Judging by the cool, smoggy weather lately, it may be time to pack away that bikini. And as every fashionista on the go knows, putting away the old is just another good excuse to plump out the closet with some new fall and winter outfits.
While chain stores are stacking their tables with same-same styles, Meese Clothing, one of St. Albert’s funkiest boutiques, is focusing a spotlight on edgy Canadian designers at their fourth annual Fall Forward fashion show this coming Tuesday, Aug. 24.
The 30-minute fashion show will highlight 18 original outfits with clothing, accessories and shoes combined from 45 national designers.
“Canadian and local designers don’t really follow a trend. We do a lot more classic pieces you can mix and match and wear for years,” says Tressa Heckbert, co-founder and driving force behind Meese.
The fashion show will be divided into three major groupings — causal, business and special events. Heckbert’s own label Sessa, now being successfully marketed as far east as Montreal, is in the throes of a new line, Alouette. But it’s being kept under wraps until its unveiling at the grand finale.
“It’s classic femininity of the 50s with a western saloon vibe. You’ll see lacy details, suede, rivets and denim.”
This year Heckbert has also invited six local designers to attend the event for an after-show mingle. Guest designers include Kelsey McIntyre of Serendipity, Alisha Schick of Suka, Janna Clearwater of Cinder and Smoke, San King of Mismatch and St. Albert’s own Kim Sloan of Magdilene and Sharman Hnatiuk of Butter.
For Heckbert, indie designers create spice in a wardrobe that might otherwise be lacking adventure. “Independent designers provide something that is unique. They have smaller runs and not everyone has it. For instance, we order only one of every size.
In the past four years, Meese Clothing has grown from a boutique that carried 18 clothing lines to 32. “Buying local is in the public’s mind, not only in fashion but in everyday living. We’ve been very successful and a lot of it has been through word-of-mouth.”
Meese Clothing is located on Perron Street right on the banks of the Sturgeon River. The fashion show starts at 7 p.m. Seating opens at 6 p.m. followed by refreshments at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge. Please RSVP by calling 780-418-1388.
“It’s going to be awesome. Every year the turnout is amazing and the support system from the community is great.”
Meese will also accept non-perishable food items for the St. Albert Food Bank.
