“The variety of design directions in this year’s show was amazing. Imagine the challenge of working with activewear, retro glam, mod stylings, street inspirations, alien forms and bridal, to name a few, all in the same show!, said Executive Program Director and Show Co-ordinator, Peggy Morrison.

“The students’ creativity and input was terrific. We had a lot of fun and I think it came off beautifully. I congratulate them all”, enthused Morrison.

Roberta Rodger targeted a smart, assertive woman who pursues male -dominated careers and sports with a line of functional and sophisticated snowboarding pieces. Clean lines, pinstripes and suspenders reflected her love of the 1920’s and 1930’s “gangster” era while incorporating venting, durability and protection from the elements.

Jill Sawatzky’s heritage inspired her modern silhouettes. A navy and white polka-dot flounce on a charcoal pencil skirt, a patchwork skirt and a hand-felted swing jacket were reminiscent of old colony Mennonites but her deconstructed and asymmetrical lines added contemporary flavour.

“Most of the fabrics used are either recycled or handmade, with a focus on living within the elements of the winter prairies. The colour story is mainly neutral, with brightly coloured, mismatched accents, adding to the handcrafted feel”, said Sawatzky.

Bereted and high-topped wee ones, wearing Larissa Bechtold’s brightly coloured canvas jackets and bottoms, stole the show eliciting “aaahh’s” from the audience.

Syreeta Wootton channeled the womanly curves of the Edwardian Era. With lace embellishments and beaded acoutrements on silks, linens and tea- dyed fabrics, she paid homage to the era but also stayed true to her environmental ideals. Wooton’s pomegranate silk dress, worn over a full-length ruffled slip, is an entrance-maker in any era. Her dusty rose long velvet coat is to die for, again and again. Her collection is for any woman that appreciates beautiful lines and timeless pieces.