parlour issue 1 volume 1
DESCRIPTION
Parlour Issue 1 Volume 1TRANSCRIPT
08 GRANDMA’S PRODIGYOur beloved Nokomis boutique has grown up &moved to the heart of whyte ave.
STYLE EXPLORER 12 Trevor Peters tells how travel influences his art.
16 DANCE ACADEMESee how dance has added ease & weightless graceinto this spring’s fashion .
FAMOSO 22Italian culture you can taste.
23 PARLOUR’S PRIZED POSESSIONSStaff favorites to add to your collection.
IN MY BOUDOIR 24Spotlight on a local style maker.
25 THE PROMENADELa creme de la creme.
Model Sam Ypma from Mode Models, Photography by Ashley Armstrong from Kinetic Studios, Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon & Spa, Make up by Nikol Walkemeyer, Dress: Sessa by Tressa Heckbert, Shoes from Gravity Pope,
Shot on location at Nokomis
ON THE COVER:
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief - Shelly Solarz [email protected]
Art Director - Peter Nguyen ....................................................PETE@PARLOURLIFE.COM
Marketing Director - Caylee Kreller ................................... [email protected]
Photograher - Ashley Armstrong [email protected]
Contributors - Alanna Farrow, Kenny Lozowski, Joyce Yu and Colleen Yukes
Distribution - Marlon McGuire
Stylist Colleen McGinn | Shot on location at Avanti Salon & Spa | Clothes provided by Swish
WWW.PARLOURLIFE.COM
Welcome to Spring 2008. As Edmontonians, we under-stand change. As the mercury rises, we begin to shake the dust off the curtains, shed our skins and embrace the changes that come with spring. What better time to
announce our change of name.
Parlour, formerly Runway, celebrates all of the facets of fashionable living. A parlour is a space where friends meet for conversation; we hope that as you delve into our first issue of Parlour you will experience just this … a conversation among friends about new and exciting
places, products and designs.
The very nature of fashion transforms with the seasons. In an ever changing world that is becoming continually smaller and more accessible, the global market adds in-credible influence to culture in our daily lives. This issue celebrates our diversity. Famoso, the Italian Pizzeria highlighted on page 22 is a perfect example of the best of Italy brought to Edmonton by a traveling Canadian. On the other hand, the door of the Whyte Avenue boutique, Nokomis, declares “Nokomis: Exclusively Canadian Clothing”. Trevor Peters introduces us to ‘wearable art’ in the form of graffiti painted clothing. His experiences from living in Asia for four years are prevalent in his designs. From the designs at Nokomis to the pizzas at Famoso, the very essence of being Canadian is to embrace this
cultural blend …
Bon Appetite
editors letter
GRANDMA’SPRODIGY
P h o t o g r a p h yb y A s h l e y A r m s t r o n g
S t o r yb y J o y c e Yu
Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon and Spa,Eyewear from Women with Vision
As I make myself comfortable on the couches in the
new Nokomis location, I notice that the high ceilings
make the space feel very welcoming, while the big
windows allow for the sun to light up the room. There’s
a certain nostalgia that lingers in the happy atmosphere
of the store that is enriched by the wall dedicated to
pictures of grandmothers.
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After other past relocations, their latest setting reflects
the growth that the company has undergone from their
modest original store that was tucked away in a back alley
off Whyte Avenue. Co-owner, Jessica Kennedy rushes
towards me while I’m looking through the photo album
of grandmothers. The excitement of the new location is
apparent on her cheerful face and she starts telling me im-
mediately about the store’s philosophy and history.
Nokomis officially opened in 2002 with the mission of
promoting local independent designers while making
Canadian produced clothing more accessible to the
public. In the last five years, the store has expanded to
their biggest location yet and carries over fifty exclusively
Canadian designers including Preloved, Allison Wonder-
land and Bennie and Olive as well as their own house line
- also named Nokomis. The Nokomis line is now offered
in boutiques across Canada. The company is very proud
that their locally created clothing line is now available on
a national level.
Nokomis means “grandmother” in Ojibwe. The store’s
name comes from the original owner Virginia Bray who
wanted to honour the women who came before us.
“We wanted to show our gratitude and respect for their
strength and sacrifices that they’ve made.” Jessica says.
“The store was named to acknowledge our admiration and
appreciation of our origins.”
Continuing with their tradition of honouring those who
came before us, Nokomis was also named to recognise
the First Nations of North America.
Jessica explains, “The history of First
Nations people is so rich and Canada
has benefited so much from their
culture. The name of our store is also to recognise their
contribution.”
Although I always find pieces that I love every time I walk
into the store, I must admit that I can’t always afford to
come out each time holding their handmade blue shopping
bag. I ask Jessica to address the criticisms that the
store has received about their pricing and the difference
between why an item costs so much versus why it is worth
so much. She replied, “We try to encourage and nurture
domestic manufacturing and the price is higher because
that is how much fabric and production costs in Canada.
We’re educating people about the
price difference and the quality that
they receive when they purchase
our products.” Jessica explains to
me the difference between Nokomis’ means of production
versus chains that mass produce their products. The term
“you get what you pay for” cannot be more fitting than
in this situation where every item has a traceable origin.
What’s great about the clothing in Nokomis is that each
piece is unique and made with love.
When I ask her about the designers that their store
carries she explains “There’s so much talent that can
be found locally and the community is very open and
accepting of that. We’re always looking to support new
Canadian talent.” The relocation of their store is only
the beginning of the makeover Nokomis is undergoing.
Jessica tells me that while their styles in the past have
been more vintage inspired, they’re looking to be more
fashion forward and to gear their style towards being
less girly and more feminine.
“Fashion forward, but never trendy” She declares. Their
new space reflects the success of their mission and their
unique approach to fashion. This is a store that welcomes
rather than excludes and the new location captures the
elegance and functionality of their clothes.
“Clothes that are trendy are only good for a season. Our
designers are conscious of pieces that can be worn for a
long time.” The spring season begins for them in February
and they’re preparing to launch a classic but modern look
that focuses on a softer colour palette of greys, mints,
peaches and crisp whites.
“Sounds wonderful,” I tell her.
“And dresses,” she adds with a big grin. “As always, tons
of dresses.”
As part of her closing thoughts, I ask Jessica to describe
a Nokomis girl. She tells me, “Real women who do real
things. She’s a professional or an academic who can’t
sacrifice function for fashion.” She continues to tell me
about an everyday girl who likes to read books and wear
pretty frocks. “She’s someone who’s girly and feminine;
who climbs trees and has picnics in a dress.”
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist asking, “Who’s your
favourite designer?”
“The house line,” she says after some thought. “It repre-
sents something very special to me because I’m part of
the process and have watched it grow and evolve.”
As I walk through the doors, I think of Jessica’s last words,
“This is a really great time in Edmonton to pursue
artistic endeavours. Everyone who has that ability
should keep it up and go for it. This isn’t ‘deadmonton’
anymore” she smiles, “Nothing’s stopping us. We’re all
coming together.”
NOKOMISCLOTHING.CA
PHOTOGRAPHY BYASHLEY ARMSTRONGS
STORY BYCAYLEE KRELLER
What occurs when you mix graffiti with fashion? You get a line of jackets that are, essentially,
wearable art. Trevor Peters, otherwise known as Kurly in the international graffiti scene, has
stepped into the realm of fashion by taking his art off the streets and placing it into local
fashion. As the creator of ZenVandal, his passion for traveling, art, and old school hip hop from
the late eighties and early nineties influence his vision. Trevor concluded that by painting the
perfect jacket, a fusion of the three aforementioned cultures would be realized. This item was
such a success with his friends that by word of mouth a demand for these jackets developed.
Understanding that individuals vie for that one of a kind piece of clothing that everyone will
recognize, Trevor has refocused his genius emerging as an Edmonton debutant.
This concept became a reality when Trevor wondered how he could transfer his love of graffiti into something new and feasible. According to him, “as you grow you can’t stay focused on just getting your name up in the streets. There comes a time when you have to think more strategically about how you are going to survive as an artist and for me that was to find a new canvas.” By combining his artistic talent, creative eye, and keen fashion sense, Trevor has honed these skills producing a cutting edge product. It is vital that he peruse the vintage shops around Edmonton daily, looking for either jean or leather coats. These are then painted with distinctive designs that maintain an exotic street feel.
Trevor’s initial collection was based upon his voyages east. Living in Asia for four years, he recounts icons that were the source of his inspiration. Chrysanthemums, Kabuki masks, snakes, dragons, Geisha heads,
among countless other images
were incorporated with the lines
traveled to Rio de Janeiro and San
Paulo. These places impressed upon
him the impoverished reality of the
children living in the ghettos. Trevor
remembers, “We met a street kid
named Juno. We met on the beach.
His dad was in jail and there was no
real role model for him and many of
the other kids on the beach. They
would just follow us around. Rather
than giving Juno money, I realized that
you can help him and the others just
by hanging out with them, by creating
art with them.” Trevor explains that
it is his desire to reach out to the
children and artists he encounters. By
utilizing his passion for this distinctive
art form, which surpasses cultural
boundaries, Trevor will be able to
initiate change in these areas.
The obvious question, then, is
“how”? Trevor’s dream is to establish
ZenVandal into a forum for the incred-
ible artists he meets, constructing an
opportunity for them to represent their
art and culture to a greater audience.
and shapes of Asian inspired tattoo
art. These articles of clothing were
such a success that he was able
to sell twenty-four of his twenty-
seven jackets even before he held
his first show.
Trevor has pieced walls and trains
for the last eight years. His inspira-
tion comes from the underground
graffiti scene in Canada along with
the multitude of other places he
has explored. Drawing his influ-
ences from all aspects of life, one
specific memory of a trip resonates
with him. He became conscious of
the openness to street art when he
pieced the saying “Buena Honda”
which translates to “Good Vibra-
tions” on a wall in a Nicaraguan
ghetto. The response he received
from the community, who welcomed
the positive message delivered by
way of the spray can, was incredible.
In addition, accompanied by his long
time painting partner Demerio, Trevor
A separate clothing project, collaborated upon with
close friend Demer, would see that the funds made
through this secondary venture be directed back to the
designated areas in need. Through the sales of his col-
lection, Trevor’s aim is to travel extensively making this
humanitarian effort a reality.
As for here in Edmonton, Trevor is currently working
with another local, Annaliza Toledo, under the name
of CASHVENOMS. This duo plans to stir things up by
throwing fashion fused art parties. At these events,
the new ZenVandal designs will be showcased along
side the artists who created them from abroad. The
impressive designer tells me that each new collec-
tion will feature a different area of the world. Since he
has already traveled to more than thirty countries, I do
not see a lack of inspiration in the future. Trevor has
successfully navigated himself and his inimitable tag
beyond the limitations of street writing. If you want to
know more about the adventures that lead to this de-
signer’s debut check out Syndicate on Whyte Avenue.
His complete saga is literally written on the wall.
So what’s next? Well, he tells me on the sly that jackets
with a Brazilian theme are in the works, so watch for
them. You definitely don’t want to miss out!
MYSPACE.COM/ZENVANDAL
academedance
Photography by Ashley Armstrong from Kinetic Studios | Models Bridget Anderson & Leila Mcrae from Mode Models Hair by Lauren Hughes from Mousy Brown’s Salon & Spa | Make Up by Kirsten Klontz from Mousy Brown’s Salon & SpaStylist Colleen McGinn & Kelty Pelechytik
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WHEN I THINK OF FRESH CONCEPTS THAT HAVE BEEN RECENTLY INTRODUCED TO EDMONTON, FAMOSO, THE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA INSTANTLY COMES TO MIND.
On May 8th 2007, Jason Allard and Justin Lussier introduced Edmontonians to an age-old concept and made it
new. When first introduced to this restaurant, I was immediately drawn to it because it offered me what I most
desired—authenticity.
The concept for this business developed when Justin traveled through Italy after graduating from university. On a limited
budget he found that he was eating fabulously on a diet of margherita pizza. For him, the vast difference between North-
American pizza and that of pizza Italiano became increasingly evident. Pondering the reasons why this incredible take
on an old favorite was not offered here, Justin’s passion for food and extensive service experience enticed his inner
entrepreneur. With a bit of determination, creativity, and a few phone calls to friends, Famoso was born.
The design of the location came to fruition because the partners wanted to create an “atmosphere where the local busi-
nessman could rub shoulders with the contractor next door.” Having an informal set up, where the customer orders at
the till, leaves one with a unique, casual feeling. This space allows you to either have a quick bite or sit down and enjoy
a bottle of wine with friends.
Jason and Justin learned everything there is to know about the perfect pizza through their training with the Associ-
azione Pizza Napoletana. And although creating the master “piece” is not easy, the exceptional difference in taste is
delivered through their use of the best freshest ingredients. The double 0 (or 00) flour is imported from Italy, offering their
customers lower levels of gluten, which is easier for your bodies to digest (for all you ladies and gents who are worried
about your hips). Similarly, having a greater degree of moisture in the crust allows the toppings to float on the dough,
making a slice easier to fold, which, by the way, is the proper way to eat pizza. The sauce is made with San Marzano
tomatoes grown in the volcanic ash of Mt. Vesuvius. Including a dash of seasoning and a hint of basil, this sauce will
tantalize your taste buds. Next comes the cheese. An integral component of good pizza, boccaccini mozzarella adds a
mild flavor with no added preservatives or oils. After the other toppings are positioned, the pizza is placed in the forno
oven and delivered to your table piping hot. When having to decide between their many options, picking one is always
a difficult task.
By reintroducing a two hundred year old tradition to a city vying for new creative concepts, Famoso has found its niche.
This neighborhood pizzeria adds vitality, variety and old school 1760’s tradition to our city. These boys are, in fact,
ingenious and as they politely commented; “We don’t want to pretend we’re Italian, we just want to keep the authenticity
of Neapolitan pizza.” And that is exactly what they have done.
FAMOSOPHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ARMSTRONG | STORY BY CAYLEE KRELLER
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parlour’s
PRIZEDPOSESSIONS 1 2
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7 86
9
1 | Gelato from Leva - The best part of your day. Promise.
2 | Rosary Bandana by Soma - Find this local treasure at Foosh.
3 | Flight of The Conchords - “Business Time” - It turns us on!
4 | Namarococo.com - Paper that will rock your walls.
5 | Designspongeonline.com - Home lovers: we’ve found the gateway.
6 | First City Fallen - Epic sound. A local band on the rise.
7 | Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder - A life/volume encancing must.
8 | “Life, ” by Paulo Coelho - Meet your new best friend.
9 | “The Age of Feminine Drawing” - Be inspired. Stop and Stare.
TO DO: “Always look Stylish! Always Laugh! Always Dance to the Music (unless
it sucks) Always Sing your Favorite Songs! Always love Calories. Always Get
Rad. Always Love Yourself and the People Close to You! Always Eat your Veg-
etables and Remember: Always Listen to ME!”
INSPIRATION?: “Unicorns and Rainbows and Cupcakes!”
WHERE CAN YOU BE SEEN ON YOUR DAYS OFF (what do you do with your
free time?) “In my free time I enjoy nice people, nice food, nice music, and all
that jazz. I also enjoy picking up a pen and paper, drawing whatever comes out
of my brain and giving the pics randomly to people I like.”
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION DOLLARS? “I would go down to
the zoo, err, I mean circus, and buy me one of them there Fancy Unicorn things
and get it to take me to Far Away Lands I have never seen, like the following:
Australia, Paris, Bali, St. Lucia, Thailand, and such. I haven’t seen many places
in this world yet, so I would make sure I used my new fortune to make that all
become a fantastic reality!”
STYLES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SEASON: “Ladies: when in the market
for some “fresh gear” this season, go for bright COLORS! Get some GOLD
“BLING,” a unique pair of jeans, way cool graphic prints, and fun accessories
like a wacky banana clip or something!?!... Spend some cash on killer shoes
(but please make sure you can walk properly in them K?) And whatever you
do... Please don’t rock a fake designer handbag and act like your all “the shit”
cause we can all tell that ain’t no Chanel!!!”
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PHOTOGRAPHY BYBUSTER LIVINGSTON
Share your boudoir with us. Send your photos
and tell us why.
WWW.PARLOUR.COM
IN MYBOUDOIR
NAME: Mellissa ALTER EGO: Dita Toma
Fun & Simple. Amor Jewelry calls out to all styles! Incorporating a range of materials such as semi-precious stones, woods, and metals, Amor Jewelry is designed to add flavor to your look with a touch of class and a little funk. Individualistic and unique, this collection is something you shouldn’t be without.
FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM, FOOSH
Foosh surpasses conventional fashion standards by showcasing innovative street wear. Ushering in the freshest gear and music for its clientele, Foosh continually raises the bar. Products exclusive to Foosh include: Foosh Apparel, Kid Robot Apparel, The Hundreds, Hells Bells, 10 Deep, Mama, Tens & Nike Quick-strike, just to name a few.
FOOSH.CA
FOOSH10544C 82ave
This spring suka re-visits a more classic look with a twist! Always edgy and not overly girly, the bold mix of patterns, styles, soft silhouettes and loud colors is what makes this spring’s line strong enough for the individual yet appealing to more than just the trend setters.
FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM
SUKABY ALISHA SCHICK
AMOR JEWELRYBY AMOR CARANDANG
Sugary-sweet charm is designer Bridget Smatlan’s main ingredient in her label Fridget. Formally known as GoodGravy, Fridget is aimed towards the ideal woman who is more smart than sexy and 100% silly. Just as the name sounds, Fridget is the perfect line for the girl who would never kiss on the first date.
FOUND AT BAMBOO BALLROOM, MEESE CLOTHING
FRIDGETBY BRIDGET SMATLAN
Take a walk down our promenade to discover the best of Edmonton’s exclusive shops and boutiques. Eat your heart out, baby!
“I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” - Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City.
It came from Millwoods...
Home of the Winter Studios & Millwoods Hero apparel lines.
Kaylan Winter Berry has created a local niche focusing on urban apparel for men & women. Spawned by a tre-mendous pride for neighborhood, city and the local design community, Millwoods Hero promotes pride and awareness, removing the stigma of violence and turning it on its head. T6L to the T6K.
WINTERSTUDIOS.CA
MILLWOODSHERO.COM
WINTERSTUDIOS INC
The Guerrilla Boutique is a monthly market held the first Saturday of every month from 11-6 PM. You can expect to find local designers, unique jewelry and delightful oddities. Come down, have a coffee, a treat, and stick around for Smilin’ Jay’s Happy Hour, a live CJSR broadcast.
The ARTery is a multi purpose venue, housing a recording studio and art gallery. We also offer a location for a multitude of special events.
For more information:
e-mail [email protected]
NOISELAB/THEARTERY.CA
THE GUERRILLA BOUTIQUE / THE ARTERY9535 JASPER AVE
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“There’s no place like home” After 5 years of fluttering about as a traveling store, Sabrina Butterfly Designs is finally settling down into a sweet little shop, nestled in the homey neighbor-hood of Highlands. Sabrina Butterfly Designs are timeless designs that turn heads, for a naturally comfortable woman. The boutique also carries many other jewelry & accessory designers, including local favorites: Janet Stein Jewelry, Colleen Graham of Lines Designs Handbags and Corissa O’Donnell’s fused glass and
crocheted wares.
SABRINABUTTERFLYDESIGNS.CA
Spring*J BrandRoom to Grow*FidelityCurlsWallpaper*Numph*CovetChandeliers*KershFloral Prints*Free People*Suka*Soia & Kyo*Matt & NatBright Colors*SessunSundresses
*Our Lovely Labels
BAMBOOBALLROOM.COM
SABRINA BUTTERFLY#102 6421-112 ave
Located in Riverbend, this charming space entices you by carrying many hand-crafted items from all over the world. Elegant, unusual home assecories along with award winning jewelry make this location ideal for finding the perfect gift.
ELEGANT EXPRESSIONS628 RIVERBEND SQUARE
BAMBOOBALLROOM8206 104st
High High HeelsHigh WaistsWasted NightsHaloTrenchcoats*Rock & Republic*OBEYOur Posse*DittosParez HiltonLunch DatesSpanx*Seven Jeans*Erica WeinerAirplane Necklaces*AmorYou.
This Spring Meese Clothing turns 1 year old. Celebrate Canadian Fashion at our boutique and wear your heart on your sleeve. Cookie cutting is out. Fashion demands awareness. Wear Sweat-Shop free, wear Canadian. Meese 100%. Featuring international sensations like: Preloved, Second Denim, Kitchen Orange, House of Spy, and Allison Wonderland. Local Wonders include: Fridget, Suka, Cinder & Smoke, Amor, and Bead Juled. And don’t forget to check out our in-house label, SESSA!
MEESECLOTHING.COM
Spring/Summer ‘08 Exploring a plethora of florals and grounding with deep steel and navy, this season SESSA reminisces those carefree summer days in fields of green, lemonade, and picnic dates with lilac kisses. Featuring steam powered in-spiration and cruiseliner decadence in silkscreen images. SESSA adores the female figure with undoubted femininity and classic lines. SESSA can be found in boutiques across Canada, locally on Whyte Ave and in St.Albert at Meese Clothing.
SESSABY TRESSAHECKBERT
GROOVESTONESOUTHGATE CENTRE
Indy shopping in a mall! Located in Southgate Centre, this locally owned boutique prides itself on bringing the mall shopper an alternative to typical. Featuring a fabulous selection of unique jewellery, handbags and ac-cessories, Groove Stone offers leading fashions while supporting Canadian designers and manufac-turers of quality merchandise. Lines include: Matt & Nat, Pyrrha, Bauxo, Mimi & Marge, and Foxy Originals
GROOVESTONE.COM
MEESECLOTHINGSt.Albert, 31-D Perron st
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BE A PART OF OURPROMENADE
Showcase your local endeavor and let your ingenuity shine. Benefit from exposure on the rue de elegance.
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