A dedicated fashion follower

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This article was published 31/01/2016 (3704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Andréanne Dandeneau has always had a special place in her heart for Festival du Voyageur.

The 35-year-old St. Boniface resident is the owner of Andréanne Designs Inc., which operates as Voilà par Andréanne as the name of her label.

In 2015, to help celebrate a decade being in business, Dandeneau decided she would offer women preparing to take part in this year’s upcoming Festival many items featured on her website at a special anniversary price, including winter items such as warm fleece jackets and leggings.

Dandeneau is an advocate of the eco-movement and has developed a unique natural material called bamboo fleece with a small father-and-son knitting company in Toronto. Her clothing designs are also inspired by her Franco-Métis ancestry.

“I like to describe my creations as comfortable clothing with European flair and Aboriginal prints,” Dandeneau said.

“I call it ‘meaty’ clothing that is always very feminine and that incorporates my Métis heritage with French flair. I’m passionate about designing and having a dream I’ve wanted to fulfil.”

Dandeneau studied fashion design at LaSalle College in Montreal, where she focused on “the hands-on couture part of fashion” that give her an insight into sewing by hand.

This experience proved to be a watershed for Dandeneau, as she developed her ideas, evolved her creative style and embarked on different entrepreneurial project that helped pay for school.

In 2004, after graduating, she was approached by a yoga studio to create a clothing line and Dandeneau spent several years working tirelessly in the basement of her parents to “kickstart” her company, which she says was invaluable.

In 2014, she moved to a studio boutique with an adjoining workshop in Fort Rouge (303-421 Mulvey Ave.). She currently has two sewers and 10 machines.

“My customers can see the clothes being made, which is wonderful.”

Dandeneau’s connection to Festival goes back to childhood, when she part of the official voyageur family of 1988-89.

“One summer, my dad took us to camp like voyageurs to open our eyes as to how they would have lived,” Dandeneau said.

“There were no swimming costumes, so I went swimming in a white cotton slip. It was so simple and so neat. I was always intrigued with history and doing things in a simple way.

“My parents really helped me understand and value my background. All these things connect us and bring everything together. It’s so important to have values to live by,” she added.

Dandeneau will also be selling her clothing at Festival and holding a fashion showcase. Festival du Voyageur will run from Feb. 12 to 21.

Go online at voilaandreanne.com for more information.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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