MAC BY REQUEST
FOR THE RECORD- PUT YOUR BACK N 2 IT BY PERFUME GENIUS
Smell the Genius in the Perfume.
Perfume Genius is the singer-songwriter project of Mike Hadreas. “Put Your Back N 2 It” is his sophomore LP which was released on February 20th on Matador Records. Much like his debut album, titled “Learning”, Mike relies on simple piano arrangements and passionate vocals to guide the listener through an album full of loneliness, sadness, and introspection.
The songs on the album are simple, and the ‘less is more’ approach helps create an extremely intimate experience for the listener. The speed of the album is slow and the alterations and transitions are quiet, subtle, and minimal. The simple melodies help reinforces the feelings Mike is portraying within his haunting vocals. This album is full of extremely sadness, however it doesn’t come off as a ‘whinny’ and accurately depicts a lot of Mike’s inner workings, emotional turmoil with a lot of truth, and sincerity.
I was hard pressed to find something that I didn’t like about this album but if i had too choose one thing it would be the length of the songs. The majority of the songs on the album run no longer than 2-3 minutes and has an overall running time of just over 32 minutes.
This is a small gripe for an album that I considerate to be one of the best this year; however I found not a moment after I started to get into a song they would suddenly end with no warning or conclusion. The single “Hood” and “Normal Song” are great examples of these sudden unorthodox endings that seem to just cut off and fade into the next song, but despite this they still manage to be two of my favorite tracks on the album.
Overall the new album is an improvement from the debut, “Learning” in content and in quality. The album is terrifically recorded, the pianos are bright, the guitars polished and most importantly Mike’s vocals are crisp and clear; something that was missing from “Learnings”. I highly suggest you give this album a listen and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Brodie Taylor
EDITOR PICKS – PARKSHOW 2012
Everyone was amazed with the wondrous production of PARKshow. “It’s the best organization in the world hands down. I will always say good things about PARK,” says Marsina King, designer of MaNoKin Design. “Their reach and insight in success makes it so easy for designers to get their work out there, and for PARK to be a non-profit organization that can put on a show of this caliber is unbelievable.”
First year designer to showcase in PARKshow, Anya Dionne of Dionne Dionne, was very happy to be able to watch the show. “It’s unusual to be in the crowd. PARK really takes care of everything.” Ashley Quan of Apiana Que agrees, “PARK is about helping designers and artists. I feel very supported by them. Their shows are always so professional.”
THE DESIGNERS & EDITOR PICKS
EKUMENIK
Ekumenik embraces the Fall/Winter Season with loose fits and warm knits. The big bold stripes in darker, yet vibrant shades are eye-catching.
LIGHT + SOUL APPAREL
The boldly colored tribal prints of the poaches were dazzling and matched the design of these comfortable bottoms.
HOAKAN + HELGA
Worldly styles and textures emanated from this collection. The soft leathers of the handbags showcased the best of vintage fashion.
MANOKIN DESIGN
MaNoKin displays the best of feminine beauty with deliberate cuts to peek-a-boo skin. The earthy, neutral tones wrapped the models spectacularly.
KARA
The contrasting colors and fabrics make the Kara collection stand out. I fell in love with the asymmetrical cuts and fabric fusions.
CHANTEL TRAUB
Sheerness was the theme of Chanel Traub Fall/Winter Collection, creating stylized fashion creations.
APIANA QUE
Apiana Que defies the conventions of Fall/Winter collections and brightens the runway with shocking colours and vivid patterns. This collection was inspired by the colors of the Madagascar chameleons.
DIONNE DIONNE
Matched with comfortable knits and the cutest heart detail, stripes make a striking appearance on the runway with Dionne Dionne. Her elegant wedding dress also captured wed gasps from the crowd.
REBECCA KING
This collection beautifully reflected worldly styles through interesting cuts and accents. King’s runway felt like a trendy, high class presentation of “It’s a Small World”, the beloved Disney attraction.
BANO EEMEE
Bano eeMee showcased a shopaholic’s dream collection for Fall/Winter jackets. I am a huge fan of his jackets, the exquisite detailing in his collection, and the variety of colors available for each style.
EMOGENE COUTURE
The voluminous dresses of Emogene Couture captured my eyes instantly. Emogene demonstrates the flirty nature of women perfectly in this Fall/Winter collection.
RUBY WOO COUTURE
Elegant dresses from Ruby Woo graced the runway, sparkling as they floated across the floor. These spectacular outfits could easily be mistaken for celebrity red carpet gowns.
Elle Nguyen || Images Courtesy of AYuen.Photo
LASH OUT: A FOUR PART SERIES ON KICKIN LASH(ES)
PART 1/ 4 LASH OUT
The eyes are the window to the soul, and the eyelashes are the frame to the window. A simple and easy way to make your eyes pop is with the right mascara. The key to a perfect mascara application lies in a few simple steps. By following my simple guidelines you can get beautiful blinkers every time.
Curl your Lashes: The two most kick lash curlers I have used are the Tweezerman lash curler and the Shu Uemura lash curler. Both have a rounded rubber bumper, so you avoid the L shape that a lesser quality curler will give. The other key aspect is they are both precise, so you can curl each individual lash perfectly every time. Lashes must always be curled prior to mascara application so that you do not lose lashes sticking to the curler.
Choose the right formulation
Choose a mascara that addresses your lash needs.
Sparse, thin lashes: Choose a plumping & lengthening formulation that adds volume, such as Benefit’s They’re real mascara. This product will give you wow factor with little effort.
Long, thin lashes: Choose a volumizing and defining formulation, such as Lancome Hypnose Mascara it will define & lengthen each individual lash for a really dramatic look.
Thick, long lashes: Just a sweep of color will add vavoom to your look, use a natural mascara, such as Gabriel mascara. Free from any synthetic chemicals, it adds a wash of natural color and lashes will stay long and healthy.
Thick short Lashes: The key here is lengthening, and there are some really cool fibre based products, such as MAC’s fibre rich lash, which will literally build on top of the lash.
Roll the wand of the lash brush from the base of the lashes through to the tips. Take your brush and dust the tips of the lashes, as they become sun bleached and often very fair. Apply mascara to both the underside and top of the lash, using your lash wand as a paint brush, accentuating the tips and outer corners of the lashes will give a sultry, cat-eye look, where accentuating all lashes evenly gives a doe-eyed look.
If you are using a conventional mascara (made from synthetic ingredients) alternate with something that is free from chemicals and has nourishing properties to allow your lashes a little break. The ingredients in synthetics give drama to the lash but it is healthy to alternate with natural, conditioning ingredients. I love Zuzu mascara to nourish my lashes following using my naughty but effective mascara. It has Vitamin E and jojoba to counteract the damage of other product.
In the next part of this four part series we will discuss the world of lash growing serums, so if you are plagued by short or sparse lashes, there will be some cool solutions coming your way soon!
Alison Estill
THE PINK FROSTED GALA
The Pink Frosted Gala hosted by Dori’s Diamonds was a night full of fashion, food, and great company.
The fashion shows from MaNoKin Design and Ruby Ellen Designs gave the guests a sneak peek into what these fashion designers have planned for Spring/Summer 2012. MaNoKin Design Spring/Summer Collection is all about happiness and love. Lace and pointelles graced the runway on pale tone tops and skirts. Marsina King, designer of MaNoKin Design is focusing more on separates and skirts this season.
Ruby Johnson is re-branding her collection this year, inspired by her experience last year in New York. Ruby Ellen Designs is transforming into R.E.D. Haute Couture, a design house that specializes in custom design outfits. Johnson showcased two runway collections, but it was the second runway collection that really reflected her brand transformation.
Dori’s Dolls exploded from a box, dressed in custom designs from the second runway collection, a collaboration with Dori’s Diamonds, MaNoKin Design, and R.E.D. Haute Couture. This presentation was part of a performance of fashion, dance and music. The very talented violinist, Sophie Serafino, kicked off the performance with dramatic musical demonstration. Two dancers followed up with an exciting routine that interacted with the crowd and rotated the Dolls around the room. Overall, the fashion performance was a beautiful display of fashion, music and dance talent that was greatly appreciated by the guests.
For a “Pink Frosted Gala”, I didn’t feel wrapped in pink, despite wearing a pink dress. Niki Middleton, a freelance model, also comments on the lack of pink, “Elle and I are the only ones in the crowd wearing pink!” But the minor detail didn’t really bother Middleton. She thought the best part of The Pink Frost Gala was the Marketplace. Along the walls, vendors manned their booths and catered to the guests’ inquires about the products they showcase.
The booth featuring Catalaya Floral Design and Gifts was a delight to all the senses. Fresh flowers decorated the booth in arrangements of unique boutonnieres, stunning hair clips, and gorgeous bouquets. Many of the hair pieces were featured on the models. Catalaya also showcased a collection of bath salts. These sensually smelling bath products are hand crafted in Drumheller.
Jen Maslak of Catalaya believes in high quality products, affordable arrangements and originality. “I won’t bring anything in that is carried in chains,” says Maslak. Each gift set can be customized to fit your style, tastes, and budget.
These tasty wonders caught my eye once I entered the hall. The towering treats from Yann Haute Patisserie were the perfect favours for this fashion event. I wish the towers were at every table, so all party patrons could enjoy these delectable sweets. There were, however, small samplings of Yann treats available from the booth for a small price.
Yann Haute Pastisserie specializes in French pastries, but what makes this bakery special? The authentic French sweets are masterly crafted by a French Pastry Chef with 15 years of international work experience tucked under his chef hat.
This little purple zebra print wonder sparkles with black and white crystals and is topped off with a soft leather bow.
I couldn’t help but bring a Niche clutch home with me! I always love the color and texture fusions of the Niche brand, and I’m not the only one. Vincent of Binzento Vincente also loves the textures, especially the feel of horse hair on the clutches.
For Spring/Summer 2012, you can expect to see more bright colors and color blocking on Niche clutches. This year, Beenish Natasha of Niche will be working with European and American designers. Natasha says, “I always look for quality and originality in designers”.
Niche wasn’t the only one bringing out the sparkles that night. Dori’s Diamonds accessorized the runway models with flirty, feminine pieces. I found that most of the jewelry speaks out to the younger crowd – accessories with dessert shapes, hearts and other cute characters decorated the booth. Simple, elegant pieces were also available to add a fashionable finish to a trendy, everyday look or add flair to any business outfit.
Blo, the blow dry bar, was on site with an array of products and knowledge. Guests who visited their booth were treated to mini touch-ups to their make-up and hair, but the guests weren’t the only ones pampered. Blo also styled the hair of the models for the runway shows.
The last booth I visited was hosted by Givenchy. It definitely had the most extravagant design. The booth was decorated with celebrity posters, sparkling crystals, and exquisite displays of perfume.
The night concluded with a lively performance from The Kirby Sewell Band. Music from Blues, Rock, Gospel, Country & Soul drew guests to the dance floor. At the end of the night, guests left with gifts, smiles, and memories of good times.
Words & Photos by Elle Nguyen
SUNRISE TO SUNSET – MARCH 2012
Photographer: Fela Dales For Calgary Fashion
Hair & Make-up: Joyti Purba & Joanna Kemp
Stylist: Linda Sui Lem
Assistants: Courtney Kos, Ato Baako, Gabi McCarty
Models: Astrid & Gillian (Numa Models)
IN RETROSPECTIVE: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
In the bottom floor of Sociale, waitresses dressed in lingerie and flirty Santa costumes greeted guests as they entered. It was a night of grand discounts. Three designers presented their wares on black clothed booths: Dori’s Diamonds, Nuage 9, and ElectroFur.
Dori’s Diamonds showcased a variety of styles from charm necklaces to delicate floral pendants. My favorite piece was the necklace made of gold beads, fur accents, and a bronze chain.
It was a spacious set-up with a very long runway that looped around the room. Unfortunately, only part of the runway leg was properly lit for optimal viewing of the outfits. The rest of the crowd was subjected to a dimly lit fashion performance, which worked out great for Electrofur but was a hindrance for Nuage 9.
All handbags featured on the runway were hand crafted and accented with crystals. Hina Haq, owner of Nuage 9, is moving towards providing Calgarians with a high-end collection. Some select clutches have handset crystals and others are comprised of handwoven materials, demonstrating Haq’s care for high quality and detail. The handbag designs are sophisticated and classy – suited for an older, professional client. The crystal designs are delicately intricate and glimmer boldly in light, making them excellent adornments on nightlife accessories.
Nuage 9 isn’t limited to handbags. A client had commented on the scarcity in the variety of hat styles in Calgary and complimented Nuage 9 on providing a diverse collection.
Even before the runway show, the crowd took an immediate liking to ElectroFur. Several guests had purchased glowing boas. One woman purchased one for her mother: “She’s 80. She’s going to love it!” Apparently, ElectroFur makes a great gift for people of all ages! When asked about the makings of ElectroFur, David Lee, the designer, kept his lips sealed. “It’s magic” was his only reply and I believe him!
The idea of ElectroFur grew from David’s experience with the Burning Man Festival. “”While contemplating the making of a fur type costume for the annual Burning Man event, I was playing around with flexible lighting in my living room. The phone rang. I dropped everything, brushed up against my white faux fur coat and it fell on top of the lighted wire. When I came back and saw the fibers of the fur glowing, that was the genesis of the construction of a full length white faux fur coat.” By implanting a lighting system into the jacket, the glowing attire attracted “onlookers with eyes so wide and jaws dropping with disbelief with what they were witnessing”.
Powered by AA batteries, wearers of this glowing clothing line have the option of print, color and color change ability for their select accessories. For more information, visit the Electrofur website.
Words/Photos by Elle Nguyen
GARDEN VARIETY SHOW
The Garden Variety Show has a different layout than any other show I’ve seen in Calgary. It is run like a TV talk show with performances and interviews with guests intermingled together into a night of wonder, comedy, and personality.
The most wondrous act of the night was delivered by Malcolm Russell, a magician who has performed a show on all 106 islands of Scotland! That’s quite a feat. When he arrived on scene with ropes in hand, I was sure this wasn’t going to any ordinary performance with ropes. His performance was so smooth and seamless that the audience was left wondering if his explanation of static electricity was really true.
Aytahn of Circus Montreal also brought out amazed gasps from the audience. Dressed in a classy, clean cut suit, he wowed the audience with balancing a bouquet of roses, books and a chair on his face. He received the loudest applause when he juggled ping pong balls using only his mouth. The sight was like watching a busy Bingo machine bouncing ping pong balls about. The audience absolutely loved it.
To keep the energy high, James Jordon, host of Garden Variety Show also introduced great comedy acts. The murder ballad by Ryan Pilling was the best display of comedy that night. The happy notes of Pilling’s voice and his banjo mixed with the dark words and a Bluegrass melody created such an ironic moment that resulted in wholehearted laughter.
The Junkyard Symphony took a different approach to comedy, using childish, clowny acts more appropriate for children’s birthday parties. While Dylan drummed beats on an array of recycled materials, Jonny amused the crowd with less-than-impressive acts of juggling. The audience, however, was very supportive and participated without reluctance when brought up on stage.
Personality is what makes The Garden Variety Show so special. Not only does Jordan introduce interesting performers to Calgary, he gives the audience a chance to peer into the hearts and minds behind it all. After each act, Jordan invites the performer to a live, laid-back interview. It was through these sessions, that I learned how Dan the One Man Band redefined the definition of a street performer.
Dan was the last act of the show and the crowd absolutely loved him. Dan has been performing in Calgary for 20 years as a one man band. Back when he was starting, he would reluctantly introduce himself as a street performer. “You mean like the guys that play music outside of liquor stores?” people would ask.
Nowadays, when he tells people what he does and people excitedly reply “like ‘Dan the One Band?’” and he proudly states “I am ‘Dan the One Man Band.’” Dan plays the roles of all members in a band – harmonica, guitar, drums, percussion, and vocalist. It was a wondrous performance of one man and eight instruments that rocked the audience and had them shouting for more.
The next Garden Variety Show is February 23rd, 2012 and will feature Yeats and Gwyn of “A Brush with Death”, an underground macabre magic and morbid comedy show for adults. Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased online here.
Words by Elle Nguyen
LOVE PREVAILS – FEBRUARY 2012
Photographers: Fela Dales & Alexandra Beraru
Hair and Make-up: Douglas Cressman
Stylist: Linda Sui Lem
Assistants: Arielle Kiser & Ato Baako
Model: Bronwyn McDonald (Artists Within)
(L) Collar: DIY || Pants: Bodybag || Shoes: Dr. Martens Arien $150
(R) Dress: Zara || Belt: Moschino || Shoes: Dr. Martens
(L) Plaid & Chiffon Skirt: N.R.T Fashions || Metal Cuff: Asos || Leather Harness: Peeko Apparel
(R) Belt: BCBG Max Azria || Drop Dead Tank: N.R.T Fashions || Leopard Skirt: Zara || Shoes: Aldo
(L) Drop Dead Tank: N.R.T Fashions || Shoes: Dr. Martens Core Pascal $160.
Plaid & Chiffon Skirt: N.R.T Fashions
SAVE THE DATE – LE CHÂTEAU EXPERT STYLE EVENT
It gives us great pleasure together with Le Château and expert stylist Kim Flanagan to invite you to discover a new and sophisticated Le Chateau! Join us at the Le Chateau Expert Styling Event (Wednesday October 26th) for an exciting shopping experience that includes professional wardrobe – building counseling, complimentary edibles and music by DJ Roofeo. The first 100 guests to meet with Calgary’s favoured stylist Kim Flanagan will enjoy an exclusive $25 gift towards any purchase made during the event.
See you there!
