Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala 2023
The 6th edition of the Wearable Art Gala took place on September 29th 2023 in Saskatoon as part of the Saskatchewan Fashion Weekend. It was presented by the Saskatchewan Fashion Association Inc, The Jack Millikin Centre, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corp and Midtown Shopping Centre.
Artists from around the World were invited to submit works of wearable art which were unveiled in a fabulous fashion show setting. The only constraint was that submitted works of art HAS TO BE WEARABLE. These wearable art pieces were then paired with visual artwork submitted by Saskatchewan artists.
We respectfully acknowledge that we are guests on Treaty 6 Territory and this Homeland of First Nations and The Métis. We respect the land and we commit our work to building good relations and mutually beneficial partnerships with the land and its traditional keepers.
The 1st Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala was hosted in Saskatoon as a fundraiser for the Jack Millikin Centre in 2013! That’s right – 10 years ago! The 3 people who brought that unique vision to life for the very first time are Arnfinn Prugger, Lindsey Embree and Carlie Letts.
How many of you ever been to Ness Creek?
For those of you who have, then you know - and for those of you who haven’t, you really really should! The Ness Creek Site is nestled in the beautiful boreal forest and has been the home of the Ness Creek Music Festival for over 30 years! Throughout the course of those 30 years other arts, culture and ecological groups began using the site for their programming as well and, as I am sure you can all imagine, things started to get quite busy up at Ness Creek, especially when you’re only working with the few nice, warm months we get here in Saskatchewan.
So a dream developed, to have a 4 season event space at Ness Creek so that all of the wonderful programming that was taking place there, by all these different non-profit organizations, could continue throughout the entire year, even when it’s terribly cold out, like today.
10 years ago, when the founding organizers for the event were planning the very first Wearable Art Gala, the Jack Millikin Centre Board was dreaming, planning and fundraising to design and build the centre. Today that centre exists and it is truly a gorgeous space dedicated to arts, culture, ecology and community. There are many Jack Millikin Centre volunteers involved in the Sask Fashion Weekend, not just at tonight’s gala, and I encourage you to chat with any of them about the Centre and get more information.
The art you see here are made from local Saskatchewan artists. We are so excited to showcase them all! You will see works from 11 artists, as well as captured performances by Collaborative Dance Group, Tatum Wildeman and FLY Studio YXE.
Celebrating the rich tapestry of design and creativity, Saskatchewan Fashion Week (SFW) proudly spotlights the seasonal splendour of our province but also underlines our unwavering commitment to reconciliation. This year, SFW sought partnership to ensure territorial protocol was implemented and showcase a series of performances to honour the Indigenous territories upon which we gather on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. . As a testament to our dedication to fostering unity and understanding, our runway was graced with exquisite local Indigenous designs, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage and vibrant culture of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
Saskatchewan Fashion Association Inc. supports Black, Indigenous, and all People of Colour as they struggle to be heard, valued, and respected. SFA vows to continue to use its platform to elevate queer, trans and non-binary BIPOC voices. We are constantly evaluating our events, activities and engagement to this end and welcome community input and feedback with respect to our programming.
SFA is committed to safer spaces online and in person and what that means for us is that we are committed to being accessible to all folks.
Opening prayer and blessings with Judy Pelly
Ceremonial Drum Opening by Blackstone Drummers
Performance by Fly Studio YXE
ARTIST FEATURES
Congratulations to all the artists! Huge thank you to Rhythm Jewellry for designing and making this year's trophies!
2nd place Headpiece:
Patience by Artist Amanda Brown & Scarlett Dahlia Artistry and modeled by Keeley Mooney
Hair by Kathryn Schulz/ Tierra Novakovsky
Makeup by Sasha Perry
The piece above is “Patience” by Artist: Amanda Brown with Scarlett Dahlia modeled by Keeley
The headpiece titled "Patience" is composed of handmade lace. The thread for the lace was handspun silk from cocoons. Metallic Thread and Glass beads were added during the plying stage of the thread making. Then the thread was made into a lace fabric using 16th-century lacemaking techniques.
1st Place Open:
Self Possessed by Artist Emily Johnson and modeled by Berit Johnson
Hair by Chloe Poppoff/Kathryn Schulz
Makeup by Rina Labrador
Next up we have “Self-Possessed” by Artist Emily Johnson and modeled by Berit
There is a Japanese proverb saying that humans wear three faces; the first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to your close friends and your family. The third face, you never show anyone, it is the truest reflection of who you are.
Emily Johnson's “Self-Possessed” reflects on this philosophy by studying the likeness of one subject: Berit, her younger sister. The production of a portrait is someone indulging in their own vanity; they are to some degree being possessed by the idea of themselves to prove to the world that they are self-possessed. Johnson encourages the audience to reflect on the three faces they might wear and how accurately they represent the person beneath.
1st Place Corset:
Tin Man's Heart by Artist Sophie Dusyk and modeled by Elena Hill
Hair by Kathryn Schulz
Makeup by Harpreet Kaur
Next up we have “Tin Man’s Heart: by Artist Sophie Dusyk and modeled by Elena
This piece was created around the saying “wear your heart on your sleeve” which means to show your emotions and not worry that people can see them. Many women and girls are told that they are too emotional, while many boys when there young are told that showing emotions is weak. In both scenarios, they are told not to show too much emotion. Then what makes them human? All emotions should be showed, happy, sad, worried, and so on. Wear your emotions proudly on your sleeve.
Next up we have “Baggage” by Artist Escapegoat and modeled by Taya
When life gives you baggage, WEAR IT OUT! This costume represents the strength of playing and having fun, especially when your baggage takes down the plane crash landing you on a deserted island. Gather the debris and armour yourself against the cannibals, animals and ele-mentals...Make the baggage your floating device to leave the island and sail back to civilisation... I AM BAGGAGE!!
Best in Show:
Dangerous Delphinium by Artist Melissa Squire Fashion Design and modeled by Madisyn Craig
Hair by Becky Strong
Makeup by Maryam Hanna
Melissa Squire – “Death by Delphinium” modeled by Madison
Inspired by the paradoxical existence of the delphinium flower. Their beauty, fragility and fascination with their toxicity. Just two milligrams of this delicate plant will kill an adult human. The gradient of colours from the light sage green of the buds to the rich purple and deep blue of the petals.
This piece is primarily made from recycled materials, including bike tires, tractor inner tube and broken tent canopies.
The delphinium’s innocuous appearance versus the strength of its poison, the beauty of life, and the darkness of death.
Materials: Upcycled items: bike tires, Tractor tube, clothing, Bed sheets, Tent canopy
In addition to these upcycled items, this piece also has Studs, snaps, wire, lace, paint, fabric
Performance by Tatum Wildeman
Tatum Wildeman is a local contemporary dancer and the artistic director of The Saskatchewan Dance Project. Tatum has created and directed a number of full length dance shows and dance films, performances such as LUGO, yet untitled by Tino Seghal, World Dance Congress, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, and has extensive experience teaching dance throughout the province to a variety of populations. Tatum is passionate about access to dance for all and spends a great deal of focus on dance for Indigenous youth in the north and completed a Master of Nursing focusing on the use of dance to improve the mental health and wellness of Indigenous youth.
Starting the second half of the show, “The Ethereal Rose” by Artist Amanda Heisler and Modeled by Crystal
"THE ETHEREAL ROSE" is a full outfit including a gold & white headpiece, red corset, white skirt with red rose bustle & gold accented embellishments. The headpiece is built from wire, plastic cutlery & paper plates. accents are also made from plastic baroque style cutlery and duct tape. The corset is built with an underlay of bubble wrap, an overlay of red duct tape, curtain hooks & rings. The skirt is made with white shower curtain liner alongside the bustle fashioned with tomato cages, chicken wire, and handmade & painted coffee filter roses.
1st Place Headpiece:
Spiraling by Artists Laura Crossman and Jovie; modeled by Ellorah Mymko
Hair by Chloe Poppoff
Makeup by Sasha Perry
This headpiece is inspired by the goth and emo subcultures of the early 2000s. The materials used are the remnants from a machinist’s workshop. The spirals are all different shapes and sizes depending on the size of the rod they were removed from. Some pieces look like tentacles, some look like seaweed.
“Peace Poppy” by Artist Melissa Squire modeled by Victoria Berezovich.
Poppies have long been a symbol of remembrance of those lost in times of great unrest in our world. The white poppy signifies peace, as something all humans should strive towards.
This dramatic flower headpiece is made from recycled materials: an old tent, bike tires, scrap fabric, dead plants and found objects- strewn together with love.
Albert Einstein Said “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding.”
Choose to be more understanding, of others, of the world and of yourself.
Materials used are: Upcycled tire, Old drapery, Scrap fabric, Dried plants , Upcycled bra, Headband, Paint, Found objects and bags
Charlotte Beaujot & Tante Lottie Designs
Model Georgia Robertson
Hair Madison Malin
Makeup Heena Arorae.
“Woman King” by Charlotte of Tante Lottie Designs and Modeled by Georgia
Charlotte wants to use this platform to express her concerns for women’s rights. She wishes to put “feminism” in a positive light. By being a proud feminist, she promotes equal rights and support in regard to a woman’s right to choose her own life course – a right to choose without being ostracized or “stoned” by society.
She is highly concerned that it appears that women’s rights are going backward in time, and therefore, this look mixes the past with the present and future. It represents a woman’s challenge to balance all of her different “roles” and “titles” without losing her “self” – how a woman can feel like she is “everything”, yet somehow, “nothing” to many, and so the constant endeavor to prove her worth & value…
Charlotte’s piece is a mix of medieval and future to highlight the question of are we moving forward or backward in respect to women’s rights? From the front view – everything positive and beautiful about a woman – the flowers represent fertility, the umbrella skirt represents shelter & family tree, the make-up represents her soul by highlighting her skeletal features, and the leather represents the need to have a “thick” skin and “longevity/timelessness”. The soft lining of the robe represents a woman’s love, warmth, and softness – that she can be feminine and strong at the same time.
2nd Place Corset:
Majestic Mollusk by Artist Melissa Squire Fashion Design and modeled by Jasmyn Pingue
Makeup by Heena Arora
“The Majestic Mollusk” by Artist Melissa Squire - Modeled by Summer
The octopus has a formidable ability to learn, transform and adapt to new situations, to find food and to avoid predation. They can squeeze through the smallest spaces, change colour and alter their texture. They have even been known to wear disguises!
The Majestic Mollusk is made entirely from upcycled and repurposed materials including tractor tire tube, drapery and clothing. It is stuffed with nonrecyclable plastics and reclaimed pillow batting.
As our earth becomes overrun with waste and pollution humans must adapt our behaviours to suit our ever-changing environment and to reduce our carbon footprint. We must live more sustainably and consider the environmental impact of our decisions and purchases. Adapting to sustainable lifestyle choices help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Laura Crossman and Taegan O’Bertos
Model Molly Moors
Hair Pam Parker
Makeup Madeleine Hart
“Punk Frock” by Artists Laura Crossman and Taegan O’bertos and modeled by Molly Moors
This piece is heavily influenced by the punk scene of the 1980s. Punk was all about making a statement so we used different materials to convey this. We used unconventional materials to add details that are undeniably punk such as spikes, studs, chains and intentional deconstruction. The materials we used were all found items, mainly leftover scraps from past projects. We used techniques such as weaving, knitting and melting to create individual pieces. Then we put these pieces together to create a wearable collage. Collage is a technique that involves assembling different items together to create a new whole. This form is often used in punk art from album covers to fashion.
2nd Place Open:
Without Darkness There Would Be No Light by Artist Kara Perpelitz & SpinHeartSpin and modeled by Evangelina Dingwall
Hair by Becky Strong
Makeup by Rina Labrador
‘Without darkness there would be no light’ by artist Kara Perpelitz and modeled by Evagelina
Kara’s artist statement is as follows: Everything I am, everything I ever have been and everything I will be, is a collection of my lived experience. Growing up with un-diagnosed ADHD and completely misunderstanding the way my brain works lead me through bouts of anxiety, depression, and much self loathing. I had reconciled my self to feeling less than, unable to keep up to life's basic needs until I began to research ADHD for my child. This lead to my diagnosis, and I felt the weight of my ineptness melt away. This gown is a representation of these feelings. A slow shedding of the despair and seeing myself for the light I am. It is created with fabric, paint, beads, glass, and wire.
Performace by The Collective Group
This group of dancers came together from multiple different dance backgrounds. From training every day in the studio to dancing on some of the biggest stages the world has to offer these dancers are packed full with experience and talent. They are all thrilled to share their passion for dance with everyone as they take on the runway.
Choreographed by: Trinity Whiteside
Danced by:
Landon Miller
Lila Chanthaseng
Rowan White
Brooklyn McIntyre
Liona Wickie
Savanna Blackwell
Kennedy Cook
Special mention to our SFW event sponsors for their support and contribution to SFW this weekend:
Saskatchewan Fashion Association INC
Jack Millikin Centre
Dakota Dunes Community Development CORP.
Midtown Shopping Centre
The Studio at Midtown
TCU Place
Revamp Salon
BLNDE Beauty Bar by Revamp
Green Tree Beauty Bar
Edge Agency
Shoppers Beauty
Wiens Insurance Group – Co-operators
Sunchild Law
Ole Cocktails CO.
Wiebe Works Studio
Emma International Art Collaboration
Mane Productions
Jane Marie Consulting
Pro Plus Productions
Infinity Events & Decor
The Print Baron
Blank Paper
Capitol Music Club
In the Mix
The Gaff
Redken
Cary Ellis Photography
Ewani Media
Cozy Couch Media
and our lovely SFA and JMC board members!
Event Producer | Mandy Pravda of Mane Productions
Event Organizer | Carlie Letts of Jack Millikin Centre
Model Coordinator | Lisa Marie Schwartz of Edge Model Agency
Model Coach | Paula Collins
Choreography | Anastasia VanderMost of FLY Studio YXE
Volunteer Coordinator | Megan Hodges
Prayer & Blessing | Judy Pelly
Drum Group | Blackstone Drumers
The History of Indigenous Fashion | Tala Tootoosis the designer of Kâmâmaka Awayinsa Designs in collaboration with her sister Misty Rain Naytowhow, designer of Misty Rain Designs
Audio & Visuals | Pro Plus Productions & London Boothman
Decor | Infinity Event & Design
Runway Music by | The Gaff
Reception Music by | Pete Wright
Master of Ceremonies | Joe Jackson
Official Photographer | Cary Ellis Photography
Official Videographer | Cozy Couch Media & Ewani Media
www.saskfashion.com #saskfashion @saskfashion
WHAT AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF WEARABLE ART!
Thank you to our lovely host, Joe Jackson!
Master of Ceremonies: Joe Jackson
The SFW team is passionate about Saskatchewan fashion design, buying local, and building a sustainable fashion community. The support of our sponsors, suppliers, and contributors makes our events and off-season initiatives and events a reality.
Huge thank you to all models and volunteers! And a special thanks to all of you reading this for your continued support!
Hair is by Revamp Salon and BLNDE Beauty Bar by Revamp
Kathryn Schulz
Becky Strong
Pam Parker
Tierra Novakovski
Chloe Popoff
Madison Malin
Darby Croal
Famke Liefbroer
Kaitlyn Dawson
Makeup lead by our head artist Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz with independent artists
Harpreet kaur
Heena Arora
Miss Sasha Perry
Maryam Hanna
Heena Arora
Raina Labrador
Madeleine Hart
Angel Hardy
The visuals, Lighting, and Sound is by Pro Plus Production with music by The Gaff, the show Produced by Mandy Pravda of Mane Productions.
The show was choreographed by Anastasia VanDermost.
Our backstage creative team is Carlie Letts, Lisa Marie Schwartz, and Paula Colins, along with many volunteers and of course the boutiques and designers themselves.
For those of you who purchased a VIP ticket for tonight you may notice the lovely swag bag on your seat, Big thank you to all our contributors!
DNTYXE Gift Bags
Midtown Shopping Centre Gift Card
Green Tree Beauty Products
Melissa Squire Gift Card
Revamp Salon Gift Card
The Beverage Collective AKA Ole Cocktails Beverage
Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Products
Wear Our Heritage Gift Card
Avnoor Fashion Gift Card
Rook and Raven Gift Card
Alexandra Kathlyn Accessories Gift Card
Capitol Music Club Gift Card
Micheal Kors Product
Time To Fly Children’s Book by Valerie Wiebe
Lucky Bastard Distillery Product
If you purchased your VIP or regular seat and supported our Saskatchewan talent, you were entered to win some great prizes!
PRIZES
1) $500 Midtown Shopping Spree
2) 60” RCA Smart 4K Ultra HD TV, value of $549.99 compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart
3) Beauty Gift Basket, value of +$1250. Featuring 4 full sized fragrances, some “self care” items, skincare, etc. and a $25 SDM gift card. Items range from drugstore to dermatologist grade to prestige brands! Compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart
THANK YOU SASKATCHEWAN!