In anticipation of this year’s Calgary Stampede, Holt Renfrew recently held its second annual Holts Hats Off event by teaming up with a super impressive group of talented Canadian designers to benefit the Calgary Health Trust. Designers, including Anzie, my good buddy Dean Davidson, Mackage, Tanya Taylor (who’s so lovely and now based in NYC), Ron White, Naked & Famous and Marie Saint Pierre, created one-of-a-kind Smithbilt cowboy hats to be auctioned during the private charity shopping event. This year, the live auction was hosted by Etalk’s Ben Mulroney, who charmed the crowd and helped raise a considerable amount for charity.
In addition to the national designers mentioned above, Holts also recruited a select group of local design talent and influencers, including well-known interior designers like Paul Lavoie, Monica Stevens and Alykhan Veiji and blogger Ania B., to use their creative skills to design their own cowboy hats for the event. All proceeds from the live auction and 10% of the proceeds from the evening’s sales went to the Calgary Health Trust’s Best Beginning program, which provides information and support to low-income pregnant women and teens.
After the live auction, a stellar fashion show featuring the coolest Stampede looks from the store’s top brands took place before shoppers were free to enjoy wine and gourmet appetizers while they shopped to support an important local cause. Once again, Holts shows they know how to treat their clients well by putting on an awesome and memorable night. As always, I’m looking forward to the next one.
Some of the western-inspired looks from the fashion are below. Perfect inspiration for the many Stampede events happening soon in Calgary.
And check out some of the one-of-a-kind Smithbilt cowboy hats that helped make this year’s auction such a success.
*Photos with an asterisk courtesy of Holt Renfrew.
Casey Wagar 