A sexy new shop, eye-catching totes, our hit list and more.
By Malwina Gudowska
Fashion Notes: Bag lady
Calgary designer Andrea Strand (hoakonhelga.com) crafts petite evening purses and eye-catching totes (the Gilda shown, $140) from leather and colourful, hand-painted canvas. At Collage Gallery (100 Seventh Ave. SW, Suite 206, 403-265-3330).
Photography by Clinton Hussey.
Fashion Notes: Sex sells
A household name in Europe, Italy-based label Sisley still slides under many North American radars. But Calgary’s new Sisley boutique (1005 17th Ave. SW, 403-455-0275, sisley.com) is sure to change that. The line, which runs notoriously racy campaigns (such as Stephanie Seymour captured groping a young male model by bad-boy photographer Terry Richardson), is chockablock with elegant suits that flaunt skin (office in the front, party in the back), sexy tailored blouses and brash sequined dresses. Stay tuned for an Edmonton location.
Photography by Colin Way.
The Hit List
_________________________________Our pleas have finally been heard: Local menswear designer Kendall Yellowhorn has launched a womenswear collection. Known for cladding gents in a whimsical style that is hard-edged yet grand and romantic, he’s not straying far for the ladies with his layered, patterned dresses and flowing tops, which fall somewhere between rocker chick and fairy princess. At Worth (1013 17th Ave. SW, Suite 119, 403-228-1003, astorecalledworth.com ).
The hot ladies from that not-so-hot show Las Vegas make the gambling world look almost glamorous. Now Albertans, lucky us, can play, too, in local line Horse Apparel (highsocietyapparel.com), inspired by all things poker. Think: cute tees peppered with graphically pleasing symbols such as spades and clubs. At Worth (see above for contact info).
A second stand-alone M.A.C boutique is now open (Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, 403-247-0468, maccosmetics.com). The Alexander McQueen collection flew off shelves; stay tuned for the next chic collaboration.
Although we had to bid farewell to one of our favourite vintage shops, Think Twice, accessories boutique Doo-dads has moved in (2133 33rd Ave. SW, 403-240-3033) to pick up the slack. Find won’t-break-the-bank accessories and fabulous clutches to finish off any look.
In more new-shop news, Phyne (1428A 17th Ave. SW, 403-217-8518) has opened its doors and is flogging feminine pieces from French label Sinéquanone, denim by J Brand and colourful dresses by Quebec’s Myco Anna. Fine by us.
Shown: Alberta reporter Malwina Gudowska. Photography by Colin Way.