STUDIO INTENT’S GRAND OPENING REVEALS PASSION & DEDICATION FOR CANADIAN DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS

For someone like myself who supports independent labels, I have always found it difficult to locate fashion boutiques that specialize in local designs by fellow Canadians. Studio Intent, located in Art Central, do just that: they are 100% Canadian!

The owner of the boutique, Chantal Barchard, has great passion for local designers and artists. The vision of Studio Intent is to feature Canadian designs and promote some of the existing talents that, in my opinion, often lacked exposure to the general public.

The boutique showcases independent labels from various designers across Canada and include  Maison by House of Spy by Toronto designer Wendy Wong, Mia Melon by Polly Green from Vancouver and Eve Gravel by designer of the same name from Ottawa.

In addition, the boutique also carries jewelry and accessory lines such as Colleen Cyca Designs by native Calgarian designer Colleen Cyca. She specializes in creating hand-made jewelry pieces out of resin.

Of course I would not forget to mention one of my favourites, Slashpile Designs by twin designers Tara and Courtney Neray from the east coast. They design some really cool and unique necklaces that resemble the actual chemical molecule structure.

Although Studio Intent currently only carries women’s fashion, I was still very impressed with the quality of each of the pieces and the designers Barchard had selected to showcase at her store. From what I saw, it came to my realization that Canada has got some great talents.

Studio Intent can be found at Art Central at #105, 100 7th Ave S.W.

Words by Vincent Law

Photography & Videography by Paul Spenard