The luxury Italian brand Marni conspires with H&M to take over the fashion scene of spring 2012.

“Collaborating with H&M has been an exciting challenge,” says Consuelo Castiglioni, founder and creative director of Marni. The loose fitting garments and eclectic accessories normally target an older crowd of fashionistas, but this opportunity with H&M may open up the Marni clientele to a younger audience.

Marni’s collection for H&M will be a visual display of this fashion house’s history. Through juxtapositions of classic Marni prints and silhouettes, graphic art and fabrics, this new line will appeal to the playfulness of youth, but will have the “level of quality, craft and attention to detail Marni is known for”.

For women, pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants and jacquard knits of a variety of fabrics and vibrant prints can be paired together to form outfits of match and clash. Complete the look with jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves, all touched with Marni’s eclectic and elegant style.

Marni’s collection for H&M men will feature a more relaxed look in both color and print. Prints will be used subtly as lining or clothing detail, and silhouettes will showcase masculine classics of relaxed fits.

-Elle Nguyen

- Photography – Magnuss Magnusson

Probably one of the most anticipated shows of the year, Donatella Versace for H&M garnered quite the buzz as fashionistas waited with nervous opinions on what would be seen on the runway. Bloggers and journalists were divided showing varied opinions on past collections from Donatella. The discussion was high on whether or not the show would triumph or fall short of the essence of Versace.  The night catered to celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Blake Lively, Chace Crawford and many more and guests were treated to special guest performances from hip-pop princess Nicki Minaj and the one and only Prince.

The extravaganza took place in a specially designed building on the Hudson River in New York City with a runway paved with gold! Models were draped in the vigor of Versace as the hyper-colour collection complete with special one of a kind pieces made up of metal mesh dresses, silk-crêpe dresses with gold buttons, multi-coloured panel print combinations and the classic Versace studded leather jackets electrified not just the models but the audience in attendance. Guys were outfitted in sharp patterned suits with printed sweaters and shirts.

The collection was a vibrant celebration of the partnership between Versace and H&M, and to date, the collection stands out as one of the edgiest and daring collaborations.

Set for release in approximately 300 stores worldwide and online  November 17th.  Christmas may just have to come early for some of us!

Photography – All Rights Reserved H&M/Dan & Corina Lecca 

To add to the anticipation of David Fincher’s version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, this morning H&M announced their latest designer collaboration with costume designer Trish Summerville will be dedicated to exploring the dark urban feel of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Summerville has created a women’s collection with pieces inspired by the film’s anti heroine Lisbeth Salander. Come December 4th, fans of H&M and the movie will find the a selection of the 30 piece collection which includes  leather jackets and trousers, torn jeans and slouch hoodies in industrial shades of black, grey, worn white or dark red. The collection is said to debut exclusively in Paris on November 28th and will be available from December 14th in select Divided stores and online.

It is time to dust off those boots and do the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Stampede has once again snuck up on us! The city’s spirit is alive: ten days of mini donuts, the grandstand show, country music and rides.

Yesterday, The CORE began the festivities by putting on a fashion show revealing the latest trends for both men and women. With the help of country musical artist Matt Masters, it attracted quite the crowd on Stephen Avenue. Eveline Charles did the hair and make-up for the models & clothing was provided by Brooks Brothers, Cleo, Smart Set, H&M, Judith & Charles, Gap, Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew. The idea was to keep it simple, yet fun.

From July 4^th to the 17^th , Holt Renfrew will be having on the spot hemming with all jean purchases. Men’s starting at $85 and women’s at $120. There will also be a special performance by Albertan singer Kira Hladun on Saturday, July 9^th from 1 to 4 pm.

Do not miss out!

For more information on the Calgary Stampede check out their website at http://cs.calgarystampede.com/

Happy Stampeding!

Words by Daniela Codreanu

Photography by Paul Spenard

This Fall following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and most recently Lanvin, legendary design fashion house Versace will see creative director Donatella Versace deliver an exclusive collection that looks back to the Versace heritage full of leather, print,colour and exuberant exclusive materials at unbeatable H&M prices.

For H&M, Donatella Versace has gone back in time through the archives to reinterpret classic Versace designs. Womenswear will be dominated by dresses that express the spirit of the season; featuring studded leather, silk and colourful prints and accessories including high heels and costume jewelry.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere,” says Donatella Versace.

For men, the collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo as well as belts and jewelry for men. For the first time in a designer collaboration with H&M, the Versace collection will include home decor pieces including pillows and bedspreads.

Versace for H&M is set to be released in North America on Saturday,  November 19th. It will be sold in approximately 300 stores worldwide as well as online.

Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, whose daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion by creating provocative styles in classical themes all cut with an impeccable eye for design, has been under Donatella Versace’s reign since 1997 after the untimely passing of the revered designer. Today, Gianni Versace’s work and brand continue to evolve into a global fashion house at the forefront of luxury, today under the impeccable eye of Donatella Versace.

Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace epitomizes everything the House of Versace stands for: delectable fashion.

“Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant – everything Versace stands for. Donatella Versace is sharing with us iconic designs from the archives. This is such a celebratory collaboration and is perfect for the festive season,” says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be available exclusively in select countries via H&M online sales from January 19th, 2012.

“EC Academy was my first and only choice when it came to my education. I needed a school that fit my personality – bold, modern and clean. The teachers here treat you with respect and kindness given you do what is needed of you. The facility is top-notch, the programs and incentives are amazing! EvelineCharles Academy wants us to be business orientated, respected and recognized stylists with all opportunities open and available including programs such as Sassoon ABC’s of cutting, Nuts & Bolts and NAIT business programs are just a few of the extras I get here that will set me apart from other hair stylists. – Dillon Nickel

Calgary Fashion made its way to the EvelineCharles Academy open house on May 28 and was quite impressed by their lovely learning facilities and warm welcoming.

With schools already in Edmonton and Vancouver,  the EC Academy now opens its doors in downtown Calgary at the CORE shopping centre atop the already existing EvelineCharles Salons & Spas and across the newly opened H&M.

The EC Academy is of  Sassoon School connection (the name comes from Vidal Sassoon – a British hair stylist of international reputation for his simple yet stylish “bob-cut”) and offers a variety of classes in the hair, beauty & cosmetic industry.

Professional Advanced Esthetics and Cosmetology (Hair Design) are offered as three-day week programs and enables students to balance work, school & life. The school also offers evening & part-time programs in Make-Up Artistry, Gel Nail Artistry, Complete Facials, Complete Nail Technician, Hair Removal, Esthetic Fundamentals and Manicuring & Pedicuring.

Marketing and PR coordinator, Jacqueline Tyler,  and  EC Academy manager Domingo Lumanog greeted us with tea and cupcakes and proceeded to giving us a private tour of the academy. The school is modernly furnished with equipment of top quality and is divided into specialized sections.

The main open room is installed like a hair salon except with a lot more seats and mirrors creating a student-friendly environment . The far room is reserved for skin esthetics and waxing while a completely separate room on the far left is reserved and perfectly equipped for practicing manicures & pedicures.

The EvelineCharles Academy is one of the top schools in Canada catering to the hair, beauty & cosmetic industry and is sure to attract many local and international students: the school brings world renowned industry leaders such as Stephen Moody, Lori Nestore (The Wax Queen) and Vivienne Mackinder and students enrolled in hair-related programs automatically receive a flight & accommodation package to an international hair show (in which EC Academy students usually excel in) as part of their tuition.

The Calgary EC Academy starts accepting students at the end June and will start offering discounted services in hair, skin, waxing and nail esthetics as part of the students’ way of practicing their developing skills on clients.

Words by Claire Miglionico

Main Photo courtesy of RandomPath.ca; Thumbnail photos by Eric Lutomski

• Cute spring outfits! Vickie Laliotis from Adventures In Fashion discovered Nicole from NY, a fellow blogger who loves putting outfits together for her blog Coco Maria. She matches bold colors with softer hues which creates the ideal spring outfit. Get inspired by Nicole’s many get-ups!
• Turban’s are in! Escape to the Orient with a Maharaja-inspired coif. Here, Samantha Erin from Aussi Belle pulls a “Carrie Bradshaw in Abu Dhabi” in a red turban which adds a unique twist to her skinny jeans and vest. Spice up your style with an easy-to-make head-coif too! All you need is a silk scarf and the skills to wrap it properly. Learn the ropes with this awesome YouTube video! The trend can also be spotted off the runway.

• Fun in Florence. Italy is heaven for every fashion nerd out there. Amy Brown from Pretty Girl in Paradise is one lucky public relations student spending a year abroad in Florence, Italy to complete her master’s degree in fashion pr & marketing. Get a sense of the amazing Euro-dream she is living through a collection of her many photos taken fresh off the streets of Florence.

• H&M at the CORE is now open! We went and checked it out on Wednesday and it looked amazing!
• Do not forget Fabricated is this Saturday, April 16, 2011. It is going to be a great show. We recently caught up the designers of Jalu who will show their debut collection at the event!
• This Sunday, make sure to go to CHURCH the style seminar with Danielle Leporte.

We’re pretty excited about the new H&M Flagship store set to open to the public in Calgary, April 14th!

When we recieved our media invites to the Exclusive GRAND Opening for April 13th we thought: “Hey! Big store, fashion discount to the entire store, 2 levels, big party, we just have to get some of our favourite people in there as well!”

Yes you guessed it! You dear Calgary Fashion reader are our favourite people!

Together with the launch of the Spring/Summer 11 Conscious Collection this exclusive event promises to be the opening of the year and we are so pleased to announce we have:

100 pairs of tickets for 100 lucky Calgary Fashion readers to attend the EXCLUSIVE Grand Opening of the H&M Canada Flagship Location at the CORE Shopping Center April 13th!

Calgary Fashion guests will be treated to an evening of fabulous food and flowing drinks while you shop with a 20% discount on the ENTIRE store excluding the Conscious Collection. Our photographers and videographers will be all over the event to record this magical moment!

All you have to do to secure your spot on our invite list is to share this information with your friends and family and the FIRST 100 Calgary Fashion readers to RSVP to rsvp.ca@hm.com with the Subject line – I Love Calgary Fashion by April 11th will gain access to the all exclusive event!

Contest conditions – All Calgary Fashion Guests must be 18+  to attend.

Sustainability has been a serious topic for H&M and to add to the sustainability campagin, H&M will introduce the Conscious Collection for women, men and children which is made from enviromentally- adapted and green materials such as organic cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester at their various flagships stores across the country, Calgary included!

The designers behind the Conscious Collection have been inspired by different shades of white. The minimalist, tailored look has been combined with romantic lace, Broderie Anglaise, frills and draping.

“It’s not just about organic cotton any more, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smarter materials are huge now. By designing recurring Conscious Collections we have the opportunity to show in a variety of ways what’s possible using more sustainable fabrics,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M Head of design.

“Shades of white are the season’s biggest fashion trend and it feels right for this collection. White creates a romantic feeling with lace and Broderie Anglaise, but is also the basic colour in a sporty, relaxed style and in a preppy tailored look for men.”

The H&M Conscious Collection will be available in Calgary April 14th, 2011 at the first H&M Flagship store at the CORE Calgary.

Images courtesy of H&M Canada

This April, H+M are set to unveil their new flagship store in Calgary at the CORE. The new two floor, 20,000 square foot space will feature an impressive collection of men’s, women’s, teen’s and children’s apparel as well as lingerie, swimwear and coordinated accessories. H&M will also begin selling its new Conscious Collection, made from  environmentally adapted and sustainable materials

For more information on H+M please visit http://www.hm.com