I met Paul Hardy about a year ago when my life was nothing more than broadcasting classes and journalism classes. At the time, I was losing my love for journalism as broadcasting is not my forté. The journalism program really is an intense degree but as I prepare to finish my last credit semester I think about all that I have learned and the people I have met because of it and I am grateful for the process. If it wasn't for the journalism degree I would have slept on my love for writing and photography as well as fashion!
Anyway, Paul Hardy is Calgary's most established designer. Hardy opened his atelier approximately 2 years ago and I must tell you that this is one of the highest local luxury boutiques that you will find in the city.
Forget about Holt Renfrow ladies, the Paul Hardy Atelier in Kensington is a nice small haven that allows for one on one time with the soft spoken designer. I love how special I feel every time I go into his store.Hardy also provides an array of knitwear designs. I have been waiting for a long time to be able to purchase a knitwear piece from him and it finally happened yesterday.
It had been a while since I had been into the atelier but I caught wind of the Sample Sale that he will be having this evening through the ever styling Braydon (Thank you Braydon) from Jerome's. I had also heard that he was having a blow-out sale and I just had to rush down there!
I spent over an hour with Paul Hardy and I fell in love with a pea soup swirl wrap shrug (it is the same Grey shawl as the one in the second picture above). I love innovative designs that provide alternate ways to use a piece of clothing and this wrap is just that. Imagine a shawl with sleeves attached to the side. The possibilities are endless, I spent most of the afternoon playing with my new wrap-sweater and I am definitely pleased with my purchase especially with the sale discount of 50% off the original price!This is what it looks like on me:
I cannot wait for this evening as Paul Hardy will be having a sample sale!!!!! Most of the women samples will be priced at $25 - $50 and all other stock including men's knitwear will be discounted at 75% off. It will be an evening of wine, cheeses and good conversations. So if you've ever wondered about Paul Hardy or ever dreamed of owning a Paul Hardy piece then this is definitely the evening to take a stroll down Kensington.The Paul Hardy Atelier is located @ #4 - 1126 Kensington Road NW
Paul Hardy Atelier Website
Photos courtesy of Paul Hardy Atelier