ALL EYEZ ON ME - CLEOPXTRA - BADASS BUTTERFLY    })i({

THE WOMAN

Meet CLEOPXTRA - A 22 year old stylish spitfire who wants to be “that girl” and make a difference through her music: rooted in the weighty hip hop of Tupac yet infused with the soulful sounds of her musical mamas Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.

During our chat, as much as I was struck by her confidence and ‘jungle pussy’ edge, a sensitive soul emanated bursting with idealism re: equality, fairness and justice.  

THE WORK

CLEOPXTRA recently moved from Calgary to Vancouver to commune with other creatives. Calgary is home, yet she has found a literal garden for her craft to grow.

She received her initial vocal training in choir, but it was after her siblings introduced her to hip hop and rap in high school she realized she wasn’t singing anything meaningful to her

Directing her focus to lyrics, poetry, and the structure of rap, when she got her own microphone and interface - things really took off!

Her process is simple, she finds a beat or instrumental and ruminates on it over and over and over again, much like a potter shaping clay on a wheel.

The best is when she she hits a wiggy line and is like: “I did that” and pushes herself further to make lyrics that generate memory association.

As any true artist, she is mindful of her sound and wants to cultivate and curate it to get better and better and push more soul and dig into the undercurrent.

But she knows she ultimately needs to share her vision…and an EP should be out by November, 2017. And she wants use a proper medium to release her music, whether it be Spotify, Soundcloud or Apple Music.   

It will be worth the wait…

THE IMAGE: THE BUTTERFLY  })i({

CLEOPXTRA’s strong identity originates from her Egyptian/Mauratian background and her constant push to be “XTRA” was ignited when she 19 living in Amsterdam and, through the love and light of a good gal pal, tapped into how to generate a living off of her art and her image via modelling.  

KATEHEWKO definitely helps augment CLEOPXTRA’s maxamalist fashion image as she gushed about her love of the faux furs, the patched denim romper, ALL the sunglasses, the vegan leather sweatpants, the Audrey arm-piece, the Diana cuff and the velvet boyfriend tee - true MUSTS for Fall/Winter 2017. 

Plus, for CLEOPXTRA it is all about the hair… 

The photo shoot was during a blue phase, as she changes her hair incredibly often.  She likened it to “being continually in a witness protection program”. HA!

With that, we noted that the butterfly emoji/motif is repeated in her Instagram.  Perhaps reflecting her constant change and metamorphosis.

CLEOPXTRA is in this cool cocoon and will emerge soon as another version of a badass butterfly.   

We @KATEHEWKO can’t wait!

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Photo credits:
Photography: @darrylpollockphoto
Wardrobe Stylist: @sheenaannestyling
Hair and Makeup Artist: @richelledawnmakeup
Model: @m4k4v3l1

MESH MASH

Summer is here. You want to show some skin...but not be gaudy. 

Mesh done right is slick and stylish.  And punk rock.  And mysterious.   

Be a rebel.  Embrace mesh. 

@alifashion.com + @vogue.com + @katehewko

Denim Redux

Denim is a mainstay…but have some fun with it.. do more than blue jeans...do something different… and wear it beyond 10 days in July.

Go street with safety pins and graffiti, glam it up with sequins, go dishabille with strategic tears, or do a denim + pearls mash up.  It is all fabulous.  Never boring.

If you are going to do it…do it differently in denim.  This is denim redux. 

Go Street.

Embrace your inner bad gal with safety pins and graffiti.  

This style lets you express yourself and your opinions without uttering a word. 

Wear out for brunch.  Everyone will look up from their mimosas and talk.

Glam.

@vogue.com + @katehewko

Dishabille.

@vogue.com + @katehewko

Pearls.

Always be a lady.  So why not mesh this ladylike classic with the workhorse of your wardrobe?  Opposites attract.  And denim + pearls will attract exactly the right kind of attention.

@vogue.com + @katehewko

Summer 2017's Must-Have Fashion Trends for Women

Navy

Navy is a must-have color this summer. Send your black fashions to the back of your closet and opt for navy as a basic instead. A pair of Navy sunnies is the perfect opportunity to test drive this new trend.

@laredoute_uk

Fuchsia

You'll be seeing plenty of fuchsia this summer. Add some texture to your look with a faux fur fuchsia hand bag or layer any outfit with this denim vest that has a pop of fuchsia sequins. Matching is not required, so have fun with your outfit by adding small hints of this vibrant color.

@thegirlwholivedforclothes

Bright Yellow

You can thank Beyonce for the bright yellow trend. From bright yellow duster jackets to tank tops and billowy blouses, vibrant yellow pops of color will be mega popular this summer.

@halpernstudio

Pastel Floral

If bold and brilliant colors aren't your thing, you won't be left out of summer 2017 fashion trends. Pastel floral patterns are hot this season, especially in dresses and blouses. Paired with denim overalls, you'll still be on trend even if you're not wearing bright neon colors.

@spacestyleconcept

Stripes

Stripes are super popular this summer. From striped tee shirts to striped sandals and shorts, you'll be seeing plenty of horizontal stripes during the hot months of summer.

@spacestyleconcept

Nautical

Tied in with the navy and bright yellow trend, nautical influences are everywhere for summer 2017. Pants with high waists, scarves tied around the neck, and brass embellishments and jewelry will be in abundance.

@beirut_in_style

Cropped Pants

Speaking of pants, the big trend for summer is cropped pants. Longer than a Capri short, cropped pants expose just a bit of ankle for a sexy touch of skin exposure.

@elle_ferguson

Anklet Jewelry

If you're exposing your ankles with cropped pants, you might as well check out another popular fashion trend for women this summer. Anklet jewelry is hot; anything from single gold anklets to necklaces wrapped multiple times around the ankle.

@houseemmanuele

Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets are an under-the-radar summer fashion trend many women aren't aware of. A great option for ladies looking for a layered look on cooler summer days, bomber jackets in rich or metallic colors are a terrific option paired with our vegan leather cropped pants with leggings.

@katehewko

  
Summer is an awesome time to give your wardrobe a makeover. You can get rid of the bulky knits of winter and treat yourself to fun and fabulous fashions perfect for warmer weather. How many of these summer 2017 fashion trends for women will you be adding to your wardrobe?

Tassels are the 2016 go to fashion trend. Be on point in this 'more is more' outfit layered with swoon worthy tassel accents including our extra long Amy tassel earrings.

It doesn't matter whether you're a student, working full-time, or raising your children, we are all striving to maintain a sense of equilibrium in our lives and look fantastic at the same time. Each piece in the Kate Hewko jewelry collection has been designed with stunning natural stones and striking crystals that can give you the harmony and balance you need to feel great throughout the day. This jewelry also reflects the current trend in accessories to wear bold pieces that stand out and make a fashion statement so you're always looking your best and feeling fantastic.

The Kate Hewko collection has the power to soothe or stimulate your senses, heal damaged emotions, and restore balance in your life when you feel like you're taking on too much. The vibrations and frequencies in the carefully chosen stones and crystals work in a natural way to give you peace of mind.

The Lauren Necklace is the perfect piece if you're feeling particularly stressed out or if you need to be creative in a demanding workplace. You'll love the deep agate geode stone with its double brass chain and ultrachic tassel. You'll feel especially unique as each Lauren Necklace creation is a one of a kind. The beauty of the agate stone is the strength and calmness it provides. This magnificent natural stone will give you a sense of power and purpose and all the energy you need in times of stress.  The agate stone will also release you from feelings of resentment and it will provide you with the inspiration you need to work on difficult projects. The Lauren Necklace is a beautiful statement piece and the perfect gift for someone special in your life who needs to release built up negative energy.

You don't need to spend a lot to restore your inner feelings of composure and self-possession. The Smoky Quartz points only cost between $85 - $95 and will help to restore balance and protect your aura. When we get stressed we tend to make mistakes more easily, we can lose things, and we can make bad decisions. The smoky quartz will help to protect you from accidents, damage, and potential theft. The energy in this ring will give you the confidence you need to leave home feeling optimistic in the morning.

It's important to be kind to yourself in this life and introduce natural solutions to combat fatigue, anxiety and tension. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans adorned themselves with natural stones and polished crystals to ward off evil spirits and achieve enlightenment. In the same way, the stylish and ultrachic jewelry in the Kate Hewko collection allows you to maintain your composure as it improves you inner strength and at the same time you will always look and feel beautiful.

The latest Jewelry collection “Structured + Raw” debut, drew a lively crowd to the official opening of Bamboo Ballroom on September 17, 2015; a posh little clothing boutique featuring local designers in Inglewood. Bex Vintage homeware stylishly donned the shop; providing a classic warmth and ambience to the evening.  The Calgary Bamboo Ballroom boutique opened it’s doors early July 2015, in Inglewood Calgary, and we decided to partner up to put on a party. Not only does the Bamboo Ballroom feature fashions from local Edmonton and Calgary designers, it also carries a wide range of established brands, and much more.

We’ve been known  to describe our design vision as “earthy, edgy, and raw” and the 2015 STRUCTURED + RAW collection definitely explores these themes further. Bamboo Ballroom was the perfect, chic venue for the launch of this new edgy collection made up of sexy black onyx, lapis lazuli and raw pyrite pieces in bold brass settings. The prices are also on point, so no one need feel too guilty for indulging.  The stones cast a cool glow and are said to have healing properties; yet another reason to indulge in a little retail therapy. See the full STRUCTURED + RAW lookbook here.

To no surprise FASHION Magazine has featured the YYC style of several the fashionable people in attendance at the launch.  Big thank you to DJ Tiny Toque for the awesome tunes, Anju Restaurant & Lounge for providing an excellent selection of eats, Village Brewery for the brews and Solo Liquor for the bubbles!

Have you ever wondered why some women always look so effortlessly stylish? The secret lies in the details and choosing the right accessories. Beautiful and eye-catching jewelry not only tells a story, it can also inspire you and redefine you as a unique individual. The right necklace, an alluring pair of earrings, a big ring, or a charming bracelet can also give you confidence, make you look and feel happier, and attract the right attention.
 
The Kate Hewko collection has been designed to complement you and your lifestyle as the natural stones and precious metals create harmonious vibrations. These healing gems can provide peaceful and positive energies in your life. Each piece is sublimely raw and appealing. You'll feel truly special every time you receive a compliment because this natural jewelry really does stand out in a crowd.
 
The beauty of the Kate Hewko collection is that it's designed to be chic and contemporary but it's also timeless. Every piece is versatile enough to be worn with a basic t-shirt and jeans on the weekend, throughout the week in a business suit at work, or to a black tie event in a ball gown. Accentuate your look with a few pieces from the Kate Hewko collection and mix and match them throughout the day to suit the right occasion.
 

Let me introduce the Paris Necklace. It's one of our signature pieces featuring a large agate stone, making it a true fashion statement. Its concentric layers are set against a double chain of silver plated solid brass or plain solid brass. This is the only natural stone in the world to feature such beautiful and artistic stripes. Imagine yourself in a strapless summer dress with this stone set just below your heart. True style queens will even wear this striking necklace to offset their bikini! Some say the agate stone will protect you from danger and it will give you courage. Please let me know if you're feeling braver when you wear this piece. I'd love to hear your stories.
 

Take a look at this amethyst Brazilian druzy quartz double finger ring. We've called it the Kate Ring. This quartz has been formed over millions of years. The glittering effect is thanks to a combination of tiny crystals on top of a colorful mineral.  The metaphysical properties of this ring will give you energy and uplift you. The amethyst color really complements a monochrome black, white or navy outfit. I'm sure you'll feel empowered and ready to take on everything and everyone at work if you wear it with a suit or a cap sleeve dress during the day. At night, the soft lighting will pick up the sparkle of the quartz and the 24kt gold-plated finish. At the same time, the cool double ring effect will draw every pair of eyes towards you.
 

If you work in fashion or if you just love looking ultra-fashionable all day long, you'll adore the Brett Earrings. You can customize these earrings to get the color that suits you the best or you can get all the styles and wear a different pair of Brett Earrings throughout the week. If you've been flicking through fashion magazines lately, you'll know this style of earrings with a double chain is really cool right now. If you're a fan of the boho and vintage styles then these earrings are exactly what you need to match the stylish clothes in your wardrobe.
 

It doesn't matter if you're at your desk, enjoying dinner at a resort with your partner, or simply having a drink with your friends. We have lovingly created each piece in the Kate Hewko collection for you to cherish and enjoy. We want to make sure you feel gorgeous no matter where you are or what you're doing. I hope the pieces I've shown you above will inspire you to take a look at the full collection.