Sure, she may have had to leave her last business card on the windshield of the car she hit on the way over – may have had to leave her own car sideways in the street and run madly for the Gallery Life and Styles with a dozen leather handbags buffeting around her, like so many feathered tomahawks, through the wild night – but isn’t that what fashion’s all about… the glamour?

This isn’t any sort of comment on Mottram’s driving. Sabra is a perfectionist, a self proclaimed “anal retentive,” as she confessed to me – now to all of you – twice during our conversation: once when I asked how a rotary cut black leather fringe could be executed with such inhuman precision; and again when she explained how the almost imperceptible seam allowance on her appliqués was only managed by running her machine “one stitch at a time.”

Such attention to detail, along with her top quality, vegetable tanned, leathers and custom made dust covers, more than justify the bags’ $350 to $500 price tags.

Each bag comes with its own unique story, name, and identity card. The ‘Firenze’, a luxuriously soft, red nappa leather hobo style, was snapped up right away. Even the pulls of its ribbon lined zippers riffed on its Fleur de Lys theme.

Besides personalities, most of the bags come with matching ‘Airporting Bags’, designed to be a perfect fit for those plastic Ziplocks now forced on us before boarding.

Sabra’s father and grandfather were hunters, and she grew up in Calgary surrounded by photos of relatives smiling next to “splayed out carcasses.” Though it’s hard to picture her edgy blond crop and skinny black jeans squatting next to a campfire, the designer is carrying on the family tradition in her own way.

Mottram has an endearing familiarity and healthy respect for her material of choice, and “won’t work with any animal I wouldn’t eat.” This explains why the ‘Man Bag’, a hunky black fellow with a certain masculine thickness, is made of crocodile embossed cow. I watched her handle the supple grey skin of the ‘Mel B’ bag with the same gentle authority one might use when helping an elderly aunt out of a chair at Christmas dinner. An odd comparison, perhaps, but leather is an intrinsically human fabric – each pelt demanding a unique balance of strength and compassion.

Maybe it was the wine, or maybe, for the small band of us madmen who braved a blizzard in the name of fashion that night, it was a kindred warrior spirit, but Sabra’s goal of “world domination of the handbag market” suddenly seemed not so impossible… as long as she keeps going ‘one stitch at a time’.

Sabra Mottram Bags available at A Store Called Worth (119 – 1013 17 Avenue S.W.)

For more luscious bags: Sabra Mottram Designs Website

Words by Cymbria Wood

Photos by Sanja Lukac

]]> http://calgaryfashion.ca/2009/12/28/a-stitch-in-time/feed/ 2 http://calgaryfashion.ca/2009/12/23/the-truly-last-minute-gift-guide/ http://calgaryfashion.ca/2009/12/23/the-truly-last-minute-gift-guide/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:17:30 +0000 Kimberley http://calgaryfashion.ca/?p=2535 As we count down the minutes to Christmas this list is for those still shopping till the clock strikes midnight. These gift ideas are for the ladies in your life. Sure to calm the stress of the season, so have no worries these are some simple gifts that any woman would be delighted to receive!

EARRINGS

For that lovely bit of sparkle earrings are a great gift that will impress. Go for simplicity and style with this choice.

Birks Princess Cut diamond solitaire set in 18k white gold.

• Birks $1825

GLOVES

A simple but easy gift to give, gloves are an essential for any woman. There are many choices pit there but for a last minute gift a great style is a pair of driving gloves.

• Aldo $26

PERFUME

Always a classic scent Chanel No. 5 has been a staple for many ladies since its creation. But for those gift givers out there try something more adventurous, you can go with the fun and youthful scent of Chance by Chanel.

• The Bay  $160

CAMERA

To catch those holiday moment what could be better than a digital SLR. The Nikon D3000.

• Blacks Photography $499

THE STATEMENT BAG (YSL)

This seasons must have bag is definitely the Yves Saint Laurent EASY Bag. The much sought after predecessor of the City and Muse ‘it’ bags. Recently spotted in Holt Renfew this bag has the 2010 wow factor. It features embossed suede in a soft dark grey. It is simply a bag meant to be touched and adored.

• Holt Renfrew $1295

WATCHES

BCBG has created some amazing watches for any women. The SOLEIL revamps vintage art deco design with a more modern twist.

• BCBG Maxazria $315

Happy Holidays

Linda Sui Lem

Style isn’t an object bought but a sensibility created.  Many of us frugal fashionistas live by this mantra but few boutiques actually apply this theory to selling their clothes.

Until espy, the stylish little boutique nestled in the heart of Inglewood’s shopping district. Espy is a reminder that the finer things in life don’t have to cost a fortune.

Headed by Megan Szanik and Lisa Marie Sikina, the women of espy are bringing Calgary a sampling of beloved brands, without the characteristic sticker-shock of brand name shopping.

To top it all off, the sales associates are personal stylists with a flair for attending to the specific needs of each customer. When I visited the shop on the hunt for new jeans, the gregarious sales associate Atu (the shop’s “XY connection”) pointed out that Theresa, a.k.a. the Queen of Denim, would hook me up with a great pair of jeans.

Like most women, I feel like shopping for denim is the equivalent of speed-blind-dating; it’s uncomfortable, exhausting and you never leave with anything that actually fits.  It can put a girl off jeans entirely. Theresa got me back in the saddle, consulting me on my size, style and favourite fits, allowing me to stand-by while stock was set aside for me to try on. With Theresa’s great eye and attentive personality, I breezed through the pairs that were obvious “no’s” and left with two great pairs of dark-wash, fitted Mavis (saving $50 total from the original retail price).

Anyone accustomed to boutique shopping knows that achieving this level of service while keeping the price tags so low is practically a retail-Fairytale. I assure you it’s true, and it’s all because of the retail superpowers of Szanik and Sikina.  Combining Szanik’s business-savvy and Sikina’s eye for design they are literally joining forces to make espy the hottest little shop in town.

Szanik’s drive and vision have seen her skyrocket through the fashion business.  Starting as a sales associate when she was 21 at Calgary’s Aluminum Planet  (with now-partner Lisa Marie), she was doubling the store’s sales at the time. Szanik moved to Montreal and began a high-octane life in the fashion marketing and merchandising business. She’s the woman who brought 555 Soul and Fidelity to Canada and has significantly increased sales of every brand she’s been behind.  She’s touched nearly every corner of the earth during her 20s … and then something happened.

“It was time to come home”, says Szanik, “I turned 31 and I just really wanted to be with family”.  So she packed up her bags and her career – the prodigal daughter returned.

Hunting out key pieces from those she’s worked with; items that may not be selling at full-price somewhere else, Szanik brings to espy at a reduced cost for us lucky Calgarians. Which is also why the list of labels in the shop varies so often: it’s based on Szanik snagging the best brands at the best price on any given day.  When I was in the shop, I was snooping out lots of Ben Sherman and mens Penguin tops – faves for those of us who like modern twists on classic cuts. I can’t wait to see what’s in store the next time I visit!

Budget boutique shopping in a sweet little shop with stylists at your fingertips – that’s the espy experience.

espy

1217B 9^th Ave SE

Hours:

Mon & Tues: 11 – 6

Wed – Fri: 11 – 7

Sat: 11 – 6

Sun: 12 – 5

Words by Amy Lynn Strilchuk

Photos courtesy of Alix Broadway with AERA Creative Inc.

The launch of Fleur Féminine’s ‘Love Collection’, November 13th, at Naked proved just as intimate and enticing as the wording suggests. The buzz for Canada’s first line of designer clothing for professional women sizes 12-24 has been building.

After an introduction to the clothes – sophisticated and impeccably made – the cozy crowd indulged in Chateau de Jau wine, courtesy of Mark Bata with BonVida Wines, and Mediterranean-style hors d’oeuvres.

As a special treat, Calgary comedian Cory Mack, a CBC radio regular, performed a short set that sent the room into stitches with her imitation of her husband’s unconsciously indecent iphone fingerings. She wore a soft grey dress from the new line that moved well and flattered her curves. As a lifelong pant devotée, though no one present could have guessed it, the comedian shared how excited she was to have finally found a dress that “doesn’t make me look 16 years old, or 88!”

Motivated by a love of her own curves, and a frustration at the difficulty of finding clothes that loved them back, designer Colleen Pound created the stylish, 18 piece ‘Love Collection’ to encourage professional women to celebrate their shape, from boardroom to cocktail party.

With their high quality fabrics – nothing says ‘Love’ like a ‘non-itch, washable wool blend’ – and 100% Canadian manufacturing, the clothes looked perfectly at home sharing hangers with Michael Kors and Naked’s other designer lines.

Fleur Féminine’s wonderful detailing – from exposed shoulder gathers and a convertible bow on a cotton blouse, to the tone-on-tone pink paisley lining of a wool-blend jacket – give women, in the words of the designer, their “own little secret” when getting dressed for the day.

After the enthusiastic reception at the launch, it’s clear that Colleen Pound is one secret Calgary will soon be sharing.

Fleur Féminine’s full catalogue is available online at http://www.fleur-f.com

Words by Cymbria Wood.

Photos courtesy of Cymbria Wood + Krell Communications

October gave us Alberta Fashion Week, November gave us Lethbridge Fashion Week and the official launch of the newest Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Let There Be Magenta was the theme of the party and the stars came out in full force to support Holt Renfrew and it’s dedication to serving Canada only the finest luxury products.

The red carpet festivities began with arrivals of special guests including Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, actress Elisha Cuthbert, Gossip Girl’s Kristen Bell, Glee’s Jessalyn Gilsig and model Heather Marks. Celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson played an exclusive, extended set and Calgary band The Fast Romantics performed live.

Have you been touched by Holt Renfrew’s magenta yet?

Photos by David Austin & Faby Martin © 2009

The night’s theme may have been James Bond, but the mood was pure Chippendales as male models, sporting graphic boxer briefs from She Apparel, sexed up the runway while showing off the fourteen purses donated by celebrities for the evening’s main event – the silent auction.

In the words of one of these brave boys, the role reversal was “kind of freaky, but for a good cause.”

The audience of cheering, ‘Bond Girl Crantini’ swilling, well-heeled ladies went wild when one Adonis tucked a bejeweled, white leather wallet into the waistband of his Björn Borgs. Tragically, “the one meter rule with the models” that host Zack Hewitt, from Energy 101.5 FM, had teased us earlier with was still in effect.

His lovely partner from CTV, Pearl Tsang, kept the witty fun going in support of the cause – “helping women and children who are in crisis, who are escaping domestic violence.” After the show, to illustrate the need, they asked many of us to put down our Crantinis and stand up. The random sampling represented the one in five people who are currently in an abusive relationship in Calgary. With the recession giving rise to increased alcohol consumption, those numbers keep rising.

Silvana Saccomani, YWCA’s Associate Director of Communications, gave a short presentation with more shocking statistics from the organization that is “the last resort for Calgary women, children, and men.” “We serve 12 000 of them every year,” she told the quieted crowd, “4000 are children.” She implored us for our help because, “for every woman, child, man that we help, we turn one away.”

As hard as these grim facts were to hear in a boudoir-lit room with elegant, cloth wrapped tables topped with pale pink crystals and adorable change-purse centerpieces spilling over with golden, chocolaty doubloons, they reminded us why the evening’s auction was so important.

“A lot of celebrities were really, really open to the cause,” explained Tricia Kindelman, Energy’s vivacious promotions coordinator, during a short interview before the delicious Asian inspired hor d’oeuvres. “Once they realized it was for the YWCA they totally wanted to get involved.” The radio station has always maintained a strong relationship with the organization, going so far as to permanently “take Chris Brown off our playlist” after the Rihanna incident last year. To “get the ball rolling” with the donations, Energy began contacting record labels and managers. Some of the celebrities, like Shannon Tweed, provided lightly used purses from “their own personal collections,” while others “went out and made a special purchase for the cause.”

Fergie, the lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, donated one of her own designs for Kipling. With top brands such as Coach, D&G, LAMB, and Roger Vivier, and names like Kelly Clarkson, Elise Estrada, Jann Arden, and our very own Mayor Dave Bronconnier; the bidding sheets filled up quickly, bringing the night’s goal of $30 000 well within reach. Most of the purses were signed by their donors, and many included extra treats. It came as no surprise that the highest bid of the night, at $780, went to actress Elisha Cuthbert’s purse, which just so happened to include a pair of tickets to the Grey Cup Championship.

Chippendales and James Bond aside, the night was a celebration of female empowerment, the highlight being Silvana Saccomani’s presentation of the Power of the Purse award to Deann Mary – a woman who “had the willpower to leave an abusive relationship.” She went through the YWCA’s program of counseling and transitional housing with her two young children, overcoming obstacles and going “above and beyond” at every opportunity.

Some of her children’s artwork from that time was on display. Amidst one painting’s chaos of purple shapes and lines, one lone, deliberate, happy-face peeked out. Both children were on hand, their own faces now beaming with pride, to watch their mother accept the award. She looked radiant in a bubblegum pink knee-length sheath, a picture of the hope her family had clung to through it all. Her advice for other women in similar situations shows why fundraisers like Open Your Purse are so important: “just not to be afraid, I suppose, and to have that hope, because when we left we had absolutely nothing and (laughing) who would have thought that everything we could have possibly needed would come to us.”

Words by Cymbria Wood

Photos by Cymbria Wood

Its 27^th year exhibited a combination of health, beauty and fashion. Women from all over the city came down to see what the show had to offer.

The Women’s Show is a trade show for ladies of any age but specifically catering to women the ages of 25-45. It offers people the chance to view the newest trends and also gives them the convenience of purchasing goods at the same time.

The Core, Calgary’s downtown shopping mall, presented a fashion show in the Round Up Center. Showcasing some of the latest Fall trends for 2009, it allowed attendees to view what is offered in Calgary. Some of the stores included were Boutique of Leathers, La Senza, Banana Republic and Tristan. The models offered a glimpse at the upcoming season’s ready to wear looks.

The next Women’s Show will be on April 24^th and 25^th 2010!

For more on the Women’s Show: http://www.calgarywomansshow.com/

Models + Hair + Make – Up : Artists Within

Words by Madeleine MacDonald

Photos by David Austin © 2009

On November 5, ACAD’s Wearable Art – Object and Body Class transformed the packed and pulsating Art Central into a pillar performance space.  Attendees at Regalia were given front-row access to the three-tiered runway to sample the freshest perspectives in Calgary fashion.

Barbara Wordon literally made a meal out of her materials by setting the perfect table for one.   A well-structured, table-cloth gown was the base for a royal blue, folded-napkin sash – complete with cutlery tucked into its crisp fold – and what better crown for a delish-Princess than a silver platter serving up appetizing morsels.

Lindsay Joy and Jennifer Akkerman used the 20^th century suit as the canvas on which to create.  Joy did an Elizabethan remix on the contemporary corporate stable by stuffing the flutes of a nouveau neck-ruff with purple tulle, while Akkerman set the 3-piece-suit decidedly askew by drowning her male model in a parachute-sized striped tie.

Some artist’s pieces were more performative, like Ashley Q who sent a lithe elephant down the runway with a safari-woman hot on her trails.  Wearing a grey, strapless silk mini and a pellet of bullets serving as the elephant’s trunk, she created tension between her two models by giving the animal ammunition, but the armed hunter the weapon.

The remainder of the show dramatically teetered between light and dark; with some artists favouring a feminine fit built from natural fibres while others had a sharper edge by incorporating spiky-lines and sturdy-materials.

Bandeau tops, bellies and over-the shoulder accessories were the focus of Georgia Lee and Ashleigh Amber Moore’s pieces. Lee’s ocean-beauties wore aquamarine skirts with mini logs of raw driftwood draping off bare shoulders and Moore’s bandeau-babes floated under weighty, teardrop glass. Completing Moore’s look was hair set in large, parallel rollers, turning her models into tubular-Medusas.

Goddesses draped in vibrant, free-floating fibres descended from the Heavens in Jodie Stevens’ pieces entitled “Transflow” while Rebecca Taylor and Georgia Lee played with Mother Earth herself by showcasing raw fibres and feathers (Taylor), neutral tones, twigs and flowers (Lee).  The real showstopper was Amy Malbeuf’s bathing beauties who appeared to be emerging fresh from the sea, wearing shimmering swimsuits with huge neckpieces that were constructed to look like a shoreline brimming with beach activities.  Topping it all off with multi-coloured beads, leaves & feathers draping from the neckpieces, the overall effect was stunning and playful.

Mixed in with these breezy, delicate pieces were garments constructed from more rigid materials.  Highlights included Leo Casuga Jr.’s DJ femme-fatales whose LP corsets and turntable skirts made everyone’s head spin and the fan favourites, Sam Huskisson and Nick Ward, who rocked post-apocalyptic worlds. One of Huskisson’s well-armed models was suited in grey, reflective leggings and black, Lego-like war-gear and Ward’s wild-duo descended the runway in structured leather garments and gas masks with fangs.  Anna Cunningham’s male models closed the show with a fantastic-flourish: wearing only boxer-briefs, their taught bodies were the sturdy foundation for the spectacular webbed-architecture that extended from their fit-frames.

The entire show was a flavourful taste of what ACAD’s Wearable Art class has been up to this season.  The fact that the pieces were so vibrant and rich made them the treat of the evening.

Words by Amy Strilchurk

Photos by David Austin © 2009

Sodaliscious, developed around the concept “that every person is unique and ‘so delicious’ in their own way” delivered an array of party dresses and formal attire inspired by flowers.  Mathieu’s flower motif manifested itself in printed silks, individually sewn flower details that gave dresses a dimensional texture, to flowing fabrics that referenced flowers waving in the wind.  Sodaliscious was an amalgamation of dresses, that ranged from vintage to contemporary in an assortment of colours and styles that would appeal to a vast client base.

Mathieu is no doubt an accomplished designer; many of her designs flaunted intricate techniques, applications and manipulations of fabric many of Alberta Fashion Week’s younger designers failed to accomplish. Mathieu also displayed an innate understanding of how to pair fabrics with design; this was most apparent in one dress where the swirl of the  patterned chiffon punctuated the reverse draping underneath.

So who is the Sodaliscious woman? A woman who likes to dress up without shame and a lady that doesn’t mind the attention a Sodaliscious dress demands.

The collection, however, was fragmented and appeared more as presentation than a series.  The flower motif loosely strung the dresses together but quickly fractured when the avant-garde followed classic. Sodaliscious would have commanded a stronger presence if it had focused on one genre of formal wear, rather than multiple. Calgary Fashion would have liked to have seen variations on Mathieu’s strapless, purple and pink dress adorned with falling leaves that fell into a heap at the hem and less of her simple designs that could be found in any big box store over the holidays.

AFW’s finale left some confused, considering the ample talent that could have ended the week with local flare. Mathieu’s Spring/Summer collection was strong but fell short as AFW’s closing show. Calgary Fashion thought the designer was too unknown and separated from Alberta’s fashion industry, however, it is hard to ignore how difficult it is to find local designers with accomplished careers who would showcase their collections at a sophomore fashion week.

It is impressive that AFW has attracted seasoned designers like Mathieu and Calgary Fashion predicts the event will attract more in coming year but it would be nice to finally celebrate a local designer who has achieved success and acclaim at AFW.

Words by Melissa Wusaty

Photos by Oscar Lopez © 2009

Music, make up, hair and the attitude each model brings to the runway are all factors that can make or break a show.We waited all week for a collection that would utilize these elements to the max. And on the final night of Alberta Fashion Week, the performance we yearned for arrived.

Designer Sarah Shell and her line of leather hand bags (442 McAdam) not only brought a distinguished and attractive set of bags to the runway but a memorable show to boot. There were clutches, shoulder bags and skirt bags. Each had its own identity but all carried the signature 442 crests and a color scheme which was appropriate for the inevitable coming of fall. Brown, suede and chocolate panels of leather make these bags almost impossible not to coordinate with any piece of clothing.

Each bag entered the runway with incredible character. For example, Mode Model Ania B rocked the catwalk with such energy and swagger that it added to the personality of the bag. The brown-suede shoulder bag adorned a bold strip of maroon leather down the center and was held up by a courageous two-tone strap with detailed gold and red stitching.

Later in the show, a blonde dainty model pranced innocently along the runway. Her demeanor emulated the soft cream and caramel clutch she was holding. But seconds later, she was robbed by another model who snatched the snatch right out of her hands.

The drama didn’t end there.

As I twitter frantically about the awesome presentation before my eyes, a model approaches the lady sitting to my direct left and tussles with her for yet another bag!

These girls were ruthless!

The show played with arrangement; having more than one girl walk at a time, it appealed to all the emotions and most importantly, it was entertaining.

Sarah Shell has come along way from sewing simple garments out of her grandparent’s house at 442 McAdams in Winnipeg to having her purses worn by stars on the Toronto International Film Festival red carpet.

But it makes sense.

You see, not all designers are artists and not all artists are designers but once in while you come along someone with the whole package. And Sarah Shell is just that.

Words by Ian Keteku

Photos by David Austin © 2009