Street Style Huntress: A Portrait You Paint

Photos and Writing by Aldona Barutowicz

There is much that Marc Esplanada and I agree on, especially when it comes to fashion. As a stylist and photographer who adores menswear, it was an absolute pleasure to meet him - and it always begs the question, why did we not meet sooner?

We agree that you should wear the clothes and never let them wear you. We love the European aesthetic of dressing, especially within beautifully tailored suits. And the list goes on, although it wouldn’t be right to continue without mentioning his impeccable personal style! Especially at such a youthful age, it’s hard to believe the maturity in his demeanour and his personal style - and all I have to say is, yes please and I can’t wait to see more on the streets of Calgary. Way to bring it Mr. Esplanada!

How would you describe your personal style? 

The intertwined idea of elegance and runway has always caught my perspective on dressing even for everyday wear! Sharp lines, tight figures, and a contoured silhouette is something I look for whenever the exciting moment of opening my closet comes every morning.

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

Two words: TOM FORD. Concepts of modernizing a classic old-fashioned look is his expertise. You don’t have to reconfigure the wheel everyday, a slight touch of something new to even a simple black suit is all you need. Art for me has always been embedded into the DNA of fashion - it’s an experience of what something off-canvas could provide.

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

Fashion revolves through different genres and moods throughout the downtown stores here in Calgary! I would say Holt Renfrew is one of them. Ever since I moved from London, England and sought for a store that advocated within the community, Holt certainly did hit the mark. Charity events of theirs such as partnering with Contemporary Calgary in patronizing the arts captured my attention.

What are some of your favourite Downtown YYC spots? 

European architectural influences are things I do miss. The Fairmont Palliser is undoubtedly my favourite hang-out spot with friends or even just by myself drawing on my sketchbook and finding influences there every now and then. The Guild and SubRosa are two go-to’s on a weekend for sure.

What fashion advice would you give to others? 

Let fashion bring out your best qualities. The way you dress and present yourself is a portrait you paint everyday. Whoever you are and whatever you do, always remember that you can project your innermost thoughts through what you wear.

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

Currently, I’m working on a Fashion Business certificate with Parsons School of Design in New York whilst curating my Bachelor of Fine Arts Portfolio with the University of Calgary. When people ask what I see in fashion, I say it should be sexy. Always. With that, my portfolio and artistic work revolves on the idea of both.

What are some of your future aspirations?  

As an 18 year old, there’s certainly so much you can imagine for the future. Travelling a lot, I’ve never closed myself from the possibilities that are around me, but overall, the end goal I’ve always foreseen is having myself in the field of art which encompasses so much, including fashion and architecture.

How does your work influence your personal style? 

My current position with Henry Singer Fashion Group involves a lot with client development, and with that, you can observe what people wear, what they like and what they don’t, and even what their goals are for dressing themselves. With all the new faces I meet, my own perspective of fashion broadens as I encounter differences on how they see their own personal brand.

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

It’s nice seeing individuals in Calgary, especially younger people like me, who are taking European fashion to the streets! More tartan patterns in men’s suits, turtlenecks coming back gradually, and sharper cuts and silhouettes even in casual menswear. Like I said, fashion to me is sexy, and one way to hit that mark is something that fits you perfectly without crease.

See more of Aldona B’s Street Style Huntress adventures on her website, www.aldonab.com, and on Social Media @AldonaBCreative

Tagged as: #FashionFriday, #IAMDOWNTOWN, #streetstylehuntress, fashion, Henry Singer Fashion Group, Holt Renfrew, Urban fashion