Fallen for Forge

Browsing through the newest collection from Forge (formally known as EG Forge). I can say I have officially fallen all over again for Forge!

Eric Goodwin's newest pieces are so on point with todays trends, but with a classic design that these pieces will become something you will still be carrying around in 10 years. Personally knowing Eric, the designer behind the brand, I know what kind of hard work is put into every one of his pieces. The quality and detail is always made with perfection. What I love even more is the professionalism he has always presented the brand with, from photos to videos, website, etc. Eric knows how to showcase his brand well and this will be one of the key factors for his continued success.

I have had the pleasure of hiking through the Kananaskis mountains with Eric and his brother (my apologies his name is escaping me at the moment) to shoot a video in the past. It was his hand made bags that carried all the gear we needed to hike through the canyons and find our way to just the right spot. It's an added bonus for Eric that his brother is such an amazing videographer, but together they create beautiful videos to draw you into his brand and inspire you to go beyond using his pieces for just some trendy street bag. Use it to the extreme!

A designer to watch, and collect. Classic, well made, and styles for any guy or girl. And of course, best of all... 100% Canadian Made right here in Calgary, Alberta, including the videos all filmed in our very own Albertan back yard. See his craftsmanship for yourself and visit him in his shop/retail space in the Devinish Building 908-17th Ave SW, Suite 202.

Here are a couple of bags from his latest collection:

All photos and videos by Forge (www.forgeapparel.com) 

FSHNROOM Doors Open

It's finally happening! A project I have been working on for some time, and have had to over come many obstacles to make this happen... and I mean MANY! But finally I am opening the doors to the public to come and shop locally in a new & unique environment.

FSHNROOM is a new concept that I have created to really help designers get promoted and shoppers to experience real customer service again.

Housed in a heritage building in downtown Calgary, FSHNROOM provides a space for Canadian clothing and accessory brands to showcase and sell their collections. As a division of my company, Sabrina May Public Relations & Events, each event provides a tailored promotional package to truly support these designers with getting their brand out there to the public, media and more. Events will be scheduled each month, each offering you the chance to shop from a different fashion brand. One time it may be a high end clothing brand from Toronto, another a local street wear designer and jeweler that compliment each other. The possibilities are almost endless!

FSHNROOM is also about the consumer. Offering an intimate & VIP shopping experience, which really is all about bringing the real customer service experience back. Each event will include a guest stylist who can guide you, the shopper, in how to wear & choose pieces that work best for your own personal style and closet. 

The public launch will take place Saturday November 9 between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm. This is a shopping event that will feature a designer showcasing their pieces from their most recent collection, which will be available to purchase. A guest stylist will be on hand to help make the shopping experience special for everyone. As a private residence, and to ensure that everyone enjoys the same exceptional shopping experience, an RSVP is required. Reservations are made for each hour with a limit of 15 people per hour. Reservations are first come first serve so guests should book by phone or email ASAP to get their preferred choice. There is no cost to attend. RSVPs can be made to fshnroom.HQ@gmail.com or by phone 587-293-9288. Upon arrival if no one is at the door, please call.

Be sure to like & follow FSHNROOM on Facebook, Twitter  & Instagram

Caitlin Power Releases FW13

The CAITLIN POWER F/W 13 collection is finally available, and Caitlin is making her way home to Calgary to personally introduce the line!

A favourite success story of mine is of the fabulous Calgarian fashion designer, Caitlin Power. She launched her line only a few years ago, but has seen nothing but a fast growing success since. She has since relocated to Toronto but now has her collection available at EVA Boutique (New York City), Leo Boutique (Calgary), Pomp & Pageantry (Yorkville),  & V Boutique (Queen St. W).

Shop Local, Shop Canadian, Caitlin Power at Leo Boutique October 11th from 1 - 5 pm! For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1417695028444679/

For more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1417695028444679/

PARKSHOW 2012

I have posted about this event in the past and I am going to repeat myself again today because it really is an event you need to get your ticket too. It was a vintage inspired style show last season, now PARKSHOW is back for spring 2012 and I am excited to see what hits the stage this season. 

PARKSHOW 2012 is PARK's annual fundraising fashion show and art exhibition with all profits going towards hosting future events for the community!

They not only have the local models strutting the runway in local designer duds, but some incredibly talented artists decorating the walls. Arrive early to browse through the Art Exhibition at 7pm. Don't forget to support our local art community and purchase some art. What may only be a few hundred today could be an investment to what could be worth thousands soon enough. Calgary truly is oozing with talented artists.  What's in your art collection today? 

Now back to fashion, this year sounds so intriguing to hear that they have two start times listed for their fashion shows. At 9pm they have a "Contemporary + Fashion and Textile Design" Fashion show and at 10pm a "Women's Fall 2012 RTW" Fashion Show. 

I could list off all the 12 emerging designers and the 20 emerging artists today.. but I could also suggest you just get your tickets and see them in person yourself next week! When it comes to Fashion and Art it's always better in person! 

This event happens next week on Saturday, March 10, 2012 @ Palliser South Tower, 140 - 10 Avenue SE

Pre-Sale Tickets:
General Admission: $15 - http://www.tickettrunk.com/event/buy/880
Guaranteed Seating: $25 - http://www.tickettrunk.com/event/buy/882
Entry subject to capacity after 8pm

Limited General Admission Tickets at the door: $20*
*This event has sold out every year so it is advised to purchase tickets in advance!

Walking in Sunshine

You heard about her when the city was buzzing that New York was requesting for Ruby Ellen Designs to join their Brooklyn Fashion Week. Boston called on her to join their fashion week as well. So she showed off her feminine fuchsia collection, and that Canada, let alone Alberta does have fashionable people here. And they loved her collection and her of course.


Now it's a new season, and she has created a whole new line. This time she is not only showing it off locally but raising funds for a great cause while doing so. 



Ruby Ellen Designs presents Walking in Sunshine, a fundraiser for Sonshine Community Services.  This fundraiser features two varying opportunities for guests to enjoy; High Tea, a wonder filled afternoon, commencing at 2PM until 5PM, including high tea, fashion, beauty and an opportunity for guests to interact with Designers one-on-one or Dinner, an evening of fine dining, commencing at 630PM until 11PM, including cocktails, live music, poetry and fashion.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Ellen Designs Facebook Photos 

This event, Walking in Sunshine, is an opportunity for women from all walks of life to assist women in need in the Calgary community. Proceeds from this event will fund Sonshine Community Services, a community organization which o!ers a full range of residential and community outreach programs, specializing in building respectful relationships and responding to the needs of those experiencing family violence and abuse. 



Enjoy a great day of fashion and so much more willing supporting a good cause.Tickets are available at www.rubyellendesigns.com or by visiting the studio at 233 10th Street SW upstairs.  

Photo by Brad Taylor from Lougheed House Website

Date: March 8th 2012

Location:  Lougheed House, 707 - 13 Avenue SW

Afternoon High Tea  2-5 pm, $55

Evening Dinner & Fashion Show, 6:30 - 11pm, $100

Hope to see you there.

Your Fashion & Art 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

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