By Jana Lee
The second season of the 2017 iteration of Western Canada Fashion Week runs Sept. 14 to 23. The bi-annual WCFW showcases local and international designers in addition to emerging talent. Get into the spirit of the celebration with this head-to-toe shopping guide and delve into the world of local YEG fashion. [Photo credit: Cherry Veric for Western Canada Fashion Week]
Edmonton has an impressive array of local boutiques where you can stock up on this season’s best threads. For those looking for reasonably-priced and fashion-forward pieces, Noul and The Bamboo Ballroom on Whyte Avenue are good bets. Whether you’re seeking comfy-chic or structured glam, both stores are sure to accommodate your fashion tastes. Bamboo Ballroom stocks Suka Clothing, featured on the runway at this year’s WCFW.
Looking for luxury garments and niche brands? Who Cares Wear Ltd stocks high-end favourites like Alice & Olivia, Theory and Vince as well as outerwear brands Mackage and Soia & Kyo. With locations in south Edmonton (Terwillegar), downtown Edmonton and St. Albert, you’ll be sure to find something to suit yourself in time for WCFW.
Blu’s Womens Wear is another spot for premium, WCFW-approved apparel. Whether it’s luxury outwear by Moncler or Canada Goose or perfectly fitted blazers from Smythe, Blu’s curates their collection from the best fashion designers.
LUXX Ready-to-Wear is the brainchild of Edmonton-based designed Derek Jagodzinsky and will be featured on the WCFW runway. LUXX clothing is proudly produced in Edmonton and focuses on quality craftsmanship. With small production runs, you’re guaranteed to be one of only a handful to own unique ready-to-wear couture pieces.
The best accoutrements to an outfit include accessories – including shoes! For niche-brand accessories ranging from dainty to funky, consider Harlow Crestwood or The Artworks. They may be technically categorized as “lifestyle boutiques,” but we can say with certainty they carry a robust assortment of accessories obviously curated by fashion experts.
Keep your look sharp with custom footwear from local designer Poppy Barley. Sustainable fashion is increasingly popular as businesses shift to socially responsible practices and bottom lines incorporate awareness of the human impact on Earth. Poppy Barley shoes are ethically-made, and while it might be an investment piece, you can be assured that they will fit you like a glove.
Looking for ready-to-wear options? Support local footwear boutiques like Kunitz Shoes or TomKat Shoes. In addition to carrying the season’s latest designs, the customer service experience at these local boutiques is excellent – they take their time with you to make sure you can find the best fit and style.
With spring around the corner, pamper yourself with a new look in time for WCFW. Sustainable fashion philosophy extends to beauty, and boutique studio Adara Hair & Body Studio offers products and services in line with sustainable practices. Adara donates their hair to ocean cleanup efforts and recycles all hair product waste. Dyes, foils, materials – all are sorted into bins and disposed in safe and sustainable ways.
One brand we’re most excited about is Neuma Beauty. Neuma offers plant-based vegan products with recycled packaging, organic extracts and no hard-to-pronounce chemicals, so stock up on hair remedies knowing your environmental impact is minimal.
A number of design and esthetic academies showcase their talent at WCFW. If you’re on a budget, consider the services at Est-elle Academy of Hair Design, MC College or Eveline Charles Academy. The discounted services are performed by students under the guidance of qualified industry professionals. Get the glam look without breaking the bank!
Edmonton is a style gem – albeit an underrated one – and WCFW brings YEG fashion talent to centre stage. Whether you’re shopping for this season’s best looks, viewing designer collections off the runways or hitting up the afterparty at El Cortez, know that your support is important because it empowers local designers and the creative community as a whole!
