Poised
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere that guarantees a pleasant experience, this spacious boutique has wall-to-wall fashions for every type of woman. With great finds from Nicole Miller and Alberto Makali, you’re sure to find the right piece for you or that special someone. www.poisedboutique.com

Lago
Restaurant by day, bopping hot spot by night. LAGO is located directly on the beautiful Dows Lake in Ottawa. While it is not right downtown like you would expect from such a trendy place, it makes up for it. With its unique combination of restaurant and club, unique and quaint seating style, fantastic menu and drink selection, it’s an evening out worth trying. www.lagobargrill.com

Trust Fund Boutique
Sleek and chic, this shopping haven has one of the widest selections of premium denim from industry leaders J Brand, Citizens of Humanity, Paige and 7 For All Mankind. With luxury collections abounding, Trust Fund Boutique will have you stylishly dressed from head to toe. www.trustfundboutique.com

Social
Sleek, fun and with an atmosphere that is just wonderful, you can’t avoid this ‘social’ central hot spot. Located right in the happening fashion district on Sussex, Social offers the atmosphere and environment you would hope to find in the most fashionable part of Ottawa. It offers an extensive wine list and a diverse and appetizing cuisine, including a special ‘Social Canapés’ menu when you are bringing a large number of guests with you. www.social.ca

Over 20 years ago, Alberto Makali began to design suits for women. Since then, he has branched out to create all kinds of women’s wear.
He has developed a loyal following of fashionistas throughout Europe and North America, and continues to wow new fans by constantly unveiling magnificent designs, season after season.

When asked which season was his favourite for fashion, Makali quickly replies “spring,” however, he says every season has its perks. “I love warmth! Spring brings soft pastels and vivid colour in chiffons, silks and cottons. Each season is like a birth, bringing new life to every collection.”

Much of Makali’s designs this summer were inspired by nature. This is evident from his use of the bright colours and bold floral motifs that grace his pieces. “Nature inspires me, not only in colour, but in my prints as well. I love the sea, and it shows in many of my prints,” says Makali.

Besides the colourful seasons, in the open air also inspires him to work. “I am very motivated by the outdoors. I get a tremendous sense of pleasure when I am in my garden, whether planting, pruning or just enjoying nature.”

Makali also enjoys exploring current fabrics, trends, prints and design through travel.

One of Makali’s favourite places to escape to – whether for work or pleasure – is Central America. “I love Costa Rica. The ocean and tropical climates have always been my favourite places. It is from places like these that I get much of my inspiration,” says Makali.

And while Makali lives an extremely busy life, he is fortunate that he can spend time with his family. “I can never be completely stress-free,” says Makali. “If you are committed to your business, you just can’t forget the problems. However, I do look forward to spending time with my family on weekends.”

A typical week for Makali involves every aspect of his business. He is very hands-on, and he takes part in all decisions. Unlike other high-profile business people, Makali is at his desk at 8 a.m. every weekday. “I start my day making fabric selections. I work with my assistants from each of my divisions. We work on design themes, colour palettes, design changes and fittings,” says Makali. Dealing with continual overseas calls, which he takes personally, and his seven women’s wear divisions, Makali has mastered the art of multi-tasking.

His business goal is to make sure the women who grace his designs feel feminine and beautiful. “It’s always exciting to dress a celebrity, but I get a great deal of gratification seeing women around the world looking and feeling attractive in my designs,” says Makali.
www.albertomakali.com

Gallery 1, 2 and 3: With his elegant and luxurious collections, Makali’s work is intended to make women around the world feel beautiful. With graceful gowns like these, fans from Europe and North America have indulged in his sophisticated fashions. www.albertomakali.com

Gallery 4, 5 and 6: Inspired by nature, Makali uses fresh colours in these three designs. Stunning textiles make each of his seven women’s wear divisions distinctive and feminine. His exploration of different fabrics and trends gives women something to feel stunning in. www.albertomakali.com

Gallery 7: Makali’s work evokes the princess in every woman. www.albertomakali.com

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Makali, you too will come to appreciate his gentlemanly ways. You will understand that although Alberto Makali designs gowns that are all about attention grabbing, they are never over the top loud, and always display a quality of simple sophistication.

But no matter which designer you favour, the main idea this summer is to choose black or white outfits. If, however, you can’t decide between black and white, you can always opt for a print that marries the two.

Both gowns by Alberto Makali.
www.albertomakali.com

Gallery 1: Black Riccio Necklace – A coloured black glass necklace with a natural sponge accent, by Lucia Odescalchi. Available from www.vivre.com

Gallery 2: Quarts & Jade Necklace – An organic arrangement of white jade and rock crystal quartz creates a clean and fresh look, by Siman Tu. Available from www.vivre.com

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SEA QUEEN

The best thing about looking good in an evening gown is feeling good.

These gowns are not only stunning with their floral prints, but they are also light-as-air to wear, making them the season’s must-have look. This year, designers are recreating three-dimensional beauty with roses and floral sex appeal. Both gowns by Alberto Makali. www.albertomakali.com.

Gallery 1: A turquoise drop pendant with large stones of varying sizes and textures will add drama to any outfit. www.vivre.com

Gallery 2: This bracelet with Swarovski crystals set in a wide resin cuff is clearly another must-have in all four available colours: beige, light blue, turquoise or dark blue. www.vivre.com

Gallery 3: This pave moonstone ring by Kenneth Jay Lane is a striking accessory. www.vivre.com