BRANDED Magazine: The Rise by Branded Magazine

12827 01987 1

Glenmore

25 Richard Way S.W. | 403.568.2834 | glenmoreaudi.com

Wholesome Goodness

308 17 AVENUE SW . MODELMILK.CA

9 decades of style jvairanderson.com

tasting

brunchinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; o ysterin craze the city

90 76

Living

smalltown djs

LOVE THIS CIT Y the rebirth

dating the bad bo y

BACK BAR morning drinks

128

st yling spring unveil ed

103

BRANDED

MEET OUR TEAM

FROM US TO YOU What goes up must come down. Right? Life is one giant roller coaster. This shouldn’t be news to any of us. Every amazing experience comes with great challenge. Instead of living in fear—we’ve decided to celebrate the highs and lows by embracing dilemmas as life lessons. Think of your 99 problems, intimidation ain’t one. This issue is about stepping up. We’ve all heard about the “ups and downs” paired with the “rise and fall,” and in our daily experiences we realize it’s far more important to embrace the moment than to constantly fear the end.

MANDY BALAK Founder & Publisher

VERONICA POCZA Lead Editor

IVY TRUONG Lead Design

BRONWYN HENDRY Managing Editor

SHELBY STEWART Community Connector

BRITTANY BACK Resident Photographer

This issue is about taking the enjoyments of life, and celebrating them for all they are worth. It’s time to rid of the worry, hesitation, and self doubt—it’s time to rise to the occasion, celebrate yourself, and all you are capable of. Our cover story is a prime example of stepping it up. We’ve told the story of two DJs that have successfully pushed past and beyond the stigma of their career being just a “hobby,” and have made Calgary proud in their international musical collaborations and success. We’ve tapped into the stories of teamwork behind some of YYC’s most familiar brands, proving that one success can come as a result of many minds thinking alike. We’ve also put a spotlight on local historical buildings that have been reimagined into some of the most innovative spaces in the city, showing the power of creative thinking and an optimistic mindset. For style, it’s all about being your best you. We’ve given you a few tricks of the trade to help you create a wardrobe that works for you, and have the confidence to attack the latest trends. We also want the same for our readers in your relationships—which is why we’ve featured the stories of some very relatable realizations from the dating world. For our food feature—feast your eyes on the rise of the brunch. This is our city’s favourite meal, based on the bustling weekend lineups from the early morning into the early afternoon. We’ve chosen to inspire you to get out of bed, seize the day, embrace conversations with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious food (and grease) that life has to offer. Overall, your personal life should be a priority, whether it’s filtering out negative relationships or hosting a great party, we want you to see these as chances to enhance your life. Life is short. Rise up, take risks, and challenge yourself to prove your doubts wrong. It’s better to fail, learn what you did wrong, and try again—than it is to wonder “what if.” It’s time to do you, YYC. Enjoy the ride.

KRYSTAL BOYD Resident Photographer

ON THE COVER

KIM NOSEWORTHY Fashion Director

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

Smalltown in a big city. “From Bonavista to Baltimore,” this is one of Calgary’s coolest success stories. Photo by Matt French. Read about Smalltown DJs on page 66 and check out our Insight and Inspiration column for more of Matt’s photography, page 20.

Want to talk to the team? Give us a shout. hello@brandedyyc.com 10

MODERN STEAK More like Jay-Z, Less like Sinatra

PROUDLY SERVING RANCH SPECIFIC ALBERTA BEEF

@ModernSteakCA

ModernSteakCA

IN THE HEART OF KENSINGTON - 107 10A STREET NW

RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL 403.670.6873 www.modernsteak.ca

BRANDED

IN THIS ISSUE

SMALLTOWN in a Big City You can pursue your passionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and this duo is the perfect example. The success of Smalltown DJs proves you can achieve a career in the arts without having to flee YYC. You just have to be a little creative and have a whole lot of determination.

page

BRANDED

love this city

peeps you should creep PAGE 27 neighbourhood gems PAGE 28

THE REBIRTH Keeping with the old, but bringing in the new. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve highlighted a few great venues that offer a fresh concept and a history lesson to boot.

page

BRANDED

DO DO GOOD GOOD IN YOUR HOOD As Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living with what we get, but we make a life with what we give.” Don’t worry if you can’t remember the last thing you did to give back—you’re not alone. So many of us get caught up in the craziness of our day-to-day lives, but this year let’s vow to lend a helping hand. Confused on where to start? Lucky for you, each issue we’ll spotlight three different initiatives taking place throughout the city, making it easy to do good in your ‘hood. #dogoodyyc

THE BIG GIVE PROJECT thebiggiveproject.com @biggiveproject

Not a foundation, not a charity, just a group trying to “give big.” Many of us were fortunate enough to grow up playing sports, but did we ever think of the costs associated? Organized sports are a large financial burden, and many families can’t afford such costs. The Big Give Project didn’t start by trying to change the world, but its modest ambitions have evolved. The organization now provides opportunities for underprivileged student athletes, or any student for any extracurricular activity. Have a special place in your heart for all things play? The Big Give offers a “send a kid to camp” program. Check out their website for more information or to donate.

CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES blood.ca @itsinyoutogive Money feeling a little tight? We know something you can donate that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Hint—it’s red, it makes up about seven per cent of the weight of a human body, and it is essential to staying alive. From car accidents, to heart surgeries, to degenerative diseases—by donating blood you’re giving someone the gift of life. It’s tough to think of anything better than that. Visit the Canadian Blood Services for more information on locations, volunteer opportunities, and donor eligibility requirements. It’s in you to give.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

FOR GOOD MAGS TO YOUR DOOR. CASH FOR CHARITY. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? BRANDEDYYC.COM

UNITED WAY: ALL IN FOR YOUTH calgaryunitedway.org / allinforyouth.com @unitedwaycgy

United Way is setting out to prove school is cool. “All In for Youth” is a citywide initiative focused on reducing the high school dropout rate by 50 per cent by 2017. Your involvement can help make this goal a reality. Sign up to be a mentor or a tutor, and you’ll have a direct impact on students’ lives. Are you passionate about your career? Introduce students to your profession through 30-minute interactive career talks. This will link their high school studies to future opportunities, and inspire them for their future. Visit the website for more information on how to sign up.

#DOGOODYYC

BRANDED

it’s a political party Kathy Macdonald

Wildrose candidate, Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill kathymacdonald.ca / @kathymacdonald

Every issue we will feature the voice of a politician in an interesting, relevant, and comprehensible way. readers are the future of Calgary and should be well informed, so let’s get to know the different voices in each political party.

Hello, young professionals of Calgary. So, who am I exactly? As of right now, I am the Wildrose candidate for Calgary-MackayNose Hill. Raised in YYC, I grew up in the northwest in the community of Collingwood and graduated from St. Francis High School. I have lived in the northwest of Calgary for the past 40 years now, and I love it. As a political candidate, I stay busy writing and preparing for the presentations I frequently conduct with community groups and safety organizations—but my journey into the world of politics was a natural progression as I retired from my career in the Calgary Police Service. You could say that city service runs in the family. My dad was an RCMP officer and an Alberta government employee—which resulted in us living in various Alberta cities like Ponoka, Camrose, Drumheller, and Grande Prairie. My mother was born up north in Fort Vermilion, the same hamlet as her mother. My mother has a big family with a lot of Canadian history—my grandfather was a Hudson Bay Company factor, calculating the price of fur. My father met my mother while he was working up in the north countryside, and my family ultimately settled in Calgary.

I have an older brother here who was a city planner for many years, and a sister who is an attorney in California. In 1987, I was working in the office of Fred Stewart, an Alberta MLA, doing secretarial and administrative tasks. I came to really admire and like Fred—he was a wonderful, honest politician. I learned that one person really can make a difference by listening and responding to others’ concerns. My interest in politics was ignited during that time, and grew as a natural progression as I neared the end of my 25 years of police work. During my career, I enjoyed many posts. Just like any officer, I started my work on the street and saw my fair share of criminal activity. But—my interest soon veered toward community service. In 2001, just as people were starting to say and do things on the Internet that they would not dream of doing today, I took on cyber crime prevention. I immersed myself in it, just as cyber crime was starting to escalate. I learned as much as I could and was fortunate to meet many global cyber security experts that offered me advice and lessons along the way. My favourite thing about working in this area was being out in the community, listening to people when they were in trouble, and helping them when they didn’t know who to turn to. From what I’ve seen, a major concern of Calgarians is child Internet safety, cyberbullying, and cyber scams. Calgary police provide excellent advice and support to those concerned with these issues. 18

During my service, I was constantly helping parents whose kids were getting cyberbullied. Due to a lack of resources, the teachers were struggling to control these situations. I realized that the victims of these crimes were also at a standstill, as they struggled with the complications of our justice system. Improvements in our school system are a priority to me. It’s important to ensure they are easily accessible, aren’t overcrowded, and that we explore innovation outside of the traditional model. Kids are our future. I strongly believe that as adults the onus is on us to educate, teach, and display citizenship. As a community, we must lead by example. Our teachers and educators work tirelessly to make this happen and integrating schools with the community would help support these efforts. The government needs to be accountable to the people and transparent and honest with the voters. My mission is simple—to deliver on our promise of establishing a government that truly puts Albertans first. It has been said that the government has lost touch with the average citizen’s problems and concerns, and Wildrose believes that the ultimate power and authority should be with Albertans. I plan to interact with the community directly. We need change. We need to break the pattern and we need fresh ideas. I look forward to representing my constituents, listening to them, standing up for them, and looking out for their best interests. It’s what I will do. That’s a promise.

BRANDED

# C OM There’s no point in washing your car because the roads will be slushy all spring.

Spring doesn’t officially start until the golf courses open and the ski hills close. You’ve had to bust out your sunglasses indoors, if you’re near a window.

Shit Calgarians say.

KE EP IT WI LD

We’ve all been there. Here are some of the things only Calgarians would understand.

You’ll make new friends while you’re waiting in line for a patio table.

MON You’ll choose local beer over cheap domestic draft. You’ve got that local love.

When it’s food truck season, it’s impossible to maintain your beach bod.

CAL GA

The second it gets nice outside you want to be single. Relationships are for the cold and lonely winter months.

Your legs are so pale they’ll burn the first day you decide to wear shorts.

@wildandraw WWW.WILDANDRAW.CA

Given unpredictable weather, you’ll save your flex days for either a patio day, or a snow day.

tweet us @brandedyyc #commonincalgary Even if it’s warm out, flip-flops aren’t a good choice. (Again, because of the slush.)

MORE THAN JUST A JUICE BAR 19

BRANDED

INSIGHT

We love unique photographers. Whether you’re behind the scenes, on top, or upand-coming, we will track you down. Here’s who caught our eye this month.

INSPIRATION

BRANDED Describe your photography style.

“Well, it’s a product of my environment. I was born in Calgary, but I’ve been living in Drayton Valley since I was really young. It’s a little town just west of Edmonton. Landscape photography came first for me because the town isn’t very visually appealing—but you don’t have to go far to find beautiful, natural open spaces. Before I started Instagramming, I’d never really taken a photo before. I loved the idea of creating an open scene with a feeling like nobody else is on the planet. I was first inspired by some of Cole Rise’s work—it’s a style of ‘other worldly’ photography and I love it.” How do you plan on expanding your photography skills?

“When I first started shooting, I purely focused on this landscape style. I never worked with people or models. I was first really focused on giving the illusion that there was just nothing but space and nature. Since I’ve been making more trips into Calgary, or visiting Vancouver for other work, I’ve got into shooting city life and portraits. I grew up as a skater kid, and I’ve always loved that ‘big city vibe’—I love urban style with the street culture. I’m not used to shooting cityscapes or people, and I’ve taken my frequent visits as opportunities to start shooting those things. I want to get into more portrait work, and every time I come into the city I’m eager to shoot skylines, create cool scenes in parking garages, and dangle my feet off of buildings. I want to do all the crazy things I’ve wanted to do, but it’s not possible based on where I live. There are some awesome people in Calgary whom I’ve had the chance to collaborate with, and there are still a few more on my list to get in touch with. Art is also a huge thing for me, and I plan to collaborate with artists more and create a new exciting portfolio of that work. I’m excited about a recent collaboration with an Australian artist (@frayedselvage) on a series of prints that will become available in the near future.”

MATT FRENCH Jack of too many trades.

Instagram: mattfrench Age: 30 Instagramming for: 4 years

Do you have any other creative backgrounds, and if so do they influence your photography?

“I actually wanted to go to design school when I graduated but never ended up doing that. I’ve still always been into graphics, and if you scroll really far back on my feed you’d see that I didn’t take photos—it was all abstract art that I’d created. My whole Instagram was graphic based. I worked for other apps and a few brands for about a year, and the exposure to certain technologies has inspired me to develop my own photo-editing app called Avex, which I am in the process of launching. Editing is one of my favourite things to do. I believe that editing and some of the collaboration projects I’ve gotten to do with it has gotten me to where I am today.” Is photography something you want to pursue as a career?

“Right now, I’m a personal trainer at the local gym in Drayton Valley to pay the bills. I’ve been going to the gym for years, and recently took up training—but it’s not ‘the plan,’ it’s never been ‘the plan.’ I had a business for a while—I owned and operated a coffee shop in Drayton Valley for about seven years. This was supposed to be a short-term plan while I figured things out, but it was successful. Selling it has allowed me the time and comfort to focus on my creative interests and hopefully my next business venture. I definitely want to do more with fashion, as I’m an ambassador for a few Canadian companies that I love. I’d love to work more with clothing brands on marketing, art directing, shooting, and designing. I’m definitely trying to take this in a career direction—but my problem is that I love too much. I’m interested in all things creative—imagery, photography, and design. Anything in that realm is what I want to do. Too many wheels are turning and I need to stick on something—and I would love for photography to be that thing.” 21

BRANDED

consistency and collaboration The base of Calgaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing food culture lies in effective branding and teamwork. Making it in the food industry requires more than a tasty productâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Calgary-based brands Village Ice Cream and Buttermilk Fine Waffles are prime examples of this process.

BRANDED

words by Jay de Nance, photo by Steve Speer, Four by Five Photography

describes going to Village Ice Cream as a playful experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

y name is Jay de Nance, director of tenant services at Fairfield Commercial Real Estate—a retail real estate firm here in Calgary. I connect entrepreneurs with unique retail environments to realize their dreams. As I began my career in commercial real estate, I set out to find retailers and restaurateurs who exhibited an extraordinary determination to transform our city’s neighbourhoods through brand, product, and experience. After a meeting in 2012 with Billy Friley, owner of Village Ice Cream, I knew that I had found a kindred spirit. Shortly after I met Billy’s younger brother, Sam Friley, founder of Buttermilk Fine Waffles—it became clear to me that this desire runs in their blood. Getting these two men talking about Calgary, and all of its possibilities, embodies the enigmatic energy and entrepreneurial spirit that defines this city.

“Ice cream has the power to attract an incredibly diverse cross section of society. People from all walks of life and cultures come together to enjoy the thoughtfully crafted simplicity of our product and experience. Our brand is a chameleon—it can be dressed up as a hip, urban experience, but at its heart it is calling for inclusiveness,” he says. “At the end of the day, a scoop of ice cream—even gourmet ice cream—is affordable and therefore accessible. Just like public art, parks, and museums, carefully curated brands can also serve as the cultural adhesive that bind a city’s inhabitants.” Billy took a very calculated risk and founded his first location in an isolated parking lot on a dead-end street in Victoria Park. As unlikely as it would seem, this absurd retail location would soon become a thriving gathering point for thousands of Calgarians, during both summer and winter. Many of us have ventured down 10th avenue late on a summer evening and turned the corner to see a 100-person lineup. This is just one example of a great brand bringing people together.

Waiting for Prime Time Billy didn’t always have his heart set on Calgary. Although born and raised here, he spent his undergraduate years in the United States and then Montreal. It was not until he reached his mid-twenties that he truly resonated with the transformative nature of this city. “When I was growing up, Calgary was a bedroom community with a downtown that emptied out in the evenings and the weekends. When Calgary reached a critical mass and its dwellers started to crave a truly urban experience, that’s when I knew I could be a part of real and lasting change in this city,” he says.

Following the Footsteps Sam Friley’s unconventional journey from exploration geologist to owner of Buttermilk Fine Waffles tells a similar tale of struggle and revelation. Sam graduated Queens University with a degree in geological engineering and landed his first job as an exploration geologist in the oil patch. However, within two years, Sam also wanted to feel more engaged in his community.

With this sentiment as his guiding force, Billy built one of Calgary’s most recognizable brands in less than three years. But why ice cream? Billy

Jay de Nance (@denancej) tells his story of his experience with the founders of two of Calgary’s most unique brands. Director of tenant services at Fairfield Commercial Real Estate, Jay is also the project manager of Building on the Bow, a photographic exploration of buildings in Calgary. 23

BRANDED

productive relationship with Todd Macfie and Nina Palmer of Inglewood-based graphic design firm Platform Design.

He handed in his letter of resignation. Witnessing his brother’s venture taking off, Sam knew that the oil patch was not going to be the setting in which he would be able to energize himself and his community in the way he wanted to.

Platform Design has developed a powerful brand message for both Village Ice Cream and Buttermilk Fine Waffles—and it extends further than simply advertising products.

In the fall of 2013, Sam set out to find a food concept that would manifest his vision for his city. With trips to Chicago, Vancouver, Portland, San Francisco, and New York—he made it his mission to experience as many inspiring food concepts as possible. Ironically, after all of these “food voyages,” spent looking at barbeque shacks, taquerias, sandwich shops, and everything in between, it was the Friley family buttermilk waffle recipe that sealed the deal.

What makes a talented designer is the understanding of the critical relationship between a brand’s ethos and the customer’s overall experience. If you find a designer that understands this, you can trust them.

“We design better, we eat better, and we care more about our public spaces. I’ve been telling everyone who will listen, the next 10 years is going to be incredible. I can’t wait to be a part of it.” – Sam Friley

“What was especially invigorating about this concept is that I didn’t borrow from any concepts that I saw in my travels. This particular idea found its roots at our family’s dinner table,” Sam says. The vision for Buttermilk Fine Waffles was conceived in early 2014—and Sam decided to travel to Belgium to seek mentorship from Benny Pitteurs, owner of HVD, the “gold standard of waffle iron manufacturers.”

Both Macfie and Palmer agree that Calgary is evolving and diversifying both in industry and in the type of people that live here, however, Macfie says all of their clients have one thing in common.

With his research completed, Sam was ready to develop his idea with one thought resonating in his mind, “I want to create an experience my community will cherish so dearly, it will become an institution in Calgary.”

“They are all working their tails off to make this city a better and more interesting place to live. They have big dreams, monstrously exhilarating dreams, to provide Calgarians with meaningful experiences.”

Team Work Makes the Dream Work Sam and Billy have always said to me that having the best product is “only the price of admission” in the food world. To succeed at this game, one also needs to carefully consider ethos, brand, and of course—location.

Calgary is an incredible city. This is a city that allows you to take risks, to succeed, to start over, and most importantly, to try new things. As the Friley brothers believe, and have experienced, “to love Calgary is two-fold—it is to love what we have already created, but also to love what we can become.”

This is where I came into these projects. My expertise in commercial real estate resonated with Sam as it did previously with Billy, and I knew our combined energy and enthusiasm was going make Sam’s vision a reality—all it needed was the right location.

Great cities are shaped by great businesses that create unique, joyful, and unexpected experiences. We do not need to build a replica Gastown neighbourhood, or to follow every trend we see in the larger urban centers. We do not need to chase cool. We have the talent and the energy right here in Calgary to make whatever we want for our city, a reality.

I found a character building on 17th avenue that I knew would captivate Sam on multiple levels. Sam walked in and immediately knew he had found the birthplace of Buttermilk Fine Waffles.

The transformation of the last 10 years from a bedroom community with a sleepy core, to a thriving downtown—where the arts, culture and food scenes are changing constantly—is remarkable. As Sam puts it, “We design better, we eat better, and we care more about our public spaces. I’ve been telling everyone who will listen— the next 10 years is going to be incredible. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

“As a small business owner, it is essential to seek the guidance and wisdom from a partner and a team that are driven by the same desire to collaborate on projects that have a meaningful impact on a city,” Sam adds. Hardly ever, a conversation with the Friley brothers goes by where they don’t emphasize the importance of brand, and their extremely 24

Ava"able at y' fav)ite reta",

“My handmade Texas vodka beats the giant “Imports” every day. We make and taste every batch at my original distillery in Austin, Texas to ensure you only get the best!”

WINE ENTHUSIAST RATINGS

SCORE OUT OF 100 POINTS

PTS

BOTTLED & DISTILLED IN AUSTIN, TX

100%

CORN

BRANDED

CREEP

Since we’re addicted to Instagram, Facebook, blogs and websites—you might as well follow people, groups, businesses, and organizations that will make it worth your while.

Fashion: Vincent Law

Photography: Great North Collective

Tech: Chic Geek

@binzento binzento.com

@greatnorthco greatnorthcollective.com

@chicgeekyyc thechicgeek.ca

Vincent Law uses his global reach across Canadian and Chinese social media platforms to provide reports on the latest fashion news and lifestyle trends. This isn’t just an “#ootd” type of thing.

Great North Collective is quickly becoming a trusted brand in showcasing quality photography, and is a go-to for those looking for mountain eye candy on social media.

The Chic Geek network connects over 500 people—and is run entirely by a small group of nine volunteers, including founder Kylie Toh.

The founders, Mike Seehagel, David Guenther, and Chris Amat are a team of three who have experience in both design and professional photography.

The mission of this Calgary-based tech organization is to increase diversity in Calgary’s hi-tech and startup communities by educating, engaging, and empowering women. The services aren’t solely offered to women and are open to men and boys as well—but the goal is to create a diverse and welcoming environment for those developing technological and entrepreneurial skills.

A Cancer research worker by day and “fashionisto” by night, Law credits his former position as a weekly reporter for a Calgarybased television program with over 400,000 weekly viewers for his initial following. Law’s blog began as a platform to share his experiences within the media industry and reflect on them, and over time it evolved into an information based website on all things innovative in fashion across the world. While contributing to other publications, such as Vogue Italia, his website is growing into a resource for others to express their creativity. The blog also features Calgary roots in a regular column, “Real People with Real Styles.” “I do not want this blog to have any boundaries as to who is featured, I want to tell all stories of personal style—not just of those who are in the fashion industry,” says Law. Although Law addresses that his content or articles may not be “for everyone,” he hopes that his decision to showcase, enhance, and contribute to the fashion scene inspires readers to spend time doing something they are passionate about.

In essence, their mission is to create a community of photographers and creatives— of both amateur and professional levels—who are looking to share captivating and beautiful images. “Our goal is to showcase the incredible talent that exists not only in the Great North, but around the world, in order to inspire everyone to get out and explore,” says Seehagel. Seehagel says that the group plans to bring not only their experience in photography and design to this project, but also their desire to build relationships through the sharing of art and experiences. The joint mission of Great North Collective, as Seehagel describes, is to “share stories— stories of people, places, and adventures.” Tapping into this network allows you a daily dose of visual beauty and sharp, artistic imagery. It’s also friendly reminder of the many reasons we are lucky to be living in such a beautiful, lush, and visually rich world.

This non-profit hosted more than 800 people in 2014 over a course of 57 events. Their online presence is strong, and their interactive website—complete with an events calendar, membership login and a blog—is a solid base to accomplish their mission. “A blog is a platform to make knowledge accessible and approachable. We use the blog to educate, answer questions, and write in a friendly tone to make everyone feel welcome,” says Toh. The Chic Geek blog offers detailed content in the form of step-by-step guides, reviews, and insightful messages for technical and personal life skills, as well as features that highlight those in the community. Giving Chic Geek a follow allows you to keep up with the tech world in relation to powerful, standout women, and innovative local startups.

BRANDED

design and illustrations by Chalsie Henry

While we often favour the hustle and bustle of downtown life, the truth is Calgary’s coolness extends far beyond the core. Each issue we’ll bring you our favourite places to eat, sweat, shop, and explore in different pockets of the city.

MONOGRAM COFFEE

YYC CYCLE 2

4814 16 St SW Calling all coffee connoisseurs—Monogram makes a mean brew. These coffee masters roast only the finest, and they’ll top it off with some Instagram-worthy latte art. Check out this new location and you’ll get jitters from both the java and the simple, yet beautiful space.

3505 14 St SW It’s more than just a bike ride, spinning is a unique workout experience that will leave your mind, body, and soul feeling energized and rejuvenated. Watch out Marda Loop—with a location already established in Kensington, the “bikergang” is coming for you. Expect dim lights, killer beats, and an ultra sweaty workout. Saddle up.

THE FARMER’S HOUSE

CRABAPPLE CLOTHING

2138 33 Ave SW Spring is coming (fingers crossed) and the Farmer’s House is where you need to be. With cozy vibes, and a gorgeous sunny patio it’s the perfect spot for a lazy weekend meal. If you’re constantly debating savoury vs. sweet, the Farmer’s House has the ultimate solution with the eggs benny on waffles. We’re already drooling.

A COOKIE OCCASION

2107 33 Ave SW Remember the goodness of your grandmother’s secret cookie recipes? We dare to say A Cookie Occasion is even better. Their motto is simple— “sweetening everyday,” and they’ve been bringing their sugar to Marda Loop for over 20 years. From classics, such as Chocolate Chunk, to unique creations like the Caramel Cappuccino cookie, it’s safe to say their baking game is on point.

3526 Garrison Gate SW Skip the mall—boutique shopping is where it’s at. Crabapple Clothing has been around for almost 20 years, but they’re still ahead on trends. They carry brands such as Free People, Rich & Skinny, Mackage, Wildfox, and more. They also offer private shopping and personal styling to ensure your outfit is worthy of a #ootd.

LAVA HAIR SALON

2030 33 Ave SW Lava Salon has been providing hair services to the ladies and gents of Calgary for over 10 years. The beautiful décor, coupled with the friendly, unpretentious staff will leave you feeling right at home. Creative, yet consistent— this team is passionate about style, and will ensure your coif is up to selfie standards. #iwokeuplikethis

BRANDED

LAVA HAIR SALON

THE FARMERS HOUSE

33rd Ave

CRABAPPLE CLOTHING

YYC CYCLE 2

34th Ave A COOKIE OCCASION

MONOGRAM COFFEE

48th Ave

BRANDED

THE

REBIRTH words by Cameron Perrier & Kassidy Christensen photos by Ty Graham

BRANDED

Glenbow Museum Archives, ND-8-307

BRANDED

ALBERTA BALLET HEADQUARTERS Mission, 141 18 Avenue SW, @albertaballetcanada

“There’s no way the dancers could practice day in and day out in a dark studio with a low ceiling. The big windows and open, airy space is perfect and adds a lot of energy into the studios.”

he sounds of a rolling train filled this historic building for decades—but now, the sweet melodies of classical music occupy the space. The Alberta Ballet occupies what was formerly one of Calgary’s first train stations, and it converted from a parish hall to a central point of departure for the city’s dwellers in 1911.

Paterson, who also manages the building’s maintenance, explains the pros and cons of the unique building. “It’s an old building, you really do have to be careful in it,” he says.

“It has a really beautiful sandstone façade, and it also has railway tracks that go along through our parkade, which is a really neat detail to the building,” says Samantha Uhlich, Alberta Ballet’s development officer.

“We also have many dance teachers flying in from around the world to teach programs complimenting the building during their visit. A lot of the newer studios are purposely built with big windows and lots of light—and it’s nice that we can occupy an older space with history that already has this.”

The station was shut down in 1971, and was vacant until 1984 when the Calgary City Ballet took up residency. A devastating fire ravaged the building, but it was left standing, and the ballet company filled the rooms once again in 1987. As the years passed, an amalgamation of the Alberta Ballet Company—formerly located in Edmonton—and the Calgary City Ballet formed the Alberta Ballet in 1990.

Once renovations are complete, the building will host a number of additions—including a theatre space with roughly 200 seats, residency for international students, a grade 6 to 12 school with a library, physiotherapy and fitness facilities, and an addition of 12 offices to the existing eight.

Uhlich is one of many working in the third floor offices of the building, and presses the importance of preserving these historic spaces.

Uhlich sees the upcoming renovations as a huge improvement to the dance community in Calgary and Edmonton, she says.

“It lets people see the path Albertans have chosen, and the history behind how they got to where they are now,” she says.

“It will open us up to having international students as well as international dancers to come join the company and the school. It will be a place that will attract choreographers, new creators, and hopefully new teachers.”

“Reusing these buildings in this way [for the Alberta Ballet] now incorporates them into the history of our arts and culture,” she says.

Planning to influence more than just the dance scene, Uhlich describes the goals of the building.

The space currently includes two studios, a full wardrobe, and a full office. Harry Paterson, director of production and touring, says the building is perfect for inspiring the dancers.

“The plan is to improve dance awareness and creation, as well as influence the overall art scene in Alberta.”

BRANDED

Glenbow Museum Archives, NA-1075-9

BRANDED

THE NASH Inglewood, 925 11 Street SW, @thenashyyc

While to some The Nash might seem relatively new, having opened late 2014, Ward says the building’s place in the community is far from that.

tepping into The Nash, just off Inglewood’s main avenue, the light, airy space oozes of “throwback Thursday” to the booming times of Calgary.

“This hotel has always been a cornerstone to this community, whether it’s been darker and seedier, or today, when this is a family neighbourhood,” she says.

It is almost hard to believe that such a bustling community cornerstone was once home to the city’s rough and tumble crowd.

Noble agrees, noting the revitalization of this once dilapidated space adds another layer of history to an area that is clearly on an upswing.

Built in 1908 and christened the National Hotel—it has served rail workers, convicts, and transients passing through during Calgary’s major growth. The hotel has seen many days as a small saloon and restaurant, a barber shop, and a punk and blues bar. At one point, after sitting vacant since 1998, it faced the wrecking ball to make way for a condo development.

“It’s kind of sad that it sat empty for so long,” he says. While this is likely to be Noble’s last full restaurant opening after 35 years in the business, he’s ecstatic to see the rebirth of another Calgary space that has “a hell of a lot of life still left in it.”

Today, The Nash is a lively high-end restaurant. The space serves colourful, delectable dishes, filling the stomachs of hungry Calgarians with fanciful tastes seeped in the community’s history.

“When it’s devoid of people, passion, and action, it really has no life,” he says.

Sarah Ward, who partnered with owner Michael Noble to design the hub, says their concepts played on Edwardian and Art Nouveau design motifs— many of which she saw during research trips to Portland, Vancouver, and Seattle. When Ward and Noble first came upon the space, many of the original fixtures were in disrepair—leaving them with no choice but to start from scratch.

On the same note, Ward presses the importance of keeping the past alive in such a young city. “I think it’s really unique for Calgary to even have historical properties that become invigorated in this sense again.” “I don’t feel they’re celebrated here as much. We’re a really young city, so we don’t have a lot of historical properties,” she says.

What makes “The Nash stand out,” she adds, are the finer design details seen in light fixtures, a historically correct map of Calgary on the back wall and the fireplace, which has long-forgotten pennies from 1907 embedded in the mantle.

“This is a really great example of something that’s way past its heyday, but you can still reinvigorate and bring life to it.”

While it all looks from the days of yore, Ward says the majority of the space is new, yet incorporates small touches of the past—such as the fashioning of the Off Cut Bar table legs from the original hotel radiator.

BRANDED

Glenbow Museum Archives, NA-3795

BRANDED

THE SIMMONS BUILDING East Village, 618 Confluence Way SE

The Simmons building was built in 1912 and was primarily used as a mattress factory for Simmons and Alaska Bedding Company until 1966. With classic brick exterior, rustic findings and 12-inch fir beams throughout, the three companies decided to create an open concept by removing some of the floorboards on the second floor and using glass paneling to divide areas.

hree can be a crowd—but three Calgary entrepreneurs feeding off each other’s concepts can be in a masterpiece. Charcut Roast House, Phil & Sebastian Coffee, and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery have joined forces to collaborate on their brainchild of an idea—creating a multi-faceted dining experience in none other than Calgary’s iconic Simmons Building.

Lauren Popadiuk, communications and marketing manager with Phil & Sebastian, says her favourite part of the space is the “old elevator we have permanently stopped on the second floor—we’re using it as part of our office.”

“It was always a place that whenever I drove by was like, ‘wow, what are they going to put there,’ because it’s such an incredible building,” says Charcut Roast House chef John Jackson. “Sebastian [from Phil & Sebastian] approached Connie [DeSousa of Charcut] and I over three and a half years ago and said he had a really good idea.”

“It’s really interesting to be able to work within the parameters of a historical building in its roots, and then add our own style and design choices into it,” Popadiuk says.

The rustic, brick building with endless character will house a flurry of dining experiences.

The preservation of the history was a key goal for the three businesses when revamping the space.

Charbar, an extension of Charcut Roast House, will offer a restaurant inspired by the Argentinian woodfire grill and will feature seafood, ceviche, and a raw bar—all thanks to inspiration from the adjacent river—among other delectable menu items.

“It’s our history. I think it brings interest to a neighbourhood within a city. It’s something different and doesn’t look like all of the other buildings,” adds Aviv Fried of Sidewalk Citizen Bakery.

Phil & Sebastian brings its coffee expertise to the table by setting up shop as a concept café, roasterie, coffee education centre and head office.

The Simmons Building is expected to be the go-to dining location for residents of the area.

Last, but certainly not least, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery is bringing in its famous sourdough bread and other baked goods to complete the space.

“I feel we are creating a place where people will want to gather and share stories and experiences,” Jackson says. “I see it as being an important part of the neighbourhood.”

“I think it’s interesting getting these three groups under one roof,” Jackson says.

The three-fold restaurant is slated to open late May, just in time for patio weather. From this unbeatable patio view, you see everything from the Bow River, to St. Patrick Island, all while overlooking the growing area of East Village.

“It’s unique because we’re all going to be feeding off of what each other does best.” Jackson states the true fact of the matter during an interview and tour of the Simmons Building, “Where else do you have a collection of people that specialize [in this way] in our hospitality industry?”

Want to keep up with the progress of The Simmons Building? See the intriguing interior developments of the space and watch for the opening of this unique space for spring 2015. @charbar_yyc @philandseb @sidewalkcitizen

No Bullsh*t ...

Just Results

Jimmy Olandesca 403.470.9674

l s that

ean so ething to so eone

@capture.passion

2015

AN OPEN POLL HIGHLIGHTING THE FACES AND PLACES THAT MAKE CALGARY SUCH AN AMAZING, LIVELY, AND FUN PLACE TO CALL HOME.

BOND

CLOSELY

Towards the prestigious Rockies, nestled gently next to the Bow, you’ll discover a naturally beautiful escape filled with small town charm and a resort like quality, offering the unique opportunity to LIVE REMARKABLY.

12 NEW SHOWHOMES LANED HOMES

SEMI-ATTACHED

FRONT DRIVE TOWNHOMES

$390’s

$335’s

$400’s $329’s

Starting from the

Showhome Hours: Monday to Thursday 2:00pm - 8:00pm Weekends & Holidays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

RiversongCochrane.com

LIVE

REMARKABLY *Actual Riversong Community View.

Featuring homes by 3 award winning builders

BRANDED

words by Ashley Materi design/illustration by Presley Mills

BRANDED

These workshops involve three or four bands coming together on stage and sharing their songs with each other. One band is chosen as an emcee for the workshop, offering a chance to explain to the audience that the session they’re about to watch is probably the first time these bands are meeting. The bands then take turns playing their original songs, and the other bands will join in with harmonies and instruments where they see fit. Evan Wesley Acheson, singer for local band Boreal Sons, describes these collaborations as some of the most exciting moments of playing the festival. His band played with the likes of Great Lake Swimmers, Andy Shauf, Mo Kenney, and The Provincial Archive during these workshop sessions in 2014. “It becomes this creative, spontaneous thing,” says Acheson. “They sang beautiful harmonies on some of our songs and brought out a totally different sound to what we had. It’s neat when you can put different artists together and create a musical Frankenstein monster.” Acheson has

When you hear “folk festival,”

it’s common to envision bearded men picking at banjos while belting out blue grass as fans sit on tarps making dandelion necklaces. At first thought, folk may not be the genre for everyone—but the Calgary Folk Music Festival has been dispelling preconceived notions of what folk music is for decades. More than just bands on a stage—this isn’t your daddy’s festival anymore. This July will mark the 36th anniversary of what many will call the “Folk Fest,” and if you haven’t attended in recent years, what you find may surprise you. Artistic director Kerry Clarke travels yearly to find bands to fill the 75 spots open on the bill, opting for an eclectic mix of genres. From hip hop artists, to R&B crooners, to eerie Nordic chanting, there is something for everyone in the wide variety of musical artists. “When we say there is diversity and variety, people don’t really realize what that means,” Clarke says of first-time attendees. “They come in knowing a band or two, but they don’t realize they’ll leave loving a different band.”

Collaboration is Key

It isn’t just the music that keeps fans coming back year after year. The festival becomes a tradition for fans because it is truly an experience, not just a concert. The entire event is highly curated—from the choices of food offered, to the local artisans vending handmade goods, to bands collaborating in trademark performance workshops.

“WE’RE A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION, WE CARE ABOUT YOU COMING BACK NEXT YEAR, AND WE CARE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE.” - MATT OLAH been attending Folk Fest for years, first as a fan, then a volunteer, and eventually as a performer. This unique perspective of the festival, combined with his experience playing festivals in Europe, affords him the intimate knowledge of what it is that makes the festival special. “There’s something about the experience... it almost feels like a microcosm of Calgary,” he explains. “If you could reduce Calgary down to its essence— the people you see, the things you do, the combination of excitement and relaxation, great food, great people, for me, that’s what makes it feel like home. There’s nothing like it.”

Summer Camp for Calgarians

The demographics for the event are vast, ranging from toddlers to seniors, and those from all walks of life. Kerry Clarke jokes that every year, you can expect to see “hip hoppers, to CEO’s, to people in Birkenstocks.” There are entire families laid out on blankets in front of the stage, enjoying picnics in the sun while they take in the music. The diverse lineups and familyfriendly atmosphere ensure that anyone and everyone can have a wonderful time.

BRANDED

With thousands of festival goers, around 70 bands, and almost 2,000 volunteers, you are bound to run into someone you know at Folk Fest. Matt Olah, marketing manager of the festival, describes it as a “summer camp for Calgarians.” There is a massive social component involved with the experience, and Olah attributes this as one of the reasons that people make attendance a tradition with their circle of friends. “You can spend the day in the beer garden and not see a single band, but see everyone you know in town,” he says. Evan Wesley Acheson echoes this sentiment, and believes there is a lot of comradery that is involved amongst festival attendees. “People that you know are going [to the festival]. People that you have something in common with are going, whether that’s musically or not. It’s worth going just for that.”

Good Vibes

Folk Fest is in its golden years, which gives it both credibility and a solid fan base. It is a major event in the city, and has achieved the status of a wellknown music festival in North America. However, it can be a challenge to express the positive, community-driven vibe of the festival to those who have never been, but have attended other “big box” music festivals.

“PEOPLE THAT YOU KNOW ARE GOING. PEOPLE THAT YOU HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH ARE GOING, WHETHER THAT’S MUSICALLY OR NOT. IT’S WORTH GOING JUST FOR THAT.” – EVAN WESLEY ACHESON While these “big box” events are for profit, all of the money made at the folk festival goes directly toward funding the next and to Festival Hall—the year-round event centre, says Matt Olah. “We’re a communitybased organization, we care about you coming back next year, and we care about your experience.”

“If you haven’t experienced anything different, you don’t realize it can be more human-scale,” says Clarke. “It really isn’t just ‘put a bunch of people in a field and put some beer in their gullets and some music on a stage.’ We try to go deeper.”

“We’ve all been to festivals where you have to sit there for hours to see the big act because if you move, you lose your spot,” explains Kerry Clarke. “At our festival, you can get close to the stage—you can actually see your favourite artists.”

Ashley Materi, born and raised Calgarian, is a freelancer, sushi addict and a word-connoisseur.

Running July 23 to 26th, don’t miss out on this year’s experience. Check in on Calgary’s Folk Fest online for further details. calgaryfolkfest.com @calgaryfolkfest

Money can buy happiness one

PINT At a time open late www.blindmonk.ca

BRANDED

livinG suits + tattoos PAGE 48 elevate your workout PAGE 59

PUBLIC SPEAKING Learn how to make your speech like a boss, so you can impress yours.

page

BRANDED

words by Vicki Goodfellow-Duke

down-to-earth. We love authenticity, and we know life is messy and imperfect.” So relax, and act naturally.

Effective public speaking is empowering. Whether it’s a presentation at the office or a speech at your best friend’s wedding, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure that both you, the speaker, and the message are memorable for all of the right reasons.

5. DON’T TELL THEM WHAT TO DO. Do you hate being told

what to do? You’re not alone. Listeners become defensive when they perceive a threat to their autonomy. Want your audience to be moved to action? Explore some of the many persuasive techniques that can be used to make your audience think that your ideas are their ideas. Offer them choices, ask them questions and present them a solution. Bingo. Mission accomplished.

Which single skill will substantially boost your value as a business professional? In an interview with Forbes Magazine in 2013, billionaire Warren Buffett says it is necessary to “master the art of public speaking.”

6. INFORMATION OVERLOAD IS A KILLER. The analytical brain

Being a great communicator gives you an edge—there’s no doubt about it. But does everybody have the potential to become a wowfactor speaker? The good news—yes.

is easily fatigued. Poor concentration results from short-term memory overload. We have a threshold beyond which we cannot process information efficiently. That threshold is much lower than you might imagine. Never bring the audience to a point in which they are overwhelmed by too much data. Keep it simple. Simple does not mean simplistic, however. You don’t need to dumb down your message—you just need to sharpen it. Prioritize a core message and make it specific, concise and memorable. Choose priority messages that you’d like to deliver, and ensure your audience can walk away with something.

The first step is to eliminate negative habits and to avoid common pitfalls. Be diligent in these and you’ll see quick improvements. 1. AVOID PHYSICAL BARRIERS. Any physical object between

you and your audience is a barrier. This includes a podium, desk, computer screen, tablet, paper, notecards, folded arms, or even clasped hands. Audiences subconsciously interpret physical barriers as psychological ones, and have a more difficult time forging a connection with you when a barrier is present. Instead, stand to the side of the monitor, and glance at it when needed, hold notes to the side rather than directly in front. If possible, avoid standing behind a podium or other piece of furniture. Sometimes, you don’t have a choice, but if you do, don’t block yourself.

7. ENGAGE ALL SENSES. Audiences need more than data in order to be moved to action. If you focus solely on the transfer of information, your speech will leave the audience bored and unsatisfied. Great speakers engage people on all five levels of the human person—the intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. Do this by sharing personal stories, engaging activities, or audience participation.

2. NEVER USE MANUSCRIPT NOTES. Reading word-for-word

8. FRAME YOUR MESSAGE. Crafting a great message doesn’t just mean finding and arranging great ideas, it means finding and arranging great ideas for these specific individuals. Is there a difference? Yes. A big one. People have a strong psychological tendency to reject information that does not conform to their existing belief system. Unless you take steps to prevent this from happening, confirmation bias will win out over deliberate choice. Give special consideration to the way you frame information so the audience will entertain new ideas rather than dismissing them.

notes is not public speaking—it is reading aloud. Manuscript delivery (reading sentences directly from notes) prevents a speaker from being in the moment, adding or subtracting information as needed. This mode of delivery is desirable only in rare circumstances. We should rely instead on extemporaneous delivery, glancing at note cards with key messages, to speak in a tone of heightened conversation. 3. DON’T PICTURE YOUR AUDIENCE AS A WOLF PACK (OR NAKED, EITHER). Do you imagine your audience as a hostile pack of

wolves bent on destruction, specifically your destruction? Audiences (surprise!) are a collection of individual people with varied thoughts, feelings, opinions, and personalities. Deliver a single complete thought to one individual, as if he or she were the only person in the room. Then deliver the next thought to someone else. In this way, we make authentic connections. This method eases anxiety, as it mimics interpersonal conversation. Oh, and the audience will love you for it.

9. GET AN HONEST OPINION. Prior to giving the speech, find

a speaking coach, or grab a straight-shooting friend, and ask for feedback. Are you unknowingly smacking your lips together at the beginning of every sentence? Do you know what your left foot is doing? Is your body too static? Is your movement distracting? Nonverbal communication is powerful. Knowledge is more powerful. Ask. Listen. Revise. Go for it.

4. STOP PRETENDING YOU’RE PERFECT. While we spend a lot

of energy trying to hide our imperfections, studies have shown that people like us more when they see us as “human” and vulnerable. According to Brene Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work who has spent 10 years studying vulnerability, “We are drawn to people who are real and

Vicki teaches public speaking at MRU, and is the director of Outspoken Communications, a public speaking consulting company, offering seminars and private coaching. Want to step up your public speaking game? vicki@outspokencommunications.com / outspokencommunications.com

BRANDED

SUITS + TATTOOS AT BRANDED, WE LOVE THE UNEXPECTED. EACH ISSUE WE FEATURE A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL IN CALGARY, IN ANY INDUSTRY, WHO IS SUITED UP BY DAY, AND TATTED UP BY NIGHT.

60 $9,000 12 HOURS

RELIGIOUS BLACK + WHITE

YEARS

PHOTOS BY @JSSIGHT

NEOTRADITIONAL

Who: Curtis Desiatnyk (@curtisdez) Age: 33 Daily Grind: Risk and Insurance Analyst Freelance photographer

Why did you decide to start getting heavily tattooed? “When I first started getting tattooed, I suppose it was a bit of an outlet because I spent my days in an office and had no real form of creative expression. I’ve always been into visual art—I draw, I paint, I’ve always had a project on the go, and tattooing was just that for a while. Now, it’s photography. That’s currently where I’m focusing my creative efforts.”

What is your favourite style of tattooing? “The art I have embodies a lot of different styles, but I love the old renaissance gothic style of tattooing—think old, Russian gangster characters. I like the religious imagery in those types of tattoos, even though I’m not at all religious. I draw, paint, and am into photography. As an artist, I’m really drawn to that artwork and the emotion it captures. My brother-in-law is extremely tattooed, and he has the mural of The Last Supper on his arm—I love it, and that’s who referred me to Wes Tisdale for my first sleeve.”

BRANDED

Do you connect your photography with your interests in tattooing? “Not directly—I don’t specifically shoot pictures of people with tattoos or specialize in any sort of directly connected art. But the process for my photography is very similar to tattooing, especially if I’m working on a project. My current display, which has been up since November of 2014 at Shaun Ford & Co., is a great example of this. Shaun came up with a general concept—to capture Calgary in a unique way—then I went out and did my own thing in my own style, based around his initial concept. For the most part, I do my photography for the sake of art—not for monetary gain. It’s also interesting to experience the reaction to my tattoos in this more creative environment, because there really is none. If anything, tattoos align me with a lot of the people I am looking to connect with or shoot, as I like to do a lot of street photography. Tattoos are very much commonplace in that environment. It’s definitely a stark contrast from corporate.”

Have you had any particular experiences with tattoo discrimination? “I can’t think of a particular experience, other than thinking someone might have given me a sideways look. With that said, I also don’t really expose my tattoos in the workplace. It’s not that I’m ashamed or trying to hide them, but the reality is that there’s a generation that still doesn’t get it. It’s a lot easier for people to judge based on what they see, than to actually spend time with someone and get to know what they’re about. Often times, in a professional setting, you only have a few moments to make an impression that will dictate where that conversation or relationship goes. If someone is preoccupied with making superficial judgments, it starts us off on the wrong leg and makes for an uphill battle. Tattoos aren’t considered commonplace in certain industries, so I think it can become a distraction for some people.”

BRANDED

Is there any specific symbolism behind your tattoos? “My first sleeve reverts back to that idea of a religious type of imagery, with angels and demons representing the idea of good overcoming evil. That was at least the base idea, but I didn’t go in with a full set plan—I let Wes run with it and do his thing. There wasn’t necessarily a particular experience that led to the idea, but it’s an overall mantra that I certainly try to live by—doing right over wrong. As far as my back piece, which was actually one of my first tattoos, it’s of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. This image represents symmetry in all things, which I love, because that’s very much how I am from a creative aesthetic. I just find it so visually attractive. My second sleeve was the one I probably put the most planning into—but again, mostly let the artist, Melissa Bennett, take charge. This sleeve is Alberta-themed, there are wild roses in the Native woman’s hair, as well as petals throughout. There’s a grizzly skull, an owl, and a totem pole—which I think is local to British Columbia, but I liked the idea of representing each member of my immediate family by their spirit animal. For me, the ideology comes first, then the art. It can go either way—it’s a different process for everyone.”

BRANDED

Did you have a different experience with each artist? “Yeah, I would say so. Every experience was different—plus a lot of my tattoos were done over 10 years ago, and referrals were done through word of mouth. For my first sleeve, the direct referral from my brother-in-law to Wes made for an easy experience. I’d seen his art, and knew I liked it, so we just booked it all and sat for four to six hours every few weeks until my arm was done. My back was actually done before my first sleeve, and I was in Niagara Falls for a short trip. It just happened organically. I thought of the idea, liked it, and walked into a shop that same day. I lucked out—and the artist, whose name I can’t even remember, was equally as stoked on the idea and we just went for it. I sat for about five hours, he banged it out, and that was my first big piece. For the second sleeve, I had decided on a more American/Canadian traditional style of imagery, and I was almost overwhelmed in choosing an artist in this city, because the talent pool has gotten so big. I was recommended to a friend of a friend, so I went in and had a consult with that artist. We sat down and I explained to him the basic concept. He told me he could do it, but really felt there was another artist in the shop whose style it much better suited. He showed me some of Melissa’s art—and as soon as I saw it I knew that she was the right artist for what I wanted. She pretty much came up with most of the ideas for the tattoo for me, and we finished it within a few months.”

BRANDED

colleagues, and I’m not entitled to more than anyone who is working as hard as me. Although this isn’t about me—my story sounds very familiar to roughly 80 per cent of not only the 500 people I graduated with from the Haskayne School of Business last year—but the 500 more that I will meet at the long tables at any given National this weekend.

So, if 80 per cent of Gen Y’ers are working hard, showing respect and spending less time on Netflix than they do at work, why do we hear so much about Gen Y being awful and difficult? Enter the effects of the Pareto’s Principle—now applied to an entire generation, perhaps for the first time. Pareto’s Principle states that for many events, roughly 80 per cent of the effects come from 20 per cent of the causes.

A personal letter from one generation to the last words by Eric Termuende

We’ve all heard it before.

If 80 per cent are silently working hard and not posting about the latest drama on reality TV, this means that 20 per cent are. Twenty per cent are utilizing the hyper-connectivity of social media more now than ever before. These almost populist (and generally uneducated) movements and advertisements are a bit of a backhand for those out there who are working hard.

“Those in Generation Y are lazy, entitled, lack loyalty and respect, live in their parents’ basements, watch Netflix all day, and can’t hold a job. They don’t like to work long hours, and all they do is whine about not having enough holidays.” Do blanket statements and irrational generalizations like these really describe a generation? Are we really that bad?

Generally, we don’t demand a raise. We don’t feel entitled unless we’ve put an adequate amount of time in, and have delivered the necessary results. We can hold a job, but—as author Daniel Pink states in his book, Drive—if a job isn’t “challenging and we don’t have the autonomy, mastery, and purpose,” then we will look for something that does. If work is fulfilling, and we feel like we matter, are communicated with, and are involved, expect us to do great things. Our generation consists of many of those who want to make a difference.

Unequivocally no—and it’s really starting to bother me.

Eric Termuende (@termuende) is co-Founder and director of Gen Y Inc. He is also a member of the Canadian G20 YEA Leadership Committee, chair of Community Integration for Global Shapers, and is a founder of the Haskayne Alumni Advisory Council.

Who am I? I am a 23-year-old Gen Y’er, representing hundreds of peers across Canada through Gen Y Inc.’s Emerging Leaders Network. I’m an entrepreneur—I don’t hold a nine to five job, and I don’t report to layers of management above me. That said, I also don’t live at home and bake cookies with my mom, I don’t disrespect my 54

Generation Y is arguably the most educated generation yet. We know how we like to be treated, media has allowed our self-awareness to reach new heights, and we communicate in ways that didn’t even exist 10 years ago. Rewind 30 years (trust me, I asked my dad…) and we’ll find that people still wanted to climb the corporate ladder. People in their late teens or early twenties were starting to realize they weren’t the idiots they thought they were five years prior, and nobody “loved working.” Generation Y is the same, just add technology. When technology is paired with the 20 per cent doing nothing, we hear about it in ways we didn’t 30 years ago. The future of work is talked about like it hasn’t happened yet. We’re already here and it’s never going to be static again. Believe it or not, 2015 marks the first year where Generation Y populates the majority of the workforce. In 2025, that number jumps to 75 per cent—which is staggering. If you read the papers and watch the news, Generation Y is apparently still sitting at home and waiting to be spoon-fed. In reality, work is being done faster and more efficiently than ever before, and statistically the majority of it is being done by, well, Generation Y. Traditional career fairs are six feet under, office cultures are changing, and our generation likes to be treated differently than the ones before us. Is this a good or bad thing? Neither—it’s just how it is. My suggestion is to embrace us and try to understand us in order to get the most out of this generation. Eighty per cent of us are ready to go.

MES B ETTCHE O

Each issue, James Boettcher—local entrepreneur, chief idea officer of Fiasco Gelato, YYCFoodTrucks co-founder, and “idea maniac”—will answer questions from the public about the experiences and lessons learned within his businesses’ teams.

“How important is a degree, or a resume, when it comes to building your teams?”

those experiences to make ourselves a little bit better than we were yesterday.

They mean nothing at all.

The desire to be challenged in every moment and the willingness to learn from others can help us develop a unique skillset. Watching how others react to good and bad situations can provide knowledge that no one can teach. The things we notice, that no one else sees, can give us insights we may never had thought of. This is why life has its own certification.

The first thing I say when we bring someone in for an interview is, “Tell me who you are and what you’ve done.” Most people are shocked. They spent so much time crafting this document to sell their past experiences—and I haven’t even looked at it. The reason for this resistance? I have never applied for a job. On my 14th birthday, I began bagging groceries for five dollars an hour. Three years later I was recruited by a competitor, then acquired by a supplier. Five years after that, I was placed into a senior position outside of that industry—a brief stint with a coffee mogul, while I was putting the pieces together to do my own thing. On top of that, I was accepted into ACAD to study visual communications at the age of 19—but passed on the opportunity in order to pursue the experience I was getting while working. I don’t have one of those mystical diplomas or degrees that everyone hopes will turn into a ticket for a dream job. What I do have is a story. It’s a story of result that continually strengthens with every action—and brings others to recognize it. Think of three remarkable people in your life and the qualities that make them remarkable. Did the certification they received or the employers they’ve had make the list? Probably not. The truth is that who we are, and who we want to become, is the sum of all of our experiences. We decide in every moment what we will learn from

What we do at Fiasco is pretty special. Our young team has been built by recommendations, opportunities, willingness, and life experience. Some have degrees, and some do not. It all

The desire to be challenged in every moment and the willingness to learn from others can help us develop a unique skillset.

control of their future. They are the ones that watch, jump in, learn, develop, speak up, listen, ask for help, and ask if they can help. It’s not how good they are, it’s how good they truly want to be. So, if you’re one of those people that is super proud of the job titles you have passed through, or the paper you got after a few years of school— remember that even the kid who had the worst marks in your class can hold the same degree as you. But, if you are looking for that dream job, you have to work harder than anyone else at what you are doing right now. Someone will notice. Your dream job will manifest itself into something you’ve earned, and it will not require a resume with certain criteria. It will require your story of how you got there. To build a team like one of the greats, you’ve got to make an effort to hire gifted renegades and imaginative oddballs. Like Steve Jobs, think different.

speaks to the culture we have created where willingness and attitude dominate. We are all a little bit crazy, and the rigour that postsecondary degrees require can often screen out these creative types. We hire people for the life they have lived and the lessons they have learned. We recruit people based on their ability to make someone smile, provide legendary service, or genuinely connect with others. None of this appears on a resume. The greatest opportunities in life happen through forcing our own fate. I have always worked as hard as I could, because I want to learn more. Now as a leader, I work as hard as I can to find talent that understands they are in

Want to talk to the coach? Tweet @ jamesboettcher and hashtag #coachboettch with your entrepreneurial questions.

BRANDED

IT’S SPRINGTIME. A GOOD WAY TO FRESHEN THINGS UP IS WITH RENOVATIONS. HERE ARE A FEW AFFORDABLE WAYS TO PULL THEM OFF. WORDS BY JOEL OLANDESCA DESIGN BY AYRA PEREDO

Spring is the season of change and the season of new beginnings. It’s time to open those windows after a long winter and let in the fresh air. It’s time to bring your Houzz and Pinterest decorating dreams to life. You may want new hardwood floors, or maybe an interior or exterior paint job. Could you turn that tiny back deck in the yard into an outside oasis? Or maybe you should develop a cold, concrete basement into an indoor oasis. No matter what you choose, it’s definitely time to get your renovation on. Luckily, the options for financing your spring or summer dream projects are varied and accessible. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

There are plenty of funding options available— even for the most complex projects. You just have to get a little creative. Paper or plastic: Dipping into your personal savings is your first option, especially for minor projects. Painting the living room— cash. Staining the deck—cash. Using your credit card is also an option for those minor projects. However, unless you plan to pay it off immediately and not accrue interest, I highly suggest you do not use this very high interest method.

Personal line of credit: You may already have one of these for various reasons. The bonus to using this option is that you will always have funds readily available as you pay it off. Interest rates on personal loans are typically lower than a credit card. This could come in handy if you’re refreshing your home in stages. Home equity line of credit: Why not tap into your home equity to refresh those old kitchen and bathroom taps, amongst other things? If you have enough equity sitting on your home, this credit allows you to access that equity while taking advantage of preferred interest rates (up to 80 per cent of your home’s value). Note that an appraisal to determine your home’s true market value is required, in addition to legal fees for setup. Mortgage refinancing: This option depends on a number of factors—such as the amount of time left in your current term and your current interest rate. If the factors are right (almost time to renew and high interest), a refinance would allow you to take advantage of low interest rates—way lower than credit card or personal loan rates. A refinance also spreads the cost of your renovation over a long period of time. Same as a home equity line of credit, you’re able to borrow up to 80 per cent of your home’s appraised value. 56

TIPS FROM A PRO

Now that you have various options to fund your upcoming renovation, there are some additional things to keep in mind. Remember to think long term when planning your renovation project. Try to assess the increase in value of your house after project completion ( just in case you ever want to sell). Year after year, renovated kitchens and bathrooms top the list of highest returns—if not done in appallingly bad taste. In terms of cost, remember to keep the amount spent on renovations relative to the value of your home. There’s no need to go crazy. If you want to know what the 10 best home upgrades are for resale, let’s chat. Otherwise, let me know when you’re ready to tear that wall down—I’ll bring the sledgehammer.

Joel is a mortgage planner with Mortgage Architects and has been helping Calgarians with their home financing for the past seven years. Tweet @joelolandesca with your housing questions.

SOBOW MOVES IN. Canada’s BEST neighbourhood just got better! Inglewood welcomes its new SoBow residents.

SoBow is ready to welcome you home. Offering the only immediate possessions in the inner-city with spacious floor plans, gourmet kitchens and high-end finishes – all starting from $306,000. Visit our sales centre today to explore our suites and our community and learn how you can make SoBow your perfect Inglewood home.

STARTING AT: // Studios & One Beds // Two Beds // Three Beds & Townhomes

694sqft -1000sqft 914sqft -1262sqft 1390sqft -1632sqft

$306K $400K $545K

VISIT OUR SALES CENTRE & SHOW SUITES | | | |

# 1640 17A STREET SE TUESDAY - FRIDAY 12PM - 6PM SATURDAY - MONDAY 12PM - 5PM 587.353.8955 | INFO@SOBOWCONDOS.COM

WWW.SOBOWCONDOS.COM

BRANDED

You can “rent” Brett McDermott, chef of local food retail store and kitchen, Our Daily Brett, to personally cater your party—but hands off, he’s happily attached to an intellectual babe with super powers. Contact Brett and his crew via email with the code word “Hammer” and you’ll get extra special treatment.

COOKIES &VODKA

Our Daily Brett 2509 14 Street SW 403.457.0422 If dinner isn’t necessary—and you just need a quick fix, call my friends at Taste. Order one of the most kick-ass charcuterie boards, starting at 75 dollars, and pick it up on your way home from work. Ask the knowledgeable staff for the details—then charm your friends with the fact that you not only dominated the derivatives market that day, but also had time to whip up a mean looking butchers board.

MUSINGS OF A CURIOUS CREATIVE ON STYLE, DESIGN, TASTE, CULTURE & THE ARTS

PARTY HOSTING LIKE A BOSS THROWING A GREAT SHAKER, WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT.

For when

you feel inspired

I love to entertain. After years of working in the hospitality industry to pay my way through post secondary education, I can now curate a list of the invited guests whom I can tolerate grabbing my ass and spilling bourbon on my silk.

Taste 1201 1 Street SW 403.233.7730

While entertaining will never be quite as rewarding as the moment I finally pay off my student loans, it is certainly a close second.

BOOZE After a hell week, one of my guilty pleasures is to casually crash Vine Arts late on a Friday afternoon to mooch free booze, and on occasion, terrify and disrupt unsuspecting customers with wild arm gestures. If you are looking to pre-order something weird, or just want the team to pre-pack your booze because you lack motivation, email Jesse at jess@vinearts.ca. Alternatively, should you need advice on men’s Lycra, you can contact Jeff at jeff@vinearts.ca. He also knows a lot about booze, by the way.

For those of you slugging long days at the office, I’ve included a few insider tips for rising to the occasion—and they require about as much effort as I make to wash my hair for client meetings. GRUB Food keeps people happy. While restaurant design is a major focus of my business, I’m the first person to admit that grub is the main reason for keeping the lights on in a restaurant and at your party. (Although, can we all agree to dim the lights in both? It’s better for my complexion.)

1518 7th Street S.W. monalisa@nucleus.com monalisa-artmat.com 403.228.3618

Vine Arts 1310 1 Street SW 403.290.0700

I’ll admit to my dirty little secret—I’ve fantasized about having a handsome gent cook me an expertly crafted meal, while I intently watch as he moves about the kitchen in only an apron. I’m also sitting atop the island, glass of Pinot in hand. Great news— this is almost possible.

MUSIC Unless you plan on forcing your guests to listen to canned Top 40 music, or have mad skills on the banjo, get your music game dialed before your guests arrive. If you have a record player and your weekend looks anything

like mine, it likely involves looking generally unkempt while aimlessly trolling for records. If you’re running short on time, call Eddy at Melodiya Records and have him preselect a few gems to debut at your event. Melodiya Records 2523A 17 Avenue SW 403.246.8916 No time to curate your own playlist? I’ve created a few for you to access via Rdio until you get your shit together. Music, like food and booze, is meant to be shared—unless it’s with that cousin who plays ‘90s European trance music—maybe leave him off of the invite list. www.rdio.com/people/ amandamhamiltion DECOR Unless you have a deeply troubling Pinterest addiction, or enjoy spending endless hours doing DIY decorations, keep it simple. Freshly cut flowers throughout the home are elegant and can be sent home with guests as party favours. If you need some direction, contact the ladies at Wild About Flowers and ask for the “Amanda Hamilton” bouquet. It’s a classic white arrangement with flowers like hydrangeas, peonies, roses, ranunculus, orchids, lots of greenery, and a Steve Jobs-esque sensibility. Wild About Flowers 2133 33 Avenue SW 403.457.0393 Last but not least, keep it classy and make sure your guests make it home safely by arranging for taxi vouchers, inviting your pregnant friends, or hiring a swanky town car service.

Amanda is the founder creative director of her full-service custom design Amanda Hamilton Design. up with her latest projects @ahidtweets.

and own firm, Keep

BRANDED

GETTING

HIGH ELEVATE YOUR WORKOUT THROUGH STAIR RUNNING WORDS BY JOANNA ‘MAGIK’ MAJCHERKIEWICZ PHOTOS BY JESSIKA HUNTER JOANNA MAGIK IS A LOCAL FIT BODY AND FOUNDER OF THESWEATSTYLE.COM. FOLLOW HER @JOANNAMAGIK @THESWEATSTYLE FOR OTHER FITNESS TIPS.

BRANDED

ow many challenges can your workout handle? 99 problems? What about 157 problems? Or 802?

3. Take care when descending the stairs. Your body weight is fighting gravity, so muscles and joints are working hard. “Keep your core and booty tight and absorb your landings—run or walk down softly,” says distance runner and local spin instructor Ruth Scott.

These numbers represent the number of stairs in each set near downtown Calgary. Each stair is a little problem and solving it makes you slightly stronger—both mentally and physically.

4. Your arms work in sync with your legs—leverage that connection for

extra hustle. Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle and cut the air with them really fast, and your legs will follow.

The time you’re currently investing in the gym, specialized fitness studio, or running outside can all benefit from the vertical boost stairs offer. Heightened sweating through stairs works your power (strength and speed), uses a more diverse set of muscles than regular running, and their steepness is one of the best ways to work your VO2 max— a.k.a. your body’s max ability to extract and effectively use oxygen.

5. Imagine your legs as a needle in a sewing machine—moving up

and down quickly, ratatatatat. “You’re going fast over a short distance rather going far forward. Keep them knees and elbows up,” says Keighty Gallagher, retired competitive national track athlete and founder of Vancouver’s Tight Club Athletics.

“VO2 max is one of the best indicators of aerobic fitness and decreases risk for many chronic diseases, so we want this to be as high as possible,” says exercise physiologist, medical and doctoral student, and local spin instructor Lauren Capozzi. In simple terms, stair running offers major fat burning and extreme conditioning—for free.

All of these options offer stunning views of the city, are runnable in adverse weather (including snow) and offer complimentary parking nearby.

CHURCH

Name: Bridgeland Location: Right behind (south) of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Google Maps: 704 6 Street NE Stair count: 121 Stair style: Climb, climb, climb, break, climb, climb, climb Landmark: The church on top of the stair climb Vibe: Holy

There’s also the incredible sense of accomplishment of rising up, seeing a clear finish line and eventually standing at the top, being rewarded with hurts-so-good lungs and a breathtaking view. Use stairs as a metaphor for rising to your personal challenges, or just to get a nice booty. Let’s assess our downtown surroundings for the best stair options to use in elevating your workout.

GAME ON

Name: Scotsman Hill Location: Behind the Saddledome in Ramsey Google Maps: 2004 Salisbury Street SE Stair count: 159 Stair style: Intervals—climb, break, climb, break, repeat Notable: Stunning view of Calgary’s downtown and within an off leash dog area Landmark: Scotsman Hill, top spot to watch Calgary Stampede fireworks Vibe: Home pride

YOUR OPTIONS

In a city known for its horizontally consistent landscape, there are several solid stair-running options near downtown. If you won’t be doing your stair workouts downtown, or if you have exhausted my list below, you still have plenty of options. Essentially, wherever there is an elevator, there is a stair option. You can make any multi-level building a stair workout. Also, our sprawling city has over 60 public stairs on record, according to City of Calgary data.

IN DA CLUB

Name: Glencoe Club Location: Behind the Glencoe Club parking lot Google Maps: 702 Earl Grey Crescent SW Stair count: 157 Stair Style: Steep—climb, climb, climb, climb Notable: Half way up the stairs there is a dirt path to either side— run a brief stretch to allow for some recovery time or to diversify the workout Vibe: Cash money

To give you a reference point to gauge the level of difficulty—most bars and pubs have zero stairs, the Calgary tower has 802 stairs, and there are 72 steps in the famous stairs in the Rocky movies.

BEFORE YOU GO

Before you rise to the occasion you may want to consider these helpful tips.

1. Definitely begin with a five-minute warm up. Jog in place and bring your knees up high, above the waistline. Or try holding onto something like a fence or a tree and swing your legs high forwards, backwards and side-to-side. If you start cold, your muscles will fight back, hard, and you will sorely lose. Also, remember to stretch afterwards.

NO JOKES

Name: Memorial Drive stairs, McHugh Bluff stairs Location: Memorial Drive across from Prince’s Island Park Stair count: 167 Stair Style: Climb, mini break, climb, mini break, repeat for a total of 11 times Landmark: These stairs are the landmark for the nearby Prince’s Island Park Vibe: Serious

2. If you are new to running stairs, consider setting a humble target. Maybe start with two full laps, alternating running and walking. Work your way towards multiple laps in full outbursts.

BRANDED

RE-UP

If stair running ever gets easy (said no one ever) or monotonous there are several ways to keep things challenging. You can: Increase the amount of reps Double up the steps Run backwards Try going up slow and down fast Hold onto weights (or borrow a baby in a Baby Bjorn) If you want to further challenge yourself, and do it for a good cause, consider signing up for the YYC Stair-a-Thon—a competition with half-marathon and marathon distances up the Memorial Drive stairs to raise money for sustainable clean water projects in developing communities all over the world. The half marathon is 33 laps and the full is 65 laps. Half marathon winner of the 2014 Stair-a-Thon, Saya Fryer, did her 33 laps in two hours and 20 minutes. “I enjoy this challenge because it mixes up my road race training. It’s a power workout and challenges different muscles,” says Fryer. The term “challenge” seems like an understatement. I wondered how she felt at the end of 33 laps, or the 5,511 stairs. “I was so in the zone, I felt I could run another 10 laps,” she says. “Two days later though, I was walking backwards down stairs and couldn’t sit. My legs were roasted.” What advice does this stair running champ have? “Look up to keep your lungs open and breath flowing rather than looking down at your feet. You have to trust where your footing is—and you’ll enjoy the view that much more. Wherever you are on the spectrum of running stairs—rise up to the challenge of a stair workout. You may have 99 problems, but being out of shape ain’t one.

Keighty Gallagher of Tight Club Athletics works it out on the stairs with Joanna Magik.

BY TRICO COMMUNITIES

MOST LIVABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD, MOST AFFORDABLY PRICED! Marda Loop, named one of Calgary’s Most Livable Neighbourhoods in FFWD’s Best of 2014, is dog-walker and pedestrian-friendly, and chalk full of trendy shops, boutiques, cafés and eclectic restaurants – all within easy walking distance of your front door. • Only 21 Units Available • 13 Different Floorplans, 1 & 2 Bedroom Units • Heated Underground Parking • Modern Interior Design with Vintage Style • 2-Storey Loft Units with Private Rooftop Terraces

1 Bedrooms Starting From

350

’s

Plus GST

*Rendering is artist’s concept only and may be subject to change. Prices subject to change without notice. E.&.O.E.

1939 - 27 Avenue SW • 587.439.6855 or visit us at brooklyncondos.ca

TECH HACKS

IF IT’S HAPPENING IN

Calgary

YOU’LL FIND IT ON

APPS TO ENHANCE YOUR LIFE WORDS BY TYLER JACOBSON

With the exception of luddites and my grandmother, we all use apps. Mobile applications can be tremendously helpful, whether they’re helping you be extremely unproductive at work or not is entirely up to you. Don’t worry though, I’m not here to chastise you for your obsessive mobile use, in fact— I’m here to encourage it. So pipe down you Tinder-browsing, God-forsaken-sex-fiends, it’s time to update what’s living on your phone’s home screen.

POCKET (iOS & Android / Free) Ever come across an article or video that you were interested in—but you weren’t in the proper setting to enjoy viewing it? That’s what Pocket is for. You can save videos and articles for later and view them at your leisure. Now when you come across something in the middle of the night, you can save it to Pocket and show your friends and coworkers later. This saves them from the knowledge that you’re up perusing the Internet at 4am, like some sort of sleepdeprived psychopath. HAM HORN (iOS & Android / Free) Literally one of the greatest things in the world, and applicable for almost every imaginable situation. It’s an air horn—just download it. Trust me you’ll need it, want it, and love it. CANOPY.CO (iOS / Free) Browse and buy everything under the sun from an app that brings boutique curation to the Internet’s largest catalog. Those with great taste have selected, featured, and are practically showing you everything you should buy. For those of you already strapped for cash, I’ve probably done you and your bank account a great disservice.

ITSDATENIGHT.COM

STACK (iOS / Free) If my Instagram feed is any indication, the vast majority of you consider yourself the next Ansel Adams. Thanks to Instagram and its filters, everyone has the ability to take half decent photos. And now, thanks to Stack, you have the ability to enjoy these photos away from your phone like the old days. Stack allows you to print nine of your favourite Instagram photos and display them wherever the hell you want. RDIO (iOS & Android / $0 - $9.99) For those of you with a conscience who feel bad stealing music, Rdio is one of the best music streaming apps. There’s a free ad-supported service for those of you not willing to pony up the $9.99 in order to get unlimited access to over 32 million songs. Regardless of what option you choose, Rdio is the way to go.

Tyler Jacobson is a self-proclaimed handsome 20-something city boy, who is an account manager at Versett, a company named one of Venture’s most innovative organizations of 2014. Constantly surrounded by design and technology, he offers us his latest updates and contributes to his company blog at versett.com.

BRANDED

lessons on building your brand

sitting down with frank & oak

We took a field trip to The Gathering in Banff this past February to hear from some of the most influential brands in North America. Luckily enough, we were able to catch a few minutes with Ethan Song, founder of menswear brand Frank & Oak.

Favourite job?

“Working at a small independent film theatre. There was such a niche fan base—it was intriguing. We carried the film rolls, sold the tickets, and after that would go sell the popcorn. I really got into film at that point because it was about relationships and storytelling. With my job now, I feel less like a CEO or a designer, and more like a director directing a play. What we put in front of the customer is the result of all the people working behind the scenes.”

Founded in 2012, the online shopping and editorial platform gained over 500,000 online members in just one year. The unique online member experience for shoppers scored Frank & Oak the title of “Top Marketer of the Year” for 2014, dubbed by Marketing Magazine. This year, Fast Company recognized the brand’s efforts alongside other notable businesses such as Pinterest, Alibaba, and Warby Parker, as one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the World.”

Who’s your hero?

“George Lucas from Star Wars—that’s who made me want to learn about computers. I was always interested in technology and how it can change the way we live.”

“You’re rocking,” interrupts a colleague. What was the biggest challenge in establishing your brand from the start?

“Congrats on all your success!”

“It’s not about the product, it’s about the brand’s feel and purpose. We focus on a very specific customer. It’s funny, because our ‘typical customer’ is like me. At first, I was uncomfortable creating a lot of products that I would love, but then I realized this is pretty much what every brand starts with—creating a product you would like yourself. That’s where we are authentic, because it comes from a specific need, not a market study created for a market. It’s created for ourselves. It’s not about fashion—it’s about the values that are important to us.”

Song humbly responds. “Don’t believe the hype.” With this being the second year of sharing his story at the conference, Song opens by saying he is “thankful they are still in business.” Song inspires us with his authenticity, his dedication to building a community around a brand, and his focus on building customer relationships.

Do you pay attention to what your competitors are doing?

“Not because they are a competitor, but because it’s where your customer is buying. When that guy wakes up, he has the option to buy from us or them. What’s the experience like? Do they have access to more products? Is it richer? We strive to carve an experience for a specific niche so we aren’t directly going against a competitor.”

How did you decide to make the leap from passion to profit?

“I never worked for stability—I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. I never thought in terms of career, but instead was always focused on doing what I was interested in. So for me, it was an easy jump. But for others who are just starting out—be sure to embrace the journey. It doesn’t matter if that passion becomes a big company or not, if you get even close to realizing your dream, that is what matters.”

How do you measure success?

“I really care about impact. I do want our brand to be consumed, we want people to wear our clothes—but we want to have influence and build those relationships with our customers.”

As an entrepreneur, and a company—it’s been said that it’s smart to focus on doing one thing really well. What is Frank & Oak’s one thing?

Quote you live by?

“Yes, ‘It’s not the end that matters, it’s the journey itself.’ Every year you may get more success, but it doesn’t mean anything. We were named one of the top 10 ‘Most Innovative Retailers’ in the world, but that doesn’t really matter. The work we do on a daily basis and the fulfillment the team gets from the work we do is what matters the most.”

“Building relationships with customers. It’s always been about personalized service and listening to what our customers want, not telling them what they need. We could open more stores in malls and do more sales—but it’s not about doubling our business this quarter. It’s about continuously doing better year after year.”

Frank & Oak just opened its first Calgary retail location, The Grey Shop, on 17th avenue. For the online experience visit frankandoak.com

What was your first job?

“A camp counselor at a camp on the South Shore of Montreal. I took the job to ‘play,’ but, it didn’t work—I got fired. As it turns out, I wasn’t great at taking care of the kids, I was just good at playing soccer with them.”

The Gathering is an annual exclusive union workshop hosted by the world’s bravest brands. For more information visit cultgathering.com

BRANDED

CALGARY’S HUMBLE DJS KNOW A THING OR TWO ABOUT FINDING PURPOSE WITHIN YOUR PASSIONS.

SMALLTOWN IN A BIG CITY WORDS BY BRONWYN HENDRY PHOTOS BY JACQUEY VALADKA

It’s Friday night and you’re out on the town. With a drink in your hand, and good friends by your side, you’re completely and utterly lost in the music. This isn’t just any Friday night—it’s a night you’ll remember, long after it ends. There’s nowhere else you’d rather be. Music is a paradox—equal parts grounding and liberating. It has the ability to calm, to excite, to heal, to inspire, and to set the mood for a whole lot of fun. Have you ever stopped to wonder who’s responsible for the good times? If you happen to frequent Commonwealth Bar & Stage or The Hifi Club, you can thank Pete Emes and Mike Grimes. In addition to coowning these local hot spots, Emes and Grimes share space behind the decks as the world-class act known as Smalltown DJs.

BRANDED

LOST IN THE MUSIC Rewind 15 years, and life looks a lot different for the duo. “It really started from the same place. We’re both just big fans of music,” says Grimes.

“Within a couple months the bar I played at became a popular spot. Many nights, I would DJ until eight in the morning, there really was no closing time—it was over when people left.”

Like most successful ventures, the pair stumbled into DJing with zero expectations of where it might lead.

Grimes began to take on a double life, teaching English throughout the week and DJing on the weekends, but when he returned to Calgary he had every intention of packing away the turntables for good.

“I spent four years in Korea teaching English, and while I was out there I would take trips to San Francisco every two months to do a visa run. I would go directly to Amoeba Music, because you could buy a record for 99 cents,” explains Grimes. After purchasing some cheap turntables, Grimes began to dabble in what would soon become his future career. “I would just practice and then one day I summoned the courage to march down to the Joker club in Seoul and ask if I could DJ—I didn’t know how it would go (I had not yet DJed outside of my bedroom)—but they said yes and it was a success,” he says.

“I was thinking ‘I’m not going to DJ when I come home.’ I chalked it up to a great memory from my time abroad. However, it was only a few weeks after I got back that I went to an event at the Embassy and I thought, ‘Wow this guy is playing the same records that I played in Seoul,’ and it happened to be Pete.” “I saw what he was doing here in North America and it sounded a lot like what I was doing in Asia. It planted the seed for me to continue DJing here in Canada.” Emes’ start came with a little East Coast flavour. 68

“I went to school in Ontario. I started going to a lot of underground parties and there were a lot of guys from Detroit, Toronto, and Chicago. There was a network of DJs that drove around and played in all the cities in that area,” Emes says. “It was a well-established scene that I really knew nothing about but learned of while I was there. Coming back here I saw there was nothing really the same, so I thought I needed to start doing stuff out here.” JOINING FORCES With a similar vision, Grimes and Emes joined forces to create Smalltown DJs—a tongue and cheek reference to their roots. At the time, despite the million-person population, Calgary had no global recognition as a cultural hub. The music scene in particular lacked size and distinction. Their first gig was playing a Thursday night show at the Night Gallery—known as “the goto venue” at the time. What started as simple spinning, evolved into much more.

BRANDED

“Night Gallery was the first place that was a legitimate spot where they were promoting a lot of good shows,” recalls Emes. “The owners were really dedicated music fans and that was a great thing for Calgary because it exposed the city to a lot of great music, pre-Internet.” At the time, Emes was a full time geologist, moonlighting as a DJ. “I have a very distinct memory of riding my mountain bike down 8th avenue, and at the far end seeing Pete in a suit,” says Grimes. “There was a whole other side to Pete I didn’t even know about.” Three years after the genesis of Smalltown, Emes left his downtown job to pursue his passion full-time. With Night Gallery, the duo began bringing in other acts to fill the Thursday night spot to encourage exposure and variety. From Afrika Bambaataa to Swollen Members, the shows were a hit.

VISIONS BECOMING REALITIES From 2003-2010, the pair opened and operated Giant 45, a record/clothing store unlike anything else in the city. “Giant was a great stepping stone for Pete and I. While travelling for work, we would visit the local record stores, retail shops, and art galleries. We brought our favourite ideas together to create our shop,” says Grimes. “It was kind of like a tree-house-hangoutbarely-break-even business. It was an excuse to have the ability to order a bunch of really great vinyl that weren’t being stocked in other stores. At the time it was key, because that’s what a DJ was—his record collection,” adds Emes. Their efforts created a synchronicity. The shop became a place to promote and sell tickets to shows, while the shows generated attention and publicity for the shop. But when Night Gallery began to fall apart, Grimes and Emes had a decision to make.

DESPITE ALL THEIR SUCCESS, THERE’S AN AUTHENTICITY ABOUT THE PAIR THAT IS HARD TO DESCRIBE— A GENUINE HUMILITY THAT EMANATES THROUGH THEIR WORDS AND ACTIONS. “We could either move our Thursday show, or try to do our own thing. We figured we might as well get our shit together,” says Grimes. A couple coats of paint later and boom—The Hifi Club was born. In 2011, six years after Hifi opened its doors, the duo opened Commonwealth Bar & Stage. Commonwealth was an opportunity for thoughtful curation, and a chance to do things on their terms. The layout, décor, and even tiny details like the skeleton and taxidermied birds behind the bar—build character and create an atmosphere that speaks to Emes’ and Grimes’ experiences.

BRANDED

From art shows, to markets, to yoga events— both Commonwealth and Hifi are proving themselves to be more than just bars—but key players in the arts and culture scene of Calgary. In 2006, Grimes spearheaded 32 Inch Canvas, a skate deck art show that toured North America, finishing off as an art exhibition at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. Mike sent out blank skate decks to a bunch of different artists and was pleased with what came back. A “Hail Mary” type of project that oddly worked out, 32 Inch Canvas was the perfect opportunity to network with creative minds around the globe. Endeavours such as these have formed valuable connections, helping launch their careers to a status that completely contradicts their name. In 2007, Smalltown DJs spent their Fridays in Las Vegas playing weekly shows at Eyecandy Soundlounge. The tours continued, and they began spending more time on the road than at home. They’ve played alongside a few recognizable names—think Diplo, Chromeo, James Lavelle, Z-Trip, and more. Their coolest career memories include shows at Lollapalooza, SXSW, and The Rub in Brooklyn. From “Bonavista to Baltimore,” these local boys are making a name for themselves on a global scale. PROPER RECOGNITION Despite their success, there’s an authenticity about the pair that is hard to describe—a genuine humility that emanates through their words and actions. They’re the first to admit that this lifestyle, while often portrayed as all fun and games, can be far from glamorous. “There’s a misconception that [this is] a party, not a profession. If you don’t treat it like a profession you’ll burn out fast,” says Grimes. In 2010, the duo was chosen for Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, proving loud and clear that this is indeed a profession. The pair describes the award as an “I toldyou- so” type of moment, legitimizing their chosen path.

While their careers have afforded them the opportunity to explore some amazing cities, Smalltown DJs have a true love for Calgary. “When the flood happened in 2013, my parents house was damaged. So many people came together—both strangers and friends. It really showed a strong community and support for fellow Calgarians,” says Emes. From flash floods to record breaking September snowfalls, Calgary has a way of keeping its people on their toes. “There’s this idea [about Calgary] that if we’re crazy enough to live here than we’re all in this together,” says Grimes. This same mentality can be seen in the ways Calgarians support each other. “In some other cities, the people aren’t always willing to support you because they either want to make themselves look better, or just don’t want to see you succeed,” says Emes. Not here. While it was never their original intention, the success of Smalltown DJs has shown other dreamers and risk-takers that, they too, can create purpose from passion. So what’s on the rise for Smalltown DJs? Besides curating two successful nightclubs,

ENDEAVORS SUCH AS THESE HAVE FORMED VALUABLE CONNECTIONS, HELPING LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS TO A STATUS THAT COMPLETELY CONTRADICTS THEIR NAME. Emes is writing his first book, Good People, and learning the ropes of being a new dad. Grimes continues to work in the studio on a diverse scope of projects including recording a new song with Juno award winning artists, A Tribe Called Red, and their own upcoming album. No matter what the duo is up to next, they’ve made one thing clear—they’ll always keep their roots as big as their wings. Smalltown for life? Sounds about right.

BRUNCH SERVED SATURDAY & SUNDAY UNTIL 3pm

BRANDED

TA S T I N G bulletproof coffee PAGE 74 lunch pack throwbacks PAGE 87

RISE AND SHINE A photo feature of some of the best brunches in town. It’s always brunch o’clock somewhere.

page

BRANDED

YOUR BRAIN ON BULLET PROOF COFFEE THE BEST NEW WAY TO GET YOUR BUZZ ON WORDS BY BRONWYN HENDRY

BRANDED

“Part of the process of the Bulletproof refined XCT and Brain Octane oil is to fractionate the caprylic acid out of basic coconut oil ingredients. Caprylic acid is used for increasing mental cognition and brain performance, and for prevention against mental diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Jenn says.

orget the cream and sugar, next time you’re looking to liven up your cup of java, reach for the butter and coconut oil instead.

Sound weird? We know. Hear us out—this unique blend is about to become your new best friend.

“In addition, it is highly anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and helps eat away at candida—a yeast overgrowth common to people.”

It all started when founder of Bulletproof, Dave Asprey, stumbled into a guesthouse near Mt. Kailash in Tibet, where he was served a cup of creamy yak butter tea. Amazed at the rejuvenating qualities of the drink, he was determined to learn more. After years of research, he created the Bulletproof recipe—thereby giving birth to a new coffee craze.

The concept is built on the idea of “biohacking”—a concept that involves tricking the body into a state of ketosis—burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. Additional fat burning equals less fat storage and a leaner body composition. In addition, consuming bulletproof coffee can be used for intermittent fasting, keeping you full longer so you’re less likely to binge from a sudden midday strike of hunger.

SAY WHAT?

So what exactly is Bulletproof coffee? The drink consists of highquality coffee beans, one to two tablespoons of grass-fed, unsalted butter, and one to two tablespoons of concentrated coconut oil extract.

“When people hear the word ‘fat,’ they’re like ‘stop right there’ because it seems counterintuitive to being healthy,” Matthew says. “But it’s not fat that makes you fat, it’s sugar.”

The combination of caffeine and essential fats are said to create unparalleled effects that boost metabolism, lower cholesterol, aid weight loss, strengthen cognitive function, and improve overall health. Like any hard-hitting journalist, I had to learn more, so I headed to one of the few places in Calgary serving up the concoction. Co-owners of Wild & Raw Superfood and Juice Bar in Kensington, siblings Matthew and Jenn Silver say they added Bulletproof coffee to their menu last minute. Ironically, it has turned out to be their top seller. As an avid latte drinker, I would say this frothy cup was as satisfying as any of my sugary coffees— without any of the guilt.

THE SPECS

“THE FLAVOUR GAME WAS ON POINT— CREAMY YET LIGHT, SALTY YET SWEET, WHILE STILL MAINTAINING A DISTINCT COFFEE TASTE.”

After minimal sleep and an early morning spin class, I traded my usual caramel macchiato for a cup of Bulletproof. The flavour game was on point—creamy yet light, salty yet sweet, while still maintaining a distinct coffee taste. My morning hunger usually hits me before 11am, but this coffee left me feeling satisfied until the afternoon. Bulletproof also gave me an energy boost without those pesky caffeine jitters that seem to regularly appear. But while taking all this into account, I still couldn’t help but wonder—is the formula really that healthy?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“Medium chain triglycerides [found in Bulletproof coffee] are easily digested, putting less strain on your digestive system,” says Kori Hagel, registered holistic nutritionist. “They are sent directly to your liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than being stored as fat. They actually help stimulate your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss.”

Now, let’s break this down. The first ingredient is the coffee itself. The specific Bulletproof coffee beans are grown in high altitudes to ensure they don’t have the mould or toxins that cause the caffeine crash that can be associated with lower grade beans.

Like anything in life, Hagel stresses the importance of moderation. “Bulletproof coffee is high in calories, so a person would not want to overdo it.”

The next ingredient, grass-fed butter, is said to provide healthy fats— without any of the harmful casein found in other dairy products.

She suggests no more than one cup a day, and consuming a variety of macro and micronutrients for a healthy, balanced diet. Think brightly coloured fruits and veggies, dark leafy greens, good quality protein, and ancient grains.

“With this butter, cows eat grass, as opposed to grain. When they eat grain it upsets their stomach and causes inflammation and they pass that along to you,” Matthew says. Grass-fed butter is much easier to digest and less likely to cause irritation for the consumer.

So is this new coffee craze a fleeting trend, or is it truly bulletproof? Only time will tell—but it seems butter just might be the new black.

Next on the list is the Bulletproof XCT oil (coconut oil extract), intended to serve as an additional brain booster. The high concentration of complex, saturated fats work to strengthen the brain’s functions.

Want to get your Bulletproof buzz on? Head to bulletproofexec.com, or try it for yourself at Wild & Raw Superfood and Juice Bar, and Euphoria Café, right here in YYC!

BRANDED

Y UZ U M I MOSA Japanese lemon, prosecco.

RISE +SHINE WORDS BY KATIE MARKS PHOTOS BY BRITTANY BACK

BRUN C HIN ’ IN THE CITY

Brunching in Calgary has become a weekend ritual of sorts. Many of us will happily agree to wait in line for a few hours, whether we’re layered for the bitter cold or seeking shade on those rare, hot days. With more restaurants offering up this adapted dining time between the hours of breakfast and lunch— it has quickly become routine for community gatherings, unmitigated relaxation, and a prime chance to catch up with friends. There is a beauty to brunch—and executive chefs and restauranteurs at our local establishments feel exactly the same. Fortunately for us, there are now plenty of places to choose from when it comes to those specialty brunch cravings and the chance to experience a lively, fun atmosphere on those much anticipated weekend mornings.

CARINO JAPANE SE BI STRO

LOCO MOCO Wagyu beef patty over rice, teriyaki sauce, mushrooms, sunny side up egg.

@CARINOBISTRO

MATS U K A Z E Authentic fine Japanese G reen Tea, G enmaicha or Matcha.

SP I CY LOBST E R Shio lobster wonton, barbequed pork, bean sprouts, mizura, bamboo shoots, boiled egg.

RIVE R CAFÉ

CA R ROT MI MOSA

@RIVERCAFEYYC

Leffer ’s car rot, dash of lime juice, organic lemonade, candied ginger, champagne.

C HA MPAG NE P OAC H E D LA M B E RTI NI OYSTE R Norther n D ivine caviar, roast pork belly, brioche toast, Vancouver Island seaweed, cauliflower chips, basil.

DINE R DELUXE (ASPEN)

CA N A DI A N BACON A ND G R I L L E D TOMATO E G G S B E NE DI C T Two poached eggs, ar ugula, basil hollandaise, English muffin, rosemar y hash browns.

PA R FA I T G ranola, mascar pone mousse, lemon zest, “Ryan’s” local honey, mixed ber ries, toast.

P OTATO ROST I S unny side up egg, cilantro sour cream, chorizo sausage.

Made locally and brewed fresh.

CA E SA R Gin or vodka, horseradish, housemade rim mix, clamato, gar nish.

ME AT LOA F HAS H S K I L L E T Two poached eggs, hash browns, toast, bacon wrapped meatloaf, sautéed spinach, red pepper relish.

@DINER_DELUXE

P HI L A ND S E BAST I A N CO F F E E

CLEAVE R

FRENCH PRESS COFFE E Brewed by Phil and S ebastian.

MI MOSA

@CLEAVERCALGARY

Freshly squeezed orange juice, champagne.

F R E N C H TOAST Pear, ar ugula, ricotta, maple.

WA F F L E S D uck, hen egg.

TH E NASH OFF CUT BAR

C HI C KE N A ND WA F F LES Rosemar y, maple, sweet cor n.

MI MOSA Freshly squeezed orange juice, champagn e.

@THENASHYYC

FRENCH PR E SS COFFE E Custom NOtaBLE blend from Fratello Coffee Roasters.

D U C K CON F I T P E RO G I E S Poached egg, sausage, tr uffle hollandaise.

BROKEN CITY B ROKE N C I TY B UR G E R G arlic mushrooms, bacon, lettuce, tomato, chipotle aioli, Monterey Jack cheese.

PABST BLUE R I BB ON A ND ORANGE JUI C E

@THEBROKENCITY

S ounds wrong, feels right.

B EAU â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S B R E A KFAST Bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, two eggs any style, house made jam, cashew butter.

THE FINE DINE R

M I MOSA O range juice, prosecco, triple sec.

Firecracker cor nbread, two poached eggs, crème fraise, S riracha hot sauce, jalapeñ os, hash medley, fresh cut fr uit.

BACON CA E SA R Bacon vodka, clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, home cured bacon, pepperoncini.

ST UFFE D FRE N C H TOAST Brioche, stuffed with stuffing of the day.

@FINEDINERYYC

I NFE R NO BE NNY

GRUMANS

CATE RING & DEL ICATESSEN LOX BENEDICT House cured lox, red pepper artichoke spread, lemon hollandaise, confit home style hash browns, fr uit salad.

C HA LLAH F R E N C H TOAST Vanilla, cinnamon, sautéed bananas, nuts, fr uit salad.

Capers, red onion, house salad.

“A D C ” AUT H E NT I C DE L I CAT E SS E N CA E SA R Worchestire sauce, dash of S riracha, red pepper medley rim, pickle gar nish, kar natzel and lime.

SMOKE D A ND P OAC H E D BREAKFAST P OUT I NE Montreal smoked meat, cheese curds, poached eggs, confit home style hash browns, lemon hollandaise, toast.

@GRUMANSDELI

BAG E L , C R E A M C H E E S E A ND LOX

Breakfast is the most important bacon of the day O ur ho use - c u r e d, ha nd-c ut b ac on is g o o d wit h e ve ryt hing

#4, 1 420 - 9 avenue s e f in ed in e rcalgary.com

403. 984. 3365 925 11 St SE then ashy yc.co m @the nashycc

Everything FIT in one Place 2 Week Unlimited for new citizens for $49.99 989 McPherson Road NE, Calgary, AB www.fitrepublic.ca 403-991-6468

BRANDED

lunch pack throwback Childhood memories make us smile, don’t they? Yes, you can still rock your #mealplanningmondays, but have a little fun and toss a throwback snack into your next lunch. You only live once, and these brutal-for-you treats are still around to bring us back to a simpler, sugar-filled time.

Sunny D

Now that we’re all adults here, you can actually enjoy this ridiculously refreshing drink without having to chug it out of the jug when your parents aren’t looking. Also, since Sunny D is now available in the convenient sport bottle, you won’t suffer the dreaded sour-tasting upper chapped lip.

Gushers

This fruit “flavoured” snack probably won’t count towards your daily serving of fruit—but the burst of juice makes it a drink and a snack at the same time. Genius.

Dunkaroos

Fruit by the Foot

Just like the good old days, you’ll probably run out of crackers before you run out of icing. Food shouldn’t go to waste, so it’s fully okay to lick the rest of the icing out at your desk.

The perfect balance of artificial flavouring, sugar, and chemicals. Just don’t be like that weird kid and wrap it around your finger to suck on it. Ewww.

Fun Dip

This snack pretty much consists of dipping sugar into more sugar, and it’s delicious. Added bonus if you have dental coverage, as it’s pretty much cavities in a bag, on a stick. It’s also actually extremely fun to eat.

Ritz Crackers ‘n Cheese Dip

The cheese spread is always preferred to the peanut butter spread. You may not have to worry about the kid in your class with a peanut allergy anymore, but there’s just something about the shine in this fake cheese that’s so alluring.

BRANDED

NOT YOUR MAMA’S

SUNDAY BRUNCH

I’M NOT A PLAYA, I JUST BRUNCH A LOT! PLAYING OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP ALL DAY | CALL 403.265.4230 FOR RESERVATIONS OR BOOK ON OPEN TABLE

BRANDED

d at i n g the bad boy PAGE 91 the c-word PAGE 100

LIKE BUYING A CAR? Trying to pick a vehicle can be as frustrating as dating. There may never be the “perfect package,” you just have to be a rational buyer.

page

TUESDAY $1 Oysters BUCK-A-SHUCK 4pm to Late

Bar-c.ca / 403.984.3667 / 340 17th Ave SW / Tuesday to Sunday

Seize the Rockies

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell how much you need to leave the city. Until you do. Canoe, hike, bike or stay in and pursue new extremes of comfort. Our rustic mountain lodges energize the body and settle the soul.

Elev. 1, 302 m Emerald Lake, B.C. Minutes from your cabin at Emerald Lake Lodge

crmr.com

BRANDED

THE upS + DOWNS

OF THE BAD BOY

Can’t live with them, can’t live without theM Words by Katherine Tetz

BRANDED

Christian Grey, Danny Zuko, and Mr. Big—they all have two things in

“HONESTY”—THE ULTIMATE EXCUSE

common.

The thing is, some of them have qualities that women really like.

1. They are bad news. 2. They make us weak in the knees.

I appreciate people who are brutally honest about who they are, and what they want. It’s refreshing—but honesty doesn’t excuse somebody from acting like a complete asshole.

Sure, every girl has liked her fair share of bad boys. But dating one is a different story. I’m sensing a change in the air in YYC—in this city, nice guys won’t finish last.

My old roommate was sleeping with a guy who prided himself on being “straight up” about what he wanted from women. He was everything your mother warned you about—a cheater, a liar, expects an open relationship with his ex, speaks crudely about other women, etc.

BAD BOY X According to the frequently sited dictionary of our generation, UrbanDictionary.com describes a bad boy saying,

After some horrible pillow talk about yet another one of his sexual conquests, my roommate called him out.

“He does what he wants, when he wants. He’s unapologetic. He’s independent. He’s a heartbreaker with a five o’clock shadow. He’s a selfish, manipulative bastard who sees women as little more than sexual conquests to brag about, or mere objects that are there for his pleasure.”

“You know Paul, just because you’re honest about being an asshole doesn’t make it okay to be an asshole.” Our trusted relationship expert, Debra Macleod, and probably the most brutally honest woman you’ll ever meet, has a lot to say about this.

I mean, if I had to summarize the personality of the “baddest” guy I’ve ever dated, that hits the nail on the head—right down to the five o’clock shadow.

“These guys use honesty as a manipulative tool. They think it excuses their lack of compassion and tact.”

When I told a couple of guy friends that I was writing a piece on bad boys, I was told that I should meet Bad Boy X. A mutual friend called him to propose the idea and Bad Boy X was down to chat about all things manipulative and reckless. As my friend was on the phone with him I made sure to yell, “I’m never going on a date with you—so don’t get any ideas.”

But actually, it just shows that you have no tact.

TALK IS CHEAP In today’s dating world, finding a new prospect is as easy as the swipe of a finger. We think of each other as disposable. We dismiss someone with little or no explanation.

I was having some mutual friends over for some drinks and then a skating rendezvous, so I invited him.

My best guy friend is probably considered a “bad boy” by a good chunk of girls in southern Alberta. Not exaggerating. Yet, he always tells me how much he misses sex “that actually means something.” This guy wants a great relationship, and I actually believe him.

I knew I might be in trouble when I got this message, “Are you going to be able to interview me while I’m skating circles around you?”

If deep down we all want the same thing—a powerful connection, great sex, and a drinking or Netflix buddy—we sure have a funny way of trying to find it.

I smirked. Shit. No. This is where it starts.

We want to meet a “great guy,” but we’ll indulge the behavior of jerks in the mean time. My best guy friend wants “true love,” but he’ll take home a different girl every time he goes to the bar.

THE ALLURE Bad boys sass you, and you kind of like it. They compliment you, and you melt.

If all you want is all of the sex, all of the time—then go for it. But from what I’ve notice in my own friend circle is that there is quite the disconnect between our actions and what we actually want.

Even worse—they know the effect they can have on you. When a bad boy makes you feel good, you feel really special. As if you’re somehow different than all of the other girls he’s jerked around over the years.

She has a point. Sure, maybe deep down his intentions are good, and one day I bet he’ll make some girl really happy—but I feel bad for the girls sticking around, hoping to be “the one who changes him.”

For whatever reason, the validation we get from these guys does wonders for our ego—it’s a dangerous little game. When a nice guy compliments you? Meh. They’re nice to everyone aren’t they? Here’s the honest truth about bad boys—usually, you can’t stay away from them. Usually, they’re hot as f*ck, and usually, they’ll leave you heartbroken.

BRANDED

A TOUGH PILL TO SWALLOW I’m hanging my head in shame as I write these words, because I’ve totally been that girl.

You can still be hot as f*ck, have a five o’clock shadow, be witty, honest, charming, masculine, and be a kind person.

Here’s something you might not want to admit to yourself.

At least I hope that’s possible—or I’m in for a lifetime of girls’ nights and probably a second cat.

When it comes to bad boys—we know the situation we’re putting ourselves in. Whether it’s the tiniest of gut feelings, or he did something that made it blatantly obvious—you knew he was “bad” from the start.

I never did meet up with Bad Boy X. He had too many dates that week and I was playing a little hard to get. It’s probably for the best, as he likely would have taken the brunt of my dating frustrations and I would have just gotten angry and mean.

I chatted with some girls about their bad boy drama. These are some of the responses.

Or, fallen stupidly in love with him.

“I knew right away I was in trouble.” “The baddest guy I’ve dated is also the one I couldn’t resist.” “He mistreated me the day I met him—but I couldn’t stay away from him.” “Ugh. He was a waste of a handsome face.” “I knew it on the first date. My gut said, ‘this guy is going to hurt me.’ Of course, I stuck around to find out!” Katherine is a blogger and aspiring writer. She won’t ever claim to be a relationship expert, and she’s “definitely not here to give advice,” but she loves telling stories. Check out her musings on her blog. fridaynightchronicles.com, @k_atie87

So why don’t we listen to ourselves? Well, aside from the alluring attraction to bad boys—Debra bluntly tells me that our fear of being alone “can be louder than that gut feeling.” Ouch. That one stung, and I didn’t like it.

SO, WILL THE NICE GUYS FINISH LAST? Do not fret. It looks like the true bad boys are losing their charm. In her book, The Modest Minx, Debra talks about the double standard in regards to the views surrounding promiscuous women versus men. We’ve all heard it. “She’s a whore,” yet, he’s a “ladies’ man.” Okay, I actually haven’t heard the term “ladies’ man” since 2002, but you know what I mean. “More and more I see this double standard loosening its grip, and rightly so,” says Macleod. “The concept of ‘the playboy’ has gone from glam to gross and I think the trend will only continue. Most women nowadays have a very low opinion of men they see as promiscuous.” The allure of the bad boy might still be there—but we’re starting to really question a person’s values, character, and self-restraint. Especially if they’re treating the opposite sex the same way that they’d treat garbage. I’m friends with a plethora of happy single women who will admit they love a good bad boy—but there’s no way in hell they’re going to settle for one when it comes to actually choosing which guy to take home for Christmas next year. We want a guy with real strength of character. 93

BRANDED

CHOOSING A PARTNER JUST LIKE BUYING A CAR? WORDS BY ADAM CULLIGAN Adam Culligan (@adamculligan) is a self-proclaimed semi-professional eight year-old. Keynote speaker, development coach, and published author—Adam is always willing to make a poor decision in favour of a good story.

navigation. You can’t get upgraded leather seats without also getting a suede steering wheel. Which is all well and good, until you realize you are paying for things you don’t want.

uying a car today is becoming the most frustrating procedure. In some ways it used to be easier—you walk in, tell them what you want, and you walk out with said car. Red leather interior with purple paint? No problem. Air conditioning without power windows? Done.

Yes, I want navigation from the technology suite but no, I don’t need four mini movie screens so my friends can watch Tin Cup on our annual golf trip. Yes, I want the extra horsepower from the performance package but no, I don’t need leather seats wrapped in the hides of a thousand pygmy water buffalo. I just want what I want.

Things have changed. In an effort to make production more streamlined, sales conversations easier, and making the purchase less complex overall, automakers all over the world have started combining options into packages. Why? Market research shows that more often than not, consumers will take X, Y, and Z together rather than just Z.

I had been approaching the hunt for my wife in the same manner. I was Seinfeld-esque in my willingness to part ways with someone for the tiniest quirk. No, I don’t like it when people eat their peas one at a time. Yes, it does bother me that you talk to your mom every day.

Through some conversations with friends, I’m learning this isn’t too dissimilar to the algorithms on dating sites.

Then, I got married to the most beautiful woman in the world. I went into the world showroom, looked around at my options, and decided on the absolute best one for me. She is smart, funny, motivated, businesssavvy and yes, she has the most beautiful hair. I also managed to sneak out of there without paying extra for undercoating, rust proofing, and keys. I’m a shrewd negotiator.

You aren’t always going to get the exact things you want. Those working on these websites are often making some assumptions that if you like A, B, and C, you are likely to accept D. Swipe right. In automotive speak, you get the “technology suite” or the “performance package” or the “comfort line.” You can’t get a backup camera without also getting

BRANDED

What did she get? Well, perhaps in my humility, I can’t be entirely sure.

headboard, all while yelling, “BABE! IT’S THE COPS!” Let the roller coaster ride begin.

As a car lover, I had often pondered how close to the new car buying experience this was. I had test driven a number of other models. I’ve experienced a number of breakdowns (some anticipated, if I’m honest). I’ve realized which options were more important than those water buffalo seats—yet, I still came away with some unexpected results.

It didn’t go well. Kokanee and Smirnoff escaped relatively unscathed, while I stayed behind to protect them from the explosion—which admittedly, I myself set off. How is this related to buying a car? Let me tell you. My wife—bless her shocked and tired soul—said “yes” to my proposal because she found what she was looking for—someone who makes her laugh and someone with a zest for life.

This leads me to think that some of your most cherished character traits, the ones you absolutely could not live without, could be partnered with an unanticipated “add-on.” In the same way Alfa Romeo creates beautiful cars built on passion and sex—they will also likely break down before the taillights leave the lot.

Let’s call it the “inspiration package.” What she didn’t notice in the options list was someone who likes to create a story and someone who will very likely make a poor decision just to get a laugh. Someone who probably hasn’t grown up as much as he should’ve by now.

Here’s a real example. Not too long ago, one of my best friends came into town, as his band was playing a three-night set in the city. I was excited about getting to watch the show and even more so about getting to hang out with my friend.

Sadly, she gets all of the above options with the “inspiration package.” She can’t leave them out— they’re all included. She has set herself up for a life of bad jokes and the odd jumping-out-of-the-closet fright. If she could have had a bespoke man-buying experience, she wouldn’t have ticked those boxes but unfortunately they come as part of the package.

Some of your most cherished character traits, the ones you absolutely would not live without, are often partnered with an unanticipated “add-on.”

We’ve all bought products or services that have a few little quirks, a few little frustrations, but knowing that what we love about them far outweighs the negatives. As you are out there shopping around the world’s car lots (nightclubs), you will approach everything from the Mercedes to the pawn shop buy-back. Remember that you are likely to have to compromise.

Fast forward to three in the morning. Great times were had. We stumble back into my building and while in the elevator, our other friends—Kokanee and his girlfriend Smirnoff—suggest we should wake up my wife to say hello, after all, they haven’t seen her in a while.

Everything in this world comes at a price and character balance is no different. You are likely to have to learn to appreciate the “extra options” that are grouped together with the absolute “must-have” character traits. Nurturing traits may come with emotional ones, driven qualities may have accompanying insensitive ones, and a sense of humour might come with a, “BABE! IT’S THE COPS!”

I categorically refute the idea, knowing the result will be a “no” scattered amongst a good deal of expletives. I mean—I know my wife. As I nestle them into their guest suite—fortunately not attached to ours—Smirnoff pleads with me, as she would love to say hello. In that moment my desire to cultivate friendships and create memories did a complete override on my better judgment.

If you’re ready to pay that price—this person might just be the one for you. More importantly, you’re probably just about mature enough to understand no one is perfect, including yourself, and life with someone else is about appreciating strengths in spite of flaws.

I could’ve simply asked Kokanee and Smirnoff to wait quietly by the door while I nudged my peaceful wife to see if she would like to say hello. I could’ve—but I didn’t.

If you’re not quite there yet, just remember the Alfa Romeo owner. If you go for the sexy, hot ones, there is almost assuredly going to be some smoke.

Instead, I marched across the room, grabbed our industrial sized desk lamp, shoved the bedroom door open and shined all 200,000 candles directly onto our

She Said

HE SAID “

from gendrtalk.com

I’ve started seeing a guy and we’ve been taking things slowly. It’s been a month, including a sleepover, but no sex. There have been plenty of opportunities but just as things heat up—he stops. Do I need to be patient, or should I talk to him? - Female, 34, dating

”

natural local better

So either he’s not that into you, or he’s incredibly shy, reserved, and wants the right moment to slap him in the cheek... The ass cheek! Seriously, it’s easy. Just go out for a walk or coffee and just casually say, “Hey I really like you, I want to take this further, what are your thoughts?’ Relationships will never last without communication. Best to get better at it in the early stages rather than later. Ask him if he’s not reading the signals, if he’s just shy, or if he has any concerns. Have you talked about being exclusive? Will it be a short-term random hook up, or a longterm love fest? Sex should never be something you start without even having a conversation. So, instead of just expecting it to happen and being upset that it isn’t, talk about it and open up. So many questions need to be asked before you jump into bed with a person, for real. There are a few that come to mind, like, “What are your thoughts on protection and what do you use?” “Do you have any STIs?” or, just get straight to the point and ask, “Does it hurt when you pee?” :) Yes, so the answer is communication. Always. This will help turn red face cheeks to red ass cheeks.

check us out online www.lowens.ca

BRANDED

presented by nordstrom

T H E M O RN

HIM It’s all about your denim game when you’re going on a casual date. Remember, the key to a great pair of jeans will always be the right fit. For spring, try a lighter wash and pair with a casual button-down shirt. Layer up this look up with a two-tone, slim-fitting jacket, which will add a touch of polish. Don’t forget about a great pair of shoes, like a leather lace-up. Joe’s jeans $228, 1901 shirt $69.50, Vince jacket $890, Magnanni shoes $398.

BRANDED

N I N G DAT E photo by krystal boyd shot on location at Diner deluxe (aspen)

HER When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going casual, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about colour with basics. Pair your favourite skinny jeans with a chunky sandal and a soft sweater in a gorgeous spring colour. Accessorize your look by layering simple gold necklaces. Top off your outfit with a little pattern-on-pattern in a fitted statement jacket.

AG jeans $295, Joie sweater $306, Iro jacket $665, Micheal Kors sandals $350, Nordstrom necklace (long) $42, House of Harlow necklace with pendant $38.

BRANDED

THE C-WORD NO, NOT THAT C-WORD. words by Mandy Balak design by Chalsie Henry

The base of every relationship advice column consists of one clear message. “Communication is key.” Professionally, or personally, we must be able to understand each other in order to make successful deals, have meaningful partnerships, and create long-term relationships. But what does this word actually mean? Well, after many emotional outbursts, breakups, tough love scenarios, and some serious self-analysis, I feel I am finally ready to share some insight on the “C-Word.” By no means would I consider myself a relationship expert, but I have learned a lot along the way, and I wish somebody were there to tell my younger self how to save some face.

Chalsie Henry is currently a design intern at BRANDED and third year student at the Alberta College of Art & Design. Mandy Balak is the founder of ItsDateNight.com, a site designed to help Calgarians “go on better dates.” 100

BRANDED

“Let’s talk.”

Don’t make assumptions.

This is the worst statement in any relationship. This “talk” always seems to be an accumulation of one person’s problems and ends up as a lecture about why the other person sucks. Nobody is receptive to this kind of communication. Best to set a time where both of you are relaxed, in a neutral environment, and are both ready and willing to talk.

Oh, you can’t read my mind?

Yes, we are speaking different languages. Remember the game telephone? The initial message was lost in translation along the way because someone heard one thing and understood another. It’s prime in relationships to understand how to connect, and even more challenging now that we have all of the means to communicate at our fingertips. It’s not about being spoke to in the way that you speak, but instead to understand how your partner listens. Visit Gary Chapman’s 5lovelanguages.com to identify your form of expression and to learn more about your partner’s.

Over communicating is not connecting. Keeping in direct contact all day, every day, is not necessarily good communication. While everyone appreciates an “I love you” or an “I can’t wait to see you” text— that “just because” texting of constant conversation can actually contribute to more conflict than anything. Texting leaves room for misinterpretation. There seems to be a different formula for everyone in regards to the exact proper use of emojis and considerate response time. Focus on quality over quantity and save communicating for face to face.

Speak up right away. Failing to deal with a problem headon will result in a blow out later. Speak up, and if they apologize, move on. It’s very important when calling someone out on his or her BS to not make it an assault. When giving criticism, never launch into what is being done “wrong,” or what isn’t being done at all. Try a more positive approach and present solutions, so it doesn’t feel like an attack.

Jumping to conclusions about somebody else’s feelings will be a one-way ticket to driving yourself crazy. Ask for clarification. Try explaining to your partner what it is you think was meant, and see if you’ve got it right.

No, nobody can. No vow has ever read, “I promise to read your mind for as long as we both shall live.” Set clear expectations and if something is important to you then be prepared to fight for it.

Be authentic. The thing about authenticity is that it’s not always warm fuzzies. The truth hurts, but being honest in your relationship and to yourself will help keep things from recurring. Admit when you’re wrong, admit when you’re hurt, and admit when you are truly sorry. Ditch the excuses.

Don’t be a woodpecker. The Woodpecker Syndrome is a real thing—it’s when one person fixates on their feelings and will go on and on about it. The other person withdraws, shuts down, and gets defensive. This type of communication is not constructive and it comes down to one person talking at someone rather than talking to them. Open the conversation with a compliment, or talk about something you love in your relationship in order to set a neutral ground to discuss what isn’t working.

Go to bed angry. When you aren’t getting anywhere in a conversation—get some sleep. A little time to reflect on your own and the start of a new day can bring new light into a conflict.

Learn to listen. Have empathy for the other person’s side and accept that communicating isn’t about winning. It’s based on a mutual respect and an appreciation of each other’s differences, rather than trying to erase them. Take the time to understand and acknowledge that you may be speaking different languages. It’s a matter of the heart, so listen up.

101

The art of communication is something you have to challenge yourself to learn over and over again, as no two relationships are alike. Speak clearly, listen intently, and appreciate that commitment to a relationship is a constant bettering of your personal self.

TALKING TIPS FROM BRANDED In a fight? Don’t text this. (Maybe it’s just us—but anything that ends with a period pretty much seems like you’re mad. It’s the worst. It’s so formal. So angry. So blunt. See what we’re saying?) “K.” (The worst answer to anything. You’ve successfully ruined the other person’s day.)

Emojis that will guarantee you the last word. Salsa girl. (Bitch, don’t kill my vibe.) Pink shirt girl. (Hand up waving, crossed arms, or hair flip—she’s sassy.) Peace sign. (I’m out.)

“I’m fine.” (We both know you’re not fine.)

Waving hand. (Ain’t nobody got time for this.)

“All good.” (Similar to not being fine, but we also both know it’s not “all good.”)

Monkey. (Any of the monkeys will do if you want to lighten up the mood.)

“I’m pregnant.” (Baby trapping, fake or real, is never the answer.)

Beers clinking. (Saying that you’ll agree to disagree, cheers.)

“Let’s not do this.” (This is confusing. Do what? Not talk? Not text? Or not date?) “I’m gonna go.” (Gone are the days of MSN messenger. You can’t just sign out.)

Kiss face. (K bye, I’m over this. Still love you though.)

MFTT DPN

BRANDED

styling tips on classics from Styleista PAGE 107 men’s monochrome PAGE 124

SPRING UNVEILED It’s time to let those colours shine. A celebration of the seasons turning shot by Atcha Kim.

page

110

103

hedkandisalon.com

BANKERS HALL

8TH STREET

HOTEL ARTS

#161 315 8th avenue sw 403 237 8458

#105 1301 8th street sw 403 215 3403

#146 13th avenue sw 403 215 8458

BRANDED

K E E P I N G T H E O L D, Classics are key, but new trends are exciting. It’s tough to know how to build both into your wardrobe for your everyday styling.

Getting dressed for any occasion

day items. There are some classic

INVESTMENTS

can be frustrating—especially

transitional items that should be

Outerwear / Denim / Blazers /

if you don’t have items in your

worked into every wardrobe—

Suits / Riding boots / Booties

closet that work for your lifestyle,

these will work to dress up for a

/ Pumps / Flats / Handbag /

body type, or are just straight up

day job, or to dress down for the

Briefcase

out of date.

weekend. Classic colours to seek out are navy, black, camel, nude,

We are going to share our approach

elevating

and grey.

your

personal style and decreasing the

CLASSICS

The key to determining your

amount of curse words mumbled

Trench coat / Tailored blazer

shopping list is to assess what

during your morning routine.

/ Silk blouse / Pencil skirt /

gaps or needs are identified in the

Dark denim skinny jean / LBD /

closet. First, set a budget. Once a

Cropped dress pants / Booties /

realistic budget is determined

Pumps / Statement necklace

then the stores can be selected.

Assessing your closet has to

TIP: The best way to show

STORE SUGGESTIONS

be ruthless—this is why many

personal style and remain current

Budget: $500

people will hire a professional or

is to incorporate trends based

H&M, Forever XXI, Winners, Aldo

get a friend to come over to assist

on what works for an individual.

in this process.

Avoid buying a trend if it does

Budget: $1000

not work with at least three other

Topshop, Zara, Nine West, Purr

It’s a habit for many of us to hold

classic items in your wardrobe. Budget: $2000

on to items that are simply not doing us any justice. An unbiased

TOP SPRING TRENDS

J. Crew, Club Monaco, Aritzia,

eye on the closet is the best way

Pantone colour of S/S 2015

Nordstrom

to rid the items that are not

marsala / Denim in new ways /

needed or worn.

Floral / Boho / Leather / Gingham

Budget: $3000+

/ Culottes / Military greens /

Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Judith

Cropped tops (yes they are still

& Charles, Primitive

Look

through

your

clothing,

accessories and footwear. When

in…)

making your edits, ask yourself the following three questions: Is it out of style? Is it ill-fitting? Is

There are a few items that should

The easiest way to create a

it worn out?

not be purchased on the cheap.

wardrobe that will ease the

There is no point in buying

process of getting dressed is

disposable items that will need

to focus on classics in neutral

to be replaced multiple times

colours. Since classics do not go

throughout the year. For instance,

out of style, they will not need to

A wardrobe should be built

invest

footwear,

be replaced. Next, you can add in

around a person’s daily routine.

because it will last you years and

trend items at a lower price point

Once the closet has been edited,

is easier (and cheaper) to repair

to punch up your selection.

you’ll be left to work with day-to-

instead of replacing.

leather

Phaedra Godchild (L) and Brenna Hardy (R) are fashion stylists, wardrobe consultants, and personal shoppers who work both nationally and internationally for publications, clients, and corporations. Based out of Calgary, they are regularly seen on Breakfast Television and Global TV. Their publication work is published in ELLE Magazine, The Calgary Herald, and now BRANDED. Keep up with their latest at styleista.ca, @phaedragodchild and @styleista_ca. 105

BRANDED

Photographer Atcha Kim, Stylist Carolina Siulin, Makeup Paula Lanzador, Hair + Nails Gift Pattenden, Model Diane (Key Model Management), Editor kim noseworthY

SPRING

UNVEILED 106

BRANDED

107

Previous page: Bodysuit Topshop This page: Top BCBG, Shorts Liis Sober, Earrings Cezanne

Top: Elizabeth and James, Pants Maje

Top & Pants Liis Sober, Raincoat Pink Tartan

O ur ho use - c u r e d, ha nd-c ut b ac on is g o o d wit h e ve ryt hing

CALL NOW (403-681-7190) OR VISIT www.calgaryswfitbodybootcamp.com

UNLIMITED ACCESS TO 41 SESSIONS A WEEK

FREE CUSTOMIZED FLAB TO FAB MEAL PLAN (NO DIETS) You can expecct to lose 12-18 pounds, flatten your tummy, and drop upto six inches off your waist & hips!

BRANDED

STYLE STYLE HACKS HACKS HI M

THINGS YOUR MAMA DIDN’T TEACH YOU

PREVENT FADING

RESTRING WITH STRAWS

Too lazy to try it on? When purchasing a new pair of pants, wrap them around your neck (where a t-shirt collar falls) to ensure a proper fit. The circumference of your neck and waist grow proportionally, making it the ultimate lazy man’s trick.

Want to keep your denim looking fresh to death? Before the first wash, soak your jeans in a sink full of water and a capful of vinegar. The vinegar will lock in the colour and can prolong the life of your favourite jeans.

Did the drawstring fall out of your favourite sweatshirt or sweatpants? All is not lost. Before you go tossing these comfort staples, grab a straw. Slide the string through the straw then push the straw through the opening. Voila, what’s old is new again!

QUIT RUNNIN’

GET GLOSSY

STAIN FREE, BABY

We fully encourage running—but not when it comes to your tights. If you don’t have time for a replacement, simply spritz with hairspray to prevent additional tearing.

Does losing a button push your buttons? If you see a thread unraveling but don’t have a sewing kit, simply coat the top of the button with clear nail polish. This temporary fix will bind the button to the thread for the meantime.

Nothing is better than a little black dress, but nothing is worse than a little black dress with deodorant stains. Keep the personal hygiene, but ditch the washing machine. Deodorant can be removed easily with a baby wipe. Leave time to dry and you’ll be ready to hit the town in no time.

HER

WRAP IT

115

BRANDED

Frank & Oak shirt, Frank & Oak, $55, Frank & Oak jacket, Frank & Oak, $135, Frank & Oak jeans, Frank & Oak, $125, H by Hudson shoes, Gravity Pope, $285.00.

116

BRANDED

ALL IN THE

DETAILS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A PARADIGM SHIFT IN CALGARY’S MEN’S FASHION SCENE— GUYS ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH DIFFERENT STYLES. IT’S BECOMING COOL TO CARE, AND THE LITTLE DETAILS CAN MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES.

styling by LAUREN LARSEN (ENSEMBLE STYLE) photos by KRYSTAL BOYD, model PAUL ELI (SOPHIA MODELS) location UNIQUITIES ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES

Lauren Larsen specializes in menswear, and is excited about the evolving men’s fashion scene in Calgary. For more inspiration or to schedule a consultation or style shoot, check out ensemblecalgary.com and krystalboydphotography.com. 117

Maison Kitsune shirt, Leo Boutique, $255, Maison Kitsune pants, Leo Boutique, $249, Common Projects shoes, Gravity Pope, $475.

BRANDED

Our Legacy shirt, Leo Boutique, $249.00, Our Legacy jeans, Leo Boutique, $225.00, Our Legacy jacket, Leo Boutique, $195.00, Cote & Ciel bag, Leo Boutique, $329.00, Common Projects shoes, Gravity Pope, $475.

119

Tiger of Sweden jacket, Leo Boutique, included in full suit price, Timo Weiland shirt, Leo Boutique, $219, Frank & Oak jeans, Frank & Oak, $125, Mr. Hare shoes, Gravity Pope, $795.

e xciting. beautiful. fresh. st ylish. m oder n.

"Real Estate is not just about selling a home, it's about selling a lifestyle."

JORDAN SMEATON 403-826-8812 jordan@calgaryrealestatelifestyle.com

SHELDON ZACHARIAS 403-620-4504 sheldon@calgaryrealestatelifestyle.com

www.CalgaryRealEstateLifestyle.com

RE/MAX Realty Professionals Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale.

BRANDED

122

BRANDED

presents

MEN’S MONOCHROME CAN YOU ROCK THIS? Calgary, it’s time to jump headstrong into this season’s rising trend—monochrome. What does this mean? Allow us to break it down for you in the simplest of terms. Find one colour in your wardrobe that you can jam with and absolutely exploit it. The monochrome trend is not about categorizing your fluorescent, reflective rainwear as stylish. It’s not about colourful onesies either. If executed right, you are about to enter the world of the easiest mornings ever—waking up and wearing only one colour. There are some tricks to it, and that’s what we’re here for. Here are the key techniques to ensure your game is on point. FIT, FIT, FIT. If the fit isn’t right, the whole outfit is a bust. Yes, this goes for everything, but when your look is all one colour, poor fit makes it look like you have no idea what you’re doing. Fit is an essential part of dressing well, but a part that too many don’t get correct.

PUTTING PATTERNS TO WORK. If you’re wearing all one colour, solid pieces aren’t best. This is the perfect time to put your plaids, stripes, or polka dots into action and give the monochromatic look a little complexion and texture.

START EASY. New trends can feel uncomfortable so here’s a big shout out to grey, black, and navy for creating a beginner’s comfort zone on this one. It’s like anything in life, start with the easier shades and slowly progress to build confidence before taking on the forest green or burgundy. See you on the other side.

CREATING A FAMILY. It’s a colour family, gents—not a Canadian tuxedo. Families are made up of many people with different personality traits—get the metaphor? Use different hues of the same colour palette to do monochrome right. Also, try to make sure none of your elements are the exact same tone. This adds depth to the look.

Think you’ve got it? Good. Go out and give monochrome a try. Don’t forget to hashtag your style photos with #wethetimeless and #brandedyyc so we can see what colour you’re rockin’. Until next time, Graeme and Curt.

Graeme and Curtis Drummond are brothers and the founders of We, the Timeless (wethetimeless.com): A collaborative men’s lifestyle blog committed to connecting with the local men’s style community and providing readers with content featuring the latest trends, tunes, and general lifestyle tips. The pair are contributors for the Details Social Network, GQ Insider Network, and now their favourite local magazine, BRANDED. Follow @wethetimeless to hear their latest thoughts.

Royal Republiq boots, Modern Menswear $309, Richer Poorer socks, Less 17 $13, Royal Republiq belt, Modern Menswear $80, Stutterheim coat, Modern Menswear $395, Ontour dress shirt, Modern Menswear $130, Reigning Champ bomber, Less 17 $260, Ontour chinos, Modern Menswear $130, I Love Ugly watch, Less 17 $105. 123

BRANDED

back bar it takes a village PAGE 127 brunch bevvy station PAGE 128

STARTING EARLY Ask the bartender anything. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few tips to risk-free morning drinking, and one in particular that is a must try.

page

126

125

BRANDED

ASK THE BARTENDER FRANZ

SWINTON

FRANZ SWINTON IS OUR OFFICIAL BRANDED BARTENDER. HE SPEAKS TO THE CITY FROM THE INDUSTRY. YOU CAN CATCH HIM POURING AT AÑEJO ON FOURTH.

RISE AND SHINE IT’S COCKTAIL TIME DRINKING IN THE MORNING I’ve had the pleasure of bartending, on and off, in Calgary for 14 years. The growth of this city has been incredible—but it’s the camaradery and willingness to share amongst Calgary’s elite bartenders that has really shaped the scene here. In what is usually a highly competitive industry, it’s really quite special to be a part of. You can trace the lineage of our bartenders back to a few pioneers—and I had the privilege to have Graham Warner as my mentor. Graham was pushing quality imbibing long before cocktails were cool. Along the way, his apprentices have gone on to inspire many of the younger generation of bartenders pouring all over this great town. As far as the community goes, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more supportive scene in any other worldclass city. I’m reminded of one particular late night that quickly became an early morning. Jimmy Nguyen, bar manager at Teatro, and I decided to meet up for a beer after a late night of working. He came by my place around 4am, and we

chatted about the general workings of our bars and our various experiences abroad. That four pack of beers did not go very far—there’s something special about that “after work beer,” even after you’ve been serving everyone else for 12 hours. Since it was the morning, I decided to whip up some breakfast for us—thank goodness my wife is a solid sleeper, since two bartenders were awake banging out pancakes and bacon at five in the morning. We ended up concocting a drink using some of the breakfast items. It turned out amazing and was so simple. Fast forward a few years, and Jimmy actually came to me to ask for my permission to enter the drink into a local competition. He went on to win, and split his winnings with me as the co-creator. This is exactly the kind of love that makes our scene so amazing. So, next time you’re looking for a quality drink—ask your bartender. Surely they will point you in the way of a friend, mentor, or just somebody they admire.

A VETERAN’S GUIDE TO MORNING DRINKING BUBBLES Sparkling is good anytime, but there’s something that just feels right about sipping champagne with breakfast. CANS There is something dirty about things in cans—even the sound of opening one in the morning makes me cringe. (Don’t worry, you finely groomed and bearded beer snobs, your handcrafted Portland microbrew is the exception.) SHOTS Friends don’t let friends do shots before 11am.

OOPS It seemed like a good idea at the time

JUICE If there’s fruit in it, it’s gotta be healthy. After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. COFFEE It’s hard to tell if coffee was made for Bailey’s or vice versa. CAMPING The rule is there are no rules. “THE BOAR-ISH” Glass: Rocks Garnish: Maple candied bacon 1.5 oz Canadian whiskey 3 oz Orange juice 0.3 oz Maple syrup 3 dashes Angostura bitters Combine ingredients in shaker, shake with ice, and strain over fresh rocks. 126

Tattoo Removal

www.think180.tattoo

BRANDED

The hangover of the warm winter has led into perfect patio weather for spring. As we all know, the necessity for an afternoon out on the patio is a nice, cold beer. While winter surely hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wrapped up for us just yet, there is a great selection of local beers for us to enjoy in cold and hot weather alike. With a tag line of, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes a Village to raise a beer and a beer to raise a Village,â&#x20AC;? the team of Calgaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village Brewery clearly communicates how they source and create each of their brews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We like to be very Calgary inclusive,â&#x20AC;? says brewmaster Andrew Bullied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a lot of stuff with Silk Road Spice Market, and two years ago we made a cucumber beer with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Cucumber Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from the Calgary Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always fun to incorporate other businesses and get a few different levels of Calgary involved.â&#x20AC;? According to Bullied, collaborating with local growers is that much easier with the rich farmland available in our community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really lucky here in Alberta, right at our doorstep we have some of the best ingredients to make beer with,â&#x20AC;? says Jake Clark, manager of the Village community. At just over three years old, Village is a relatively new brewery, but its focus on local ingredients has led the company toward a major milestone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just hitting our 1000th brew, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of a big accomplishment for us as a brewery that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hitting this numberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also really indicative of how small we truly are, since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken us [this long],â&#x20AC;? says Clark.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a very, very different beer than weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brewed before.â&#x20AC;? Beers that challenge Calgariansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; palettes are quickly becoming a staple for Village, with previous beers like the Village Farmer and Village Wit breeding unconventional tastes with wild popularity. The latest offering from the brewery, the Village Undertaker, follows this tradition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new North American twist on a very classic Belgian style,â&#x20AC;? says Bullied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We added a bunch of black malt and a bunch of rye malt thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to give it this sort of strong peppery note with coffee and espresso. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something we like to do, we like to play around with different styles like that.â&#x20AC;? In addition to supporting the growth of the Calgarian community, the number one priority of the company is to bring hardcore beer drinkers and patio sippers together to celebrate local flavours.

ĆŤ Ä&#x201C; ĆŤ3$%/'!5ĆŤ%*/,%.! ĆŤ .ĆŤ * ĆŤ.!/0 1. *0ĆŤ 3%0$ĆŤ ĆŤ/0.+*#ĆŤ"+ 1/ĆŤ +*ĆŤ/$ .! (!Ä&#x152;ĆŤ(+ ((5ĆŤ %*/,%.! ĆŤ 1%/%*!Ä&#x152;ĆŤ ) /0!."1((5ĆŤ, %.! ĆŤ 3%0$ĆŤ+1.ĆŤ/!(! 0ĆŤ + */%0!ĆŤ.!/!.2!Ä&#x2039;

It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t about buying Village over another local beerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about recognizing local brews and exploring themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;instead of reaching for another Kokanee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We adore the beer geeksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I mean, we all are beer geeks,â&#x20AC;? says Clark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the day the best beer youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ever going to drink is the freshest.â&#x20AC;?

Matt Beauchamp is a fiery redhead and owner of MRB Ink. When heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not writing heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creating billions of great ideas, if only he could find his pants. Find him on Twitter @mrb_ink. 127

Ä Ä Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤÄ&#x160; ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä¨ ĆŤ ĆŤ ÄŠ

Ä Ä&#x2030;ĆŤ ÄŽ Ä Ä&#x2030; Ä Ä&#x2030; Ä&#x2039;

MAKE YOUR OWN

BRUNCH BEVVY STATION Words by Erin Rosar, Willow Park Wine and Spirits Brunch—the perfect meeting of breakfast and lunch, a gathering of friends or family, and usually served on a Sunday afternoon. As lovely as this tradition already is—things can get really interesting and fun when you add a morning bar. If you’re ready to bust out your creative side and host an exciting get-together of your own, a beverage station is what you’ll need. These ideas will have your guests saying “wow,” and eagerly awaiting their next invite.

BASIC MUST-HAVES:

-Ice bucket -Extra ice (store the bags in the bathtub) -Fresh ice (freeze ice trays the night before) -Corkscrew (one with a double pull tab and serrated knife) -Beer bottle opener -Cloth napkins -Sharp paring knife -Cutting board -Glass pitcher or water holder with controlled spout -Stir spoons -Clean glasses -Cocktail set (shaker, jigger, and strainer) -Mini blackboard (for writing in a signature drink recipe) -Punch bowl -Wine decanter STATION IDEAS FOR YOUR BEVERAGE-FOCUSED BRUNCH: Keep the selection easy—this allows you to enjoy your own event. Pick one red, one white, and a sparkling wine with beer and a pitcher of a cocktail or two. Sangria works wonders, or make your own punch. Want to share your secrets? Send your guests home with a list of your recipes. Mimosa station: There are no rules—the base of a mimosa doesn’t have to be orange juice. Put out your favourite bubbly with a collection of fresh and exotic juices such as mango, pineapple, or strawberry/kiwi, and let your guests decide. Caesar station: Caesars are a favourite in Calgary, so this station will be popular. Offer a variety of flavoured vodkas like bacon, dill pickle, or cracked pepper. Add a collection of different garnishes such as, olives, pickles, asparagus, bacon slices, cold shrimp, grilled peppers, chilies and of course, the classic celery stick. “Taste-and-Try”: It’s all about mixing and mingling. Offer a variety of different sparkling wines from around the world, with small descriptions written about each one, and your guests will feel like they are at a mini, mid-morning wine event. You could even have your group vote on their favourites, or offer bottles to take home.

A GREAT LUNCH IN INGLEWOOD Come by for a hearty sandwich & take home fresh sausage 1308 - 9 Avenue S.E.

SPRING

40 Over

Events, Festivals, Classes & More!

Fresh & New! TEQUILA & TACOS MAY 5 POUTINE PAIRINGS JUNE 16

IT’S HERE!

GET YOUR C OPY OF OUR NEW SPRING CALENDAR IN-STORE OR ONLINE!

MALBEC DAY FESTIVAL April 16 OH, CANADA! FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL June 30

3 Great Calgary Locations!

Main Store & Corporate Ofﬁce 10801 Bonaventure Dr SE Willow Park Wines & Spirits Bow Trail 4012 Worcester Dr SW Willow Park Wines & Spirits Eau Claire 162, 200 Barclay Parade SW

phone: 403.296.1640

email: events@willowpark.net

www.willowparkwines.com

BRANDED

events cal endar

APRIL wednesdays

THURSDAYs

13-19

24-25

130

Events calendar presented by ItsDateNight.com Never miss a good time.

mondays

BRANDED

events cal endar

Events calendar presented by ItsDateNight.com Never miss a good time.

M AY

mondaySs

wednesdays

THURSDAYs

1-2

131

HIP HOP ON CJSW 90.9 FM KNOTTED ROOTS (Sundays, 3:00PM - 4:00PM) Stefan kicks off Shaolin Sundays with his signature mix of hip hop and R&B from the golden era. He explores the roots of hip hop by spending some time with reggae and soul as well as spinning contemporary artists. MENTAL ILLNESS (Sundays, 4:00PM - 6:00PM) Picking up where Stefan leaves off, DJ Cosm brings you two more hours of Shaolin Sundays. Spinning a selection of specially selected tracks, this is the ideal mix for getting down on a Sunday afternoon. FRESHLY SQUEEZED (Tuesdays, 4:00PM - 6:00PM) This is your drive-home dose of sick beats and beautiful melodies. Jamal also brings you monthly segments like From Concentrate, where he explores the origin of a sample, and The Traffic Jam, where you can hear some incredible live freestyling. DIRTY NEEDLES (Fridays, 9:00PM - 10:00PM) Part of the legendary CJSW Friday Night lineup is Dirty Needles. The TrackBastards have been on air since 2001, making them Calgary’s longest-running hip hop show. THE LATE NIGHT LABORATORY (Saturdays, 3:00AM - 7:00AM) In the wee hours of Saturday morning, Jamal is back. Tune in to hear what he’s experimenting with in the genres of soul, funk, r&b, and more.

BRANDED

the little black book ALDO aldoshoes.com ARITZIA aritzia.com BROKEN CITY 613 11 Avenue SW brokencity.ca CARINO JAPANESE BISTRO 709 Edmonton Trail NE carinobistro.ca CHEF’S TABLE 1126 Memorial Drive NW kensingtonriversideinn.com CLEAVER 524 17 Avenue SW cleavercalgary.com

CRAB APPLE CLOTHING 3526 Garrison Gate SW crabappleclothing.com

HOLT RENFREW 510 8 Avenue SW holtrenfrew.com

NORDSTROM 6455 Macleod Trail SW nordstrom.com

DINER DELUXE (ASPEN) 104 350 Aspen Glen Landing SW dinerdeluxe.com

J.CREW jcrew.com

PURR CLOTHING (17th) 601 17 Avenue SW purrclothing.ca

JUDITH & CHARLES 751 3 Street SW judithandcharles.com

EUPHORIA CAFÉ 124 5403 Crowchild Trail NW euphoriacafe.ca

LAVA HAIR SALON 2030 33 Avenue SW lavahairsalon.com

THE FARMER’S HOUSE 2138 33 Avenue SW farmershouse.ca

LEO BOUTIQUE 810 16 Avenue SW leoboutique.com

THE FINE DINER 4 1420 9 Avenue SE finedinercalgary.com

CLUB MONACO 524 17 Avenue SW

FRANK & OAK 831 17 Avenue SW frankandoak.com

COMMONWEALTH BAR & STAGE 731 10 Avenue SW commonwealthbar.ca

GRUMANS CATERING & DELICATESSEN 230 11 Avenue SE grumans.ca

A COOKIE OCCASION 2107 33 Avenue SW cookieoccasion.com

HARRY ROSEN 317 7 Avenue SW harryrosen.com

CORBEAUX BAKEHOUSE 730 17 Ave SW corbeaux.com

THE HIFI CLUB 219 10 Avenue SW hificlub.ca

PRIMITIVE 814 16 Avenue SW primitiveculture.ca RIVER CAFÉ 25 Prince’s Island Park river-cafe.com TOPSHOP topshop.com

LESS 17 930 17 Avenue SW lessoneseven.com

UNIQUITIES Bay 2 2501 Alyth Road SE uniquities.ca

MODERN MENSWEAR 17 2500 4 Street SW modernmenswear.ca

WILD & RAW 1119 Kensington Road NW wildandraw.ca

MONOGRAM COFFEE 4814 16 Street SW monogramcoffee.com

WILLOW PARK WINES & SPIRITS 10801 Bonaventure Drive SE willowpark.net

THE NASH 925 11 Street SE thenashyyc.com NINE WEST ninewest.com

H&M hm.com

WINNERS winners.ca YYC CYCLE 2 3505 14 Street SW yyc-cycle.com ZARA zara.com

Friends + contributors WORD CREW Adam Culligan, Agatha Smykot, Amanda Hamilton, Anna Gritsouk, Ashley Hamilton, Ashley Materi, Brenna Hardy, Cameron Perrier, Curtis Drummond, David Cree, Eric Termuende, Erin Rosar, Franz Swinton, Graeme Drummond, Hannah Cree, James Boettcher, Jay de Nance, Joanna

‘Magik’ Majcherkiewicz, Joel Olandesca, Kassidy Christensen, Katherine Tetz, Kathy Macdonald, Katie Marks, Lauren Steeves, Louise Marshall, Matt Beauchamp, Nadia Aziz, Phaedra Godchild, Santana Blanchette, Steve Francis, Tianna Stephenson, Tyler Jacobson, Vicki Goodfellow Duke

ARTISTIC EYES & MODELS Atcha Kim, Ayra Peredo, Chalsie Henry, Carolina Siulin, Gift Pattenden, Jacquey Valadka, Jessika Hunter, Jonathon Smith, Kimmy Nguyen, Kyle Smith, Lauren Larsen, Matt French, Mathew Mutter, Paul Eli, Paula Lanzador, Presley Mills, Steve Speer

133

EXTRA PROPS TO Drew Rudichuk, Jon Wiebe, Jordan Smeaton, Koki Aihara, Lauren Chaffin, Malcolm Bukenberger, Samantha Uhlich, Teri Salazar, Tsukasa Aihara, Vanessa Rifo, Zev Klymochko

CATCH US IN june.

IT’S GETTIN’ HOT IN HURR. #GETBRANDED

THE SUMMER ISSUE

@brandedyyc www.brandedyyc.com

T H E FA C E OF 4TH STREET #HALFY HOUR ½ P R I C E TA C O S & T E Q U I L A

3 P M – 5 P M D A I LY |

$ 5 M A R G A R I TA S & B E E R S

a n e j o y yc | 5 8 7. 3 5 3 . 2 6 5 6 | # 2 , 2 1 1 6 – 4 t h S t r e e t S W C a l g a r y, A B | a n e j o . c a

>GJGDK D6567;@65

>W]P^Z] ?=L ά ?^bc PZMbb W] Wcb PZMbb͙ >W]P^Z] ?=L ά ?^bc PZMbb W] Wcb PZMbb͙

Woodridge Lincoln • 11580 24TH Street SE • Calgary • 403-451-6187 • woodridgelincoln.com PART OF THE