Fashion Makes The Crowds Go Wild

Photo Courtesy of Al Del Degan

We’re still buzzing about last week’s event – FABRICATED Season III was a thrill and a success.

Part of why we enjoyed ourselves so much is because of you. The crowd.

The other part of why we enjoyed ourselves was the fashion presented on the runway.

Bold fashion should elicit a bold response. And the energy you gave to our models, and our designers was tangible. Electric.  

You won’t see cheering on the runway for designers like Lauren Conrad. However (as seen most recently), mix in the edge of Marc Jacobs’, and the sass of Kate Moss – and you get audience interaction. 

To us, successful fashion ignites participation. It’s something tangible, it’s awe-inspiring, it's provocative, it's electric, it’s FABRICATED.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

If you went wild over a particular piece, visit our designers at the following locations:

EG FORGE – Third Floor Art Central | Shop Online

NRT – Men’s Online | Women’s Info

Broken Doll Clothing – Studio Intent | Shop Online

Kendra Jo Designs –  Women’s Info

Lionette – Women’s Info

And That's A Wrap!

Photograph by: Aldona Barutowicz of Swerve

Phew.

We're exhausted.

After mingling, shopping at the Trunk Show, enjoying Jessica Pechet's art installations, and finally: soaking up the stunning collections of our designers -- FABRICATED Season III is complete. Stayed tuned as we unveil our upcoming online editorial; with exclusive photos, and interviews with this year's designers.

In the meantime, thank you to all of those involved, again. We're grateful for the support and love you bring to the arts culture of Calgary. Without you, this city would be bland -- so thank you for making it a BOLD place to live. 

"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it."

— Diana Vreeland

In case you missed the show:

The Stitches That Make Up FABRICATED: Our Team

Carolyn Cutting – Front of House Manager

Carolyn Cutting is a busy lady, not just because she’s responsible for FABRICATED’s guests, food, beverage – and – layout; but because she also travels the world in her spare time. After graduating university with a Bachelor’s of Commerce, Carolyn visited Tokyo and New York – soaking up the trends, styles, eventually making her way back to Calgary.

We’re excited have Carolyn and her business-meets-fashion sense for this year’s team.

 

Robert Freeman Cartwright – Blogger and Public Relations Specialist

 

 

Rob has finally come out of the closet (no, not that closet – that one was so 2005) as a fashion enthusiast. With a degree in Commerce, Rob works as a Communications – Management Consultant; and by night, manages FABRICATED's blog presence. In addition, Rob has enjoyed lending a hand in the PR portfolio: developing and crafting the written brand / content-tone for this season. Rob is excited to share his love of FABRICATED with Calgary. 

“+1 – FABRICATED likes Rob”

 

Ajay Bhandari – Audio Visual Manager

Have you seen our video from last year? If so, you are already familiar with the high quality of his work. As the founder of Sonapix Media Group (a Calgary based multimedia production/communication/digital publishing company), Ajay keeps busy exploring all avenues of his creative spectrum while balancing an impressive “to-do” list.

We’re excited to have Ajay onboard again this year, as the culmination of FABRICATED and Ajay’s style yields impressive creations. 

 

Sarah Allen – Hair and Makeup Manager

Someone give this girl a brush – because she knows what to do with it. Saving potential hair and makeup tragedies, Sarah is no stranger to the vital necessities of a runway show. 

Today, Sarah is a make-up artist at everyone's favorite fashion mecca: Sephora. She has a wealth of knowledge that will lend itself to the backstage of FABRICATED; ensuring that our models represent the look of the designers, and this season.

We’re excited for the creative auxiliary eye that Sarah brings to our team. 

 

Liz Nandee – Set Designer

You know when they say there are no words to describe a person? Well, Liz Nandee is the exact opposite. In fact, there are so many words to describe this world renowned Interior Designer. Liz is the owner of Florida-based interior design firm called Basic Black Designs. With 8 years of experience under her belt, Liz's astounding talent and company were featured in several design showcases, events, functions, as well as for many charitable organizations and also appears regularly on TV, radio and web clips. 

In fact, Liz designed two of the sets for Oprah's Canadian tour!

She also founded the Design Association of Calgary (DAC), created Designs 2 Desire (an upcoming Calgary based webisode series), is a part-time in instructor at Mount Royal University for the Interior Decorating Program, and  is the Design Editor and co-founder of State Tic - an international design + fashion magazine. 

Watch how Liz transforms this year's FABRICATED stage! We certainly cannot wait!

 

Len Mastaler – Co-Director

Meet the industrious Len Mastaler, FABRICATED's co-Director, and the man behind I Model Management. He built a name for himself owning and directing Calgary's top boutique modeling agency for 10 years, acquiring numerous return clients, and a board of beautiful and highly sought-after models (some of which you will see on the FABRICATED runway!)

Len's experience in the fashion world goes even further as an art director for fashion shoots and commercial projects for many of Calgary's magazines. Needless to say, he knows how to get things and he knows how to get your attention.

Len's creative eye is apparent in the fierce, attention-grabbing marketing materials he and Karlee of Slingin Ink Media whipped up (in his words, “hello? have you seen our poster? I die”).

FABRICATED would not be FABRICATED without Len Mastaler.

 

BR Pirri – Co-Director

If one word could describe BR Pirri, it’d be: magnetic. As one of FABRICATED's dynamic directors, BR's experience runs deep in Calgary's fashion industry with 15 years in the bag hosting numerous fashion and fundraising events throughout the city. With an expertise in styling, charisma for days; BR has been an insatiable force for FABRICATED’s past, present and future.

You can also have BR all to yourself for your styling needs. Check her out www.briostyle.ca!

We are grateful for the electricity that BR brings to FABRICATED.

Carmen Tsang – Event Manager

Meet Carmen Tsang, FABRICATED’s Event Manager. Carmen is a marketing and communications professional who has a love for creating, innovating, and strategizing. She is involved with several arts and culture organizations and uses her talent to help grow the fashion community in Calgary. It is her goal to help local artists find opportunities to grow their careers in Calgary. Aside from her day job, Carmen has a knack for styling. She is a Junior Stylist with the Artist Group and showcases her work on her style blog – www.freylebycarmen.com.

Carmen looks after the entire FABRICATED team and keeps everyone on track. She strategizes and plans the overall show to ensure the production is flawless. Out of the many tasks on her plate for FABRICATED, her outgoing personality also makes her a great Sponsorship Manager. If you want to do know anything about FABRICATED, Carmen is your girl to contact.

FABRICATED would tear at the seams without Carmen Tsang. #Truth

 

Sabrina May – Public Relations & VIP Manager FABRICATED Magazine & Design Organizer

FABRICATED is incredibly lucky to have Sabrina May of Sabrina May PR manage our Public Relations and VIP portfolio this season. Sabrina is a fashion force to be reckoned with; her ability to make Canadian designers, boutiques, artists, and galleries known in the fashion world is undeniable. Sabrina also helps coordinate the designers for this season – and – on top of it all, organizes the layout, design, content-control and overall aesthetics for FABRICATED’s exclusive magazine. Featuring the designers and our team, the FABRICATED magazine will also feature two editorials: a candid look into the themes and trends of FABRICATED and fashion this season. A phenomenal accomplishment by a phenomenal woman.

In Sabrina’s spare time – she organizes Calgary’s only Fashion Meetup Group and Art Meetup Group – connecting the various creative network facets this city has to offer, and fostering relationships and connections that might otherwise be available to Calgarian talents.

We're excited and grateful to have her experience, wisdom, and passion, help make the stitches of FABRICATED come together. 

 

Jessica Pechet – Production Manager

Jessica Pechet is Calgary’s premium photographer.

Photography is such a refined art because it requires a critical eye for one’s environment, positioning, color theory, and an aesthetic that ties a message in complimentary fashion. Now, re-read that last sentence, and insert “The Production of a fashion event” instead of photography. Both creative streams require the complete understanding of how to convey a mood; and that’s where Jessica shines brightly.

Jessica of Jessica Pechet Photography is lending her critical eye for FABRICATED – ensuring that our production is the truest definition of flawless.

We are thrilled to have Jessica at the helm of the FABRICATED experience.

Audrie Sham – Back of House Manager

Audrie Sham is another globe trotter we are excited to have at our FABRICATED round-table. She’s soaked up the trends and culture from London, Hong Kong, and everywhere in between.

With a degree in Commerce and involvements in the Haskayne elite student club scene – Audrie has knowledge and experience organizing events in an effective and smooth manner; hence we why are thankful that she is involved with our Back of House efforts. From organizing the needs of Designers and other Back of House duties – we are grateful for the methodical approach she takes to her work.

 

Krista O’Keefe – Volunteer & Backstage Manager

FABRICATED would be nothing without volunteers. So by proxy, we would be nothing without Krista.

Krista has lived in Australia, travelled to more countries than we can count, and studied at the Blanche MacDonald Centre for Fashion Merchandising. 

As the Backstage Manager: Krista ensures the needs of our designers, models, stylists, make-up artists, hair talent, and everything in between are met – she effectively is the oil between many, many different parts and   guarantees that  our models are ready for our runway.

We are excited for the direction and positivity that Krista lends to the FABRICATED team

Presenting Designer #5: Lionette

Photo courtesy of Lionette's Facebook Page

Jessica Armstrong of Lionette is a born and bred Calgarian. Designer by day and artist by night, she is also attends Alberta College of Art + Design as is in her graduating semester. 

Jessica has been designing women’s clothing since a very young age, creating her first garment with a needle and thread at the age of 11. Since then, she has sewn a variety of garments, including couture, costume and wearable art. 2013 marks Jessica’s 4th year as a designer in Calgary’s popular wearable art event, ArtaWEARness. In an effort to go back to her couture roots, Jessica studied under master garment maker, Pat Borecky for a term. After polishing her skills in 2011, Jessica started to deliver flawless executions under her couture label: Lionette. 

Jessica loves the silhouettes of the 1930’s women, inspired by a softer and flirtier silhouette that evolved from, but still influenced by, the vogue masculine lines of the 1920’s. In the Lionette label, the femininity of these lines is matched by a risqué yet delicate sheerness that brings out the feminine in a sexy yet classy attitude. Jessica’s garments are often inspired by her conceptual art practice including a recent evening wear collection that pays homage to the underlying sexuality and beasts in fairy tales like Red Riding Hood. In addition to several flirty chiffon day dresses, the bold and luxurious “Red” evening-wear collection will be shown on the runway for the first time at Fabricated Season 3.

FABRICATED is proud to include Lionette in this season's runway, showing Calgarians that couture fashion can be born and raised here. 

Presenting Designer #4: Kendra Jo Designs

Photo courtesy of Kendra Jo Designs 

From the pages of romance novels, grass, and bison bones -- Kendra Jo Designs reflects upon themes and moods, and pours that into the concept-art clothes she makes. Her inspiration comes from a love of the human body, and adorning it with eclectic materials - conveying messages such as forbidden passion, vulnerability, and expressing your true self. It's evident in the clothes and collections she produces; we see a story, and soul in the way she approaches fashion.

In addition to designing clothes and wearable art; Kendra Jo has extensive knowledge and skills in metalwork. Her metalcrafting allows her to create jewelry for the collections she designs, an added accent to the Kendra Jo Designs aesthetic. 

Kendra Jo is a recent graduate of Alberta College of Art and Design, and is an up-and-coming designer we're proud to include in our FABRICATED Roster. 

For more information about Kendra Jo Designs, give her website some love or like her on Facebook.

Unveiling Designer #3: Broken Doll Clothing

Photo Courtesy from Broken Doll's Website

We are thrilled and ecstatic to unveil Broken Doll Clothing as the third designer to the FABRICATED roster! Broken Doll takes the chic/polished look, applies it to wearable pieces - and makes the unique an accessible art form. 

As taken from the Story of Broken Doll Clothing: 

Founded in the fall of 07 / 08, Broken Doll Clothing, a Canadian made clothing label, has introduced a chic yet casual sophistication into Canadian fashion.  It's fresh, distinctive silhouettes incorporate into a woman's wardrobe, all while holding comfort to its highest level.

Broken Doll was born from a desire to make women feel sexy and attractive in their clothes but still feel comfortable and be affordable.  Eco knit fabrics such as tencel, modal, bamboo, and organic cotton, worked very well with her designs and filled the need to be as comfy cozy as pajamas.

Broken Doll Clothing keeps in mind many different body types while designing her line, supplying pieces in the collection to fit a wide range of clients.  Basics with a twist are always a core element for each collection. Broken Doll understands that we aren't all avante-garde fashionistas, we all can feel comfortable and still look trendy in her designs.

Broken Doll Clothing is sold in Calgary retailers: Studio Intent and Brandy Leigh's

Our Venue

Photo of the FABRICATED team at Currie Barracks - Courtesy of FABRICATED's Instagram

Finding the perfect venue is hard work.

There are budgets to be met, proximities to consider (hosting FABRICATED in Balzac, AB didn't have quite the same ring to it), size/spacing logistics, and most importantly: aligning aesthetics.

After an exhaustive search and much deliberation, we’re excited to announce FABRICATED Season III will take place at The Calgary Currie Barracks.

We chose Currie Barracks as our venue because it met all of our location/event criteria, and – most importantly – serendipitously complements the themes of FABRICATED, and of fashion this year.

Reflect on the following words: strong, bold, architectural – what do you envision?

We envision the synergy of strength and fashion.

This March 8th come share our vision by joining us at The Calgary Currie Barracks, and prepare to get FABRICATED.

For more a light overview of the Barrack’s history, please visit this link. To purchase tickets to FABRICATED please navigate to our tickets webpage.

Presenting Designer #2: NRT Fashions

Photo Courtesy of NRT Fashions' Facebook

BOLD. Nicole Rita Tomney is no stranger to creating wearable art that others have described as dark, confident, and EDGY; and that's why we love it. 

NRT was started in 2009 by Nicole as a high end fashion label for men and women. Nicole is a graduate from the Blanche MacDonald College in Vancouver and attended the now-defunct Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design, where she developed her raw edge. And the rest they say, is well, history. 

NRT has been on the FABRICATED runway before; in 2011 NRT debuted a flawless collection that attendees described as "raw and provocative". (photoset available here) So it's only natural that we are ecstatic to have her back. 

Since our last season of FABRICATED, Nicole has been up to great things: presenting collections in Vancouver, Toronto, or Mexico; and outfitting some of music's edgiest celebrities. 

This winter, NRT had the opportunity of outfitting The Butcher Babies - an up-and-coming anti-hero band fronted by two of the rawest women in music. Dressed to impress, the band slayed the show - and stole hearts with provocation and edge. Continuing on this high, Nicole also made a milestone in her career - meeting, and presenting music's most provocative frontman: Marilyn Manson, with a leather jacket she had custom made. 

NRT Fashions captures the boldness, edge, and raw couture of anti-hero fashion - and hence, why we are so thrilled to have her collection walking the runway this March 8th. 

For more information on Nicole Rita Tomney, please visit her website at: 

http://nrtfashions.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nrtfashions

To see Nicole present exclusive pieces from her line; purchase your tickets for FABRICATED here.

Introducing Designer #1: EG Forge

Photo courtesy of Uppercase

The countdown is on - 29 days until we walk the runway. We're proud to unveil the first designer, EG Forge as one of the facets of the FABRICATED prism. We're so excited for you to see his work; it's absolutely stunning. 

Please see his bio below: 
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Eric Goodwin is a Calgary based designer that designs under the label EG Forge which specializes in bags and accessories. Working out of his small studio and Art Central he hand builds every bag from thick leather and sturdy waxed canvas. Using his knowledge of backcountry sports he designs and builds his bags to endure the harshest environments and conditions. Every bag is designed to last a lifetime.

“I build everything with a purpose, brass rivets in key stress points, finger loops on the backside of snaps so you can close them one-handed, and other details to numerous to list. Every little detail that goes into the construction is what makes the bag.”

Drawing inspiration from aviation and mountaineering Eric creates a unique look and unparalleled quality when crafting his bags.

“In aviation nothing is designed for aesthetics. Everything on an aircraft was put there for a very specific reason, and yet they look amazing. Same with backcountry equipment, everything is there for a reason. I think a great design will look great, even if it is purpose built.”

A lesson learned before starting EG Forge while working in the motorsport industry. Originally working with carbon fiber to create performance parts for cars.

“I worked with carbon fiber not because it looks amazing, which it does, but because it's the best. It is one of the lightest, strongest materials out there. It was there I realized that something like an intake plenum can be functional and beautiful at the same time.”

However more research revealed that because of the long winter Calgary doesn't have much of a motorsport industry. While working with leather for car interiors Eric shifted his gaze to bags.

“It was hard to find a solid leather bag in Calgary at the time, so I made one.”

Later Eric found a cotton mill in New Jersey that made waxed canvas , a tough classic material that was originally used for ship sails. Eric quickly incorporated it into his designs. Being waterproof and developing a unique patina over time it makes a perfect companion to leather.

Eric isn't stopping at bags though, for his new collection he has designed a unique series of rugged outerwear that focuses on classic style and durability. Merging classic and modern materials Eric's new outerwear collection will be his first ever shown.

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Calling all Trunk Show Designers

Photo courtesy of Freyle by Carmen

Part of why we love FABRICATED is the opportunity for local designers to show off their merchandise -- whether it's necklaces, clutches, earrings, bracelets, etc; we love when our attendees are able to browse, buy, and mingle with local fashion designers. But hey, that's what a Trunk Show is all about. 

Over the course of the FABRICATED event, we're hosting merchandise tables -- for local artists to showcase their hardwork, and for our attendees to browse and purchase. 

Currently, we're still looking for Trunk Show applicants; so if you'd like your craft to be seen and sold, give us a holler at getFABRICATED@gmail.com

Will the next Alexander McQueen, please stand up?

Photo courtesy of GetFABRICATED's Instagram

Talent.

Calgary, we’re impressed. After our photographer call-out, we received dozens of applications - containing some truly impressive perspectives of fashion. So when the streak is hot, Get FABRICATED likes to take risks.

As of today, we’re opening up an ADDITIONAL spot (or two...) to our current runway-roster. Someone who truly represents the edgy risks of fashion in their collection. Imagine, your collection - walking down the runway at Currie Barracks for all of Calgary's fashion elite to see.

Think you have what it takes?

Take a risk and email getFABRICATED@gmail.com ... we look forward to it.

Get FABRICATED - Season Three

FABRICATED - Season III

A new year. New goals, new parties, new friends, new risks, new rewards, and most importantly: new fashion. 

FABRICATED:

Edgy

 Sleek

Avant-garde meets polish;  

No forgiveness. 

March 8th 2013, the third annual FABRICATED event is taking place at Calgary’s Currie Barracks – where the city’s architecture, integrity, and strength, meets fashion. 

Our designers 

For one night, the crème de la crème of Calgary’s fashion risk-taking community show their creative executions. 
Each week Get FABRICATED will unveil designers, candid shots of the venue; and of course: the creative force behind this event.

This March: be bold. Get FABRICATED.