Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala 2024

The 7th edition of the Wearable Art Gala took place on November 9, 2024 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, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, 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.

**Cassie Danielle Designs** **BEST IN SHOW 2025**
**Models - Aurora Wolfe & Jean-Sébastien Gauthier**

The 1st Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala was hosted in Saskatoon as a fundraiser for the Jack Millikin Centre in 2013! That’s right – 11 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.

11 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 Dance Ink and Annette’s School of Dance.

**Carlie Letts,** Executive Director of JMC

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. 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 ***Helen Rider***

Dance Ink are proud supporters of Saskatchewan Fashion Week and celebrating the creativity, talent, and passion that drives our local fashion community.

Their Founder, Ashley Berns, has established an inclusive, safe, and healthy environment for people from all walks of life to partake in the love of dance.

They believe in fostering artistic expression and community growth, and we are grateful for their continued partnership with an event that showcases such a vibrant and diverse range of talent.

ARTIST FEATURES

Congratulations to all the artists! Huge thank you to Rhythm Jewellry for designing and making this year's trophies!

***2nd place Headpiece:***
**Many Hats by** Kara Perpelitz & **SpinHeartSpin**
***Model: Clau**dia Marcelino (@clauamarce)***
***Hair by Revamp Salon Company (Revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Zoe Pravda (@muapravda)***

“Many Hats” is a representation of the mental load carried by many.

These hats represent the roles that are both chosen and merely accepted as imposed upon by life that the creator has needed to wear over the course of a lifetime. Setting the strongest role, the Mom Hat is made of calendars that have been saved over the years as memory holders. Atop that is the Wife Hat, holding the mom hat on and stable, it is created with wedding invitations from her own wedding that had been saved. Atop that is the Esthetician Hat, created with scraps of waxing strips and sticks. Atop that is the Bookkeeper Hat, created with old ledger books which were the foundation of her learning this skill. Atop that yet is the Yarn Hat, which truly should come sooner, as it represents a passion and vocation that she wishes were a primary focus, but its placement is nod to the need to prioritize stability. Atop that as well is the Guiding Hat, a representation of her involvement in Girl Guides. Atop that is the friendship hat, the one that helps to hold it all together. Of course, the list could go on. But with this many hats already, it all had to end somewhere.

The materials used in Many Hats include, but are not limited to: Many forms of paper, wax strips, wood, fabric, paint, glue, wool, silk, cotton, yarn, fabric

**Aramira Dress by Olaide Ayodeji** **House of Bolt Limited**
***Model: Alyssa Evash**enko (@alyssaevashenko)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Abby Soder (@a.b.aartistry)***

The Aramira Dress is a stunning, long, layered masterpiece crafted with love and care. This elegant flowing dress is more than just clothing—it's a wearable work of art. Designed to accentuate your natural beauty, the Aramira Dress drapes effortlessly, offering a blend of sophistication and grace. Its timeless silhouette, combined with soft, cascading layers, makes it perfect for any occasion where you want to feel effortlessly chic.

The materials used in the construction of this wearable art piece are carefully selected to reflect both cultural richness and artisanal craftsmanship. The dress is primarily made from African Batik fabric, a vibrant and intricate textile known for its deep cultural significance and unique patterns. Each piece of batik is handcrafted using traditional dyeing techniques, making every design one-of-a-kind.

***2nd place in Corset Category***
**The Chained Angel by Artist** **Sophie Dusyk**
***Model: Elena Hill (@elena_hiill)***
***Hair by Revamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Sasha Perry @**sasha.glam.art***

Angels. Full of grace, light, and power. Yet, this one is held back with weak little chains. She could break them without another thought, but there ARE other thoughts. The chains are negatives things that she has been told or experienced. These restraints have been here since she was young and has grown with them but never out of them. She has accepted that they are there and they may never break. That’s what she thinks. When something or someone is holding us back, even after years of gaining strength it still can have an effect on us, restricting us from our full potential. This base is jean, a materiel that is strong and is used as a symbol of the angels strength. Even the strong can have something holding them back.

The materials Sophie used in the creation of Chained Angel are: Recycled jeans, chain, wire, thread

**Ness Dress by** **Jenny Ambrose**
***Model: Soray**a Wagner (@sorayamaree)***
***Hair ReVamp Salon Company (@Revampyxe)***
***Makeup Zoe Pravda (@muapravda)***

The Ness Dress was created to celebrate the Ness Creek Music Festival. It's a colourful collage of happy summers gone by and the fun yet to come. Many works of art all captured in one happy little dress... The artist would like to thank Kerri Fischer and the festival for donating all the T-shirts that went into the creation of this one of a kind piece.

***1st place in Corset Category***
**Valkyrie by** **Melissa Squire Fashion Design & Lisa Geertsen**
**Model: Keira Munroe (@kieramunroe8)**
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Abby Soder (@a.b.aartistry)***

Valkyrie is a collaboration between Melissa Squire of Saskatchewan and Lisa Geertsen of Seattle, Washington; Valkyrie is the warrior woman from beyond the veil. She resides in the clouds and fiercely defends her sisters who walk the earth. This honor is hers from fighting many of her own earthly battles. Her wounds were many but each time her armor failed, she rebuilt it from within. With each blow, she rises from the fire and continues on the path, stronger with each step.

This piece has multiple parts to it: the undergarment is made of recycled innertube, rivets, findings and the breastplate is hand forged aluminum and recycled innertube. The Bottom and accessories made from recycled tractor tube, fabric, rivets and findings.

Performance by ***Annette’s School of Dance***

We are grateful for the enthusiasm Annette’s School of Dance has in teaming up with Saskatchewan Fashion Week and for their belief in celebrating creativity, innovation, and the vibrant cultural heritage of our community.

We join them in supporting local artists and designers as it not only enriches our community but also fosters an environment where talent can thrive. Together, we can make a difference and spotlight the incredible talent that resides here.

Thank Annette’s School of Dance for providing us with your talented dancers!

**The Weight of my own Expectations by** **Sophie Dusyk**
***Model: Ele**na Hill (@elena_hiill)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Devyn Gallant (@devyngallant)***

The artist for this piece, Sophie, provides her perspective as this: I’m tired. My youth was supposed to be going to school to spend time with my friends, and doing fun extra curricular activities in my spare time. But, I’ve turned these into something that I HAVE to be the best at. School, dance, sports and all that I do. The weight of my own expectations are drowning my youth. I wish I could go back before these expectations and play with my barbies in my sister’s room. No worrying over marks, just happiness over the littlest things. My piece is made of my schoolwork, with edges trimmed with matches that could ignite at any moment creating my burnout. I’m too focused and concentrated on being the best that I don’t notice my expectations are wrapping around me, swallowing and covering me.

Sophie created this piece using: metal wire, school work paper, newspaper, hot glue, glue, plaster, cardboard

***1st place in Headpiece Category***
**Petite Fleur by** ***Melissa Squire Fashion Design*** **& Tasha Stattler of Rhythm Jewelry**
***Model: Dianna Onyango (@ddiannaonyango)***

Collaboration between Melissa Squire and Tasha Sattler; Petite Fleur is inspired from the beauty of what can emerge from what is discarded. It challenges the conventional notions of beauty and impermanence, both physically and creatively. By using materials that might otherwise be overlooked—flowers that have died for the winter, plants and grasses that have been foraged from the wild prairies. Petite Fleur highlights the often-underappreciated aspects of nature. This work invites us to reconsider our connection to the environment as well as our own creativity and embrace the potential for the renewal that is found in decay.

In this piece, the artists used: Locally grown vegetation, painted to revive and preserve, including foraged dried wildflowers and died corn husks. Upcycled pool noodles and scrap foam, fabric, bamboo skewers, wire, vintage hat and tomato cage serve as the structure.

**BEST IN SHOW**
**Nomad’s Requiem by** **Cassie Danielle Designs**
Models: Aurora Wolfe & Jean Sebastian Gaultier

"Prepare to be mesmerized by an ensemble that exudes both allure and adventure”

This striking creation features a daring dress and crop top crafted from a salvaged tent, embracing your wild side while turning heads with every step. The sleek poncho/raincoat, designed from a tarp by the talented team at Emma International Collaboration, proves that you can stay dry and look irresistible all at once.

Adorned with additional pieces crafted from upcycled festival waste, 'Nomad's Requiem' embodies the perfect blend of sultry and sustainable. It's a celebration of fierce spirit and bold style.

We celebrate this breathtaking ensemble that dares to push boundaries and redefine fashion – Nomad’s Requiem.

**Tears by Laura Crossman & Jovi McLennan**
***Model: Hanita Nuels (@_nita_ral)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Sasha Perry (@**sasha.glam.art)***

The artists invite you to step into the ethereal realm of water with "Tears," a wearable art piece meant to capture the fluidity of the ocean. It features a structured corset top adorned with shimmering beads reminiscent of tears. The unique components of the piece are designed to mimic shimmering waves and clusters of bubbles rising to the surface.

In this piece, the artists used: repurposed plastic, mesh and other found remnants

**Woodland by** **Melissa Squire Fashion Design**
***Model: Madisyn Craig (@mad**isyn.craig16)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_***

Woodland is a mystical, magical being, beautiful and mysterious. Inspired by fairies and forests and what lies beneath. The mycorrhizal relationship between flora, fauna and funga, a beautifully balanced symbiosis only nature could provide. The juxtaposition of the tire and detail lends to the mythical ways of the fairy, both alluring and mischievous.

Melissa used: Dried citrus rinds, reeds, tomato stalks, bark, foliage, fabric, wire, moss, glue, paint, tire and other findings

**2nd place in Open Category**
**Untitled by** Kara Perpelitz & **SpinHeartSpin**
***Model: Kass**andra Tran (@epcot.ball)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Chanel Aarrestad (@crystalskn)***

Untitled was created as an adventure where the artist followed her Genius - her Muse - that Wave of Energy that washes through her that shows her things and whispers ideas into her mind. Stirred by visions of shape and silhouette, it is a physical representation of the evolution of her art practice. It is an expanding past the boundaries of the traditional use of wool felting and dyeing and painting and stitching as mediums. The artist took this opportunity to challenge to herself and her abilities as a:

- felt artist by incorporating sculptural elements and forms;

- as a dyer by incorporating immersion dyeing and using thickened dyes as paint;

- and finally her embroidery and stitching skills by working on a larger scale. There is not one true meaning behind this piece. It is what the viewer thinks it is.

The materials used in this piece include: Wool, dyes, paint, thread, and faith.

**1st place in Open Category**
**Make Shift by** **Emily Johnson**
***Model: Brit**ni-Lee Michel (@britni_lee)***
***Hair by ReVamp Salon Company (@revampyxe)***
***Makeup by Devyn Gallant @devyngallant***

Do you all remember the 3D dolphin bookmark you used to have as a child? If you haven’t seen it in a while, you can likely find it in Emily Johnson’s wearable art piece, "Make Shift." Being made of novelty lenticular images, the viewers are forced to constantly shift their perspective of the subject as they are confronted with new versions of the wearer moving past. The dress represents the experiences that shape us as we move through life, giving us resilience and adding to the “armour” we acquire along the way.

In this piece, Emily used: Found and made lenticular images, chainmail, mixed media, wire, fabric

SFW Event Producer **Carlie Letts, Production Team Harvey Steinke with guests Gord Olson, Kerri Fisher** from Ness Creek.

Special mention to our SFW event sponsors for their support and contribution to SFW this weekend:

The SFW and JMC 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 event and off-season initiatives and events a reality. Therefore we would like to take a moment to extend our gratitude to our SFW 2024 Sponsors before moving on to the main event:

Dakota Dunes Community Development CORP.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Midtown Shopping Centre

The Studio at Midtown

Mane Productions

Jane Marie Consulting

Saskatchewan Fashion Association INC

Jack Millikin Centre

Revamp Salon

BLNDE Beauty Bar by Revamp

Green Tree Beauty Bar

Edge Agency

Shoppers Beauty

Emma International Art Collaboration

SIGA

Wiens Insurance Group – Co-operators

Sunchild Law

Leah Sperle Combined

Ole Cocktails CO.

City of Saskatoon & SaskLotteries

Pro Plus Productions

Infinity Events & Décor

Capitol Music Club

The Print Baron

In the Mix

The Gaff

Blank Paper

Masala Model & Talent

Dance Ink

Annette’s School of Dance

CBC Radio

Global

Le Claire Media

Cozy Couch Media

and our lovely SFA and JMC board members!

Prayer & Blessing | Helen Rider

Master of Ceremonies | Michaella Montana - Television host, model, actress, journalist, and producer.

Event Organizer | Carlie Letts of Jack Millikin Centre

Event Producer | Mandy Pravda of Mane Productions

Model Coordinator | Lisa Marie Schwartz of Edge Model Agency & Paula Collins of Masala Model & Talent

Choreography | Tatum Wildeman

Audio & Visuals | Pro Plus Productions

Decor | Infinity Event & Design

Runway Music by | The Gaff

Reception Music by | In The Mix

Videographer | Cozy Couch Media

Photographer | Le Clair Media | Jeremy LeClair leclairmedia.ca Instagram: @leclair_media | Email jeremy.leclair@leclairmedia.ca

We would also like to recognize the JMC Board of Directors, for all their volunteer hours that goes towards arts and culture in Saskatchewan

Julie Off, Cathy Sproule, Elsie Hartnett, Debi Anderson, M. Craig Campbell, David Mark, Liz Sanderson, Jenny Ambrose, Gord Olson and Ashley Beebe.

www.saskfashion.com #saskfashion @saskfashion

WHAT AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF WEARABLE ART!

Thank you to our lovely host, Michaella Montana!

Master of Ceremonies: Michaella Montana and SFA President Mandy Pravda

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.

Event Organizers Mandy Pravda and Carlie Letts. Congratulations to Carlie, Executive Director of the Jack Millikin Centre and this wonderful evening. Best to you and your bundle of joy on the way!

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

Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe

LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair

Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds

Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair

Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna

Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics

Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan

Darby Croal- @hairbydarby

Makeup lead by our head artist Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz of Green Tree Beauty with independent artists

LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty

Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn

Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me

Devyn Gallant @devyngallant

Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art

Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry

Zoe Pravda @muapravda

Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_

Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua

Kayla York @kaylayork.mua

Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles

Georgia Dolter @petapanesthetics

Kelsie Lavallee @kelsiehairyxe

Victoria McDavid @newcreation.esthetics

Ellyn Kugler-Sprayson N/A

Brooklyn Reinhart @Brook2211

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 Tatum Wildeman

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.

Thank you so much for supporting our initiative! And of course, for those of you who purchased VIP you will notice a lovely swag bag waiting for you, these are compliments of:

Thank you to:

The 1st Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala was hosted in Saskatoon as a fundraiser for the Jack Millikin Centre in 2013! At that time, the Jack Millikin Centre was merely a dream – to have a year-round facility to host events dedicated to arts, culture, ecology and community at the Ness Creek Site in the Saskatchewan’s beautiful boreal forest. Today, due to part to fundraisers and community support from events like tonight, that centre exists and it is truly a gorgeous space dedicated to arts, culture, ecology and community. There are many Jack Millikin Centre board members and 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.

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) Bluetooth Headset, compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart

3) Beauty Gift Basket, value of +$1195. Featuring 4 full sized fragrances, some “self care” items, skincare, etc. Items range from drugstore to dermatologist grade to prestige brands! Compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart

4) 3 Gift Cards compliments of Manitobah *1 winner for each $200, $100, and $50.

5) $300 gift certificate compliments of Divine Laser and Skin Care

6) Gift Basket compliments of Discover Saskatoon which includes $100.00 Gift Card to Hearth Restaurant, Sparkle Ball Earrings – Hillberg & Berk, #Saskatooning Sweatshirt (size L), Discover Saskatoon T-shirt (size L), Discover Saskatoon thermal wine glass/tumbler, Luggage tag, Beaded key ring – crafted by Honey Willow

THANK YOU SASKATCHEWAN!