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COVER
Thank you
Photography by Dong Kim
Editor's Note
Following on the heels of October’s warmth and brilliant display of foliage, November quietly arrives, cool and somber. This is the lull before the frigid crush of what lies ahead. Winter is coming, as it always does. November is our quiet, grey-coated messenger.
With that in mind, we’ve dedicated this issue to warmth—not only the warmth we feel when our senses are affected by pretty things for house and home, but what we feel on the inside when hearing the inspiring stories of strong-willed entrepreneurs and gifted artists.
Every month, my eyes are opened to the incredible talent and feats achieved by those who call this place home. Edmonton is a city of creators and it warms my heart to share their stories with you.
Welcome to Volume 54. This is November.
– Twyla
Contributors
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.
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
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.
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.
Dong Kim is an independent photographer and consultant who splits his time between Edmonton and Calgary. Although he shoots a wide range of subjects, his passion lies in capturing eye-catching stories from the best of the food community. A grateful traveller, he is happiest when immersed in the activities of other cultures, learning through their culinary offerings.
Jennifer Richter is an internationally recognized beauty and fashion photographer based in Edmonton, Alberta. Having attended the prestigious School of Visual Arts in New York City early in her career, Jennifer developed a technical prowess for commercial and editorial work. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer is well-versed in turning her ideas into visual reality.
I AM BUILDING MY FUTURE SO I CAN SECURE OUR FUTURE.
1000 Women’s Childcare Bursary allows parents to keep their focus on their studies, knowing their kids are in good hands.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT.
Highlights
Publisher's Note
Honour, tradition and art 10
Profile
The Barber sisters on building Poppy Barley with purpose 12
Trends
Your 2024 holiday gift guide 18
Auto
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus 24
Cuisine
Bar Henry: Where aperitivo culture and Italian charm meet 32
Arts & Culture
From cartwheels to trapeze: Sarah Visser’s path to the sky 48
Events
Sips, sparkles, and song: Edmonton’s must-do events in November 56
Publisher's Note
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.”
- Melody Beattie
November 11 is a time for reflection and gratitude as we honour those who have served our country. It’s a day that reminds us of the courage of those who fought, and the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom.
Reflecting on these acts of bravery is deeply moving. As Remembrance Day passes, the joy of the festive season starts to grow. For me, the excitement begins when I put up the Christmas tree—a beloved tradition that fills my home with light and memories of past celebrations.
This November also holds an extra layer of significance as Modern Luxuria partners with the Art Gallery of Alberta as a media sponsor for their 100th anniversary. It is a tremendous honour to support such a monumental celebration of art, culture and community. I am humbled to play a part in this milestone, celebrating a century of creativity in Alberta. If you would like to be part of this special event, purchase your ticket at www.youraga.ca
– Elsa
PHOTO BY TATIYANA SEMENOVA
How Poppy Barley is redefining luxury with ethics and empowerment Sisters in Sustainability
WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER RICHTER
Sisters Justine and Kendall Barber, the dynamic duo behind Poppy Barley, have carved a niche in the luxury footwear market by championing ethical practices and high-quality design. Despite their lack of entrepreneurial lineage, the Barber sisters were fueled by a shared determination to create a socially responsible business. Today, Poppy Barley's mission, “Luxury for the people and the planet,” encapsulates their commitment to ethical manufacturing and sustainable business practices. We sat down with the sisters to learn about how they began to trust their instincts in order to stay true to their values, while propelling Poppy Barley from modest startup to a respected name in the sustainable fashion industry.
Tell us how the idea of Poppy and Barley came to be and how it expanded?
Justine: The inspiration for Poppy Barley came to me on a trip to Bali where I was custom measured for a pair of tall boots. I had always struggled, like many women, to find tall boots that fit well and were comfortable. The initial concept for Poppy Barley was made-to-order tall boots that were made for every woman. I tried to recruit Kendall through email while I was still in Bali and she said she wouldn’t quit her job, but she would help. Within a few months, we were working together. At that point we decided to each invest $5,000 and a week of vacation to see if we could find a manufacturer. We flew down to Mexico where we got connected to Lupita's Footwear Factory which is still our primary factory. We worked through the spring, summer and into the fall developing prototypes, creating a website and getting the word out. We officially launched in November 2012, hired our first small team the following spring and now we have stores in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Looking back, do you think your upbringing prepared you to be entrepreneurs together? Is it a shock to your family, or does it make sense that you would partner together on this venture?
Kendall: We don't come from a family of entrepreneurs. Our dad worked for the railway
and we moved a lot. From a very young age, I declared that I wanted to own my own business. I think that I craved control in the sense that I wanted to decide where I was going to live and what I was going to do. Our parents were definitely our biggest supporters but I think that they were also nervous about the risk that we were taking. They both grew up in a small town and they left and took on big opportunities to push themselves. We grew up watching that. We grew up watching people do the hard things for their dreams.
Your mission is “Luxury for the people and the planet.” Can you tell us more about why ethical manufacturing is so important to you?
J: We work directly with all of our factories. We visit them in person and screen them for working conditions as well as other ethical human rights practices. We believe behind every product there is also a person. We are in the business of bestsellers; we like to create a product that we can sell for many years. This means instead of just a seasonal order, we actually place a monthly order, which creates a new and better way of working together. This gives us a lot of data to forecast demand and anticipate what we're going to sell. We're not creating excessive inventory and we're also giving our factories consistent business, which helps them plan their businesses and keep their craftsmen employed.
In addition to ethical manufacturing processes, you are also interested in giving back to the world in another way. Tell us more about The Future Fund and how you aim to change the lives of young girls.
K: We set up The Future Fund to address the girl gap. We refer to the girl gap as the years between 11 and 14. Research shows that if you can get those years right for a girl, it's a huge step up. This age is very challenging… from a societal perspective, emotionally and hormonally. One of the resources that we've been supporting is financial literacy for girls so that they understand money inside and out. Financial literacy for girls and women is vital; whether you're leaving an abusive relationship, starting a business, setting up your career, being a single mom, or you are a decision maker at work. The other pillar is kids in sport, and specifically girls and sport. Unfortunately girls drop out of sport at an alarming rate right between those ages 11 to 14, and yet 94% of female leaders have a sport’s background. We believe that learning to move your body will result in loving your body in a lot of different ways. Staying connected to who you are is important.
What lessons have you learned along the way, taking your business from a two person operation to what it has grown into today?
K: One of the most important lessons we've learned is to trust our own instincts. In the beginning, when you have no idea what you're doing, you're very aware that you don't know what you're doing. Every person's advice hit me so hard and I wanted to take everyone’s advice and act on it. Not anymore. The confidence about what we want Poppy Barley to be is inside of us. We know our business best and trusting ourselves has been vital. As the decisions get bigger and there's more at stake, we’ve also developed a lot of tools along the way to make those bigger decisions. We must ask ourselves, is this decision rooted in my values? Is it rooted in the vision that we have for the company? Is this the best decision I can make at this moment? Then we end with a lot of grace.
Holiday Picks: Luxurious Finds for Him and Her
Sleek, powerful sophistication
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Uncover this season's essential gifts with our carefully curated selection of stylish trends for both him and her. Featuring everything from classic elegance to modern chic, these handpicked items are sure to make a lasting impression.
Whether you're shopping for a fashion-forward loved one or someone with a taste for the finer things, our gift guide has something for everyone. Explore luxurious accessories, fragrances and the latest tech trends to find the perfect present for the special people in your life.
Sophisticated Sanctuary
A quiet revolution of new comfort, technology and style
WORDS BY TOM SEDENS
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
The Lincoln Nautilus takes the age-old driving experience and reimagines much of it. It presents the driver and passengers with new ways and technologies to communicate with the vehicle and to navigate the road ahead. It offers sophisticated and modern advances in cabin comfort. And it does this all in a fresh, state-of-the-art package with a rewarding powertrain.
Lincoln’s approach to the Nautilus advances the notion of connectivity and sanctuary. The vehicle’s driver and passengers are treated to a wholly modern and clean cabin. Thoughtfully crafted from world-class materials, the interior’s design is balanced and uses horizontal lines for a calming effect. The minimalist approach, devoid of any unnecessary buttons and switches, allows for focus on the things that matter—such as an illuminated, crystal volume power knob.
The first thing anyone and everyone notices is the digital experience which is delivered primarily by the panoramic wraparound display. Reaching from one side of the dash to the other, it is the largest in its class. Its gorgeous screens present a seamless and engaging interface with fully customizable and personalized content chosen by the driver. Working in concert with the 11-inch Centre Stack Touchscreen, this massive display brings all of the Nautilus’ technology and connectivity to the forefront, including the staggering 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.
Comfort is also reconceptualized here. The seats are heated, ventilated and have ActiveMotion massaging which melts away stress and physical strain during the drive, whether it is a short commute or a long road trip. Upholstered in premium perforated leather, the Perfect Position seats offer the first row 24 ways to adjust everything, right down to the thigh bolsters.
Care is also given to second-row passengers with heated rear seats and plenty of device charging connections readily available. Passengers enjoy top-notch surroundings from a seat that is among the most spacious in its category. The Vista panoramic roof overhead welcomes in light, making the space noticeably airy.
The experience is further enhanced by Lincoln’s Digital Scents. With a quick tap of the display, you can choose from a variety of uniquely curated cabin fragrances, evoking a number of different environments.
The drive in the Nautilus is always comfortable, serene and quiet, but with plenty of efficient power on tap from the 310-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The driver can select from a number of drive modes, each tailored to a different driving scenario and adjusting everything from throttle and steering response to the adaptive suspension.
A highly advanced system called BlueCruise 1.2 allows the driver to operate the Nautilus hands-free, while keeping their eyes on the road of over 200,000 kilometres of mapped North American roads. The technology includes Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Positioning to ensure everyone’s safety.
When it comes to the exterior styling, Lincoln married clean elegant lines with an athletic and agile look. High-gloss black accents add to the sleek appearance, and massive 22-inch wheels complete the package. LED lighting is found everywhere, front and back, including the Lincoln Embrace which projects a welcome mat of lighting on the ground when you approach the car.
The 2025 Nautilus: a revitalizing sanctuary of comfort, technology and efficient performance.
WWW.LINCOLNCANADA.COM
Bar Henry
Making aperitivo culture a part of day-to-day life
WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONG KIM
In the spring of 2024, Daniel Costa opened an aperitivo bar in the Ice District. The cozy space, aglow in warm light and sienna tones, adjoins Henry Singer’s menswear—hence the name, Bar Henry.
“Aperitivo” stems from aprire, an Italian word that means “to open” and the aperitivo hour (or hours) is the time spent before dinner for people to enjoy food and drink that stimulates the appetite.
In Italy, standing and snacking is commonplace, and staying true to custom and form, Costa designed the space with two areas to stand and mingle—one right in front of the bar, and another in a spot that becomes an alcove once the door to Henry Singer closes at the end of their business day. Those who’d rather sit must contend themselves with cushy, leather banquettes and velvet-upholstered chairs, some of which are authentic, mid-century Italian; the others, deep and delicious, body-hugging tubs.
By all means, come for the gorgeous interior—the
burled wood wall panelling, the Calacatta Viola marble-topped tables, and the framed copies of celebrated works by Italian photographer Slim Aaron—but you’re going to absolutely want to stay for what’s on the menu. Like Costa’s other restaurants, Bar Bricco, Va!, and Olia (and Corso 32 and Uccellino, back in the day), it’s the expert execution of culinary offerings that has kept him and his team at the forefront of the local food scene for the past 14 years. Ditto for the staff; the team at Bar Henry is a capable bunch, consistent in their delivery not only on food and service, but on the history and pronunciation of Italian regions, wine varietals, and names of dishes and cocktails.
If you struggle to keep up with Italian grape varieties outside the well-known sangiovese, barolo, pinot grigio et al., lean on Bar Henry’s staff for a recommendation because listening to them name the varieties—timorassa, nosiola, pelaverga, uva rara—and the regions from where they hail is a love language all its own.
“We go through a training period of pronunciation and dive into the history of each dish and region,” Costa explains, adding that knowledge and confidence help ensure a good customer experience. The servers not only sound the part, but dressed in the traditional white coats sported by employees in Italy’s aperitivo bars, they look the part, too.
If you’re going only for a drink and a snack, you’d do well to order the Venetian spritz and the potato chips. Deceptively simplistic, both are created from quality ingredients: original Select Aperitivo for the bittersweet component of the spritz (as opposed to Aperol), and in the case of the crisps, precisely sliced potatoes cooked and dusted with fennel pollen, rosemary, sea salt and a hint of sugar. Costa admits it’s a zero ROI type of dish, but one that would have customers storming the gates should it disappear from the menu.
Bar Henry’s menu offers small to midsize dishes suitable for vegetarians and omnivores alike, including olives, crackers, panini (little sandwiches), a variety of cheeses and an assortment of hot and cold plates. One of the heartier dishes is cotechino, a slow cooked sausage made of various cuts of fatty pork and pork rind, sliced, pan-fried and served with sweet and acidic condiments. If you want to abide by tradition, stop in after work for a negroni and some pistachios, or a glass of wine and the carne cruda crostini—this version made of minced wagyu mixed with smoky pancetta, aioli, and capers.
While Costa knows that Albertans love their full meal deals, he’s confident that the aperitivo culture will find its fans. “We want to really dive into the aperitivo culture. The space is small, yes, but the culture is a very specific thing—you’d lose it in a bigger space. People are always standing at the bar. It’s intimate but there’s a lot of action. People come in after shopping, dressed in suits, or some stop in off the street as they’re walking by. It doesn’t have to be an occasion. It can just be a day-to-day thing.”
I can say this about my aperitivo culture experience so far at Bar Henry: I’ve never managed to stop at just having my appetite simply whetted. The food and drink are just too good.
Aperitivo culture here is what you need it to be—a light bite and a cocktail, or shared plates and wine with friends over lunch, after work, before a concert, and yes, even for a satiating, multi-dish experience including dessert. The tiramisu is divine. That and a glass of amaro could easily become a “day-to-day thing” for many.
Find Bar Henry on the west side of Henry Singer in the Ice District, 10220 - 103 Avenue, Edmonton.
WWW.BARHENRY.CA
The Richness of Cognac
WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Located north of Bordeaux, in western France, the region of Cognac has a long and rich history of spirit production. And while houses here have been making world class brands for centuries, it is the Dutch who had a hand in creating Cognac as we know it today. In order to preserve wine on its long journey from France to Holland, the Dutch applied heat to distill it and called it brandwijn (meaning “burnt wine”) which became known around the globe as brandy.
Cognac is brandy created from distilled grapes found in the region. The most common are ugni blanc, colombard and folle blanche. The resulting distillation is a clear spirit called eaux-de-vie (water of life). The master distiller will select various eaux-de-vie to represent the style of their house. These spirits are then put in a barrel to age to obtain their colour and distinct flavour profiles.
Letters on bottles of Cognac refer to the age and quality of what is inside: VS (Very Special), aged for at least two years; VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), aged for at least four years; and XO (Extra Old or Napoleon), the highest quality with aging for at least six years (but often much longer). The term VSOP was first used in the British Royal Court in 1817 but was soon dismissed. The House of Rémy Martin brought the term back to life in 1927 during their rebuilding from near bankruptcy. Today this house is one of the four largest Cognac houses.
Rémy Martin is not the oldest house (est. 1724), but the name commands attention along with the other “Big Four” of Hennessy (est. 1765), Martell (est. 1715), and Courvoisier (est. 1828). The oldest house was established by Philippe Augier in 1643, but was purchased in 2013 by Pernod Ricard, a large wine and spirits company. As the 400th anniversary of Augier approaches, the return of this brand into the market might be forthcoming.
Cognac is a type of brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac. Like other specialty food and drink, there are a series of rules attached to production. Unlike Champagne, which must be bottled within the region, Cognac can be bottled anywhere, however, the rules for approved grape varieties, distillation and maturation must be observed.
Despite the freedom to do this, Cognac houses realized that by bottling at their own distilleries, they would retain the flavour profile of the house. Cognac can contain brandy from up to 100 different barrels and boast an age of up to a century old. As glass is inert, once bottled, the aromas and flavours would remain as the master distiller intended. These bottles will command very high prices and can sit on a collector’s shelf for decades. Additionally, glass bottles became marketing tools and were essential to the brands of each Cognac House—inadvertently shaping the French glassmaking industry.
Remy Martin celebrated 300 years in 2024, releasing several limited edition bottlings for the occasion, including Coupe, an exceptional blend of the highest quality, meticulously selected eaux-de-vie that will never be produced again.
Hennessey has a storied history, and the legacy is known worldwide. Collaborations of famous names and organizations have added additional collectability to the brand. From VS to XO, all styles are readily available.
D’ussé is the brainchild of Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, an American rapper and entrepreneur. The unique bottle shape and Cross of Lorraine logo makes it stand out on shelves, and the brand represents the juxtaposition of past and present—respecting traditional production whilst embracing innovation.
Defying Gravity
Swinging beyond limits with Sarah the Aerialist
WORDS
BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY BY
RENEE ROBYN PHOTOGRAPHY
In conversation with Sarah Visser—known to her audience as “Sarah the Aerialist”—it’s clear her journey isn’t the standard smooth sail to success. From a kid cartwheeling on a playground, to a swinging trapeze artist braving 30-foot heights, her path is a dynamic, aerial story that’s still unfolding. Her journey began at age nine, when her mom signed her up for gymnastics. What started with recreational classes soon grew into competitive gymnastics, a world where she was immersed until her late teens.
But gymnastics, as it turned out, was only the beginning. In her early twenties, Visser’s father gave her tickets to Cavalia, a travelling circus that pairs aerial arts with equestrian acts. “I was mesmerized,” she recalls. “I remember reading the pamphlet and wanting to join the circus so badly, even if that meant being a tent cleaner.” Her father suggested she aim to be the star, instead. That push led Visser to Edmonton’s Firefly Theatre and Circus, where she began training in aerial silks. She started casually, balancing her circus training with massage therapy school, until a pamphlet for École
Nationale de Cirque (ENC) in Montreal sparked a new dream.
Determined to refine her craft, she auditioned for both ENC and École de Cirque du Québec, neither of which accepted her. Undeterred, Visser sold her belongings, moved to Quebec City and ultimately convinced the school to give her a second chance. Her persistence paid off, landing her a spot in their preparatory year. It was here that she discovered swinging trapeze, an art form that would become her signature. “Swinging trapeze isn’t flying trapeze,” she clarifies. “There’s no net, just a loose belt around my waist and a puller on standby.” Her decision to specialize in this high-risk discipline required another audition, a few hours to learn the basics, and a heartfelt letter to convince the school she was ready. “For some reason, they took a chance on me,” she says.
Training with Victor Fomin, the creator of swinging trapeze, marked a high point in Visser’s journey. She recalls the gruelling weeks of working multiple jobs, writing grants and making every effort to afford the expensive training sessions with Fomin. “He’s the best there is,” she says with evident respect. But then, a career-threatening setback hit. In late 2021, Visser suffered a severe concussion during a training session, an accident she describes as “devastating.” Forced to take an eight-month hiatus, she returned to Edmonton to recover and regroup.
Visser is nothing if not resilient. Today, she’s back on stage, performing acts ranging from dance trapeze to fire aerial hoop. Her career highlights include performing in a Spiegel tent at K-Days and a dazzling set at the Calgary Stampede, showcasing her versatility with both fire and trapeze. Each performance, she says, is about connecting with the audience, making sure that every lift, swing, and drop resonates.
And while the highs (sometimes literal) of her career are thrilling, the physical toll is undeniable. “I’m always on a heat pad,” she laughs, recounting her nightly routine of massages and rest between gigs. Now, her eyes are set on a new goal: a long-term contract, ideally on a cruise ship. “It would be amazing to have stability, performing the same act night after night,” she muses. After years of one-off gigs, constantly creating new acts, Visser dreams of consistency—a chance to master an act rather than reinvent it. WWW.SARAHTHEAERIALIST.COM
Dissemblance
This November, invite warmth and sophistication into your space with a palette of rich browns, creams, blacks and golds. These timeless tones bring a grounding, elegant feel to any room, perfect for creating a cozy ambiance as the season transitions. Add a few carefully chosen accents in gold and black to enhance the luxurious atmosphere, turning your home into a true sanctuary for the colder months
Avalon Ottoman Velvet Champagne Swivel
Edmonton’s November Lineup
From taboo to tradition
Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
November 8 - 9 - The Edmonton Convention Centre
This isn’t just a tasting event; it’s a decadent celebration of Alberta’s finest in wine, beer and gourmet bites. Hosted at the Edmonton Convention Centre, November 8 and 9, this festival feels like stepping into a vineyard and bustling eatery at the same time. Explore curated selections of wine, spirits and beer suitable for connoisseurs and newcomers alike, while being inspired by culinary trends.
The Edmonton Expo Centre transforms into a playground over three days for adults to explore, learn and enjoy exhibits, seminars and entertainment that celebrates romance, wellness and intimate lifestyle. Part lively expo, part educational experience, the Taboo Show invites attendees to embrace their curiosity in a judgement-free environment.
TABOOSHOW.COM/EDMONTON
WWW.YEGXMASMARKET.COM
All Is Bright Festival
November 16 - 124 Street
For one night, the 124 Street area turns into a cheerful winter escape with lights, live performances, street vendors and the kind of treats that make a chilly night warm. This festival, complete with fire pits and winter-themed activities, kicks off the holiday season with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe where you can take in the magic of Edmonton’s early winter evenings.
Get ready for an evening steeped in elegance and art at the AGA. With a theme that harks back to the Roaring Twenties, this formal event celebrates the art gallery’s 100th anniversary. Drawing in Edmonton’s culture lovers and art patrons alike, the Century Ball offers live music, cocktails, and immersive decor in an unforgettable celebration of the gallery’s legacy.
WWW.YOURAGA.CA/WHATS-ON/CENTURY-BALL
Festival of Carols
November 30 - Winspear Centre
Few things say “holidays” like the power of choir voices filling the Winspear Centre. This free annual event on November 30 invites the Edmonton community to a timeless carol performance, perfect for families and friends looking to get into the holiday spirit in an atmosphere of shared musical joy.
From artisan goods to specialty foods, the Hello Pretty Holiday Market at The Enjoy Centre brings together local vendors in a vibrant holiday setting. It’s a perfect event to support small businesses, pick up unique gifts, and feel the festive excitement of the season in a warm, bustling marketplace.
