The Fluevog Post: Where Fashion and Art Come Together

When I first stepped into The Fluevog Post in Calgary, I expected a shoe store — but what I found was a creative world where art, fashion, and design blend seamlessly. It’s a place that celebrates individuality, craftsmanship, and imagination.

My visit in late September turned into a full-on art experience. Each of the building’s three floors offers something unique — from bold displays of shoes and accessories to a museum of historic designs upstairs, and a rotating art gallery below. The Fluevog Post is more than a business; it’s a living example of how art and design can transform ordinary spaces into places that inspire and connect people.

How the Space Looks and Feels

Even before stepping inside, I could tell The Fluevog Post was different. A large dragon sculpture loomed playfully above the entrance — a symbol of the brand’s fantasy-driven creativity. Inside, the space felt like a storybook: polished wood, patterned rugs, and bright displays filled every corner.

The main floor felt less like a store and more like an art gallery. Each pair of shoes was presented like a small sculpture, dramatically lit to highlight their textures and colors. The lighting — warm and golden — made the space feel inviting and respectful, as though each item had meaning beyond its function.

Even the smallest items, like socks and wallets, were arranged with artistic intent. The staff matched the space’s energy perfectly: stylish, confident, but also kind and approachable. Their personal fashion reflected the brand’s values — celebrating uniqueness and creativity.

Upstairs, The Fluevog Museum showcases past designs that tell the story of John Fluevog’s evolving artistry. The space felt like a timeline of innovation, showing how fashion can capture both cultural and historical meaning.

The Basement Gallery: Featuring L.C. Cariou’s Watercolours

One of the most remarkable spaces in The Fluevog Post is its basement gallery, where local artists exhibit their work. When I visited, the featured artist was L.C. Cariou, a Calgary-based painter known for her detailed botanical watercolours.

Cariou writes in her artist statement:

“I absolutely love horticulture and capture it in my artwork through painting every leaf and detail no matter how small.”

That love of detail is visible in every piece. Her paintings are both precise and fluid, capturing the delicate nature of plants through soft transitions of color. In one of my favorite works, the petals of a peony seem to dissolve into the paper, blurring the boundary between realism and abstraction.

The decision to host her exhibition in a shoe store’s basement felt intentional. It reflects The Fluevog Post’s mission — to make art accessible in everyday spaces. Even more impressive, the gallery space is available to rent for about $300, giving local artists an affordable opportunity to showcase their work.

My Experience

At first, I felt a little nervous walking in. The space was stunning, and the staff looked effortlessly fashionable — like they belonged in a fashion magazine. But as soon as I spoke with them, that feeling disappeared. Everyone was warm, curious, and genuinely passionate about art and design.

Even though I wasn’t there to buy anything, I felt completely comfortable exploring every corner. The experience engaged all my senses — the scent of leather and polished wood, the sound of footsteps echoing softly on the floors, and the light streaming through colorful glass. It was more than just visual beauty; it was emotional and grounding.

Being there reminded me that creativity is healing. Spaces like The Fluevog Post encourage people to reconnect with imagination and beauty in their daily lives.

Art Meets Commerce

What makes The Fluevog Post so powerful is how it blends art and commerce without diminishing either. Most stores decorate with art, but here, art is the experience. The shoes function as sculptures, the displays as installations, and the staff as living extensions of the aesthetic.

This same philosophy connects perfectly with L.C. Cariou’s watercolor exhibit. Her focus on nature and fine detail mirrors the craftsmanship of Fluevog’s handmade shoes. Both celebrate individuality, authenticity, and the human touch — values often lost in mass production.

Together, the art and fashion create a visual conversation about creativity, identity, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate what’s handmade and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

My visit to The Fluevog Post reminded me that art can live anywhere — even in places built for business. The store is a perfect blend of wearable art, design history, and fine art, layered across three levels that each tell part of a creative story.

Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, The Fluevog Post is a must-visit. It’s a place that heals the soul and celebrates creativity in all its forms — proving that art, whether it’s L.C. Cariou’s watercolours or Fluevog’s sculptural shoes, is meant to be seen, felt, and shared.

✨ Visit The Fluevog Post

📍 207 8th Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta🎨 Featuring rotating local artists & The Fluevog Museum