MAKING A STYLE SPLASH WITH YELLOW
Profiling Calgarians with a flair for fashion
TODAY: JEREMY STURGESS
Even if you’re not that familiar with Calgary architecture, chances are you’ve probably crossed paths with one of his many structures without comprehension. From the recent 7th Avenue LRT refurbishment to the Water Centre and all of his creations in between, Jeremy Sturgess (Sturgess Architecture) has pretty much left his mark all over the city.
“I’m always most proud of the project I’m currently working on,” says Sturgess. “The Glacier Discovery Walk (in Jasper) is a heroic project that has received international recognition. It’s like the eyes of the world are on this project now and it’s wonderful to be involved in something that’s going to be so scrutinized.”
So what visionary design is still on his “to do” list? “I want to be involved in a significant urban public building in Calgary,” says Sturgess “Something that the public can use and enjoy for years to come.”
When it comes to his distinctive fashion sense in the workplace, Sturgess says, “I typically wear a tie now and I never used to. It started when we were working on The Bow (office tower). We were working with Foster + Partners in London and they wore suits and ties every day. I was impressed.”
That’s not all that’s unique about his attire. While some architects have been known to wear a lot of black, Sturgess is all about colour.
“I love colour and use it everywhere I can — in my architecture — in my clothes — my car, etc. I am a student of, and appreciate and support, good design. I seek out design and colour and use them to frame my style.”
Here’s more of Jeremy Sturgess’s take on style:
Q: What is your favourite colour?
A: Yellow.
Q: What is the most prized possession in your closet?
A: A leather belt that my sister gave me for my 21st birthday, that I still wear, and an Irish knit sweater that I bought in 1970.
Q: Do you have a favourite designer, brand name or label?
A: ETRO consistently answers my need for colour and design within an affordable context.
Q: Who makes your favourite boots and shoes?
A: John Fluevog and Camper always surprise me. Camper made a pair of shoes with the Barcelona map patterned on the leather. They are a collector’s item.
Q: Who makes your favourite suit?
A: ETRO off the rack — Aquarius Men’s Wear in Toronto for custom.
Q: What is your favourite brand of jeans?
A: My yellow ones from Simons in Montreal and my red Buffalo.
Q: Would you say your closet is streamlined?
A: Streamlined is too strong a word. It is relatively colour-coded and organized seasonally.
Q: How often do you purge your closet?
A: Once a year, whether I like it or not. I could use more discipline.
Q: What is your rule when deciding whether to purge something?
A: If I haven’t worn it in a year, it goes — except for something I am too sentimental about.
Q: What is your greatest extravagance?
A: A Diane De Clercq tie I bought in Paris for 300 Euros. It still gets comments after three years.
Q: What coveted item is currently on your must-have list?
A: I want to get another colour corduroy suit made (pink or purple) and there is a shoe company, Botisto, in Barcelona that has photographed my feet and will make a custom pair of shoes accordingly.
Q: Are there any celebrities whose style you admire?
A: Steve Martin, David Suzuki and Norman Foster.
Q: Is there a health or beauty product you can’t live without?
A: L’occitane face cream for our dry climate. Q: Who is your hairstylist? A: Kent Wong (Kent Wong Salon).
Q: Do you have a signature scent?
A: L’occitane by day, Tom Ford at night.
Q: What are your favourite shops in Calgary?
A: Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew, Lacoste, John Fluevog and Gravity Pope. Q: Do you shop online? A: Yes, occasionally, when I know the product and that sizes will work Q: What are your favourite sites? A: Tomas i Punkt, Desigual and Blanc de Chine.
Q: What are your favourite restaurants?
A: River Café, Cassis Bistro, Model Milk, Moti Mahal, Ox and Angela, Il Sogno and Avec Bistro.
Q: What is your favourite cocktail?
A: I usually have wine.
Q: Brew or buy? What’s your coffee stop of choice?
A: We have a cappuccino machine in the office and I like Phil & Sebastian (Skinny Cappuccino).
Q: Can you share a hidden lifestyle treasure in the city with us?
A: The Esker Foundation has finally manifested what I have always believed Calgary could be. This privately financed public art gallery is a really bold effort in a contemporary art gallery. It’s one of those things that will move Calgary forward as an important city.