Calgary - FASHION & SHOPPING
March 24th, 2010
Paul's Fall
Last we heard through gossip king and National Post columnist Shinan Govani’s tweets, designer Paul Hardy was sewing a dress on the Rocky Mountaineer. And the Calgary-based designer hasn’t slowed down since.
His all white and cream Spring collection is flying off the shelves at his Kensington boutique, and when we stopped by last week, he was down to the wire, putting the final touches on his Fall line. Hardy shows tonight in Toronto but before he jetted off, we got a sneak peek of what’s in store for next season. Hint: Opposites attract.Paul Hardy Atelier, 1126 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-242-4794, www.paulhardydesign.com
See photos from our atelier visit on today's Editors' Diary.
March 19th, 2010
Denim, MD
Remember the simple days of denim, when nothing could come between you and your Calvins?
If the dizzying array of skinnies and boyfriends has left you with fitting room frustration and an empty closet, don't give up on jeans just yet. Head to Fashion Central for the weekend-long Denim Clinics, one-on-one consultations ($25 or free with purchase) with professionals who can help you find the right fit.Discover what kind of jeans are best for your silhouette and lifestyle, and custom design a pair choosing wash, leg cut, hem and pocket design. In four to six weeks, you’ll get your perfect pair of blues (from $165).
Until March 22, Second Floor, Fashion Central, www.denimclinics.com; for appointment, email info@denimclinics.com
March 16th, 2010
Top 5: Catwalk Cool
The sophomore edition of Alberta Fashion Week starts Sunday. Here are our Top 5 must-sees:
Showing for the first time, NRT Fashions’ fall collection is on-trend with a mix of utilitarian chic and Lady Gaga-inspired whimsy.
Kyle Nylund’s dreamy creations are more runway than reality, but when it comes to fashion, a girl has got to dream.
We loved Caitlin Power’s mix of rock chic and feminine feel last season so here’s hoping she makes us swoon again.
This will be veteran designer Haithem Elkadiki’s first solo runway presentation in Calgary, and he’s also closing the week. His label KaaDiki is a mix of sleek silhouettes with bold accents in just the right places, and touches of his signature red hue.
Calgary-born, Vancouver-based Jason Matlo is a master at creating elegant ready-to-wear pieces with sharp silhouettes and Old Hollywood glamour. Alberta Fashion Week runs March 20-27. For a complete schedule and tickets, go to www.albertafashionweek.ca
March 2nd, 2010
Photo Op
We never leave the house without our point-and-shoot and lately, it looks like we’re not the only ones.
In addition to their impeccable style, all the cool girls snapped for street-style blogs are sporting leather Leica camera cases (Kate Bosworth is also a fan). The accessory du jour (from $119.95) is made for the company’s D-Lux series of cameras but could easily hold a different compact. Casually slip it over your shoulder or around your neck old school style, add a little attitude and you’ll be snapped on the street in no time.
At the Camera Store, 802 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-234-9935, www.thecamerastore.com
February 24th, 2010
Neck and Neck
There are certain sartorial activities that can easily erupt into a full-fledged battle (think: sample sales or meetings at discount racks).
So it’s fitting that this new collection of regal neckpieces (from $600) and intricate earrings (from $125) is titled Warrior by John James. Made from reworked fabrics, wood, leather and semi-precious stones, the designs are a mix of hard lines and modern looks with a romantic flair reminiscent of family heirlooms. On exhibit starting this weekend, a few of the items are already sold so you may have to battle it out if you want a one-of-a-kind piece—and victory.Warrior by John James, February 27-March 25 at Gallery 101, 1109 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, 403-452-8820, www.davidwalkerwines.com
February 16th, 2010
Sartorial Soldiers
Attention fashion army! The spring runways are flooded with military-inspired looks: Balmain, Chloé and Rag & Bone (pictured).
But if you want to hunt for authentic pieces, head to Inglewood’s Crown Surplus. The third-generation family business stocks new and old military surplus and has a wide selection of classic pea coats, traditional army jackets and striped tops for the added nautical flair. Packed to the rafters with other military garb and war paraphernalia, the shop is a tad overwhelming, but sift through the racks and you’ll come out with pieces that are true to the trend.
At ease.
Crown Surplus, 1005 11th St. SE, Calgary, 403-265-1754, www.armysurplus.com
February 11th, 2010
Centrally Challenged
The world may not revolve around us, but at the newly opened three-storey space on the corner of First Street and Stephen Avenue, everything centres around fashion.
The long-awaited opening of Fashion Central finally materialized as the doors swung open last week to reveal a spectacular revamp of the historical building (we heart the red staircase). Joining next-door neighbours Betsey Johnson and Murale, Lara Presber has moved in as has nuForm Apparel and stockings mecca Wolford will be joining them next month.With tenants like these, don’t mind us if we become regular houseguests.
Fashion Central, corner of First Street and Eighth Avenue, Calgary, www.fashioncentral.ca
February 8th, 2010
Valentine's Day Gift Guide Calgary
You can’t buy love, but here's a few ideas for what to get your sweetheart this year.
Just for You: Designs from the Heart ($56) by Pablo Correa is a collection of works and stories by designers, illustrators and artists from around the world with one common theme: how to say "I love you." At Dick and Jane’s, 831 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-1857, www.dickandjanes.ca
Heart-shape egg rings from Nood ($11.95). Breakfast in bed is good but heart-shaped pancakes or eggs in bed are even better. At Nood, 820 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-233-9022, www.nooddesign.ca
You treat him to a Coen Brothers Double Feature of A Serious Man and The Big Lebowski (February 7 and 10) and he treats you to a Fashionista Double Feature of Coco Avant Chanel and The September Issue (February 12, 13 and 15) and you both win. At the Plaza Theatre, 1133 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-283-2222, www.theplaza.ca
Spell it out with a typographic love poster from Uppercase Gallery. Choose from six ($60 each) simple prints that include sentiments such as “love” and “happily ever after.” At www.uppercasegallery.ca
Take away the “o” and the “e” and love turns into LV. Spoil yourself with a neckalce by Louis Vuitton ($320), in red of course. At Louis Vuitton in Holt Renfrew, 510 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, www.louisvuitton.com
If you can’t say it, let Marvin Gaye sing it with his Number 1’s album ($7.99). It has his biggest hits including the most important one for this occasion of course, “Let’s Get It On.” At iTune. February 2nd, 2010
Fashion Waves
This Saturday, five fashionable Calgary ladies will take to the air as part of the weekly CJSW 90.9 show, The Double Entendre Preserves.
Kari Woo of Influx Jewellery Gallery, fashion designer Amber Leigh Hebert, Shisomiso Boutique owners Irene Rasetti and Victoria Lee and Junk Star Vintage owner Katie Lavoie will be talking about their experiences in fashion, creative culture, and the challenges of owning your own business. Tune in Calgary.
Saturday February 6, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on CJSW 90.9, www.cjsw.com
January 27th, 2010
Peek-a-Boo
You should never play with your food but when it comes to clothing, playing is a requirement.
The versatile, transforming qualities of designs by Peeko Apparel were what first drew us to the Calgary collection. Made from reclaimed fabrics, the reconstructed garments are one-of-a-kind items paying homage to the designer’s Prairie roots with muted colour palettes and bohemian inspirations. The Quinn grey heather knit stretch cardigan (US$85, pictured) can be drawn in at the waist or worn open. A girl always needs options.



