He basically had me at hello.

As soon as I walked through the doors of the River Cafe on Prince’s Island Park, I was greeted by the man himself – Mr. Paul Hardy – who was taking the time to chat with every person attending a very special lunch. And, what can I say – I was impressed.

After all, it’s not every day that one of Calgary’s – and possibly Canada’s – biggest fashion designers throws a day-long celebration to mark the 10-year-anniversary of his label. And it didn’t take long to realize that Hardy intended to do it right.

That meant treating his guests, which included local and out-of-town media as well as his many clients and supporters over the years, to a fabulous lunch on Saturday as part of his anniversary celebrations. There, he certainly lived up to his nice guy reputation, thanking everyone who played a role in his success, including a junior high school teacher (who flew in for the event) who Hardy said had encouraged him at a young age to follow his artistic dreams.

And that was only a hint of what was to come.

Paul Hardy closes his show with model Angi Greene. Photo: Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald

The evening festivities kicked off with a swanky “meet and greet” reception at Hardy’s new studio in Inglewood, complete with valet services (a very welcome surprise for all the ladies wearing very un-sensible shoes on a snowy October night) and free-flowing wine and bubbly. Well-dressed guests mingled through the funky warehouse space before walking the red carpet to their seats for the big finale – the runway show.

Once again, Hardy raised the bar, featuring live performances by Paul Brandt, Juno award winner Greg Sczebel and members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, which provided the perfect accompaniment to the unveiling of his spring/summer 2013 collection.

Inspired by the tale of an Amish girl who flees her colony and tries to come to terms with life in the big city, the rather unusual coming-of-age theme did spark a few “Amish-chic” jokes, but the designs spoke for themselves. Light, airy styles in pale blue and ivory evolved into chic black leather and sequined pieces, including some amazing gowns that showcased the detail and craftsmanship that’s made Hardy such a success over the past decade (see for yourself in our photo gallery). The show ended with Hardy walking down the runway with his muse, model Angi Greene, stopping to hug a few friends in the front row along the way.

But the night didn’t end there. The festivities continued with culinary treats and cocktails from some of Calgary’s finest restaurants at the after-party, as guests (many from top fashion publications) raved that this was “way better than any Toronto show – even some of the New York ones.”

And that was clearly Hardy’s goal – to show off the city that he’s proud to call home, as well as share his success with those who helped him along the way. Mission accomplished, I say, and here’s hoping that his next anniversary bash is just as impressive.

Paul Hardy is no stranger to thinking outside the box. But even he was a little baffled by the idea of making a “tweet dress.”

“It took me quite a while to grasp the concept because I’m actually quite new to Twitter and social media in general,” says the well-known Calgary fashion designer.

“It was a new experience having people tweet me their ideas of what they wanted in the dress and designing based on that.”

Those ideas were all about Calgary’s style. The whole idea started back in October when Hardy was celebrating the 10-year-anniversary of his first ready-to-wear collection. Teaming up with Tourism Calgary, they launched the tweet dress campaign, which asked people to tweet @Calgary using the hashtag #StyleYYC and answer the question: What’s in style in Calgary?

The inspiration for the tweet dress came from hundreds of tweets about what’s in style in Calgary.

Hardy says they received “hundreds and hundreds” of tweets, ranging from things like “diamonds in denim” to “rough luxe.” The final dress – which was actually six separate pieces – incorporated all of those tweets, reflecting our western culture with an elegant twist.

“People obviously referenced western and cowboy quite a bit,” says Hardy.

“And a lot of people tweeted about the mix of cosmopolitan and nature, so the ruffles [in the skirt] are meant to represent the mountainous ranges. And there was a tweet about wintery nights and dirty snow and that’s where the colour palette came from.”

Hardy’s layered look, which was revealed at The Core’s ’Twas the Night event on Wednesday night, featured stretch denim pants, spats (thanks to a tweet from our friends at Swerve), a ruffled skirt, a stretch leather bustier – that showcased Calgary’s skyline – a sweater (with a hidden Stamps logo on the back) and a hooded top layer.

Hardy whipped up the look in a matter of days, as people were allowed to tweet their suggestions until Nov. 25. Overall, he says he was really impressed by the response the campaign received and admits he quite enjoyed his first tweet dress experience.

“The thing that was reaffirming to me was that my whole design aesthetic is based on layering, which I think is really indicative of the climate and the type of environment that we live in here,” he says.

“People tweeted about leather and knits and it was kind of interesting because I had not realized how much the environment of living in Calgary has curved my design sensibility. And yet, the public seems to share the same sentiment, which I didn’t even know was a conscious thing, and I thought that was kind of cool.”

Lovers of all things fashionable gathered at Devonian Gardens recently to support our beloved Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The fab fashion show-featuring Chanel and other top designs from Holt Renfrew, raised an impressive $100,000. The Paris-themed show was timed to accompany the CPO’s  J’aime Paris Festival, which closed to rave reviews  with the final concert on Dec 4.  Lock into Paris-as the event was themed, featured not only amazing clothing, but stunning Chanel lock-inspired necklaces as well.  The hot ticket this night was the raffle of a Chanel lock necklace which was sponsored by avid CPO supporter Andrea Brussa, founder of the Brussa Bravo Legacy Program at the CPO. Brussa, who coincidentally was in France this night so unable to attend, further sponsored pianist Samson Tsoy who played pre fashion show. Hosts for the evening, Style Guys Jason Krell and Alykhan Velji, did a great job as always keeping the evening fun and fabulous. Beautiful Dolce & Gabbana,  Brunello Cucinelli, Stella McCartney, Tanya Taylor, Balenciaga, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen and more were just a sampling of the  fashions the well-dressed will be wearing this holiday season.

Kudos to committee chair Cynthia Moore and her team of Michelle Lazo, Vincent Law, Nancy Calvin and Ryan Scott on the success of the fete. Fashionistas in attendance this night included: famed designer Paul Hardy; Western Living Magazine city editor Karen Ashbee; life coach Penny Smith; spinter Ricardo Charles; Mike Kennedy; Susan Billington, Q.C. and her daughter, CPO’s Cathy Billington; CPO president and CEO Ann Lewis Luppino; CPO board chair Letha MacLachlan, Q.C.; Encana’s Katherine Crerar; Stephanie Ridge; CPO board member Joan Simmins; Scott Land and Lease founder Gregg Scott; author Deniz Basibuyuk; QuickEsate’s Melissa Best; Holt Renfrew’s Deb Kerr; De Novo Group’s Rob Barrett and his wife Anastasia Barrett; CPO’s Jessica Sale; Chanel’s Jude Miyashiro; and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard and her daughter, KPMG’s Katie Ruddy.

Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard and her daughter Katie Ruddy with KPMG were among the more than 370 guests who attended Lock into Paris, a fabulous fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO.

Holt Renfrew’s Deb Kerr is joined by Scott Land & Lease’s Ryan Scott (left) and his dad Gregg Scott at Lock into Paris, a fabulous fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO. The latest Chanel fashions were showcased at this night.

De Novo Group’s Rob Barrett and his wife Anastasia looked super glam at Lock into Paris, a fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO. The latest Chanel fashions were showcased at this night.

Style Guys Jason Krell (left) and Alykhan Velji are joined by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s Jessica Sale at Lock into Paris, a Chanel-themed fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO.

Pictured, from left, at Lock into Paris, a Chanel-themed fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO are famed designer Paul Hardy,Western Living Magazine city editor Karen Ashbee, life coach Penny Smith and sprinter Ricardo Charles.

Pictured, from left, at Lock into Paris, a Chanel-themed fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO are Susan Billington, Q.C. and her daughter, CPO’s Cathy Billington.

Pictured, from left, at Lock into Paris, a Chanel-themed fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO are CPO board member Joan Simmins, Stephanie Ridge, Encana’s Katherine Crerar and CPO board chair Letha MacLachlan, Q.C.

Glamour gals Deniz Basibuyuk (left) and Melissa Best were among the more than 370 people in attendance at Lock into Paris, a Chanel-themed fashion show held in Devonian Gardens in support of the CPO.

This is the first in a five-part series exploring Calgary’s economy for the coming year.

In 1959, 12-year-old George Brookman received his first introduction to the wild economic swings of the city of his birth.

“My dad was a realtor and things were tough,” he says of a downturn that saw many in this city lose their jobs and homes. Just a few months later, another boom would see more than 60,000 people coming to Calgary in five short years. “He went bankrupt that year and he never really recovered from that.”

Despite George senior’s troubles, by the 1970s the younger Brookman pursued a similar career track by leasing office space in Edmonton and Calgary. “I did pretty well for the first year or two, then Peter Lougheed turned off the taps for a while,” he says of the late premier who became famed for his many disputes with the federal government over Alberta’s resource assets. “For a good year or so, you couldn’t give away office space.”

After nearly a decade of prosperity that followed that dip in the early 1970s, the next bust came along in 1982, this one harder than any had seen in more than a half-century. It prompted Brookman to throw in the towel on commercial leasing and buy an existing company. “We were paying 22 per cent interest on our operating loan,” he says of his first few years of running West Canadian Graphics, a digital print and document management company that today employs more than 300. “But somehow we survived.”

Like any longtime Calgarian, the 68-year-old businessman is well familiar with the boom-bust cycles that accompany life in an oil and gas-driven city. In fact, he insists that it’s played a major role in shaping who he is today.

“It taught me to be resilient and to adapt to changing circumstance,” he says. “I always say to people, ‘This isn’t going to last,’” he adds with a knowing chuckle. “And by that, I mean both the good times and the bad.”

So it is with a healthy dose of calm concern that in recent weeks, Brookman’s been watching the dramatic decline in crude oil prices. A report by CIBC economists described the change in fortunes as “an unprecedented development for the Canadian economy,” while other major banks and economic forecasters have been hastily revising previously forecasts for both Canada’s and Alberta’s economic health, the latter of which has just seen its growth expectations slashed in half for the coming year.

For individual consumers, the precipitous drop means the lowest prices at the pumps in nearly a decade, while exporters are eyeing the opportunities afforded by a low Canadian dollar. But it’s also understood that the price plunge from over $100 a barrel US to less than $60 (at least as of this writing) is bad news for government coffers, to the point Premier Jim Prentice has described it as the province’s worst fiscal situation in generations.

It’s also disconcerting news for those who make their living in the oilpatch. While many of the big players have already announced major slashing to capital spending and tighter operating budgets, we’re still only hearing rumblings of job cuts. Those who have seen this kind of a downturn before, though, are well aware that more than a few pink slips are on their way.

For businesspeople like Brookman who have long called Calgary home, it’s understood that these are wary times. “Everybody in this town is connected to the oil and gas industry, either directly or indirectly,” he says. “It will be felt by everybody, from retail to real estate.”

Still, when asked about how the current economic climate is affecting him, Brookman is matter-of-fact. “Look, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before,” he says. “The only problem right now is the uncertainty.”

Experience has taught him that when it looks like a bust — or even slowed-down growth — is on the horizon, one of the most important things to do as a business operator is to keep the lines of communication open. “We sent out a memo to our staff right away, to reassure them,” he says. “You don’t run and hide, you deal with it head-on.”

Robbie Babins-Wagner of the Calgary Counselling Centre says her organization serves as a bellwether for the city’s collective mood.

Like Brookman, Robbie Babins-Wagner has seen it all before. “I have been in Calgary since 1980, so I’ve been through a few downturns,” says the CEO of the Calgary Counselling Centre, which has been offering counselling services to Calgarians since 1962. “If you haven’t lived in this economy for very long, then you could be shell-shocked if this is your first experience.”

Babins-Wagner says that those who have become accustomed to such economic upheavals as that seen here in the early 1980s, or, more recently, the worldwide financial crisis of 2008, have a different outlook.

“When those wonderful ups are happening, you just know something’s always going to come along to balance it out,” she says. “What you have to do is work hard not to get caught up in those swings.”

Babins-Wagner, who has been with the Calgary Counselling Centre since 1992, says her organization serves as a bellwether for the city’s collective mood. “We’re not seeing it yet, maybe partly because people are so busy with Christmas activities and also because we’re not yet seeing companies start to lay off people,” she says.

“I think as a city, we’ve learned how to handle this better. Companies know that if they lay off their key people now, it’s hard to get them back when things improve.”

Still, she is quick to note that organizations like hers will be doing more over the coming weeks than simply watching with interest. “We’re making sure we have the right amount of counsellors in place for January and February,” says Babins-Wagner, who notes those are the centre’s busiest months of the year no matter the economic climate. “We are absolutely not in any state of panic. But am I worried? Yes, a bit.”

Carlene Donnelly is also well aware of the impact an economic slowdown can have on the social landscape of the city she’s called home for the past quarter of a century.

“I don’t panic like I used to,” says Donnelly, the executive director of CUPS Health Services, which provides a variety of services to help lift Calgarians out of poverty. “But living here, you know how important it is to have a Plan B, both in one’s personal life and career.”

Donnelly says that in times good and bad for the local economy, her organization works to stay focused on what matters most: providing the supports to help Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens to rise out of poverty.

“Since the last economic crisis in 2008, there has been a growing gap between the haves and the have nots,” she says. “Issues like housing, health care, have become even more pressing in the past six years. We have serious issues we need to face, no matter the cost of oil.”

Calgary fashion designer Paul Hardy says he has never let Calgary’s oil-dependent economy dictate his decisions.

For his part, Paul Hardy has never let the wild swings of an oil-dependent economy dictate any of his life and career decisions. When he moved to Calgary from Winnipeg in late 1997 to pursue his dream to become a fashion designer, oil was on a southward slide to $10 US a barrel.

“If I’d being paying attention to any of that, I never would have started a business,” says the designer who in 2012 celebrated a highly successful first decade in business.

“I have never existed at the mercy of my circumstances,” says the 41-year-old, who does charity work in Africa when he’s not designing clothes for the likes of Sarah McLachlan. “If something crappy happens, I look at it not as a problem but as an opportunity to overcome an obstacle.”

Hardy says that being in one of the most precarious vocations around — in a city famed for its boom-bust economy — has given him a competitive edge as he continues to show his collections around the world.

“Since the 2008 downturn, I’ve done a lot of diversifying, into areas like interior design,” says Hardy, who opened a 3,600-square-foot studio in the city’s Inglewood district two years ago. “Calgary is the kind of environment that requires you to think outside of the box.”

Even if the recent plummet in oil prices has any long-term effects on his business interests, Hardy says it won’t change the philosophy that has served him so well since he entered Ryerson Polytechnic’s fashion program in the early 1990s. “My focus has been more on the craft and telling stories, not the bottom line,” he says. “I’ve always been baffled by the fact we’ve continued to increase our sales every year, despite the ups and downs.”

Such a positive attitude, agrees George Brookman, is more than vital to surviving as an entrepreneur — as any citizen for that matter — in a city that can bring wild swings of fortune from year to year.

“This is a place where you can be barbecuing steak one day, eating shredded wheat for dinner the next,” says Brookman, who adds the best approach in an economy tied to fossil fuel is a long-term plan that takes into account the inevitable bad times following the good, and vice versa.

“You don’t need to panic when things swing to the downside — but you just have to pay attention,” he says, adding with a smile, “One thing I know for sure is that, sooner or later, it’ll swing right back up. You just need to stay resilient to ride it out.”

 vfortney@calgaryherald.com

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They could have called it This Girl’s Life.

That’s the theme running through every gossamer strand of the Alberta Ballet’s revised — but still elegiac and beautiful — edition of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy — Director’s Cut, a ballet inspired by the music and lyrics of Sarah McLachlan, back in town for performances this week at the Jubilee Auditorium.

And why not create a dance piece that traces the trajectory of a woman’s life, through childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, through sexual awakening, love, loss, all the way to sexual betrayal, and on into old age out of Sarah McLachlan songs? Fumbling Towards Ecstasy choreographer and co-creator Jean Grand-Maitre practically had the narrative to this pop ballet handed to him on circular piece of 12-inch vinyl.

The Alberta Ballet’s Fumbling Through Ecstasy, Jubilee Auditorium, February 11, 2015.

At a time when a film called Boyhood is snapping up a bunch of film awards, McLachlan and Grand-Maitre have devised an inspired, kinetic, beautiful dance counterpoint.

Following a moving introduction from Alberta Ballet executive director Martin Bragg, who dedicated the ballet to the late Michael Green and Sarah McLachlan (she’s on tour in Australia), the show launched into an overture featuring a young girl — young Sarah — wearing a white dress, sitting upstage, leafing through an oversized, illuminated book, while beyond her, the stage fills with the Alberta Ballet company, dancing against a backdrop of billowing blue waves.

The Alberta Ballet production of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, January 2015.

As the first act unfolds, with Hold On #1, we enter a world drenched in the imagery of the sea. Projected images of whales, jellyfish and a whole underwater culture bathe over the company as the dancers slowly build to a crescendo onstage.

Young Sarah gives way to teenage Sarah in Drawn to the Rythm and a tableau dominated by ballerinas eventually gives way, in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, to a celebration of sexual awakening, during Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, when the projected images transition cheekily from serene landscapes to something closer to one of those racy Calvin Klein underwear billboards Marky Mark used to pose for.

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, the Alberta Ballet production that follows a woman’s life of loves from childhood romance to mature love, l at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, on February 11, 2015.

While McLachlan’s melodies feed effortlessly into Grand-Maitre’s neo-classical stylings, there are a few lighter moments too, particularly toward the end of Act 1, when love erupts, in the Chaplinesque form of Yukichi Hattori, wearing a fedora, sporting a pencil thin moustache and a rose, who comes brandishing happiness for Sarah (Nicole Caron) during The Sound That Love Makes.

The showstopper for me comes right after intermission, during Illusions of Bliss #1 and 2, a duet between Serena Sandford and Kelley McKinlay that is where Grand-Maitre’s sensual choreography, Paul Hardy’s sensual costumes and McLachlan’s melodies come together to create a searing duet. The chemistry between the dancers here, set against a backdrop of a cityscape that’s a little bit West Side Story, is tremendous, and I loved having the intimacy of a duet fill up the huge stage at the Jubilee.

While Fumbling Through Ecstasy isn’t a so-called story ballet in the way past Alberta Ballet shows such as Madame Butterfly or Othello were, the arc of McLachlan’s songbook actually generates a more engaging narrative than those old-school shows ever did for me.

The evening’s showcase moment comes with the arrival of older Sarah (Beverly Bagg), in Mary. The act of putting a mature woman centre stage in what has for so long been a young girl’s racket feels inspired and Bagg brings the journey full circle, convening upstage with young Sarah who discovers her older, wiser self. It’s theatrical and audacious and lovely to watch.

Beverly Bagg in the Alberta Ballet production of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy.

Grand-Maitre, working with a design team that includes Calgary fashion star Paul Hardy (costumes), and projection designer Adam Larsen, set designer Scott Reid and sound designer Claude Lemelin, have devised a visual language for McLachlan’s melodies that is engaging and sensual, electric and — OK — once in a while a little over the top. (I’m talking about you apple in the Garden of Eden).

McLachlan’s songbook doesn’t top k.d. lang, Elton or Joni Mitchell’s in my greatest hits of past Alberta Ballet pop productions, but I’ll be damned if her willowy, breathless vocalizations and female empowerment pop tunes don’t complement Grand-Maitre’s neo-classical choreography perfectly.

If I just landed in the Jubilee from another planet and someone told me that her songs were written explicitly for a classical ballet created by a fellow true Canadian original, it would have made perfect sense.

Review

Fumbling Through Ecstasy

at the Jubilee Auditorium through February 14

albertaballet.com

Four stars out of five

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Leave it to the talented folks at Alberta Ballet to put on a fabulous fundraiser. La Nuit Noir, held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser had all the trappings one would expect from the premier dance company.

From dance competitions and fabulous auction items, to a scaled- down performance of the global hit Love Lies Bleeding, La Nuit Noir had something for everyone. But surely topping the list was the Love Lies Bleeding performance. For those who saw the $1.6 million extravaganza  when it premiered in May 2010, you know well how marvelous it was. So what a treat for the 175 guests in attendance to either re-visit the delightful dance or see it for the first time.

The evening started with a champagne reception in the CP Rail Pavilion and then it was off to the Crystal Ballroom for welcoming remarks from Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre. Alberta Ballet board chair Dawn McDonald was ill this night so unable to welcome guests which was adeptly handled by  her husband Dr. Grant Bartlett. Amazing auction items the likes of the chance to debut on stage with Alberta Ballet and a behind the scenes experience with Sarah McLachlan to a Paul Hardy shopping trip and a weekend at Fox Harb’r Golf Resort and Spa saw guests dig deep and succeed in raising more than $100,000 for Alberta Ballet Company dancers and artistic creations. A dance competition for select guests paired with Alberta Ballet dancers with prizes from Jewels by Maxime proved great fun for all.

Guests having a marvelous time this night included: Alberta Ballet executive director Martin Bragg and his wife Sarah; avid arts supporters Sherrold and Pat Moore and their daughter Cynthia Moore; Alberta Ballet board member Bryce Tingle and his wife Rebecca Tingle; U of C’s Lyndsay Campbell; Cisco Fellow Cullen Jennings; Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque; Honens’ Michele Stanners; Section 23 Design’s Rob Ollerenshaw; uber realtor Sue Anne Valentine; Alberta Ballet board member and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard; terrific table mates Rod and Jan Wittig; Alberta Ballet board member FirstEnergy’s Chandra Henry and her husband Tom Henry with Telus; presenting sponsor, Lexus of Calgary sales manager Giovanni Bianchini with colleague Les Krawec; Alberta Ballet publicist Danielle Bartha; head-turners Dave and Jane Pierce; event sponsor Pattison Outdoor’s Adam Seely and his wife Amy Seely; Brion Energy’s John Seto and Christel Mueller; Alberta Ballet dancers Laura Vande Zande and Luna Sasaki; Arts Commons president and CEO Johann Zietsman and his wife Tharrie; Mitchell Eye Centre’s Dr. Robert Mitchell and his wife Helen; and Roger Smith.

Pattison Outdoor’s Adam Seely and his wife Amy Seely were among the glam guests in attendance at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir.

Dave and Jane Pierce pulled out all the stops for Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Mitchell Eye Centre’s Dr. Robert Mitchell and his wife Helen pose for the lens at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser.

Cutting up the carpet at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are renowned realtor Sue Anne Valentine with developer Rob Ollerenshaw.

Pictured at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Dr. Grant Bartlet with Alberta Ballet board member and Prostate Cancer Centre executive director Pam Heard.

Pictured at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Roger Smith and Alberta ballet dancer Luna Sasaki.

Looking fashionably fabulous at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Arts Commons president and CEO Johann Zietsman and his wife Tharrie.

Alberta ballet 6 Brion Energy’s John Seto had a great time at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser. Joining Seto are Christel Mueller (left) and Alberta Ballet dancer Laura Vande Zande.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Sarah Bragg with her husband Martin Bragg, executive director, Alberta Ballet and avid arts supporter Pat Moore.

Alberta ballet 1 Looking their glam finest at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Enbridge’s D’Arcy Levesque and Honens’ Michelle Stanners. More than $100,000 was raised this night for Alberta Ballet’s dancer and artistic creations.

Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maitre (left) joins Alberta Ballet board member Chandra Henry and Telus’ Tom Henry at La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser. More than $100,000 was raised this night for our beloved-and world renowned Alberta Ballet’s dancer and artistic creations.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are presenting sponsor Giovanni Bianchini, sales manager, Lexus of Calgary, Alberta Ballet’s Danielle Bartha and Lexus of Calgary’s Les Krawec.

Pictured, from left, at Alberta Ballet’s La Nuit Noir held Feb 28 at the Fairmont Palliser are Alberta Ballet board member Bryce Tingle and his wife Rebecca with U of C’s Lyndsay Campbell and Cisco Fellow Cullen Jennings.

Calgary designer Paul Hardy, who has worked with with a bevvy of stars from show business and fashion, has a new hat to wear in 2015.

That’s because it was announced Wednesday that Hardy was named the Glenbow Museum’s 2015 artist in residence.

One of Hardy’s duties during his Glenbow residency will be curatorial –  Kaleidoscopic Animalia, a show that will include some of Hardy’s own garment designs, in addition to a selection of objects pulled from the Glenbow archives, will examine how animal imagery and symbols have influenced human creativity over different generations.

Kaleidoscopic Animalia opens at Glenbow Oct. 17.

Hardy is an international designer who has worked over the years with many Calgary institutions and businesses, including the Alberta Ballet (designing the costumes for Fumbling Through Ecstasy) and the Calgary Stampede.

Some of Hardy’s celebrity clients have included Bette Midler, Carrie Fisher, Diane Krueger, Alanis Morrisette, U2, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Sarah Mclachlan, Olympic gold medalist John Montgomery, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Calgary country singer Paul Brandt.

shunt@calgaryherald.com

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Before he became an internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Calgary’s Paul Hardy had another gig: decorator of department store window displays.

“I used to do visual merchandising years ago,” Hardy says, “when I was in university.”

That bit of personal backstory came around recently, when Hardy launched his latest bit of design wizardry — namely, conceiving of and curating Kaleidoscopic Animalia, a new exhibition at the Glenbow Museum, which opens in mid-October.

Hardy, who was recently named the Glenbow’s 2015 artist-in-residence, connected all the dots between his retail and fashion background in order to come up with a new way of thinking about how to exhibit art in a museum.

It was just the latest plot twist in the career of an engaging Calgary creative mind, someone whose work is exhibited in places like Paris, Milan and New York, whose celebrity clients include Sarah McLachlan, Goldie Hawn and daughter Kate Hudson, Bette Midler, U2’s The Edge, Daniel Lanois, Paul Brandt and Olympic gold medallist Jon Montgomery, among many others.

“One of the things that window displays typically try to do,” Hardy says, “is challenge the idea of the person viewing it and do it in a way that has a certain tongue in cheek idea to it.

“We want to do the installation for the exhibition like retail store windows,” he says, “so you would feel like you’re window shopping while you’re walking through the exhibit.

“It sort of was intended in part to reference my own career,” he says. “(And) I also thought it would have a lot of visual appeal (for museum patrons), because you’re dealing with the original artifacts — and the Glenbow has the largest collection of artifacts in Western Canada.”

For a theme, Hardy, who has a fascination with taxidermy, chose to examine the relationship between humans and animals.

“I just started noticing,” he says, “how we see a lot of animal subject matter in art, fashion, interiors — really, all facets of design. It’s permeated into our culture, through song or band names — and of course obviously from the more necessity perspective of hunting and gathering.

“This is a subject,” he adds, “that transcends every social hierarchy and it actually is the common thread to every culture globally.

“I wanted to pick something,” he says, “I thought would be very relatable to the public, and have some commercial appeal for the museum and (that) was (also) a topic of interest for myself.”

The show’s subject matter also meant Hardy could make ample use of the museum’s collection, his own work, as well as outside collections.

“We’re investigating with other museums and design houses about potential loans,” he says, “so there may some borrowed content.

“There will certainly be a vast variety of artifacts from the Glenbow’s archives,” he says, “and then I’m designing some original content related to the theme of the exhibition and it will become, I guess, part of their permanent collection.

“But they’re all original works,” he says, “that are inspired by the different themes, or subjects.”

All of it will be presented, in uniquely Hardy-esque fashion, as a series of store windows that recall Christmas shopping season more than a museum exhibition — which just might give the sturdy old Glenbow a much needed jolt of conceptual adrenalin.

It also might jar old-school traditionalists, but that’s fine by Hardy — who is also premièring a new fashion line at a Glenbow fundraiser in October, giving a few hundred lucky Calgarians the opportunity to sample his work as both art curator and fashion designer on the same night.

“There’s always been an argument within my own field of work,” he says, “whether fashion is art or a commercial design.

“Everything related to the exhibition,” he adds, “from the way it’s constructed — everything has an intention to it.

“That’s very much the way I design things,” he says. “I’m really trying to approach this opportunity — not just to pay homage to the collection and the museum — but also to reference the multicultural aspect of Canada, and its history and its origins.

“Because,” he says, “we were really birthed out of the fur trade — so I think that’s why this subject is really fitting (for a Glenbow exhibit).”

shunt@calgaryherald.com

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Scores of the hip and happening set gathered at Riverwalk Plaza, East Village for  Parkluxe 2015- a high-fashion and art showcase featuring a diverse lineup of local design, art and cuisine. Presented by Bankers Hall, the event supported PARK-a local organization with the mandate of promoting and educating local artists and fashion designers through a variety of annual workshops, sales opportunities and it’s signature fashion show- Parkluxe.

The 2015 event featured pop-up shops, music by  Mikey Da Roza, artist Cory Christopher and fashion designers Paul Hardy, Travis Taddeo, Eliza Faulkner, Malorie Urbanovitch, House of Nonie, Laura Siegel and Caitlin Power. Fashionistas in attendance this night included:  Binzento Vincente aka Vincent Law; The Stylistas, Phaedra Godchild and Brenna Hardy; fashion photographer Jason Eng with Barclay clothing designer Margaret Barclay; Julia Read and Hedkandi Salon’s Wray Bokitch; Nessa Ryan and Brookfield Properties’ Ramona Biggar; CMLC’s Kate Thompson; Daniela Condreanu;  Kait Kucy; Kelly Doody; Shawn Freeman; Murlyn Fong; Dan Clapson; Jay Skelly;  Katy Bond; Ellen Parker; Darryl Pollock; Chelsea Kindrachuk; Lauryn Vaughn Zhurkrovsky; Ceris Brady; Stephanie Louie; Tara Walker; Joanne Parish; Melanie Nearing; Alena Schock; Katrina Olson-Mottahed; Bamboo Ballroom’s Stacey Boruk;  Kate Ryder; PARK founder Kara Chomistek; Carati Diamonds’ Justin and Elaine Ng; and  Canadace Ross.

Among the hundreds of the hip and happening in attendance at Parkluxe 2015 held Oct 3 in Riverwalk Plaza, East Village were, from left, Daniela Condreanu, Kait Kucy and Kelly Doody

Pictured, from left, at Parkluxe 2015 held Oct 3 in Riverwalk Plaza, East Village are Dan Clapson, Jay Skelly, Katy Bond and Ellen Parker

Pictured, from left, at Parkluxe 2015 held Oct 3 in Riverwalk Plaza, East Village are Ceris Brady, Stephanie Louie, Tara Walker, Joanne Parish, Melanie Nearing and Alena Schock.

Posing for the lens at Parkluxe 2015 held Oct 3 in Riverwalk Plaza, East Village is Canadace Ross.

Pictured at Parkluxe 2015 held Oct 3 in Riverwalk Plaza, East Village are The Stylistas Phaedra Godchild (left) and Brenna Hardy. Pop-up shops, fabulous fashions from some of Canada’s up and coming stars and great people watching were but a few of the evening’s highlights.

Glenbow’s recent installation, Kaleidoscopic Animalia- designed and curated by fashion darling Paul Hardy, is a must see experience. Hardy, Glenbow’s 2015 Artist-In-Residence, has created an exhibition unlike anything the storied museum has ever seen.  Kaleidoscopic Animalia features treasures from the museum’s vaults that have never been displayed before. That and special loans from other institutions, historical clothing from Glenbow’s collection and couture gowns designed by Hardy specifically for this exhibition ensure this show will be the talk of the town. The thought provoking exhibition examines how animal imagery and symbols have influenced human creativity throughout the  generations. Fully 15 ‘store windows’ have been created evoking a bygone Bergdorf Goodman vibe. Think large. Elaborate. And gorgeous.

A select group of guests attended the VIP opening Oct 15 that featured a fashion show- all Hardy’s amazing designs, of course, cocktails and a first look at the exhibition. And in keeping with the animal theme, many guests donned elaborate masks. Those in attendance this night included: Glenbow president and CEO Donna Livingstone; Glenbow board chair Jim McLeod; Caltech Surveys’ Roberta White; Amanda Cain; Glenbow senior development officer Judy Black; U of C’s Kenda Swanson; Eye Health Centres’ Diana Monea and Diana McMillan; Nathanail Captioning Canada’s Rena Nathanail; Equinox Publishing’s Janet Joyce; philanthropist W. Brett Wilson with Brandi Krivak; Glenbow board member Jean Merriman and her daughter Jade Davis; Glenbow past board chair Jack Thrasher and his wife Dawn; Glenbow board member Phyllis Konrad with Carl Bonke; National Bank’s Paul Chave; Susan Russell; stylist Leah Van Loon; Haly Peper; Urban Legal Recruitment’s Stacy Cowan; and Shaun Ford.

The must-see exhibition runs through May 22,2016.

Pictured, from left, at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are, from left, Amanda Cain, Glenbow senior development officer Judy Black and Caltech Surveys’ Roberta White. The ambitious, extravagant exhibition featured fashion, art and hundreds of rarely-seen artifacts from GlenbowÕs collection.

Pictured, from left, at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are, from left, U of C’s Kendra Swanson with Eye Health Centres’ Diana Monea and Diana McMillan. The ambitious, extravagant exhibition runs through May 22, 2016.

Pictured, from left, at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are, from left, Nathanail Captioning Canada’s Rena Nathanail with Equinox Publishing’s Janet Joyce.

Pictured, from left, at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are Glenbow’s Judy Black, philanthropist W. Brett Wilson and Brandi Krivak.

It was a family affair at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow with Glenbow board member Jean Merriman and her daughter Jade Davis in attendance.

Pictured at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are Glenbow past board chairman Jack Thrasher and his wife Dawn.

Among the select group of guests who attended Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow were, from left, National Bank’s Paul Chave, Susan Russell, Glenbow board member Phyllis Konrad and Carl Bonke.

Pictured at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are stylist Leah Van Loon (left) with Hardy fan Haly Peper.

Pictured at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow are Urban Legal Recruitment’s Stacy Cowan and Shaun Ford.

Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia exhibition runs at Glenbow through May 22,2015. Pictured is but one of the ‘windows’ curated by Hardy featuring treasures from Glenbow’s vaults paired with one of Hardy’s amazing couture pieces. Animalia examines the historic influence of animals as inspiration in art, fashion, interiors and culture.

Pictured at Paul Hardy’s Kaleidoscopic Animalia opening gala Oct 15 at Glenbow is the genius himself, Paul Hardy.

The Herald surveyed a few prominent Calgarians and asked for their favourite Calgary-area performing arts moments of 2015.

Shelley Youngblut, Director, Wordfest

Shelley Youngblut

2015 High Performance Rodeo: What the Thunder Saw, One Yellow Rabbit 

A highly stylized, yet bravely raw theatrical mash-up that took on the challenge of making sense of senseless loss — globally through the First World War and T.S. Eliot (my favourite poet) and highly personally through Led Zeppelin and Richard McDowell (our Rabbits’ steady sonic soul). I was there for the final show, which was also Michael Green’s last performance with his compadres, and I left the Big Secret Theatre devastated and uplifted by what had happened and what was yet to come.  

The cast from What the Thunder Said from left, Denise Clarke, Peter Hinton, Michael Green and Andy Curtis.

Brian Burke,President of Hockey Operations, Calgary Flames

My highlight was Illuminasia at the Calgary Zoo. Enjoyed the entire evening very much.

Chinese lantern frogs, mandarin ducks, and lilies, as part of the Illuminasia show at the Calgary Zoo in Calgary on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. (Aryn Toombs/Calgary Herald)

Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations and You Can Play founder, Brian Burke, left, and Mayor Naheed Nenshi,  September 6, 2015. (Lorraine Hjalte/Calgary Herald) 

Dear Johnny Deere,  Theatre Calgary. The music! The singing! The scaring of the horses!

Rebecca Auerbach, J.D. Nicholsen in Dear Johnny Deere. Photo by Trudie Lee.

Romeo and Juliet, The Shakespeare Company.  I normally can’t stand this play (just be more careful!), but this production was unbelievable.

The cast of The Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo courtesy Benjamin Laird Arts and Photo.

Everything at the Calgary International Film Festival, but especially Remember (and meeting the director, Atom Egoyan) and the Youth by Youth Cinema Competition.

Revv52’s Gospel Revolution.  First time I’ve seen them.  Just go see them. You won’t stop talking about it for days.

And since the theme of Calgary’s Arts Development Plan is Living a Creative Life, my last three moments are ones that I participated in, despite having no discernible talent of any kind. I had a hoot co-hosting the 10-minute Play Festival (at the High Performance Rodeo), with the force-of-nature Julie Orton (though I note I was not asked back), narrating the Carnival of the Animals for the 40th Anniversary of the Calgary Civic Symphony was incredible,  and I pulled on the entire musical community from the Heebee Jeebees to Cowtown Opera to help me sing Let it Go after the Flames lost to Anaheim.

And a bonus event: In early July, I went to my friend Rene’s 100th birthday party.  We were all asked to go out to the front lawn for a surprise just as ominous clouds were gathering. I heard thunder, then … something else, coming from down the street.  “It’s a marching band!” someone yelled. “It’s not just a marching band,” I said, “it’s the world-champion Calgary Stampede Show Band. In the middle of Stampede!”. The skies opened, most people ran for cover, but Rene and I and a few hardy others stayed out as the kids got wetter and wetter and played their hearts out.  We were drenched to the bone, but filled with joy that these artists would do such a kind thing for a lovely woman on her special day. That’s the power of art in our community.

Janice Price, President and CEO, Banff Centre

Janice Price, President of The Banff Centre.

Betroffenheit, Electric Theatre Company and Kidd Pivot. One of the standout performances of the year, created at The Banff Centre which debuted to rave reviews in July at the Centre and at 2015’s Panamania, the cultural program of the Pan Am games. 

.Betroffenheit by Crystal Pite at Banff Centre. Photo Wendy D.

The Mikado, Calgary Opera. There is something magical about al fresco opera and the Calgary Opera really delivered a delightful interpretation of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic last summer.

The cast of The Mikado, at Opera in the Village in Calgary, on August 11, 2015. Photo Stephen Hunt/Calgary Herald

A Little Too Cosy, Against the Grain Theatre and The Banff Centre. Joel Ivany and Against The Grain Theatre’s stagings of contemporary opera at The Banff Centre’s “Open Space” program really push the limits of what one would traditionally expect from the art form. A Little Too Cosy took Mozart’s classic Cosi Fan Tutti and reimagined it as a 21^st century dating reality show.

The Midway and all the shows at this year’s Calgary Stampede. As a new Albertan, I attended my very first Stampede this year. The experience of the midway’s outstanding Young Canadian singers, live stages and all the shows, were a perfect Calgary cultural indoctrination.

The Gershwin Piano Quartet perform Tuesday at Jack Singer Hall as part of the 2015 Honens Piano Festival. Courtesy Gershwin Piano Quartet

Honen’s 2015 Piano Competition. A world leader in piano excellence and classical music, this competition brings the world’s classical music lovers attention to Calgary. An important spotlight for our classical music scene.

 Kent Hehr, Veterans Affairs Minister

Liberal cabinet minister Kent Hehr. Colleen De Neve/Calgary Herald

Tribute to Michael Green. A Celebration of his life. A tearful ceremony that celebrated a uniquely Calgarian personality that defied stereotypes, built part of the cultural industry in Calgary, and helped put Calgary on the map for theatre. 

Calgary’s creative community turns out to celebrate the life of Michael Green at the Jack Singer Hall, in Calgary on February 16, 2015.

MoMo Dance Theatre: I Didn’t Wear My Raincoat Mixed-ability dance troupe exploring the four seasons through movement. 

Sage Theatre: Shakespeare’s Will  Canadian piece (by Governor-General Award-winner Vern Thiessen), this was a play that is a one-woman monodrama (performed by Elinor Holt) that deals with Anne Hathaway on the day that her husband William Shakespeare dies. 

Elinor Holt as Ann Hathaway in Shakespeare’s Will. (Colleen De Neve/Calgary Herald)

Theatre Encounter: The Dumb Waiter Upstairs-downstairs piece of English drama by Nobel Prize winning playwright Harold Pinter (co-directed by Hehr communications lead Ben Charland and Val Duncan), that draws attention to class and cultural differences inside Britain.

Rachel Gillatt and Meredith Pritchard in The Dumb Waiter, at Motel through December 6. Photo by Mike Unrau

Ann Connors, Managing Producer, High Performance Rodeo

Theatre Calgary artistic director Dennis Granhum  with One Yellow Rabbit managing director Ann Connors at the launch of the 28th annual High Performance Rodeo Jan 7, 2015.

Betroffenheit – Crystal Pite/Jonathon Young, Banff Centre. I couldn’t possibly pick one moment from this stunning show. It was perfection.

What Happened to the Seeker, Nadia Ross and STO Union at Theatre Junction Grand. The moment when Nadia Ross (creator) puts on her red shoes and dances across the stage. Killer.

Nadia Ross, founder and artistic director of STO Union, poses for a photo on set of What Happened to the Seeker at Theatre Junction Grand in Calgary on November 25, 2015. Photo Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald

Listen To Me, Vertigo’s Y Stage. This is more about the kids than any particular show. Post show Q & A’s for these kids shows are the BEST THING EVER. Such smart kids. These are the moments we all need to remind us why we do what we do. Gets me every time.

What the Thunder Said. I know this is a One Yellow Rabbit show, but please indulge me with this one. It is very personal. But the moment when the Rabbit’s did a complete switch in performance style and the Music for Kashmir started to play – wow. It was an homage of the highest order. And beautifully played.

The Untitled Feminist Show by New York playwright Young Jean Lee opens at the High Performance Rodeo January 15

Untitled Feminist Show, Young Jean Lee at Theatre Junction Grand. The whole show was a stunner. We often say that good theatre is a mirror in which we see ourselves reflected. When I first saw this show in Toronto, this 50 +++ woman remembered thinking “That is the first time in quite some time that I have seen myself on stage”. But I will admit that I was nervous about programming the show and what the reaction would be. When I bought it to Calgary, the women who waited to meet the cast post-show and reflect on that very thing assured me that it was the right decision. Those were the moments that you dream of when presenting work. Success!

The Young Canadians and other entertainers put on the 2015 Grandstand Show for the Calgary Stampede, on July 3, 2015.

The Grandstand Show at the Stampede. It was my first Stampede Grandstand show. I remember thinking “they can’t possibly fit anything else on the stage” And then the angels dropped in from the sky. And it was awesome.

Patti Pon, President and CEO, Calgary Arts Development Authority

Calgary Arts Development President and CEO Patti Pon. Gavin Young/Calgary Herald

What the Thunder Said. One Yellow Rabbit teamed up with former National Arts Centre artistic director Peter Hinton in a First World War themed drama that featured the final performance by Michael Green.

Revv52: Inside the Wall of Sound. It is just so amazing to see this group of singers having such a great time on stage.  Their passion is contagious!

Borderland, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks show (at Arrata Opera Centre), which featured choreography by the company’s seven dancers.

Equinox Vigil at Union Cemetery. Calgary artist Sharon Stevens curated an evening of performance, art installation and live music at the Union Cemetery, in an event (inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead), that paid tribute to the dead.

Animate the Avenue. Showcased some of Calgary’s arts treasures,  including the BassBus, Kris Demeanour, Chantal Vitalis and Eya-Hey Nakoda, Cowtown Opera, Antyx Community Arts (Play on Wheels), MoMo Dance Theatre,  the hip hop dancers of Pulse Studios, Rubim de Toledo and his Dixieland Jazz Band and so many more!)

ALSO: Making Treaty 7, ACAD Spring Show and Sale, Honens Finals, Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS,  Ronnie Burkett and the Daisy Theatre, and Mump and Smoot

Biggest regret (re: an arts experience that I didn’t get to in 2015): Ute Lemper Sings the Seven Deadly Sins with the CPO.

Dave Kelly, Playwright, actor, broadcaster

Dave Kelly in Epiphany at Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary. Photo courtesy Benjamin Laird Arts & Photo.

Mozart’s Requiem. Luminous Voices.  Haunting, big, and enough beyond my musical grasp to make me feel like I was visiting a foreign country – a place I’d never been and wouldn’t normally go. When Calgary’s Luminous Voices – one of our country’s great professional choirs – decided to do it as their first concert in the new Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University. I sat there, listening and was transported to my youth, to cathedrals around the world, to sadness and mystery.

Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. OK, I helped write the show – but this summer we thought we’d try doing citizenship ceremony for a different family every evening as part of the show. On the first night, a young Muslim family walked out on the Grandstand stage, shaking with excitement and proudly swore their allegiance to Canada while 20,000 of us in the audience stood and roared our welcome to our country, to our city. It was one of the most human, touching, dramatic moments I’ve ever been part of.

From Friday’s Canadian Classic at the Calgary Stampede.

Storybook theatre – Awesome Allie – First Kid Astronaut. My son John had just turned four. He’d never been to a play. Neither had his best friend, his rabbit Roger. He’d never looked at a program. He’d never sat in a theatre seat. He’d never been in a room where it went dark and then lights came up on a stage – and live people put on a show. And he’d never been to outer space. He watched the play. I watched him.

W. Bret Wilson, Muckraking Philanthropist

Brett Wilson. Photo courtesy Alena Jenkins

Favourite fundraising event and live musical performance: Watching two great Alberta singer/songwriters—Corb Lund and Brett Kissel—perform at my annual Garden Party. The event raised over $400,000 to support adolescent mental health.

Corb Lund

Favourite film event: The smalls, forever is a long time, presented at the Calgary International Film Festival. Featuring Corb Lund’s unlikely yet remarkable metal-punk-country band’s reunion tour, this film is a feature-length musical documentary well worth taking the time to enjoy. 

Favourite Experience: Curated by my friend Paul Hardy, Kaleidoscopic Animalia, currently showing at the Glenbow Museum, a must-see fascinating look at animal-inspired artifacts and artwork from different cultures and periods, depicting the positive and not-so-positive use of animals in art, fashion, and culture – all relying on the extraordinary collection embedded in the archives of the Glenbow.

Paul Hardy, Home Stretch, part of Kaleidoscopic Animalia, at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.

Mike Morrison, Mike’s Bloggity Blog

Decked out in theri Flames jerseys,two of Calgary’s best known social media experts, Mike Morrison and Kelly Doody, take selfies at the Social Media Summit Tuesday April 28, 2015. They hosted a forum teaching young people the art and skill at being social media experts of the future.

Look out Fallon!  This year, two different styles of talk shows emerged as an alternative to your traditional theatrical experiences.  First, Late Night at The Plaza is a wild and hilarious weekly spectacle that takes place at the Plaza in Kensington. It’s a mix of a college radio show, Saturday Night Live and early Conan O’Brien, but it’s expertly produced and almost so good it’s hard to believe that they produce a brand new show each week!

The other show is Dave Kelly Live, which produced four specials this year at the Lunchbox Theatre. Those of us who’ve missed Dave Kelly since he left Breakfast Television have been treated to the good ol’ Dave that we all know and love, but without the restraints of television and all its rules.  By bringing in some of the city’s biggest newsmakers, musicians and special guests, Dave Kelly Live has the air of something bigger that’s just getting started. 

My favourite theatrical production this year was Front Row Centre Player’s production of Urinetown. First, because I love Urinetown, I was happy to get to see it again, probably for the millionth time. But also because FRC’s production was just so good. Amazing singing, fun adaptions for the Calgary audience and a really, really solid cast. There’s definitely some stars in the making in this city, and Urinetown featured many of them! 

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He’s an internationally known fashion designer whose luxury women’s wear can be found in the most exclusive boutiques in North America and Asia.

Still, Paul Hardy is the first to marvel how a boy from the prairies has managed to not only stay in the game, but also thrive through good times and bad.

“The fact that I have continued to exist, in Calgary, designing only clothes, is kind of a miracle,” says Hardy, the Winnipeg-born sensation who began plying his trade first from his kitchen table in the 1990s, the past few years in a loft studio in the city’s southeast.

“I’m very fortunate.”

He’s also one of those rare creatures whose business acumen has risen to the level of his renowned artistry.

“I’ve never really paid attention to the bottom line until this year,” he says. “But I realized a while back that in order to survive, I had to diversify.”

On Thursday, Feb. 4, Hardy will team up with a famous fashion friend for a talk at Calgary’s Glenbow called In Conversation: Jeanne Beker and Paul Hardy.

The evening leads up to the Saturday, Feb. 6 Schmancy (for info and tickets to both events, go to glenbow.org), Glenbow’s annual fundraiser and its biggest party of the year. Beker, whose show Fashion Television ran worldwide for 27 years, serves as host, while Hardy will also be featured along with musician Buck 65 and visual artist Kent Monkman.

Calgary designer Paul Hardy will team up with Canadian fashion maven Jeanne Beker for a Feb. 4 talk at the Glenbow Museum.

In a rare moment of relaxation in his studio on Tuesday, Hardy plays with his two dogs, 12-year-old Fergus and Coburg, a one-year-old wire-haired daschund, a gift from his friend, country music star Paul Brandt. The past two years, he says, have been two of the best since he launched his first collection 14 years ago.

“I designed the costumes for Sarah McLachlan’s ballet, launched my shearling collection and was Glenbow’s artist in residence,” he says. “It’s been an interesting time with lots of new creative challenges.”

For a man with diverse fashion talents, his eclectic career has also been more by design than luck.

“When the market crashed in 2008, I decided to start doing interiors,” says Hardy, who has designed the interior look of many of Calgary’s best homes. “Then, a lot of other interesting opportunities came my way.”

Over the past several years, Hardy has watched the world of fashion evolve into something much different than when he started out, thanks to the explosion of the online world as well as new practices by large department stores.

“The retail environment was much more favourable to a young designer before,” he says. “Now, some even buy only on consignment.”

Jeanne Beker, a long time fan of Hardy’s work, agrees that staying on top of industry trends is as important as creating fashion that has appeal. An inspiring designer can get publicity a lot easier thanks to social media tools like Instagram, but making money is more challenging than it’s ever been.

“There is an inordinate amount of noise out there,” she says of everything from the explosion of online retailers like Amazon and the Canadian invasion by big American retailers.

“The fashion system has broken and morphed into something else,” says Beker, who has had success with her own line of clothing and accessories under the named Jeanne Beker Edit.

While some might argue that during tough economic times fashion should be the least of Canadians’ concerns, Beker is convinced of its importance.

“The fashion icon Daphne Guinness calls us the only animals to dress ourselves and take delight in doing so,” she says of a $1.2 trillion global industry. “The clothes we wear offer transformational powers in our day-to-day lives.”

Those sentiments are shared by Hardy, the most successful fashion designer to not only call Calgary his adopted home, but to keep calling it home.

“Fashion isn’t just about what we choose to wear when we get up in the morning, it’s a reflection of the times,” he says, noting the defiantly flowery, colourful optimism seen on international runways not long after 9/11 as one example of its impact on our collective psyche. “It’s woven into our daily lives in ways we often overlook.”

As far as his own love of fashion, Hardy continues to keep diversifying. In between getting out his upcoming spring line, he’s been designing a capsule clothing collection for a major corporate client, the frontline staff choosing their outfits from an online boutique.

“Be realistic about what you can accomplish,” is his advice to aspiring younger designers. “And always look for opportunities to diversify.”

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Beeba Boys at The Globe Cinema (Tuesday, Feb. 2)

Deepa Mehta (Sam & Me, Fire, Water) portrays an Indo Canadian gang war over Vancouver’s drug scene in this crime thriller.

Mehta will be on hand for a Q&A after the show. The screening is free and the film starts rolling at 7 p.m.

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan at Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons (Wednesday, Feb. 3)

The beat of the Yamato drummers will carry you over hump day. Their waidako drums have been part of Japanese culture for over 1,500 years, but their modern popularity date back to the 1950s. Tickets are $59 to $99.

The Fear of 13 at Cineplex Eau Claire (Wednesday, Feb. 3)

True crime is experiencing a resurgence with popular shows like The Jinx and Making a Murderer. Hot Docs jumps on the trend with this doc constructed from a four-day long interview with convicted rapist and murderer Nick Yarris, who is fighting to prove his innocence after 23 years on death row. Tickets are $13 to $15.

Trapped in Tradition, Paul Hardy from his exhibition Kaleidoscopic Animalia at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. Photo courtesy Glenbow Museum.

Free First Thursday Nights at Glenbow Museum (Thursday, Feb. 4)

The standard museum weekday visiting hours aren’t accommodating for 9-to-5ers. Now, the Glenbow is helping them out on the First Thursday of each month. Not only are they staying open until 9 p.m., they are also waiving the cover charge. If you’ve already seen Paul Hardy’s exhibition, Kaleidoscopic Animalia, then you can augment your understanding with a candid talk about fashion, inspiration and the arts between Hardy and Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker. Tickets to that talk are $15 to $20.

Some of the art of Inventory by Roula Partheniou, which opens at Contemporary Calgary on Thursday.

Inventory by Roula Partheniou at Contemporary Calgary (Opening Thursday, Feb. 4)

That may look like a rather sparse and non-descript shelf, but Partheniou’s creations are actually handmade and handpainted using wood, canvas, fibreboard and other materials. “Whether stacked, shelved or left leaning against a wall,” writes the exhibit’s curator Ivan Jurakic, “the artist’s use of precise forms and a reductive colour palette elicits a double take that invites viewers to pause and reconsider how their initial reading of common visual cues can often be deceptive.” The opening reception featuring remarks by Partheniou starts at 7 p.m.

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First Thursdays used to be a thing in Calgary back in the heyday of Art Central, the quirky hub of galleries, studios and boutiques that once occupied the building at the corner of Centre Street and 7th Avenue downtown. On the first Thursday evening of every month, the whole place would extend operating hours until 9 p.m., drawing eclectic crowds that came for the camaraderie as much as for the eye candy (and the complimentary wine).

Art Central shuttered in 2014 — the site is now designated for the future Telus Sky tower — but the First Thursdays concept has been reincarnated for 2016 by the Glenbow Museum. On the first Thursday of every month, the museum is staying open until 9 p.m. (it usually closes at 5 p.m.) and offering free admission. It’s ideal for an after-work meet-up or an affordable evening out.

Among the current exhibitions on display is the must-see Kaleidoscopic Animalia, a visual feast of artworks, artifacts and avant-garde fashion curated by Calgary-based designer Paul Hardy, the Glenbow’s 2015 artist-in-residence. Presented in a format inspired by department store windows, the exhibition explores the influence and inspiration that animals have had on humans, covering contextual territory that ranges from Glenbow founder Eric Harvie’s hunting lodge to vintage televisions playing scenes from The Muppet Show. There’s a fashion element central to each tableau, bringing together historical and anthropological elements in beautifully crafted garments. It’s a rich and fantastical artistic treat that requires repeat viewings to properly appreciate the wealth of detail and depth of vision. Kaleidoscopic Animalia is up until May 22, which means there are four First Thursday opportunities (starting with this Thursday, Feb. 4) left to view it.

Bonus Talk

If you’ve already seen Kaleidoscopic Animalia, you are likely interested to hear more from the man behind the gorgeous designs and intriguing concept. On Thursday, Feb. 4, the Glenbow presents Hardy in conversation with Canadian fashion-journalism maven Jeanne Beker, touching on topics such as fashion, inspiration and the arts. The presentation takes place at the museum’s theatre starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 ($15 for Glenbow members).

Glenbow Museum, 130 9th Ave. S.E. 403-268-4100, glenbow.org.

It’s a tall order, even for one of the city’s most capable chefs: whip up a party menu for 600 people, including some of the biggest music stars on the planet.

Connie DeSousa didn’t even flinch when she got the call earlier this year. “We’ll have several chef-manned stations,” the co-owner of Charbar says of her April 3 Juno Awards after-party for Universal Music Canada, the home label of artists such as Drake, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Burton Cummings and local gals Jann Arden and Kiesza, to name but a few.

“It’s more of a reception-style party,” says DeSousa, who’s been told quite a few of those top names are likely to make an appearance at her restaurant in Calgary’s historic Simmons Building. “So we’ll go with food more for a cocktail party than a sit-down dinner.”

If you haven’t already heard, this week is Calgary’s official “party like a rock star” time, as performers and other industry types will begin converging on the city on Monday for the annual celebration of the best in Canadian music known as the Junos (Juno Week runs March 28-April 3; for more details on all events, go to junoawards.ca).

Which got me to thinking, exactly how does one party like a rock star during an annual event that will bring a much-needed injection of $10 million in economic activity to Calgary? Since my own social life is pretty tame these days, I turned to a few Calgarians with much more exciting social calendars to help figure that out.

When it comes to enjoying the good life in an unfamiliar city, John Gilchrist says you first need to know where to nosh.

Gilchrist, who two years ago found himself eating in the same Stockholm restaurant as Justin Bieber, says any industry assistant worth his or her salt already knows the names of the three don’t-miss restaurants here: Pigeonhole, Whitehall and Charbar.

Connie De Souza, co-owner of Charbar, and chef Jessica Pelland, left, hold up a few of the delicacies they will be serving at the Junos after party they will be hosting at the Simmons, which will be one of the after party venues.

“Those are the best,” says the man who’s been reviewing Calgary restaurants for 30-plus years and writes for this publication and many others about the local food scene. “But I think there are a few more alternative places that will attract musician types.”

Within walking distance of the Juno Awards venue at the Saddledome, he says, are some of the most eclectic choices around. “The new Ten Foot Henry across from Hotel Arts will probably be very busy,” he says, adding that Hotel Arts’ two restaurants, Yellow Door Bistro and Raw Bar, will also be filled with a who’s-who of Canadian music.

Along with a few of his own favourite spots on Stephen Avenue — The Trib’s bar and Murietta’s lounge — he is betting that more than a few celebrity sightings can be had in Inglewood, at restaurants such as The Nash and Rouge, the place that in 2010 hosted Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa for their 19th wedding anniversary.

At some of those see-and-be-seen spots, though, it may be tough to actually see famous faces. Model Milk’s private upstairs room, Model Citizen, has been booked for private events since January. Pigeonhole and Model Milk owner-operator Justin Leboe — who during his stint as a chef in Los Angeles cooked for everyone from Oscar winners to music power couple Jay Z and Beyonce — isn’t spilling the beans.

“It certainly won’t be the first time we’ve had celebrities here,” says Leboe, who not long ago cooked for the entire cast of The Revenant — including Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio — in Model Citizen. “But we don’t talk about who’s been here until at least six months after.”

One of Leboe’s favourite celebrity stories involves a visit by John Lithgow and Sir Michael Caine. As the Hollywood legends were making their way out of the restaurant, they stopped to help two women with their coats. “I said to the women, that doesn’t happen every day,” says Leboe with a laugh. “They said, ‘Yes, men rarely help women put on their coats anymore.”

While such popular nightclubs as the Palomino, Ironwood Stage & Grill and Broken City will be busy Juno party venues, you can be sure that more than a few artists and music executives will find their way to watering holes such as Proof on 1st Street S.W. and Milk Tiger Lounge on 4th Street S.W., which last year made its way onto UK magazine Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the 30 Best Bars in the World.

If you are one of the lucky ones to score a seat at Proof during Juno week, Lisa Kadane recommends ordering A Little Bit of Northern Hospitality. “It’s kind of like a beer cocktail with Canadian whiskey, amaro, lemon juice and black tea syrup,” says Kadane, who has a popular cocktails blog (lisakadane.com).

For those wanting to shop, Paul Hardy says he expects sales staff at independent boutiques such as The Livery and Espy Experience in Inglewood, along with 17th Avenue S.W.’s Primitive, Gravity Pope and Frank & Oak will see more than the usual amount of hipsters coming through. “Musicians tend to gravitate more toward the independent stores,” he says.

As for hopes of his own celebrity sightings this week, Hardy — who designed the Juno outfits for Paul Brandt and Dear Rouge’s lead singer Danielle McTaggart — is a lot more relaxed than many fans will likely be.

“I went out for dinner with Neil Young and Daniel Lanois at the 2011 JUNOs in Toronto,” says Hardy of the Canadian music legends. “That was fun.”

As for Connie DeSousa, she’s been too busy preparing for the many parties she’ll host at her restaurants Charbar and Charcut, to the point she hasn’t even thought about what she’ll wear to the big gala awards. “Is it formal?” she asks this journalist, who informs her that she can either go formal or simply dress like a rock star. “OK, then I’ve got some work to do.”

vfortney@postmedia.com

twitter.com/valfortney

They are an odd couple, this pair of Calgary Pauls.

One’s just a whole lotta low country; one is a great deal of high fashion.

But the relationship between C&W artist Paul Brandt and acclaimed designer Paul Hardy is one that has lasted more than a half-decade now, with the latter dressing the former for all of his many high-profile public appearances.

So it’s no surprise that more than a month prior to what should see the singer in the spotlight on several occasions over the course of Juno Week Brandt should be in Hardy’s southeast studio trying things on, working out what he’ll be wearing for the hometown event.

“The Junos kind of comes at a weird time because it makes me come out of my cave for a little while,” Brandt says with a laugh, noting that he’s currently in writing mode. “But it’s going to be fun. It should be a great party.”

It will actually be several great parties, and a week that for Brandt will include on-camera interviews and photo opps, as well as hosting duties during the Sunday afternoon Songwriters’ Circle — called by many the “jewel” of the festivities — and, should all go according to plan, taking the stage Sunday night at the Saddledome to accept the Juno Award for Country Album of the Year.

In other words, it will be a week that will require many costume changes and the ability to work out a fashion plan that works.

Luckily, the pair has built a pretty great relationship over the past six years — albeit one that began perhaps a little tentatively.

“He wasn’t being rude, but I think the first time Paul looked at me he just kind of shook his head,” Brandt says. “I’ve always been someone who needs a lot of direction when it comes to fashion. I’d wear overalls if it was up to me …

“(He) had a real vision for how to keep one leg in the fashion world and one leg in what’s going on in country. So we work really well together and he gets it, clearly, and I benefit from that.”

Hardy admits he saw it as something of a challenge, and perhaps the opportunity to expand on the international reputation he’d built for himself over the past decade-plus, counting as his clients other celebs such as Bette Midler, Daniel Lanois, Kate Hudson and Sarah McLachlan.

“We didn’t know a lot about each other,” Hardy says. “My public perception of him was that he was quite conservative in his esthetic ideology, and so when we initially met I conducted an interview to ask him certain things, like if he was averse to change or would he mind altering certain things, and he seemed very open about the whole process.

“We developed a really great friendship as a result of it. Now it feels a bit more like a collaborative type of relationship.”

He saw his role as merely modernizing Brandt’s look, attempting to find, as he does with all of those he dresses, “an esthetic that fits with their personality and who they are so that they don’t feel like the clothes are wearing them.”

With Brandt, that means custom making some items, as well as continuously purchasing clothing from everywhere from Instanbul to New York, building up a solid foundation of pieces to choose from.

Hardy notes that the pair are actually, save for shoe size and arm length, built remarkably similar, which makes buying trips that much easier.

“I try to just continually add to the collection so that they’re all things that he can mix and match and refresh and make new,” says Hardy, who actually had just the day prior returned from a trip to Paris then L.A.

“That’s part of the challenge of somebody of a profile is that if they’re photographed a lot in a single thing, it’s difficult to wear it again.

That means Brandt’s look is one that’s currently defined by a lot of layers, leather and denim — things the musician admits he’s very comfortable in.

Well, for the most part.

There have been a couple of occasions where they weren’t on the same couture page, most notably getting Brandt to undo a button or three on his dress shirts and the white jeans Hardy had him in during the Stampede Centennial Grandstand Show.

“Sometimes I try to push him and his boundaries,” Hardy says and they both laugh. “But I appreciate the trust that’s involved in the whole thing. I wouldn’t make the suggestion if I didn’t feel like it was the right decision.”

And going back to that first impression Hardy had of him, gone are some of those iconic fashion touches that Brandt was known for including much longer jackets and, he says laughing, “the mullet, which fortunately got clipped.”

Of course, there is one thing that Hardy has discovered is a non-starter when it comes to tinkering with the look, something he wouldn’t even think of: The hat.

“We didn’t remove the black hat because that was his trademark so we had to work everything around that,” he says. “And I think that’s probably the most definitive thing.”

They did, however, add a few different takes and styles of the headgear for the artist to show off to while still “respecting” his own ideas.

When it comes to the hat that actually is rather fitting, considering it was initially an object to hide behind when he was first starting out and was “self conscious” of how he looked.

“Now I always get this mental image of the Calgary Stampede right before I go onstage,” Brandt says. “This sort of aerial view of that look down at a bullrider right before he goes out of the chutes.”

Paul Brandt hosts the Juno Songwriters’ Circle, which takes place Sunday at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. For more information on Juno Week, which runs in Calgary through until Sunday, go to junoawards.ca.

mbell@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/mrbell_23

“If this was 1996, I’d standing here all by myself.”

Twenty-one years might seem like a long time ago, but for Sheldon Kennedy it’s never far from his thoughts. That year, the then-27-year-old NHL player shocked the country with the revelation that he had been sexually abused more than 300 times by his junior hockey coach, Graham James.

As we chat moments before a news conference on the beautiful and lush grounds of the Deane House restaurant in Inglewood, both of us know that Kennedy no longer stands alone, both literally and figuratively. The man who’s been appointed to the Alberta Order of Excellence and a member of the Order of Canada is now known around the world for his advocacy role and leadership of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

On Wednesday morning, those who stand with him are some of the most influential and passionate community leaders, including Deane House proprietor Sal Howell, philanthropists Tom and Debra Mauro, designer Paul Hardy and our city’s own homegrown country music superstar, Paul Brandt.

In this location that Howell so aptly calls a “sanctuary of nature” in the heart of Calgary, they’re here to launch the #NotInMyCity campaign (buckspringfoundation.org), in partnership with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Police Service.

The campaign’s mission is to combat human trafficking in the city, with a two-pronged approach of education/awareness and uniting local leaders and agencies to combat the growing problem.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons — through the use of force or other forms of coercion — for the purpose of exploitation, usually in the sex trade or for forced labour.

On this day, it’s not surprising in the least to see the two famed Calgary Pauls, friends and fellow humanitarians who have been working for decades to help vulnerable people all around the world, on the high-powered team.

“I initially thought of entering a float in the parade because it’s the anniversary of my business and then do an after party at the Deane House,” says Hardy, an internationally known designer celebrating 15 years in the industry. “Then, (Brandt) told me about what was happening in the city.”

What that is, says Calgary police Chief Roger Chaffin, is the growing problem of human trafficking, one that has greater resonance at this time of the year.

“We know the predators are going to use that opportunity of tourism here to get engaged,” Chaffin tells the crowd that includes media, City of Calgary manager Jeff Fielding and Joy Smith, a former Tory MP and a longtime anti-human trafficking advocate.

“If you see this behaviour, let us know so we can do something about it.”

Smith, a mother of six, says that when she was teaching seminars on internet safety 20 years ago, she was shocked to learn that children in this country “were being bought and sold, the perpetrators earning $260,000 to $280,000 per victim, per year.”

She says that over the decades she’s worked with hundreds of survivors of human trafficking, “and it is under-reported in the city, in every city . . . and it happens at all large entertainment events.”

During Calgary’s biggest entertainment event of the year, many Calgarians will be wearing the yellow bandanas and scarves promoting the campaign, while Stampede chuckwagon driver Chad Harden’s canvas tarp will be sporting the #NotInMyCity yellow rose logo.

Seeing the support from so many local leaders, including 2009 Stampede Rangeland Derby champion driver Harden, Sheldon Kennedy is in pretty good company these days.

“I used to think I was the only one,” says Kennedy, who emcee Dave Kelly describes as a man who embodies the campaign being launched on this day.

“We need to protect people who don’t have a voice.”

vfortney@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/valfortney

The hip, happening and fashionably forward gathered en masse at Spruce Meadows Sept. 30 to attend PARKLUXE 2017. Presented by Bankers Hall and featuring UNTTLD, a selection of some of the top luxury Canadian fashion designers showcased their designs at the 9th annual PARKLUXE fashion show.

“Hosting PARKLUXE at a world-renowned venue was an important step for our organization and the evolution of our brand,” said PARK president Kara Chomistek. “We are constantly looking for new and innovative venues and the luxury appeal of Spruce Meadows fit our vision for this years’ showcase.” Readers may recall last year’s event was held in Studio Bell.

Readers may recall last year’s event was held in Studio Bell.

Fabulous fall fashions from Bankers Hall retailers Blu’s, La Chic and Oska shared the runway with stunning creations from designers Malika Rajani, Lauren Bagliore, NARCES, House of Nonie and globe-trotting uber designer Paul Hardy, who just returned from London and Paris hours before the show. That the showcase included a daytime market and PARK Pop-Up shops afforded supporters the opportunity to purchase items seen on the runway — all the while supporting Canadian designers.

Chomistek and her team of more than 30 staff and volunteers are to be commended on the success of this year’s showcase. Creating such a memorable event is no small feat.

Among the hundreds of guests in attendance were: Bankers Hall marketing manager Mona Biggar with family members Caitlin, Ashley, Christine and Madison Biggar; Capella & Auriga founding partner and CEO Deniz Basibuyuk; Adesso Accessories co-founder and creative director Ayaz Raja; Fellow.ca creative director Sandon Hansen; Eye Health Centres’ Dr. Diana Monea; Wavv’s Kimberley Van Vliet; Lauren Bagliore and her husband, Bagliore CEO Lance Farkas; Q Projects’ Heather Lawton; The Art of Strategy president and CEO Alison Geskin; UNTTLD F/W 2017 designers Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel St. Jacques; Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Lydia Seifert; Press + Post’s Sarah Geddes; Avenue Magazine editor-in-chief Kathe Lemon; The Youth Novels blogger Paul Schneider; Oui to Weekends blogger Reese Nguyen; Katrina Olson-Mottahed; Hungarian beauty Szilvia Forian; Rosanna Imbrogno; Skye Vanmunster; Pattison Outdoor’s Mandy Adams; La Chic owners Victoria and Elena Achilleos; CTV Morning Live host Joelle Tomlinson; Nimco Moumin; mode models founder Kelly Streit; and Frank Boyd with his wife Laura Myers.

Deniz Basibuyuk, Photos Bill Brooks

Adesso Accessories co-founder and creative director Ayaz Raja (left) and Fellow.ca creative director Sandon Hansen.

Eye Health Centres’ Dr. Diana Monea and Wavv’s Kimberly Van Vliet.

Rosanna Imbrogno and Paul Hardy

Skye Vanmunster (left) and Mandy Adams.

La Chic’s Elena and Victoria Achilleos

Katrina Olson-Mottahed (left) and Szilvia Forian

Q Projects’ Heather Lawton (left) and The Art of Strategy’s Alison Geskin

Lance Farkas, Lauren Bagliore CEO, and his wife, designer Lauren Bagliore.

UNTTLD F/W designers Simon Belanger (left) and Jose Manuel St-Jacques

Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Lydia Seifert (left) and Press + Post’s Sarah Geddes.

CTV Morning Live’s Joelle Tomlinson (left) and Nimco Moumin.

From left: The Chomistek clan represented by Eric Chomistek, PARK president Kara Chomistek, Cindy Chomistek, Tessa Chomistek, Kelsey Chomistek and Randy Chomistek. Photo courtesy Chuck Szmurlo

Luxe 15 PARKLUXE 2017 was a hit thanks to the small army of tireless volunteers and staff, only some of which are seen here. Photo courtesy Chuck Szmurlo