Sterling silver trays ($7,800 to $8,200) by designer Ellinor Stenroos have a decidedly modern appeal.  These handmade beauties take her jewellery career to an ambitious new level.

THE CUTTING EDGE OF GREEN DESIGN

WHO KNEW RECYCLING could be so edgy? Well, here's the proof, a variety of furniture pieces of a decidedly contemporary bent but more importantly have environmental-sustainability at the very core of their design by using reclaimed wood, non-toxic glue and other biodegradable material.  Best of all they're all available in Calgary so no further fuel is spent in shipping them to your home.   

Bold style goes hand-in-hand with eco-sustainability with these "green" furniture

WHO KNEW RECYCLING could be so edgy? Well, here's the proof, a variety of furniture pieces of a decidedly contemporary bent but more importantly have environmental-sustainability at the very core of their design by using reclaimed wood, non-toxic glue and other biodegradable material.  Best of all they're all available in Calgary so no further fuel is spent in shipping them to your home.

Ditch the biker look without sacrificing your street-smart edge by switching your hardcore moto jacket with one that has a softer texture and a skin-baring neckline, in a lighter tone.  These one-of-a-kind, made to measure leather jackets by DARIAM are designed by Calgarians DARCY Lundgren and WILLIAM Lewis, and they marry the au courant with current elements.  Pair with high-waisted pants or wide-leg trousers to showcase this season's biggest trends.  At DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB (1327 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-454-0243, dadegallery.com).

Looking for a statement piece for your home? The Arte De Meubles ("furniture art") Chinese cabinets at DaDe Art & Design Lab (1327 9th Ave. S.E.) fit the bill.

Made in Beijing from reclaimed elm, the traditional boxy designs have been given a modern makeover by Calgary visual artist TheKidBelo (a.k.a. David Brunning). TheKidBelo, the name behind some of Calgary's best-known murals -including the colourful one in East Village -has painted the DaDe pieces with street art-inspired designs in vibrant colours.

These wow-worthy wardrobes blend today's hot graphic style trend with the classic lines of yesteryear. It's a surprising juxtaposition that pleases the eye and could work in either a modern or traditional space.

"They're definitely like a statement piece," says DaDe co-owner and creative director Darcy Lundgren, who moved DaDe into the large space on 9th Avenue in Inglewood last year.

"It's also a one-of-a-kind artwork as well," he adds.

The artistry is reflected in the price: Arte De Meubles pieces cost $2,800 or $3,200, depending on the size.

DaDe brings in well-made furniture brands from Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, and the gallery also represents 16 local artists.

"We try to select artists that have a different voice," says Lundgren.

DaDe also strives for exclusivity -you won't be able to find their Bullfrog Design furniture, LightFacet room dividers or Arte De Meubles cabinets anywhere else in Calgary.

"We just pride ourselves in having unique product," says co-owner and general manager Greg Fraser.

Instead of super-feminine jewellery, this season I’m reaching for bold, modern designs by Finland-born, Brit-raised and Calgary-based designer Ellinor Stenroos. “I wanted to incorporate high tech into wearable pieces that were functional,” she says.
Case in point: The sterling-silver-and-rubber O-rings ($350 each) feature synthetic stones in a variety of colours that can be rearranged to suit the wearer’s mood. Add a dose of drama to your lbd with a one-of-a-kind necklace of bright-orange carnelian stones, a blue topaz and diamond accents (shown). At DaDe Art & Design Lab (1327 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-454-0243, dadeartanddesignlab.com).

When most people think of graffiti they think of alleys, trains, and old, run-down buildings.  What if you were to throw Ming Dynasty furniture into the mix? A little strange?  Perhaps!  But that's what makes this unique furniture and art pairing the most fabulous thing in design at the moment.

DaDe Art and Design Lab has partnered with famed Calgary-based graffiti artist David Brunning (in collaboration with yours truly) to create one of a kind storage bliss.  "Arte De Muebles" is truly where art meets design.   The show is running at Calgary's DaDe Gallery and there the cabinets are all limited edition so be sure to get your hands on them before they are gone.

1327 9th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
403.454.0243
www.dadegallery.com 

DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB is and all-in-one exhibition space and furniture gallery that set up shop last year. The 3,000-square-foot Inglewood space is the backdrop for co-owners Darcy Lundgren's innovative works, like his dramatic eco-installation of Christian Lacroix Evian water bottles suspended from fishing line. 

We're particuarly drawn to the high backed BOA sofas they're carry (starting at $4200). 

DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB's first annual ANNIVERSARY SALE

by Kelsey Mulyk in The Avenue Fashion and Style Blog

DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB is going to help you out with your Christmas shopping list this holiday season.  Their first annual anniversary SALE starts tomorrow, December 1, running until December 15.  This Design gallery and boutique is offering up to 40% off their unique selection of home decor.

Here's a few of the offerings: 
• Buy the Dutch-created LIGHTFACET, a modular system used to control the amount of light in a room, can be used as both a window covering or as a room divider and receive a free installation.

• Receive 10% off a custom order from the minimalistic German furniture company BULLFROG, up to 20% off in stock models and 40% off discontinued in stock models 

• Up to 20% off selected MING furniture


DaDe, located in Inglewood, houses a selection of innovative and creative home products including furniture, art installations, sculpture, jewellery, apparel and many other interesting items perfect for the design-lover on your list.

DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB is located at 1327 9 AVE SE (403-454-0243)

I stopped by DaDe Art and Design Lab for the Art and Fashion Night Out event where Lauren Bagliore had her pop-up shop. It was mayhem as women tried on Bagliore's jersey tops and dresses and a few lucky ladies were even treated to a styling session by the designer herself. Here's the lovely Bagliore with equally lovely model Courntey in one of the designer's jersey dresses. 

Dear Santa, 

I have been really good this year and would love just a few small things. A Lauren Bagliore dress would be nice. I especially like the white one on the left with the adorable ant print. I could wear it on picnics and I promise to actually go on picnics as soon as the snow melts. If you think the dress is too much, the scarf will do but then, can you please throw in one of the TheKidBelo elm cabinets. Thank you.

Love, M.