Where Calgary Magazine Where May June 2017 | Page 37

SHOPPING Retail Spotlight BEN GERWING Almost 40 years ago, Calgary businessman Clement Gerwing was running a wholesale footwear company when inspiration struck. Dissatisfied with the quality of the western boots he was buying and selling, he thought, “I can make a better boot than this.” “When he was first starting out, a lot of people told him, ‘You can’t do it, you can’t manufacture in Canada, it’s just not going to work,’” says Ben Gerwing, Clement’s grandson. “He was the kind of guy who liked to put his head down and get to work and show people that actually, you can do it. And he was right.” That much is evident today from the continued success of Alberta Boot Co. (page 40), which was passed down to Clem’s son Tim and, in 2015, to third-generation bootmaker Ben Gerwing, who continues to use the same methods his grandfather did. Each pair of boots requires 200 steps and about 4-6 weeks to make, and every single one is made in Calgary in the small factory behind the Alberta Boot Co. storefront. The boots are made almost entirely from leather (ranging from cowhide to more exotic offerings like ostrich and python), making for unbeatably durable and comfortable footwear that can be resoled and worn for years — even decades — unlike boots with man-made materials that don’t form to your foot and quickly fall apart. Though western boots are the company’s main focus, they make plenty of other styles, from a Chelsea boot to a lace-up service boot, including every dress boot worn by Royal Canadian Mounted Police across Canada. The store carries more than 6,000 pairs in stock, but many people choose to have a custom pair made to their exact specifications. The team at Alberta Boot Co. can create almost anything their customers can dream up. Gerwing says his every day, go-to boot is oil-tanned cowhide leat her that’s easy to take care of, looks great with jeans, and has the distinct advantage of a worn-in appearance to avoid that "city slicker" look. “The nice thing is it doesn’t look like you’re walking in to your very first stampede in a brand-new pair of boots,” Gerwing says. “It kind of looks like you know what you’re doing.” — Rachael Frey The following listings include shopping areas, malls, department stores, and independent shops that the editors judge worthy of your attention, including advertisers in Where Calgary. The map coordinates at the end of each listing (E4, E8 etc.) refer to the city maps on pages 59 to 60. If you have an observation regarding any of our listings, please email [email protected]. W UPGRADED LISTING ADVERTISER FOR FULL LISTINGS, PLEASE VISIT where.ca/calgary CLOTHING: MENSWEAR BROOKLYN CLOTHING COMPANY Brooklyn Clothing Co. is a local independent retailer located in Kensington. For 28 years, Brooklyn has been stocking the latest brands in men’s clothing and footwear. Currently featured are Canadian brands Viberg Boots, Wings + Horns, and Reigning Champ. The shop specializes in Premium Denim for men. New additions Jean Shop (NYC) and Purple (Vancouver) should not be missed. 201, 1211 Kensington Rd NW, 403-283-4006. Map 1, G5 www.brooklynclothing.com store. 1207 - 10 Ave SE, 403-910-9913. Map 1, H6 www.shopnorthamerican.com SUPREME MEN’S WEAR For those who love a fashion experience. A welcomed alternative to the predictable. Located in the heart of the downtown. Independently owned and operating in their seventh decade. 401 - 4 Ave SW, 403-266-4417. Map 2, D4 www.suprememenswear.com CLOTHING: MEN & WOMEN ESPY EXPERIENCE An affordable designer boutique for men and women, staffed by professional fashion stylists who specialize in styling for every body type and denim fittings. The boutique features Canadian designed goods and caters to all sizes. 1009 - 9 Ave SE, 403-457-3779. Map 1, H7 www.espyexperience.com SHEAR LUXURY After travelling the world, Claudia Wierzba came back to Calgary and opened up Shear Luxury, an upscale store in Inglewood that sells an exquisite and exclusive collection of goods. Included in the store is knitwear fashion made in New Zealand and buttery soft leather footwear handcrafted in Italy. 1412 - 9 Ave SE, 403-455-2010. Map 1, H7 www.shearluxury.ca SIMONS This Canadian, family-owned retailer is known NORTH AMERICAN QUALITY PURVEYORS An independent menswear boutique specializing in rugged clothing and accessory brands like Gitman Vintage, Jungmaven, The Stowe and Topo Designs. Look for the life-sized wooden moose that stands outside the TIP for its expansive selection of apparel for the whole family, featuring established and up-and-coming designers from a roster of both Canadian and international labels. Also find a selection of home decor and accessories, and a bistro- inspired cafe with hot and cold beverages and pastries. The store also features a café with sweet and savoury snacks. The Core, 324 - 8 Ave SW. www.simons.ca CLOTHING: WOMENSWEAR FASHION ADDITION Sizes 14-plus. Staff advise on new looks and trends from leisure to dressy looks. Brands include Eileen Fisher, Jones New York, and Spanner. 10816 Macleod Tr SE, 403-285-8407. Map 1, L6 www.fashionaddition14plus.com LAUREN BAGLIORE CONCEPT SHOP New York fashion designer Lauren Bagliore opened this concept boutique to showcase her self-titled brand, which features soft Italian jersey dresses, leggings, and wool tweeds meant for layering and draping to create unusual silhouettes and illusions. 917 - 11 St SE, 403-455-4020. Map 1, H6 www.laurenbagliore.com SHADES OF SLEEP High-quality boutique featuring handmade jewelry, sleepwear, and bedding designed by independent Canadian artisans. 1221 - 9 Ave SE, 403-457-0092. Map 1, H7 www.shadesofsleep.ca Explore Simons (page 37) in The Core to find a café, Eve, and lots of locally-made artwork comissioned specifically for this location. No two Simons stores are the same! MAY/JUNE 2017 where.ca 37