Saskatoon: The future of Saskatchewan fashion
Sunday is a day of relaxing and that is exactly what I did as I sat back in my seat, watching with sparkling eyes as models graced the runway at the Building Our Future Fashion Show, which featured some of the city’s most distinguished independent designers including Rebecca King, Niki Gerety and Sova Design.
Niki Gerety (nikigerety.com) worked extensively in Ireland and the U.K. before moving to Saskatchewan in 2007 to continue her creative endeavors. Rebecca King’s high-end fashion line, which she creates in a downtown studio and sells across Western Canada, mirrors her own sophisticated flair. Sherri Hrycay of Sova Design (sovadesign.ca) showcased her hats with a contemporary twist influenced by traditional techniques and Edwardian design.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Gerety after the show, her first in Canada. It seems that design is in her genes—her great-grandparents were tailors and she grew up watching her grandmother, a dressmaker, craft beautiful creations. A Celtic cross, hand painted in gold, on the hip of one of her dresses affirms the influence of her Irish roots.
Gerety, who also does work for television and theatre productions, views the province as a place with open opportunities. “Saskatchewan has so much open space to work with and there is so much talent here,” she explains. When asked where she finds inspiration for her pieces she says, “I go out and find the fabric and the fabric inspires me.”
I love thunderstorms, rodeos and lying on the beach. I like learning new things, red and green Dino Sours and Broadway shows. I’ve been told I have a slight shopping problem. I disagree. I like Rider roadtrips, snowboarding, acting and a good night of dancing. I’m competitive at Monopoly. Greece has the best sunsets, Austria the best wine. I love New York City! It’s important to be nice. I think auctions are thrilling and backpacking Thailand should be mandatory. I can bake thirty-minute brownies in twenty minutes.