Paul Hardy Gives Stampede a Fresh Look

The Calgary Stampede has officially started, and what a perfect time to talk about Western fashion. Traditionally you’d never think to use the term fashion ‘forward’ when talking about the outfits you see around the bars and grounds this time of year, but this is all changing thanks to designer Paul Hardy, the man who’s giving Stampede a new look and changing the Western experience.

Hardy is the biggest name in Calgary fashion right now. He first started turning heads in the early 2000s when his ladieswear and accessories were seen on the runway at Toronto Fashion Week. Since then, Hardy has risen quickly in the style community and is now a regular on the scene in New York, Paris and Mexico City. Stars like Diane Kruger and Chantal Kreviazuk have been spotted wearing pieces from his collections and, closer to home Hardy is also known for designing the iconic centennial white hats that were awarded to notable Canadians. 

This year Hardy has been assigned with putting together a fresh and inspiring new collection of over 1000 pieces of Western art, clothing, accessories, kitchen goods and bath products that will be sold at the CS Merchantile booths and even the most style-conscious of people will love what’s on display. 

In an effort to push aside the tacky and campy items associated with previous years, the new collection celebrates Western heritage but marries it with current sensibility. You can expect to find high-end designer goods that are both exclusive and tasteful enough that you’d want to wear or use them throughout the year. 

Here are a few of our favourite cowboy couture finds: 

Boot Rugs
Crafted from Tibetan lamb wool, these artisan boot covers will be all the rage in 2014 and come in several different colours and designs.

The Arch Angel Buckle by Virgins, Saints and Angels
Taking a queue from the beautiful folk art of central Mexico, Hardy is carrying 10 must-have belt buckles from the Virgin, Saints and Angels collection. Each buckle contains semi-precious stones or Swarovski crystals.

Art Deco Bib Necklace by Paul Hardy
Beautifully embellished accessories that will make a statement. The look of these pieces reminds you of something that might have been worn in saloons and parlours in the early 1900s. A bib necklace would be the perfect piece to jazz up your favourite Western ensemble. 


Jane McCloy Art
McCloy’s bold portraits of chiefs, warriors and medicine men are like Native American art meets Van Gogh and Warhol.

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