From Hides to Canadian Couture

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From Hides to Canadian Couture

The deadline for this opportunity has passed.

Be part of creating an Indigenous fashion collection using traditional and contemporary materials, skillsets, and methods working with diverse textiles and digital technology.

Elevate already rising Indigenous fashion into exquisite haute couture, drawing attention to global environmental challenges through an Indigenous lens.

The Indigenous High Fashion collection will focus on women’s and men’s wear, outerwear, bags, handbags, and accessories with Fusing the Future. The D’Arcy Moses collection will centre on custom garments utilizing traditional Indigenous materials such as hides, blanket cloth, and traditional Indigenous adornment as embellishments.

In response to our changing climate, the production process will also centre on utilizing recycled materials of cloth, leather, and fur. The production process will feature a digital technology aspect via computerized Indigenous embroidery designs, laser cuts, and 3D printing of embellishments and accessories.

This program is broken into two blocks, the first block being the construction phase and the second block being the production phase. Participants must indicate their preferred block, however after assessment of their specific skills they will be slotted in the best-suited block. Participants can also indicate if they would like to be considered for both blocks.

Please note that the patterns and designs created during the residency are to be retained by D’arcy Moses, as the intention of the program is to offer designers and textile artisans the ability to learn contemporary, hybrid Indigenous textile design.

What does the Program Offer?

Participants will benefit from the following experiences:

  • Creative process in learning pattern making.
  • Conversion of traditional Indigenous garment patterns into contemporary fits and styles.
  • Related process in garment fit and construction, from the toiles to the finished garment, using traditional.
  • Indigenous hides and fur for trims as well as commercial materials used traditionally in couture garments.
  • Embellishment of garments and accessories using traditional Indigenous adornment techniques interpreted into modern relevance.
  • A focus on environmental issues both in the overall theme and in the use of recycled materials throughout the collection where possible.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants should have a background in fashion and garment industry construction. Skillsets should include pattern making as well as sewing machine operation using industrial fabric, leather, and other related machines. Skills utilizing computer technology in the construction of garments are also an asset.

Applicants should not be afraid of hard work and should show openness and willingness to work many hours by hand when it comes to adorning garments and accessories. Applicants should have an appreciation of environmental issues and be interested in exploring and utilizing recycled materials in the collection.

The ability to work well with others as a team is a necessity. Applicants should also be open to new ideas and techniques, and be able to take direction well.

First Block: January 12 – February 15, 2020
Second Block: February 17 – March 21, 2020

Application Deadline: December 4, 2019

Indigenous artists accepted to the program will be eligible for up to 100% scholarship to cover the program fee.

For more information and to apply online, please visit banffcentre.ca.

Fashion photograph

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