary People…Who Happen to Be Famous opens with Marlon Brando attending a Lebanese barbecue at Bachir’s parents’ house and goes on to chronicle intimate stories of friendships with Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and Andy Warhol. In addition to his LGBTQ activism and arts patronage, Bachir is known for his support of new Canadian artistic talent; his massive contemporary art collection; and his flashy, blinged-out style—especially his signature stack of pearls. We asked Bachir about the home decor items he’s currently coveting.
Related: What Joe Mimran, the city’s most style-savvy entrepreneur, is coveting in home decor
Solar lanterns
These solar-powered lanterns from Hauser turn on automatically in the evenings. “My husband and I have given these as gifts in the past,” says Bachir. “They give off a lovely warm light, and they’re easy to move around.”
Fancy frames
Tiffany and Co.’s splurge-worthy sterling silver picture frames can be engraved with a meaningful message or date. “We always have at least 40 to 60 pictures on display around our house. These frames make a perfect gift—everyone can use a picture frame that lasts forever and looks great.”
Glam rock chandelier
This Baccarat chandelier is dripping in black crystals and embedded with aluminum to reflect light. “We have a couple of smaller versions, and I love how they complement our black leather furniture and make our colourful rugs and art pop.”
Modular sofa
Roche Bobois’s Mah Jong sofa was designed in 1971 and is still one of the brand’s most iconic pieces. “You can add lots of cushions and make it feel like a big Arabian tent. It would be fun for our nieces and nephews.”
Buttery wool blanket
Hermès makes its luxurious signature throws from merino wool and cashmere. “You can never have enough cozy blankets for watching TV or snuggling on the couch. These are warm and durable, and they look great draped over anything.”
Statement sculpture
Lebanese sculptor Anachar Basbous is known for his large abstract works made from materials like steel, aluminum, stone and bronze. “I have a place in mind in our garden for this piece. It will look great against the greenery, and I love its geometric feel.”
Outdoor egg chair
Hauser makes this stylish, durable hanging chair with UV- and water-resistant materials for multi-season use. “I saw a similar one at a friend’s house and loved it. It’s on the list for next summer—we’ll probably hang it from one of the mature trees in our garden.”