Jul 17

Street Style Huntress: Urban Butler

When I’m personally asked to describe my style, I honestly stumble and don’t really know what to go with - and Jimmy Lee Vennard had the exact same reaction. So it is easy to see why the two of us hit it off immediately - and not just due to the lack of personal style defining.

It was a few years ago that I had the pleasure of first meeting Vennard at a theatre show. Aside from his fabulous fashion, his personality and vibrancy really made an impression, and I now have the pleasure of calling Vennard a friend. His natural sparkle and amazing style have been making waves in Calgary for many years, and now slightly beyond Calgary. Vennard is the Director of Butlers/Guest Services at Azuridge, which is also only one of the reasons he participated in our recent Pop-up picnic, which you hopefully were able to attend.

And now, a little bit more about Vennard and his rocking personal style!

How would you describe your personal style?

Fun, Forward & Fabulous…lol I have no idea…

What are some of your influences when it comes to fashion?

I like to always think outside the box, dress the part as they say! I read a lot of fashion books and follow certain fashion houses but I always like to add a touch of Jimmy-Lee from my fun socks to my grandfather’s ring, which I inherited.

What are some of your favourite stores and shopping destinations in Downtown Calgary?

Of course Holt Renfrew will always have my heart, but I do a lot of shopping at Banana Republic, Burberry, Prada.

What are some of your favourite trends right now?

Men in plaid with beards! - Also, I really love this whole new trend that men are getting on board with the wild fun colorful socks & underwear. Gone are the days of boring black socks! The skinny tie is a fun piece!

Tell us more about your work and any projects that you’re involved with.

I love to get involved in local charities around town, I volunteer a lot of my time to different fundraising events for local theatre companies such at Alberta Theatre Projects and the likes, singing is my one true love and I sing regularly for different events and shows along with singing my little heart out in the Calgary Men’s Chorus.

What are some of your future aspirations?

To live each day like tomorrow may never come! I’m turning 30 next year and I have many things that I’ve crossed off my bucket list including traveling to over 69 different countries and I want to keep going and see how many I can visit in the next decade of my life.

How does your work influence your personal style?

Working as a butler has made me stop and take in all the different aspects and attention to details for life. So now I have a keen eye when it comes to mix matching patterns together, piecing together different colors, and never not owning a steamer or an iron.

You recently participated in the Pop-Up Picnic. What is the event and how were you involved?

The Pop Up Picnic was put on by the Downtown Calgary Association and together they partner with different parks throughout downtown and they feature different themes. Anyone can come and they just need to show up with their lunch and be ready to have some fun. I had the honour of being invited to co-host the latest picnic – British Garden Party. Working as the Director of Butler’s from the Azuridge Estate Hotel, I was asked along with our General Manager to come and be a butler at the picnic for all those to come and ask questions.

Anything you’d like to add or tell us about?

Remember that life is short, make the most of it!

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For more information on Pop-Up Picnics Click Here