Alberta Fashion Week Designers, Part II

Prospere Magazine spoke with three more designers this week, including:

Jessica Halabi: After graduating from Marvel College College’s ultra-competitive Fashion Design and Apparel program, this Edmonton native’s first collection was for Spring/Summer 2007.  Jessica’s style is self-described as “edgy elegant,” and is cut to be form-fitting, showing off the wearer’s curves. Her wearers reflect that, as they are women with a variety of different styles in their closets.  Jessica also has pieces in her collection which are unique – her hand-painted t-shirts, for example, are one-of-a-kind.

Though past collection have consisted of a lot of plaid, Jessica’s Spring/Summer 2010 line will be very much rocker chick inspired, with chains, zippers and a black and white colour scheme.  Where does Jessica see herself a few years down the road?  She definitely wants to have her line manufactured at a smaller scale and be available across the country.  Jessica’s show is on October 10 (the model in the picture above was the runner-up for the third cycle of Canada’s Next Top Model).

Caitlin Power: Lethbridge College alumna, Caitlin Powers is all about the aesthetic. Figure-flattering, tailored pieces are commonplace in her namesake line, which has included leggings and swimsuits.  Her Spring/Summer 2010 line, which makes its debut on Thursday, October 8, is heavily influenced by the architecture of the season – an edgy, yet, romantic look featuring leathers and silks.

Prior to her first major collection for Fall/Winter 2008, Caitlin had the wonderful opportunity to intern for major  Canadian designer, Andy The-Ahn.  Though this was a short position – 10 days – it was an opportunity of a lifetime for her.  Caitlin was able to work closely with Andy and his assistant and they were also open to her suggestions.   Alberta Fashion Week is her first time showing a full collection in Calgary. Caitlin has also participated in Edmonton Fashion Week (where she won an emerging designer award) and Lethbridge Fashion Weekend.

Sarah Shell (442 McAdam): Prospere Magazine first spoke with Sarah shortly after Toronto’s LG Fashion Week and profiled her and her line of bags, 442 McAdam, a line of bags made from cowhide leather and brass accessories,  in a designer profile shortly after.  Since then, Sarah has relocated from Calgary to Toronto, where her bags are available in several stores, including Poor Little Rich Girl in the Yonge and Eglinton area.  442 McAdam has also been seen on many Canadian celebrities, including eTalk’s Tonya Kim.  Sarah would also love to see her bags on Nicole Richie, who she believes has the bohemian chic flair that is 442 McAdam. 

Sarah’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection still has oversized bags and focuses on practicality and elegance.  The bags easily transitions from day to night, and is therefore great for people who need looks for work and for date following a long day at the office. The line also has a duffle bag inspired by oversized army bags students often use for laundry. 442 McAdam will be showing on October 10 and will also be hosting an after-party.