nakatsuiderm.com Suite 200, 9670 142 Street Crestwood Centre, Edmonton Dr. Thomas Nakatsui is the award-winning Medical Director of Nakatsui DermaSurgery Centre. With cutting edge technology and expert care, Nakatsui DermaSurgery is Edmonton’s centre of excellence in cosmetic and medical procedures.
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780-482-1414
Old-world character and the finest modern materials make the Pendennis Building the premium workspace for creative minds.
Each floor of this fully renovated historical building opens to the main level with floor-to-ceiling windows filling all areas with natural light. The floor plan affords versatile breakout and private-focus area options, plus customizable office spaces suitable for architecture and design firms, law firms and tech companies. Retail, restaurant and brewery opportunities are also available.
The door is open to exciting opportunities for forward-thinking business owners. Be a part of history. The next chapter of the Pendennis Building story is waiting to be written.
* 3rd & 4th Floor are leased
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Elsa Amorim
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Twyla Campbell
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Brandy Belitsky
COPY EDITOR
Lucie Oosterveld
Brandy Belitsky
Twyla Campbell
Dansun Photos
Marcia J. Hamm
Steven Hope
Fontaine Lewis
Francesca Roznicki
Tom Sedens
Erin Walker
Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.
For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com
No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material.
By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.
Thank you
June is a month for growth and renewal; a month to declutter our homes, lighten our design palettes, and let nature wow us with her beauty.
On this cusp of spring and summer, we are more open to divesting ourselves of the emotional weight
we carry, too. Fresh air and sunshine fill us with hope. For some of us, sharing our burdens comes easy. For others, the stigma of weakness around our emotional state prevents many from talking about or even acknowledging how we’re feeling. We, at Modern Luxuria, recognize this, and we want to help change that.
We devote a good portion of this issue to topics that pertain to men. While some articles showcase feel-good subjects like personal care and where to get a sizzling steak, other stories centre around men who’ve dealt with and overcome trauma and tragedy. We hope their stories resonate with readers. Maybe one of you will find inspiration from the words on these pages. Perhaps something in this issue will help one of you feel a little lighter or make your day a little brighter.
Mental health issues do not discriminate. They’re like water finding its way through the chinks in our armour—and we all wear armour. Some people’s suits are just better tailored than others.
Be good to yourself, and be kind to each other. I hope your day is filled with sunshine, and if you wear a suit of armour, may it be made of seersucker or linen.
– Twyla
We’re unapologetically committed to removing barriers to education for underrepresented students. Join the women-led movement today and make the pursuit of education more equitable and inclusive.
Discover how you can get involved
Erin Walker is a professional food photographer, recipe developer and food stylist, with clients in Edmonton and across North America. When she’s not spending time behind the lens or in the kitchen, you can find her reading, gardening and enjoying everyday life with her husband and her two busy boys.
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.
Steven Hope Is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He often uses minimalism in his work, allowing the concept to stand alone.
Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.
Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things wine, but is especially passionate about Italy's native grape varieties. She is a WSET diploma holder, an Italian Wine Scholar and one of only 15 Italian Wine Experts In the world through the Vinitaly international Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.
Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art and design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's probably spending time with her family, creating something, singing, or cooking something up in the kitchen.
At Tumbler & Rocks, we believe in making life’s special moments even more memorable. Our readyto-serve cocktails are crafted with the highest quality ingredients, sourced right here in Canada.
Imagine enjoying a premium, handcrafted cocktail without the hassle of mixing, measuring, or muddling. With Tumbler & Rocks, all you need to do is pour over ice and savour the perfect blend of flavours. Whether it’s a relaxing evening at home, a spontaneous gathering with friends, or a backyard BBQ, our cocktails are designed to be as convenient as they are delicious.
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Publisher's Note
Celebrating fathers and building a brighter future 16
Profile
The journey of Naseem Bashir, accidental CEO 18
Fashion
Gear up for wellness and adventure 26
Auto
Discovering the luxurious freedom of Arkto Campers' G12 trailer 44
Cuisine
Barbacoa: a sizzling oasis in Spruce Grove 52
Drinks
Indulge in rugged elegance with high-end spirits 64
Arts & Culture
Daniel Sundahl's journey of trauma, art, and advocacy 68
"Resilience: strength and grace in times of adversity."
Welcome to the June issue of Modern Luxuria, where we're celebrating our fourth year of growth, innovation, and inspiration. As an entrepreneur, I know that success isn't just about business; it's also about mindset. It's about learning, adapting, and positively filling our hearts and minds even when facing challenges. With this in mind, and with Father’s Day this month, our June edition is dedicated to the fathers in our lives. We recognize their strength and determination in overcoming adversity.
On June 12, we are hosting an event at the Pendennis Building. This is a night to celebrate our achievements while raising funds to support men’s mental health awareness. I hope you’ll secure a ticket for this fundraising event and join us in taking steps toward building a healthier, more compassionate world. It starts with community. It starts with us. Please help us raise awareness, support and hope for a brighter future.
– Elsa
In 2007 and 2008, A. D. Williams Engineering experienced an unfathomable tragedy when it lost multiple CEOs and high-ranking executives in two separate plane crashes just five months apart. Naseem Bashir, then a Calgarian, was tasked with stepping into the role left vacant by these executives. Bashir moved his family to Edmonton and immediately began managing a company mired in crisis. His ability to assess risk, strategically plan, and understand the psychology of people helped him excel as an "accidental CEO." Fifteen years later, Bashir reflects on how this tragedy has shaped his life, his interest in psychology and how he created a legacy.
"I describe myself as someone who is very riskaverse. It comes from ultimately being tested in the most extreme risk environment you can imagine when running companies. The essence is that mistakes were made, and that’s how I ended up as an accidental CEO; I was just another worker, doing a good job until the world fell apart at 8 o'clock one morning. The second plane crash happened on a Friday; the
board meeting was held on Sunday, and I was making decisions on Monday morning. The stress that was created was enormous and had compounding effects for quite a while," Bashir admits, further acknowledging that he didn't deal with the stress in the best way.
He spent years feeling off-balance, working long hours to manage daily operations, convincing the community that the business was still functioning despite setbacks, and creating networking opportunities with other CEOs. "I knew this was a challenge for me. There was a phenomenal amount of work to show the business community that the lights were still on. After 15 years of calling all the shots, I was done. I knew I had drifted away from my purpose. I asked myself, 'What am I doing?' If you lose your purpose, you lose the mission. It was time to put a great management team in place and start harvesting all the strategic work we had done over the years. It was also time to let a team run the day-to-day while I focused on big-picture stuff and living at a more relaxed pace.
Since then, Bashir has spent most of his days working in governance, providing strategic advice to other CEOs, and learning about people and the psychology of teams. "I was on a panel quite a few years ago with five other CEOs at MacEwan University and somebody asked, 'If you were to go back to school today, what would you take?' Every single one of us said psychology—because, ultimately, when it comes to running companies, it's really about working with people. If you want to find a way to encourage people, give feedback, communicate, understand your customers, demographics, and politics; it's really a study of psychology.
It's about asking: what makes people tick? But also, what makes me tick? I've got a satellite phone in my backpack every time I hike. I am that guy. I am risk-averse. Understanding people's psychology (as well as your own) allows CEOs to get more high-performing employees than if you just try to push staff through the pipe. The secret, I’ve learned, after all these years of running companies, has to do with understanding people. How do you get them to love what they do, perform well, and encourage them to progress in their careers? To me, it’s magic when you can make that happen."
Now, Bashir spreads his knowledge to others. "Once we’ve got everything we need, we move to the phase that talks: transcendence. This is where you have learned so much that your obligation as a human on this planet is to share. You are now enhancing somebody else's life because of what you’ve done in yours. Is there a better job than that? Hopefully, if people listen, we can keep them from making the same mistakes. When you keep sharing your wealth of knowledge, you extend human life even longer. Maybe we can even share beyond that and impact the second and third generations. There is no limit to how far our knowledge can go if we’re willing to share."
www.williamsengineering.com
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Hiking is an excellent way to improve both physical and mental well-being. This guide showcases the best gear to protect you from the elements, while helping to enhance your hiking experience. Studies show that getting a 30-minute dose of nature can lower your pulse and blood pressure, so get outside! Breathe in that fresh air. Soak up some sunshine. Make your hikes more enjoyable and efficient with this comprehensive resource.
LE 31
Seth Round Sunglasses www.simons.ca
Barbershops rarely offer more than beard trims and haircuts, but at Parlour Barba, co-founders Vea Fonua and Ron Johnston are challenging the status quo. In July 2022, they opened their first barbershop salon in High Street Centre, breaking the mould by offering non-standard services like full colour applications including foils and highlights, head shaves, hot shaves, and even permanent waves. Haircuts, buzzcuts and beard trims round out the menu with facials offered as stand-alone or add-on services.
The public’s response to Parlour Barba has been overwhelming. “Never in a million years did I think I would own a business offering facials,” Johnston says, “but our clientele is very interested in looking good and feeling good.”
With top-tier organic skin and hair products like Damian Barber and Tahe, Johnston adds, “the services sell themselves.”
The “more” part of what Parlour Barba offers starts when you open the door. Emerald-hued walls are finished in box trim and crown moulding lending the space a Georgetown library vibe. Brass
elements add elegance, and leather banquettes and chairs provide stylish functionality and respite from harried life beyond the doors. Vintage-style barber chairs and penny tile harken to the dapper days of a bygone era—1920s Chicago or New York City, to be exact, and from where interior designer, Jennifer Walsh took her cues.
What underpins it all is the quality of grooming and styling services provided to each customer by a team of seasoned stylists. Time spent at Parlour Barba is all about the experience, so aside from skill and quality of products, each styling appointment starts with a consultation to discuss style options, scalp care, and hair care routines.
Having your hair shampooed is de rigueur at Parlour Barba no matter the haircut, be it back and sides only, or full cut. Facials, though, are extra and highly recommended. The combination of steam, a hot towel and a comfy chair has induced many a customer to sleep.
Adding to the uniqueness of Parlour Barba is its liquor license. Enjoying an Old Fashioned, a locally crafted beer, an Oban 14 with your foils and facials seems quite civilized. Any of the well-crafted mocktails are easily as satisfying.
Yet another facet of this fabulous grooming room is the prohibition-esque basement suite for private parties with culinary provisions from Partake and liquids from local breweries and distilleries alongside well-known, premium spirits.
When it comes to offering customers more, Johnston and Fonua have struck gold—and speaking of gold, “Green” or “Gold” membership packages offer discounts on products and services, and invitations to VIP tastings and events.
Coincidence perhaps, but Fonua has noticed other shops upping the ante in what they offer, and that’s okay, he says. “Everyone’s aware now of what the standard should look like, and that’s what I wanted to do—be the standard. It’s healthy for the industry and healthy for us as a business because once we reach a certain point, we can keep pushing the goalposts.”
Johnston and Fonua’s accomplishment with the High Street location attracted the attention of Jordan Singer, grandson of Henry Singer, founder of the highly acclaimed men's fashion store for which the store is named.
“Jordan wanted to build an experience where the customer looked forward to shopping. With men, that can be difficult, but when you combine shopping with a great haircut, a facial and a fantastic drink, that changes things,” Johnston says.
In December 2023, Parlour Barba opened inside Henry Singer's with the added services of the Shoe Shine Shack and food by the team at Bar Henry, located next door; a wonderful achievement for Johnston and Fonua who continue to bring more of everything to the barbershop scene.
WWW.PARLOURBARBA.CA
Luxury can be defined in a multitude of ways. Often something that does not matter to one person will be of utmost importance to another—and that’s where Arkto Campers finds its niche.
To understand how this little company provides an essential luxury to its customers, one needs to first look at the company. Arkto Campers is an Edmonton-based company, founded in 2021 by Aaron Nerenberg and his business partner Matt Gibbons. The manufacturing and assembling of its G12 trailer happens right here.
At first blush, the Arkto G12 may not shout luxury. There are bigger, fancier RV trailers that could make a “luxury RV” list. What the G12 brings to the table is pure off-roading and overlanding camping, affording its owner the luxury they seek—freedom; the freedom from civilization, roads, full campgrounds and plug-ins.
Overlanding is defined as self-reliant travel to remote destinations where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting months to years, and spanning international boundaries. It has worldwide popularity that shows strong exponential growth.
The Arkto G12 is completely self-reliant for off-road and off-grid adventures. It combines an incredibly tough frame, rated for a 75-year life span, a composite body construction, a heavy-duty axle-less suspension, massive all-terrain tires and a protective belly pan to ensure everything gets to the intended destination in one piece.
For living arrangements, the G12 sleeps up to four adventurers, thanks to a queen bed and two benches that convert to beds. The model has a dinette table with seating and all cabinetry is constructed from aluminum for durability.
One of the biggest selling features, though, is storage. With 105 cubic feet, the G12 doubles its nearest competitor’s ability to pack away everything that is needed to live off the beaten path without encroaching upon space in the tow vehicle. The storage pantry in the trailer is such an integral aspect of overlanding that the G12 was designed around it.
The Arkto G12 wows with its ability to completely transform thanks to exterior amenities tucked into every nook and cranny. Once parked and set up, the pop-up roof provides 6 feet 8 inches of standing room. A massive awning opens and swings out to offer a full 270 degrees of coverage. A fully equipped stainless-steel kitchen slides out of the trailer’s belly to aid in cooking any meal imagineable, from a freshly caught fish to a full gourmet dinner. Groceries for long trips go in the slide-out fridge-freezer and a fold-down prep table provides plenty of room to work.
A clever privacy enclosure for an outdoor shower and a portable toilet (accessible from both indoors and out) are found at the back of the trailer.
Arkto is intimately involved in designing and building trailers to client specifications and is responsive to each customer’s needs. Aaron Nerenberg has even taken customers from the USA to the Alberta Rockies to show them his favourite camping spots. The entire service team deeply cares about their product and the customer ownership experience.
When it comes to the luxury of freedom and enjoying it on your own terms through the world of overlanding adventure, Arkto Campers has everything covered.
WWW.ARKTOCAMPERS.COM
WORDS BY
TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHYBY
ERIN WALKERAn industrial area in a suburb isn’t where one would expect to find a restaurant serving scallops, steaks and fresh-baked beef tallow brioche—and even sea urchin, on occasion. The location was a risk, admits owner, Tyler Sorochan, but it worked. One step inside this Spruce Grove hotspot and visions of auto repair shops and equipment rental yards fade to black.
Barbacoa is cozy, comfortable and casually posh. A bank of split wood stands at the ready beside a massive grill where hunks of Alberta beef sizzle and spit over a roaring fire. The combination of brick, wood, dark leather and the faint smell of smoke makes a wonderful first impression.
The wine list is concise but intriguing enough with noticeable leanings towards New World production. Despite having playful names like Let’s Get Fizzical and Whoa Black Berry (wam-ba-lam), cocktails are skillfully crafted with good depth and balance. If you like a bit of razzle dazzle with your dining experience, go for bourbon-based Playing with Fire, or the Fireside Old Fashioned that’s tempered with creme de cacao and sweetened with marshmallow syrup.
The serious side of Barbacoa is the food. Fresh-baked bread, house-made cheese, and a strong inventory of locally sourced ingredients speak to the integrity of the owners and the experience and skill level of the cooking crew.
Chef Benjamin Perez makes a wicked deviled egg. He first smokes the eggs and then to the yolks, adds bacon marmalade, aioli, pickled jalapeño, and maple syrup. What results is a revitalized, decades-old party favourite with considerable wow factor.
Perez gets crafty with parsnips, too, preparing them three ways—pureed, pickled and fried crispy-thin— to pair with perfectly seared scallops. “It’s not worth having scallops if you can’t get a good sear,” he says. He’s right, of course. A good sear is everything.
The steaks, though, are the undeniable draw and the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. The word, barbacoa, comes from a 16th-century Taíno word, barabicu, and refers to meat cooked over fire. It would be criminal to pass on the 40-ounce Tomahawk steak (for two people) at dinner, but the steak sandwich is the real steal. Thick slices of sirloin are presented on house-baked focaccia, smothered in whisky peppercorn cream sauce and garnished with a hefty amount of chopped chives.
The steak sandwich is on the lunch menu which differs from the dinner menu, so you’ll have to make more than one visit. Trust me, you won’t be mad about it.
Tyler Sorochan grew up in Spruce Grove and says he and his wife, Ashley, wanted to open a restaurant that “fit the people.” Ellen Elton, a longtime friend of the Sorochans, and now restaurant manager, offers that Barbacoa is a “sexy in the suburbs kind of place where people can connect over good food in an intimate setting.” From a tenuous start amidst pandemic restrictions to becoming the darling of the food scene drawing visitors from around the province, Barbacoa is all that, “with a little smoke and a pizzaz to keep things interesting,” according to Chef Perez.
Find Barbacoa at 470c South Avenue, Spruce Grove, Alberta.
WWW.BARBACOA.CA
High-test cocktails for the brave of heart
WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
If your significant other prefers an herbaceous, spicy, or smoky tipple over something more fruit-forward, a classic cocktail with a hint of ruggedness and made with a high-end spirit should appeal.
The world of small-batch tequila is an ever-expanding one, rife with intriguing product and bottle design. Clase Azul Reposado features a unique, hand-painted cobalt blue feathered design on a white decanter. Even when empty, the bottle deserves a place on the shelf to serve as an art piece for years to come. This reposado is masterfully aged in American oak casks for eight months, imparting its unique hazelnut, caramel, and vanilla flavours with an exceptionally smooth finish. This tequila deserves to be sipped on its own, but with the sweet flavours imparted from being aged in wood, it is also delicious when accompanied by bittersweet chocolate. Clase Azul is available in 375ml and 750ml bottles from select retail stores. Expect to pay $185-$250.
José Cuervo, arguably the most popular tequila worldwide, does a fine job alongside three other manly monikered brands in a Four Horseman. This cocktail is strong with a distinct, warm burn, so take a seat at the bar and have a drink with José, Johnnie, Jack, and Jim.
Four Horsemen
Yields 1
¼ oz José Cuervo Gold
¼ oz Johnnie Walker Black blended Scotch
¼ oz Jim Beam bourbon
¼ oz Jack Daniels whiskey
Ice
Add tequila, Scotch, bourbon, whiskey and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake to combine and strain into a rocks glass, neat or over ice.
Feeling a bit introspective? How about a cocktail made with dark rum to match the mood. The Dark ‘n’ Stormy speaks of mystery while conjuring up images of faraway lands, especially when made with a high-end rum like Dictador Aurum XO. A good quality ginger beer will enhance the already spicy, chocolate flavours created from the fermentation of unique, virgin, sugarcane honey in this Colombian spirit.
Yields 1
2 oz Dictador Aurum XO rum
¾ oz lime juice
3 oz Jamaican ginger beer
Ice Garnish: Lime wedge
Add ice, dark rum, and lime juice to a tall glass. Top with ginger beer, stir to combine flavours and garnish with a lime wedge.
Daniel Sundahl's artistic journey didn't start in the serene confines of a studio but rather, in the adrenaline-charged world of emergency services. Sundahl's quest for adventure and a meaningful life had him overseas teaching English and exploring different cultures in his younger years. His journey led him to the Cayman Islands, where he learned water rescue techniques and trained as a divemaster. During this period, Sundahl experienced a pivotal moment when he witnessed a man struck by a dump truck. “I got out of my car and thought, ‘I'm going to save this guy,’” he says. The rush of adrenaline surpassed the fact that he had no idea what he could do for the victim, but it did plant the seed of becoming an emergency responder.
Sundahl returned to Canada and pursued a
career as a paramedic firefighter, embracing the challenges that came with the role. However, the demanding nature of his work eventually took its toll, manifesting as PTSD. Plagued by persistent visions of traumatic emergency scenes, Sundahl's quality of life began to deteriorate. He sought the services of a psychologist who suggested using his hobby, photography, as a therapeutic tool. “I thought it was a horrible idea, I didn’t want to think about this stuff—that’s why I was in therapy. My psychologist told me I had to step into it and healthily process the trauma, in order to put it away.” Despite initial reservations, he began to create art from his traumatic memories. The method was transformative. “It saved my life,” he says. “When I'm done with an art piece, that memory no longer haunts me because I’ve trapped it in this two-dimensional picture and put it away.”
Sundahl’s approach to creating art is unique. He starts by using emergency workers to recreate the most haunting scenes from 911 calls he’s attended. He then photographs them, digitally enhances them, and incorporates symbolic elements like angels and ghosts to convey deeper emotional states.
After two decades on the front lines, and now retired from active duty, Sundahl is working to become a counselling therapist to help others suffering from trauma. He is actively involved in speaking engagements and workshops where he discusses mental health, particularly focusing on post-traumatic growth. His efforts are also being channelled into establishing the Recovery and Resiliency Foundation, a charity to assist others in finding and affording the treatment they need to heal from trauma.
Through his art and advocacy, Sundahl aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues among first responders and broaden the understanding of how trauma can affect mental health. His work offers hope and recognition to those silently suffering.
Sundahl’s artwork is presented in four self-published coffee table books available for purchase on his website. His art is recognized worldwide and documented in several international publications.
WWW.DANSUNPHOTOS.COM
With golf season in full swing, enthusiasts embrace the camaraderie, the challenges, and the simple pleasures that come with the game. Whether you're a novice eager to learn the basics or a seasoned pro seeking new challenges, the Edmonton area is a haven for those who like to drive the distance, chip away at the game, or putt around (all puns intended). Here are three options suitable for all skill levels, each offering a unique blend of beauty, challenge, and opportunity for growth.
For current members, Royal Mayfair offers everything they could want in a great private club experience. In 2005, Queen Elizabeth granted Mayfair its Royal status in recognition of the club’s longstanding and continued commitment to the sport of golf. This recognition makes Royal Mayfair one of the few clubs in Canada to have an official “Royal” designation, and connects it to some of the best clubs in the world holding similar status. The Royal Mayfair is perfect for the competitive golfer, but entirely relevant to every player, regardless of ability. WWW.MAYFAIR.CA
The Glendale’s premier course layout is known to seasoned golfers across western Canada. Many city, provincial, national, and professional golf tournaments have been held here. That aside, it’s a perfect course for those beginning to learn the game. The Glendale is also known for its inclusivity and family-friendly amenities like the outdoor pool and family tees on the golf course. Refreshments on the clubhouse deck while watching the sunset is the perfect way to end the day.
WWW.THEGLENDALE.COM
The Quarry takes up residence on an expanse of plains banking the North Saskatchewan River located in north-east Edmonton. It features two putting greens, one chipping green, three decks of grass teeing areas, and 27 holes of championship golf with yardages ranging from 5100 to 7600 yards. The Quarry is a public facility with CPGA instructors available for group and private lessons, and equipment rental upon request.
In Canmore, there’s a home with a secret room that whispers tales of the Wild West. In all of its saloon-style poker room glory, this private haven embodies the craftsmanship and design of Scott Arthur Millwork & Cabinetry.
Founded in 1995 by visionary Scott MacDonald, the company is synonymous with unparalleled
quality and bespoke millwork. In 2011, the company’s legacy passed into the capable hands of husband and wife duo, Shawn and Jemma Tiltgen, who continue to uphold and expand upon MacDonald’s vision. The Tiltgens’ passion for creating unique and personalized spaces is evident in every corner of this extraordinary space.
The room is located behind an unassuming door which opens by remote control. What lies beyond feels like a step back in time. The centrepiece of this space is a magnificent poker table built by The Living Barrel, its base and chairs crafted from repurposed whiskey barrels—each knot and grain telling a story of aged spirits and craftsmanship. Display cabinets etched with antique glass fronts provide a glimpse into a collection of fine cigars and spirits, all stored within their appropriate climate-control range and monitored via a smartphone app. These cabinets, most of them equipped with invisible locks accessible by scan card, add an element of mystery and exclusivity to the room.
Above, the copper-tin ceiling reflects the warm glow of hand-forged wrought iron lighting fixtures and gold hardware on the classic industrial-style refrigerator. These meticulous details add to the room's elegantly rustic appeal, making it a perfect retreat for unwinding with friends. Besides the subtle hint of polished wood, the atmosphere is pristine, thanks to a specially designed ventilation system. The surround sound system ensures that every lyric and every note is heard with crystal clarity.
Rugged materials and vintage elements blend with modern conveniences and innovation to create a space that exudes warmth and character. This ode to the Wild West is more than a place to play cards—it's a tribute to craftsmanship, a celebration of history, and a sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life. And, for the Tiltgens, it’s a testament to the artistry and dedication of a company that has long understood the power and appeal of a well-crafted space.
WWW.SCOTTARTHURMILLWORK.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FONTAINE
LEWIS
Art on the Block, held at the Art Gallery of Alberta, was a dazzling evening filled with vibrant art, glamorous attire, and spirited bidding. This highly anticipated fundraiser supports AGA's exhibitions and educational programs, bringing the community together to celebrate and sustain local art.
Edmonton is buzzing with activity!
WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
All of June - Multiple Locations
Celebrate Pride Month in Edmonton with events highlighting the vibrant LGBTQ2S+ community. Pride Edmonton offers a diverse lineup including cultural performances, parades and community gatherings. Attendees can participate in various activities that promote inclusivity, solidarity, and the celebration of diversity. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support local vendors, enjoy entertainment and connect with the community.
WWW.PRIDEEDMONTON.CA
May 30 - June 9 - The Roxy Theatre
Nextfest showcases a dynamic blend of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts at The Roxy Theatre. This 11-day festival features performances from emerging artists, interactive workshops, and unique visual art installations, providing a platform for creative expression and innovation. Highlights include theatre mainstage productions, DJ nights and film screenings. Join the celebration of Edmonton's vibrant arts scene and discover new talent.
WWW.NEXTFEST.CA
June 6 - 9 - Fan Park at the ICE District
Get ready for the first-ever ICE District Carnival at Fan Park. Partnering with West Coast Amusements, the carnival will feature over 25 thrilling rides, including Speed and the Zipper, alongside family-friendly options like the carousel and bumper cars. Enjoy classic carnival games and delicious treats, ensuring fun for all ages.
WWW.ICEDISTRICT.COM
June 8 - 9 - Giovanni Caboto Park
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival at Giovanni Caboto Park in Edmonton. This vibrant event features live music, art displays, and community workshops, showcasing the diverse talents of local artists and musicians. Enjoy a weekend of creativity and community spirit in the heart of the city.
WWW.HEARTCITYFEST.COM
June 21 - Multiple Locations
Various activities will be happening throughout the city featuring cultural activities and community gatherings to honour the contributions and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Join the festivities to experience Indigenous culture through performances, workshops, and more.
WWW.EDMONTON.CA
June 25 - 30- Multiple Locations
Get ready for the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival! This annual event brings worldclass jazz performances to Edmonton, featuring renowned artists such as Cory Henry, Veronica Swift and Pasquale Grasso. Attendees can enjoy a variety of concerts, workshops, and community events across multiple venues, including the Winspear Centre and McDougall United Church. Experience the vibrant sounds of jazz and support local musicians.
WWW.EDMONTONJAZZ.COM
Lexus of Edmonton is a proud supporter of Modern Luxuria, Edmonton's premier luxury magazine. Through this partnership, Lexus of Edmonton aligns with Modern Luxuria’s celebration of elegance and sophistication. Together, they bring the best of luxury experiences to the Edmonton community, showcasing the finest in automotive excellence and lifestyle This collaboration reflects Lexus of Edmonton’s commitment to quality, style, and the vibrant local culture
