Malwina Gudowska uncovers bags and baubles and a silver anniversary.
Star stuff
Accessory line Hillberg & Berk (hillbergandberk.com), designed by Regina-based Rachel Mielke, was one of the goodies made available to Hollywood’s pretty people in the pre-Oscars luxury gifting lounge this year. The collection’s chunky statement pieces incorporate wood, hand-hammered silver and oversized gemstones such as tiger’s eye and mookite (necklace shown, $550). At C’est Sera (8239 104th St., Edmonton, 780-434-7435) and Rubaiyat (722 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-228-7192).
Stan’s silver
As Edmonton’s Stanley Carroll (stanleycarroll.com) celebrates 25 years at the helm of his namesake women’s and men’s collections, we sat down with the Dutch-born designer to talk about fashion then and now.
How have you evolved professionally?
“I used to feel that business growth was where the definition of success lay for me. Now I feel that operating in a healthy entrepreneurial environment is important. The actual work of designing and continuing to evolve those skills is where I get the real joy of practising my craft.”
Has your style changed?
“I strive to say more with less.”
How do you think the industry has changed?
“The pace of change has increased significantly, yet the desire for people to experiment with a style of their own has decreased. People need more reference points as to what they want to look like, rather than playing with concepts and having fun with the whole process of dressing.”
Tell us some of your most memorable moments.
“The great moments all involve the actual design process, like when you put that new piece on a form for the first time and it is so cool that it sends shivers up your back.”
What’s new this season?
“Spring is very much a continuation of playing with volume, cutting pieces away from the body, and yet they’re still sexy.”
Oh Henry
The staff at iconic Alberta menswear retailer Henry noticed that the ladies shopping with their guys were itching to spend on themselves. So now it carries Hugo Boss, Armani and Filippa K (left) for him and her, as well as Edun and Bash just for her. Not stupid, those folks who work at Henry (8069 104th St. NW, Edmonton, 780-432-2129; 2115 Fourth St. SW, Calgary, 403-209-5030; thinkhenry.com).