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.

PARKshow S/S 2014: Runway

Last night was the official beginning of spring. Or it was for me... what it means is wearing skirts without tights, open toe heels, and of course PARKshow S/S 2014. And yes, I did all of those things yesterday. Park show focuses on emerging talents and local designers that are beginning to gain attention and are more fiscally accessible to buyers. What I mean is designers that are new, local, and more affordable. i.e. won't break my wallet (that much) I've found that this season of shows was more muted in colour and featured a lot of leather and laser cut leather to be exact. My favorite designer this time around has to be Malika. The leather jackets and pants are very Balenciaga inspired and kind of fulfill my punk rock dreams. Buckles and zippers all the way!  Below are some of my favorite shots from the runway. Check back for a behind the scenes look at what happens backstage before the show in my next post. 

 Bano EeMee

 Rebecca King

 Camp Brand Goods

 Eg Forge

 LUXX

Malika

For more photos follow me on Instagram: TheMavric and Twitter: Lindasui

PARKLUXE 2013 Recap

When science and fashion are brought together well, I'm in! and this years PARKLUXE did not disappoint. The designers showing were all brilliant and my favourites of the night were Malorie Urbanovitch her knit skirts looked so comfy and Tanya Taylor, her graphic prints and handbags were unique and fresh. I was covering for Calgary Fashion and The Mavric that night so you can check out more photos on the CF instagram @Calgary_Fashion. The only thing that made me disappointed was that the exhibits were closed off to attendees. I have yet to visit the science centre since its relocation so it will need to be revisited sans fashion show very soon.

From left to right: Deb from Holt Renfrew, fashion designer Tanya Taylor, interior designer Erin Cook

Stylist Leah Van Loon and friend

 Nicole Campre designs

 Tourism Calgary and Daniela Codreanu

 Details on Tanya Taylor dress

 

You can't tell from the image above but the handbag is a circular metal with cutouts showing the pattern of the fabric behind it. It has a useful handle that is convenient not only for easy carrying, but you can also use it as a weapon if you ever get mugged. 

 Finale walk for Tanya Taylor

Coat detail from Lauren Bagliore coat

For more images go to Calgary Fashion's instagram and my own Linlemon

Burst Calgary: Glass Couture

Saturday night was my first experience with glass couture. It was a collection of pieces from designers across the globe and locals that worked in partnership with and is a fundraiser for, the Museum of Contemporary Art Calgary.

 Jin Won Hans 'Rain' is a cloud headpiece with glass rain drops and Erina Kashihara's performance art was created to push peoples personal boundaries with illuminated chest pieces using an RGB lighting system. My favorite has to be FarLee Mowats 'Structures of Self' that incorporates formed leather and glass. I've got a weakness for leather harnesses so it was right up my ally. Of course there was a bit of controversy with Elisabeth Cartwrights glass phallus that garnished much attention, but the model wore it with confidence and really sold it to the audience! Overall my experience was great and I really enjoyed the different crowd and incredibly designed artwork.  

 

What I'm wearing: Zara Jacket / Aldo Shoes / BCBG Skirt
Last but not least! here is the amazing video that Paul Spenard created in junction with my site The Mavric for Burst Calgary!