He got an artist friend to create the ’stache and it took off like crazy. Soon after, other artists came to him, offering their own designs for Senators players t-shirts, and that’s how The 613’s Boys of Winter line was born.

What was a first a quest to create more appealing sports apparel expanded organically, over the course of a few months. Wanting to support local artists, Love decided to make The 613 – a sort of marketplace where local artists could share their designs. “I’ve got a number of friends that are artists and would love to live off of their art. This is a small way of making their designs available to a larger community.” Love takes on the risk of printing the t-shirts and artists receive commissions based on their sales. Thus far, t-shirt designs by Marc Adornato, Dan Martelock, Andrea Emery and The Joynt are for sale with other artists coming on board shortly. All t-shirts are printed in Ottawa.

Photo courtesy of Matt Love.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed at the moment,” admits Love. His apartment’s become a little warehouse and the realtor-by-day turned entrepreneur-by-night “can’t believe how quickly business has picked up.” Surely, the Sens playoff success has had something to do with it, but word of mouth and social media have helped make The 613 Ts a hot ticket. “In the end, I guess Ottawa’s a big small town. Once someone does something interesting, everyone knows about it.” Love and the artists involved have been careful not to infringe on any copyrights. He’s also planning to reach out to the players featured to make sure they support the designs. The initial word on the street is they like what they see, at least Doppelgänger does.

To this day, the great majority of the products Love has sold have gone to Ottawa homes but he’s shipped t-shirts to Australia, the Yukon, Thunder Bay and other unlikely destinations.

If this thing keeps growing, Love is thinking of creating two marketplaces; keep the one focusing on harnessing local talent and another that expands the hockey swag to possibly include other NHL markets. But that’s for the future.

Currently, the Ts are available via The613.com Shopify store, Lieutenant’s Pump and select Canadian Tire locations in the city. However, one lucky Apt613 reader could get a free tshirt! Let us know in the comments which is your favourite The 613 tshirt and we’ll hook you up. Contest ends Sunday at 10 pm.

One designer isn’t so sure we’re out of the woods just yet. Jordana Globerman, owner of NIGH apparel, creates clothing that draws on apocalyptic imagery from the world over, with the tagline “Everyday Wear for the End of Days”. Her designs reference that old standby, the Book of Revelation, but also the Norse Ragnarök myth and the mystical Jewish tradition of Kabbalah, favoured by Madonna.

While now based in Montréal, Globerman has close ties to Ottawa. She grew up in the Alta Vista area, and studied Visual Arts at Canterbury. In Ottawa, NIGH apparel is sold at Fall Down Gallery (288 Bank St.) and Black Squirrel Books (508 Bank St.). Globerman chose these locations over traditional clothing retailers as a way of recognizing the artistic and esoteric flavour of her designs. Fall Down Gallery appeals to those who think of their clothing as wearable art, while Black Squirrel Books attracts an erudite crowd who appreciate Globerman’s eschatological allusions.

When asked about apocalyptic rites and images that appeal to her in particular, Globerman mentioned the Jewish tradition of the search for the parah adumah, the symbolic all-red heifer, which cannot have more than one non-red hair on its body, as verified by a rabbi. The import placed on minute detail, the almost literal splitting of hairs, seems like a fitting metaphor for the diligence required for artistic creation.

Globerman currently silkscreens small printings of 2 to 3 designs each year, but hopes to expand, perhaps by adding apocalyptic jewellery and accessories to the line. As an independent designer, she believes it is important to plan and budget carefully to avoid burning out. However, as most religious traditions have colourful beliefs about the end times, NIGH Apparel has a rich vein of imagery to draw upon for many years to come.

No matter how or when the apocalypse arrives, you’ll want to look dashing when the time comes. Whether you’re raptured or left behind, NIGH Apparel has got you covered.

Visit NIGH Apparel on facebook, twitter or their online shop.

As a part of the launch of Northern Scene, a handful of galleries in Ottawa and Gatineau will be hosting events, exhibition openings and performances by some of the best talent coming from the North. Billed as “the largest gathering of artists from Yukon, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut”, the festival will showcase more than 250 artists over ten days.

SWARM starts with a gallery crawl at 6pm — to get around the city you can walk, bike or take a ride on the free shuttle bus. For a full listing of galleries and exhibitions, see below.

At 9pm, the National Arts Centre is throwing a party with Hip hop artist Aaron “Godson” Hernandez, DJ Madeskimo and throat boxer Nelson Tagoona. The foyer of the NAC will also feature Boundless, complete with a runway showcasing fashion from Northern designers.

The SWARM party continues throughout the night at Club SAW – don’t miss a special performance by Joseph Tisiga and Lauren Passmore at 11:30pm.

Gallery Listing

AXENÉO7
Not Real, Only In The Mind
Work by artist-in-residence sculptor (and Mayor of Ivujivik, QC) Mattiusi Iyaituk.

Carleton University Art Gallery
Dorset Seen and Dorset Gold
The first 100 visitors to stop in will get CUAG swag bags!

City Hall Art Gallery
The Soniferous Æther of The Land Beyond The Land Beyond
Film by Charles Stankievech – recorded at CFS Alert, the northernmost human settlement on Earth. Presented in collaboration with SAW Video Media Art Centre.

Cube Gallery
edge of the ‘knife
A contemporary group show featuring Yellowknife artists Rae Braden, Landon Peters, Jennifer Walden,  Terry Pamplin, Helene Girard, Angus Beaulieu and Margaret Nazon.

DAÏMÕN
Afriques: Art Video curated by Pierre Beaudoin. 

Galerie SAW Gallery 
Northern Exposures
Curated by Candice Hopkins. Featuring work by Steve Anderson, Janet Ripley Armstrong, Goota Ashoona, Joe Ashoona, Bob Kussy, Aidan Cartwright, Marcus Jackson, Jimmy Kamimmalik, Quvavau Manumie, Ohotaw Mikkigak, Leo Mukjunik, Willie Mukjunik, Danny Osborne, Itee Pootoogook, Monique Robert, Nicotye Samayualie, Doug Smarch, Joseph Tisiga, Jutai Toonoo, Papiara Tukiki and Mary Tutsweetok.

Gallery 101
Aurora Boreawesomer
Curated by Lynn Canney, in partnership with The Open Sky Creative Society. Opening ceremony at 7pm with Dehcho Elder Gerald Antoine.

National Arts Centre
Artists’ Marketplace - Panorama Room
Boundless: Fashion from Canada’s North - Main Lobby (foyer)
Whalebone, Beads, Fur, Feathers, Fibre and Soapstone - Mezzanine
From the collection of the Canada Council Art Bank
Relish Gourmet Food Truck
Chef Paul Bergeron will lure you in with smoked Arctic char tacos and braised elk poutine.

National Gallery of Canada
New Voices from the New North
Curated by Heather Campbell. Featuring work by Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Luke Anguhadluq, Tony Anguhalluq, Kenojuak Ashevak, Karoo Ashevak, Kiugak Ashoona, Shuvinai Ashoona, Igloolik Isuma Productions, Elisapee Ishulutaq, Mattiusi Iyaituk, Helen Kalvak, Qavavau Manumie, Michael Massie, William Noah, Jessie Oonark, Jacoposie Oopakak, Kananginak Pootoogook, Itee Pootoogook, Pudlo Pudlat, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Nick Sikkuark and Ningeokuluk Teevee.

Ottawa Art Gallery
Larger Than Life
Work by Sonja Ahlers, Rosemary Scanlon, Joseph Tisiga, Veronica Verkley.
Whitehorse artist Sonja Ahlers will be hosting a drop-in workshop where party-goers can make their own art inspired by her installation of found objects.
ᑕᑯᓱᕐᓀᑐᖅ (Ta•ku•shur•nai•tuk) n. 1. Things Never Seen Before 2. Aisa Qumaaluk Sivuaraapik and Others
On display in the Firestone Gallery, with work from Bobby Najummialu Novalinga, Levi Alaasuaq Pirti (Smith), Mattiusi Manukuluk Qilurqi, Mattiusi Ilimasaut Amarualik, Aisa Qumaaluk Sivuaraapik and Aliva Tuktu Tulugak. Curated by Catherine Sinclair.

For more information on events, performances, workshops and happenings occurring throughout the Northern Scene festival (April 25-May 4), check the NAC website.

Sonja Ahlers, Untitled (detail) 2013. Toe shoes, fur, glass, ephemera, porcelain leg by Shary Boyle. Courtesy of the artist.

Apartment613: The vintage sale is now a staple for retro-clothing lovers. How did you guys get the idea to do it in the first place, five years ago?

Régine Paquette: The way it all started is actually kinda funny and a magical series of events… One day in 2008 we received a flyer in the mail addressed to us about an auction in Cornwall of Miss Canada 1954′s estate. Katie & I had never actually been to an auction before, so I have no idea how we even got on that mailing list, but our curiosity was piqued, so we decided to make the trek out to Cornwall just for the heck of it.

Once we got to the auction, we were sucked in… we got the fever, auction fever! Now we’re hooked! There were all of these amazing pieces from her wardrobe up for auction, including some beautiful pageant swimsuits and amazing Canadian-designed dresses made for her during her “reign” as Miss Canada, so we couldn’t help but bid on some items. Before we knew it, we had been there over 10 hours, and had a car full of dresses and swimsuits….we didn’t even have a plan for what we would do with them, we just knew they were too good to pass up. So we had our first sale around this collection, and it was a huge success. That and the thrill we got from discovering all these past gems motivated us to keep looking for more beautiful vintage dresses for our customers, and now it’s a semi-annual tradition! And it all started with a mysterious invitation in the mail…

Photos by Claire Dam Photography.

Where do you find these treasures? 

The main reason we only do this twice a year is because it really is a lot of work to uncover these puppies! We’ve developed contacts in the Ottawa Valley & Montreal, but we also travel quite a lot. We’ve been on scavenging trips to New York State, Detroit, Portland, California. Most of these dresses are 50+ years old, and that is really old for textiles. The pool of dresses is just getting really small. We find ourselves falling in love with a piece to feel that it’s already disintegrated beyond repair. That is always so sad!

Because of the nature of vintage, it’s literally different every time and you never know what you’ll see – but you can be sure you’ll see beautifully constructed pieces with lots of handiwork that is really hard to come by these days! Katie and I are really choosy about what we buy, so I think the quality and styles we bring in keep bringing people back. And it’s also almost like a glimpse into fashion history as well – to see how styles come back, how things were made of such a higher standard. They truly belong in a museum! Plus it’s kind of like playing the lotto – when you find something totally unique that you fall in love with and it’s in your size, well, there’s no better feeling! It feels like destiny (ha ha and that’s the best feeling!

Photos by Claire Dam Photography.

Have you ever come across a piece that you just had to keep for yourself because you loved it too much? Tell us about it!

What are some of the great pieces people can expect this year?

We’ve got a couple of sun suits and bathing suits which are always a special find. And more vintage wedding dresses as well! There is nothing more thrilling than outfitting a bride for her special day with something so special and one of a kind, so we set our sights on finding even more wedding dresses since those were so popular last year.

Victoire’s To The Nines vintage dress sale takes place this Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday from 10am-7pm  at 246 Dalhousie St. 

H&M is known for their affordable prices while still offering the latest trends and basics at a fraction of a cost of department store prices, all the while gaining international recognition for collaborating with higher end, ready-to-wear designers such as Versace, Marni, and Maison Martin Margiela.

When asked why H&M decided to come to Ottawa, Public Relations Manager for H&M Emily Scarlett told Apartment613, “We’ve always been looking for a location in Ottawa since we opened in Canada in 2004. We’ve been just waiting to find the perfect location so unfortunately it’s taken 9 years to find.”

“Finding the right location is part of our expansion principle since the company was founded in 1947.” Scarlett further explained, “This was the first time such a space was available in a great location like Bayshore.”

Despite Ottawa’s reputation for dressing conservatively, Scarlett suggests Ottawa shoppers will be able to find something no matter what their style is. H&M’s principle “is that people should be able to dress for their personality no matter what that is. We feel that you can find that at H&M … We’re very big about fashion and quality at the best price.”

Are Ottawa residents more keen for fashion finds at a lower price? Depends on who you ask. Recently a Joe Fresh store was added to St. Laurent Shopping Centre, and much like H&M, provides basics and trendier clothing for a modest price. Word is ZARA Kids might be arriving to Bayshore  as well. Simons, which offers a mix of low and high end clothing, recently confirmed a store opening in Rideau Centre in 2015. However, one of the more popular higher end department stores from the US, Nordstrom, is to arrive at Rideau Centre in the spring of 2014.

All of these recent developments pose a bigger question around the impact on local business. With H&M located out in Bayshore, at first glance it doesn’t seem to pose direct competition for local downtown boutiques. Yet as local businesses seek to expand, they might see themselves facing more competition from larger stores. Local boutiques have proven resilient, however, and their loyal clientele isn’t likely to stray too far from those shops.

Bayshore’s General Manager seemed pleased as punch with the announcement. ”We are extremely excited that H&M has selected Bayshore Shopping Centre as its first location in Ottawa,” said Denis Pelletier, GM. “Welcoming one of the world’s most sought-after clothing retailers is proof that Ottawa is on the fashion map. With H&M’s opening in the fall, as well as the addition of a number of other exciting, new retailers, Bayshore has cemented its position as the city’s fashion destination.”

If you’re into cheaper fashion, H&M will definitely be a draw. They’ll be getting new deliveries every single day, so “maybe you won’t be able to find something on Monday, but if you come back on Tuesday, there will definitely be something there.”As for the sought-after designer collaborations, H&M has yet to announce a collaboration this fall. Scarlett also informed Apt613 H&M will be hiring staff for their Ottawa location and can apply on their website, www.hm.com/ca.

I am excited. E-X-C-I-T-E-D.

If you love local as much as I do, you want to know about and support EcoEquitable. On the surface, EcoEquitable is a local fabric boutique and Ottawa-based charity that sells recycled textiles and notions – both new and vintage – that have been donated by businesses and individuals in the community. They are moving to a new storefront location and are hosting a kick-ass event this Saturday to make that move just a little bit easier.

Bring cash, people. Cash, your favourite (reusable) shopping bag, and an appetite. Why? EcoEquitable is having a “Fill-a-bag” fabric sale. For $10 you can walk away with a shopping bag full of unique, recycled, high quality, and affordable fabric and notions. How often do you hear that in one sentence?

You can also pick up fabric from $2-5/meter, as well as coffee and baked goods.

I don’t need an excuse to get my craft on – that comes rather naturally, as my ever-overflowing studio space would contest to – but this event is not one to be missed. This isn’t just a fabric sale.

All proceeds from this event will go to EcoEquitable’s ever-growing sewing, employment, and training programs for immigrants, refugees, and marginalized women. You will not only be helping to divert textile waste from the landfill, but you will be supporting an organization that empowers low-income Ottawans to transition to financial independence.

I can’t think of a better way to spend my next $10.

EcoEquitable’s first ever “Fill-a-bag” fabric sale happens on Saturday, April 6 at Heartwood House (153 Chapel Street) from 10am-2pm.

Yes, there are egg hunts happening this weekend!. And if you’re feeling a bit of spring fever, head to the Black Sheep for a remedy or two.

There’s a ton of music adventures to be had over the next few days. Danny Michel plays again tonight at the NAC Studio, after a great show yesterday. Also tonight, it’s the Winners Circle Edition of the weekly Battle of the Bands at the Lunenburg Pub – the best of the best face off against each other. Tomorrow night, you’re going to have to make a tough choice or two (unless you’ve already got your Sigur Rós tickets): Spirit Tracks is happening with A Tribe Called Red down at St. Brigid’s, while StillNative and their blues heroes JW-Jones will be at the Rainbow Bistro. It’s also Double Barrel at Mugshots, with special guest DJ Eric Roberts.

On Saturday, indie rockers Rococode and The Strain will be at Raw Sugar, and Celery Troff release a new blues-infused rock EP at Avant Garde Bar. The 5th annual Fuzzy Bunny Slaughterhouse show will happen at the Rainbow on Sunday, the same night that the Bereket Afrobeat Band will be at the Mercury Lounge. DJ Sweetcheeks will host a dance party at the HPH that night too. If you want a bit of an earlier dance-a-thon, head to Overkill Bar for their post-brunch Pile Driver Sunday party.

Spoken Word artist Shane Koyczan, of the Vancouver Olympic opening ceremony fame, is out at Algonquin College today around noon – head out there now!

Milk Shop is having their annual Spring Clothing Swap this weekend – it’s the perfect excuse to check out their new digs! Men, if you’re looking for some new fashion, head to the Congress Centre on Saturday.

What else is going on this weekend, Ottawa? Let us know below!

Fashion: Show or shopping? You get both. Twiss and Weber are hosting a pop in shop, and The Weight is Over show will feature casual, work, swim wear and more!

Food: Westboro’s got an Easter Food Market down on Churchill this Saturday, with hot cross buns, chocolate bunnies, sausages and more. Pull together a terrific feast!

Loud music: Pretty Little Death Machine is down at Avant Garde Bar Friday, while Hunter Valentine and The Ecstatic stop by Mavericks to shake things up.

Local music: Space-pop local band The Yips are releasing an EP on Friday night, alongside Teenager and Average Times. If you come to The Yips show having been at the Roberta Bondar show prior, you get half price entry! Also that night? Bob Loblaw rocks out at Cafe Dekcuf, while out at the Black Sheep, The Peptides celebrate their latest album.

Quiet music: Find a bit of sanctuary on your Friday lunch hour with this classical concert.

Soul music: Catch the nine-piece, three horn deep Soul Motivators at the Mercury Lounge, where they’ll be celebrating their EP release on Friday. Lance Baptiste will also stop by to get your groove on!

Indie music: Tall Trees is at Raw Sugar on Sunday, opening for progressive rockers Bend Sinister from Vancouver.

Music in someone’s living room: Saturday night house concert with The Roofhoppers, a Toronto-based acoustic chamber trio.

Karaoke: Of the hip-hop sort, specifically – Babylon’s hosting this tonight.

Photography and music: The School of Photographic Arts Ottawa is hosting a night of images and music, to raise money for the Youville Centre. They’ll also have a raffle, so you can win great prizes!

Burlesque: Capital Tease takes over the stage at Barrymore’s on Saturday night for the second edition of Back to the Grind.

Comedy: The Black Irish Pub hosts stand up comedians on Friday, while the Hintonburg Public House lets you tell your funnies with their open mic on Sunday.

Films, of the Latin American sort: The 17th annual film festival continues this weekend, with several award winning, thoughtful films you’ll not want to miss.

The Tango: Yes, it takes two. All levels welcome at this tango fiesta, for the lessons and the party.

Personal finance: Get prepared for when you don’t have to slog away at a day job.

Storytime: Mark reads from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, discusses the Mark Does Stuff empire, and reads terrible romance novels and fan fiction live at Raw Sugar Cafe on Saturday.

For those of you with very specific passions, particularly bands named after provincial capitals: Whitehorse is at the NAC this weekend, the joint project of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet.

And lastly: missed St Patty’s day fun? Make up for it with some authentic Irish music!

Inspired by the empowered, confident women of Ottawa and abroad, store owner Amanda May Beaubien says that while the store was a long-time dream, the actual process began just this past summer. Starting her own designer label is the shining beacon to her five-year plan, and Beaubien says she has always been on the technical side of fashion.

“I’ve always been a sewer,” she said. “My mother sewed costumes for the Winnipeg Ballet. One day I would like to move into design, but for now, retail is the perfect way to learn the market and see what gaps there are to fill within the industry.”

Tired of the stereotypical childish prints that come attached to smaller bra sizes and bored by the beige and black varieties offered to the bustier ladies, Amanda May Lingerie is determined to not discriminate against the sizes deemed above and below average.  Offering lingerie pieces in cup sizes A-K and band widths from 28-38, the shop gives women the chance to pick a bra by the style, and then find their size on the rack.

The variety of sizes go hand-in-hand with the renowned brands tethered to each garment. Elle Macpherson, Panache and Fleur of England are just a few of the designer labels available at the store. But with the designer names come designer prices: bras average at $80-$100, underwear $20-$40 and silk pajamas coming in at $110-$400. These garments are clearly delicacies that go beyond daily wear.

What Amanda May Lingerie offers is unlike anything you will find in your average store. A must-stop destination on your next trip down Dalhousie, you will leave feeling elegant and just a tad more confident than you did when you walked in the door.

Amanda May Lingerie is located at 203 Dalhousie Street. Visit their website for details on opening hours.

Speaking of eyeballs and winter, you could do worse than checking out Saw Video’s Icebox party on Friday, which promises to melt the permafrost with a sweat-fueled video dance party. In other party related news, Mercury Lounge brings back their monthly battle between DJ Trevor Walker and DJ Jax Pratt on Saturday.

And then, of course, there’s Winterlude. I swear, the gods of snow and ice seem to send a thaw at this time every year just to make everyone lose their shit. You have to feel for the Winterlude organizers. Whether the canal is frozen or not, the festival kicks off officially on Friday. We recommend checking out the diverse bundle of music acts, including The Wee Trio, The Darcys and Pawa Up First, that will come to town as part of this year’s tag-team event with the Jazz Fest folks.

In other musical happenings, local label Pop Drone kicks off a weekly concert series at Café Alt on Friday featuring Winchester Warm, Camp Radio, Organ Eyes and more. At the same time, Ukrania will kick out their vodka-fueled jams at the best Soviet-inspired bar in town. And of course, the Hilotrons will launch their long-awaited album at The Black Sheep on Sunday.