Pit stops with panache

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/08/2012 (4792 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I’ve always thought Manitoba’s summertime festivals are some of the best places to discover a new indie designer or two, showcasing their wares al fresco.

This weekend is the action-packed Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, or Islendingadagurinn, and while I’m sure the streets of Gimli will most certainly be lined with vendors, I though it would be fun to feature something a bit different than the festival staple pop-up store.

Along the way to the festival, there are some very cool design studios worth popping into — and while in Gimli, stray from the beaten path to check out a couple of boutiques that carry some great local collections.

 

“Æ STOP 1

LeVerne Tucker Storybook Art & Fibre / 92 129 6E Rd., Teulon

 

Always a favourite of mine, LeVerne Tucker creates gorgeous blown-glass jewelry, but it was her silver necklaces, featuring silver starfish, crystals and vintage photos of swimmers, that caught my eye this time around. Not to mention a line of crisp printed aprons perfect for the fashionista chef.

 

“Æ STOP 2

Fish Fly Gallery / 18 Main St., Winnipeg Beach

 

This interesting shop sells more art than fashion pieces, but definitely it’s worth a stop to check out the hand-crafted felted purses by Jane Francis. Her line of bags, cleverly called Get a Grip, includes clutches with flower and polka-dot appliqués — they’re the perfect piece of Manitoba style to transition into fall.

 

“Æ STOP 3

Nepenthe Studios / Corner of 6th and Prospect, Winnipeg Beach

 

Another north-of-Winnipeg fave of mine, Nepenthe Studios features

the stunning metalwork designs of Cathy Sutton. Her 2012 summer

collection includes everything from one-of-a-kind rings to necklaces,

but the must-have of the season is one of her copper cuffs: big, bold and brazen.

 

“Æ STOP 4

Mermaid’s Kiss Gallery / 85 Fourth Ave. in Gimli

 

Here you’ll find a wide array of jewelry and textile works from artists across Canada, including a line of silk and chiffon solar-dyed scarves by Heidi Hunter. Each scarf is adorned with the patterns of ferns, leafs and flowers indigenous to the Interlake region and come in vibrant purple, blue and red hues.

You can also purchase Heidi’s designs at her studio, Runs with Scissors Studio in Winnipeg Beach, which is open by appointment only.

 

“Æ STOP 5

CJ Tennant collections at Aurora / Unit 3-40 Centre St., Gimli

 

I’ve seen these delicate necklaces and earrings at more than one boutique in the city so I am glad to know a store outside the ‘Peg is carrying her line. I love how each necklace features a mélange of precious stones, bits of silver and hints of crystal — a little something to match any mood and any outfit.

 

Got a suggestion for a future column or a fashion trend worth following?

Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion@hotmail.com.