Why we’re excited about the Calgary designer’s thoughtfully curated AVD Pop-Up Shoppe.

Designer Alykhan Velji has often appeared in the pages of our magazine—we fell in love with the Calgary home he designed in collaboration with Hindle Architects, the art-deco-inspired Belle Barre fitness studio is still one of our fave spaces, and he was named a finalist in our 2016 Designers of the Year competition. So it was a pleasant surprise when we learned that Velji has teamed up with West Elm in Calgary for a one-week-only pop-up shop.His design studio, known for their beautifully curated homes and commercial spaces, are inviting you to get a peek of their process—and to shop some of their fave pieces. “Our goal is to continue searching for beautiful and curious pieces that you won’t find anywhere else,”  says Velji. The shop includes pieces from the studio’s own collection as well as local artists such as Ashley Slemming.Keep the summer vibes alive with this seashell print by local artist Ashley Slemming.This funky, abstract AVD typography notebook is just one of the colourful pieces you can find in-store. It’s perfect for lunch meetings and getting those thoughts down when inspiration strikes.If you’re anything like me, locating keys is a constant struggle; I’ll be making a beeline for this tassel keychain, another AVD favourite. Dawn helps you bring in the day and start it right. A blend of oak moss, grapefruit, petit grain, black pepper and fig.The shop will also have two signature candles by Velji and his team. The Dawn (oak moss, grapefruit, black pepper, fig) and Dusk (bergamot, sandalwood, cedar wood) scents will invigorate your mornings—and help you relax in the evening. Bonus: the candles are made with locally sourced soy wax, HTP lead-free wick and organic essential oils, so they’re completely guilt free!

AVD Pop-Up Shoppe

When: Now until October 6 (10: 30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)Where: West Elm, 868 16 Ave. SW, Calgary

Stephanie Mitchell

Stephanie Mitchell