Second to None - Reinvesting in Hope Fundraiser

On May 1st I attended a wonderful charity event at Devonian Gardens that raised awareness for homeless youth and The Alex Community Health Centre. Funds were raised from clothing donations and silent auction items. Some of the designer pieces were worn on the runway by volunteer models to be sold off after the show. All the donations were amazing and the support from the community was incredible. 

Some pieces were so nice that women were making a mad dash to the racks right after the show to get that little Gucci dress or the Burberry shorts and the many, many other lovely pieces first. 

I learned a lot about the needs of youth in the city and the incredible people working to provide help to them like a portable dentist bus that provided care to children who otherwise would not get the care because of unawareness or funds. The support that this charity provides is vital to this city and improving the circumstances of youth. Funds raised will be helping to get items that are inaccessible and help those in need move from poverty to stability and forward with jobs and provide proper clothing and support.

 

Overall it was a informative night and filled with fashion, a favourite thing of mine! I even won a silent auction item. A shirt & decal from Studio Cartel.

For more information and to donate visit: The Alex

Heart Truth Red Dresses with KaaDiki

In this second part of my interviews for the Heart Truth Calgary Fashion Show I stopped by Haithem Elkadiki's studio and got a look at his designs under his label KaaDiki for Lisa Longball and Lisa Bowes. As one of the designer had to drop out, Haithem took the task of creating two dresses that will be going down the runway. Two dresses and two Lisa's. Fun!  

Lisa Bowes has been recognized across Canada for her work as a sports reporter, live host, anchor, play by play announcer and producer. She is currently based in Calgary at CTV and freelances for TSN. She is also a Gemini nominee, children's book writer, and volunteers with the Calgary Board of Education to name a few things. 

Lisa Longball is currently ranked top 4 in the World in Ladies Long Drive. She has won 7 consecutive National Long Drive Championship titles, is an LDA Tour Champion and a Nike sponsored athlete. In addition to her competitive career, Lisa is a golf journalist for several publications including Inside Golf Magazine and has had her own column in Golf Digest Canada and Back9Network.

What inspired your creation?

I am inspired by my amazing models Lisa Bowes and Lisa Longball. Lisa Bowes's dress was inspired by Formula One racing and Lisa Longball's look was inspired by the Italian movie "THE GREAT BEAUTY".

What made you want to create a design for the event?

 

I wanted to create designs for The Heart Truth Fashion Show Calgary because it is a great cause that is close to my heart.

Were there any special elements that went into your design?

 

There are several elements and special design details that went into each creation. Lisa Bowes's dress is all about the racing stripes that are carefully stitched on the entire garment + the Ferrari Red color choice. Lisa Longball's look is all about Romance and La Dolce Vita which meant that to achieve that look I applied ruffles, tulle and Gross Grain Ribbon to the garment.

Did you take in account the person wearing your design? was there collaboration?

 

Collaboration is essential to the design/ creating process after all it is all about my models and not me the designer. It is about delivering creations that Lisa and Lisa will feel good about wearing.

How long did it take to construct? What was the most difficult part?

 

I did not keep track of time too busy enjoying the process and having a great time with Lisa B and Lisa L. The creating process for me is about the flow of good energy and to treat any difficulties as blessings.

What was your favourite part of creating the dress?

 

The best part is definitely meeting and working with two inspiring, fun and incredible ladies and working with the amazing team of the HEART TRUTH FASHION SHOW CALGARY

  

You can help support this cause by purchasing tickets or donating here.

Heart Truth Red Dress with NRT

The Heart Truth Fashion Show is a successful awareness campaign for women that raises funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. It has been annually held in Calgary for 2 years and in Toronto for six. It features some of Canada’s finest celebrities and public figures who will walk the runway wearing red coloured designs by local designers. I had the privilege to go into the designers studios and take a look at the making of the outfits and do a little Q&A. This will be a two part post and this first one I'm checking out is NRT who is creating a dress for Jari Love, fitness trainer and the creator of the Get Ripped series. She has been featured in magazines such as Fitness, Oprah, Shape and New York Times. The photos are to give you a feel for the design. I will show you the completed dress after the event... Don't want to ruin the surprise!

What inspired your creation?

The inspiration behind my creation was an actual human heart. I wanted to create something that was structural and eye catching. I used a darker red lace as my fabric to mimic human blood. 

What made you want to create a design for the event?

I think it is such a great cause and I really appreciate events that mix fashion and promote awareness for a health benefit.

Were there any special elements that went into your design?

I wanted to create a dress that was going to fit to Jari's (my celebrity) shape as well as stick to my gothic couture style. I used shoulder pads for a strong shoulder and the mermaid cut for the bottom. 

Did you take in account the person wearing your design? was there collaboration?

I designed a dress I thought would fit Jari's body type but keeping with my style and I sent Jari my sketch and she was on board! 

How long did it take to construct? What was the most difficult part?

I have worked on constructing the dress for a few weeks on and off, the most difficult part is making sure to keep into consideration comfort but keeping with an avant guard style! 

What was your favourite part of creating the dress?

My favourite part of creating the dress has been just that creating something for the runway that can be whatever i want! Now patiently waiting to see it come to life on the runway !!!! 

You can help support this cause by purchasing tickets or donating here.

Schmancy Style

Last night I attended the Schmancy Style event which is a lead up to Glenbow Museum's signature fundraising event SCHMANCY on Feb 9th. It was the first time I had been in Belgo and the upper area had some great decor (though poor lighting) for the fashion show by Holt Renfrew and Sophia models. The outfits were pieces for the spring for both men and women. My favorite piece was the jewel sweatshirt and all the Givenchy bags.  

Faux Leather Top//Zara : Green Denim//Jessica Simpson : Cap Toe Heels//Chinese Laundry