FASHIONSIGN Magazine Launch Party

(No better time than now to get back into my blogging.) 


This Saturday is going to be one amazing party. Not only am I biased because I am the Executive Director for this Magazine, but I truly believe in what it is representing. 


FASHIONSIGN Magazine is the next empowering and creative online/print magazine that provides amazing and unique details, information and images about fashion, art, design, and photography. Focusing only on Calgary it aims to build a strong awareness of the amazing variety of talents that we have in this city and it's creative industries. Showing our readers from all over the country that Calgary is more than just an Oil & Gas town.

When Tessa Lerbekmo established the idea of FASHIONSIGN, just under a year ago, to where it is now, there has been quit the stir of excitement for this magazine and it’s targeted direction. FASHIONSIGN’s team of contributors was easily built and is now made up of 13 contributors including stylists, photographers, makeup artists, and more. Each team member volunteers their own creative skill and unique eye to which makes for an incredibly creatively inspiring team and magazine.

Be apart of this Saturday's celebration and get your tickets online at fashionsignmag.zoobis.com 

15% of all ticket sales will be donated to "The Doorway"
http://www.thedoorway.ca/contact.php

Can't make the party? You won't fully miss out, you will just have to switch out your Monday morning newspaper to FASHIONSIGN Magazine online through www.fashionsignmagazine.com (official public launch Monday the 26th)

My Absence ...

I apologize I have been so absent with my blog posts. This year has flown by so quickly it feels like it was January yesterday. And some days with the weather we have, it's easy to get confused. lol

However my main absence has been because I have been buckling down on a business plan and creating some incredible events (art and fashion related of course) that I will be releasing soon. 

So be patient, don't leave me and I will be back on track in no time! 

In the mean time, get involved with the fashion events happening around town and check Calgary Fashion Meetup's calendar. 

Your Calgary Fashion Insider,

Sabrina May

THE WATER PROJECT Charity Fashion Show

PHOTO BY NATHAN KHO
Provided by: Kaleigh Neidig 

The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization that's bringing relief to communities around the world who suffer needlessly from a lack of access to clean water. And one way they are making efforts to do it... is a charity event that will be held at The Bank Nightclub on April 12th. 


Why am I posting a Water Project here on my fashion blog? Well because this event will be featuring some Calgary fashion designers, whom is to still be announced. And also just because this is all for a good cause.  


For this one event they are looking to raise at least $6500, which is enough to fund a well-project for an entire community. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by making a $20 donation online.  ALL proceeds from the event are going straight to this charity. And even if you can not make the event they have an opportunity for you to still contribute and make a donation of any amount online at: https://thewaterproject.org/donate.asp


 7pm on April 12th, 2011 
The Bank Nightclub

125 8 Avenue SW

PARK for Japan

This week a charity event Park has been organizing with Gerry Thomas Gallery to help raise funds for Japan is happening. Be sure to purchase your ticket to attend this event next Thursday and do your part in donating to help rebuild peoples lives.

If you have been to any of Park's & Gerry Thomas Gallery events in the past you know they know how to do it right and this event will be fabulous!

Support Japan, purchase some art (yes bring your cheque books because you will want to purchase some of the gorgeous art they have on their walls at this Gallery 10% of gallery art work sold will be donated to the Red Cross to aid victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami) AND check out Calgary designer Caitlin Power latest collection.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: PARK
Photo by Shea Kerwood and Jason EngModel - Ania B
Styling - Jennie Lyle
MUA - Julia D'Angelo
Hair - Kristin Page & Kate Gonzalez

Stamped Objects Exhibition for Paul Smith

Holt Renfrew always does things in style, just like tomorrow's little soiree.  (Just caught this in my email and wanted to share it with all of you, no matter how last minute it is. lol)

The 'Stamped Objects' Exhibition includes a varied collection of un-expected objects that have been stamped and posted to Sir Paul Smith by an un-known admirer.

Without any packaging, the objects first began arriving in the early 1990s addresses and stamps placed directly on the bonnet of a toy car, on a pair of water ski's, on rubber gloves and even a chair. 

Time and place: Holt Renfrew on Wednesday March 2nd, from 7-9 pm on the 3rd floor in menswear, entrance on 4th street only. 

Ps. For every $500 or more you spend on any Paul Smith product, you get a free cuff link!!

Contact Holt Renfrew , SA - Mahdi Bin Yahya (mtbyahya@gmail.com) if you are interested to get on the list. It's an exclusive event only happening in Calgary. 

There will be a dj and models promoting the new Paul Smith Spring Collection 2011, and local celebrities. Drinks and catering will be included, and admission is FREE!! 

I'm just curious to see what this is all about. Aren't you?

Your Fashion Insider,

Sabrina May

Projects in the Works

I apologize on the time laps in between each post lately. It's been a busy couple of months. There are so many projects I have in the works that I am really excited to share with all of you. Including yesterday's very long photoshoot. A creative by photographer: Gary Evans, MUA: Douglas Cressman, model: Amy Prince, and styling by my intern team and I. More details and photos will be coming in it's own blog soon. Very excited to share that with all of you.

Tonight though is Roc the Runway at Mango Shiva. A fashion show that shows off some of Calgary's own fashion designers latest collections and also provides an evening of entertainment.  This event was created by the African Students Association from U of C. and in their own words, this is what Roc the Runway is all about:

"An exclusive, elegant, and classy evening featuring a fantastic mix of local Calgary talent, transporting guests through the transformation of Afro-American pop culture over time."
- Roc the Runway 2011 

The event gives back with proceeds going to the Hurricane Tomas Relief & Black History Awareness Month events. It also entertains you with a great mix of music, dancing, and even some poetry words.

I missed out on the first run of this event last year and I am not going to miss out on tonight's sold out show. I am very excited and I will keep you more informed of my experience very soon, once I can obtain some photos from the event to help share my story of course.

Your Fashion Insider,
Sabrina May

Fashion Industry Mixer

This has been an idea we all have had but just haven't made it come to life just yet, but Kara of PARK Show has. A Fashion Industry Mixer. And I don't think you could get any simpler that for a title that explains exactly what it is. With already an estimated 300+ guests who have RSVP`d they are coming, this is going to be one rockin`event.

So if you are someone in the industry than you need to connect with the rest of us on this glorious Wednesday night coming up. February 9th to be exact .

What better a place than the Gerry Thomas Gallery to make it happen. This is one of my favorite event spaces in the city, partly yes because it is an art gallery. lol But also because the layout and space is just gorgeous and well done. You'll understand once you step foot in there yourself.

 I am so excited to connect with those whom I may not have met yet, or at least met face to face that is. It is still so important to get to know each other outside of online networks. Of course there will be lots of shop talk too with the many many industry peoples I do know.

See you all there Wednesday at 7pm
Gerry Thomas Gallery
Suite 100-602, 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB


And not done just yet... there is not just the fashion specific industry mixer happening on Wednesday there is another mixer the next night, Thursday February 10th; Calgary Media Ladies Night Out. This is an event designed to connect Calgary Business Women with local women in the media. This event is hosted by Roz of Viva Events. 

You Fashion Insider,
Sabrina May

Wearable Art Contest

Here you go designers or artists. Metro News Calgary is giving you the chance to show us your creative stuff and create a piece from what? .... their newspaper of course. I am sure Project Runway has made you wanna just test your creative skills with those crazy competitions they are handed sometimes. Here is your chance to  rock out a fabulous designed piece from newspapers. Then let Calgary see your stuff when the designs are presented at the all things fashion event, Fashion Has No Borders, March 26th.

Note: You need to enter your sketch before you start making the dress. Only the 5 finalists will be featured on the runway. See all application details on www.clubmetro.com 

Join the Facebook Page to stay in the loop with all the discussions covering this contest. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wearable-Art-Competition/136637123066897?v=wall

Your Fashion Insider, 

Sabrina May

I am a Fashion Billboard

That question the red carpet media is always asking...Who are you wearing? Well I just set myself up for LOOKBOOK.nu  to share and give credit to who and what I am wearing.

This website I believe was built for all those people who like to show off their fabulous fashion sense. And there are some incredible looks posted I might add. I however chose to sign up to share the love of passion for what I can find locally. Those who know me, know when I show up for an event I am sporting a local designer's piece and love to talk about it and the designer.

So, if my outfit is made from an emerging designer, photo will be posted and all credit will be given with details. Of course.

Not only am I going to share my ensembles from local designers, but if my outfit is bought from an independently run boutique, I will post it and share the boutique's info and where others can find that shop.

Over all, this won't be so much about my style, as it is about giving recognition to what you can find through out this city and support the local industry. I will admit and say that there will be the odd piece that snuck into an outfit that may have been bought from a mall, but the overall look will be from somewhere or someone local. Now when I say 'local' it will mostly be Calgary represented, although there will also be other locations through out Alberta and Canada sometimes represented as well.  I am not just Calgary proud, I am extremely supportive of the whole Canadian fashion industry.

So, slowly I will have some past looks posted on my LOOKBOOK profile. They only allow one photo post a day though, so it will take a few days to get past looks up. The past looks I will be sharing is because there are some great pieces that can't be forgotten about, they were provided by some incredible designers that deserve the credit on this website. But there will be plenty of new looks posted.

Now Photographers, of course all credit to your fabulous work will be given and link to your site too. So next time you see me at an event, make sure to get a full length fabulous shot of what ever outfit I am wearing in support of that designer or store and email it to me to get posted.

Designers and Boutique owners, let's talk if you are interested in part taking in getting some free promo. Contact me through www.sabrinamay.com