The Power of Underwear

Nope this isn't a post about what pretty panties you should buy or what's the hottest trend in lingerie. This really isn't about #FirstWorldProblems at all. 

Did you know that underwear, while a luxury item or at least an un-thought-of item for us, is a shockingly effective rape prevention item in Africa? As well it has the potential to decrease the drop out rate of girls in school substantially by acting as an essential feminine hygiene product. 

On April 23rd MUSE Collective Agency and Celebrity Models from the cast of Bachelor Canada is hosting an event here in Calgary that will shine some light understanding this largely unmentioned topic. 

And what's an event with out showcasing a little fashion for your entertainment too...

Special Guests include:

CityTV Host and Producer: Jill Belland as MC 

Fashion Show directed by Premiere Stylist: Leah Van Loonwww.leahvanloon.com 

Artists Within Makeup Academy 
Headkandi

Chantelle H- Bachelor Canada is an ambassador for Transformation Textiles, the charity that will be benefiting from this Fashion Event. 

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/muse-charity-fashion-event-tickets-10693306969?ref=estw

Ecole Holt Couture: ECO GLAM

What does 'Couture' really mean to you? A word that gets so tossed around that it is loosing the true meaning of couture, unfortunately. 

couture

kuːˈtjʊə/

noun

1. 1.

   the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements.

Now that you actually know what it means (for those who didn't), what better way to really understand it than see it with your own eyes! This Sunday, November 17th, Calgary's own Ecole Holt Couture is hosting it's own Fashion Show to not only teach you the meaning of couture but ....its about Fashion, Couture, Art and Saving the Planet. 

ECO Glam is an afternoon event hosted at The Calgary Winter Club by Ecole Holt Couture. A perfect way to spend a cold Sunday indoors. This is also an event that you can bring your daughter, niece or someone under the age of 18 who may be interested in fashion as well. This event is not a +18 event, which for me, I appreciate the idea of being able to entertain my niece or cousin at, because many of the fashion events in Calgary do host their events as +18 only. Which can be unfortunate for some budding fashion designers, students, models, etc.

This is Ecole Holt Couture's 4th annual event, funds raised from hosting this event help support local charity Making Changes. 

Cost: General $40 and Students $30

Date: Sunday, November 17th, 2013
Location: Calgary Winter Club, 4611 14th Street NW
Time: 1pm - 5pm

All makes for another fashion event to entertain you, teach you and give back to the community.
Get your tickets here: http://www.ehcecoglam.myevent.com/

House of Bloggers

For all you die hard fashion lovers, and those who love to follow all those fashion bloggers... now you have the chance to shop some of your favourite YYC Fashion Blogger's closets!

This Sunday on November 3rd from 12 - 5pm at Eau Claire Market. Some of Calgary's prominent fashion and lifestyle bloggers (i.e. The Girl With The Messy Hair, Karolinas Style, The Mavric, etc.) are cleaning out their closets for you to shop from! Not only is shopping for yourself always fun,  , but as I have said it before,  shopping for you and proceeds going to a local charity, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, makes the overall experience so much the better.


Have fun shopping from these bloggers closets and some local design talent selling their wears too. Including NRT Fashions, Bano eeMe, and more.

Can you imagine all those fantastic pieces that those bloggers receive from around the world and locally, are now up for grabs for you! If you are an aspiring fashion blogger yourself, here is where you can ramp up a collection of fashionable goodies, at extremely affordable prices, to then turn around and blog about on your blog with your own flare and personal style touch! TIP: Don't forget to tag who you bought your pieces from, because that will help increase your traffic and your RTs on twitter, etc. Use #HOBYYC

They are also giving some swag away hourlyto some lucky winners!

In this poster you will see all who is involved or visit their facebook event page to track all the details:  https://www.facebook.com/events/171630996366780/?previousaction=join&source=1

Enjoy Shopping! Please feel free to share what you bought with me, would love to see and hear about it.

The SOS Masquerade & Fashion Show

I always appreciate a fashion event that is there to raise money for charity. The work and effort that goes into an fashion event is of countless hours. So when I see the many people who come together to volunteer their time to help an event happen for the need of others, it's so great.

Such as this upcoming event The SOS Masquerade & Fashion Show. Not only do you get to have some fun and dress up for the occasion (because who doesn't love a masquerade party!) you also are giving back to a worthy cause.

This events choice of charity, SOS Children's Villages, an independent, non-governmental social developmental organization which has been active in the field of children's needs, concerns and rights since 1949. The SOS Children's Villages makes it possible for orphaned and abandoned children to be part of a family once again by providing homes and family-based care.

Seeing the names of Olga's Fabric Lane, Viola Designs, Ivy Rose Designs, Bronte Robertson, Cayley Rio Designs, Shae Barry, Couture Gown Studio, Fashion Calgary, Q-Haute Restaurant, and Sheer Image... all makes for a great line up too. Can't wait to see it.

Tickets are a really affordable price too! So with that being said, that gives you the opportunity to support  this organization even more in other ways possible. Their goal for this event is to raise $3500. Let's help them reach that goal! 

For Tickets $20:
Order Online @ http://sosmasquerade.eventbrite.ca/ or
email @ sostickets@kw-designs.ca or
call @ 403.629.1313

Your Fashion & Art Insider,

Sabrina May

Where is Fabricated?

Okay, okay the cat is out of the bag now and I can finally talk about it. Fabricated. Yes, we all thought it was about to slap us in the face with another fabulous show this spring. But let me tell you how fabulous takes time ladies and gents. And Fabricated wouldn't do it any other way, but fabulous. However what we* have coming for the fall is going to knock your socks off! Details on that I can not reveal...yet. But I can say it will be soooo worth the wait.

So stay tuned, be sure to follow, and be ready for a show you haven't seen in this city yet!

Twitter: @getfabricated
Facebook: facebook.com/GetFabricated
Website & Blog: getfabricated.com

*Yes I said "we", because yes I am a part of the Fabricated team this year and so proud to be. Such a great team of creative and passionate people working their butts off to bring you some incredible fashion on a silver platter.

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

2012 Comeback

Okay, so last year really got to be a little too busy that I stopped posting blogs. And well every January always seem to bring out the rethink your life moments. my resolution this year is to make more time for me and get back to a few of the things I miss, like my blogs. I intend to really stay in touch with my blogs more often. Yes I say blogs cause if you don't know I also have thiscityhasart.blogspot.com too.

So to start this year off with bloggin again let's get into a party coming up. It may sound a little selfish, but it's my birthday party. However it is also Fashion/Wedding Photographer (and friend) Zev Abosh's Birthday, also Mr. Mike Addams', of the Live Cosmo site, birthday and my dear friend and amazing fashoin and wedding makeup artist Trena Olfert and her fab hubby's 5 year Anniversary. So many things to celebrate and we are all connected to the fashion industry we have decided to throw a good old fashion themed event. So below are the details and we invite anyone to join us because as you'll see in the details we are raising funds for a good cause too!

Setting the tone like a 1920s jazz bar we are bringing the 100 year old building Sociale Bar & Restaurant resides in back to the CLASSIC party scene on Friday, Janaury 27th. Don't know where to find the right outfit, Melean is outfitting our models for the evening so if in need of what to wear go with the modern-retro and shop Melean on 4th Street. Event Organizer: Sabrina May Public Relations & Events Decor Provided by: Basic Black Designs Makeup Provided by: Trena Laine Olfert & Kada Issa  Hair Provided by: Tru Elegance Salon We also ask that no gifts are given but donations to Youville, A Recovery Residence for Women be given instead. There will be ladies collecting that night. Youville’s mission is to operate residential recovery facilities for women who experience the co-occurring issues of addiction, mental health distress and a history of abuse. In a unique home-like setting, Youville promotes recovery by providing its clients with holistic counselling and programming services that strive to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, and social needs of each client. For women who are mothers and who might otherwise avoid recovery for fear of being separated from their children, Youville additionally offers accommodations and programs that keep families intact and that allow mothers and their children to remain together during recovery.

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

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