Local designers shine with Juno-season duds

Whether you're walking the red carpet or checking out a band, city designers have you covered

By: Connie Tamoto Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Saturday, Mar. 29, 2014 Last Modified: 10:00 AM CDT Saturday, Mar. 29, 2014 | Updates

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This weekend we celebrate Canada, and Winnipeg's, talented musicians at the 2014 Juno Awards. Peg-city just also happens to be the place to be for catching some local acts as part of JunoFest -- so much to do and so little time to do it in.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/03/2014 (4584 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This weekend we celebrate Canada, and Winnipeg’s, talented musicians at the 2014 Juno Awards. Peg-city just also happens to be the place to be for catching some local acts as part of JunoFest — so much to do and so little time to do it in.

And if you’re anything like this self-professed fashionista, this weekend is also a time to showcase other aspects of this prairie city that make it a great place to live — of course I am talking about letting our style scene shine.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press
Juno Fashion is the theme and local musicians model the clothes in the Union Sound Hall. This is Sierra Noble. — Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Juno Fashion is the theme and local musicians model the clothes in the Union Sound Hall. This is Sierra Noble.

Events like this are the perfect opportunity to let Canadians know that there is more to Winnipeg’s fashion scene than black parkas and winter boots (although the weather this past week might have some people second-guessing that statement).

We have a thriving fashion community with many talented designers creating fabulous garments that would be perfect for any Juno-related event, whether it’s the red-carpet gala or while catching your favourite band at one of the city’s many live music venues.

Take for example Prairie Chic Apparel. Inspired by country-rock and the vast topography that defines Manitoba, this line is perfect for anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind piece with a bit of an animal attraction. Much of the Prairie Chic collection features up-cycled jersey-knit prints adorned with wild animals like wolves and eagles, paired with denim and fringe.

Looking for something more street? Roy Liang’s leather sweatshirts are definitely a unique option and look great with a custom pair of jeans by Twillhound and a fun pair of kicks from local men’s shoe brand Jose & Markham. I also really love the Oak and Oar brand — hip and casual but with graphic style elements that celebrate lake life.

For the red carpet, men should look no further than Eph Apparel. These custom-tailored suits, pants and blazers are made-to-measure, making them the perfect fit for any form. I also love their custom-designed monogrammed shirts.

Daniel Peloquin-Hopfner adds an Oak and Oar cap for a casual edge to the awards-night black tie look.

Locally designed women’s red-carpet wear is a little tougher to find, but if you look hard enough it is there and it is fabulous. Winnipeg design veteran Erin Kembel is back on the consumer retail end of things and is doing some lovely stuff when it comes to dresses.

New to me, but not necessarily new to Winnipeg’s fashion scene is Dugas-Lavack — a sister team designing gorgeous cocktail dresses adorned with ruffles, lace and sequins that are ideal for any soirée.

Got a suggestion for a future column or a fashion trend worth following? Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion.com.