Paris. Milan. N.Y.C. Toronto. And … Calgary?
That’s the recognition organizers hope for after launching the inaugural Alberta Fashion Week this week right here in Calgary.
David Robert Politi, director of the Oct. 4 to 10 event, said despite the sometimes-deserving ster-eotype that Calgary is the ultimate Cowtown, he believes the city is actually very fashionable.
“People do have the perception that Calgary is cowboy boots and hats because when they come here in the summer, that’s what it is, but we’re trying to change that perception,” Politi explained.
“Calgarians actually have a lot of fashion sense, and we have a great downtown and great people who like to spend money on clothing.”
Which is part of the reason why he feels Alberta Fashion Week is so important — the province is continually losing talented designers to bigger markets like Vancouver and Montreal.
Calgary high school student and aspiring designer Ashley Waite, 17, said that she is excited about the prospect of having more fashion shows in the city.
“I love this city and I think it would be nice to see some up-and-coming designers in the city that I can look up to,” she said.
Lael Osness, Jennifer Shepherd, Hali Sweet and Caitlin Power, all Calgary designers, will be featured at a fashion show tonight at The Banke on Stephen Avenue at 7 p.m.
For more information visit albertafashionweek.ca.
