Parkshow 2013: 22 pictures of Calgary’s fashionable set celebrating the best homegrown collections
See all the party photos from Parkshow 2013 in Calgary »
Welcome aboard! It’s a new year for PARK, Calgary’s non-profit fashion and arts organization, and that means a new line-up of outstanding events and fresh emerging talent. On March 23, a cool crowd of more than 350 guests checked in at the Aerospace Museum of Calgary for PARKSHOW 13, presented by Hyatt Auto Gallery Mercedes-Benz.
GATES OPEN, 7:30 PM – Surrounded by antique planes, vintage suitcases, and a runway littered with wooden shipping crates, the night was centered around air travel in its every fiber, upgrading the guest experience to—at the risk of sounding way too punny—first class, complete with stamped PARKSHOW boarding passes, passports and luggage labels.
DEPARTURE, 8:15 PM – The Wearable Art Exhibition, a new addition to last year’s schedule of events, was an opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with pieces from Apiana Que, Chantel Traub, and a Halloween-esque NRT Fashions.
CONNECTION, 9:15PM – Fittingly, Vancouver’s Alex Folzi kicked off Show One with his accessories line of leather bags and suitcases, while Michelle Roberts’ reliably retro-inspired label, Emogene Couture, elaborated on the petticoat and fur stole. Another first for PARKSHOW was the presence of Calgary’s Northern Alberta counterpart; Edmonton designers (and boutique partners) Kelly Madden and Kelsey McIntyre of Serendipity presented their lines on the runway for the first time ever in Calgary.
CONNECTION, 10:00PM – Show Two saw the return of Aleem Arif’s Bano Eemee leather jackets and new bow-tie accessories, while Sarah Auston’s fresh, feminine label Of A Feather played with fun prints and separates. But it was two more Edmonton-based designers who would close the show: Alisha Schick of SUKA Clothing, expanding on 2012’s “Gothic Cowboy” collection, and Mercedes-Benz Start Up finalist Nicole Campre, last seen in October at World MasterCard Fashion Week.
ARRIVAL, 10:30PM – Before the click-clack of heels escaped the Aerospace Museum for the building’s final public event, champagne, cupcakes and PARK’s pretty team of stylish doyennes rolled out the closing remarks and toasted the organization’s 5th Birthday, a commendable feat, as PARK runs purely on volunteer hours and sponsorship, and puts 100 per cent of its proceeds towards hosting future events for the community. Whether these young designers decide to sit idly or prepare for take off, PARK’s making sure to provide the runway—and they look good doing it, too.