For What It's Worth
Shoppers tired of running weekend trips to Vancouver to ensure they stay well dressed are starting to find what they need in the 403. Long-standing cowboy stereotypes are replaced with a level of thoughtful sophistication as Calgary grows up. One Calgary boutique owner sheds light on the real value of your clothes.
In a city addicted to SUVs, business cards and social status, a lot of clout can be placed on deciding what to wear. Though for many this automatically includes overspending on must-have trend items, one boutique owner offers up a breath of fresh air when it comes to selecting our threads. Carl Abad, owner of Worth on the ever bustling 17 Avenue, knows the difference between those who are well dressed and those who have to look up "style" in the dictionary.
"You present to the world what you think you're worth through the clothes that you wear," he said. "It makes a statement about who you are. It's not worth in relation to money. It's worth in relation to self respect." And how fitting the 34-year-old ACAD graduate translated that personal mantra-one he share's with anyone who will ask-as his store's moniker.
According to Abad, a well dressed man or woman's clothes will look like they are part of the body, not a separate entity. "A man should dress as if he has used intelligence to pick out his clothes, used thought to put them on and then forgotten all about it," he said. "They don't have to be wearing the latest anything. If their clothes fit properly, that's the intelligent part - not too big, or messy or inappropriate."
The self-proclaimed Marlborough "hood-rat" started making his own clothes when he was 9-years-old after his mom taught him the ropes on a sewing machine. Since then, deviating from the norm and integrating fashion into all facets of his life have been common threads in Abad's life.
Nearing its one year anniversary, Worth is a hub of constant activity, filled with everyone from stylish scenesters to local celebrities. Notable clients include Jarome Iginla-for whom Abad is a personal stylist-many of Iginla's teammate's wives (including Iginla's own) and a score of other high profile corporate elite. By offering simple and sophisticated elegance with timelessly unique items to clientele, shopping trips to Vancouver and Toronto become unnecessary for those looking to stay a cut above the rest.
"People shouldn't have to leave their city to find clothes they want to wear," said Abad, who brings in labels that aren't available anywhere else in Calgary.
"I want to offer people an alternative so they can have accessible, street-level clothes." Serving a clientele who wants individuality and diversity, the articles come four or five of a kind, one in each size, no re-orders. "When it's gone, it's gone. Then we move on," he said.
"We don't style to trends. There's always a trend influence but it's about clothes looking good on you. I want to make sure that you are wearing the clothes and the clothes aren't wearing you."
With a five year stint in London assisting stylists for Vogue and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Alexander McQueen under his belt, opening his own store was always in the back of Abad's mind - something that ultimately brought him back across the pond.
Expansion plans linger in the near future for Abad, but in the meantime he wants to focus on investing in his community. Charity events and lobbying for art programs in his old neighborhood keep Abad grounded.
Written by Liz Field
Photography by Keith Diamond
