Last week, over 700 of Calgary’s most fashionable philanthropists and party goers enjoyed one of the most stylish evenings Calgarians have seen in a long time at Bella – Calgary’s premier fashion event. The sold out fundraiser, presented by Holt Renfrew and Calgary Health Trust, impressively helped raise over $500,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Foothills Medical Centre and the funds will help create the only in-born Level III Tertiary Care Unit in southern Alberta.
Returning after a several year hiatus, Holt Renfrew’s popular event was the first time it was hosted in the Calgary store itself. And the beautifully designed space was the perfect location for such a lavish night. The evening included deluxe cuisine by Hotel Arts, an outstanding auction and was anchored around Alberta’s largest fashion show to date. Dubbed a ‘fashion parade” the presentation included an impressive 116 looks and 68 models, including Calgary’s group of top models (our local supermodels), my friends from The Nobles. The outfits included the best spring fashions from Holts – Canada’s only luxury department store. Luxurious looks from all the major designers were covered, including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Etro, Pucci and Brunello Cucinelli – a few of which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago when suggesting looks to wear to Bella. The model’s hair and makeup was done by the talented team from Jerome salon and they definitely nailed it as always.
The posh fashions weren’t just on the runway either. Attendees included many of Calgary’s best dressed fashion lovers. People definitely stepped up their game in terms of their personal style and I spent a good portion of the night complimenting many people on their chic looks (some of my favourite are included below). The night also included Magenta Carpet coverage by the Style Guys (looking dapper in suits from Mr. Turk and an incredible bowtie by super talented friend Calgary leather artist Kat Marks) who charmed the fashionable guests as they arrived. Shaw TV also covered the event so stayed tuned for coverage.
Thanks again to Holt Renfrew’s awesome Marketing team for inviting me and putting on such a great event Calgarians will be talking about for a long time. Special thanks also to my friends at the Rubaiyat for my incredible one-of-a-kind peacock feather Brackish bowtie – hands down one of my all time faves.
Already looking forward to Bella 2016!
Photos courtesy of Calgary photographer Tara Whittaker and thanks to Derek MacDonald of Boom Goes The Drum for the cool shot of my bow tie.
Casey Wagar 