Parkluxe 2014 offers something for all
Parkluxe 2014 is a chance to see some high-end fashion right here in Calgary.
The Oct. 4 event is a luxury fashion show and exhibition put on by PARK (Promoting Artists Redefining Kulture).
That means that not only will showgoers have the chance to see designers present their collections on the runway, but they’ll also have the opportunity to visit with the designers and purchase some of what they saw on the runway, as well as other items from the collection.
PARK is known for putting on events that bring the fashion and culture community together and their events are great places to network and meet with likeminded people. Parkluxe is an unparalleled event because if you like something, you can immediately purchase it off the runway. Many of the designers who put on fashion shows also make made-to-order garments, so if you want something tweaked for you or your body type, you can make a connection with the designer on the spot. The event is something that is unique to Calgary and is an opportunity for designers, collaborators, shareholders, window-shoppers, and customers to meet in one place. If you’re unfamiliar with the Calgary fashion scene, Parkluxe is a great introduction to it. Designers part of Parkluxe will be showing their Fall 2014 collections, so it will be an opportune time to pad your winter wardrobe with clothes that work well for Calgary’s climate.
There are six designers who are part of the show: Caitlin Power, Laura Siegel, Malorie Urbanovitch, Workhall, Paul Hardy, and Matthew Gallagher who is the official Stylemaker for the Cayman Islands.
If you’re already looking forward to the holiday season for the perfect items for your holiday parties, then make sure you check out Maison Matthew Gallagher’s designs. Clean lines, elegant shapes, and an attention to detail are what make his designs stand out. They are for the sophisticated woman who invests in garments that are timeless. His clothes look and feel high-end; he uses Italian fabrics and crafts each piece in house himself so that he can ensure that the quality that he wants is the result. Having lived and worked in Milan, Italy, Gallagher knows a thing or two about fine fabrics and clothes. His clothes have an understated sexiness and elegance which are also reminiscent of an Italian influence and are what make his clothes so alluring.
All of Maison Matthew Gallagher’s garments are made-toorder which means that each piece is made by hand. Customers have the opportunity to have bespoke garments at a ready-towear price.
Gallagher is inspired by Alexander McQueen because his clothes are works of art, and the same can be said for Gallagher’s pieces. His skill at draping means that he creates beautiful clothes that can be chic and simple without any gimmicks or complicated details.
But Parkluxe isn’t just a place to find fancy clothes. Caitlin Power, whose designs appeal more to the working woman will also be showing there. Power’s motto is #POWERwoman and that truly relates both her brand and her customer.
“My goal is to dress women in clothing that will make them feel superior. The brand represents confidence, sophistication and power,” says Caitlin, and as menswear continues to be an influence on women’s fashion, her brand continues to be relevant to the women of Calgary and the rest of the world.
Inspired by menswear when she was in college, Power wanted to create clothes for the modern day career woman. Think: tailored suits, pencil skirts, officeappropriate dresses, and overcoats. That makes up her entire collection and will be what she shows at Parkluxe this year.
While Power loves to make and sell overcoats, (she strongly feels that everyone needs a great-fitting overcoat), her bestsellers are her dresses because they’re easy to wear. A dress is an outfit that only needs one piece of clothing and so women find them easy to buy and wear.
While Power’s silhouettes are quite classic, she manages to put a spin on them through her colour choices and fabrics. This season, you can look for pieces in the popular Bordeaux hue that is everywhere from denim to outerwear. Power uses the colour in colour-blocked separates and dresses with cleanlines and strong silhouettes. The style icon that she looks up to is Balenciaga, and that comes through in her design choices — look for strong shoulders and fabric-blocking that’s reminiscent of boleros.
If you need to dress conservatively at the office but need to do it in a way that shows personality and style, then Caitlin Power will be the show that you need to pay attention to.
Other designers at Parkluxe 2014 include Paul Hardy, who gives us sparkly evening dresses, and shiny new office wear. His style is slightly more casual than Power and Gallagher’s and he has lovely day to night transition pieces. Meanwhile, Malorie Urbanovitch offers more trendy office wear that works for the working woman of any age. Workhall boutique out of Edmonton offers pieces with genuine artistry that go from day to night.
Besides fancy clothes and office clothes, there will also be casual clothes at Parkluxe 2014. If you’re looking for a great knit, then Laura Siegel will likely have something to offer you. Her cosy voluminous sweaters work well as dresses or worn with leggings for cold days.
She does boho chic for colder climates, and is clothing that works equally well at a more casual work environment as it does in a ski lodge. If you’re struggling with layering, you’ll have to check out her show for points on how you can layer her sweaters with almost anything else in your closet.
Whether you’re a casual shopper looking to get out of your comfort zone, or a fashion enthusiast, Parkluxe will be a fun time. The event takes place on Oct. 4. at River Walk Plaza.
There are a variety of tickets available including VIP and Standing.
Find details online at ourparkonline.ca.