Calgary business helping Ukrainian women look their best

Designer clothes probably aren’t top of mind for many Ukrainian women arriving in Calgary, but a Calgary business is helping these women restock their wardrobes.

Kristen Klok, owner of Kristen’s Consignment, created the event on Saturday.

“Ukrainian women are gorgeous and dress really well,” said Klok. “We are having a big event here today for 130 to 140 Ukrainian women to come and shop from my consignment shop, but they get five items for free.”

“I was kinda just like going through the end of the season pieces, and I was thinking just to do something at home with some of the Ukrainian families that I’ve sponsored, and then it just kinda morphed into this much bigger event,” Klok said.

Sweaters, jackets, and blazers were some of the quickest items to go, giving the women who attended the opportunity to browse through the rack, providing them with a small sense of stability — something they didn’t have when packing to leave.

“Me and my husband, we just leave all items in Ukraine and I think it’s good to, it’s good for Ukrainian women to find something new,” said Anna Mazanmova, a Ukrainian woman who recently arrived in Calgary.

Mazanmova arrived in Calgary less than a month ago, and she says Saturday’s event is a testament to how kind Calgarians have been.

“Some t-shirt, and one new dress. So sexy,” Mazanmova said. “This is the kinda stuff that gets my heart beating, and of course I love fashion and clothing; but this is really the important stuff for me.”

The event also provided an opportunity to socialize in the community. After checking out their new clothes, Klok says some women came back to help fold clothes.

“That made me want to cry, because that’s just so typical of Ukrainian women. They’re very quick to give back and to help out,” Klok said.

She says, after Saturday’s surprise, she wouldn’t be surprised if the event returned next year.