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+ma has the coolest frames!
Apr. 7th, 2011
Posted by Sandra Neill
+ma anniversary sale until April 17th
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Styling your life: Clinton Kelly is on his way to help Calgary decide what not to wear
Apr. 7th, 2011
Posted by Sandra Neill
Styling
Clinton Kelly is on his way to help Calgary decide what not to wear
Not that anyone needs an excuse to shop the fashion halls of Calgary's downtown, but a June 18 event is upping the ante.
Fashion expert Clinton Kelly, from TLC's What Not to Wear, will be offering up his brand of warm humour and style advice at an event called Styling Your Life, with some dos and don'ts thrown in for good measure.
"Calgary's ready for this," says Studio Gorgeous president Karen Judge, who is also producing the event.
"Especially right now -it's a new season, there are promising economic signs and the fashion scene here really is starting to explode. And there's life outside New York -why can't we be fabulous, sophisticated and fun?"
Fun will be a major part of the event, along with raising funds for the Canadian Women's Foundation (net proceeds are going to the foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women, canadianwomen.org).
The event includes a red carpet arrival for everyone, reception, opening presentation featuring a video makeover for one of the women whom the foundation has helped, fashion show (think styles for everybody, with a little twist of urban western thrown in as a nod to the Stampede just weeks away) and then Kelly's speech.
"We've called it Styling Your Life for a reason," says Judge. "My passion is that when you take care of the outside, it sparks something on the inside. It's not about fashion or being superficial -it's about style, about you owning your look, and showing up for yourself in life."
Which is why she chose Kelly.
"He's the perfect fit for the message that we're trying to send: he's talented, he knows what he's doing and he does it with charm."
Perhaps best known for his work on What Not to Wear, Kelly has also been on the editorial staff at Marie Claire and Mademoiselle magazines and has written several books, the most recent of which is Oh No She Didn't: The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them.
But for Judge, it's not just about bringing Kelly to Calgary.
"This event is really for the people coming -it's about celebrating your friendships with your girlfriends, giving back to the community and making a difference in other women's lives, having some fun, doing some shopping and walking your own red carpet," she says. "And don't feel pressured that you have to be the next "it" cover girl. Just come, being your best."
Her definition of style, she says, is that it's your relationship with yourself: building your confidence and representing who you are.
"It's about feeling like you're important and starting your day believing in yourself," she adds. "Bring that to the event, and you'll have laughter and smiles and sparkle. I want people to leave feeling like they love being alive."
SPOTLIGHT
Styling Your Life, including an appearance by fashion expert Clinton Kelly, runs June 18 from 1 to 4: 30 p.m. at the Telus Convention Centre,
with an after party at Fashion Central from 5 to 6 p.m. Tickets for the main event are $99; VIP tickets that include reserved seating and the after party, where you can meet Kelly at a book signing, are $159. For information and to purchase tickets (on sale today), visit studiogorgeous.com.
The Calgary Herald's
Real Life section and HERS magazine will also be giving away six pairs of tickets; we will announce contest details in the upcoming weeks and feature an exclusive interview with Kelly.
YJEFFERY@CALGARYHERALD.COM
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Who's loving Latin American kicks?
Jul. 7th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
Brazilian handcrafted shoes set the scene at Fashion Central
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Lara Presber Flagship Store
Jun. 17th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
Calgary Herald, Friday, May 21, 2010
Lara Presber of the Lara Presber Flagship Store at Fashion Central discusses architecture, fashion and how to look great this summer.
How did you make the jump from architect to fashion designer? I was always interested in fashion and even designed my first "collection"--I use the term loosely as it was for dolls-- when I was in elementary school. When you're in a creative profession it takes a lot of passion to be successful. You really have to love what you do, so while I like architecture, the love factor tor wasn't there for me in the same way that it is in clothing design.
Besides architecture, what inspires your designs? I'm really enjoying having my studio open to the public because I get to meet the women who wear my clothes and learn more about what makes them feel great in a garment. Knowing that I can provide a product that helps to make someone feel fantastic drives my designs.
You use a lot of eco-friendly fabrics. Why is this important for you? I tend to use almost exclusively natural fibres--wool, silk, cotton, linen, bamboo--as they allow skin to breathe so much better than synthetics. The eco-fabrics are a natural progression of this philosophy.
What can we expect from your upcoming lines? Looking toward fall, I stayed with a lot of charcoal basics that you can layer fun accessories over like a bright blue tweed vest or a silver sequin one as well as an origami leather wrap belt to give you a number of different looks with the same basic tailored dress.
What's this year's perfect summer look for women? This summer is all about the neutrals like white, grey, brown and nude. It's a great opportunity to use your clothing as a canvas and pull out your raspberry handbag, chunky yellow necklace or that fabulous pair of crazy blue shoes you bought on a whim and have been saving because they don't go with anything else!
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New jewelry design inspired by injury
Jun. 16th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
New jewelry design inspired by injury
Calgary artist's body art created in wake of pulled ligament
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Talking Shopwith Echo Evenings and Echo Bridal
May. 18th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
Swerve Magazine, CALGARY HERALD
Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the warm weather than to treat yourself to a gorgeous new dress?
Echo Evenings has a beautiful collection of perfect hand-painted silk gowns and one-of-a-kind cocktail dresses. Diba and Neki Cufi, the retailers behind Echo Evenings and Echo Bridal, two fabulous new boutiques in Fashion Central, chat about what is new and exciting in evening wear and bridal fashion.
What kind of trends are you seeing in evening wear this season?
Flowing dresses with bold patterns and bright colours. We are also seeing lots of beadwork, with an extra touch of "bling" as an accent.
A lot of the designs are from Europe and Turkey--what makes them different from North American designs?
European styles have a tendency to be a little more fashion forward than the North American styles. We felt that this would give us yet another niche by providing our clients with a bigger variety.
What is Echo Evenings' advice for a woman getting ready for a night on the town?
Have fun! Throw on a fun and flirty cocktail dress or a long, flowing evening dress. Retire the jeans and T-shirt for the evening.
You also have a bridal-wear shop called Echo Bridal on the lower level. What are the trends in wedding gowns this season?
Again, our extensive collection of bridal wear is second to none in Calgary. A bride's dress becomes the focal point of her wedding day, so it is very important that she have a variety to choose from.
What is your favourite dress in the store right now?
That is what is so great about our shop: there is something for everyone. This gives every personality a chance to fully express itself and shine through. And it means the experience of buying a dress can make you, feel like a star.
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Fine brew stirred Calgary coffee shop plan: Luxury key as partners launch brand
May. 18th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
BY MARIO TONEGUZZI, CALGARY HERALD
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AG Silver Boutique: Joseluis Castillo shares an international success story
May. 18th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
...
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All About Pearls: an interview with Kristin Richard of South Sea Pearls
Apr. 12th, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
by Kait Kucy, April 9, 2010
(published in part in Swerve Magazine, Calgary Herald April 9, 2010)
“Pearls are as unique and diverse as the Women they adorn,” states Kristin Richard, the elegant proprietor behind Kaviar South Sea Pearls, one of Fashion Central’s fabulous new boutiques. The minute you enter her gorgeous French country boudoir-inspired boutique you really start to understand what an experience pearl shopping can be. With the Venetian Pearl walls, damask wallpapers, and custom bottles of champagne, Kristin has thought of every detail to make each customers shopping experience very special. We sat down with Kristin to discover exactly where her love of pearls first came from and what to expect at Kaviar this spring and summer.
When did you first fall in love with pearls?
I’ve always been in love with pearls – but witnessing the birth of the most exquisite South Sea pearl I have ever seen (to date) and holding it in my palm seconds after it was removed from the oyster was one of the most fascinating things I have ever seen. This pearl will be passed down, worn and adorn a woman’s neck, given to her children and her children’s children. This was just the beginning of an eternal journey – and from that moment on, I was captured, and in love.
You travel to Tahiti and source the South Sea pearls you carry, yourself -- what is this experience like and what do you look for in a pearl?
Experiencing the journey from the very beginning is important to me – I can guarantee source and various harvests, and am able to discuss the industry with professionals, the going-on’s of the market, and can really ensure that I am buying inventory that is appropriate for my clients. The building of the relationship with my suppliers is also invaluable. We spend 16-18 hours a day together harvesting, matching, and sharing meals. It is typically very modest and humble accommodations with a lot of family and friends around, joking, laughing and working.
When choosing pearls, there are the 7 basic value factors that you look at. Shape, size, color, luster, complexion (surface quality), nacre quality, and if applicable – Matching. This is my guideline for buying, but the market always dictates what is more desirable. For example, Dark black Tahitian pearls are very much sought after in the industry – but in Calgary I find my clients prefer a silver or charcoal Pearl. Knowing your client is just as important as knowing your product.
Can anyone wear pearls?
Yes, yes they can.
Are there different styles for different ages? 20s? 30s? 40s? 50s?
I have noticed a few style trends with different age groups, but more commonly my clients gravitate towards colors that suit them, and a size of pearl appropriate for their frame and personality. Pearls are a timeless addition to your wardrobe – and contrary to selecting a pearl for an age, you match the pearls to the woman.
What are your best-sellers?
Pink pearls and Tahitian (black) pearls have become increasingly popular, as well as really long (50-55”) strands with small pearls that can be knotted or tied.
Advice for someone purchasing pearls as a gift?
Pearls are a gift given with love. I like to suggest classic styles for gifts - earrings, a Princess strand of saltwater pearls, or more creatively, a loose pearl that can be added to over the years to eventually make a full strand.
Also, be sure that the person you are gifting the pearls to know and understand proper care and cleaning procedures for pearls. There is an old saying “Last on, first off.” Pearls should not be exposed to chemicals or abrasive solutions (perfume, hand lotions, hairspray) and should be wiped down with a clean, damp cotton cloth before being stored. (in a separate jewelry compartment to avoid scratching) For strands, you should have your pearls re-strung once a year.
What is your signature pearl look?
An opera (26 to 36 inch) or rope (37 inches or longer) strand that can be put over your head – or both at the same time. I love to layer pearls. For everyday, I like a long strand of white pearls and large white pearl earrings. For a really simplistic look, a large (18mm) south sea pearl worn on a 17” chain.
Who are your style icons?
Babe Paley, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Eartha Kit, Coco Chanel, and Elizabeth Taylor.
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Lara Presber launches her Spring line
Mar. 31st, 2010
Posted by Sandra Neill
For the Calgary-born fashion designer with the newly-opened shop in the conglomerate of couture called Fashion Central, much to her surprise upon graduating from the DOMUS Academy of Design and Fashion in Milan, having spent the previous decade as a practicing architect was about to pay off in dividends.
“When I left architecture I thought, I’m done. I’m going to do fashion,” she told Page Six. “But everyone just kept wanting to know about the architecture component of my work.”
Now, for the girl from James Fowler high school who’s landed on her feet in the Canadian fashion scene in a major way, and, ironically, a retail space in one of Calgary’s architecture wonders formerly known as the Alberta Block, there’s just no fighting it.
Calgary-born fashion designer Lara Presber, leaving an architecture career behind to land a retail space in one of Calgary’s architectural wonders – the refurbished Alberta Block now known as Fashion Central on Stephen Avenue
“Each season I take a building that I love and translate it into clothing,” she said. Winter saw the texture and colour palette of the Arab Institute in Paris come to life in her collection. Spring’s inspiration, launching Thursday night as the highlight of First Thursday festivities at Fashion Central, just happens to be the Aqua Tower in Chicago.
As for how it feels to finally be up-and-running at her new digs in the historical building on Stephen Avenue?
“I’ve been selling my clothes in boutiques in and outside of Calgary for some time,” she said, “But having a direct relationship with the consumer is so much more reliable than third party.”
And if it seems like her architect past is simply the shtick that’s getting her noticed, think again.
“It was our mandate to have a place where new designers could open their flagship stores, and Lara really walks the walk and talks the talk,” said Jodi Opsahl, leasing representative at Fashion Central. “Her pieces of clothing are extraordinary in their design, but also her fabrication represents someone who’s more of a discerning customer. We’re thrilled to have her.”
See Calgary’s architect of fashion for yourself on the third floor, or head to LaraPresber.com.
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