Sled Island: Calgary Fashion @ Factory Party 6

If you’ve ever imagined the behind scenes of a fashion show to be a hectic organized party atmosphere, you are correct. It’s hard to imagine that everything will be ready on time — hair done, make up did, clothes on and everyone present, but amazingly enough, it happens.

The prep process for Afrikana, a Calgary Fashion presentation at Factory Party 6 began early at Calgary Fashion founder, Kimberley Jev’s downtown apartment. As the models filed into to get fitted and pretty, the alcohol began to flow as everyone got to know each other.

It was a treat to watch the more style savvy of the CF team, Emily, Sascha, Melissa and Kim pairing clothing provided by Haithem Elkadiki and Morenike Olaosebikan with the elaborate and ethereal head pieces by Sarah Clarahan. The idea of Afrikana meets Factory Party was melded together with the traditional prints of Olaosebikan fabulous frocks and the more military and tailored stylings of Elkadiki’s collection. Clarahan, an ACAD student, brought a fantasy element to the whole package, as a handful of models wore the pieces with their outfits.

It was a surprise to find ourselves kicking back and relaxing with our plastic cups at 8:30, everything ready that could be ready two hours prior to the show. The calm sped by quickly and soon it was after 10 p.m. and the pace and stress picked up, fueled by our collective inebriation.

The biggest challenge of the evening was figuring out how the heck we were going to transport 18 models from 13 Ave. and seventh street to the Uptown Theatre on Stephen Avenue. The solution? A van. A very large one.

Elaborate headdresses and all, the models piled into the van, most sitting, some standing, for a short and uneventful trip five blocks away. Not quite like a clown car, we exited and lined up, waiting for our grand entrance.

To see a full photo gallery from Factory Party 6 click here.

Not too many people outside knew what was going on and it was slightly nerve-wracking as the nerves set in. Ready to go, myself leading the line of girls, Jeremy J. leading the boys, we entered the Uptown, made our way up the side stairs, through the throng of Factory Party goers, around the mezzanine to the top of the main stair case. A cacophony of sounds made it difficult to hear the track being spun by Factory Party collaborate and DJ Kid_Champagne. It was a reminder that this truly was a party.

Carefully navigating the stairs, we made our way slowly down, pausing at intervals to allow for everyone to view. The pauses seemed long but in no time we were down the stairs, myself with a small trip as my heel caught a step, exiting the scene as quickly as we arrived. Back in the van, the temperature seemed high, a common occurrence after every performance. In no time we were back at the apartment, ready to strip down, dress up and get the real party started.