Event: PARK 2010

Photographer: Faby Martin

Makeup & Hair: Olga Onulov, Lisa Dawson, Sandra Cross-Bussoli, Theresa Jalojot, Brae-Lea Hickey, Kimberley Seibel

Clothing: Clothing: Brook Fung – Peeko Apparel

Models: (1) Megan Archibald, Brianna Laplante, (2) Katherine Bell, (3) Sarah Tadjdeh

Location: Chinese Cultural Center

As fashion weeks start winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry.Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don’t learn from history, you won’t know you are repeating it!

Links à la Mode

• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: Mary Quant
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Couture Cakes
• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Spring/Summer Trends 2010 – The Tourist
• Dozen Dresses – DIY Skirt – The tutorial!
• dramatis personae – B&Lu 0 Gift Certificate Giveaway!
• Fabulous Finds Gal – Come With Me On A Sunny And Dreamy Retro Holiday In Palm Springs With The Photographer Bersa
• Fashion Pulse Daily – Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010
• Fasshonaburu – Who’s Who of Fashion Week
• fête à fête – Larkspur & Hawk’s vintage inspired jewelry
• Glossary – Please meet Paula and her pretty Pink Bow!
• hello beauty! – Bobbi Brown Spring 2010: Cabana Corals and Makeup Face Lift Collections (with video)
• JewelryWhore – Interview With Corvus Noir!
• Oranges and Apples – : Vintage fashion photo inspiration from the Life magazine archives
• Out Of Order – Bonnie & Clyde
• Prom Mafia – Betsey Johnson does DC
• Retro Chick – Estethica – Ethical Design Spotlight – Tara Starlet
• Stop Getting Low-balled As A Blogger | Independent Fashion Bloggers
• Superstylin – Total Fashion Dork Status
• The Fashion Planner – YouTube Beauty Gurus
• True Queen – One Dress That Will Take You From Work To Play in 3 Different Ways
• Tweed & tea – My name is Jacqui, and I am a perfume addict..
• ventures of jenn. – ode to the maxi
• White Rabbit – The Man Behind the Lens

Women’s jewellery  is often quite unnecessarily thought of as having to be dainty and refined. The more lustrous and miniature they are, the better. Fine jewellers offer a wide array of the finest silver and gold, knowing classic styles are a safe bet.

Then there’s that glittering staple, encapsulated so perfectly in our memories by the old adage, “diamonds are a girls best friend.”  Many jewellery designers seem content to rely on these wearied and exorbitant customs, churning out indistinguishable accessories, suspended in industry stasis. This view of jewellery is far too narrow and at least one designer, Erin Ignacio creator of the jewellery line John James, is not content to rely on such typical, bland styles.

Ignacio unleashed her new collection at 100 Wines by David Walker on Feb. 27, filling the room with her new line and some accompanying art work to highlight the theme.  People milled in awe at the nature inspired pieces, and enjoyed the work of, not one, but two burgeoning designers.

Accompanying Erin with a few pieces, was her sister Christina. Unleashing her own line of hand crafted jewellery, Integral, on the buzzing crowd. The growing presence of a free, and wild spirit could not be missed as Erin herself, was kind enough to give Calgary Fashion a few words.

“Prior to creating this collection I was in a really unstable place and when speaking about the women where I live, their energy empowered me,” says Ignacio, “It felt almost as though…I felt like a warrior.” Warrior, the new line launched by John James, explores a whole new dimension of jewellery. Trying her best to capture the wild, and raw energy that originally set off a spark within her.

Ignacio moves past the so called ‘classics’, utilizing various types of earthen materials in the design of each of the collection’s hand crafted pieces. The line boasts a number of bold chains and earrings in metallic and natural tones, accented with wood, suede, jade, brass and pearlized acrylic. Ignacio takes her cues from the empowered women around her. Making the pieces brazen, beautiful and strong; accentuating armor, designed to adorn the female warriors around us in everyday life.

“My pieces are for a bold strong woman…like the women in the buildings I’ve lived in.” states Ignacio “There is a sense in this group of women, that is so strong and outspoken and unafraid. They are confident to be themselves.”

Each of the pieces is named for an empowered heroine, goddess or queen. The collections bold architectural necklaces, and dazzling drop earrings relate a collaboration of avante garde design and creatively selected raw materials.   Names like Nefertiti, Hippolyta, and Lakshmi project the nature of the collection, alluding to the concept of female empowerment through name and the use of boldly textured materials, and shapes.

With eye catching statement pieces from the Warrior collection accenting your spring and summer wardrobe, you will have every reason to feel like a strong, confident woman.

One cannot help but be inspired by this line and its intent to empower. Simultaneously, John James can inspire the daring in us, as it allows us to  step outside the boundaries of traditionally ‘feminine’ jewellery, and brings the past to life.

Daniela Codreanu

Illustration courtesy of John James

Photography by Izzy Jackson

]]> http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/08/the-powerful-woman/feed/ 1 http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/04/leap-into-spring/ http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/04/leap-into-spring/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:00:40 +0000 Kimberley http://calgaryfashion.ca/?p=3180

From L- R Paul Smith London Blazer, Cole Haan Shoe, Chie Mihara Shoe, Marc Jacobs Bag, Duchamp Silk Pocket-square, Joie Shoe, Gryphon Shorts, NARS Lip Pencil, Burberry Bag.

Stepping into Calgary’s new Holt Renfrew flagship store is like entering a world of its own. Post renovations, the space now inhabits the former downtown location of Sears and is conveniently neighbouring its previous home. Clean lines and open space allows for a more casual atmosphere for Calgary’s growing, style oriented, clientele.

Calgary Fashion was welcomed with a warm reception, along with some of Calgary’s other media relations,  to view the products going onto the floor for Spring/Summer 2010. The preview brings us a good mixture of styles and brands that are sure to liven up anyone’s wardrobe, with many key pieces the savvy shopper should have in their closet.

The preview also showcased some of the more trendy buys for the season, as well as highlighted some of the new brands available for shoppers. Noted labels were accessories provided by Celine and House of Harlow 1960 which is designed by Nicole Richie. The outfits were showcased on store employees, making for a more casual event, and involved specially placed members in the audience.

The spring pallet, consists of neutrals, pastels, and bold prints. Print dresses for everyday wear can be changed from day to night with a different shoe. Casual and urban weekend wear included many comfortable pieces, such as, loafers and beige trench coats, easy to mix and match.Work wear was polished and incorporated rich neutrals, and leathers.

Menswear featured made-to-measure pieces such as perfectly tailored suits, fitting for any office. Later outfits catered to the younger crowd, with a casual preppy style,  that included fresh doses of color and texture, available in the stores youth focused Contemporary Department.

A key addition for anyone looking to add some fun to their Spring/Summer ‘10 wardrobe, should seek the embellished shoes or sandals on display. Maybe couple that with one of the bold patterned dresses and skirts, and some neutral accessories that the show offered up.

Menswear found itself livening up as well this year. With investment worthy pieces such as the classic trench, a versatile messenger bag or, for something more exciting, a printed canvas bag.

Other accessories such as hats, scarves, and boat shoes, found importance in anchoring outfits this year. But, if loafers are your choice, just remember the cardinal rule: “Never wear with socks.”

With all these items and more available this season, Holt Renfrew’s offering up all the ingredients for anyone to become a more dapper dresser.

For more from Holt Renfrew please visit: http:/www.holtrenfrew.com

Linda Sui Lem

Photos courtesy of Linda Sui Lem

Black would express the need to push her sound beyond Canadian soil. “I believe that RnB & Soul from our country needs to be properly represented on the international stage and so like our Olympic athletes, I am taking my years of preparation and the strength of my fans and kicking some doors open no matter how long it takes,” she writes.

A reference to the single “Glass Ceiling” off her latest album The Black Book, states the time has come to literally break the glass ceiling by taking her sound global.

Surprising news but true, even though Black may be a household name in Canada, little is known of our R+B song bird responsible for soul filled, hip swinging songs such as “Sweat Off Your Brow”,”Five Times” and the current release “Running.”

“Jully who?” escaped the mouths of peers from London, England to South Africa whenever The Black Album would come up in conversation.”What do you mean you don’t know who Jully Black is?” Shocked by the response, it was a surprise to have to explain: “She’s got power like Mary J Blige, without the drama that followed her!”

As conversations turned in the direction of lectures on Canada’s R+B royalty, it was clear, Black is right, things need to change.

This year, for the sixth time, Black has been nominated for Best R&B/Soul Album of the year. Up against Danny Fernandes, Jacksoul, Jarvis Church and Melanie Fiona, only time will tell what the result will be from the 2010 JUNO’s but with the power and determination Black is packing, JUNO or no JUNO, she is unshakable on breaking that ceiling.

At the time of our interview, Black was just back from Cannes and was preparing for her fitness marathon, Black to Basics (B2B) for Haiti where she would instruct from her upcoming fitness DVD for 30 minutes, every  hour, for 6 hours to raise funds for The Red Cross.  According to Black, the B2B fundraiser was about infusing philanthropy with fitness, “I just felt it was necessary to have an event that was not based around my music, it’s selfless, it’s a beautiful way to fellowship and to walk with people from all walks of life.”

For Black, faith is everything, her confidence flows with conviction, “I was ready to be emancipated,” she says of  The Black Book which also put the singer in the role of co-producer. “I felt it was time to really express my influences through my music, being a Canadian I have been subjected to hearing all genres.”

Of course with growth comes a slight change in style, The Black Book unveils a different sound from Black, a little bit of soul with a little bit of rock. “My style has changed in a way that can only happen when you are ready to accept your place in society,” she says. “Writing a song like Running that is really about world issues that says you should be running for something not from something, was very much a leap of faith!”

“I’ve been repping R+B for so long,” continues Black, “It gets to a point where you are expected to bring the heartbreak song but why shouldn’t we be allowed to express ourself as a way to empower others, without having to be overly righteous?

As Black prepares to literally take the world by storm, the message she shares with her fans results as an extension of Black’s character: “Be you, better yourself and lead by example!”

At the end of her apology to her fans with a promise to return, Black closes with the quote, “Many are called, but few are chosen,” stating the time to answer the call is now.

For Black, Canada will always be home and as the year unfolds we hope to see just how far Black can spread her Canadian spirit and patiently await her return.

Kimberley Jev

Photo by Ivan Otis

]]> http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/04/the-calling/feed/ 0 http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/03/the-betsey-johnson-tea-party/ http://calgaryfashion.ca/2010/03/03/the-betsey-johnson-tea-party/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:37:23 +0000 Kimberley http://calgaryfashion.ca/?p=3206

From March 4th – March 10th, Betsey Johnson is allowing every girl to save 15% on all evening dresses!

Hurry hurry don’t be late!

The new Betsey Johnson location can be found at: Fashion Central  (203 8th Avenue SW)

For Spring, designer, Adejoke Taiwo would leap right into a multiple event extravaganza for her ready to wear label Alalá.Kicking things off Thursday, with the Chicks Ahoy trunk show at Mealan, as well as a showing at the annual Collectively Eclectic presentation of Legacies.

The simple and elegant theme of Mealan would really set the tone for Taiwo’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection and Calgary’s leading lady would stay true to her inspirations from her homeland by incorporating Nigerian material with western flair.

Favorites amongst the ladies that night? The Alalá leggings, available in three colours, black, green and pink. “Customers are loving the leggings,” said Taiwo pleasantly, “I may just have to create another selection of leggings!” This said as she dashes behind the counter to make sure leggings stored for earlier buyers were still tucked away waiting for their rightful owners. “Seriously, we almost sold another customers pair by accident!” she says laughing.

The comfortable and  stylish leggings are infused with care and attention as Taiwo hand paints her label name Alala on each pair.

Through the trunk show, Mealan would also present Calgary’s fashionistas with a tempting sale on items with discounts ranging between 30% – 70% off marked prices.

Alala Dreamer can now be found at Mealan or online at the Alala Dreamer website.

For more on Mealan please visit: http://www.mealan.com

For more on Alalá please visit: http://www.adejoke.com

Photos by Anastasia Moody

Flashing lights, celebrity, glamour and money, a whole lot of money, is about to be thrown around. But wait! Because there’s something else brewing in the corner here in Calgary. An event that’s a little more cost effective, and a whole lot more ambitious.

It’s called Park Show, and though it’s only their third event, Promoting Artists, Re-defining Kulture (PARK for short), is starting to find a great foot hold in the city.

It may be through a phone line but talking with Kara Chomistek, the president of PARK, one can feel the excitement surging through every answer she gives.”I’m really excited to bring these designers this opportunity to really just expose a lot of people to their work.”

She’s giddy and laughs a lot through the interview and I am amazed as to how energetic she is. After all not only is she putting on Park Show, which in itself could be a full time job, but Chomistek will also be showcasing a few pieces of her own AND finishing her final year in Biomechanical Engineering.

“It’s tough,  I’m struggling. I was planning on having eight pieces and I bumped that down to four, cause I feel I need to focus on the quality of the show rather than my own stuff.” Chomistek explains to me, laughing intermittently.

On the need to direct Park, “I have friends at ACAD and we were just talking about how there’s not much opportunity for artists in Calgary. If you wanted to do a craft fair at the round up center, tables are five hundred dollars and some artists just can’t afford that.”

Frustrated, the friends set out to make their own niche market place. Using the template set fourth by Mark, the Cobra Snake, an eccentric contemporary LA photographer; the friends landed on the idea of a free outdoor market.

“Yard Sales,” as the Cobra Snake called them, “were just a big collaboration of people selling clothes and art. We were like why don’t we try to build from that, but make it a non profit idea.”So the team set up shop at the U of C. The Park Sale runs in the summer and is a free way for artisans to get their designs seen by people and make a little cash.

“The first Park Sale was actually funded privately, through our own pockets. Afterwards, we decided we loved it, but it shouldn’t be something that’s coming out of our own pockets.” Instead of throwing in the towel on the idea, the group got creative “We decided to host a fund raising event, and we thought, well why don’t we collaborate with the artisans that were taking part in the first park sale?” So in March of 2009 the first Park Show went up, followed by a larger second show last fall.

Just a year later, moving up from their rather small original space at the Art Life Gallery to this spring’s show at the Chinese Cultural Center, Chomistek says they’re going to keep striving for more.

“We’ve really tried to bring in some fresh people and some fresh faces. In terms of models and designers… Kind of showing that were starting to get bigger and it’s starting to grow. So that’s really exciting for us.”

It’s plain to see, the show has proven itself to be quite the crowd drawer, as last falls Silent Film Era themed show sold out. Packing in 400+ guests into the Arrata Opera Center.

“Our main goal is to start to become completely dependable. We’re still pulling money from our pockets to help fund the show… It’s definitely challenging to be a non- profit organization and be self sufficient.”

This season presents the Living Doll theme, Park Show’s offering a bit of a dip into absurdity. Perfect counter programming to some of the listless dolls pacing the walkways and galleys of fashion weeks.

And though necessity is causing PARK to look for bigger and better, this group are far from forgetting where they are coming from, “We definitely want to keep expanding… at the same time we want to focus on the non- profit. We really want to push that, cause I think it’s needed in Calgary.”

Though the question may soon be creeping up, the team is still all non profit, and still a little off the beaten path. With a show bursting at the seams however with an addition of new off the wall designers, and performers (not to mention the newly added Vendor Portion) it’s a wonder if maybe, just maybe, Park Show will soon be casting it’s own shadow over a certain week here in Calgary.

For more on Park Show please visit: http://www.ourparkonline.com/parkshow.html

Levi Meaden

Photos courtesy of Park Show

The mall is exhausting. This is something many men accept as a fact. Time becomes meaningless. The open space, mixed with overbearing fluorescent lights, adverts and inane chatter can send a man into a gripping bout of agoraphobia. By the time it finally comes to pick out a new outfit, you can’t remember what you’re dressing for or how you want to present yourself.

“A lot of guys don’t really know what they want, so the sales associates have to be able to offer them a wide range of choices and then help them narrow it down,” says Henry store manager Reid Pollock.

Thanks to stores like Henry, there is hope for the hopeless, beyond the regular department and chain stores. With the help of seasoned fashion experts, many private stores around Calgary are helping men get in touch with their sense of style.

Henry on Fourth opened in 2006, as a new horizon for The Henry Singer Group, it’s name already well known among the fashion savvy of Calgary. “Even though we sell a lot of big international brands, we are a community based shop…so we try to keep that feel,” says Pollock. Unlike it’s older cousin Henry Singer, Henry’s focus is not on suits but on the more casual, or “day to day combat” as their Fall 09’ campaign proclaimed.

“We are a division of the Henry Singer group, so we’re like Henry Singer’s casual younger cousin.” If Henry is a cousin, it’s not a distant one.

Opening it’s door to meet a growing street wear demand, it’s success can be credited to the innovation of President Jordan Singer, whose extensive exposure to international fashions gave him in idea to create a less formal fine clothing shop to help cater to the needs of trend aware clientele.

One of Henry’s most important facets may be it’s connection to it’s culture. “There’s a whole culture around sports wear and street wear,” says Pollack, ”So it’s important for people to come check out our site…there’s a lot of collaborations between graffiti and clothing guys, it’s all melting into one.” Henry is the local neighbourhood shop that can take you further than the block and offer up a cool relaxed atmosphere to find you’re style.

“We are about delivering quality service and top quality product…we cater to everybody, from the hipster kids to the young dads just looking for something cool,” Pollock states. The store offers a diverse collection that can send a young man’s head spinning but, and this is important gentlemen, Henry prides itself on going the extra mile for you. ”A lot of guys don’t really know what they want, so the sales associates have to be able to offer them a wide range of choices and then help them narrow it down.”

With private shopping and music nights around town, the team at Henry are concerned with knowing their clients. “What sets us apart is our dedication to the customer…we develop our own client base, we know people by name.”

So if the idea of hitting your local shopping mall is making your eyes glaze over, there are options. And in the end, as much as Henry enjoys your business, they’re in it to make you look good.

For more info visit www.thinkhenry.com or call (403) 209-5030

Levi Meaden

Photos by Faby Martin © 2009