One of our beloved spring traditions is cleaning out the closet. But if you’re a clotheshorse, all that empty space means a visit to a high profile fashion event.
Now entering its sixth year and 10th season, Edmonton Fashion Week showcases established international designers alongside local emerging designers, photographers, models, hairstylists and makeup artists. This year the catwalk is lit up every evening until Thursday, April 8 at the TransAlta Arts Barns.
One St. Albert designer launches her vision on Saturday, April 3. Lisa-Marie Sciroli, 25, now presenting her fifth collection, has designed an upscale 16-piece spring/summer collection of evening wear and special events dresses that redefine the classic line.
Inspired by her Italian heritage, Sciroli has created an elegant, but edgy line that incorporates high end finishes into the lush silk and cotton fabrics. “Ideally it’s clean and classic. I want women to put my gowns into the closet, pull them out a year later and still carry them off,” says Sciroli from her home-based studio in north Edmonton.
What is distinctive about this fun and flirty collection of cocktail dresses and prom gowns is that there is no size 0. In fact, the models are her clients. “It seems a size 0 is what’s on the rack. I’ve decided to branch out. The women who come to me are very curvaceous, or they are too tall or too short or short-waisted. And I am designing for them.”
Sciroli knew she wanted to design luxury fashion even before graduating from St. Albert Catholic High in 2003. After completing a one-year design program at Marvel College, she worked at Henry Singer for several months learning certain European techniques such as high-end finishes.
Later, at the now defunct Gnuda Boutique, Sciroli picked up crucial marketing strategies. When Coach, a popular purse boutique opened its first store at West Edmonton Mall, it scouted her management talents, allowing her to develop an eye at spotting upcoming trends.
By day Sciroli’s role was that of respectable businesswoman. But at night, her creative impulses flourished while designing clothes for everyday women. By April 2009, word-of-mouth advertising had brought sufficient work and she made a risky choice. Sciroli quit her job and bought a house that is now headquarters to Lisa-Marie Sciroli Designs.
Her target market ranges from 17- to 55-year-old women, all with different sizes, shapes and personalities. However, Sciroli is completely passionate about fashioning outfits that are perfectly suited to enhancing a woman’s confidence. “This is where I fit. Doing clean and classic lines. This is my field.”
Doors to fashion shows open at 7 p.m. The TransAlta Arts Barns is at 10330 – 84 Ave. Tickets are $20 at the door.
