Our Blog

Retail Therapy: Primitive Culture

IMG_9380-web

Both avant-garde and upmarket, Primitive Culture (814 16 Ave. S.W.) in the heart of 17th Avenue, is a city gem that’s bringing some of the world’s most exclusive, cutting-edge fashions, directly to Calgary’s doorstep.

Attracting the city’s gypsy-minded elite since the early ’90s, Primitive Culture is all about comfortable living, with an edge.

IMG_9327-web

IMG_9318-web

Stocked with luxurious contemporary-wear that interprets a lifestyle of relaxed nonchalance, Primitive embraces a comfort that’s both cool and refined, bohemian and laid-back.

IMG_9356-web

IMG_9314-web

The store is solely limited to women’s attire and accessories – think distressed leather clutches, delicate jewellery, milliner-made hats, and garments by designers like Gary Graham, Alexander Wang, Raquel Allegra, Anna Sui and Soyer.

IMG_9366-web

IMG_9369-web

The selection of sophisticated (and beautifully chunky) knits is vast; Primitive supplies versatile daywear options that can be worn with evening panache, and eveningwear that’s easily worn with daytime ease. We love the heavenly-thick cashmere cardigan by Soyer, which can be worn as a daytime or eveningwear piece.

IMG_9386-web

IMG_9394-web

The 1,000-square-foot space reflects Primitive’s worldly aesthetic, seen in the likes of pieces such as embroidered jackets, sequinned tunics and hand-embellished tops.

The interior’s low-key boho-industrial theme includes modern furniture, wooded coffee tables, and natural cowhide rugs. Art Deco-inspired lighting, a distressed ruby-red leather armchair, concrete flooring, and metal accents add a dose of character and creates the environment’s simple, urban feel.

IMG_9351-web300IMG_9397-web

IMG_9391-web

IMG_9402-web

The solid pewter pendent light hanging from the middle of the space – a find from a Los Angeles flea market with origins dating back to the 1930s – originally hung in an L.A. theatre and captures the energy and bohemian vibe of the store perfectly.

It’s Malibu meets New York, and it’s culture at its finest.

Visit Primitive Culture at 814 16 Ave. S.W., and follow them on social:

Twitter: @primitiveinc

Facebook: facebook.com/primitiveculture

 

Share

Share

Blogs you might also like

Female-Owned Businesses On 17th Ave

17th Ave’s extensive lineup of businesses includes award-winning restaurants and eateries, beloved local retailers, luxury spa and wellness services, longstanding favourites and so much more, but one …

Read More →

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest Destinations On 17th Ave

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has commenced for the twelfth year in a row, and this month-long festival will feature tons of delicious sips with a …

Read More →

Celebrate New Year’s Eve On 17th Ave

2023 is just around the corner, so we have put together a list of all the celebrations taking place on 17th Ave! From five-course dinners …

Read More →
shallow focus photography of man in white shirt

Calgary Roughneck Game Day Specials

The 17th Ave Business Improvement Area is the new Official Pre-Game Location of the National Lacrosse League team, the Calgary Roughnecks! Head down to 17th …

Read More →

Movember On 17th Ave

17th Ave is the official pre-game location of the Calgary Roughnecks, and as a part of our ongoing partnership with the team, we will be …

Read More →

Picnic Essentials You Can Get On 17th Ave

With FREE events all Summer long, and its recent designation as an open area where you can legally consume alcohol within its confines, Tomkins Park, …

Read More →