We recently caught up with the team at gravitypope Calgary to chat about what they've been up to lately and see some of their favourite pieces available in store.
Photos by: Stephen Harper - @ThatMawf
KAIT WEARS ACNE STUDIOS SATIN DRESS, MOMA 1FS426 MULES, AND COLLECTION PRIVEE PURSE.
How did you get into fashion?
As a way to stand out as a child, I made a lot of my own clothes. As a result, my style was very out there. I also played a lot of dress up. I would probably do about 10 outfit changes a day as a child. I feel like that got me into experimenting with fashion and from there, I always did something with fashion or personal expression.
With each gravitypope location being uniquely designed. In your opinion, what’s special about our Calgary location?
I think our open floor concept is really special. It’s always nice to see people walk in for the first time and look around. Since I spend a lot of time in this store, I tend to forget that I work in such a nice space. There’s so much natural lighting and the 1970s marble fixtures are beautiful.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
Princess Mononoke.
Are you a morning or night person?
I’m a morning person. I get up early even on my days off. I love my morning routine more than anything!
JEREMY WEARS DESTIN MARINA SHIRT, ACNE STUDIOS PRINTED T-SHIRT, BARENA VENEZIA BAROVIER PANT, AND VINTAGE CHURCH'S.
How would you define your personal style?
Definitely influenced by grunge. More on the simple side, nothing too crazy on the patterns or tones. I thrift a lot too. So anything that works within that aesthetic. And of course, whatever Kait wears.
Being from Montreal, do you see any differences and/or similarities between Calgary and Montreal’s fashion scene?
There’s definitely a difference between Calgary and Montreal’s fashion scene. I think Montreal is more Avant-garde. However, I do think Calgary needs more respect. Calgary does have a fashion scene and their arts scene is also growing in a beautiful way. There’s a lot to discover when you open your eyes.
What music are you listening to at the moment? Any recommendations?
My favourite band of all time is Tool. I love progressive music. However, I do listen to a wide range of music. I also listen to some hip hop; Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty, etc. But overall, I would say that heavy metal is the main genre that I dip my toes in. Recommendation: listen to Alice in Chains if you’re trying to dip your toes into grunge. And if you’re trying to get into the classics, Nirvana is good.
Any plans for this summer?
Enjoying the Rockies, going camping, and going on some road trips.
GABRIEL WEARS ACNE STUDIOS DENIM JACKET, PAS DE CALAIS COTTON LINEN SKIRT, HAIKURE BETHANY JEANS, AND TROENTORP CHEF CLOGS.
How did you get into fashion?
It started with a lot of raw denim and Japanese Americana. I grew an interest in fabrics, different textures, classical silhouettes, then moved more into the artsy side of fashion (interesting avant garde silhouettes).
Favourite coffee shop on 17th? What’s your go-to order?
My favourite coffee shop is called Loophole, which isn’t on 17th. They have an incredible coffee blend. I’ll either grab a cup of their brewed coffee, or buy their beans and blend them myself.
What music are you listening to at the moment? Any recommendations?
A lot of basic music like Deftones and Neutral Milk Hotel. They just released their box set that I got from Blackbyrd. Can’t forget Drain Gang too.
Any plans for this summer?
A lot of home art projects: Screen printing, graphic design, and a lot of home tattooing.
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s minimalist, heavily based around denim.
With each gravitypope location being uniquely designed. In your opinion, what’s special about our Calgary location?
The architecture and the atrium. I mean, there’s a lot special about the Calgary store; the split levels, the brutalist concrete. It’s definitely a big customer draw.
What’s your favourite film of all time?
My favourite film of all time is Jaws. It has some of the best seventies fashion I’ve ever seen. You gotta watch it from that point of view. It’s been written about in GQ and Esquire for its apparel.
Are you a morning or night person?
I’m a morning person. I’m up at five o’clock every morning to go to the gym.
How would you describe your personal style?
Practical, laidback, and structured.
Favourite coffee shop on 17th? What’s your go-to order?
On 17th ave, it’s Caffe Beano. Off the avenue, it’s I Love You Coffee Shop on 4th st. My go-to order is an Americano and a sesame bagel.
What music are you listening to at the moment? Any recommendations?
Big|Brave out of Montréal put out a new album Nature Morte that I love. I can’t wait to see them at Sled Island at the end of June.
How do you wind down after a long day?
Curling up with my cat, Charlie, along with a good book or video game.
BRELYN WEARS DESTIN ALBIBAND SHIRT, SARAHWEAR LIGHT CANVAS BALLOON PANTS, BLUE BLUE JAPAN NYLON CAP, CAMPER LAB ROZ SNEAKERS, AND CARRIES A MEDIUM DANTON CANVAS TOTE.
How would you describe your personal styles?
I love creating juxtapositions in dressing with masculine/feminine pieces, pattern clashing, textures and colours. I’m also big on accessories (the details!) like nice socks (Ant45 or Antipast), sunglasses (Retrosuperfuture or Chimi), jewelry (Pearls Before Swine and Maria Black), and hats (Danton!) – they add a ton of personality to an outfit. However, I also always need some quality basics in my wardrobe – Like Sarahwear pants, and cotton tops from Labo Art. Then for shoes, I usually have a few colours of Chuck 70s on the go at any given time and will break out some Momas (one of my all time favourite designers) for a special occasion. As I’ve gotten older and my priorities have shifted, I don’t take getting dressed too seriously and try to have fun with it.
With each gravitypope location being uniquely designed. In your opinion, what’s special about our Calgary location?
I have been involved in the openings/renovations of several of our stores, but the Calgary location holds a very dear place in my heart as I was involved with the design and fixturing of the store when we first took over the space. What sets the Calgary store apart is the super cool and unique architecture of the building by renowned Calgary Architect Harold Hanen (1935—2000), who was a member of the “Prairie House” School of Architecture founded by Frank Lloyd Wright. Hanen is also recognized as developing Calgary’s Plus 15 walkway system. It’s also cool that we share the space with two other independent businesses, Cannibale Barbershop and Blackyrd Myoozik. This creates a bit of a hub for people to explore the different offerings. I love how the interior has all these split levels, it’s a beautiful store to just come in and check out. I think it’s a pretty special addition to the city of Calgary.
What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
In Defense of Plants – Been into this one lately, it’s a bit of a deep dive into plants and microbes!
Are you a morning or night person?
I’m a night person, I get my second wind at around 10 pm, when the house is quiet. This is when I often do my housework, prep meals, or play with my potted plants on the patio (with the lights on).
How did you get into fashion?
I've always surrounded myself with people who were fashion oriented and loved to thrift, However it wasn’t until I started at gravitypope, where people like Eric and Gabriel really helped me solidify my taste. Although I’ve drawn inspiration from others, I do like to make sure that I actually like the pieces I’m purchasing and that I'm not trying to appeal to certain people or trends.
With each gravitypope location being uniquely designed. In your opinion, what’s special about our Calgary location?
The layout of our store showcases our product really nicely. Since we have an open space, our store has a lot of natural light which highlights our shoes and clothing in a nice way. Also, since we have both shoes and clothes in our store. This gives our clients the opportunity to see if things mesh together well.
What podcasts or music are you listening to at the moment? Any recommendations?
I’m currently listening to a podcast called The Comment Section with Drew Afualo. She has new guests on every week and talks about the struggles of being a woman on the internet. Her podcast really puts things into perspective and I've learned a lot from her. As for music, I’ve been listening to Raven by Kelela. Although it was released in February, I’ve been listening to it on repeat to this day.
Any plans for this summer?
Staying in the city for the most part, but I’m seeing a few shows this summer though, I can't wait to catch Beyonce on tour!
Who’s your favourite designer at the moment?
I’ve been loving everything that Camper Lab has been putting out over the last couple years. I’ve been collecting a few pieces since we’ve started receiving their product in-store.
Favourite coffee shop on 17th? What’s your go-to order?
My favourite coffee shop on 17th is Beano. And my go-to order is a London fog and a grilled cheese bagel with cucumbers on it.
What podcasts or mucic are you listening to at the moment? Any recommendations?
I’ve been listening to Jessie Ware’s new album on repeat (That! Feels Good!). As for podcasts, I’ve been listening to a lot of cooking podcasts.
How do you wind down after a long day?
Definitely going home, getting into bed and watching Yellowjackets.
