Amanda Hamilton dishes on a few of her favourite fashion finds

　　Amanda Hamilton has designed the interior of some of Calgary’s most current inner-city restaurants: Anejo, 80th & Ivy and Native Tongues just to name a few. Chances are quite likely you’ve experienced the vibe of one of her creations without even knowing.

　　“Each project we’ve worked on and every client we have come across has provided us with the opportunity to learn and become better designers,” says Hamilton. “I’m pretty stoked on how Native Tongues turned out. It was a highly collaborative project so everyone was invested in the outcome and felt like they had a part of the overall esthetic.”

　　As well as designing commercial, hospitality and residential spaces, Hamilton’s design studio also launched a self-titled collection of lifestyle accessories, including luxurious pillows, rich linens, eclectic statement art pieces and bespoke furniture. Her inspiration stems from social and cultural influences including fashion — which is visibly her personal passion.

　　Although there are certainly some similarities between Hamilton’s design style approach and her personal sense of style, one theme remains constant. “The goal with both my wardrobe and the spaces I design is to have elements that evoke inquiry, inspire or provide some theatrical relief,” says Hamilton.

　　Here is more of Hamilton’s take on style:

　　Q: How would you define your personal style?

　　A: Always evolving and diverse but rooted in the same values. I’ll almost always choose something classic, elegant and timeless verses a fleeting trend.

　　Q: What is the most prized possession in your closet?

　　A: I purchased a black leather jacket by Kelly Wearstler about four years ago in L.A. I wear it every day, through every season. The more I wear it, the better it looks.

　　Q: Do you have a favourite designer, brand name or label?

　　A: Not particularly — I’m not really brand loyal. Integrity of the fabric, construction of the tailoring and level of visual interest are most important. When it comes to basics, I like Club Monaco where I have been shopping at for over 20 years. I’m into discovering indie brands before they make it big, however I do love the vibe of designers like Helmut Lang, Chloe, YSL, Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim.

　　Q: What is your favourite brand of jeans?

　　A: Digging R13’s right now. I’m not a huge fan of stretch and they feel like real denim and have an incredible worn wash that doesn’t feel contrived. I pick mine up at Primitive Culture or Holt Renfrew.

　　Q: Would you say your closet is streamlined?

　　A: On any given day, you could walk into my closet and it would look like a bomb went off. I’m not particularly good at putting clothing away and there are usually a few “costume changes” before I leave the house.

　　Q: How often do you purge your closet?

　　A: Every month or two. My grandmother, who loves to shop with me, used to say that if you buy something new, it should replace something old, worn or tired. This keeps your closet manageable and feeling fresh. You should be able to see almost everything you own so you don’t forget about pieces.

　　Q: What is your rule when deciding whether to purge something?

　　A: It’s time to purge if a piece could be better enjoyed in a home other than my own. While I’m not emotionally attached to my clothing and accept they are merely possessions, what I wear is an expression of my character and personality, which is worth honouring.

　　Q: What is your greatest extravagance?

　　A: Traditionally, I splurge and buy myself a pair of “investment” shoes for my birthday — the kind you keep for many seasons and that will never get outdated. Last year I bought myself a pair of the Saint Laurent (Jane) Leather Ankle Strap Sandals with a screaming 4.5-inch heel. They are super delicate and feminine. They really should leave the box more often!

　　Q: What coveted item is currently on your must-have list?

　　A: I’m on a mission to find the perfect pair of round sunglasses. I’m debating between the Tom Ford (Joan or Juliet sunnies in pink) or pretty much anything by Karen Walker.

　　Q: Are there any celebrities whose style you admire?

　　A: I’ve always been a Sienna Miller fan for her innate sense of style and ability to blend vintage and designer brands seamlessly. The Olsen sisters and their oversized monochromatic menswear vibe has taught me that it’s entirely OK to ignore sale associates and buy things two or three sizes larger than what actually fits. Allowing some movement in your clothing provides flexibility when it comes time to layer or style something.

　　Q: What is your favourite magazine?

　　A: For fashion, I love W because it feels more like a coffee-table book than a magazine. I read a lot of books but when it comes to magazines, I just want to see big, bold, thoughtfully styled images.

　　Q: Is there a health and beauty product you can’t live without?

　　A: Lip-gloss — I’m an addict! I’ll stop at a gas station for a dusty pot of Blistex if I’ve forgotten mine. I’ve worn Fashion Scoop by MAC for years and I’m currently crushing on their Crème d’Nude Cremesheen lipstick which feels like lip gloss but makes it look like I actually tried.

　　Q: Who is your hairstylist?

　　A: For cuts and colour, Pearl at the Vanity Vault. I’ve been following her around for over the last ten years and we probably know way too much information about each other. For shoots or special events, I’ve been working with Courtney from the Victoria Park Hedkandi. She has magic hands and uses her unicorn skills to curl, braid, twist and knot just the way I like it.

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　　Q: Do you have a signature scent?

　　A: Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford. It’s typically a men’s scent but I really love it how it smells so I wear it for my own selfish enjoyment.

　　Q: What are your favourite shops in Calgary?

　　A: I’m a big fan of Mariah located in Aspen Landing. It’s a family-owned, family-run business. Outside of clothing, my favourite weekend stops are Recordland and Plant in Inglewood and Shelf Life Books in Victoria Park. There is a new women’s store opening up in Mission in October called Fieldstudy and I’m pretty excited for its addition to YYC.

　　Q: What are your favourite restaurants?

　　A: Pigeonhole — I’m a big fan of small plates, snacks and wine so it’s totally my jam. I’m trying to convince the owner to open up for lunch but he may be concerned that I’ll turn it into my office — which is likely true. Una is a favourite. My husband and I like to go on Sundays. We know most of the service staff there so it always feels like home. If we are entertaining out-of-town friends or celebrating, we generally head to Model Milk or Anju.

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　　For a casual lunch, I usually hit up Native Tongues or Our Daily Brett. For a business lunch, complete with Rose, I generally head to Suzette Bistro or the Living Room — which I think has the best hidden gem of a patio in the city.