FFWD Weekly
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Fashion
by Carla DalukaI used to be one of those people that saw an article of clothing and thought, "I could make that." My world came crashing down at the ripe old age of nine, when I sat down at my mother's sewing machine to create a pair of fingerless gloves. I have no idea what made me think this would be a simple task, but surely it was not. The final project was a massive ball of fabric, several colours of thread, lint, blood and a broken spirit.
To this day, I dread sitting down at a serger, and have the utmost respect for anyone with the gift of building their own wardrobe from scratch. Jen Darbellay is one of those creative forces I take my hat (and fingerless gloves) off to. She has been sitting comfortably at a sewing machine since the age of 10. Though never formally trained, Jen did attend the Alberta College of Art and Design’s textiles program to hone her craft.
Ms. Darbellay's name may not ring a bell, but it is more than likely you've seen some of her designs. For the past several years, Jen has been costuming Shakespeare in the Park, as well as other theatre productions including Mount Royal College's Haunted House Hamlet.
To really appreciate her work, though, you must experience one of her fashion shows. On May 13, Jen will be involved in the third showing of her wares. All of the shows to date have been held at atypical locations for Calgary's fashion scene. Though many other designers are hosting events at bars around town, Jen says this is not the right format for her.
"I understand why so many shows are held in bars, and it's a good idea, but I'd prefer to showcase my designs somewhere a bit more casual, where the clothing is definitely the focal point. I'd like the audience to be there for the show, and not just because they happened by for a drink."
Jen's first two events were held in galleries, and KOO, the upcoming event, is being held at the Ready Room (#330, 605 - 1st Street S.W.), the old Herald building, across from the Showcase Grand.
The models are also a change from the usual, coming in all shapes and sizes ranging from four feet 11 inches to five feet nine inches tall – and are all local talent.
"I see women all of the time that inspire me. I always think I’d like to dress them," says Jen, whose philosophy is that the clothing be loose and comfortable, with a definite focus on a woman's body.
KOO is going to be quite the production, as Jen is designing over 40 outfits. The first segment are all samples of her upcoming fall/winter collection, with the strongest colours being greys and cherries, and the second features one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear pieces for the spring. All the fabrics are very textured, primarily stretchy and fuzzy.
"The designs are bohemian sporty – with a lot of knitwear, " Jen says. "It's all very ethereal, as opposed to being very architectural....
"I like the idea of going out for a full day, and not having to change outfits for a night out. My designs reflect that versatility."
KOO is being held on May 13, with local band Lazablasta playing during the show – members will also be outfitted by Ms. Darbellay. Fingerless gloves will be worn with pride by everyone involved. For ticket information phone 708-0902, and a portion of the proceeds are going to charity.
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