PARKSHOW 2017 presents a fashionably fabulous weekend

When one thinks of fashion, cities the likes of Milan, Paris, New York and London spring to mind. But Calgary? If the talented PARK team have their way, it’s only a matter of time before our beloved city makes the cut. PARK-Promoting Artists Redefining Kulture, is a volunteer run network in Western Canada organized by groups of young professionals to promote and support local creative entrepreneurs, fashion designers and artisans in their respective communities.

It’s recent offering, PARKSHOW 2017 was more than a fashion show. The two-day event, held last weekend in The Yellow Warehouse in Inglewood, featured the best of Canada’s emerging fashion designers, rising artists, up-and-coming musical performers as well as culinary talents. That Friday evening’s fashion show celebrated the 30th anniversary of Mode Models added greatly to the event’s cache.

“After 30 years at the forefront of the international modelling industry, Mode Models has built an amazing network of internationally working models, hairstylists, make up artists, photographers and designers,” said Mode Models president and CEO, Kelly Streit. Apt indeed for Mode to partner with PARKSHOW on such an auspicious occasion. And new to PARKSHOW this year was the opportunity for attendees to support Canadian brands before, during and after the runway shows by shopping the vast array of goods on offer.

VIP ticket purchasers were treated to a sumptuous meal at Rouge followed by front-row seating-and terrific swag bags at the chic fashion show. Designers showcased included: headliner Rad Hourani; Lennard Taylor; Urbanovitch House of Nonie; Suka Clothing; Kate Hewko; Gypsy Soul; Sage Wosminity; Seed Yoga; Malika Rajani; SP Badu; and U.N.I Co.

Hats off to the talented PARK team especially president Kara Chomistek and vice-president Jessie Li. Creating such a full-on fashion weekend was no small feat but you pulled it off beautifully.

Fashionistas in attendance at the events included: Husky’s Tammy Brown; Anne Baker; Gryzko Harper Bouw Chartered Accountants partner Brigitte Matshes; interior designer Sally Healy and her son Jensen Healy; Peter Feenstra, furniture designer featured on the June issue of Avenue Magazine; makeup artist to the stars Hung Vanngo who popped in from New York to help his good friend Streit celebrate Mode’s 30th anniversary; Jade Davis and her sister-in-law Allison Davis; Hutterite author and photographer Kelly Hofer and his sister, jewelry designer Denise Hofer; Colleen Cappelletto and her daughter Chloe; Parker PR owner/director Ellen Parker with colleague Misty King; Pamela Clark; Tamara Hanson; Aldona B.; and others pictured at right and below.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS PARKSHOW, a weekend-long celebration of all things fashion, was a great success. Pictured at the kick-off evening on May 26 are PARK president Kara Chomistek with Mode Models founder Kelly Streit. The event also celebrated the 30th anniversary of Mode...

Pictured, from left, at PARKSHOW on May 26 are Jensen Healy and his mom, renowned interior designer Sally Healy, with uber furniture designer/builder Peter Feenstra. Feenstra is on the cover of this month’s Avenue Magazine.

Pictured, from left, at PARKSHOW on May 26 are Tamara Hanson, Parker PR’s Misty King, Parker PR owner Ellen Parker, Ellen Clark and Aldona B.

Pictured at PARKSHOW on May 26 are, from left, Husky’s Tammy Brown, Anne Baker and Brigitte Matshes.

Pictured on May 26 at the PARKSHOW Market in The Yellow Warehouse are shoppers Colleen Cappelletto and her daughter Chloe. Fashionistas were in fashion heaven this past weekend as a three-day market, fashion shows and the celebration of the 30th...

Pictured with makeup artist to the stars Hung Vanngo at PARKSHOW on May 26 are model Jade Davis, left, and her sister-in-law Allison Davis.

Fashionistas were in fashion heaven this past weekend as PARKSHOW Mode 30 took the city by storm. Pictured at the VIP reception held on May 26 at Rouge are Rouge general manager Mike Burns with Charton Hobbs’ Devon Seagrave and Vancouver’s UVA bar...

Photographer and author of Hutterite Kelly Hofer and his sister, jewelry designer Denise Hofer are pictured at PARKSHOW on May 26.

Pictured at the PARKSHOW Mode 30 VIP reception held on May 26 at Rouge is Gypsy Soul Designs’ Brandi Dea. Dea’s stunning creations would be featured on the catwalk the next evening.

Joining Brooks and Dodd Consulting’s Tom Dodd at PARKSHOW on May 26 are Meredith Boyer, left, and Avenue Magazine editor-in-chief Kathe Lemon.

Designer Malika Rajani pictured at her “shop” on May 26 at the PARKSHOW Market in The Yellow Warehouse. The market, a free three-day festival, was but one of the highlights of PARK 2017.

Pictured at the PARKSHOW Mode 30 VIP reception held on May 26 at Rouge is Lennard Taylor of Lennard Taylor Design Studio fame. Taylor’s designs would be featured on the catwalk the following evening.