10 Looks, No Dust Left Unsettled: Aleem Kassam’s Country Glam Debut @ Calgary Stampede

First rodeo? Could’ve fooled us. Designer and style savant Aleem Kassam made a showstopping Calgary Stampede debut with ten meticulously curated outfits over four fabulous days—and not a fringe or bolo tie out of place. From cowboy couture to rhinestone flair, Aleem and partner Victor brought full Country Glam energy to the grounds. We caught up with Aleem post-Stampede to talk fashion risks, Western reinvention, and the unexpected magic of cowboy boots. Giddy-up indeed. —Noa Nichol

Ten looks in four days—iconic! What was the inspiration behind your Country Glam Stampede wardrobe, and how did you strike the balance between Western and wow-factor?

I was definitely on a mission to live my best “Stampede Life,” especially being our first, and this meant getting in ALL of the looks for each activity or event, even though I had no idea what to expect. SO, like most things I do in my life, I took a chance and calculated risk to show up as ME. The Country Glam version of Aleem. That meant tying in elements that we naturally equate to the Western theme such as a staple boot or western hat, though taking it and turning it upside down. Playing with textures, colours, and looks that aren’t necessarily “country.” Most of these looks were off the shelf from a variety of designers and part of their Seasonal Collections, and not necessarily Country – But I made them just that! Adding in the necessary boot + hat, but adding some glam through accessories and always following a colour story to provide that head to toe glam look!

Be honest—was there one look that made you feel like the main character the second you stepped into it? What was your ultimate “giddy-up and slay” moment?

The one look that I got stopped in my tracks every inch by hundreds of people (literally) asking to take photos with me was my Champagne Sequins head-to-toe look for Shania Twain’s Concert. A lot of the times it’s not what you’re wearing, but how you wear it, and if it “sparks” that confidence & joy within you to be that MAIN CHARACTER. Of all of my looks, this was also the most inexpensive one, purchased online from ASOS. Originally 3 years ago for a Disco Party but simply elevated to “Giddy Up & Slay” by styling it with my Mongolian fur jacket, diamanté  champagne boots and a classic felted wool white cowboy hat to “top off the look!” 

What surprised you most about Stampede style culture—and do you think cowboy boots are about to become a new staple in your closet?

Goodness, it felt like a never-ending surprise after surprise, truly overwhelmed by the whole experience, but what really stood out to me was how everyone truly put their own stamp on the culture of Stampede Style. Almost everyone I saw or met had taken the time to truly curate a look whether new or normal to them that embodied the culture, especially with how most were proud of their boots. You could tell most of these boots were definitely made for walking… and to be honest, I think I might have to follow-suit and incorporate my newly acquired boot collection to look hers in Vancouver and taken them out on the town again soon!  

You and Victor were a total style power duo all weekend. Do you coordinate your looks ahead of time, or do they just happen to vibe that perfectly?

Most would not believe us, but Victor and I are extremely “SPUR of the moment” people, no pun intended! We rarely, if ever, plan our looks ahead of time. But what we do often is carefully select our pieces when initially purchasing, ensuring that they coincide or follow some sort of “story” within our own wardrobes, whether that be in style, colour or pattern. That always allows us to have options that can be coordinated and ready on the go when we’re pulling together a look so quickly. Sticking to those rules of thumb, we’re always ready to vibe as a duo!

After four days of fringe, hats, and high-glam Western, what’s one fashion takeaway you’re bringing home with you—and would you do Stampede style all over again?

Four days of a fashion frenzy with fringe flying in the air, hats soaring across dance floors, and boots stomping all over the wild west, to say it was a whirlwind – would truly be an understatement! BUT, what I learned about not just Stampede, but about myself, my aesthetic, and style, is that I am able to adapt yet still be true to my own personal sense of style. I’ve always been able to be a chameleon in the sense of things, but to be honest, the Stampede was one that I wasn’t so sure about… intimidated if I’m going to be honest. Normally equated to a very Hetero Style Culture, Masculine and definitely not Queer! BUT, I took a chance on me, not to fit into the “herd,” and proudly make my own stamp on the Stampede! AND, it was met with love, acceptance and joy – that’s the most I could have ever asked for! So, yes. I’d do it a million times over again!