Fur, teeth and antlers hallmarks of Inuit fashion

By: Connie Tamoto Posted: 3:00 AM CDT Saturday, Sep. 19, 2015

I consider myself one of the luckiest Canadians to have had the privilege of visiting many of the communities across the Arctic. From Gjoa Haven to Ulukhaktok to Baker Lake -- these communities are breathtaking, the people who live there inviting and their cultural traditions still thrive today.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/09/2015 (4035 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I consider myself one of the luckiest Canadians to have had the privilege of visiting many of the communities across the Arctic. From Gjoa Haven to Ulukhaktok to Baker Lake — these communities are breathtaking, the people who live there inviting and their cultural traditions still thrive today.

Despite current fashion trends, the allure of luxe label brands and style spreads in the glossy pages of the latest fashion mags, many of the community members incorporate traditional garments into their everyday clothing mix, but with a modern flair.

This is the inspiration behind the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s What to Wear in the Winter fashion show — a blend of traditional Inuit garments with au courant adaptations.

“What to Wear in the Winter is a fantastic merging of art, fashion and culture, and an opportunity for the WAG to share the amazing work coming out of Nunavut with audiences in Winnipeg and Manitoba,” says Sherri Van Went, manager of retail operations at the WAG. “The jewelry, accessories and garments are not only beautiful, but practical for Nunavummiut and Winnipeggers alike, given our cold climates.”

A couple of winters ago, I wrote about one of the designers who will be featured on the runway, Victoria Kakuktinniq. Her gorgeous sealskin mitts adorned with intricate embroidery detailing and fur trim in vibrant hues are not only stunning but warm and functional at the same time.

Also featured on the runway are fur garments by designer Helen Kaloon of Gjoa Haven; Faith Kreelak of Rankin Inlet; Mona Netser of Coral Harbour; Shawna Dias of Rankin Inlet; and Charlotte St. Johns and Sherlyn Kadjuk of Arviat. In addition there are ivory and caribou antler jewelry by Pangnirtung’s Sandy Maniapik and beluga vertebrae cuffs and tooth earrings by Adina Tarralik Duffy and muskox-horn jewelry by Jamie Look.

“The Nunavut designs incorporate a wide range of colour, textiles and prints, including fur and sealskin. The WAG sees What to Wear in the Winter as an opportunity to educate the community on how sealskin supports a sustainable environment and culture for Inuit in Canada,” Van Went explains.

The clothing and accessories featured in the show are just a small glimpse into the vibrant cultural/arts scene of our Arctic communities and the WAG’s show provides the perfect opportunity for those who may not have been so lucky as to travel up north, with an opportunity to see these gorgeous garments and accessories first-hand.