Western Canadian Designers Making a Mark in New York Michael Kaye Michael Kaye, an Edmonton native, and a regular contributer to Western Canada Fashion Week,has turned his fashion flair into an extraordinary career. A significant player in the New York fashion scene, Kaye was back in Edmonton in 2010 to receive the Alumni Centenary Award for Volunteer Service from the University of Alberta, his alma mater. In turn to show his support to the university and students, he donated a one-of-a-kind tartan gown to the Department of Human Ecology. A graduate, cum laude, of the Fashion Institute in New York, Kaye has a list of awards and recognition that include The Fashion Group International’s “Rising Star Award” and the “Women’s Apparel Award” present in 2004 by hit series television show, Sex and the City Costumer, Patricia Field. “It is through my passion of cut and fabric that I am able to evolve the concept of the modern couture philosophy,” says Kaye. His creativity ranges from lace, beading, ruffles and bias tartans to sleek modern double-faced crepe dress and coat styles. Crowned the “Bonnie Prince of Tartan” by press and peers, for his love and creations with that marvellous material, Kaye’s creations have been showcased Sir Sean Connery’s “Dressed to Kilt” event since 2003. Kaye plans on creating 15 tartan gowns, one for each of the 10 Canadian provinces and three territories, and tour them across Canada. It was through Michael’s insistence that an official tartan was created for Canada’s newest territory, Nunavut. A Canadian who has certainly made his niche in the fashion industry for 21 years, Kaye’s view of couture is “an easy, modern, elegant lifestyle” that has been embraced by distinguished women across the globe. Sid Neigum Sid Neigum hails from Drayton Valley, Alberta. He studied fashion design at Marvel College, taking his first step into notoriety was in 2009 where he won the “Emerging Designer Award” at the inaugural edition of Western Canada Fashion Week. Neigum created a dress entirely out of recycled tires for WCFW’s Phabrikated for the Arts competition. He gained notoriety and press coverage for his unique designs that eventually led to an internship with renowned designer Yigal Azrouel in New York City. Currently making his home in New York, Neigum was recently accepted at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. His self-described design philosophy is “masculine, modern and unconventional.” The spirit of Neigum’s designs is bold, dark and innovative. Neigum, launched at Western Canada Fashion Week continues to be supported by the Canadian fashion industry, his participation at Vancouver Fashion Week and LG Fashion Week keeps him at the forfront of emerging design talent. Neigum

On most occasions, the first music notes of a fashion runway show set the tone for the collection that ensues. In Todd Lynn’s display for his Autumn/Winter 2011/12 collection at London Fashion Week, one had to wait until the final parade of models to the sound of T. Rex’s song “The Children of the Revolution” to understand how the designer intended his message to be summed up by the audience. After all, this was a song that, when it was released 40 years ago, was popular with teenagers while some elements of society regarded it as essentially pro-communist propaganda. In the expanding luxury market propelled by affluent consumers in emerging post-communist economies, Lynn’s established reputation for designing leather and fur garments rides the zeitgeist wave of the successful process of merging creativity and profit. Lynn has had a penchant for leather and fur for quite a while, and his latest designs using these materials in shades of beige, black, grey and maroon are no exception. The collection’s repetitive examples of footwear and tailoring (as evidenced in the numerous trousers with draped fabric over pockets, dresses with asymmetric sleeves, and several high-necked, zipped up jackets) contrasted with some original designs that are worth noting. In fact, despite relying on the reiteration of commercially safe designs, Lynn’s talent was at its strongest in the elegant high-top trainers for men, deconstructed garments with pleated fabrics, overcoats fastened diagonally, and stylish zipped high gloves. Having developed an image as a designer of rock and roll cool garnered over years of making clothes for artists in the music industry, Lynn may see 2011 as the year that marks a turning point in his career. In truth, this is not a collection for the children of the revolution. These are garments for the former rebellious children who have grown and now turn to designers like Lynn for items of clothing that exude luxury and creativity.

One of the most innovative personalities in the hair business today, Hairstylist and Educator Cristiano Cora, is on his way to share his expertise with Canadian stylists. Cora has developed a technique that combines art and technology. “Hair is one of the most personal forms of self expression and an intrinsic part of our individuality and identity. Like the sculptor seeking the form and beauty in the raw rock, it is my challenge to work with my clients to help them find that identity and achieve the image that they desire,” says Cora. Cora believes in user centered design. Modern, geometric yet organic shapes that are easy to manage, low maintenance and versatile. The “Cristiano Cora” look is innovative, progressive and sophisticated—touted proudly as Luxury Hair Technology. At his studio in New York, Cristiano Cora Studio, he offers monthly workshops for stylists that combine hands-on training with access to the latest, cutting edge techniques, equipment and products with a design aesthetic that realizes a harmony of art and technology. “We strive to create new silhouettes and styles that push forward the art of the hair designer,” illustrates Cora (www.cristianocora.com). The first Cristiano Cora Studio in New York is the realization of a dream that began 30 years ago in Venice, Italy where, as a child, Cora learned from and was inspired by his mother, a talented hair stylist. In the 1980s, Cora trained and worked at Vidal Sassoon where he stayed for 20 years, first in London, then Los Angeles and finally New York as creative director of the company. With this experience, along with his passion for his craft and the desire to push forward the art of hair cutting, Cora has progressed to become an artist with a unique vision for hair design and care. Cora has chosen to use the Davines product line exclusively in his salon. Davines, is an Italian hair care company from Parma devoting itself to a sophisticated balance of beauty and eco-sustainability (www.davines.com). Sharing his passion for quality, simplicity and harmony in the art of hair, Cora offers stylists an amazing opportunity to discover and practice new skills using an exclusive product line that is pure and consumer friendly. Cristiano instructed a successful series at Western Canada Fashion Week, Rhonda Hachey Alberta Sales Manager Strogryn Sales/Davines “what makes Cristiano such a brilliant teacher is his passion for the industry, the stylist and hair, His motto is “I love hair “ and we love him!