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COVER
Thank you
Photography by Ayo Erinle
Editor's Note
June is the month of great expectations. It brings weddings and barbecues, beaches and lake life, outdoor markets and bedding plants. What will you grow, and where will you go? It’s time to peel off the layers, pump up the tires, and head out into the wild blue yonder.
You don’t have to travel far for adventure. A road trip close to home is a great way to learn about the history of your area. In Alberta, we are fortunate to have great diversity in geography and culture, and learning about both through travel is the best education you can receive. There is nothing better
than rolling down the windows, turning up the volume on your favourite playlist, while cruising beneath bright blue prairie skies on a hot summer day. You can’t put a price tag on that.
June marks the longest day and shortest night, which signifies the halfway point of the year. Are you looking back at what 2025 brought, or are you looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring?
Sometimes, it’s good to dwell in the past. With this issue marking five years since Modern Luxuria debuted, I feel a great sense of accomplishment being a part of this wonderful endeavour. Coming on board first as a writer in 2021 and then as editor in 2023, I am thrilled beyond words to witness the magazine’s progress. Knowing that this city offers a treasure trove of exciting, empowering, and beautiful subjects makes me eager to map out future issues with Elsa and read through the articles that our writers submit. I always learn something new, and that’s a good thing.
Thank you for reading and being a part of Modern Luxuria. Your support means the world to all of us, and your expectations keep us committed to bringing you content that impacts, empowers, and informs.
Here’s to looking ahead!
– Twyla
Contributors
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and mom of two boys. Passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping-hot Americano in hand.
Krista Ference has always emphasized a love of fashion, spending every chore dollar earned on clothes. She has moved through life as a former professional athlete, mother, and philanthropist. Her lifestyle consulting and concierge brand combines her passion for style and the joy of working with people to address their clothing and fashion needs.
Dong Kim is an independent photographer and consultant who splits his time between Edmonton and Calgary. Although he shoots a wide range of subjects, his passion lies in capturing eye-catching stories from the best of the food community. A grateful traveller, he is happiest when immersed in the activities of other cultures, learning through their culinary offerings.
Myah Juneau is an Edmonton-based writer and communications and marketing specialist with a passion for storytelling and good journalism. Aside from writing, Myah enjoys drawing, painting, and playing hockey.
Breanna Mroczek has edited and written for magazines and digital publications since 2012. She is passionate about all things local in Edmonton.
Jay Walker was born and raised in Halifax but eventually made his way out west. His passion for photography started 12 years ago while on climbing trips. He has travelled the world shooting everything from street photography to cycling and running events.
June 26, 2025
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Publisher's Note
Five years of stories, style and soul 14
Profile
Jared Smith’s entrepreneurial evolution 16
Trends
This season's It List 28
Cuisine
Stories served warm at Bernadette’s 44
Drinks
Around the world in five gins 54
Arts & Culture
The art of Josh Harnack 62
Spotlight
From cocktails to curated living: A night at Bar Trove 78
Publisher's Note
This month is a special one for us at Modern Luxuria; we’re celebrating five years in business—five years of stories, of beautiful images, of sitting down with people who inspire us and sharing those moments with you.
When I think back to where we started and how far we’ve come, I feel so much gratitude. What began as a small idea—a hope, really—to create something meaningful for this city that I love has become something I couldn’t have imagined. I’m so proud of what we’ve built.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
- Jane Goodall
Honestly, we wouldn’t be here without you. Whether you've read one story or every issue, supported us as a partner, or simply shared what we do with a friend, thank you. You've helped make this what it is.
With the hockey playoffs, the draw of sitting on open-air patios, and the many events to fill our calendars, Edmonton feels especially alive right now. There’s a beautiful, contagious energy—and it feels like the perfect backdrop for this milestone.
So, I want to ask you something: what has been your favourite Modern Luxuria feature over the years? Has there been a story about someone that stuck with you? An article that impacted you, or maybe even changed the way you see this city? I’d love to know.
Thank you for being with us. It means more to me than I can properly express.
– Elsa
PHOTO BY TATIYANA SEMENOVA
1000 WOMEN INSPIRE POSSIBILITIES BY BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS TO EDUCATION
Receiving the 1000 Women4STEM bursary award has been a transformative catalyst for my career change as a Canadian immigrant. Transitioning from a 12-year career as a pharmacist to machine learning was daunting, but the full scholarship eased much of my apprehension by removing financial barriers, allowing me to pursue this new path with confidence. As a wife and mother of three, it has spared my family from the burden of an educational loan. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and the positive impact it has had on my life.
-Busayo Disu, Women4STEM bursary recipient
JARED SMITH
Business and life philosophy according to Jared Smith The Company You Keep
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY JAY WALKER
For Jared Smith, success has never been about the bottom line: it’s about the people who shape the journey. A lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for connection, Smith has built businesses, communities, and a life anchored in meaningful relationships. From launching a marketing firm in his mother’s basement to guiding growth as a strategic advisor and connector, his path reflects a deep belief: the right people make anything possible.
How did your career path as an entrepreneur unfold?
I’m a fourth-generation Edmontonian, and I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. In high school and university, I was always running small businesses and ventures. During university, I had the chance to represent some Canadian companies in China, which was an eye-opening experience. I’ve always had a not-so-secret passion for martial arts, so while I was in China, I started training in Kung Fu while doing market research for those Canadian companies. It was one of my first real chances to flex that entrepreneurial muscle, and I just knew it was what I wanted to do.
This led me to start a marketing firm. I met a great guy here in Edmonton named Ted Kouri, and we launched a company in my mom’s basement using her floral TV trays, a couple of cell phones, and a shared laptop. We started out selling websites back when websites were just becoming a thing. That business became Incite, and I was there for 20 years. At our peak, we had about 35 to 40 people and a
beautiful standalone office on Saskatchewan Drive. Ted and I had a fantastic partnership, and it was a wonderful company, but at the 20-year mark, I started to feel the itch to do something different.
Around that same time, I experienced a personal tragedy: my sister passed away from cancer at 39. That had a huge impact on me. Parallel to deciding what was next for my business, I organized a group of people to train for a year and then participate in a simulated Navy SEAL Hell Week. It was incredibly challenging, and I ended up giving a TEDx talk about the experience.
Originally, I just wanted to suffer in my sister’s honour, but what I found was something much deeper. I learned the value of being vulnerable and open with a strong community. If you want to go further, having great people around you is key. My grandfather used to say, “If you want to be incredible, surround yourself with incredible people.” After everything I’ve been through, I can say that’s absolutely true.
What direction did life take you in after that?
I ended up selling the business to my partners and decided to move forward in a new way. In this next phase of my career, I’ve built everything around that idea of connection. Today, I have a small portfolio of businesses I’ve invested in. I also support a few of them as a fractional executive. It’s just me and my assistant, and I keep it intentionally lean so I can stay engaged and agile. I also run a private gym which has been a real passion project. Fitness has always been a powerful way for me to bring people together, and this space allows that, whether it's working out, hosting conversations, or building community.
My role across all these connections is as a catalyst. I help companies grow, usually through strategy and connection. Sometimes it’s through building better internal relationships; other times it’s through tapping into my network. I naturally seem to know the right person someone should talk to, whether they’re hiring, expanding, or just need a new perspective. Over the years, I’ve built a deep and diverse network, and I genuinely enjoy putting people together in ways that benefit them both.
Some friends even joke that I’m “the know-a-guy guy,” and maybe that’s true. But what I care about is how those connections land. I want the people I introduce to feel like, “If Jared made this connection, there’s probably something meaningful here for
both of us.” That’s always my intent. It’s not just about knowing people; it’s about making the right introductions that create real momentum for everyone involved.
How has your approach to relationships evolved, and how does it inform your work today?
Earlier in my career, I had a transactional mindset. It was like, “Could you be a client? No? Okay, on to the next.” I didn’t always slow down to think about the bigger picture of relationships. It was very outcomedriven. But after my sister passed away, something shifted in me. I started to reflect on my grandfather’s words of, “How can I help?” That simple question reframes everything. When I show up with a genuine desire to help, the entire conversation changes. Over time, I’ve also become aware of the danger of judgment. I think as humans, we’re wired to judge. We do it automatically, often without realizing it. We want to put people into boxes. I don’t think we can stop that entirely, but what we can do is catch ourselves when it happens and try to replace that judgment with curiosity.
That idea has become a powerful principle for me. It starts with how we relate to ourselves, too. When I notice that I’m judging myself, I try to meet that with curiosity instead. It’s changed the way I relate to people and to myself, and that’s been foundational to how I approach the relationships in my life now.
What three things do you need to live your most luxurious life?
First and foremost, it’s people. Beyond my family, who are at the heart of everything, I find so much richness in the relationships I’ve built with a diverse range of individuals. Some of the most meaningful connections in my life are with people whose backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences are different from mine.
The second thing is peace of mind. It’s something I strive for, though I don’t always get it right. I’ve found a surprising amount of it through martial arts. The ability to be fully in the moment—to slow down and focus—has become a personal luxury I value.
And finally, freedom. I’ve worked hard to create a life that gives me space. I never want to be so entangled in something that I lose the ability to shift gears or pursue something new. That kind of flexibility feels like real wealth to me.
I’d also say that meaningful experiences—more than any object—are what make life feel luxurious. Whether it’s travel, learning something new, or sharing a moment that creates a lasting connection, those experiences stay with you. I like nice things, but I believe luxury lives in people, in presence, and in the freedom to live life on one’s own terms.
WWW.JAREDSMITH.CA
When luxury speaks louder than rules Not a Care in the World
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Sometimes a dress does more than dress you; sometimes it takes you to another dimension. We’re celebrating pieces of timeless elegance crafted from richly detailed fabrics that make bold statements without needing to say a word. Perfect for any special occasion, these gorgeous garments are designed to captivate and empower, inviting you to embrace effortless sophistication on your own terms.
WWW.WHOCARESWEAR.COM
Sofie D' Hoore
Torun Tee
Sofie D' Hoore
Matthew Sweater (top)
Sofie D' Hoore
Maan Sweater (bottom)
Sofie D' Hoore
Padova Denim Coclico Mist Clogs
www.gravitypope.com
Lux accessories for every body All In the Mix
WORDS BY KRISTA FERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
True luxury lies in choosing clothing that makes us feel marvellous. This season, butter yellow anything, turquoise jewellery, and handbags adorned with gold accents perfectly pair with long, sunny days. Hats, sneakers, and sunglasses are de rigueur for the season, along with coin purse bags, raffia accents, and boat shoes to round out the current look. Should you add diamonds? Of course, those precious gems never go out of style.
This season, feel free to accessorize with items from both the men's and women's selections. These fashion pieces work for everybody and on every body. It's all in the mix, and the options are plentiful. Go for it.
Messika Paris Move Titanium
Graphite LM Pendant Necklace www.gemoro.com
Jacquemus Rond Carre Raffia Clutch www.simons.ca
Akoni Tiros Sunglasses www.henrysinger.com
Tateossian Large Cube Bracelet www.henrysinger.com
Reproduction of Found German Trainer www.gravitypope.com
Vivienne Westwood Belle Heart Handbag www.simons.ca
Marni Pablo Leather Sneakers www.simons.ca
Messika Paris Cordon Move Bracelet www.gemoro.com
Jacquemus
The Batto Leather Boat Shoes www.simons.ca
Driven by Purpose
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Beneath the sleek lights of Sherwood Motorcars, guests attended Highway to Healing: Driving the Conversation on Mental Health, an evening where luxury met a life-changing mission. Presented by the Mental Health Foundation in partnership with Sherwood Motorcars, the event offered an atmosphere of connection, compassion, and purpose. With live music, powerful storytelling from panelists, and a spirited auction, the evening spotlighted the importance of mental health care across Alberta. From heartfelt moments to bold fundraising, it was a gathering grounded in community and driven by hope.
WWW.SHERWOODMOTORCARS.COM
Rooted in Story
Bernadette’s features elegant recreations of a chef’s childhood favourites
WORDS BY BREANNA MROCZEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONG KIM
After the success of their Indigenous cuisine-focused catering and takeout business Pei Pei Chei Ow, business and life partners Scott Iserhoff and Svitlana Kravchuk recently took the leap to open a full-service restaurant. Named after Iserhoff’s kokum (grandmother), Bernadette’s is celebrating its first anniversary this month, after a series of soft openings in May and June 2024. “The reception has been really good,” says Kravchuk, restaurant manager and co-owner. “People keep coming back!”
At the heart of Bernadette’s is a celebration of Iserhoff and Kravchuk’s roots, with a menu that weaves Indigenous and Ukrainian influences. A sense of storytelling extends to every plate, glass, and conversation. The seasonal menu is crafted with care, with each dish re-creating a memory of Iserhoff’s. “I think people really enjoy hearing the new stories of our new dishes, and building new relationships with their food,” Iserhoff says. “I remember fishing with my father. He would batter fish eggs in flour and fry them along with the fish in butter, and we’d eat it on bannock. At Bernadette’s, we have a dish that uses halibut from BC, a rich butter sauce, salmon caviar, and chives, and that's the interpretation of that story and my memories of that dish. It’s very refined, very elegant, very beautiful. Our front of house manager, Amber Good, is from Haida Gwaii, and she also talks about enjoying halibut and how it's native to that area.”
Chef Iserhoff changes the menu about three times a year to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients, working with local suppliers. He also intends to always have some favourite staples available, like the raw elk and the brisket—the latter dish inspired by a memorable sandwich served at a butcher shop he once worked at in Toronto. Iserhoff’s sandwich recreation was a staple at Pei Pei Chei Ow, and now takes on a new form at Bernadette’s as Saskatoon berry brisket on bannock.
Saskatoons (and other berries) play a key role in Bernadette’s menu and have their own stories. Iserhoff recalls berries were “always around” in nature as a child, and now, the couple often goes berry-picking with their daughter. “We pick Saskatoon berries in the summer and they have family significance to us,” Kravchuk says. “Saskatoon berries have also been a big part of those ceremonies and experiences building relationships with communities here in Alberta. Saskatoon berries have a lot of value to our family.”
The drink program is just as thoughtful as the food menu, with a rotating list of natural wines from small-scale producers (some Indigenous-owned), thanks to Good, who is also the restaurant’s sommelier. The drink menu is rounded out with house-crafted cordials, syrups, and shrubs for cocktails and mocktails. “Every cocktail has a story,” Kravchuk says. “We’re not following any rulebook. We do what feels right.”
The space itself—designed entirely by Kravchuk—is a tribute to Bernadette, whose favourite colour, dusty rose, threads through the decor. “It’s intimate, elegant, and cozy,” says Kravchuk. “We want everyone who walks in to feel taken care of, like a rock star.”
Bernadette’s has quickly grown into a cherished part of the city’s culinary landscape, with regulars returning to try new dishes on the seasonal menu or enjoy a glass of natural wine from a small-batch producer. “Our wonderful front-of-house staff have built a relationship with many of our regulars now,” Kravchuk says. “Every month we have new wines that come in from small-batch producers, so for many regulars it’s exciting to learn about the wine, together, with us. For many people, a visit has become part of their routine, and that’s really cool.”
Still, not everyone walks in understanding what Bernadette’s is about. “Some people come in expecting fry bread or pow wow food,” Iserhoff says. “But Indigenous cuisine is diverse. What we’re doing here is something new. It’s healthy, it's refreshing, it’s our take on Indigenous food, and I think there are very few restaurants in North America doing that. I want people to come in with an open mind and ask about the stories behind the dishes. That’s how we grow.”
WWW.BERNADETTES.CA
In the Spirit of June
Unique and unsuspecting gins from around the globe
WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Celebrating gin in June makes sense: with World Gin Day on June 14 and more gins being produced far and wide, many are keen to celebrate this fascinating beverage. Moving beyond the days of “bathtub gin” to the now botanical-heavy spirits crafted with diverse aromatics, this juniper-forward drink is experiencing a global renaissance.
While Canada is making its mark with high-quality gins, several unsuspecting countries are using locally grown botanicals to produce their outstanding versions contained within eye-catching packaging. Below are five unique gins to celebrate World Gin Day this month.
Desert Gin, 78 Degrees Distillery, Australia: Known for its bold, jammy shiraz and crisp, dry riesling, one thinks of wine first, not gin, when considering what to drink in the land 'Down Under.' This gin from 78 Degrees Distillery could challenge that. Founded by a winemaker, the distillery takes its name from the boiling point of ethanol, which is 78 degrees. Using botanicals found in the Adelaide Hills area of southern Australia, their uniquely crafted gins are a benchmark in craft distilling. The Desert Gin, with a botanical profile that includes lime and orange, pays homage to the sun-drenched deserts of the Oceania continent. This overproof gin would make a fantastic gimlet or cocktail that’s citrus-forward.
Saigon Baigur Gin, Vietnam: The first gin to be distilled in Ho Chi Minh City, this extraordinary gin contains 12 unique local botanicals, including Saigon cinnamon, lotus flower, and the citrus fruit, Buddha’s hand. The bottle design, inspired by the scales of a mythological dragon that the locals believe represents power and prosperity, cannot be missed on store shelves. Imbue the essence of Vietnam by garnishing a classic gin and tonic with a lemon wheel and thyme to depict the dry season, and rosemary and peppercorn for those legendary hot and humid, rainy days.
Levantine Gin, M&H Distillery, Israel: From the land flowing with milk and honey, M&H is Israel’s first whisky distillery. Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, surrounded by distinct architecture, lively open-air markets, and within walking distance to nearby beaches, this distillery is woven into the very fabric of the culture. Although whisky is the primary focus, M&H produces four different gins made from 100 per cent malted barley. Triple-distilled, the Levantine Gin features the requisite juniper, plus ingredients like za’atar, lemon peel, orange, chamomile, verbena, cinnamon, and black pepper—all sourced from local markets.
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, India: While India has made its mark with some epic whisky production, this spirit from Jaisalmer—the former Rampur Distillery—is a standout in the gin category. Seven of the 11 hand-picked botanicals in the recipe are sourced from all corners of the country. Using a triple-distilled neutral grain spirit, then re-distilled in a copper pot, this smooth, aromatic gin needs nothing other than club soda and an orange slice. However, if looking to experiment, one can find a list of cocktail recipes hanging around the neck of the elegant bottle featuring the image of a buck etched in gold on a black label.
KO, Kenya: KO (Kenya Originals) gins symbolize a taste of the Sahara. The distillery was born in 2016 with a humble cider and later expanded its production to award-winning gins crafted with botanicals sourced from locales around the country. Under the African Originals umbrella, the company strives to create a positive, lasting impact across Africa by giving small-scale farmers opportunities to boost their income, and providing leadership opportunities to Maasai women. These initiatives showcase not only Kenya but the entire country of Africa.
The Evolution of the Lion
The art of Josh Harnack
WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
The lion came first.
Not in myth, but in brushstrokes—painted in a moment of awe when Josh Harnack, then a student at Vancouver Film School, created something that genuinely impressed him. It wasn’t a class assignment. It wasn’t for money. It was a lion in a suit, regal and surreal, staring back at him from the canvas. “I couldn’t stop looking at it,” Harnack recalls. “I hung it on the wall and just stared.”
But long before the lion took shape, the spark had already begun to smoulder. Harnack didn’t have a lightning bolt origin story. His path to art was a trail of small, vivid moments—checking out Dungeons & Dragons books from the library just to marvel at the illustrations, copying his older sister’s drawings for praise in elementary school, impressing the girls with charcoal sketches in the 10th grade. He was the kid who won the Grade 5 art award, the teen who kept taking art electives just for the freedom they allowed. In his words, it was never one big epiphany. “It was just a series of pings,” he says—tiny creative pings that added up to something undeniable.
The lion became a visual timestamp. Like clockwork, Harnack returns to it every five years to repaint it, each version more technically advanced. “I might not even keep going more realistic,” he muses. “Maybe next time it’s cubist. Or totally abstract.” The painting’s not just a lion anymore—it’s a reflection of how far he’s come and a reminder that no work is ever really finished.
That belief runs deep through his entire practice.
Take, for example, a painting he created in high school of Tom Hanks in the film Saving Private Ryan, frozen in the moment before death. Years later, he gave the piece to a friend. They reworked it together, layering surreal creatures and inside jokes. It became their ritual, a living collaboration that Harnack planned to update each year. In a downturn of events, the friendship unravelled, and the project ended. The painting found its way back to Harnack after a series of strange events, and now it remains haunted, in a sense. “It was going to be a legacy piece,” he says. “Now it’s something else entirely.”
And still, he paints.
He paints animals—foxes, owls, cats with unnerving expressions. He paints murals, monsters, abstract blobs. He writes poems for his paintings and turns cast-off works into stories. His 2023 show Train of Thought, featured 20 unfinished pieces from fellow Edmonton artists. Harnack painted into each piece, finishing some, transforming others, and writing poems to accompany them. Each painting became a chapter in a larger, loosely connected story about heartbreak, hope, and struggle. He completed much of the work during a residency in Blairmore, Alberta, where passing freight trains disrupted his thoughts so often that they became part of the story. The final piece featured a train twisting around a human figure, visually instilling the metaphor into the narrative. The sold-out show premiered in March 2023 at the Creative Hive.
This summer, Harnack is heading to a residency in France, a perfect place to get lost in language, colour, architecture, and solitude. “I want to see what happens when I let the place paint through me,” he says.
WWW.HARNACK.CA
Inside Kanso Interior Design
WORDS BY MYAH JUNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
According to Tracy Birnie, owner and principal interior designer of Kanso Interior Design Inc., calm continuity, a lack of disarray, and a timeless final result are the non-negotiable pillars of design.
Kanso, a Japanese word meaning simplicity, felt like an appropriate name for Birnie, who opened her interior design company after years of experience in designing, fine arts, photography, and sculpting. Birnie describes her job as an interior designer as being the one who creates energy in a room. “[Designing] is what completes a room and gives it a certain feel,” she says.
From vet clinics to home builds, Kanso Interior Design has lived up to its name, bringing timeless, modern, and minimalistic designs to life in Edmonton and beyond. One such design is a custom-built home overlooking the Okanagan Golf Resort in Kelowna, B.C.
Often inspired by luxurious hotels, restaurants, and unique travel destinations, Birnie’s designs commonly pair natural elements, clean lines, and cozy wooden components, all illuminated by natural lighting to create a contemporary, traditional Italian look and feel. Both vertical and horizontal lines draw the eye to specific features and make any square footage feel more spacious.
Designing a home, or even a room, can look different for everyone. And it often does.
Birnie’s clients typically fall into one of two groups: those who want to see samples in person, feel the textures, and approve fixtures themselves before moving forward, and those who prefer a less hands-on approach, choosing not to participate in the on-site inspections but instead opting to make decisions based on Birnie’s presentations and recommendations. Neither group suffers from a lack of planning on Birnie’s end of the deal.
When meeting new clients, the independent designer says most people are shocked by the amount of forethought that goes into a project before the first brick is even laid. “Each home is different and unique. That's what makes it comfortable for them.”
Birnie doesn’t let current trends edge into her creation process with clients. Instead, she steers her clients away from time-stamped trends to avoid potential redesigns years down the road. “I don’t want people to be able to tell when the house was built in five, 10, 15 years,” Birnie explains. She prides herself on the time spent working behind the scenes that her clients don’t see firsthand. Reviewing new products from her trusted suppliers and keeping up to date are among the means Birnie uses to stay at the top of her game.
Among those trusted colleagues is Troy Seaborne, owner and architectural technologist at Bauhaus Home Design Ltd. Aside from being someone with whom Birnie professionally collaborates, Seaborne is also her brother and someone she’s long respected. Giving preference to family-owned companies is common practice for Birnie, who looks for Canadian businesses to support through collaboration and product sourcing. Homes by Managen, FX Homes, and Goldline Developments are three of her preferred builders.
To succeed in the design industry requires an enormous commitment to networking, which doesn’t break when the workday ends. Birnie stresses the importance of making connections, given the industry's referral-heavy nature. Strong connections keep designers in tune with new product releases while ensuring the quality of work never falls short of perfection.
WWW.KANSOINTERIORDESIGN.CA
Bar Trove’s Stylish Debut
Lauren Kyle McDavid unveils a chic new destination for design lovers and cocktail seekers
On Saturday, May 25, Edmonton’s social scene got a little more refined. Interior designer Lauren Kyle McDavid, wife of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, opened the doors to Bar Trove on the main floor of the historic Canada Permanent Building in the heart of the city. The launch was a candlelit affair that welcomed friends, family, and a stylish mix of the city’s fashion, design, and entertainment crowd. Guests enjoyed expertly mixed cocktails as they took in the warm, inviting atmosphere. The elegant venue feels like a tucked-away gem you’d find in London or Paris, but with a modern Edmonton twist. More than a standard bar opening, the night marked the start of something special.
The second floor is devoted to Trove Living, a retail space offering furniture and home accessories. Kyle & Co Design, the company Kyle McDavid founded with Brittany Shulz, occupies the entire third floor. With three businesses under one roof, Lauren Kyle McDavid is reshaping how Edmontonians experience style, hospitality, and comfortable home living.
BY
PHOTO
AYO ERINLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYO ERINLE
Clockwise from left: 1. Zach Hyman & Alannah Hyman 2. Rachel Dunford, Julie Turris, Moa Arvidsson, Shay Santos & Liv Hall 3. Ashley Pigott & Rachel Gagner 4. Olivia Bannock, Lauren Kyle McDavid & Brittany Schulz 5. Marco Bossio, Stephanie Bossio, Jennifer Bossio & Santino Bossio 6. Adam Phillips & Rachel Dunford 7. Lauren Kyle McDavid, Paul Kyle & Sharon Kyle
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY WALKER
Clockwise from left excluding group photos: 1. Chef Eric Hanson 2. Krista Ference 3. Darcy Kaser 4. Rob Tryon & Sierra Tryon 5. Rob Tryon & Randall MacDonald
