ON THE COVER: Model Sam Ypma from Mode Models, Photography by Ashley Armstrong from Kinetic Studios, Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon & Spa, Make up by Nikol Walkemeyer, Dress: Sessa by Tressa Heckbert, Shoes from Gravity Pope, Shot on location at Nokomis
08 GRANDMA’S PRODIGY Our beloved Nokomis boutique has grown up & moved to the heart of whyte ave.
STYLE EXPLORER 12
Trevor Peters tells how travel influences his art.
16 DANCE ACADEME
See how dance has added ease & weightless grace into this spring’s fashion .
FAMOSO 22
Italian culture you can taste.
23 PARLOUR’S PRIZED POSESSIONS Staff favorites to add to your collection.
IN MY BOUDOIR 24
25 THE PROMENADE La creme de la creme.
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Spotlight on a local style maker.
Stylist Colleen McGinn | Shot on location at Avanti Salon & Spa | Clothes provided by Swish
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief - Shelly Solarz............................SHELLY@PARLOURLIFE.COM Art Director - Peter Nguyen.....................................................PETE@PARLOURLIFE.COM Marketing Director - Caylee Kreller.................................... CAYLEE@PARLOURLIFE.COM Photograher - Ashley Armstrong..................................ASHLEY@KINETIC-STUDIOS.COM Contributors - Alanna Farrow, Kenny Lozowski, Joyce Yu and Colleen Yukes WWW.PARLOURLIFE.COM
Distribution - Marlon McGuire
editors letter
Welcome to Spring 2008. As Edmontonians, we understand change. As the mercury rises, we begin to shake the dust off the curtains, shed our skins and embrace the changes that come with spring. What better time to announce our change of name. Parlour, formerly Runway, celebrates all of the facets of fashionable living. A parlour is a space where friends meet for conversation; we hope that as you delve into our first issue of Parlour you will experience just this … a conversation among friends about new and exciting places, products and designs. The very nature of fashion transforms with the seasons. In an ever changing world that is becoming continually smaller and more accessible, the global market adds incredible influence to culture in our daily lives. This issue celebrates our diversity. Famoso, the Italian Pizzeria highlighted on page 22 is a perfect example of the best of Italy brought to Edmonton by a traveling Canadian. On the other hand, the door of the Whyte Avenue boutique, Nokomis, declares “Nokomis: Exclusively Canadian Clothing”. Trevor Peters introduces us to ‘wearable art’ in the form of graffiti painted clothing. His experiences from living in Asia for four years are prevalent in his designs. From the designs at Nokomis to the pizzas at Famoso, the very essence of being Canadian is to embrace this cultural blend … Bon Appetite
GRANDMA’S PRODIGY Photography by Ashley Armstrong Story b y J o y c e Yu
Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon and Spa, Eyewear from Women with Vision
As I make myself comfortable on the couches in the new Nokomis location, I notice that the high ceilings make the space feel very welcoming, while the big windows allow for the sun to light up the room. There’s a certain nostalgia that lingers in the happy atmosphere of the store that is enriched by the wall dedicated to pictures of grandmothers.
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After other past relocations, their latest setting reflects the growth that the company has undergone from their modest original store that was tucked away in a back alley off Whyte Avenue. Co-owner, Jessica Kennedy rushes towards me while I’m looking through the photo album of grandmothers. The excitement of the new location is apparent on her cheerful face and she starts telling me immediately about the store’s philosophy and history. Nokomis officially opened in 2002 with the mission of promoting local independent designers while making Canadian produced clothing more accessible to the public. In the last five years, the store has expanded to their biggest location yet and carries over fifty exclusively Canadian designers including Preloved, Allison Wonderland and Bennie and Olive as well as their own house line - also named Nokomis. The Nokomis line is now offered in boutiques across Canada. The company is very proud that their locally created clothing line is now available on a national level. Nokomis means “grandmother” in Ojibwe. The store’s name comes from the original owner Virginia Bray who wanted to honour the women who came before us. “We wanted to show our gratitude and respect for their strength and sacrifices that they’ve made.” Jessica says. “The store was named to acknowledge our admiration and appreciation of our origins.” Continuing with their tradition of honouring those who came before us, Nokomis was also named to recognise the First Nations of North America. Jessica explains, “The history of First Nations people is so rich and Canada has benefited so much from their culture. The name of our store is also to recognise their contribution.” Although I always find pieces that I love every time I walk into the store, I must admit that I can’t always afford to come out each time holding their handmade blue shopping bag. I ask Jessica to address the criticisms that the store has received about their pricing and the difference between why an item costs so much versus why it is worth so much. She replied, “We try to encourage and nurture
domestic manufacturing and the price is higher because that is how much fabric and production costs in Canada. We’re educating people about the price difference and the quality that they receive when they purchase our products.” Jessica explains to me the difference between Nokomis’ means of production versus chains that mass produce their products. The term “you get what you pay for” cannot be more fitting than in this situation where every item has a traceable origin. What’s great about the clothing in Nokomis is that each piece is unique and made with love. When I ask her about the designers that their store carries she explains “There’s so much talent that can be found locally and the community is very open and
accepting of that. We’re always looking to support new Canadian talent.” The relocation of their store is only the beginning of the makeover Nokomis is undergoing. Jessica tells me that while their styles in the past have been more vintage inspired, they’re looking to be more fashion forward and to gear their style towards being less girly and more feminine. “Fashion forward, but never trendy” She declares. Their new space reflects the success of their mission and their unique approach to fashion. This is a store that welcomes rather than excludes and the new location captures the elegance and functionality of their clothes. “Clothes that are trendy are only good for a season. Our designers are conscious of pieces that can be worn for a long time.” The spring season begins for them in February and they’re preparing to launch a classic but modern look that focuses on a softer colour palette of greys, mints, peaches and crisp whites. “Sounds wonderful,” I tell her. “And dresses,” she adds with a big grin. “As always, tons of dresses.” As part of her closing thoughts, I ask Jessica to describe a Nokomis girl. She tells me, “Real women who do real things. She’s a professional or an academic who can’t sacrifice function for fashion.” She continues to tell me about an everyday girl who likes to read books and wear pretty frocks. “She’s someone who’s girly and feminine; who climbs trees and has picnics in a dress.” Before leaving, I couldn’t resist asking, “Who’s your favourite designer?” “The house line,” she says after some thought. “It represents something very special to me because I’m part of the process and have watched it grow and evolve.” As I walk through the doors, I think of Jessica’s last words, “This is a really great time in Edmonton to pursue artistic endeavours. Everyone who has that ability should keep it up and go for it. This isn’t ‘deadmonton’ anymore” she smiles, “Nothing’s stopping us. We’re all coming together.” NOKOMISCLOTHING.CA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ARMSTRONG S STORY BY CAYLEE KRELLER
What occurs when you mix graffiti with fashion? You get a line of jackets that are, essentially, wearable art. Trevor Peters, otherwise known as Kurly in the international graffiti scene, has stepped into the realm of fashion by taking his art off the streets and placing it into local fashion. As the creator of ZenVandal, his passion for traveling, art, and old school hip hop from the late eighties and early nineties influence his vision. Trevor concluded that by painting the perfect jacket, a fusion of the three aforementioned cultures would be realized. This item was such a success with his friends that by word of mouth a demand for these jackets developed. Understanding that individuals vie for that one of a kind piece of clothing that everyone will recognize, Trevor has refocused his genius emerging as an Edmonton debutant.
This concept became a reality when Trevor wondered how he could transfer his love of graffiti into something new and feasible. According to him, “as you grow you can’t stay focused on just getting your name up in the streets. There comes a time when you have to think more strategically about how you are going to survive as an artist and for me that was to find a new canvas.” By combining his artistic talent, creative eye, and keen fashion sense, Trevor has honed these skills producing a cutting edge product. It is vital that he peruse the vintage shops around Edmonton daily, looking for either jean or leather coats. These are then painted with distinctive designs that maintain an exotic street feel. Trevor’s initial collection was based upon his voyages east. Living in Asia for four years, he recounts icons that were the source of his inspiration. Chrysanthemums, Kabuki masks, snakes, dragons, Geisha heads, among countless other images were incorporated with the lines
and shapes of Asian inspired tattoo art. These articles of clothing were such a success that he was able to sell twenty-four of his twentyseven jackets even before he held his first show. Trevor has pieced walls and trains for the last eight years. His inspiration comes from the underground graffiti scene in Canada along with the multitude of other places he has explored. Drawing his influences from all aspects of life, one specific memory of a trip resonates with him. He became conscious of the openness to street art when he pieced the saying “Buena Honda” which translates to “Good Vibrations” on a wall in a Nicaraguan ghetto. The response he received from the community, who welcomed the positive message delivered by way of the spray can, was incredible. In addition, accompanied by his long time painting partner Demerio, Trevor
traveled to Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo. These places impressed upon him the impoverished reality of the children living in the ghettos. Trevor remembers, “We met a street kid named Juno. We met on the beach. His dad was in jail and there was no real role model for him and many of the other kids on the beach. They would just follow us around. Rather than giving Juno money, I realized that you can help him and the others just by hanging out with them, by creating art with them.” Trevor explains that it is his desire to reach out to the children and artists he encounters. By utilizing his passion for this distinctive art form, which surpasses cultural boundaries, Trevor will be able to initiate change in these areas. The obvious question, then, is “how”? Trevor’s dream is to establish ZenVandal into a forum for the incredible artists he meets, constructing an opportunity for them to represent their art and culture to a greater audience.
A separate clothing project, collaborated upon with close friend Demer, would see that the funds made through this secondary venture be directed back to the designated areas in need. Through the sales of his collection, Trevor’s aim is to travel extensively making this humanitarian effort a reality. As for here in Edmonton, Trevor is currently working with another local, Annaliza Toledo, under the name of CASHVENOMS. This duo plans to stir things up by throwing fashion fused art parties. At these events, the new ZenVandal designs will be showcased along side the artists who created them from abroad. The impressive designer tells me that each new collection will feature a different area of the world. Since he has already traveled to more than thirty countries, I do not see a lack of inspiration in the future. Trevor has successfully navigated himself and his inimitable tag beyond the limitations of street writing. If you want to know more about the adventures that lead to this designer’s debut check out Syndicate on Whyte Avenue. His complete saga is literally written on the wall. So what’s next? Well, he tells me on the sly that jackets with a Brazilian theme are in the works, so watch for them. You definitely don’t want to miss out! MYSPACE.COM/ZENVANDAL
dance academ Photography by Ashley Armstrong from Kinetic Studios | Models Bridget Anderson & Leila Mcrae from Mode Models Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon & Spa | Make Up by Kirsten Klontz from Mousy Brown’s Salon & Spa Stylist Colleen McGinn & Kelty Pelechytik
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On Leila: blue dress & accessories by Colleen McGinn, shoes from Gravity Popes, socks from American Apparel On Bridget: top from Bamboo Ballroom, jewelry by Colleen McGinn, yellow socks: stylist’s own, green sock’s from American Apparel
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On Bridget: dress from Fridget by Bridget Smatlan, tank & socks from American Apparel, jewelry by Colleen McGinn, shoes from Gravity Pope
On Leila: dress from WhoCares?, top from American Apparel, jewelry by Colleen McGinn, tights from American Apparel, shoes from Gravity Pope
On Bridget: top from Gnuda, skirt from Suka Designs by Alisha Schick, jewelry from Beadjuled by Ally Ng, socks from American Apparel, shoes from Gravity Pope
On Leila: top from Suka Designs by Alisha Schick, earrings by Colleen McGinn, necklace from Bamboo Ballroom, yellow tights from American Apparel, purple fishnets stylist’s own, shoes from Gravity Pope
FAMOSO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ARMSTRONG | STORY BY CAYLEE KRELLER
WHEN I THINK OF FRESH CONCEPTS THAT HAVE BEEN RECENTLY INTRODUCED TO EDMONTON, FAMOSO, THE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA INSTANTLY COMES TO MIND. On May 8th 2007, Jason Allard and Justin Lussier introduced Edmontonians to an age-old concept and made it new. When first introduced to this restaurant, I was immediately drawn to it because it offered me what I most desired—authenticity. The concept for this business developed when Justin traveled through Italy after graduating from university. On a limited budget he found that he was eating fabulously on a diet of margherita pizza. For him, the vast difference between NorthAmerican pizza and that of pizza Italiano became increasingly evident. Pondering the reasons why this incredible take on an old favorite was not offered here, Justin’s passion for food and extensive service experience enticed his inner entrepreneur. With a bit of determination, creativity, and a few phone calls to friends, Famoso was born. The design of the location came to fruition because the partners wanted to create an “atmosphere where the local businessman could rub shoulders with the contractor next door.” Having an informal set up, where the customer orders at the till, leaves one with a unique, casual feeling. This space allows you to either have a quick bite or sit down and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends.
By reintroducing a two hundred year old tradition to a city vying for new creative concepts, Famoso has found its niche. This neighborhood pizzeria adds vitality, variety and old school 1760’s tradition to our city. These boys are, in fact, ingenious and as they politely commented; “We don’t want to pretend we’re Italian, we just want to keep the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza.” And that is exactly what they have done.
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Jason and Justin learned everything there is to know about the perfect pizza through their training with the Associazione Pizza Napoletana. And although creating the master “piece” is not easy, the exceptional difference in taste is delivered through their use of the best freshest ingredients. The double 0 (or 00) flour is imported from Italy, offering their customers lower levels of gluten, which is easier for your bodies to digest (for all you ladies and gents who are worried about your hips). Similarly, having a greater degree of moisture in the crust allows the toppings to float on the dough, making a slice easier to fold, which, by the way, is the proper way to eat pizza. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes grown in the volcanic ash of Mt. Vesuvius. Including a dash of seasoning and a hint of basil, this sauce will tantalize your taste buds. Next comes the cheese. An integral component of good pizza, boccaccini mozzarella adds a mild flavor with no added preservatives or oils. After the other toppings are positioned, the pizza is placed in the forno oven and delivered to your table piping hot. When having to decide between their many options, picking one is always a difficult task.
parlour’s
PRIZED
POSESSIONS
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1 | Gelato from Leva - The best part of your day. Promise. 2 | Rosary Bandana by Soma - Find this local treasure at Foosh. 3 | Flight of The Conchords - “Business Time” - It turns us on! 4 | Namarococo.com - Paper that will rock your walls.
5 | Designspongeonline.com - Home lovers: we’ve found the gateway.
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6 | First City Fallen - Epic sound. A local band on the rise. 7 | Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder - A life/volume encancing must. 8 | “Life, ” by Paulo Coelho - Meet your new best friend. 9 | “The Age of Feminine Drawing” - Be inspired. Stop and Stare.
IN MY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUSTER LIVINGSTON
Share your boudoir with us. Send your photos and tell us why. WWW.PARLOUR.COM
TO DO: “Always look Stylish! Always Laugh! Always Dance to the Music (unless it sucks) Always Sing your Favorite Songs! Always love Calories. Always Get Rad. Always Love Yourself and the People Close to You! Always Eat your Vegetables and Remember: Always Listen to ME!” INSPIRATION?: “Unicorns and Rainbows and Cupcakes!” WHERE CAN YOU BE SEEN ON YOUR DAYS OFF (what do you do with your free time?) “In my free time I enjoy nice people, nice food, nice music, and all that jazz. I also enjoy picking up a pen and paper, drawing whatever comes out of my brain and giving the pics randomly to people I like.” WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION DOLLARS? “I would go down to the zoo, err, I mean circus, and buy me one of them there Fancy Unicorn things and get it to take me to Far Away Lands I have never seen, like the following: Australia, Paris, Bali, St. Lucia, Thailand, and such. I haven’t seen many places in this world yet, so I would make sure I used my new fortune to make that all become a fantastic reality!” STYLES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SEASON: “Ladies: when in the market for some “fresh gear” this season, go for bright COLORS! Get some GOLD “BLING,” a unique pair of jeans, way cool graphic prints, and fun accessories like a wacky banana clip or something!?!... Spend some cash on killer shoes (but please make sure you can walk properly in them K?) And whatever you do... Please don’t rock a fake designer handbag and act like your all “the shit” cause we can all tell that ain’t no Chanel!!!”
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NAME: Mellissa ALTER EGO: Dita Toma
AMOR JEWELRY BY AMOR CARANDANG
Fun & Simple. Amor Jewelry calls out to all styles! Incorporating a range of materials such as semi-precious stones, woods, and metals, Amor Jewelry is designed to add flavor to your look with a touch of class and a little funk. Individualistic and unique, this collection is something you shouldn’t be without. FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM, FOOSH
FOOSH 10544C 82ave
Foosh surpasses conventional fashion standards by showcasing innovative street wear. Ushering in the freshest gear and music for its clientele, Foosh continually raises the bar. Products exclusive to Foosh include: Foosh Apparel, Kid Robot Apparel, The Hundreds, Hells Bells, 10 Deep, Mama, Tens & Nike Quickstrike, just to name a few. FOOSH.CA
FRIDGET
BY BRIDGET SMATLAN
Sugary-sweet charm is designer Bridget Smatlan’s main ingredient in her label Fridget. Formally known as GoodGravy, Fridget is aimed towards the ideal woman who is more smart than sexy and 100% silly. Just as the name sounds, Fridget is the perfect line for the girl who would never kiss on the first date. FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM, MEESE CLOTHING
SUKA
BY ALISHA SCHICK
This spring suka re-visits a more classic look with a twist! Always edgy and not overly girly, the bold mix of patterns, styles, soft silhouettes and loud colors is what makes this spring’s line strong enough for the individual yet appealing to more than just the trend setters.
FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM
“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.”
- Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City.
Take a walk down our promenade to discover the best of Edmonton’s exclusive shops and boutiques. Eat your heart out, baby!
WINTER STUDIOS INC It came from Millwoods... Home of the Winter Studios & Millwoods Hero apparel lines. Kaylan Winter Berry has created a local niche focusing on urban apparel for men & women. Spawned by a tremendous pride for neighborhood, city and the local design community, Millwoods Hero promotes pride and awareness, removing the stigma of violence and turning it on its head. T6L to the T6K.
WINTERSTUDIOS.CA MILLWOODSHERO.COM
THE GUERRILLA BOUTIQUE / THE ARTERY 9535 JASPER AVE
The ARTery is a multi purpose venue, housing a recording studio and art gallery. We also offer a location for a multitude of special events. For more information: e-mail theartery@noiselab.cary.ca NOISELAB/THEARTERY.CA
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The Guerrilla Boutique is a monthly market held the first Saturday of every month from 11-6 PM. You can expect to find local designers, unique jewelry and delightful oddities. Come down, have a coffee, a treat, and stick around for Smilin’ Jay’s Happy Hour, a live CJSR broadcast.
ELEGANT EXPRESSIONS 628 RIVERBEND SQUARE
BAMBOO BALLROOM 8206 104st
Located in Riverbend, this charming space entices you by carrying many handcrafted items from all over the world. Elegant, unusual home assecories along with award winning jewelry make this location ideal for finding the perfect gift.
SABRINA BUTTERFLY #102 6421-112 ave
“There’s no place like home” After 5 years of fluttering about as a traveling store, Sabrina Butterfly Designs is finally settling down into a sweet little shop, nestled in the homey neighborhood of Highlands. Sabrina Butterfly Designs are timeless designs that turn heads, for a naturally comfortable woman. The boutique also carries many other jewelry & accessory designers, including local favorites: Janet Stein Jewelry, Colleen Graham of Lines Designs Handbags and Corissa O’Donnell’s fused glass and crocheted wares. SABRINABUTTERFLYDESIGNS.CA
Spring *J Brand Room to Grow *Fidelity Curls Wallpaper *Numph *Covet Chandeliers *Kersh Floral Prints *Free People *Suka *Soia & Kyo *Matt & Nat Bright Colors *Sessun Sundresses
High High Heels High Waists Wasted Nights Halo Trenchcoats *Rock & Republic *OBEY Our Posse *Dittos Parez Hilton Lunch Dates Spanx *Seven Jeans *Erica Weiner Airplane Necklaces *Amor You.
*Our Lovely Labels BAMBOOBALLROOM.COM
SOUTHGATE CENTRE
MEESE CLOTHING
St.Albert, 31-D Perron st
Indy shopping in a mall! Located in Southgate Centre, this locally owned boutique prides itself on bringing the mall shopper an alternative to typical. Featuring a fabulous selection of unique jewellery, handbags and accessories, Groove Stone offers leading fashions while supporting Canadian designers and manufacturers of quality merchandise. Lines include: Matt & Nat, Pyrrha, Bauxo, Mimi & Marge, and Foxy Originals
This Spring Meese Clothing turns 1 year old. Celebrate Canadian Fashion at our boutique and wear your heart on your sleeve. Cookie cutting is out. Fashion demands awareness. Wear Sweat-Shop free, wear Canadian. Meese 100%. Featuring international sensations like: Preloved, Second Denim, Kitchen Orange, House of Spy, and Allison Wonderland. Local Wonders include: Fridget, Suka, Cinder & Smoke, Amor, and Bead Juled. And don’t forget to check out our in-house label, SESSA!
GROOVESTONE.COM
MEESECLOTHING.COM
BE A PART OF OUR
PROMENADE
SESSA BY TRESSA HECKBERT
Spring/Summer ‘08 Exploring a plethora of florals and grounding with deep steel and navy, this season SESSA reminisces those carefree summer days in fields of green, lemonade, and picnic dates with lilac kisses. Featuring steam powered inspiration and cruiseliner decadence in silkscreen images. SESSA adores the female figure with undoubted femininity and classic lines. SESSA can be found in boutiques across Canada, locally on Whyte Ave and in St.Albert at Meese Clothing.
Showcase your local endeavor and let your ingenuity shine. Benefit from exposure on the rue de elegance.
VISIT WWW.PARLOURLIFE.COM
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GROOVE STONE