Just last night I went to the Fall Designer Shopping Party at Eleven : Eleven Boutique. This was only my third time at the Venue and my first time for this awesome private shopping party!

The night consisted of Wine, Appetizers, a Fashion Show and of course my favorite Shopping! Shift Talent Management provided the models for the Four Showcased Designers.

These Four Amazing Designers, all of whom I think we should be proud to say are Calgarians included:

POUT Clothing

Calgary's very own Kristen Summersgill, is the creative mind behind POUT. Since her graduation in 2009, she left Lethbridge College with a Degree in Fashion Design, and since has pursued Fashion Design tirelessly. This started with an internship for Broken Doll Clothing where Kristen shared with me, she was able to understand the business side of fashion, and that in turn inspired Kristen to Launch POUT in May of 2009. Not only does she have her clothing in Calgary's 11 : 11, but she also sells to Toronto's Black Daffodil and Vancouver's Velvet Room.
My Opinion is that Kristen is destined for success since she knows that not only must she pursue the Creative, but she must also pursue the business aspects of her business. This attitude has and will continue to open doors for her I am Certain!

Bano & eeMee

The philosophy behind Bano & eeMee, in direct quotes from the website "Fashion should enhance and celebrate one’s individuality rather than mask one’s uniqueness in a haze of unsustainable mass production." I believe this pegs the concept of fashion to a "T!" Bano & eeMee has an extremely elegant and graceful style. At the same time it has a very cultural feel, as best described by the designer as "Uptown Bohemian." The focus of this design is placed on all processes and procedures being totally environmentally sound.
After my first meet and greet with the designer of Bano & eeMee I must say I am thrilled to have met such a down to earth and kind individual, and I can see why so many people rave about this designer.

Ruby Ellen Designs

Having started Sewing and Design at a young age, it seems Ruby Ellen was born for her career in Fashion. Although Ruby did not always pursue Fashion she has always tried to incorporate it into her community and volunteer work. Even in her past career working in a Camp & Retreat Center she was able to bring her skills from the sewing room to play by having a table at the local craft sales and planning retreats with classes for sewing, crafting, quilting, etc. After only having been in business for two years Ruby has already participated in the Boston and Brooklyn Fashion Weeks. She was a featured designer in this Fall’s show, September 24.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ruby for coffee back in August of this summer and I must say, I have not met a more humble woman, as Ruby even suggested she didn't think her designs were that original, yet I would not believe that is the case at all, nor would I believe it should be put past any readers as she was invited to participate in international Fashion Weeks. Ruby not only is an amazing designer but she has an amazing heart. She teaches sewing classes at the sunshine center and hopes to be able to employ these women at some point in the future as her business grows.

Cherry Chic Designs

Valrie Powell of Cherry Chic Designs was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She described to me (and I must be in full agreement) that Winnipeg is heavily influenced by the Arts and it has helped foster her interest in fashion throughout her years. Valrie says that she has been interested in fashion her whole life and pretty much designing as long. Her start was with Barbie's as I am sure most girls can relate to but this didn't start and stop there it continues to today while she designs clothing for the "Everyday" Woman. The concept as she described it to me was taking conventional pieces and adding to them to create innovation and unique features on every item. She pursues fashion that accentuates to individuality of every person and wants to break the trade of traditional model proportions.
Valrie has a fantastic background in fashion and can really articulate her concepts in design to the consumer. She is very personable and I was sincerely pleased to finally meet her for the first time last night at the event.

All in all the evening was very Successful and I am looking forward to seeing more come from these four talented individuals:) Please click on their names for links to the websites!