Fashion Studio Magazine: STYLISH DESTINATIONS

By Eva Fydrych

Expect the Unexpected

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine (Click to enlarge)

Two and a half weeks ago, Fashion Studio Magazine visited Calgary, a cosmopolitan city in Alberta, centred around four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and Wateron-Glacier International Peace Park.

It was a pleasant surprise to find out that today's Calgary is a vibrant city with fashionable venues, excellent shopping and dining scene, friendly locals, and contagious energy.

EMERGING SHOPPING DESTINATION

"Whether you’re looking for big brand names or smaller, more eclectic collections, you’ll find both in Calgary’s shopping centers and districts. Chinook Center caters to those on the hunt for luxury brands such as Coach, Tiffany, Burberry, Tory Burch and features Canada’s first Nordstrom’s Store. CrossIron Mills is perfect for those on a hunt for a bargain – with more than 100 outlets and 200 retail stores this is the perfect stop on your way to the airport!" - visitcalgary.com

As we discovered during our trip, Calgary has so much more to offer. Fashion boutiques such as Concept Shop run by designer Lauren Bagliore, Adorn Boutique or LEO offer unique designs and excellent shopping experience. The CORE, Calgary's only urban retail destination, is one of the most impressive department stores in Canada. Its modern design and innovative indoor/outdoor concept is a great example of how modern architecture can create a better urban experience.

Photo courtesy of The CORE

DINING IN STYLE

During the last couple of years, Calgary has emerged as a must-visit culinary destination. Restaurants such as Rouge, Workshop Kitchen + Culture, Bocce, Yellow Door Bistro, and River Café offer superb cuisine in trendy surroundings. The defining element of Calgary's dining scene is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and stellar customer service. Highly recommended!

BOUTIQUE HOTELS

Hotel Arts and Kensington Riverside Inn feature luxury accommodation and chic contemporary design. Both properties belong to the same hotel group and are located in very attractive parts of the city (downtown Calgary and Kensington Village).

"Kensington Riverside Inn was recently accepted into Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious fellowship of 500 upscale hotels and gourmet restaurants across the globe. This is Calgary’s first Relais & Châteaux property and the second in Alberta and one of only thirteen in Canada." - kensingtonriversideinn.com

The CORE (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Hotel Arts

Ette

Bocce

River Café

Rouge Restaurant

Lauren Bagliore

Ette

Esker Foundation (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Over the next few weeks, we will be bringing you more news from Calgary. Stay tuned and discover the trendy side of the city with Fashion Studio Magazine!

DID YOU KNOW?

Calgary is Canada's sunniest major city with an approximate average of 2,405 hours of sunshine per year.
Small business and self-employment levels rank amongst the highest in Canada.
Calgary was named 2012 Cultural Capital of Canada.
Recognized in 2013 as the cleanest city in the world.
With more than 120 languages spoken here, Calgary is a truly cosmopolitan and culturally diverse destination.
The city is great for cycling - it has the longest (700 km / 435 miles) urban bike pathway in North America!