ISSUE 1
people
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Shelly Solarz................................................................shelly@parlourlife.com
Art Director Petey Nguyen................................................................pete@parlourlife.com
Copy Editor Andrea Dorrans.........................................................andrea@parlourlife.com Assistant to Copy Editor Danielle Fuechtmann
Photo Editor Clayton Didier........................................................... clayton@parlourlife.com
Fashion Editor Carl Abad.......................................................................carl@parlourlife.com
Home Editor Liz Nandee....................................................................... liz@parlourlife.com
Videographer Logan Mackay
Writers Andrea Dorrans, Chelsey Smith, Robyn Lobay, Mary-Ann Flood, Ben Sir, and Scott Kingsmith
Photographers Clayton Didier, Randee Armstrong, Adam H. Fraser, Deserae Evenson, Wilkosz & Way Photography, gravedangerphotography, and Aminah Syed
Event Coordinator Jenna Frost
Interns Robyn Lobay and Danielle Fuechtmann
Advertising inquires advertising@parlourlife.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from publisher. The views expressed in Parlour Magazine are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publisher.
Parlourlife.com
ISSUE 1
From Jakarta with Love /10
Vegetarian or not, you’ll fall in love with Padmanadi restaurant
Meet the Coup /12
… or get to know them better
Die Free /16
Ben Sir travels to the real heart of Guatemala
COUP Boutique /18
Best friends Anna and Nga bring classic chic to Edmonton’s streets
Studio Intent /19
Start creating, shopping and living with Intent
Pockets Full of Posie /22
ACAD photography students worked on a nursery rhyme project inspired by the birth of our Editor in Chief’s son.
La Dolce Vita /26
Take a lesson from the Italians in the sweet life of food, fashion and love
Lights, Butterflies, Action /30
Style takes flight; featuring artist Kristi Malakoff
Ready, Steady, GO MOD! /34
60s fashion is invading the streets of Alberta
Revolve FurnishingS /40
Jeff Stoner gets serious about seating
IZM: A Movement /42
CREATIVE & STYLING Randee Armstrong PHOTO Clayton Didier MODEL Elisabeth Dyer from Mode Models
MAKEUP Ruth Banbroft HAIR Felicity Crocker from Blunt Salon CLOTHING Coup Garment Boutique
Where form meets function
Every Knot Tells a Story /43
Mr. Abbas Keshmiri shares the Persian rug’s story over a cup of tea
Main Showroom & Ultra Showroom 7070 11 Street SE Calgary AB Phone (403) 255-8372
www.revolvefurnishings.com
CrossIron Mills Showroom 261055 CrossIron Blvd. RockyView AB Phone (403) 255-8372
EDITOR’S LETTER It’s good to be back. But I must admit, after the birth of my son, putting Parlour on hold was the easiest decision I have ever made. I didn’t want to miss a moment of the most important part of our lives. In a world that is now always on; a world of interruptions, of beeps and rings letting us know we have a text message, an email, a Facebook messages, a meeting request... You somehow forget what it is like to have silence; you somehow forget to enjoy the little moments. On an early winter morning my busy, noisy life stopped; 37 years of being consumed with my life stopped. A moment, a complication with my labour, they were losing that precious, tiny heartbeat. My world went quiet; the only noise that mattered was that heartbeat. My own heart was on pause as I was rushed into the OR. Waking up to my baby, his warm body in my arms, I woke up to the brightest chapter of my life. I turned off the cell, closed the computer, shut the noise off and enjoyed the silence of having my baby in my arms. Baby Maslin, you have my full attention.
It’s true what they say, the first year is so important. I’ve spent my days and nights watching over my son, watching him sleep with his tiny hands over his head, watching for that relaxing sigh after a half an hour of crying before he gently falls asleep. Watching him figuring out how to pick up a Cheerio; every thing is new. How did we forget to slow down and just enjoy the small things and the new experiences? Coming back to Parlour, everyone agreed not to rush. We went back to the drawing board and started fresh. The common saying was “let’s get it right, let’s be happy with every inch of it.” So we compiled our wish list of what we wanted Parlour to be. The things we all love, a night out with friends at an amazing restaurant, finding an extraordinary local artist, having fun with fashion, finding that piece of furniture that we can’t live without and all the people who inspire us to go after our dreams. Parlour is about the wonderful things in life; experience, joy, being inspired and inspiring others. Life is sweet... it’s Parlour Life
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Paul Smith Black Label Fall 2011
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Valentine fashion show Enjoy a night with friends or that special person with a delectable dinner and a fashion show full of wants and Valentine gift ideas. // Thursday, February 9, 2012 // Trib Steakhouse // 100-118 Stephen Ave Mall // Calgary, AB check www.parlourlife.com for more details
From Jakarta with love
WORDS Robyn Lobay FOOD PHOTOS Ray Lau FAMILY PHOTO Trevor Boller
Being a vegetarian in cattle country is not for the faint of heart. From personal experience, I have found that our prairie locale poses certain inconveniences to us herbivores, the most challenging of which is eating out. Although vegetarianism is more popular than ever, the majority of Edmonton restaurants cater to the carnivorous, offering very few (if any) vegetarian-friendly options. Many kitchens still do not fully understand or are not conscious of the concept. I say this having once been served veal shavings atop my “vegetarian� tomato soup at a local fine dining establishment. Needless to say, the restrictions on my dining experiences grew old, fast, and led me to scour the city in search of eateries that serve vegetarian fare exclusively. This search led me to Padmanadi. Since it opened at its original south side location nine years ago, Padmanadi has become immensely popular not only with the vegetarian community, but also among non-vegetarians.
(L to R) Maya Paramitha, Kasim Kasim, Lindawaty Lindawaty (‘Linda’) and Angela Savitri
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the owner Kasim Kasim, one of the most light-hearted individuals I have ever met, and his eldest daughter Maya, to discuss their experience opening a vegetarian wonderland in the land of Alberta beef. Inspired by his mother’s love for animals and her vegan lifestyle (both of which were passed on to her son), Kasim started the original Padmanadi twenty-eight years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia, to promote the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. The restaurant was a resounding success. By August of 2002, drawn to the opportunities Canada had to offer, Kasim emigrated his family and restaurant to the Great White North. On arriving in Edmonton, one friend warned Kasim against opening a vegetarian restaurant, suggesting he open a liquor store instead. Thankfully, Kasim ignored this pessimistic advice and opened Padmanadi a few months later. Within eight years, this family-run restaurant had grown into a vegetarian mecca. This success allowed Kasim to move Padmanadi to its current home on 101 Street, where you will find Kasim and his family serving Buddhist vegan cuisine; meaning no meat, eggs, milk, garlic or onions.
Now, you may be asking yourself: “What’s left?” At this point, I would like to acknowledge that veganism has a bad rep. Images of tasteless “rabbit food,” enjoyed only by hippies and hipsters, are conjured in the minds of those who’ve had negative experiences with the cuisine. But trust me, Padmanadi knows how to do vegan right. Featuring an extensive vegan menu (all Kasim’s own recipes), Padmanadi offers a plethora of mouth-watering Asian delights using vegetables, tofu, and an array of mockmeats as the main ingredients. Padmanadi stands out among vegetarian restaurants in its liberal use of mock-meat, a product that can seem intimidating to meateaters and vegetarians alike. However, Kasim’s recipes defy expectations not only by imitating, but also by elevating familiar Asian dishes. Using soy meat substitutes, Kasim’s creations are packed with flavour, without being greasy, leaving you feeling satisfied, not ill. When asked why people love Padmanadi, Maya explains, “We cater not only to food, we [also] cater to experience. We give you the service. We give you things that other restaurants won’t... The owner of another restaurant won’t come over; sit down and talk to you, [but] these are things you can expect here. ”
According to Maya, Padmanadi’s success can be credited to her father and his unique concept for the restaurant. Kasim believes that it isn’t profit but the friends you make that are important to running a restaurant. Upon moving to Canada, he noticed that many people here are separated from their families. As a result, he set out to make Padmanadi a substitute home for all who walk through its doors, treating every customer like family. “Coming here is the same experience [as eating at home], you just don’t have to wash your own dishes and make your own food,” says Maya. Kasim credits his beloved customers for helping him run a profitable business. His profound adoration for his community is reflected in Padmanadi’s decor. Its walls are lined with portraits of patrons, family and friends—all one and the same to Kasim. Kasim also has a strong sense of social responsibility. Padmanadi’s commercial success allows him and his family to give back to both local and international charities. For an entire day last month, in collaboration with Yelp, Padmanadi donated $5 to the Edmonton Food Bank for every $30 spent at the restaurant. Customers “feel like they’re giving to something,” when they eat
at Padmanadi, Maya notes. When asked about the challenges that come with running your own restaurant, Maya tells me that apart from the risk, it also involves “long hours and a lot of hard work. But at the end of the day, you know for sure it’s worth it... because you know the people love your food and love being here.” As for what the future holds for Padmanadi, Kasim and Maya inform me that they are in no rush to expand anytime soon. Expansion would mean that they could no longer remain simply a family-run business. “You can’t promote [yourself] as a family business if you’re not.” Maya says. Kasim adds that the “best customers [are] in Edmonton... I always [tell] my friends that the people are always so happy here... I don’t want to go anywhere”. Since Padmanadi is here to stay, I ask Maya what she would say to those who’ve never been to the restaurant or have shied away from vegetarian or vegan food in general. “Give it a chance,” she encourages. For me, a major part of Padmanadi’s appeal is that it offers its patrons a unique experience, giving them a chance to try something new. And really, how often do you get that?
PARLOURLIFE // 11
Meet the Coup
WORDS Andrea Dorrans PHOTOS Adam H. Fraser thecoup.ca
“Our friend had a [retro] booth in her kitchen and she kinda said she’d give it to us when we opened a restaurant.” Dahlia, co-owner of The Coup + Meet, Restaurant & Lounge, reveals a telltale twinkle in her eyes, “I don’t think she actually thought she’d have to give it to us.” And so The Coup began, not with the bloody violence of its namesake (coup d’état), but with a green booth and a dream. Tabitha and Dahlia met about ten years ago at Cadence Coffee in Calgary’s Bowness, where they both worked, slinging coffee and bacon and eggs. They became fast friends, quickly discovering their shared passion for vegetarianism, retro furnishings and countless other interests and values. They started shooting off ideas (not bullets and bombs) for their own restaurant that would incorporate their mutual passions. Dahlia is a Saskatchewan original and Tabitha a Calgary native, and when they started formulating the business plan for their
vegetarian dream restaurant Dahlia was living in Vancouver and Tabitha in Golden. So why Cowtown, a seemingly unlikely home for a socially-conscious vegetarian restaurant? Simple answer: Calgary was booming. “A lot of people were moving to Calgary. And there wasn’t a [vegetarian] restaurant here, other than Community [natural food market], small cafés and ethnic-specific eateries.” The girls had a vision, and they spent over a year formulating a highly detailed business plan for it. But, like the proverbial cat chasing its tail, others were not so easily persuaded. “[It was] really hard to get money from banks, we wrote everyone about what we wanted to
do and why we felt it would succeed in Calgary, the biggest question we received was ‘why do you think you can do this and why isn’t there one already?’ We tried about 13 lenders, with no success.” Despite conservative odds, Tabitha and Dahlia, armed with their beliefs and values and sophisticated business plan, coaxed their friends and family to invest in The Coup. And in 2004, the revolution began. The Coup is located on 17th avenue SW, between 8th and 9th streets. It is, doubtless, one of Calgary’s coolest restaurants, whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, or yes, even a carnivore. The atmosphere is modern/retro,
a sophisticated blend of kitsch and contemporary. While one washroom is papered with vintage magazine ads declaring “women only drive automatic transmissions,” and “Clorox makes linens more than white… it makes them sanitary too!” Another is an ode to guerilla graffiti, reminiscent of the wall on 4th street SW that bore the words coup d’état, the inspiration for their name. The retro green booth complements ultra-modern Speke Klein solid wood stools and dj booths out of Montreal. The walls display an array of local artists in one to three month windows (the girls enthusiastically cite a recently sold-out sock puppet show). And a cornucopia of greenery and natural light ensure the setting is chic, lively and fresh. I’d like to say atmosphere is everything, but the truth is that in the restaurant business, cuisine is the pinnacle, the zenith, the apex. The food is the reason that Coup is busy breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day of the week. Whether you are a hardcore regular (of which there are many), or a wary newcomer,
the menu at the Coup is utterly satisfying. Over the years, Dahlia and Tabitha have remained current in the branch of culinary innovation. In 2007 the pair attended the prestigious Slow Food conference in Turin, Italy. The experience marked a shift in their focus. Dahlia elaborates, “[we began really] reading labels, studying food more, figuring out what is important to us, is organic more important than local… Italians are so proud of their locally produced foods, they don’t import food like we do, you just didn’t see Kraft dinner in the supermarket there.” They admit that eating local is not always simple, especially during Alberta’s extended winter season, but making the effort is extremely important. Their website lists a number of their local suppliers and states that “By supporting local you are supporting your community and the food system surrounding it. We don’t want farmers going extinct!” With over 30 years of collective vegetarianism, their passion is evident, every sumptuous creation is testament. Try the war and
peas soba noodle salad (buckwheat and wheat noodles, fresh vegetables and seared tofu in a soy lime ginger dressing topped with cashews), the baked rosemary yam fries with tahini miso gravy, the wild rose smoke stack (fresh greens, pan seared portabella mushroom, smoked tahini eggplant puree, quinoa, sautéed greens and shallots, fresh organic tomato topped with sprouts and hemp oil), or go straight for the vegan chocolate torte. With every bite you might find yourself considering defecting to the vegetarian side.
social-style seating promotes interaction, and on a Friday or Saturday night, when MEET is in full swing, it’s a great place to meet new people. The girls appreciate the pun and admit that patrons get confused, often people ask ‘are you the meat version of the vegetarian restaurant?’ and there is the odd cat who comes in to “meet” girls, thinking it’s a pickup spot. Overall the vibe is like an ultra-hip house party in a 1970s rumpus room. DJs play downtempo/ jazz/lounge and hiphop every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday nights.
Or better yet, stroll into MEET for an inspired cocktail like the clockwork orange blossom tonic (gin, lime, orange blossom, maple and tonic) and mill over a shared rabbit pâté (beet, carrot and fennel blended with mixed nuts, garlic and lemon, served with cucumbers and corn tortilla chips). In 2008 the girls opened MEET next door, a casual lounge to accommodate the overflowing popularity of The Coup. Dahlia elaborates on the concept. “[It’s] a place to meet before or after [dining at The Coup], an in between, or drinks before the club…” The
The Coup and MEET are also socially conscious enough for the most militant of haute hippies; they recycle, compost and offset their carbon footprint (among others). But they don’t preach. Tabitha explains, “we’re trying to set an example [but we don’t] want to be ‘out there’ with that kind of thing, it’s great that people are becoming more socially aware, but for us, it’s just who we are.” Tabitha and Dahlia are fighting the good fight. They follow their hearts, they know who they are and know what they want.
PARLOURLIFE // 13
The first time I went to Murrieta’s was for my sister’s high school graduation dinner where close friends and family surrounded me. We reminisced over old stories and fresh seafood and left feeling fulfilled. The second time I went to Murrieta’s was with my girlfriends where we drank martinis, listened to live music from the grand piano, and chatted away until the wee hours of the morning. Last week I went to Murrieta’s on a date where we drank Strong Arms Shiraz, shared steamed P.E.I. mussels, and stayed for dessert. Whatever the circumstance, the Murrieta’s Group of restaurants never fail to rise to the occasion. Few restaurants appeal to this many palates. Between Murrieta’s, ParkerHouse, and Trib Steakhouse, these restaurant chameleons will exceed your expectations and, collectively, they will satisfy any craving. In a busy city like Calgary where a one-hour lunch is considered long, the Murrieta’s Group ensures that you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank or tip toeing back into the office and missing your afternoon meeting. Whether you only have an hour, or an entire evening, the Murrieta’s Group will meet your demand. Entering Murrieta’s Calgary you are surrounded by exposed brick and greeted by a grandiose staircase; in an instant the soothing sounds of the grand piano create a 1920s ambiance. Located in the historic Alberta Hotel, Murrieta’s Calgary is a cornerstone that is impossible to match.
Whatever the circumstance, the Murrieta’s Group of restaurants never fail to rise to the occasion.
The Murrieta’s Group of restaurants is reminiscent of the simplicity of the 1920s where good service was the standard, the ambience was uncontested, and the food was unchallenged. I wasn’t around for the 20’s, yet my experience with these restaurants assures me that the Murrieta’s Group has stayed true to tradition. This group of restaurants is classic, and as they continue to evolve, they keep their finger on the pulse of Calgary’s everchanging metropolitan vibe through responding to their customers’ needs. Just as the clientele is not limited to any age group, neither is the range of food these restaurants offer. The Murrieta’s Group knows how to satiate your taste buds without compromising quality. On days when I’m missing my East Coast roots and longing for fresh oysters, I head to ParkerHouse on 6th Avenue, where I know I will receive unparalleled service and oysters fresh from the East Coast. It’s
always an authentic dining experience at ParkerHouse, named after the Parker House Hotel in Boston where the Boston cream pie and the Parker House roll were invented. Borrowing only the New England style, the menu displays tasteful twists on comfort food, as well as Angus Reserve. Showcasing only the best cuisine of the Atlantic Coast while presenting unsurpassed service, you’ll never leave ParkerHouse feeling disappointed. On Wednesdays, you can find me at the Trib with my close friends for Wine Wednesdays where we’ll be sampling complimentary wine from around the world paired with creative bites prepared by chef Ian Smith. Let it be Wednesday or any day of the week, the Trib Steakhouse never fails to satisfy my nostalgic cravings for an early 1920s simplicity. Nestled amongst an array of turn of the century sandstone buildings, the retroelegant décor unveils wood and leather booths enclosed by sandstone walls and a pressed tin ceiling. This makes the perfect background for “an old take on a fresh steak.” Murrieta’s is my favorite downtown location for sitting on the patio and people watching while sampling their enormous collection of worldwide wines. I leave knowing that downstairs in The Cellar I can find every wine on the menu available to purchase and share at my next dinner party. The Cellar, the restaurant’s perfect counterpart, is one of Calgary’s best wine stores. Part of my fascination with The Cellar is its location; it was built in the basement of the historic Alberta hotel, which in 1916 was closed during prohibition. When I am visiting with my friends, family, or coworkers, the historic long bar in Murrieta’s is the perfect meeting spot. In the 1890s it measured a distance of 125ft and was known as the longest bar West of Ontario; anyone from prospectors to dignitaries gathered at the long bar. Today the bar spans 40ft and functions to unite customers from around the globe, and while the structure remains intact, the various personalities that converge around it continue to grow. Restaurant chameleons, ParkerHouse, Trib Steakhouse, and Murrieta’s all share an expertise in “precision dining”; a precise dining experience where no detail is missed. The atmosphere is always friendly and accommodating, whatever the occasion may be. From ParkerHouse to Trib Steakhouse, it seems that from coast to coast, the Murrieta’s Group continues to bring your palate’s utmost desires close to home without ever sacrificing quality.
PARLOURLIFE // 15
Die Free ARCAS Animal Sanctuary Words by Ben Sir
Sarah said she was fine, despite the tears in her eyes. She walked to the end of the wooden dining table to sit and think about Erin’s death over a plate of beans and rice. Following her confiscation from an animal trafficker in Guatemala City, Erin, a young Howler Monkey, arrived at ARCAS, Asociacion de Rescate y Conservacion de Vida Silvestre (loosely translates to Association of Wildlife Rescue and Conservation), a wildlife rescue centre in the Peten region of Guatemala. Accompanying her were a couple dozen parrots and three green macaws (a species thought regionally extinct). The trafficker claimed to have no connection to the animals. The courts set a substantial fine, which he paid in cash and walked away. Captivity overwhelmed Erin. She refused food and water. She lay motionless in the rain, ignoring Vigo, the other young Howler in her enclosure. Together, we hoped they would create the foundation for a new pack that could survive reintroduction into the wild, but nothing could be done. Not by Sarah and Laura, her European caregivers, or Alejandro, the head veterinarian and volunteer coordinator at ARCAS. When Erin stopped breathing, Alejandro’s attempts at mouthto-mouth resuscitation proved futile. I felt confused and angry; along with many of the volunteers, I was not used to this daily intimacy with death. And although Alejandro had been there countless times, unsnapping his plastic gloves as he walked away from a lifeless animal on a steel table, it drained him. He retreated to the volunteer house.
Before bed, I stopped by his second floor room. We stood in silence for a moment before he spoke. “We’ll do the autopsy in the morning.” Upon completing my fourth year of university, I knew I wanted to spend my summer working with animals. A lifelong and irrational obsession with manatees pointed my post-graduate sights to Central America. I quickly discovered a lack of chances to work directly with manatees (at least for those with zero qualifications or experience), and searched for other wildlife volunteering opportunities in the region. I proceeded with trepidation, weary of the thriving travel indus-
try of volun-tourism, often where, under the guise of social and environmental change, profit motivations lie. As I weeded through organizations, I happened upon ARCAS. Impressed, I booked a ticket to Guatemala City. From There I would head north to the Peten region, and ARCAS. Despite being the foundational purpose for my travels, I arrived in Flores, the tiny island town across Lake Peten from ARCAS, doubting my will to volunteer. I fell in with a welcoming group of Aussie and Brit backpackers, and wanted to continue the fun as they proceeded north into Belize. Unsure, I decided to visit the sanctuary I debated skipping. A boat ferried me across the lake and coasted to a floating wooden dock. The driver directed me up a forest path that led to the ARCAS office. I passed enclosures of docile ocelots that eyed me suspiciously, bilingual macaws and parrots, and information booths that illustrated tactics of the black market animal trade. A portrait depicted how traffickers obtain baby spider monkeys: poachers shoot the mother, who holds the infant to her breast, out of the treetops, if the bullet or fall to the earth does not kill the baby, it is plucked from the dead nurturer. I entered the office where Alejandro sat hunched over a stack of papers. I knocked, and he glanced up from his work, curious. Most volunteers coordinate an arrival date with ARCAS. The organization offers a pick-
up from the Flores Airport and a tour of Tikal, the crown jewel of all Mayan ruins. Others arrive via the Mochilero, or backpacking route. This way, travellers can stop in Antigua for a week of Spanish lessons, allowing greater interaction with the ARCAS staff, of which only Alejandro is fluent in English. He welcomed me in and I told him my name. “The Canadian. come.”
I was wondering if you’d
Having no time for silence, he further explained the history and goals of ARCAS. “We are a non-profit NGO, started in 1989 by a group of Guatemalans concerned about the rapid disappearance and exploitation of their indigenous wildlife. We have two primary conservation projects, one in Guatemala’s Pacific region of Hawaii, and this rescue centre. We receive between 300 and 600 animals, of over 40 species per year. We are about to celebrate 10 years in this location, and in 21 years, we’ve grown into one of the largest and diverse rescue centres, not only in Central America, but in the world.” His stern yet welcoming demeanour was unflinching, and contagious. “I warn you, this place is not for everybody, and we are frontline dealing with wildlife. You will be scratched and you will be bitten.” Thoughts of Belize disappeared. I asked when he needed me. He answered without pause.
“We are equipped to house roughly 50 volunteers. At the moment, we have four. I need you now.” I have never respected a man as I do Alejandro. Despite offers from zoos and organizations with greater funding and development, both in his native region and in the United States, his loyalties remain with the animals of ARCAS. However, I would have expanded his list of warnings. I was scratched. I was bitten. I was pissed and shit on by more animals than I can count. And it was wonderful. The diversity of animals, spider and howler monkeys, parrots, macaws, raccoons, a jaguar named Phoebe, and one baby coatamundhi whose death instilled in me a deeper sadness than I have ever known, was matched by that of the workers and volunteers. During my stay at ARCAS, the number of volunteers swelled from four to 20. It housed vet-techs and students from Ireland and Australia, Japanese philanthropists, strippers from Vancouver, and American couples that redefined Midwestern politeness. Some came for a week, having heard of it on their backpacking trail, while others planned their entire travel around ARCAS, and stayed for months. Moreover, through all supporting cast rotations were the workers. The 11 people employed by ARCAS who provide the sanctuary’s backbone when there is no one to help. These men and
women accepted and educated me. They allowed me to work beside them, employing a labour resourcefulness my spoiled Albertan past could not fathom. If they needed berries from the trees, they climbed the trees. If they needed a tool beyond their aging drill, they would make one. And if I wanted to learn dirty words in Spanish, they taught eagerly. One night, as we finished dinner and the sun rapidly set, Alejandro recalled one group parrot release. As the birds scattered from opened cages, and he watched his work realized, he noticed one parrot remained. While its former roommates disappeared from sight, it chirped in its first free treetop. Then a hawk swooped in for an easy meal. Horrified by his words and the doomed bird’s brief moments of freedom, I was silenced as Alejandro scolded my response. “I didn’t interfere, and I wouldn’t in the future, because it’s everything I work towards.” It’s why Alejandro rejects more lucrative employment, and the reason he leads people underneath the Guatemalan canopy, walking forested paths past compost heaps and shallow graveyards that provide final homes to tragic lives and the best intentions. “It died free.”
For information on donating or volunteering with ARCAS, please visit www.arcasguatemala.com PARLOURLIFE // 17
WORDS Chelsey Smith PHOTOS Randee Armstrong
Anna McDonough and Nga Va have been best friends since grade 10 math class. I can see why, sitting across from the duo at Edmonton’s Credo Café discussing their clothing boutique, COUP, I can feel their energy, they feed off of one another. “We had our heart set on this street.” Nga says of 104th. “We’ve seen it grow, and seen the potential –” Anna adds. “– A sweet little mix of old and new, which I love.” Nga finishes. Coup opened in Sept 2010 on Edmonton’s 104 Street Promenade, and is swiftly gaining reputation for its quality and chic retail, and popular fêtes. And now for the ironic twist: “We both hate shopping.” Anna admits.
reflect flare and elegance, and a decidedly urbane style. Because so much clothing is now mass manufactured, many people forget the importance of a proper fit and the luxury of quality fabric. At COUP, everything fits perfectly, say Anna and Nga.
Excuse me? The girls explain: while they love acquiring high-end pieces, and love fashion, they detest the cold feeling that can be caught from a storeowner. This is understandable, as a lover of mere window-shopping and a hater of pushy salespeople, I concede. Anna and Nga work hard to make COUP a warm and friendly environment that is customer service oriented and welcoming. The boutique makes a marked effort by offering special perks to clientele including personalized service, style consulting and home shopping. COUP even hosts men’s nights (for gentlemen to shop for their ladies), seasonal and collaborative parties, A.K.A. fabulous fêtes and fashion shows. The store is suited for a mature and fashionable, female demographic (or the adoring men shopping for them). The racks are filled with carefully chosen high-end pieces with only one of every size available. The clothes
“Lot’s of customers come into the store and run their hands along the clothes on the rack… the fabrics are beautiful, the cuts are great.” Nga beams. And if clients aren’t certain on how something should fit or look, Anna and Nga are at their service. The girls work to build honest relationships and show their clients something new. They agree that seeing people become excited about clothing and fashion and enjoying their shopping experience is rewarding. “We’re not just a clothing store.” Says Nga. “We’re more social and interactive.” Anna agrees. COUP hosts parties and partakes in events that are sparklier than any ordinary get together. COUP celebrates fashion with delicious cocktails, catered goodies, and of course, with guests who are dressed to impress. Also, COUP participates in community events and teams up with other independent businesses on 104 street and beyond.
Check out the COUP blog, a gorgeous chronicle of their current collections with thoughtful commentary by Anna and Nga.
Words by Scott Kingsmith
PHOTOS Adam H. Fraser
Within Calgary’s Art Central, a chic downtown community of studios, shops, galleries and cafés, resides Studio Intent. This unique store offers beautiful, well-constructed garments that are all created with love in Canada. The warm atmosphere of the small shop is a welcome contrast in Canada’s cold financial climate. In fact, shopkeeper Chantal Barchard spent 16 plus years working in finance from a downtown Calgary office. In that time, she built an understanding of what many professional women want in their wardrobe. With this experience in tow, Chantal sought Canadian designers from coast to coast to meet her high standard.
interesting details and they are all Canadian made. Chantal wants to feel that with each purchase she is supporting an artist.
“When I shop, I’m always looking to connect with things. I’m very conscious of what I buy because I want to buy things that are meaningful. I don’t mind paying a little bit more for something [when] there is quality and an attachment to it.”
“[Many of the designers] I’ve sought out,” says Chantal. “I’ve heard of them from travelling to different cities and they are ones that I had hoped we had in Calgary. It’s great to have the opportunity to bring them here.”
All the items carried in store share common characteristics: they are well constructed, they contain
Check out new fall arrivals at Studio Intent and start creating, shopping and living with Intent.
Studio Intent currently carries Cinder and Smoke out of Edmonton, the collections of Eve Gravel and Valérie Dumaine out of Montreal, the natural fibers of Covet’s spring line out of Montreal and Wise and Proper out of Vancouver, to name a few.
PARLOURLIFE // 19
Looking your best doesn’t have to be this hard
106 10665 Jasper Avenue (780) 424-8885
Phoenix Renewal Centre & Spa introduces CoolSculpting The perpetual search for a quick and painless way to shed those few inches on problem areas has now come to an end. Phoenix Renewal Centre and Spa recently launched CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ, the world’s first fat-freezing treatment. The only HPB (Canadian HealthProtection Branch) approved, non-invasive procedure to use cooling technology, CoolSculpting gives results within three weeks, and requires no post-treatment recovery period. What this means for people on the go is that no sacrificing is required; you can maintain your busy lifestyle and look great. Excess baggage is never a good thing to bring into a relationship, especially if that relationship is with your own body. This is not a novel idea, yet even after devoting hours to the gym and eating healthy, we are left with problem areas that never seem to dissipate. Luckily, Phoenix offers CoolSculpting, where over the course of a single treatment session, the machine quite literally “freezes away” unwanted fat deposits. The treatment is ideal for those of us who are already health conscious, but have certain trouble areas. The procedure involves no needles; instead, during the CoolSculpting procedure a non-invasive applicator targets the underlying fat cells without damaging the surface tissue. Numerous clinical studies support the efficacy of this treatment, which was developed at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital. Scientists built upon the fact that fat and cold temperatures are incompatible—ZELTIQ technology draws on this information and uses freezing temperatures as the catalyst for fat reduction. Dr. Dieter Manstein and Dr. R. Rox Anderson discovered the science of Cryolipolysis, which supports the notion that fat cells experience eventual cell death after being exposed to controlled cooling for a sustained period of time. Following the treatment, the lypocytes, or fat cells, disappear while the healthy cells remain. The process is called ”apoptosis,” where the fat cells are effortlessly and permanently destroyed. For weeks following the procedure, the body continues to naturally remove the targeted fat cells, resulting in a reduced fat layer. Patients start to see results in three weeks following treatment, with most results occurring over a period of two to three months. Phoenix is devoted to offering safe, well researched, and scientifically proven treatments, and CoolSculpting is no exception. It is the only HPB approved, non-invasive fat eliminating procedure on the market. Health-conscious clients who opt for CoolSculpting are near their ideal body weight. They may exercise regularly, however, specific trouble areas do not respond to regular exercise. The patients who
Hair by Architects and Heroes salon
use CoolSculpting are embracing the exclusivity of CoolSculpting and seeing results—fast. Common trouble spots that are “frozen away” after treatment include the muffin top, love handles, back fat, and the post-pregnancy ponch. CoolSculpting targets these familiar undesirable areas and the results are permanent. With a healthy diet and exercise, the effects of CoolSculpting are lasting. Results are instantaneous; clients may experience up to a 20% reduction in fat cells after the very first treatment. The fat cells vanish organically over the few months following the treatment while we go about our busy schedules. While many patients are satisfied after the first treatment, additional treatments result in greater fat reduction, and ultimately a more polished body. Now offered at Phoenix Renewal Centre and Spa, this exclusive treatment is a perfect addition in an ongoing quest to enrich their patients’ lives, ultimately resulting in a more confident, satisfied client. This ultramodern procedure proves that the old saying “pain is beauty” no longer applies. CoolSculpting is pain-free; it causes no damage to the skin, and requires absolutely no downtime, making it easier to feel great while wearing the season’s latest trends and keeping up with your busy lifestyle. Coolsculpting has recently been making headlines, including features on Dr.Oz, Rachel Ray, and E! News. ALLURE magazine calls it “the least invasive fat removal option.” Taking control of your body and achieving perfection is within reach, for CoolSculpting blasts away fat permanently. Trust me, that is one deposit you won’t ever miss. CoolSculpting involves no needles, scarring, anesthesia, or recovery time. Phoenix is notorious for tasteful procedures, luxurious spa treatments, and ultimately, noticeable results. CoolSculptiing encourages patients to take a step away from surgery and invasive procedures, get rid of excess fat cells, and take a step towards a more natural self.
Phoenix Renewal Centre and Spa’s CoolSculpting treatment proves that the hottest new trend this season is ice cold.
Top & Jacket from H&M Skirt from Pins and Needles Bag from French Connection Flower Necklace & Flower Ring from Anthropologie Gold Necklace & Ring from Aldo Accessories
Ring around the Rosie Pockets full of Posie Ashes, Ashes We all Fall down ACAD photography students worked on a nursery rhyme project inspired by the birth of our Editor in Chief ’s son
Concept, Photos & Styling: Deserae Evenson Makeup: Angela Moody Hair: Lindsey Larsen from Hed Kandi
Lace top from Forever 21 Silk top from Banana Republic Sequence Shorts from Club Monaco Necklace & Watch from French Connection Earrings from Anthropologie
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Lace Top & Bra by Talula from Aritzia Shorts by Wilfred from Aritzia Sweater by T.Babaton from Aritzia Earrings, Ring & Bracelet from Anthropologie Bangles from Forever 21
Dress from Cooperative Belt from Jasper and Jeera Lace Top from Two of Us Earrings from Anthropologie
The nursery rhyme and playground song ‘Ring around the Rosie’ dates back to the late 18th century, and the lyrics refer to the Great Plague of London in 1665. A rosy rash was symptomatic of the Plague, when people carried bundles of herbs and flowers, called posies to ward off odours and to protect themselves from the disease. Of course, the posie was not effective and as the song tells us, ‘we all fall down’. When people comment on my work, they often use words such as, romantic and ethereal. I never thought myself a romantic, however, like most children I was a daydreamer and loved adventure and that certainly has not changed. In finding inspiration for ‘Ring around the Rosie’, I imagined the innocence of a child and the endless possibilities of imagination. I wanted to tell a story of a woman who believes that flowers will save her life. To begin the story, the colour palette is fresh and vibrant, as are the flowers. The woman is confident in her basket of posie, but as the story carries on, the flowers wilt, as does she. The posie does not ward off the Plague and as all her friends pass on, she too falls ill. The fourth shot, Dancing with Death, reminds me of being on the playground, hand in hand with other children, spinning around singing the nursery rhyme and falling to the ground. In the fifth and final shot, the women, has now passed and finds herself on the Stairway to Heaven.
Statement of Intent – Deserae Evenson
Dress from French Connection Shoes from Michael Kors Necklace & Ring from Aldo Accessories
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Pants by Etro from Henry Singer, Shirt by eton from Henry Singer, Sweater by John Smedley, shoes by Dries Van Noten, sunglasses by Dita from Brass Monocle
Robin (left): dress Banana Republic, belt Corylyn Calter from Melean, earrings by Pink Paisley from Melean, sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith from Brass Monocle, shoes by Chie Mihara Monica (right): skirt by Nation from Coco & Violet, blouse, necklace and belt by Banana Republic, sunglasses by Dita from Brass Monocle, shoes by TN29 from Gravity Pope
La Dolce Vita PHOTO Deserae Evenson STYLIST Carl Abad
MODELS
Robin Graven - Milne, Monica Jalali, Sean from Mode Models HAIR Hed Kandi Makeup Satoko from Artists Within www.yycfoodtrucks.com
Pizza truck-Pimentos Mobile Pizzeria Robin (left): skirt by Banana Republic, blouse by Aryn K and bangle by Garard Yosca both from Melean, boots by Chie Mihara Monica (right): dress by Banana Republic, turtleneck top by L.A.M.B. from Leo, bangles by Melean, shoes by Paul Smith from Gravity Pope Sean: shirt by Penfield from The Gallery, blazer from Banana Republic, denim by Acne from Leo Boutique, boots by Moma from Gravity Pope
Boxwood Restaurant Cardigan by banana Republic, skirt by Klover from Melean, belt by Susauagrazo from Melean, scarf by Light and Soul from The Gallery, bracelets by Frita and Nellie from Rubaiyat, sunglasses by Claire Goldsmith from Brass Monocle
Fiasco Gelato Truck Robin: dress by House of Spy from Melean, necklace by Pink Paisley Sean: shirt by Etro from Henry Singer, vest from Banana Republic, pants by Dr. Denim from Leo Boutique.
Lights Butterflies Action CONCEPT Sofia Fiorentino PHOTOS Wilkosz & Way Photography STYLIST Carl Abad HAIR & MAKEUP Alicja Wilkosz MODEL Mackenzie Jardine from Mode models jewellery by Melncoly Designs CLOTHING provided by designer Malorie Urbanovitch designer Caitlin Power and Swish Vintage Shot on Location at LATITUDE 53
Canadian Artist Kristi Malakoff’s detailed and labour intensive pieces mixed create a parallel world of fantasy, colour and absurdism. Kristi graduated from Emily Carr in 2005, and has since travelled to many corners of the world including Russia, Iceland, Germany and the UK. Kristi shares her perception regarding societal values and symbolism throughout her travels by using everyday materials to make unusual and unique objects of art. The butterflies, that gave Latitude 53’s space a lively and fresh air, reproduce a scene from Kristi’s global adventures “I travelled to Thailand with my parents before I went to art school and they had these butterfly farms [...] so I have seen a situation like that with all the different kinds of species of butterflies in one room.”
Ar t di recti o n and styl i ng by Leah Van Lo o n // w ww.l eahvanl o o n.co m Photography by Wilkosz & Way M ak eup by Sato k u Suzuk i fro m Arti sts Wi thi n H ai r by Li ndsey Larsen F ro m H edk andi Sal o n Model Kim Barbour from Mode Models
Coat By Prada, boots by Tori Burch, box bag by Gucci, from Holt Renfrew Gold foil necklace by Dean Davidson from Rubaiyat Bobby helmet from Crown Surplus
Dress by Victoria Beckham and toque from Holt Renfrew Gold and silver necklaces by Dean Davidson from Rubaiyat
Top by Prada, pants by CĂŠline, tote by Marni, from Holt Renfrew Shoes by Doc Marten from Gravity Pope Bangles from Mealan
Top by Prada, socks by Michael  Kors, shoes by Ferragamo, from Holt Renfrew Skirt by Susana Monaco from Mealan
Dress by Prada, tights by Fogal, cuffs by Kenneth Jay Lane, from Holt Renfrew Sunglasses by Karen Walker, shoes by Doc Marten, from Gravity Pope Aviator helmet from Crown Surplus
Dress by CĂŠline from Holt Renfrew Tights from Joe Fresh
Revolve FurnishingS WORDS Andrea Dorrans PHOTO Clayton Didier
“The sofa is critical, the main seating grouping is critical.” Jeff Stoner, of Calgary-based Revolve Furnishings, is rather serious about interior design. Or perhaps passionate is a more apt description. But sitting across from Stoner listening to him speak zealously about furnishing, I feel a little embarrassed to admit that my “seating grouping” consists of a mattress on the floor and a couple of mismatched dining chairs. I ask Stoner for some advice. Like many of our readers, I’m fashion-forward, with a discerning eye, but I’m, well, kinda broke. He’s unfazed, “it’s like getting a sports car, you wouldn’t take a Porsche through a pothole and expect it to last, but you could take a Hyundai through a pothole and expect it to last. The same thing happens with furniture, as you pay more it gets more exotic, more expensive leathers you can feel, see and smell, but if you breathe on them, it leaves a mark; less expensive leathers are more durable, thicker and impenetrable but not as soft. When you pay more you get more exotic vs. durable. A low budget is not an issue.” I look down at my silk Diane Von Furstenberg blouse, purchased without hesitation despite its price tag, and I feel Stoner is offering much more than furnishing advice; I’ve clearly purchased something out of my price range, and if I spill on this blouse, I’ll be devastated.
Revolve operates on a level wholly unique in the Calgary atmosphere. “We’ve started a modern furniture store, not a boutique store, [we have] no wholesaler/distributer (mark-ups and waits) in between, we carry 70% of our furniture in stock, in three different colours and two different directions and [we do our] own delivery, [it’s the] little things on a large scale that make a huge difference in the clients experience.”
For Stoner, who began in the furnishing industry over 16 years ago, choosing the right piece is a critical lifestyle decision. “[Furnishing is] dear to people and people really need your help… it’s tough when a lot of dollars are involved. [It’s something we] don’t do very often and it has to express who we are.” At Revolve, Stoner and his team are highly involved with their clients’ decision-making experience. “We try not to be furniture snobs, [we have] interior designers and decorators on staff who truly believe in following steps, we’re not interested in just tossing a sofa at a customer and saying ‘you figure it out’,” Stoner eyes me thoughtfully, “it’s like buying shoes, you should know the outfits you’re going to wear with them first.” (This wisdom explains why a pair of five-inch turquoise velvet platforms function as bookends in my apartment).
But how do you balance being trendy with staying power, remember, you may have to live with your choices for the next five years. “[It’s all] fashion – hot colours come through (he cites my periwinkle blouse), and trickle down to furniture, trends follow, it’s what we’re exposed to, [the] problem with furniture is we can’t always re-gear.” Stoner recommends going for neutral bases and accessorizing with the colours of the moment; try a charcoal sectional with bright throw pillows. “Right now greys are smoking hot, five years ago it was chocolate brown, but there are many accent colours that work with both.”
I wonder why it’s so difficult for people to pick out their own furnishings and be satisfied with their choices. Stoner illuminates, “with clothing, you buy a ton, after awhile you get a feel for what suits you, what colours work and everything else, however, on average people change their living room every 3-5 years at best, [in that time] a lot of things have changed. Every time you’re back in the market there’s fresh fashion to adjust to.” This makes sense, if I had to wear my piratesleeved periwinkle DVF blouse for the next 3-5 years, I may have exercised more restraint. “You get a $2000 sofa wrong, I don’t care who you are, that’s painful.”
Revolve may have the size and convenience of the Brick, but you will certainly find no La-Z-Boys here. Revolve boast beautifully laid out floor displays. Clean, modern and sophisticated designs are tastefully arranged throughout the warehouse size showrooms. Stoner keeps things current by actively pursuing the world’s most cutting-edge designs, travelling to Europe and New York to source out the finest modern designs for our prairie city.
Exercising caution and restraint when making major purchases is what Revolve Furnishing is about. Their team takes time to get to know their client’s taste and lifestyle, tailor making an experience you won’t find elsewhere in Calgary, not in a boutique or in a warehouse setting. And the prices do not reflect this personal attention. Stoner leaves me with his mantra, “Five things to keep in mind when buying new furniture: style (suit what you’re trying to express), function (if a sofa is two feet too big for the room, it’s the wrong sofa), durability, availability and budget.” I know he’s talking about home furnishing, but his advice translates. Maybe the next time I find myself clutching a zebra-print tank dress that is two sizes too big bearing an obnoxious price tag, I’ll think twice. Maybe.
PARLOURLIFE // 41
WORDS Chelsey Smith PHOTO gravedangerphotography
A Movement
“The chair you’re sitting in, that’s 70 years old. I think that’s beautiful.” Shane Pawluck draws my attention to the relic I find myself perched upon as we discuss the ideology behind the Edmontonbased furniture studio IZM with Shane and his partner, Jerad Mack. “Why wouldn’t you want that? 70 years from now, what are we going to have?” Shane questions me seriously. Mid-century modern furniture is currently highly sought after, and in 30-40 years there will be a void of antiques. “I don’t think anyone is going to pass down their IKEA…” Shane begins and Jerad concludes, “[their furniture] doesn’t make it through a move.” Jerad and Shane met through mutual friends and discovered they both trained in woodworking; Shane worked under a master in a countryside shop, and Jerad was woodworking on his own. With similar views on design and furniture, they began to collaborate, and in 2002, IZM was born. The duo strives to create heirloom furniture from solid wood with a modern and minimalistic approach. Jerad explains the deep thought that goes into making an IZM collectable: each piece is carefully constructed with soft closing door slides, dovetail detail lines, and always with purpose.
Their approach, design expertise, and flawless craftsmanship has won IZM several prestigious awards including Interior Design 2009 “Best of ”, and Canadian Interiors 2009 “Best of Canada Design Awards” for “Visualizm”, and Western Living 2010 “Designers of the Year”. IZM is carried in eight locations across Canada and the United States.
I ask if this message transcends into other aspects of living.
According to their website, IZM is all encompassing, a lifestyle, and more explicitly, “a movement concerned with the discipline of how one should live, what sorts of things exist, and what are their essential natures.”
“Which is weird, because there are people who care about what you dress like, and what [car] you drive, and then you go in their house and it looks like their grandma decorated it.” Shane pauses and continues, “I don’t want to offend anyone but you shouldn’t let your grandma decorate your house… unless she’s really funky.”
“You don’t need a chair that looks good.” Shane says bluntly, “It doesn’t matter, in the end if you’re just sitting on a stump of wood with slab for a back, or something that’s really beautiful.” Shane and Jerad toss around synonymous examples: Why dress a certain way? Why care about your yard? They conclude: People are aesthetically driven.
In full concurrence that it should, they mediate upon a perceived duality. While many people care about the aesthetic maintenance of the outside of their home, on the inside, things are not always as nice looking.
In retrospect, Shane and Jerad note that both their parents had modern furniture in the houses they grew up in, instilling a desire and interest in design at young ages. “My parents grew up without electricity or furniture and they just slowly got stuff, and they bought good stuff when they got it.
Now people just go buy crap and live with that crap for five years, and then buy more garbage.” Shane reflects. This cheap indulgent attitude is what fills landfills, and epitomizes the notion of excess that IZM combats. IZM’s dedication to minimalism includes its carbon footprint. The furniture has a reduced environmental impact not only by being made to pass down, but also by solely using sustainably harvested North American woods, and finishes that have zero volatile organic compounds (toxicity). Shane and Jerad find inspiration by asking: what do people need in their homes? IZM found its niche determining simple homeowner needs and supplying highend products that combine form and function. Although, when I ask about the balance of form and function, Shane argues that function is more important, and Jerad insists that the form is just as important. Wherever the balance lies between form and function, IZM’s flawless technique, and low, long lines of “prairie inspiration” are putting Alberta on the map for furniture design.
Every knot tells a story
Words Mary-Ann Flood Photo Clayton Didier
The first question Mr. Abbas Keshmiri asks me is, “What kind of tea would you like?” Coming into this interview, I expect to learn about the history of Persian rugs through a Q & A type discussion; instead, Mr. Keshmiri tells me stories. Who is Abbas Keshmiri, you might ask? He is a second generation Iranian, whose father immigrated to Canada in 1968 where he pursued his passion for Persian rugs. Today, this passion lives on through his family and The House of Persian rugs. The Keshmiri family has a long history in the business, mirroring the deep-rooted history of Persian rugs, which date back to 2, 000 B.C when the first carpet was made for the King of Persia, Chosroes. This cardinal carpet was made of silk, gold and silver. Today, these highly valuable materials are woven together to create a good quality Persian rug. The rugs appreciate over time and compared to the average household carpet, which may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, Persian rugs last from 50 to 150 years. It seems fitting that Abbas and I converse over a table of Persian biscuits and tea as though we have been friends for years. Abbas insists that the rugs sold at the House of Persian Rugs are dependent on relationships built with customers, in fact, he sees our article as an opportunity to extend that warmth, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank Calgarians for not just their business over the years, but for their friendship.”. Abbas elaborates, “My team and I work very closely with people until they find the right rug.” Finding the “right rug” means something different for each customer, Abbas travels as much as twice a year to Pakistan in search of befitting textiles. Abbas begins to know his clients as soon as they walk in the door; the most important question he asks a new customer is whether they are looking for a master rug or a designer rug. “Master rugs are signature rugs made by master weavers. They are mainly traditional rugs and very much like all other forms
of great artistic achievements; they are a reflection of the culture that made them. Designer rugs are contemporary rugs without traditional borders and without medallion centers.” Looking around the shop, I feel I am surrounded by colourful designs and luxurious materials that hold exotic and mysterious stories. Each rug is inspired by nature, and everyday life, resulting in endless varieties of style and composition. Every knot holds intrigue, Abbas explains, “Their colours and patterns speak of powerful kings, invading armies, religion, peace, prosperity and love.” Abbas buys direct from weavers in Pakistan where every knot is individually tied, and the density of the knots illustrates the commitment of the maker. I never considered the carpet that I walk on as a piece of art, but as Abbas explains, “The largest piece of art that many of us will ever own is our carpets, and they truly are a reflection of the culture that made them.” In a world where trends die fast, and the life expectancy of our clothes is barely worth noting, a Persian rug is an investment. Sipping the last drop of tea from my porcelain cup, I now understand why everyone should own a genuine Persian rug. In a Persian rug, every knot tells a story and after my visit to the House of Persian Rugs, I feel I’ve just woven another knot into my own life story.
PARLOURLIFE // 43