Prada Mountain Capsule Collection Winter 2014

As winter approaches, Prada recently launched a Mountain Capsule Collection specially made for withstanding the cold on the hills. The exclusive collection is available only in selected stores across the globe. Only seven stores in North America were selected to showcase this unique collection. It is all about the aprés-ski style; fox fur hat, mink leather gloves, mink earmuffs, Gabardine tec wave ski pants, and Punto Stoffa Intarsio. Whether you're on the chilly streets of Calgary or the snowy mountains in Banff, the high technicality used behind each piece will keep you dry. The key is to fight the cold without compromising the style. Prada Mountain Capsule Collection is now available in Prada Calgary, visit the store to find out more. 

LAUREN BAGLIORE OPENS FIRST CONCEPT SHOP

A major luxury fashion designer, Lauren Bagliore, who divides her time between two homes and business centers in both New York City and Calgary, is proud to announce the official opening of the new LAUREN BAGLIORE Concept Shop on Thursday, November, 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 917 11th Street S.E., Inglewood, Calgary, AB – the same night the community kicks-off its annual Festival, Christmas In Inglewood. The designer formerly conducted appointment-only sales in a studio/atelier in the same neighbourhood. Thanks to the long-time support from the Inglewood BRZ since 2010, the New York-native designer and business owner has moved to offer customers an enhanced shopping experience in a stunning 850-square-foot store-front location to generate a luxury retail experience in her first brick-and-mortar retail shop within the community.

“We are truly excited about this next step for our business in terms of opening the first LAUREN BAGLIORE Concept Shop in Calgary. We have steadily grown over the last four plus years, and have wanted to not only continue to provide even better service to our existing clientele, but to become more accessible for new customers as well,” said Lauren Bagliore, fashion designer, and co-owner of the new LAUREN BAGLIORE Concept Shop. ”Our grand opening will be both a celebration and presentation of the A/W 2014 Collection to the public in a gala-like store event.  We desire to provide our clients with a greater vision of our brand’s mission and evolution in becoming a lifestyle brand, while continuing to offer the same excellence and dedication in the personalized service that LAUREN BAGLIORE upholds and was built upon.”

Bagliore has also discovered that there is a need for a store-front location that serves clients in accommodating with later hours in Calgary. “The economy is strong in Calgary and I feel we really have a niche in doing what we do.  My clients are amazing women—they truly inspire me.  They understand the value in the story I create with fashion, and believe in my passion to help others by being an advocate to fight human-trafficking as well.  My desire for each of them is to leave the shop feeling they had a special experience—that they are valued and appreciated and uniquely beautiful.  If I can help them in that—through the means of fashion—I feel I have done my job well,” said Bagliore. Her new store will provide guests the ability to walk into a cozy “New York” West Village boutique-like atmosphere and discover a lifestyle brand that offers both comfort and style that the Calgary woman can resonate with.

“The decor is light, bright, and airy—very minimal, but with some belle époque French elegance juxtaposed with an industrial/edgy feel as well. We aim to create a unique shopping experience where people come into the shop and be inspired by the design and the atmosphere, and find all things from fashion, art, and design-- from fragrance to small leather goods that are our own, or unique lines I bring in from Italy or that I strongly believe in. This concept shop will be the start of what I see as becoming a full-on Lauren Bagliore "lifestyle" store, but concept shop seems like a better fit for us right now as that is what it will indeed be,” said Bagliore.

The store offers a combination of ready-to-wear pieces from the latest A/W 2014 collection as well as a series of Artisan pieces that are limited-edition. Bagliore describes the collection in three words as: Dark. Mysterious. Luxe.

“I always think of the Lauren Bagliore woman when I design as I mentioned earlier, as  she indeed inspires me.  She is intelligent, stylish, cultured, a world-traveler for business and pleasure, and also has a heart to help others though her generosity and her unique spheres of influence. In her own way, she is a world-changer...and she most definitely needs amazing clothes that are made with excellent craftsmanship, are completely stylish and comfortable, and offer her the versatility she needs to reflect her unique lifestyle.”

When asked why Inglewood? Bagliore said, “We’ve been here for the last four years and have built our name and invested much into the community. Inglewood has both a historic and an artsy feel, with many specialty shops and restaurants in the surrounding area, and wonderful small business owners that really make it such a unique and vibrant community. After carefully considering other locations, we felt it was the best fit for us to remain in Inglewood and are excited to bring a unique high-end fashion element to the neighbourhood as well.”

The Inglewood BRZ is also thrilled about Bagliore’s opening, “Having a New York City high-end designer, who trained with Vivienne Westwood among others, open her boutique in Inglewood is an indication of the diversity and originality of Inglewood’s businesses,“ said Rebecca O’Brien, executive director, Inglewood BRZ. “No machine-made labels at LB; all clothes are designed and made by this talented designer. The Christmas in Inglewood Kick- off evening will be the perfect opportunity to drop in and meet Lauren and view her remarkable collection.”

“I desire to use my resources and talents to practically help others — that is what distinguishes what I do.”

-Lauren Bagliore

A cause close to Bagliore’s heart is to help fight human-trafficking globally. The opening will also be used as a platform to educate guests about the issue where 15 per cent of every piece purchased this evening will go directly to her Canadian-based international charity www.ratanak.org that she has partnered with for more than five years.

EVENT SUMMARY:

6 p.m. – Doors Open

7 p.m.  – Fashion Presentation

Late-night holiday shopping and celebration during Christmas in Inglewood until 10 p.m.

LAUREN BAGLIORE CONCEPT SHOP

917 11th Street S.E.

Inglewood, Calgary, AB

T2G0R4

Shop Tel. +1.403.455.4020

Email.  info@LaurenBagliore.com

Website. www.LaurenBagliore.com

‘Twas the Night by the CORE Calgary in support of the YMCA Calgary

The CORE (TD Square/Holt Renfrew) announces details for 4th annual ‘Twas the Night on November 27th, Calgary’s premier holiday event in support of the YMCA Calgary

Last Thursday, Gar&Mann:L was invited to the media launch party for this year's 'Twas the Night by the CORE This year on November 27, the CORE (TD Square/Holt Renfrew) will once again welcome thousands of Calgarians to celebrate the season at ‘Twas the Night – Calgary’s largest, holiday celebration and after-hours shopping event benefiting a local, non-profit organization. The event is open to all, and is free to attend, although donations are encouraged. Beginning at 6:30pm, the CORE will open its doors for an evening holiday shopping extravaganza: one-night-only offers/experiences, holiday entertainment from Juno nominated musician Matt Dusk, and the annual lighting of the CORE’s stunning 45-foot Christmas tree to kick off Calgary’s holiday season.

New this year, The CORE throws back to the nostalgic era of the glamorous 1960’s. Attendees are encouraged to pump up the style factor by dressing holiday retro chic. Prizes will be given away a to attendees who are dressed in the most impressive holiday retro-themed attire.

“This year we celebrate each other, our style as a city and our history. We are throwing back to an era when style was standard and celebration flowed freely,” states Kim Bogner, Marketing Director for the CORE. “Twas the Night is more than a CORE shopping event as it welcomes the holiday season in Calgary, bringing together the entire community. This year we are thrilled to be supporting the YMCA of Calgary, specifically an extraordinary initiative called the Strong Kids Campaign, along with showcasing Canadian talent and Juno nominated crooner, Matt Dusk and eTalk’s ’s fabulous Tanya Kim.”

‘Twas the Night attracts over 5,000 attendees and has raised over $60,000 for local non-profit organizations. To celebrate the holiday season this year, the CORE is asking Calgarians to  dig deep and support our non-profit partner, the YMCA Calgary and their Strong Kids Campaign.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online and consider donating to our charity of choice the YMCA Calgary for their charity, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The campaign focuses on raising much needed resources to support proven YMCA programs to give kids the opportunities they need to stay fit and develop healthy habits early on. Suggested donations of ten dollars can be made online when you RSVP  or in person during ‘Twas the Night. Visit coreshopping.ca/events for more information and to RSVP

Special thank you to the CORE for the early surprise gift for my love ones and I! LOVE IT!   

What: ‘Twas the Night – Calgary’s biggest, free, after-hours, holiday shopping event

·  Exclusive one-night-only offers from CORE retailers

·  A performance from Juno nominated artist Matt Dusk and his big band

·  A glamorous red carpet for all hosted by eTalk’s Tanya Kim

·  FREE parking

·  Spectacular tree-lighting with special lighting effects and pyrotechnics

When: Thursday, November 27, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Where: The CORE (TD Square/Holt Renfrew): Calgary’s only downtown shopping centre
             3rd Street Valet Entrance: at 751 3^rd Street SW

More on ‘Twas the Night:

‘Twas the Night once again promises to be an extraordinary night out for Calgary. Guests will begin their evening with FREE parking at surrounding downtown parking lots (maps will be provided on coreshopping.ca) and complimentary coat check. Cameras will be flashing on the Red Carpet, where guests can find eTalk’s Tanya Kim. Take a photo with Tanya or have your photo taken by the CORE’s Styleista Style Stalkers as they seek out the most holiday, retro-stylish attendees for a chance to win prizes. Continue to enjoy one-night-only offers/experiences, roving entertainment from Calgary artists, and more throughout the centre.

At approximately 7:15pm the evening’s entertainment will start with Calgary’s newest holiday tradition, the lighting of the CORE’s decorative 45-foot Christmas tree complete with a NEW special light show under the CORE’s spectacular skylight. The lighting will be followed by a rare and intimate performance by Matt Dusk.

Calgarians can finish their holiday shopping and feel great doing it, as donations will be collected for our non-profit organization YMCA Calgary before via coreshopping.ca and during the event via donation bins. To date, ‘Twas the Night guests have donated more than $60,000 for worthy organizations.

RSVP and donate in advance, please visit coreshopping.ca.

Source:

the CORE

Optimera Day & Night Cream by Nerium International

(Photo by Paul M. Lee /+vinegar designs lab)

As we say goodbye to the season of hot summer sweat, it is time to put aside oil-fighting cleansers and moistures. Being a model, maintaining my skin in the best condition is top priority. So I always prep my skin for the weather changes ahead of time. Especially living in Calgary, the day winter can be quite harsh and damaging to our skin. Recently, I have received Nerium International's latest product; Optimera Day&Night Cream. I have very sensitive skin, so I have to be cautious of the ingredients used in skin care products I choose. So, before my 7-day Optimera experience, here are some facts about the new skin product.  

The new line is from Nerium International, which produces breakthrough skincare products validated by science, and includes both a Night Cream and a Day Cream. They are the only products on the market to include the exclusive new patented SAL-14 extract. Optimera launched to customers in Ontario and BC, Canada in spring 2014 and it is now available across Canada. 

According to Marie Bertrand, Skin Scientist and founder of the Skin Science Clinic in Calgary, “Optimera is absolutely unique in the skincare world – I haven’t seen anything like it. With real science behind the products, they work on all aspects of skin aging to produce powerful results. With Optimera, there’s no need to have dozens of different products to achieve younger looking skin.”

Ingredients:


·         Botanically based, the Optimera products are nature's best to produce high-impact resulsts that help skin appear firm and youthful-without harsh ingredents.

·         The main ingredient in both products is the patent-pending SAL-14 extract, a synergistic combination of various botanicals including Bidens Pilosa and Aloe Barbandensis Leaf Juice, is produced from a cutting-edge plant cell duplication technology and is formulated to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores and aging/loose skin.

·         Optimera products also contain Centella Asiatica, which helps with the appearance of toniing and tightening. 
·         In addition to these high-impact ingredients that are in both products, the Day Cream also includes moisturising agents that keep skin feeling soft. 
·         The Opyimera line is ideal for all skin types and formulated without: parabens, gluten, propylene glycol, sulfates, DEA, or synthetic colors. 

Results:


·         Optimera is clincially proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores and gaing-loose skin. 

·         In addition to the signs of aging, Optimera also improves radiance, elasticity, and the smooth appearance of skin.

·         Clinical trials performed on Optimera reveal that 93% of participants had improvement in the appearance of their wrinkles and 97% had an improvement in their skin radiance.

Since its August 2011 launch in the US, Nerium International has reached record-breaking sales and earned industry accolades while building millions of consumer fans along the way. The launch of Optimera in Canada marks the first country in Nerium’s international expansion.

After couple applications of the Day Cream, I can feel the immediate change on my skin. The Day Cream is very soft and smooth. After applying a thin layer, my skin feels fresh and moist. During workdays on the make up chair, my skin are constantly getting dipped and smeared with products. So having the right daily moisturiser is essential to me. Even under heavy make-up, the Day Cream kept my skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. 

The texture of the Night Cream is very similar compare to the Day Cream. But it does have a heavier feeling even when I only apply a thin layer. The Night Cream was heavy enough that I didn't have to use a serum, but it might be a little too much for some. It kept my skin hydrated overnight, I wake up feeling fresh in the morning. A tip on the side for the best results; massage around the face in circular motion during application for about 30 seconds, then press gently on dry spots if needed. 

The overall result of the Optimera Day&Night Cream for me was quite nice. But every skin type are different and your skin may react differently to the product. So I would recommend tp do a patch test on your skin prior to use. This is to ensure that you do not have any allergic reaction to the product and if you do, it will only be confined to a small area of skin and thus treatable with ease.

Optimera Skincare line by Nerium International is now available to customers in Alberta at MyNerium.com. $188 for both the Night and Day Creams, or the Night Cream can be purchased separately for $125.

For more infomation check out: www.MyNerium.com

(Photo by Paul M. Lee /+vinegar designs lab)

Source:

Optimera

Mercedes-Benz Start Up National Finale runway show features six emerging Canadian designers

Mercedes-Benz Start Up (MBSU), Canada’s premiere program to discover and mentor emerging fashion designers, will host its fourth annual National Finale group runway show featuring six finalists at World MasterCard^® Fashion Week on Monday, October 20 at 8 p.m. Each of these Canadian front runners is striving for the highly coveted title of Mercedes-Benz Start Up Awarded Designer, a $30,000 bursary and the invaluable mentorship that comes with the prestigious title.

In August, an esteemed panel of industry experts traveled to Victoria, British Columbia, Gatineau, Québec and Burlington, Ontario to identify designers who showed the most talent and potential to benefit from the Mercedes-Benz Start Up program. Following an intense day of interviews and presentations, semi-finalists showcased their collections on the runway to the national judging panel and local industry insiders. From these regional semi-finals, six designers were chosen as finalists to present their Spring/Summer 2015 Collections at the National Finale group show at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto.

The Mercedes-Benz Start Up 2014/2015 program finalists include:   

Beaufille – a Toronto-based womenswear and accessories brand founded by sistersChloe and Parris Gordon. The line references historical design elements within a modern context to create a sophisticated tough girl aesthetic. The Gordon sisters attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, and through their exposure to all forms of art created a brand that draws on their collective experiences. 
 

Laura Siegel – an award-winning fashion designer, Laura Siegel is based in Toronto. Her ethically handcrafted, easy-to-wear textured pieces are designed in collaboration with artisans in Asia and Latin America. After receiving her formal design education at Parson’s School of Design in New York City and London’s Central Saint Martins’, Siegel honed her skills in silver-smithing, knitting, natural dyeing, embroidery and accessory design with top industry professionals and skilled artisans.

BLAK.I – created in 2010 by designers Helder Aguiar and Diego Fuchs, BLAK.I is a lifestyle brand that fully encapsulates the wardrobe of the cutting edge contemporary woman. Collections range from fashion-forward intricately cut separates to fluid dresses and cutting edge leather garments. The brand combines each designer’s aesthetics and features details with a modern and streamlined feel. 

VAIKEN – created by designer Valerie Tolila, the line is developed in harmony with today’s real, radiant and confident woman. As a law student in 2000, Tolila left to live abroad where for the next 13 years she worked in the fashion industry as a stylist for small designers and fashion magazines; Tolila then returned to Canada to study fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal. While in Portugal, she was mentored by Antonio Augustus and decided to create a capsule collection. She received several orders and began creating unique pieces including evening gowns and embroidered garments. As interest in her collection grew,she decided to launch her own label, VAIKEN. 

Eliza Faulkner – a contemporary womenswear line by designer Eliza Faulkner, based out of Vancouver Island. After studying at Central St. Martin’s in London, England, and working for Erdem and Roland Mouret in the UK, Faulkner returned home to launch her namesake label in 2011. Combining sporty details, classic silhouettes, and luxurious natural fibres, Eliza Faulkner can be worn day or night; to work or on weekends; and always with elegance and ease.  The collections are designed and manufactured on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Sid Neigum – born in Alberta, trained in New York, and currently based in Toronto, designerSid Neigum sells to stores in New York, L.A, Hong Kong, Seoul and Toronto. Neigum was the recipient of the Toronto Fashion Incubator's New Labels Award in 2012 and in the past year has dressed celebrities including Azari and III and Boys Noize. 

Immediately following the National Finale show, one designer will be chosen by the panel of judges to receive the title of Awarded Designer. This designer will receive continued mentorship from the panel of experts, editorial coverage across leading domestic and international publications (including editorial support from FASHION Magazine), as well as a fully produced solo runway show at the World MasterCard Fashion Week in March 2015. And new this season, the Awarded Designer will also receive a $30,000 bursary that will be administered by an experienced mentoring team who will guide and support the designer’s vision while ensuring that the funds are used equitably.

Past Awarded Designers, MARTIN LIM, DUY, Malorie Urbanovitch and Cécile Raizonville of Matière Noire, have received international accolades and enjoyed many exclusive opportunities through the program, demonstrating the numerous advantages and tangible benefits to potential participants for the 2014/2015 cycle.

Source:
Mercedes-Benz Start Up