Parlour Issue 2 Vol 3 by Parlour Magazine

ISSUE 2 | VOLUME 3 | 2010

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ON THE COVER ISSUE 2 | VOLUME 3 | 2010 Model • Kim McCullough Photographer • Wilkosz + Way Stylist • Lindsay Sutton Hair Stylist • Phillip Elliott Make up artist • Alicja Wilkosz Top • Stella McCartney from Holt Renfrew

PARLOUR LIFE 12 A Craving for Chocolate Couture Chocolateur Jacqueline Jacek fashions edible art 14 Homegrown & World Class Calgary’s Rouge restaurant tops the list

PARLOUR MUSIC 16 Two Thousand and Ben Musician Ben Stevenson knows what he wants 18 Play a Show!!!! From the loins of our fine river city, Shout Out Out Out Out finds a balance

PARLOUR STYLE 22 Summer Love Letter Through words, photography, and now film, Parlour has a summer romance

Lo and Behold Summer fashion on cloud nine

32 Beauty from the North Audrey Hepburn meets Lady Gaga 34 Beauty from the South Grace Kelly for daytime, nighttime, or anytime 36 The Unsuspecting Muse From Sydney, to New York, to Paris, designer Samantha Wills expects the unexpected

PARLOUR TRAVEL 38 BYOB and the Big Australian… Writer Caroline Gault faces her shark phobia—and gets punched

PARLOUR STORIES 40 Achieving Greatness Rameen Peyrow shares his path to tranquility

PARLOUR FAVOURITES 42 PARLOUR’S PRIZED POSSESSIONS Favourites to add to your collection

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Oh summer, how I love you... sangria on patios, steaks on BBQs, and those oh-so-cute summer dresses. But not this summer, not so much for me, because… I have news. I am pregnant. So no sangria for me, I can’t even stand the smell of meat on a bbq, and those cute dresses just don’t fit at the moment. Besides all the obvious summer changes, my pregnancy has made me stop and think about what really matters. You’ve probably heard this from your grandparents (or some important person in your life) at some point or another, but what they said is true: it is the people who have affected your life that matter the most. A brief interlude with someone can spark something in you that forever changes your outlook on life, or a family member who has loved and believed in you for your whole existence can build your inner strength forever. These are the things that I hold on to: the relationships that have helped define who I am. The best experiences with Parlour have always been about the people— from everyone who puts their heart and soul into it, to the incredible people we feature on our pages. Parlour is truly a labour of love for everyone who makes this wonderful magazine happen. In my eyes, everyone involved is a superstar. We get to dream big and work hard together to make it happen... best job ever. The people we feature in Parlour sometimes find us, but mostly we find them. When we see or hear of people doing amazing things, we have to tell the world about it. In this issue, we feature Edmonton darling Shout Outs. After spending an evening with them in Elk Island Park, daring Gravy to pose next to a bison, and sitting on a floating dock talking about why they do what they do, and the things they love about our city, I considered myself lucky to be part of that moment. I am so pleased to share it with you too.

EDITOR’S LETTER PHOTO • Eric Duffy

In this issue, we also feature another local musician, Ben Stevenson. It was last summer when our intern, Jenny, invited a couple of us to listen to her boyfriend play at Leva café. Upon meeting Ben, I thought: wow, here is this young man looking like Cary Grant, complete old-school dapper style, and wow— great socks! And then he began to play, as we drank red wine and listened to his acoustic soul session, I became entirely enchanted by this man. Six months later, our new writer Ben Sir, pitched an idea about doing a piece on Ben Stevenson— it was total kismet. So I sit here, proud, knowing that I can one day share all these people and their stories with my child. I know that he or she will gain from these stories and grow into a loving and happy man or women who follows his or her heart. And, one day, when my child has children, I’ll be that grandparent telling everyone that it’s the people in our lives that matter the most. And by then I’ll be back on the sangria and wearing my favourite vintage summer dresses. • Shelly Solarz

10180-101 St. Manulife Place (street access 102 St) | 780 479 8408

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Shelly Solarz shelly@parlourlife.com Assistant to Publisher Kirsta Franke Â kirsta@parlourlife.com Art Director Pete Nguyen pete@parlourlife.com Copy Editor Andrea Dorrans andrea@parlourlife.com Associate Editor Caroline Gault caroline@parlourlife.com Photo Editor Clayton Didier clayton@parlourlife.com

Writers Caroline Gault, Kirsta Franke, Mary-Ann Flood, Ben Sir, Rameen Peyrow,Â Daniela Codreanu

Photographers Wilkosz & Way, Codie McLachlan, Michael Morroson, Clayton Didier, Eric Duffy, Laura Margaret Ramsey

Contributers Sandy Karpetz, Georgia Venner, Jillian Jerat

Interns Erin Walker,Â Taylor Vanderhelm

Assistant Photo Editor William Dean-Stobie Fashion Editor Carl Abad carl@parlourlife.com Videographer Logan Mackay

Advertising inquires advertising@parlourlife.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from publisher. The views expressed in Parlour Magazine are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Printed in Canada www.parlourlife.com

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WE LOVE 01 Photographers/ Wilkosz & Way Marta and Jeff, also known as the dynamic duo, Wilkosz & Way, have a stealth ability to bring a playful sensuality to reality through the eye of their lens. Their photographs radiate elegance, and continually intrigue and dazzle us at Parlour. wilkoszandway.com

PHOTO • Reynard Li

in no particular order:

02 Model/Kim Mccullough This is the second time Kim has graced the pages of Parlour. The first time, we dragged this charming woman around the dusty back trails of rural Alberta at four in the morning. She wowed us with her modest girl next-door attitude and killer super-model look. Kim has appeared on the pages of Teen Vogue and Flare and walked for designers such as Jil Sander, Pringle of Scotland, Gianfranco Ferre, Marios Schwab, and Tuleh. We are thrilled to feature Kim as our summer cover girl.

03 Makeup Artist/Alicja Wilkosz Alicja is drop dead gorgeous— seriously, she is so beautiful it hurts. But beyond her exterior, it is her down-to-earth, joyous nature that brings light to every set. Her sparkle is inspiring, and it translates to everything she does. This girl pays attention to every little detail when creating a look. We truly adore this artist inside and out. alicjawilkosz.blogspot.com

04 Hair/Phillip Elliot The fastest hair stylist in the west! Picture blazing combs, flying bobby pins, a whirl of locks, and a dash of hairspray— presto! Phillip’s creative mind is able to quickly assess each set and translate his thoughts from regular locks to fantastic hair. Go and see this incredible stylist at Chrome Salon in Calgary.

05 Jewellery/John James Erin Ignacio is an amazing jewelry designer known for her strong and strikingly beautiful designs. She incorporates a variety of natural materials inspired by the naturalist, John James Audubon. Erin creates pieces that stand as symbols of femininity in its purest form. She is a passionate, complex artist who combines her knowledge of design, fashion, and nature to defy the norm. We are impressed. theaudubon.blogspot.com

TEXT • Mary-Ann Flood PHOTO • Codie McLachlan Stylist • Jill Jerat Dress from Nokomis

a craving for Chocolate Couture

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The high-gloss finishes and immaculate shapes of JACEK Chocolate Couture are so mesmerizing; I forget that I’m looking at chocolate. I feel as though I’m observing an art collection. Chocolateur, Jacqueline Jacek, explains, “I have always loved design, always loved drawing, always been artsy.” A combination of her two greatest passions— fashion and fine food, JACEK Chocolate Couture is what Jacqueline describes as a “unique boutique” chocolate collection. In Jacqueline’s home/studio in Sherwood Park, we chat over French milk chocolate fondue. She tells me that it was in New Zealand, where she was raised, that this chocolateur gained her “appreciation for really great, fresh food.” When I ask her about the connection between dessert and design, she elaborates, “just like couture, the ingredients that go into [JACEK chocolates] are more expensive and they are all handmade, [as] opposed to manmade.” Instead of wearable fashion, Jacqueline en-

courages chocolate lovers to indulge in edible art. She continues, “there is really two parts to my chocolate; there is the design aspect, and there is also the quality of the chocolate piece. I only use fresh ingredients.” Compared to the mass-produced chocolates you might find at the grocery store that seem to last years, Jacek chocolates have a short shelf life of three weeks. This brief shelving period means that Jacqueline must schedule her chocolate production to meet the demands of weddings, events, and release dates of new lines. Each chocolate is a sculpted work of art; even looking at photos makes my mouth water. Vibrantly coloured, high-gloss chocolate enrobes mouth-watering centres of creamy, decadent flavour. The Velvet Milk Chocolate Mousse infused with cardamom is heaven, the Lemon Cheesecake is pure perfection— and, as if it were possible, they are almost too beautiful to eat. With fashion, designers are often asked who they design for; I had to wonder, does Jac-

queline design her chocolates for herself or others? Jacqueline tells me that it is a combination of what she loves and what her customers crave. For instance, the Spring collection all shared a dessert theme, for Valentines Day, she chose a dark, rich theme, and the Christmas collection was based on Jacqueline’s personal favourites. In our wardrobes, we covet certain essential, timeless pieces, such as the little black dress, and similarly, JACEK Chocolates offer staple pieces such as a plain dark chocolate that you can accessorize. A classic flavour, such as cookies & cream, can be dressed up with a Valrhora 64% dark; resulting in a contemporary fusion termed Golden Cookies & Cream Pyramid. After tasting the Lime Infused Sherbet, I realize that the chocolates are a direct reflection of this chocolatier’s own sweet demeanour. In fact, the chocolate was so delectable that by the time the Tiffany-blue box filtered its way through the Parlour staff to my desk, I was left with one chocolate and five empty wrappers. Now that is the true mark of an irresistible product. •

TEXT • Daniela Codreanu PHOTO • Michael Morroson

Homegrown World Class

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n World Class

It seems the finest restaurants are often kept secret. Calgary’s own Rouge restaurant is one of these jewels; however, the secret is now out. Rouge was recently awarded the highest honour in the restaurant industry: a place on San Pellegrino’s coveted World’s Best 100 Restaurants list. Pellegrino’s list compiles the best restaurants from around the world based on votes by a panel of 800 individuals from various regions. Each judge chooses five restaurants and places them in order of preference, following stringent specifications when making their votes. Apparently, several members of the panel dined at Rouge and put in a good word without the restaurant’s knowledge. Paul Rogalski, Chef and co-owner; Olivier Reynaud, co-owner; and Michael Dekker, Executive Chef, when first receiving the letter of acceptance, thought it was a joke. “When we found out we actually didn’t believe it was true. We thought somebody was playing a gig or gag on us.” It only became a reality when Rogalski attended a private reception in London, England, where he rubbed noses with the world’s most renowned chefs. However, back at home, the reality of their international fame still feels like a dream, “We pinch each other and ourselves a whole bunch, and we’re still dealing with the reality of such a huge accolade.” The only other Canadian restaurant on the list is Langdon Hall, a hotel and spa in Ontario (#77). Noma in Denmark is #1. One sip of Executive Chef Michael Dekker’s wild mushroom ‘cappuccino’ with truffle foam, and I understand why Rouge made the list. The rich broth bursts with flavour, lingers on the palette for a moment, then finishes cleanly with no reminisce of salt. Rogalski explains what goes on in the kitchen. “We value the dynamics of food and celebrate our ingredients. A ton of thought goes into everything and we hold ourselves to our philosophical guidelines.” Collaborating with Albertan farmers, Rouge is committed to the ultimate Calgarian food experience. Proteins such as elk and lamb, local vegetables such as beets and carrots, and handmade cheeses are purchased from neighbouring farmers. Rogalski explains that bringing all these components together results in a distinct Calgary taste. “We definitely have a flavour in this area… And I love that!” International recognition aside, Rogalski believes Calgary’s culinary culture is top notch. “I think part of our success has to do with other [Calgarian] restaurant’s success as well, and not because we are competing with them, it’s because Calgary has something very, very special that I haven’t heard

[of] anywhere else... I work with other chefs and we have a conscious collective effort of bringing Calgary to the next level.” Just as Rogalski is an integral part of Calgary’s culinary community, Rouge restaurant is an integral part of Calgary’s history. The building itself is the oldest wooden structure in the city. Originally a residence, it was built in 1891 by businessman, A.E. Cross, one of the Big Four who helped Guy Weadick begin the Calgary Stampede. Every room of this historic home has its own personality. Four main areas stand out: The Chef’s Room, The Parlour, The Patio, and The Gallery. The Chef’s Room is conveniently located beside the bar. There are two square tables present: one by a window displaying vivacious green shrubbery outside, and the other in a corner close to white French doors leading to The Parlour. The Parlour is of particular interest to us as it is filled with stories. Rogalski tells us, “This room is where it’s thought that the Calgary Stampede was conceived, over Cuban cigars and whiskey. I like that story. It’s conducive to us selling booze. Just part of the good karma.” Because of this association between business and success, The Parlour is in high demand for superstitious entrepreneurs. The Patio is lush. Rouge’s garden is abundant with lettuce, spinach, 25 types of herbs and much more. Raspberries, Saskatoon berries, and four types of apples flourish behind the house, just off the Bow River. The grounds are spectacular, particularly over a glass of pinot in the late afternoon light. The largest dining area in Rouge is The Gallery located up a narrow staircase. Original slat cut red oak flooring houses a couple of square wooden tables, which nestle against a large window that overlooks 9th Avenue in Inglewood. At night you can see the flashing lights of another historic site: the Garry Theatre. Like most homes of this era, the rooms in Rouge are small, lending an intimate atmosphere to the dining experience. Unlike modern restaurant layouts, which are generally large and open, Rouge has a different feel. Rogalski comments, “We are really conducive to private dining or intimate dining. We hope that everyone comes for dinner with somebody that they’re looking to spend time with and enjoy their conversation, ‘cause you’ll be forced to do that here, forced to enjoy your company.” Visiting Rouge is something every Calgarian and tourist should indulge in. Whether for the cuisine, the ambience, or the conversation, Rouge restaurant is a jewel— homegrown and world class. •

TWO THOUSAND AND I’m not sure if I should feel uncomfortable. This isn’t the first serenade from Ben Stevenson that I’ve been present for, but this time I am the lone recipient. And he’s staring deep into my eyes. It was the summer of 2007, Canada Day. He crooned ‘Chain Gang’ by Sam Cooke as the riverboat lurched from the dock, though I suspect it was more for his nearby girlfriend than my attentive ears. The large stateroom windows offered glimpses of the passing North Saskatchewan, illuminated by lights hanging from the Edmonton Queen’s antiquated exterior. We waited for midnight, when Our Mercury, would take to the deck, and provide the soundtrack to the Canada Day fireworks that exploded overhead. But this serenade is mine alone. The song is ‘Misty Blue’ by Dorothy Moore, I’m unfamiliar with the tune, but Ben has seized this opportunity, in a sparsely populated coffee shop, to educate me with its melody. Afterward, I sit with him at an impressively steady table, discussing his endeavours that followed the riverboat summer of 2007, which saw the end of Our Mercury’s 12-year history. You see, band life is like a marriage— polygamous marriage. Everyone involved has a common goal of happiness and success, but spouses often find that contentment at different levels. This glaring contrast results in a frightening divorce rate. Ben is quick to assure me that there are no hard feelings, but the differing motivations of band members didn’t allow Our Mercury to push over the cusp of success that they teetered on. Ben knew what he wanted, but as frustration became paramount, it was clear he wouldn’t attain it with Our Mercury. Following the band’s dissolution, Ben traded sides of the country. Toronto replaced Edmonton as the backdrop. He grew acquainted with an unfamiliar state of musical inactivity, and began referring to Our Mercury in the past tense. While Our Mercury wasn’t one of my favourite Edmonton bands, the absence of their reggae, soul fusion left a crater in both Edmonton’s music scene, and my nightlife. A year later, a familiar voice accompanied by a lone acoustic guitar surfaced on the internet. Soon after, a video of Ben in a closed bathroom, singing along to his steady acoustic provided visual confirmation. He still knew what he wanted, and he was ready to chase it again. If bands are a marriage, then Ben’s new project is a musical escort service. The Wondertones are hired guns, assisting the achievement of Ben’s goals, and they come at a price.

Economics are a rare accelerant for authenticity, but they provided the required atmosphere for Ben’s vision. With money he raised privately, he hired a group of musicians who all made the same decision as him– to make music their life. This transparent approach to money and security (two frequent epitaphs on the tombstones of bands) offered a relaxed atmosphere in which these professionals could do their job– create quality music. Ben’s financial approach doesn’t contradict the passion in his music. Producer Charlie Chalmers, a fixture of American Soul, whose résumé includes collaborations with Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, chose to work with Ben because he believed in what he heard. That’s why Ben sang ‘Misty Blue’ in the coffee shop. He explained to Charlie that he wanted his songs to sound like that, Charlie agreed, after all, he informed Ben, he produced that track. The Wondertones also collaborate. Ben’s Drummer, Maxwell Roach; vital organist, Michael Shand; and guitarist, Michael Rault all flew to Edmonton to present some songs to Ben’s hometown crowd. While Our Mercury alumnus, Joseph Lubinsky Mast, flew to Toronto and contributed both the bass, and the name of the band for the record– in what Stevenson calls a ‘flash of brilliance,’ Joseph contended the recording had finished for Ben Stevenson and The Wondertones. While Ben’s new arrangement has yielded exciting results, it has had complications. The record must be remixed. Ben intended to drive to Memphis for mastering, but the veteran Charlie Chalmers assured him those weren’t the mixes to take to Tennessee. Once post-production finishes on the record titled ‘That Kind of Feeling,’ the album will see release in late spring or early summer. To satisfy eager ears, a two-track, vinyl seven-inch is coming out at the end of February. I talk about Ben’s upcoming New Years Eve show at the Black Dog, a bar haunted by some legendary Our Mercury shows. I ask about the new ghosts that he and his Wondertones will offer, but he seems half-attentive. He eyes a plate of crepes on another patrons table, hurling an immediate inquiry to the passing server. Ben Stevenson knows what he wants. •

BEN

TEXT • Ben Sir PHOTO • Clayton Didier Shot on location at Dwell

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TEXT • Kirsta Franke PHOTO • Eric Duffy

After half a case of beer on a rainy Wednesday at Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elk Island Park and a thorough debate over whether or not to approach the roaming bison, a few of us at Parlour and Edmontonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shout Out Out Out Out head to the water, ascending onto an unstable floating dock.

It was the second time the boys had all been together since their spring tour, and they were giddy like brothers reunited, joking and laughing uncontrollably at things I know nothing about. They are a family who, in just six short years, have come to know one another inside and out.

20 PARLOUR

Emerging from the loins of our fine river city, Lyle Bell, Clint Fraser, Gravy, Nik Kozub, Jason Troock, and Will Zimmerman know a thing or two about how to make the most out of our long winter months. “That’s the thing about Edmonton that is energizing,” Troock tells us, “you know how to make your own fun.” In a city known for its musical talent migrating elsewhere, Shout Out has decided to stay a major cornerstone of Edmonton’s arts and culture scene. “It’s a remarkably supportive community,” Kozub elaborates. “Bands go and see each other’s bands and it’s nothing to be taken for granted. It’s not like this everywhere, we have to work to have something that we like in Edmonton.” In fact, the title of their second full-length album, Reintegration Time (2009), is an ode to their hometown. “Reintegration time is coming home and getting back into normal life after relating [to] these odd worlds... and trying to bring them together at home, while finding that balance.” Despite Shout Out’s hometown appeal, they have established a respectable reputation worldwide for

their fearless approach to rhythmic collaboration. The four bassists, two drummers, two vocalists, and mountain of retro synthesizers recently made their international debut in the U.K. (48 hours prior to our conversation). And although they have preformed in clubs packed full of fans across North America and Europe, Gravy still believes there is no other feeling like playing for an audience where the band was conceived. “Edmonton audiences are the best we have ever played for.” “Our live show is like an old truck barrelling down a hill... you don’t know if it’s going to make it,” Zimmerman enthuses. “It’s exciting to watch but a little crazy and at the end when it makes it, it’s triumphant and everyone wants to cheer!” For a large collaborative band with complex melodies, translating Shout Out’s albums to the stage seems virtually impossible. Sometimes crowd’s expectation to bare witness to a perfectly preformed track - where every synth, drumbeat, and bass line delicately sync - is intimidating. “There are moments on stage when I’m like: holy shit, are we going to make it out

of this?” Gravy admits. But the band creates unique, outstanding electronic dance celebrations each time they perform. “I like the idea of the audience and the band all being part of one big party,” Troock laughs. The band agrees that their live shows are important, but they stress that what they do on stage is just an extension of how they meticulously produce and mix all tracks in the studio. “The audience always enjoys the live aspect,” Kozub tells us, “But I’m always thinking how we can do it in a way that represents the record more.” All Shout Out members have other priorities, like day jobs and side projects, but the passion and dedication they put toward making music remains uncompromised. Although they admit that the amount of work that goes into keeping the band alive can be exhausting, they continue to awe and inspire with their brilliant dance opus. To all members, Shout Out is not a job; it is the part of their lives they enjoy the most. Gravy elaborates, “if any [one] of us [is] gone, there is no more band, it’s all or none, we’re the six musketeers.” •

We s l e p t l a z y, h a z y, m i d - a f t e r n o o n , Af te r bike r ides and ba ske ts, An d s u n n y s a l t k i s s e s , A ladybug soft on your skin. read the f ull ve rsion of Summe r Love Lette r and v ie w the shor t f ilm by Logan Mackay on parlourlife.com

l to r Model: Monica Jalali f rom Mode Model s Hair : Je re me Bokltch f rom Hed Kandi M a k e u p : Ag a B o n a w w w. a g a m a k e u p . c o m L i n g e r i e f r o m S H E A p p a r e l In c . l o c a t e d i n C a l g a r y Model: Ste ph Del Alba f rom Mode Model s Model: Kim Barbour f rom Mode Model s H a i r : Wi l l i a m H a l a b i f r o m B e a u t y L o u n g e Make up: Kel c i e Embe r Mc iv or f rom B eaut y Junki e Linger ie f rom Sw i sh located in E dmonton Photo: Clay ton Didier

Vi d e o : L o g a n M a c k a y

Po e m : C a r o l i n e G a u l t

Models /

Photographer / Laura Margaret Ramsey S t y l i s t / M i r a n d a Wa t s o n Makeup / Olga Onulov Hair / Pure Formw Salon & Studio Caitlin Thomas & Jenna Jackson from Mode Models

left Silk Romper - Coco & Violet Snake Belt - Vintage Je w e l r y - w w w. m i l l i c e nt j e w e l r y. b l o g s p o t . c o m Shoes - Gravity Pope right C h e e s e c l o t h Ta n k - P u r r K e n s i n g t o n Harem Pants - Leo Hat - Primitive Agate Slice Necklace - Purr Kensington Shoes- Gravity Pope

left Pink Maxi Dress - Primitive C r o c h e t C r o p To p - Vi n t a g e Je w e l r y - w w w. m i l l i c e nt j e w e l r y. b l o g s p o t . c o m Shoes - Gravity Pope right Silk Blouse - Purr Kensington He a d C h a i n - w w w. m i l l i c e nt j e w e l r y. b l o g s p o t . c o m

left Paneled Dress - Primitive Belt & Bracelet - Vintage E a r r i n g s & Fo o t C h a i n s - w w w. m i l l i c e nt j e w e l r y. b l o g s p o t . c o m right G a u z e To p - C o c o & Vi o l e t Perfume Ball Necklace & Tu r q u o i s e H e a d C h a i n - w w w. m i l l i c e n t j e w e l r y. b l o g s p o t . c o m Shoes- Gravity Pope

PHOTO • Clayton Didier MODEL • Kim Barbour from Mode Models Hair • William Halabi from Beauty Lounge Makeup • Kelcie Ember Mcivor from Beauty Junkie

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BEAUTY from the North Makeup

Hair

Part Audrey Hepburn, part Lady Gaga— retro chic returns this season. A spin on a classic, the emphasis is on heavy brows and thick, luscious lashes. Start with ERA spray-on foundation for a flawless look. Pick a shade of browpowder darker than your natural colour, and fill in the eyebrows while arching and elongating the shape. Highlight eyelids with a natural peach shimmer, and apply black liner liberally. For eyes that are extra dramatic, apply at least three coats of mascara to lashes.

To create the perfect summer look, we let Grace Kelly inspire us. Combing classical, yet modern looks with artistic, converging textures is what this year is all about. Start with Onesta Volumizing Foam to add shine and weightless body to your mane. Then, using a fine tooth comb, backcomb the top front section of your hair to fashion a pompadour. Section off panels to construct braids and twists throughout the sides of your head and lightly shower the sections with Onesta Workable Finishing Spray, to add longevity to the hold and lasting natural shine. Finally, pin back the existing hair into a messy, yet sophisticated low bun. Complete this look with Onesta Create Liquid Setting Mist for flexible control. This style works for daytime, nighttime or anytime.

Kelcie Ember Mcivor from Beauty Junkie

Blush the apples of the cheeks, sweeping upwards at an angle, with a bright, bubblegum pink that pops. Using a white-gold powder, highlight above the brow, top of the cheekbones, down the nose, peak of the lip, and chin. Finish with a bold, matte pink on the lips. The Balm’s For Keeps watercolour lip stain is perfect for this because it gives you total control when applying. That’s it! This nouveau retro look is perfect for going from hot summer days – to hot summer nights.

William Halabi from Beauty Lounge

PHOTO • Clayton Didier MODEL • Monica Jalali from Mode Models Hair • Jereme Bokltch from Hed Kandi Makeup • Erica Pebiak from Artists Within

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BEAUTY from the South Makeup

Erica Pebiak from Artists Within Ladies, summer is finally here! And with that, visions of sunsets, citrus fruits, and of course, bellinis! So, while you’re sipping on your next tangerine vodka martini, why not “squeeze” a touch of juice on your lips. To get this look, fill the lip with an orange lip pencil. Using your lip brush, apply to entire lip with Pro Makeup’s Rouge #17. To plump up your lips, finish with a squeeze of liquid lustre in Aphrodesia. To add another twist, sweep gold on the eyes and bronzer on the cheeks— it’s a sublime combination of glow and colour. (And ladies, don’t forget to switch your foundation to a tinted moisturizer for the summer to give you that fresh dewy look.) If you’re interested in purchasing these products, or interested in lessons, please stop by Artists Within.

HAIR

Jereme Bokltch from Hed Kandi This summer is all about texture, movement, lazy curls, and messy buns. Wear your hair in a style that best suits you and your lifestyle, and keep it healthy and manageable. Get big and messy. Pull your wavy tresses into a bun or twist your locks with some pins and spend the evening looking gorgeous. This season hair looks luscious, lazy and never overdone. Try styling cream from Bumble & Bumble to give your hair extra volume and Spray De Mode to finish off this super sexy, effortless look.

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TEXT • Caroline Gault

An Unsuspecting Muse Hot and flustered after travelling through Sydney’s chaotic downtown traffic with an angry, foul-mouthed cab driver, I’ve finally made it to the Samantha Wills head office. It’s a breezy, open space with wooden stairs and clean, white interiors nestled in the innercity suburb of Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia. As her assistant leads me up to the second floor, 28 year-old ex-model and jewellery-designing powerhouse Samantha Wills floats into the room with a dazzling smile, tanned skin, and exquisite celebrity hair— you know, that extra-long, perfectly wavy, sun-kissed hair. Not only can this entrepreneur brag about catching a glimpse of Anna Wintour during a business meeting at Vogue’s New York office in late 2009, but she’s also set to watch the girls of Sex and the City 2 flaunt her jewels on the big screen all summer long. As she hands me a cold glass of water, I’m slapped with a revelation: I am way out of my league. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt a little bit silly since encountering the Samantha Wills (S.W.) line, despite Samantha’s down-to-earth demeanour. Unbeknownst to this Canadian girl until a visit to Sydney Fashion Weekend Summer last November, the Australian-born accessories have been around since 2001, when at just 21 years of age, Samantha was rising well before dawn every Sunday morning to sell her handmade, homemade jewellery at the Bondi Beach markets. “It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a lot of fun at the time,” she says of her early days. “A lot of people who are still on the S.W. journey with us say they bought their first piece at Bondi markets, so it’s really humbling that people have followed us since then. It [was] definitely the launch pad for the brand.” In 2004, a spot on a showroom wall at Australia Fashion Week had Samantha walking away with an unexpected $17,000– an undeniable induction into the categorical elite. After countless long, hard working hours, and pulling together an inspired team of 10

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in-house staff over the last six years, she can boast a remarkable resumé of celebrity fans. International superstars in their own right, fashion lovers such as Nicky Hilton, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Pink, Eva Mendez, Blake Lively, Rihanna, and stylist Rachel Zoe have been seen dripping in S.W. product. And Samantha informs me that fresh orders from Kate Hudson and Halle Berry have just been mailed out. “I think one of our biggest celebrities that first wore it internationally was Nicky Hilton when she was out here [in Australia],” she reflects. “She was wearing it on the cover of a magazine when I was 21 and still making [the jewellery] on my dining room table. That was extremely surreal, and it’s still very surreal today.” When I ask if the pressure of having celebrity clientele affects her new designs, she says, “No, I don’t think about that. I hope that the reason that they choose to wear it is because they like our signature style and our pieces, and the whole brand feel […] but the thing with a celebrity choosing to wear your product is that they inadvertently become an unofficial ambassador for your brand. They’re seen on such a world stage that the promotion and the publicity it gives the brand is just— I mean, you can’t buy that kind of press.” It’s no wonder S.W. jewellery is making its definitive mark amongst the masses and decorating slick editorial spreads across the globe, as the statement pieces are valued for (and pride themselves in) the use of brass, pewter and natural stone foundations in unique and non-traditional applications. S.W. pieces feature feathers, cutlery, mirrors, leather, suede, and wood, fastened to an array of teardrop shapes, bows, heavy and delicate chains, thick cuffs, bangles, chunky rings and chan-

delier earrings. Her latest work includes a series of emblazoned clutches, and, after appropriately modelling as the face of her own line for several years, she’s further embracing the business side, having released a highly anticipated ready-to-wear bridal collection earlier this year. With such a broad spectrum of pieces and yet a signature S.W. feel, I can’t help but wonder where her inspirations come from, and by the sounds of the latest collection, Samantha’s direction isn’t predetermined. “The collection we’ve just released is called ‘An Unsuspecting Muse’, and [it’s] really inspired around photographs I’ve taken on my travels,” she explains. “I’m really looking at every-day items for inspiration. For example, when I look at a beautiful tile, and the pattern on the tile, it’s not just about the aesthetic to me, but it’s the fact that a million people have walked across that tile, and it’s about the stories that the tile could tell over its time. So, I really take something and look through the layers beyond the obvious to find inspiration that’s more about a story, as well as an aesthetic.” Described as Manhattan-chic meets Marrakech-goddess, with every colour of the Great Barrier Reef as its pallet, Samantha’s treasures can be found in 200 stores across Australia, and upwards of 300 stores throughout the world. Samantha’s focus, at the moment, is breaking into the U.S. market, and after dividing her time between Sydney, New York, L.A., and London over the past few years, she made a semi-permanent move to New York in January. So, until S.W. leaks into Canadian territory (“We’re getting there,” Samantha tells me), we’ll just have to quench our thirst online: www.samanthawills.com. •

BYOB and The Big Australian…

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TEXT • Caroline Gault PHOTO • Caroline Gault

It’s our first Bondi Beach party and it’s summertime, in December. My boyfriend and I have two bottles of white wine in hand, and a steady trickle of sweat running down the backs of our necks. Besides the BYOB instructions and the “crazy naked neighbour” warnings, we’re not really sure what to expect at a Christmas party in +35 degree weather. We’ve heard rumours of Bondi’s rooftop pool soirees, and I imagine them to be different, surely more glamorous, than the heaving, messy nightlife at Kings Cross— the closest party spot to our temporary apartment, and Sydney’s red-light district. By day, Bondi’s hip beachside cafés and boutiques swarm with people, reenergizing from hours spent lounging in the blistering sun and surfing the deep blue. I observe the fearless surfers, relentless in their pursuit of the perfect wave, but I never venture too far out into the ocean; I’m petrified of sharks— an irrational fear born out of watching Jaws at an impressionable age. Before the party, a tasty, albeit over-priced meal fills us to the brim. We know we‘re paying for the atmosphere, so we let the cost slide. A stroll along Bondi’s beach street wall reveals a tangled, rich graffiti— a kind touch on cold cement. Tanned, muscular runners pass us along the strip, for at the top of the hill, next to The Iceberg Club and a wave of swimmers in the rock pool below, the view is a natural high. Surrounding a crescent moon beach, the land jets out amongst white sand, coral, and slabs of mineral, apartment lights twinkle at night. Life at Bondi is full, it’s warm, it deserves more of my time than I have to give. At a tall building only a few blocks away, our smiling, Swiss-Italian host, Federica, introduces us to her other guests, some of which she has no idea who they are. There’s no pool in sight, and we’re certainly not on a rooftop, but the open-plan condo draws the crowd to a balcony that paints a flawless view of Bondi.

In the kitchen, we meet the infamous “crazy naked neighbour”— a shark fisherman, and a heavy drinker— who smugly pulls out a chunk of frozen shark meat from the freezer. Thankfully, he’s not naked.

hot, embarrassed, consumed with thoughts on etiquette, the formalities of a loose house party versus a fancy dinner. He becomes louder, more obnoxious— sound pollution in a once relaxing atmosphere.

Federica tells us to put our wine in the fridge until we and the other partygoers have polished off the fruit punch with a punch. Four glasses later and my head is spinning. Five glasses later and my handsome travel companion is giddy.

“I’m sorry,” I say, “but when we go to house parties at home, we usually take our—“ “You bloody Americans!” he interrupts, yelling this time, his head tossing back in disbelief. I’m outraged by his incorrect judgment and the connotations he intended. “I am not American,” I say, more aware, now, of my own accent. “And where you from… Alaska?” he quips.

We mingle in a vivacious and friendly group. Time has shown us that the Australian people are not dissimilar to Canadians, despite being oceans apart. I’m content, however, as the music grows in strength, my eyes get droopy and the Christmas lights begin to blur. It may be this heat, it may be this punch, either way it’s high time we leave this party, as sleep is on the way.

“I’m Canadian,” I say, and he rolls his eyes, as though Canada doesn’t even exist. I wonder if, like the handful of iconic “Big Things” we saw during our East Coast road trip— the Big Prawn in Ballina, the Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth, and that Big Mower in the middle of nowhere— this man is trying to be the Biggest Asshole in all of Australia. He proves me right when he makes one abrupt movement and tears the bottle from my hands.

While my boyfriend says his goodbyes, I make my way solo through a sea of people to retrieve our cooling wine from the fridge. One bottle is gone, consumed by another. I reach for the one that stands alone. “Are you taking that wine with you?” a deep voice asks in a thick Aussie accent. It’s the neighbour. “Um… yes.” I smile and shrug. “You mean to tell me that you’ve come to a party, brought wine for your hosts, and are now taking it back home with you? God, that’s rude, isn’t it?”

Alone in this crowd, on the other side of the world, I see no alternative but to run. My companion, having assumed I was being entertaining in the kitchen, looks stunned when I rush past him, my throat tight, face strained. I pull the door from the latch and fly down the stairs. He finds me in a dark, empty street, furious, a few rogue tears streaming down my sunburned cheeks. I didn’t know I could be so dramatic.

The drink tells me he’s joking, but my instincts tell me this shark hunter is dead serious. “Oh, well, we didn’t get around to tasting it,” I say, half docile, half defensive. Burly and red-faced, he begins to gather troops, to point out my apparent indiscretion. I want to put the bottle back, to leave this hostile circle of people, but I’m frozen,

Explaining my encounter with the hackneyed Aussie shark hunter seems more comical in hindsight, and as we walk towards the beach, under the Big Australian sky, the social turmoil turns mute by the incoming tide. With a comforting arm wrapped snug around my waist, I think about how I’ll wander out there, just a little bit further tomorrow. This sour taste should rinse with salt. •

TEXT • Rameen Peyrow PHOTO • Clayton Didier

Achieving Greatness 40 PARLOUR

I remember from a very young age watching adults around me live their lives. I was fascinated by how hard everyone worked to achieve a foothold in what they could call an accomplishment, and what they would do to receive some kind of acknowledgment and praise in the form of money or status. Working 14-hour days, taking work home, cancelling important family dinners, and putting friends to the side, I saw people trading their evenings and weekends for a crowded mind, thinking about what comes next, how to keep a hold on tiny moments of elusive greatness. Sound familiar? This crowded mind has become my life’s work. Not only in my own internal world, but also in helping those around me find space in their lives and their overactive minds. I did not intentionally set foot down this path; however, my path of Yoga has led me here. If you’d asked me 10 years ago what achieving greatness meant to me, my response would have been “living in a cave.” Therefore, at the age of 20, I set my intentions to go to India and find my cave. Why the cave? Simply, I’d become disillusioned with the typical 10-12 hour workdays. I realized that my life, or lifestyle, was much more important than material gains. I knew there was an experience inside that exceeded external wealth. This insight came from my father who taught me to meditate, at the age of five, ultimately setting me on the path of questioning, who am I? Why am I here?

Now, you’re probably asking the question, what does this have to do with achieving greatness? I’m getting there, but as my Guruji or Yoga teacher in India taught me— slowly, slowly all is coming... In my late teens I began to see that it was not just the people close to me who were struggling to find the answer to the riddle of greatness, it was actually most human beings. I started to ask myself: why is it so important to achieve greatness, and what do we truly gain from the pursuit? Is greatness about accomplishing something within our lives that others recognize? Is it wealth? Is it our health? What about happiness or freedom? I started to wonder if it could be about simpler things, like being kind to everyone, being kind to the planet, being kind to OURSELVES. What a novel idea! I decided to go to India… I began to find insight to my questions when I arrived in India. Inundated with noise, poverty and chaos, I felt I had arrived home. On the surface, it seemed like typical hustle and bustle, but just beneath that surface was a rhythmic ease. India gave me an opportunity to see a new way of living, a way of life that did not revolve around the external gains that I may have perceived as accomplishments. On my journey to find my cave, in between intense Yoga and meditation practice, I heard of a swamiji living in a cave not far from where I was staying. I made the pilgrimage up a small

mountain where I found swamiji. There wasn’t even room to stand in his cave. Swamiji had left his life as a journalist in hopes of living a more simple, inspired life. One day he decided he could walk no further with shoes on his feet and at that moment, he took them off. While walking across India barefoot, swamiji developed a new relationship with himself. He cleared his mind of clutter and set the intention to free himself, to liberate his mind, and to leave the rat race. Still to this day, I remember the smell, the simplicity, his bed made of hard tile, and the mountain of money he showed me—yes, mountain of money—that people had given him out of respect, and in exchange for his wisdom and his amazing stories. Here was a man who couldn’t care less about money and it was flowing like a river through his cave. With my daily visits to see swamiji I realized that achieving greatness or “success” comes from the inside out. Once the mind becomes calm and relaxed, then life simply unfolds with ease, and it becomes easier to do what we are inspired to do. I’m not suggesting you quit your job, remove your shoes and pray for the universe to pay your mortgage, but I am asking you the question— who are you, and why are you here? If you can contemplate these questions daily, the clutter in the mind will slowly make way to a space where you will be able to find your own expression of greatness…

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01 Lamb Chop Puppet Just turn to Lamb Chop anytime you need a word of encouragement. This life-like puppet spouts such phrases as: “wow! You look great” or “you have the best smile!” And our personal favourite: “you make me laugh, ha ha ha.” Available at a Hallmark near you.

02 Necknacks by Emanuel Ilagan Inspired by the dapper neckcesories of classic gentleman’s attire but are made to be worn by anyone who is willing to add charm to their outfits. Inspired and made from vintage materials, these NECKNACKS can be customized to suit any occasion. necknacks@gmail.com

03 Illustrator Raymond Biesinger I could spend hours on this site checking out all the witty little illustrations. fifteen.ca

04 Truffula Organics It makes you smell pretty, it’s organic, and it’s made in Edmonton. We found these bath time treats at The Beauty Lounge and Carbon. truffulaorganics.com

05 Mt Tiki-Soki Water Volcano Forget your average sprinklers, this one will blow them out of the water - literally! Surprise attacks from an ever erupting water volcano, take your backyard parties to the next level this summer. Super Soaker, you’ve done it again!

06 Iconoclast dining table by IZM This unconventional dining table screams ‘modern’ without being square. Made locally in Alberta’s capital by IZM. izm.ca

07 Cinder and Smoke Cinder and Smoke’s cute summer dresses can found at Nokomis and the Downtown Farmers Market in Edmonton.

08 Lady Hannah loose leaf tea This iced tea is so refreshing with a little honey and a bit of peppermint. Lady Hannah loose leaf tea found at Acquired Taste Tea Company.

09 Jeanie Andronyk Jewlery This little darling makes most of her handmade goods from button casts and vintage materials. I think cute as a button sums it up. jeanieandronyk.com

10 Cards by Danipress These cards say what’s on my heart. Cards by Danipress. danipress.bigcartel.com

11 Lather Bee Rich Company 1920’s inspired bars of soap comes in a cute little tin. Handcrafted, all-natural bars with character. Found at Carbon Environmental Boutique, made in Edmonton! latherbeerich.com

12 The Joe “Fresh prince meets leonard cohen” witty indie hip-hop artist, The Joe.

13 Hoakon Helga This Alberta designer uses vintage leather jackets to make these “must have” bags...and we love bows! etsy.com/shop/hoakonhelga