Kevin Sweet’s older sister is a doctor who specializes in brain trauma. Since he has always admired her, he entered college and followed her lead to study sciences, too. But a couple of years in, he admitted that his dismal grasp of mathematics would forever trip him up. So he switched his focus to his long-time appreciation of the arts, and acquired degrees in both journalism and documentary production. Although he has “never had the discipline” to work as a singer or artist himself, the 29-year-old arts reviewer for Radio-Canada’s Alberta network of radio and TV has long appreciated fine music, beautiful dance and outstanding visual creations.
Sweet also remembers watching the CBC as a teenager and admiring its penchant for in-depth interviews with artists. So he was thrilled to be hired by Radio-Canada (the French arm of the CBC) in Edmonton in 2004, even though his initial job was in the news department.
Since 2006, the French-educated anglophone raised in Buckingham, Que. — “30 minutes outside of Ottawa, on the Quebec side” — has helped shape Radio-Canada’s provincial arts coverage to reflect what he and so many bilingual Canadians represent: a cultural amalgamation. He covers arts events pertinent specifically to francophones in Alberta, and also English-language arts of interest to the same audience.
It’s an approach that comes naturally for the son of two anglophones who thought it important that their children be comfortable in both official languages. “We watched French TV, we watched English TV,” says Sweet. “We listened to French and English music. What I read in French, I can also read in English. And that’s the reality for a lot of francophones in Alberta.”
He takes the “criticism” aspect of his job description seriously and believes that critics should be harsher. “We have an obligation, in order for artists to mature, to be constructive in our criticism,” he says. And he’s as critical of fashion as he is of art, cringing at how broadly some people interpret the relaxing of dress codes at high-level events which was implemented to help fill seats. “I was at a Yo-Yo Ma benefit concert last year and I saw somebody with flip-flops. You’re at a blacktie affair! And the sound that it made in the lobby . . .” he recalls, unleashing a frustrated groan. Jeans can certainly work with a nice dress coat, he says, but “people have lost the sense of magic at a premiere.” how would you describe your style? It’s classy, with an urbanized feel. But it depends on what day you catch me. There are days where I wear linen, a scarf and a hat. And there are days when I’ll throw on a baseball shirt, some runners and a ball cap.
Do you separate your work wardrobe from your personal ones?
Not at all. A premiere obviously requires more formality, but when I buy clothes I’m thinking of whether I can wear it on air. I work with basic colours — blacks, whites, beige. I usually get those from Club Monaco, and some extra colour from American Apparel. I try to carry everything over into the fall with a scarf or a hat, with a lot of layering and accessorizing. If I like something, I’ll buy it in multiples. Like my Converse shoes. I have about eight pairs, in black, in white, in colour, checkered . . . They look great with a tux.
Being on live television, you’re bound to experience an awkward wardrobe moment sooner or later. have you?
I bought a flesh-coloured, deep-V-neck T-shirt from American Apparel, and I just put a black vest over it. When I went on air, it looked like I had nothing on but a sleeveless vest.
How much do you spend on your clothes?
About $300 a month. For a good pair of jeans I don’t think you should have to pay more than $120 or $130. I wear Buffalo jeans because they fit well. They’re tight and they don’t stretch. For a shirt, I spend maybe $50 or $60.
What’s your fashion advice for men?
I think men are finally getting it, but they still have to do away with socks and sandals. One thing I notice with men is that ties are too short. The tie should always touch the top of your belt when you’re standing. I also still see guys with white T-shirts and dress shirts over top, open. You don’t need that shirt underneath anymore. And too many baggy clothes — if you have the body, flaunt it. But otherwise, I think guys are starting to get on board.
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