| Calgary shops: August notes | fashionmagazine.com

shops

Calgary shops: August notes

Karen Ashbee meets a pedigreed Calgary-based designer.

One to watch

To say that Lauren Bagliore (laurenbagliore.com) is well trained is an understatement. While attending New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, the Italian-American designer worked for Zac Posen, Libertine, Tod’s and even Alberta’s own Paul Hardy—not to mention her apprenticeship at Vivienne Westwood in London. I met with Bagliore during a recent trunk show for her debut collection, named “Un Bagliore Di Speranza,” which means “a ray of hope.”

How would you describe your collection? “I’m all about femininity with a bit of an edge, a mixing of hard and soft. I also love to use advanced draping and cutting techniques; they are my signatures. My vision is to take the avant-garde and make it beautiful.”

If I could buy only one piece from the collection, what would you recommend? “Definitely the Celia Cocoon coat ($695). It’s so practical: lightweight yet warm, and made from high-tech nylon from Japan, with a shawl collar that doubles as a hood. You could wear it as an opera coat or with jeans. And it’s so easy to pack—the body of the coat rolls up into the hood.”

You divide your time between Calgary and New York. How would you describe Calgarian style? “It’s definitely a more casual vibe, and the people tend to be a lot more conservative. It’s not that Calgarians aren’t open to new ideas; they’re just a little more cautious in embracing them. I hope I can give them some alternative options that they like.”

Comment on this slideshow

Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of Fashionmagazine.com. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Trinner Huge Fan from U-Church writes:

first of all you look like amazing!! in your own era! Super lovely picture of you.
I love your answers to the interview questions, and I particularly agree with you in #3. I think Calgary is quite conservative, which I have come to embrace, but we definately need some spice in the midst of the 'conservativeness' that will make the city a much more fun place to be. If people could dress up decently but in a way that they can express themselves and are having fun doing it. Please bring it on Lauren!!

—posted July 5, 2010 at 8:37 p.m.