Taylor Centre and Local Laundry collaborate for a second time on an arts-inspired collection

A friend of the Taylor Centre wears the confetti "birthday cake" crew with style.

 The Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts has once again partnered with Calgary-based Local Laundry to launch a new collection of premium crewneck sweaters and toques. This collaboration fuses local craftsmanship with a love for the arts, continuing the Taylor Centre’s mission of connecting the community through creative expression.

The first collaboration, Sweater Season, began in 2019 as part of the Taylor Centre’s “Centre the Arts” initiative, which aimed to showcase the transformative power of the arts. During the pandemic, it evolved into a platform for keeping Calgary’s arts scene alive with virtual performances and stories from local artists. As Manager of Theatre and Performance Services Phil Cimolai explains, “Taylor Centre Online and Sweater Season was our creative response for engaging with the community when in-person performances weren’t possible. Now, we’re excited to continue that legacy and invite people to share what the arts mean to them through this latest collection.”

This second installment celebrates the Taylor Centre's commitment to showcasing talent of all kinds. “Artists of varying genres continue to have sold out shows here,” says Cimolai. “We’re a place that champions local talent while embracing international artistry. This collection is a reflection of that — something for everyone.”

For Local Laundry founder and co-owner Connor Curran, this collaboration is about more than just creating stylish merch; it’s about crafting meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces.“We chose our most premium sweater, a heavyweight cotton blend, designed to last for generations,” he says. “This is the kind of sweater you’ll pass down to your kids, and they’ll pass it down to theirs.”

A standout piece from the collection is the "birthday cake" crewneck, which features a beige base speckled with vibrant threads for a playful, confetti-like effect. “The beige is the natural colour of undyed cotton, and then during the milling process we tie in other colours every so often to give it that unique look,” explains Curran. Adding a deeper connection to the Taylor Centre, the crewneck's embroidered design is inspired by the Alberta prairie rose, echoing the intricate pattern on the Bella Concert Hall’s ceiling that contributes to the excellent sound quality the venue is known for. The collection also includes a versatile toque with three custom patches, two featuring the architectural outline of the Taylor Centre building, allowing wearers to choose their preferred style, whether classic or slouchy.

More than just clothing, this collaboration is about fostering community both within the Taylor Centre, Mount Royal University and the arts in general. “People don’t just go to concerts to see their favorite band, they go to experience something unique with like-minded people. It’s about the connection, and that’s exactly what this collection captures.”

Designed with a blend of style, comfort and storytelling, these limited edition pieces invite wearers to become ambassadors for the arts. As Cimolai adds, “When you wear something this thoughtfully crafted, it becomes a conversation piece. We hope everyone who wears this merch feels inspired to share what the Taylor Centre and the Bella Concert Hall mean to them.”

Celebrate the arts and invest where you live with the new Local Laundry x Taylor Centre collection.