VOL 2 JULY 2020
Beauty is radiant joyful confident kind
time We thank all our frontline workers!
Hair Transplant Surgery
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WWW. M O US TA R A H . C O M
July 2020
Highlights Note A message from the Modern Luxuria team 6 Profiles The luxury of good health—chatting with an artistic engineer, Arvind Sawhney 10 Style Louise Dirks—an expansion across Canada—the story of gravitypope 12 Scents Creating all their products in an in-house production lab—Pura Botanicals must haves 34 Wellness Virtual or live, Bliss Yoga Spa has us all Savasana about it; relaxed, zen, and feeling good 36 Health Health City—connecting, promoting and accelerating health solutions and innovations 38 Cuisine Bianco is bringing us the best of old and new in Italian dining 40 Design Oliver Apartments—behind some of the city’s best furnished stores and restaurants 56
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www.modernluxuria.com
‘‘
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive - Dalai Lama
’’
We have to start by saying how overwhelmed we are by the love and support our first issue received from this wonderful city. In this day and age, what we need more than anything (and we mean anything, including hand sanitizers) is compassion and kindness. Compassion, to help us understand those who are different than us, and kindness, to help us bring more love and happiness to this world. Going through some of the statistics on the back end of our digital magazine and social media pages, we’re feeling the love from not only the Edmonton region, but all of Canada, and it’s so exciting to see some visits from all over the world. We are thrilled to bring the best of luxuries to Edmontonians, and to share what we have to offer with the world. With such positive vibes, we knew our path is the right one, and that we are doing the right thing. As our province is slowly reopening, and many organizations are challenged with finding new ways to conduct their business, we continue to focus on local entrepreneurs who are leading the way. Louise Dirks, founder of gravitypope tells us how her love of fashion helped establish a successful institution with carefully curated designer fashions from all over the world, and how the pandemic impacted her work. If you’re looking to infuse some new elegance in your life, you may want to check out their website for new arrivals. With so much focus on health care these days, it was a pleasure connecting with Reg Joseph, the CEO of Healthcity, an organization that’s focused on innovative medical solutions and technology. We have to say that it feels good to be an Edmontonian, seeing so much talent, drive for innovation and disruption, and looking for new and improved ways to deliver healthcare to our communities.
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Left to Right: Olympia Trencevski, M
July 2020
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
Marlenie Arana, Tracy Sestito, Serap Ozturk, Terri Belley, Elsa Amorim
Whether we’re talking about innovation and
Enjoy our glorious river valley, green spaces,
tech, fashion, restaurant scene, green spaces –
and sunshine…or treat yourself to lovely patios,
there is so much to explore and cover here, we
delicious food and drinks, be a tourist in your
can’t wait to continue bringing you interesting
own city and explore!
endeavors taking place right here. And remember,
Yours in small luxuries,
not every luxury has to involve spending money!
ML team
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www.modernluxuria.com
PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.
FOUNDER Elsa Amorim
CONTRIBUTORS Dylan Bastable Jelena Bojic Spencer Gatt Rebecca Lippiatt Tatyana Semenova Erin Slobodian Gerry Thomas Sandy Weatherall
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Terri Belley MANAGING EDITOR Karen Meurer BRAND AMBASSADORS Marlenie Arana Serap Ozturk Tracy Sestito
VOL 1 JUNE 2020
Cover Maserati GranTurismo Sport www.maseratiofedmonton.com
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July 2020
SPENCER GATT Spencer Gatt is a climber of rocks and a builder of culture. The 23
SANDY WEATHERALL
year-old photographer is known for his portrait work and commercial
It is often said that
images. Gatt’s goal is to
a picture is worth a
Erin Slobodian is a
use his photos to create
thousand words and
reporter with 12 years
a culture that people
Sandy Weatherall
of experience in radio
can relate to. Climbing
definitely agrees.
newsrooms. Her style
rocks and the beauty
The commercial
of writing was born
of nature are what
photographer loves
for the ear but adapts
sparked Gatt’s
using her camera to
easily to these pages.
photography career.
tell a story in a single
ERIN SLOBODIAN
Slobodian has worked
GERRY THOMAS
alongside many
Sports enthusiasts
her goal is to tell the
businesses to create
have likely seen
stories of her clients
successful advertising
the work of Gerry
to help them to create
strategies and
Thomas. The action-
connections with the
marketing campaigns.
shot photographer’s
people and customers.
She is a freelance writer,
work has been used
Her work has been
a content curator,
by many high-profile
published in food
and a self-proclaimed
brands including Sports
magazines and over 30
storyteller. Slobodian
Illustrated, Maclean’s,
cookbooks. Weatherall
lives in Edmonton with
Nike and Wayne Gretzky
shoots for restaurants,
her two young sons and
Enterprises, to name a
product labelling, and is
their two blacks cats.
few. Thomas has been
a creator of content.
capturing images since 1985 and his work has received international accolades.
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frame. Weatherall says
www.modernluxuria.com
What does luxuria mean to Arvind Sawhney WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
An artistic engineer. That’s how Arvind Sawhney’s glamorous wife, Catherine Vu, describes him. Sawhney opened the restaurant Origin India in 2008 and sold it in 2012. He took with him a beautiful stained glass window that he created that now hangs in his living room. He is a power engineer and works as a shift manager at Celanese Corporation, a manufacturing company. Sawhney is a father to two children, a daughter and a son. He has two grandchildren. The little boys live close to Sawhney and he says their visits give a “whole new dimension” to his life. What have you done recently for the first time?
Living or dead, famous or not, who would
Went snorkeling in November 2019. I’ve never
you like to spend an hour with?
been in deep water. I’m scared of it but it was
Amitabh Bachnan. He is one of the
really thrilling. I will try it again. Yes!
Bollywood actors. I grew up watching him in the movies. He is very intelligent. Very
What app do you use the most?
poetic and a very good actor. I would like
Facebook. I’m from India so it allows me to stay
to spend an hour with him.
in touch with friends and family from far away. What political or social issue do you think Where do you buy your clothes?
needs more attention in our world?
Sawhney: All over the place. Some of my clothes
The issue at hand at the moment, which is
are custom-made. I shop at Simons. I shop at
Black Lives Matter. It needs more attention
Harry Rosen sometimes, and at Henry Singer.
and people need to understand what it is
Those are the main three stores I shop at.
all about. Because black people have been ignored for so many years, we need to give
Do you prefer the lounge or the patio? Why?
them more space to speak about
Patio. There are very few days of nice weather
this issue.
that we get in Edmonton so every chance I get, I am on a patio.
What does luxuria mean to you? To me, it means to be able to move and be
What brings you joy?
healthy. Wear what I want. Eat what I want.
Spending time with my family, my
To be healthy and move. My dad is 97 and
grandchildren, my wife. Being outdoors enjoying
he still moves. I think it’s a big luxury that
nature, walking, and hiking.
I’ll be able to do that when I reach his age. - 10 -
July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
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July 2020
Love of {sustainable} fashion, good design and thoughtfully selected styles WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
From a small shoe store opened in 1990, to an
gravitypope. They pressed us to expand to Calgary,
expansion across Canada with gravitypope
so we heeded. A similar thing happened with
Tailored Goods, Louise Dirks has been bringing us
Vancouver and Toronto. The demand for the unique
carefully chosen fashions for decades. Her Whyte
selection of our brands and products provided
Avenue location has been a pillar in locally owned,
incentive to open more shops. This, in combination
independent boutique scene, and is considered
with the ability to develop career opportunities for
an institution in the city. We loved getting to know
my team were the main incentives for expansion
Louise, her story, travels and experiences and
and growth.
luxuries she collects along the way. We know it’s probably like asking which child is Tell us about your beginnings in 1990, how did you
your favourite, but is there a store you’re most
come up with the concept of gravitypope?
connected to?
I have always loved fashion. In the early 80’s, I
As my mother used to say about her 8 children,
started my career working in fashion retail and then
‘I love them all equally’. I can truly say, I do love them
studied clothing & textiles at U of A. Later, I co-
all equally. They are all special and important to me.
owned an import shop just off Whyte Avenue. We
Each shop was a 2 to 3 year project to implement
started importing footwear, namely Dr. Martens.
and holds a special place in my heart. I put a lot
The demand was so fantastic, we decided to open
of time and energy into finding the right location,
a specific shoe shop right on Whyte Avenue. The
negotiating the lease, designing the space,
timing was great because there were no shoe shops
stocking and staffing the store and creating a
in the vicinity and Whyte Avenue was prospering.
unique, welcoming environment for the client.
As I knew how to import, I chose footwear from
I pride myself on the beauty and individuality of
France, Spain, Italy and many other countries not
each store. Each store has it’s own feel but all are
readily available in the North American market.
integrally gravitypope.
gravitypope fast became my baby and I took sole ownership in 1992.
With so much travel, where do you feel at home the most?
How did you decide to expand across Canada?
Italy (mainly Milan) is my second home. I have been
The expansion process was quite organic. I opened
traveling to Milan 2 to 4 times a year for almost 30
my second shop in Calgary 10 years after opening
years and each time I arrive, I feel like I’m home.
the original gravitypope on Whyte Ave. Calgary
I love the culture, the creativity and the warmth of
clients were driving to Edmonton to shop at
the people. I would love to retire in Italy one day. ▶ - 13 -
www.modernluxuria.com
There are many designer brands that can only
How do you relax and unwind after a busy day?
be found in gravitypope. What are some of the
I usually spend an hour or two walking with my
favourites for the demographics you serve, who
dog, Henry in the river valley. This is a great way to
stands out?
separate myself from the all encompassing trials
We have many thoughtfully designed, hand crafted
of the work day. Henry has been a solid grounding
beautiful brands. Some of my long time footwear
force for me. He is always there to sooth and make
favourites would be Moma, Officine Creative,
me feel better and I discovered the healthiness of
Fiorentini & Baker, Halmanera, (Italy) Chie Mihara,
a good long walk because of him. I also spend lots
Coclico, (Spain) Church’s, and Common Projects.
of time with my husband Arthur, who has been my
These and many of our other brands are carefully
greatest supporter, I literally would not be where
crafted in small batches, made for a discerning
I am today without him.
consumer who wants to purchase a quality product that can stand the test of time. My favourite
Favourite restaurant, and what do you order there?
clothing brands include Barena, Labo Art, (Italy),
Uccellinos is definitely one of my favourites-
Sophie D’Hoore, Stephan Schneider, (Belgium),
the Panzanella Salad and Cacio et Pepe are my
Margaret Howell, (England) Antipast, Beams and
favourite! I also love Wasabi – they make the best
Sarahwear (Japan). The impeccable attention to
Negitoro Roll and delicious Blackened Cod.
good design, styling and quality fabrication make This summer, many Canadians will be spending
these brands special.
their summer in Canada. Can you share some of For many people, and looking from the outside,
your favourite Canadian vacation spots?
you have a dream job. Running a clothing and
Back country hiking in Kananaskis; exploring
shoe enterprise, travelling, choosing fantastic
Vancouver and the Gulf Islands; touring southern
brands to bring to your clients…But there must
BC Wine Country; lake life at Muskoka Cottage
be an incredible amount of work invested in your
Country; spending time with family, camping
business, so tell us what motivates you?
and golfing at Hidden Valley Golf Course in
My love of fashion and my wish to use my abilities
Northern Alberta.
and energy to contribute to enriching society around me and to enhance the community of my family, my
Modern Luxuria’s mission is to bring our readers
employees and my clients, both past and present.
the best of what the city has to offer, and that includes all luxuries, from great ice cream to great
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs
real estate, and everything in between. What
today?
would be a few of your go-to luxuries?
There are currently many factors working against
The Artworks for special flowers and beautiful gifts,
entrepreneurs in the fashion retail industry. I would
Bar Bricco, Uchellinos and Corso 32 for delicious
have to say, tread carefully and don’t bite off more
food and great drinks, Color De Vino for a great
than you can chew. If it is sincerely a passion you
selection of wine and spirits, Made by Marcus for
must follow, stay small with one store. You will have
great ice cream, the Old Strathcona Farmers Market
way less headaches.
for fresh local produce. - 14 -
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
www.modernluxuria.com
Jacket, Shirt, Pants – Labo Art Shoes – Arche
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July 2020
Top and pants – Yoshi Kondo Shoes – Open Closed
Minimalistic Elegance for Design Enthusiasts For all the style artists and expressionists, these layered multifunctional designs are suitable for all tastes. Contemporary, practical and elegant, these outfits fall in the staple category in our closet www.gravitypope.com
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Earrings – Modern Weaving Shirt/Pants – Aspesi
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
www.modernluxuria.com
Jacket -Acne Studios Button Up – Nanamica
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July 2020
Sunglasses – Chimi Jacket, Shirt – Danton
All About a Summer Jacket Loved by all, these summer jackets add style, a convenient layer for our unpredictable weather, and show your fashion forward personality. To skip a full suit look and add a retro-style elegance, this is your go to item this summer www.gravitypope.com
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Jacket – Carhartt WIP Sweater – Colorful Standard T-Shirt, Pants – Beams Plus
PHOTO BY REBECCA LIPPIATT
www.modernluxuria.com
Custom Jewellery Designer Creates Family Heirlooms and Tradition Mammoth ivory, fossilized dinosaur bone and meteorite for standout earrings and rings WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
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July 2020
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Arctic Fox Silver Ring Containing Rutilated Blue Topaz
Oxidized Silver Organic Pebbled Cufflinks
For jewellery that makes a statement remember the name Mark Katzeff. The custom jewellery studio and goldsmith based in Edmonton uses materials that are not what you will find in every jewellery shop. Think mammoth ivory, fossilized dinosaur bone and meteorite, to name a few. “We are not your typical jewellery store,� proclaimed Katzeff in an interview with Modern Luxuria Magazine.
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www.modernluxuria.com
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
14K Gold Dichroic Glass Yellow Gold and Diamond Pendant
14K Yellow Gold Brooch Containing Semiprecious Stones and Hand Carved Mother of Pearl
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PHOTO BY REBECCA LIPPIATT
July 2020
The South African-born jewellery
around long enough to do the same
designer trained with German
for his kids, which is cool.”Katzeff
jewellers and has been crafting
creates all sorts of jewellery
jewellery since 1982. Katzeff says
including unique and innovative
his success is due to his ability to
wedding bands and engagement
create jewellery that becomes
rings. The award winning jewellery
family heirlooms and whose
designer likes to spend time with
wearers return for more jewellery
his customers to educate them on
every few years. “I met with a young
diamonds, gold and other precious
man on Saturday. I’ve known his
stones and metals until they feel
parents and his grandparents. I’ve
they are making an educated
done his parents’ wedding bands.
decision on the jewellery they
I’ve done his bar mitzvah ring. He
invest in because these pieces are
was still wearing it. And now he’s
unique and timeless.
getting engaged. Hopefully I’ll be
www.markkatzeffdesigns.com
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PHOTO SUPPLIED
www.modernluxuria.com
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July 2020
Magnificent Maserati The GranTurismo Sport Convertible WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
Maserati's GranTurismo Sport is a
An 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
high-performance six-figure coupe or
runs Maserati's latest Touch Control
convertible with a curvaceous exterior
Plus software. Apple CarPlay and
and a lavish interior with soft-to-the-
Android Auto are both standard and
touch seats and dashboard. The
the GranTurismo Sport comes with a
technology is cutting-edge and the
10-speaker Harman/Kardon
Italian engine is meteoric.
audio system.
Leather or faux-suede–wrapped
Maserati's Ferrari-derived V-8 engine
seats face a dashboard that's also
on the GranTurismo Sport is fast! The
wrapped in cowhide and features
Italian manufacturer claims a zero-to-
beautiful stitching. The headrests are
60-mph time of 4.7 to 4.9 seconds.
embroidered with the Maserati trident logos.
Those who imagine themselves whipping around the streets of
The convertible model featured in
Edmonton in their own GranTurismo
these pages has an exterior colour of
Sport should visit Maserati of Edmonton
Rosso Trionfale. The interior colour is
for a test drive.
Bianco Pregiato.
www.maseratiofedmonton.com
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED
www.modernluxuria.com
Additional Options
■ Perforated Leather Seat Center
■ 20inch Astro Design Anthracite
■ Stitching Contrast in Colour
Alloy Wheels
(Excluding Steering Wheel)
■ Matte Red Callipers
■ Dashboard and Rear Tonneau
■ High-Gloss Colour Trim
Cover in Coloured Leather/Benova
(Piano Black)
■ MC Design Aluminum
■ Trident Logo Stitched on Headrest
Driving Pedals
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July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
Bicycles are Flying off the Shelves! Local shop says demand is high WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN BASTABLE
Running, hiking and cycling are
In fact, Paul Burgess, owner of the
typically big summertime activities for
bicycle shops, says he is having a hard
Edmontonians but this year interest in
time keeping bikes on the showroom
those outdoor sports has increased, big
floor for more than a couple of days.
time! It appears that people who were
Mud Sweat and Gears specializes in
without bicycles last year are snapping
all kinds of bicycles from BMX and
them up this year. Mud Sweat and Gears
cruisers to electrical and hybrid. There
tells Modern Luxuria Magazine that
are four locations in Alberta, including
they’re having a hard time keeping up
Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Sherwood
with demand.
Park. www.mudsweatandgears.ca
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July 2020
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PHOTO SUPPLIED
www.modernluxuria.com
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July 2020
Artist’s Camera Zooms in on Vibrancy and Beauty An artist's journey from sketching to photography to framing and fine art WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
Jadeite
The perspective from Wei Wong’s camera lens often zooms in on beautiful aspects of life that others might walk past without noticing. He has lovely photos of colourful pebbles beneath rippling water, city skylines and Canadian landscapes. His passion for highlighting vibrant colours has inspired the transformation of his images onto canvas, glass, metal and other media.
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www.modernluxuria.com
The Malaysian-born artist began his career with drawing, sketching and painting but shifted to photography in the early 2000s. Wong is the owner of fine art and framing company Vestate in Edmonton. www.w2gallery.com - 32 -
Crack of Dawn
July 2020
Fluctuation
Fluid
Transforming
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www.modernluxuria.com
Bespoke Perfume: An Indulgent and Intoxicating Experience Edmonton company with international reach gets up close and personal to create unique and one-of-a-kind scents for clients WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
The “Proust effect” was coined by
scents. Edwards calls it a “very cool,
scientists and is used to describe the
intimate and luxurious experience.”
brain’s tendency to be triggered into recalling moments or people by certain
You start by booking an appointment.
smells. It’s the effect that Lane Edwards
Then Pura Botanicals sends you a
describes knowing well. Whenever
questionnaire or “scent analysis” to fill
she gets a whiff of a certain perfume,
out and send back before the date
she is powerfully swept up in a feeling
of your appointment. They want to
of comfort, as loving memories of her
know
mother who passed away seven years
all sorts of information like what are
ago come to the surface.
your favourite smells, what perfumes have you worn at different stages of
Edwards is the founder of Pura
your life, and what three words
Botanicals. The lovely brick and mortar
would you use to describe your new
location on Edmonton’s 124th Street has
fragrance. When you arrive for your
an in-house laboratory which creates
appointment, the perfumer will
products that are used by customers
have everything ready for you and
from as far away as Hong Kong.
together you will blend and smell your way to the perfect scent created
The Pura Botanicals lab handcrafts all-
just for you. “When you're the only
natural skincare, body care, baby care,
person in the world who gets to smell
and bespoke perfumes. Clients are able
like that it is very, very special,” smiled
to co-create their very own signature
Edwards. www.purabotanicals.com
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PHOTO SUPPLIED
July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
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July 2020
Luxury, Beauty & Strength Southwest Edmonton spa offers a long list of services WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDY WEATHERALL
Traci Batemen travelled the world
instructors. Clients can even sign up
visiting luxurious destinations where
for virtual yoga classes on the Bliss
she and her husband discovered
YogaSpa website.
and experienced the pleasures of many beautiful spas. When they sold
Lengthening, strengthening, and
the family business they decided to
rejuvenating your body is just one
reinvent those pleasures back in their
of the many services offered at
hometown. “We found a severe lack
Bliss YogaSpa. The Medical Spa
of [luxurious spas] in Edmonton.
has a long menu of services for its
At the same time we were getting
discerning clientele including laser skin
into hot yoga and saw some amazing
rejuvenation, hair removal, and fat loss
synergies between the two,”
using today’s most recent technology.
Batman explained. The Gentle Max Pro laser removes The beautiful Bliss YogaSpa is nestled
sun spots, spider veins, and tightens
in the MacTaggart neighborhood of
skin. It also is the gold standard in hair
SW Edmonton.
removal. The Elos Plus laser can relieve acne and rejuvenate the skin. Cellulite
Yogis of all levels will find that quiet
is blasted away with the help of the
place of zen in the heated and
latest in body contouring technology.
non-heated yoga classes offered by
The luxury spa also offers Cosmetic
knowledgeable and highly-trained
Injectables. www.blissyogaspa.com
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www.modernluxuria.com
Disrupting Healthcare Edmonton company links new technology to old problems in a bid to change the way healthcare is delivered in Canada WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
Health City is focused on finding cutting-edge
Canada for development and to market.
medical solutions that will bring the Canadian
Health City is working on several projects right
healthcare system into the modern age and the
now. One is with a local company that has
company has chosen Edmonton as ground zero
found a way to conduct diagnostic imaging in
to do it in. CEO Reg Joseph spoke with Modern
remote areas which will allow patients who live
Luxuria Magazine on a windy afternoon in his
far distances from cities to be x-rayed or receive
downtown Edmonton office. “We’re trying to
an ultrasound where they live rather than being
catalyze health transformation with two goals:
forced to travel great distances, in some cases,
one, to improve health outcomes and secondly,
to an urban centre for the required diagnostic
to drive economic development,” he said.
imaging. Other projects include the use of machine-learning and artificial intelligence
Joseph talked about companies and researchers
to read data in order to better predict and
who find innovative ways to conduct health care
ultimately prevent chronic disease such as
that “you often hear about in news headlines
diabetes. Joseph says new technologies like
but years later when you look to see the impact
these could be used to disrupt the Canadian
[the technologies] have had on health statistics
hospitals system to be less reactive and become
you usually find those stats remain unchanged.”
more preventative.
Joseph explained that often innovation stays in the discovery phase due to difficulties
The concept of disrupting the system with
in obtaining Health Canada approvals and
new technology isn’t new. It has revolutionized
sometimes the technology is developed by
several industries: the transportation industry
companies outside of Canada only to have
now has Uber, Lyft and other rider-share
those companies sell the technology back
services, cable television is being replaced with
into the Canadian healthcare system. Joseph
streaming services like Netflix and Amazon,
thinks Canada can do better for healthcare
even banking allows for texting funds and
and the economy and so Health City was born.
depositing cheques with an app. New health
It is a company that links new solutions to old
technology development is a multi-billion dollar
problems to change the way healthcare is
a year industry but Canada is not a big player.
delivered while keeping Canadian innovation in
Health City plans to change that.
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July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
Joe Vianna and Dave Manna
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July 2020
Bello Bianco! A gorgeous Italian restaurant in the heart of Edmonton run by childhood buddies with deep roots in the city’s hospitality industry WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
A fresh breeze flows in through the open, restaurant-wide glass and steel patio doors as the sound of Frank Sinatra’s “My Kind of Town” floats through the sunshine-filled air. People are being seated beneath large umbrellas on the raised patio and at thick Italian-marble-topped tables in the dining room. It’s just before lunch hour when Joe Vianna, co-owner of Bianco, takes a seat to talk about Bianco’s decor and atmosphere, the extensive wine and amari list, and about the business partnership with his childhood friend, Dave Manna. The pair have known each other for a long time. Vianna and Manna were about 12 years old when they met in grade six and have been friends since. They have worked in the hospitality industry in Edmonton for 25 years and are the powerhouses behind several successful restaurants including Rosso and Sicilain Pasta Kitchen on Jasper Avenue. Bianco opened in 2019 and is located on Rice Howard Way in the heart of downtown Edmonton. They serve lunch and dinner and will soon re-open for cappuccino and fresh baked goods for morning coffee lovers and downtown office workers.
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www.modernluxuria.com
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July 2020
The decor at Bianco is a combination of industrial and hardware, classic Italian, with shots of delicate features and artistic lighting. Vianna pointed up to an antique chandelier hanging near the coffee bar. The gigantic beaded chandelier came from a burned down hotel in Victoria and had to be taken apart with each piece cleaned of soot before being put back together and then rewired. Vianna showed off the repurposed antique movie theatre poster frames that now hold modern art, old barn wood turned into thick wooden table tops, and even small brass coat - 43 -
www.modernluxuria.com
hangers and antique wine stands and vases. “I’d like to take credit for all this stuff but no, it’s all Dave,” he laughs and says his business partner is a treasure hunter of sorts. Mixed in with the old is the sharp-edged marble counters, table tops and walls. That marble was brought to Edmonton for the restaurant from a quarry in Italy. Bianco was nominated for a city of Edmonton design award last year. It is no surprise, Bianco is a beautiful restaurant. www.biancoeats.com - 44 -
July 2020
The menu consists of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist and more than 30 varieties of prosecco and sparkling wines. The amari selection is just as vast with 30 different kinds to choose from. “Most places only serve one or two different options,� admitted Vianna.
Half Roast Chicken Marinated and roasted half of local, organic chicken and roasted potato atop our peperonata sauce.
Filetto di Manzo Grilled, organic, local beef tenderloin on top of homemade, toasted bread with sides of herb and truffle infused butter. Served with rosemary sweet potato mash and a side of seasonal vegetables.
Pollo e Avocado Local, organic chicken, avocado, smoked mozzarella, and roasted garlic, topped with fresh organic arugula, chopped tomatoes, chili flakes and parmigiano Reggiano. FOOD PHOTOS SUPPLIED
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www.modernluxuria.com
Cocktail Delivery in YEG Where there is a will there’s a way. A local restaurant's innovative approach to maintaining relationships during lockdown creates a new service
Ordering food for delivery has been around for a really long time but ordering specialty cocktails for delivery was unheard of, until now. “It’s another way to create a cool product for cool people,” explained Andrew Borley, co-owner of Bar Clementine. The intimate bar in the Oliver area of downtown Edmonton opened three years ago by a team headed by Borley who took a few minutes to speak with Modern Luxuria Magazine about its newest service. Bar Clementine is an elegant and intimate space. It was created with the idea that the customers and the bartenders be in close proximity to build easy relationships, but those relationships were put into jeopardy when the bar closed its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Borley said they, like so many other businesses, had to rethink their business model. After a couple of rounds with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), they decided to use in-house bartenders to deliver cocktails to their customers at home. “There was a personal connection when [customers] saw [the bartenders] at their front doors. Partly because they were so cooped up in quarantine, they were really excited to see a familiar face,” mused Borley. The delivery of the cocktails was such a hit that Bar Clementine decided to continue with the service. “Maybe people want to do a unique dinner party at home. They can order some of our cocktails and food. It’s just another great way to connect with our customers.”
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July 2020
WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
When ordering Bar Clementine cocktails for delivery, customers can expect to receive a mini bottle of the spirits as well as a sealed bottle containing all the other ingredients of the cocktail. You add them together, shake it up, and serve it on ice. “People get to feel like bartenders!” smiled Borley. To order Bar Clementine cocktails or food for delivery check out their website at www.barclementine.ca. ▶ - 47 -
www.modernluxuria.com
Whiskey Smash Bourbon, Raspberry, Lemon, Mint, Demerara
Sazerac Cognac, American Rye, Demerara, Peychauds, Absinthe
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WWW.LUXURYEDMONTON.COM
780.919.8180
Well-Rounded Sophistication 9231 STRATHEARN DRIVE NW, EDMONTON Curves juxtaposed by all the right angles to enjoy sweeping views of Edmonton’s skyline & river valley. Welcome to this custom-built masterpiece handcrafted by Birkholz Homes in desirable Strathearn. A level of sophisticated luxury for only the most discerning of purchasers. Listed by Robby Halabi, Luxury Home Specialist at Rimrock Real Estate in Edmonton 780.919.8180
PROUDLY SERVING
EDMONTON
ST. ALBERT
STURGEON COUNTY
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STRATHCONA COUNTY
Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Not intended to solicit properties under contract with another broker. Featured agents are licensed REALTOR(S)® in the province of Alberta with Rimrock Real Estate Inc.
SHERWOOD PARK
www.modernluxuria.com
An Historic Edmonton Building Gets a New Lease on Life We take a sneak peek inside a 68 year-old synagogue turned family home in downtown Edmonton
Built in 1952, this stunning home was once a place of worship and continues to be aweinspiring to this day for perhaps less religious reasons. The original Synagogue has undergone significant renovations since the owners purchased it in 1999. At that time they had the building completely gutted and with only the outer walls left standing, they started to rebuild and redesign. Located in the Oliver area of downtown Edmonton, the home features 17,000 square feet of living space. From the rooftop patio to the downstairs gymnasium, hot tub and five car underground garage, this home is an absolute stunner with artwork and sculptures by local artist and photographer, Tatyana Semenova.
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July 2020
WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
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www.modernluxuria.com
The front door opens to a beautiful entrance hall with a grand staircase leading up to the family living space that wraps around the outer walls of the upper portion of the house. Other features of the house include a sideyard fire-pit, a music system that pumps music throughout the house and a sports and games room complete with a pool table and three televisions.
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July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
The kitchen has all stainless steel appliances, countertops and three islands sandwiched between 25 foot ceilings and hardwood floors and is accented by one of two wood-burning fireplaces. The main floor was built to be a space for entertaining with a large dining area and event space complete with a stage and light grid.
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July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
Measure Twice, Cut Once: Oliver Apt. expands its areas of expertise In addition to building timeless furniture, the independent design studio and workshop is also building an impressive client list of local businesses WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN
You might not expect to find a carpentry
creative director and the two hit it off.
shop in downtown Edmonton but there
Their paths crossed a number of times
most certainly is one and it’s not just
on several small projects, most notably,
any carpentry shop, it’s a unique design
when Provins was hired to design the
studio and workshop that partners with
brand and interior for Pip and Schedler
business and residential clients. Oliver
and the Oliver Apartment team worked
Apartment has been building and
on all the tables and millwork. That’s
finishing since 2011 but it wasn’t until
when Schedler connected the dots
two years ago that the company decided
and prompted Provins to join him
to break into design. That’s when Chris
at Oliver Apartment. The addition of
Provins joined Founder Landon Schedler
Provins means Oliver Apartment is
as Creative Director for Oliver Apartment.
able to broaden its service offerings
Together the business partners and their
from carpentry and millwork to design,
team design and build the plans for brick
carpentry and millwork. This means the
and mortar locations of businesses in
designer works in close proximity to
Edmonton. Schedler and Provins met six
the craftspeople who will be executing
years ago when Schedler was hired by
the project vision. “There are huge
Lift Interactive to widen some boardroom
efficiencies there for not only us but for
tables. Provins was working there as
the client as well,” said Provins.
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July 2020
Chris Provins and Landon Schedler PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER GATT
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www.modernluxuria.com
1
2
3
4 1. Cloverdale Side Table 2. Bonnie Dining Table Detail 3. Doon ining Table 4. Sideboard 5. High Level Side Table. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER GATT
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5
PHOTO SUPPLIED
July 2020
Oliver Apartment builds and installs custom furniture. It also designed and continues to add to - its own line of furniture that pulls inspiration from mid-century modern design. “We want our furniture to be timeless,” explained Schedler. Tables and chairs, benches, shelving units, serving boards and clocks are just some of the items the company creates. It’s most popular pieces include the Central dining table and the High Level side tables.
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www.modernluxuria.com
In addition to building timeless furniture, the
Apartment. Together the business partners
design studio and workshop is also building an
and their team design and build the plans for
impressive client list of local businesses. In fact,
brick and mortar locations of businesses in
you’ve likely seen their work when out on the
Edmonton. Their most recent design and build
town. The Oliver Apartment team has worked
project was for Made by Marcus on Whyte Ave.
with designers on projects for Duchess Bakery,
Oliver Apartment crafted the vision and interior
The Bower, Bar Bricco, Woodwork, Cavern,
design of Made by Marcus’s first location in
Meat, Pip, Weekly, and Gravity Pope, among
Edmonton and built the custom furniture
others. Oliver Apartment has been building
for the ice cream shop, the product design,
and finishing since 2011 but it wasn’t until two
the menu displays, all the signage, all the
years ago that the company decided to break
graphics, even the custom bathroom wallpaper.
into design. That’s when Chris Provins joined
“Basically everything visual in that space, we
Landon Schedler as Creative Director for Oliver
took care of,” said Provins.
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED
July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
Keep an eye on the Modern Luxuria social media and website for updates on Oliver Apartment. The design studio is undergoing a brand renovation and we’ll be sure to share information about the new changes as they are launched. www.oliverapt.com
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PHOTOS SUPPLIED
July 2020
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www.modernluxuria.com
Four Tips for Choosing the Right Lighting How to find the right fixtures and light for your space WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERRY THOMAS
It’s one of the only things in your home that will
Knowing how you want to feel in each room can
motivate you or relax you. That’s how the founder
help you to choose the right fixtures.
of Edmonton’s Vivid Concepts Lighting + Design describes lighting. In terms of importance in
Don’t buy based on price.
design, Nick-Cole Fleshman says that lighting
“It’s counterproductive because you will find
should be number one. “It’s really like jewellery.
fixtures that don’t work the way you want them
You get dressed and you look really good but
to. Most of the time you won’t find what should
without the jewellery to compliment it, the
be put in the space. You can fail in scale and
outfit is not finished.”
you can fail in finding the right fixture for the required function.” For example, what you find
Vivid Concepts Lighting + Design specializes
might not give enough light.
in medium to high-end lighting collections. It is a design-driven business whose customers
Make an appointment with a professional
are focused on lighting as a special feature in
lighting designer. “Come in and sit down with
commercial or residential projects.They collaborate
us so that we can pull together a collection of
with architects, designers, engineers, and builders.
pieces that will be unique to each space.” A professional lighting designer at Vivid Concepts
Fleshman has four lighting tips for people
+ Design can help to pull all the elements
to keep in mind when embarking on
together to find the perfect lighting and fixtures.
design projects: Fleshman says lighting is very fashionable. There Find photos of rooms you like. Having visuals will
are new collections every year and her team
help to understand the way you want your space
goes to major shows in Europe that represent all
to feel. Then you can find the right fixture that will
the latest in lighting fashion. “We can curate with
work the way you want it to.
a designer a really fine collection of fixtures all from different manufacturers from all over the
Understand how you want to feel in each room.
world. The end result is a collaboration of fixtures
“Lighting is all about a feeling. It affects your mood.
that are unique in each space and room. They’re
It creates romance. It creates a feeling so that you
there together but they are not the same and
can cook or clean or relax,” explains Fleshman.
that is what makes our projects quite unique.” ▶
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July 2020
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH HERTZMAN
www.modernluxuria.com
Anony Highwire Chandelier Highwire is a gravitational balancing act created by tension between two points and a weighted centre. These elegant, individually-weighted disks balance on custom made taut electrical cables thatare produced with a matte finish. This allows the cables to lightly trace shapes in three-dimensional space, creating a flexibility to frame any room setting or furniture arrangement. These modular shapes are further accentuated by a diffused light whichemanates from both sides of each disk—illuminating the surrounding area as well as the fixture. Up to five luminares can be added to a single power drop. - 66 -
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH HERTZMAN
July 2020
Anony Phase Chandelier Inspired by the exquisite balancing act found in hanging kinetic mobiles. Phase light is an interpretation of a circle in three forms: a sphere, a disc, and a melted semi-circle. This vertical fixture is built from the bottom up to stay balanced. Every component of each tier ishand finished and weighted precisely before being attached to the arm. Each tier acts as apredictably weighted foundation for the tier above, where the process repeats. Phase conceals its wires inside the arms while maintaining perfect parallel line structures. Rather than relying on adjustable parts—which shift over time and alter the geometry of the fixture— Phase achieves a fixed equilibrium with weight and steel piping. - 67 -
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN MCCOY
www.modernluxuria.com
Anony Ohm Pendant Chandelier Ohm takes an innovative approach to the conventional sphere. Its orbiting shade allows a customizable variety of lighting directions which invites curiosity and interaction. Suspended in space by a slim cord, each opal glass orb casts a warm ambient glow. The Ohm’s modular quality makes its application versatile, and it works beautifully displayed as a singular pendant or as a clustered arrangement. www.vividconcepts.ca
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Loewen crafts luxurious windows and doors that are the statement pieces of custom residential architecture. Looking for one window or a whole house we have a solution.
Loewen Window Centre
4552 - 99 Street Edmonton, AB 780.452.3753
www.rsvpdesign.ca
