Press Kit

Bio (300 words)

Jeanne Beker is a Canadian journalist, media personality, and global fashion icon. Her memoir, Heart on My Sleeve (2024), was released through Simon & Schuster Canada to critical acclaim. With a touching forward by Linda Evangelista, Beker delivers uplifting reflections that walk us through a wardrobe of memory, one article of clothing at a time. Born in Toronto to Holocaust survivors who instilled fearlessness, hard work, and tenacity in her from a young age, she began her professional show biz career at 16. After studying acting in New York and mime in Paris, she moved to Newfoundland where she made her journalistic debut as an arts reporter for CBC Radio. A few years later, Beker returned to Toronto to land a job at CHUM Radio and in 1979, she co-hosted the ground-breaking series The NewMusic. A founding member of MuchMusic, Beker launched the legendary Fashion Television in 1985 which was presented in over 130 countries for 27 years. A seasoned newspaper columnist for several publications, Beker was editor-in-chief of FQ and SIR magazines (2003 - 2008) and has previously authored five books. She is a frequent keynote speaker and guest on myriad lifestyle shows and has been at the creative helm of numerous fashion lines under her own eponymous label. Since 2015, she has acted as Style Editor for The Shopping Channel where she currently hosts the series Style Matters with Jeanne Beker. Beker has received honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s University and OCAD University. Active with several charitable organizations, she has been named to the Order of Canada (2014), inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends (2015), recognized with the Banff World Media Festival's Canadian Award of Distinction (2012), honoured with a Canadian Screen Achievement Award (2013), and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2016).

High-Resolution Photo

Photo: Fabian Di Corcia

2024
Simon & Schuster Canada

Fashion and style icon Jeanne Beker delivers an uplifting and inspiring memoir that walks us through a wardrobe of memory, one article of clothing at a time.

Jeanne Beker’s name is synonymous with style and grace in fashion. Recognized by many as the beloved host of Fashion Television and The NewMusic, Jeanne has spent an entire career interviewing celebrities and uncovering their most private selves. Now, in Heart on My Sleeve, Jeanne reveals who she is in an all-new way. This is not just a memoir but a wardrobe of memory. Jeanne walks us through her recollections of specific pieces of clothing and jewelry, precious items that have made an indelible impact on her. She invites readers to think more deeply about how what we wear—whether it’s a thrift-store find or high-end couture—acts as a touchstone to our most treasured recollections, reminding us of who we once were or of loved ones we hold dear.

With Jeanne as our style guide, we get up-close and personal with a star-studded cast, including Paul McCartney, Madonna, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Beyoncé, and Keith Richards. But equally important, Jeanne introduces us to the family members and loved ones who form her closest entourage—including her wise Yiddish mother and her industrious father, both Holocaust survivors; her childhood neighbor Mrs. Jaskolka, a style maven ahead of her time; her two trailblazing daughters; and her many warm and exuberant friends who have seen her through the best and worst of times. Jeanne proves that a life lived with style and substance is always in fashion. Bold, colorful, and authentic, this is Jeanne Beker at her very best and brightest.

Order of Canada (2014)
American Marketing Association’s Hall of Legends (2015)
Canada’s Walk of Fame (2016)

Since her diagnosis in 2022, Beker has been outspoken in her support for cancer research while candidly sharing her personal healing journey with the world.

The Art of Conquering Cancer
Princess Margaret Hospital

For requests related to speaking, hosting, campaigns, and endorsements, please contact:

Melanie Roy
melanie@speakers.ca