RW + CO Revamped

RW&CO. celebrate 10 years in the Canadian fashion industry this year.

I must admit I haven’t been to a mall in the past 6 months, but always love to wander through every location I come across, the simple designs with a hint of flare allows for a classic wardrobe. The comfort and affordability stand the test of time. I only just got rid of a staple sweater from the thriving His and Hers store that can be found in most malls across the country.

RW&CO’s publicity team are working on getting the company connected to their customers online and have recently just launched a Facebook Fan Page and a series of videos so adorable you’ll wonder why you don’t shop there all the time.

I’m pretty surprised a lot of Canadian companies haven’t taken the video story approach to connect with their customers. I feel this is sort of a turning point for major retail businesses as they catch up to the “modern” ways of advertising and promotions.

Photos courtesy of RW&Co

CF Official Media Sponsor of AFW

The first ever Alberta Fashion Week is set to kick off on October 4th.

We are proud to announce that Calgary Fashion is now an official media sponsor.

Stay tuned for more.

Park Show

Parkshow Fall 2009

With a population of over a million it’d be very difficult to call Calgary a small town. However, it is at times accurate to say that everybody knows everybody. Communities and groups that make up the city are not autonomous, they’re all interconnected, it’s the only way for these communities to survive.

Parkshow, the fundraiser for Parksale brings together the creative communities of Calgary and supports the independent artists who have eschewed the consumer driven sensibilities of the current generation to slave away at doing what they love.

Kara Chomistek, Parkshow Event Coordinator, explains how the idea came about.

“There was a group of us from the University and ACAD talking about how there is not much opportunity to make a profit while selling their [the artists] work.” Chomistek points out there are a lot of opportunities to show their work, however there are usually high commission fees or high vendor fees. “We though it would be kind of cool just to have a space where people can come sell their stuff and chill out on the grass.”

Held once a year in June on the University of Calgary campus, the event is void of entrance fees or vendor fees. To make the sale a reality it seemed natural to create a fundraiser like Parkshow.

“Parkshow is a fundraiser so that we can continue to make this a free event for all involved,” says Chomistek. The first Parkshow Spring 2009, took place in February at the Artlife Gallery. The small venue was filled to capacity as models walked the runway in two rooms, showcasing the upcoming talents of Calgary’s fashion community.

For the Fall fashion season, Parkshow Fall 2009 takes place September 12 at a new venue. Inspired by the floor to ceiling organ at the Arrata Opera Centre, this seasons’ show will feature fashions from 13 local designers, including an online vintage shop and a jeweler.

The art will be on display the whole event with doors opening at 9 p.m. After the 10 p.m. show there will be a special performance by House of Dangerkat. Kaiti Pasqualotto’s troupe of the wackest dancers Calgary has to offer is the perfect way to get the party started. Pasqualotto will be featuring her scamper pants which will also be available for sale at the midnight sample sale along with dance party to take place after the performance.

With the shorter days and cooler nights upon us it’s the time of the year to celebrate and embrace the short season full of the hottest fashions.

Event details:
Parkshow Fall 2009
Art + Fashion + Party @ Arrata Opera Centre (1315 7 St. S.W)
September 12
Doors open @ 9 p.m. for art show
Fashion show + House of Dangerkat @ 10 p.m
Midnight sample sale and after party
Minimum $10 donation
18+
Featuring:
Caitlin Power
Bridge Bergman
Vanessa Riego
Paradime
Colour Design
Kara Chomistek
Ryan Broadbent
Julie Henrich
Tiffany Wollman
Split Pea Vintage
Light & Soul Apparel
House of Nonie
Jewelery by Samantha Herold

Top photo: The crowd packs Artlife Gallery to see Sarah Tadjdeh model designs by Caitlin Power at the inaugural Parkshow Spring 2009. Photographer: Josiah Bilagot

Bottom photo: Karleen Samson shows of unique fashion at Parksale 2008. Photographer: Kara Chomistek

Stephen Kroeger Covers Avenue Magazine

A while back, I profiled model Stephen Kroeger of Calgary. He was just taking off- coming home from a stint in New York. This month, Stephen graces the cover of Calgary’s own Avenue magazine. Check it out, and wish Stephen good luck for his modeling future (not that he needs it.)

http://www.avenuecalgary.com/articles/page/item/calgary-fashion-sept-2009

Hermes To Launch In Calgary

Quick Lesson: Hermès

With the grand opening of Hermès looming in the near future, Calgary Fashion has decided to compile a short introduction to the label, its history, its key pieces, and what it means to have such a prestigious boutique opening in Calgary.

Hermès, founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837, began as a leather goods line specializing in harnesses, saddles, and other equestrian goods. The company became an success among royalty and those who could afford the fine workmanship. Hermès developed a reputation for impecctable quality, materials, and tailoring that the company expanded to include luggage, leather golf jackets, scarves, smaller leather goods, perfume, jewelry, homewares and eventually clothing. To this day Hermès remains a family-run business, six-generations deep, and stays true to its roots in luxury.

Quick Facts about Hermès

Jean Paul Gaultier: womenswear designer

Veronique Nichanian: menswear designer

The iconic Hermès scarf, is folded and worn in a special manner

Hermès bags are sold in the boutiques, but consumers do not leave with a tangible bag. It takes several years before the purchaser, civilian or celebrity alike, can show-off their coveted bag

All Hermès handbags are hand-made. Hermès does not use celebrities to endorse their brand, in fact they loathe concept

“Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster” author Dana Thomas states that Hermès is one of the few luxury brands that remain true to the concept of luxury

So what does the arrival of Hermès mean to Calgary? For those who can afford Hermès wares, or those who can shamelessly go into debt to don the prestigious label, it means access to unparalleled quality. Perhaps a shift in Calgary’s shopping habits have also shifted away from disposable fashion. Hermès is classic, durable, and an investment. It also means Calgary is attracting major design houses, making it inevitable that the downtown core will attract more distinguished brands. The arrival of Hermès is also bitter sweet. Will a Hermès scarf or handbag be the new Coach bag? Will the brand’s reputation for craftmanship be undermined for its status to ‘one-up’ those who cannot afford the smallest article? Will Calgary’s consumers understand the history of the label, and appreciate it for its longevity and unwavering commitment? Does Calgary even need a Hermès considering the city is dedicated to casual wear? Time will tell whether Hermès will be appreciated or become another ‘pretty’ thing.

Selections from Fall RTW 2009 (Style.com)