The WAG hosts annual fashion show: What to Wear this Winter

 Not sure what to wear this Winter? The WAG hosted an annual fashion show last week featuring chic designs from Nunavut to help you solve that problem.

The show was presented in collaboration with the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association, and Winnipeg fashion line Danali.

A first-time event for the WAG, models were wearing pieces from five designers out of Nunavut, including Faith Kreelak, Rankin Inlet; Victoria Kakuktinniq, Iqaluit; Mona Netser, Coral Harbour; Shawna Dias, Rankin Inlet; and Charlotte St. Johns, Arviat.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with the Nunavut Arts and Craft Association and Danali, along with our volunteer committee, to present this fantastic mix of fashion, art and culture," commented Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director and CEO. "We also see What to Wear this Winter as an opportunity to educate the community on how sealskin supports a sustainable environment and culture for Inuit in Canada. Sealskin is still used traditionally today."

The Winnipeg Art Gallery has a long history of partnership with the Arctic regions of Canada, and the What to Wear this Winter was just another opportunity to promote Inuit artists and seal skin clothing. 

"Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association is proud to be a part of this event and provide Nunavut designers and artists with an opportunity to present their creations outside of the territory," said Justin Ford, NACA Operations Manager. "Nunavut has a very rich and fascinating culture that these featured designers are sure to capture through their modern garment designs."

The looks exhibited a high level of fashion coupled with warmth and durability. They were accented by the latest Fall/Winter collections offered by Winnipeg boutique Danali, a clothing shop with a reputation of excellence and commitment to urban fashion for the past three decades.

The models also wore Canadian made and designed jewellery and winter accessories from the WAG's Gallery Shop, such as Adina Tarralik Duffy's Ugly Fish line with beluga tooth earrings and vertebrae cuffs; Victoria Kakuktinniq's seal skin cuffs; and fur hats and mitts from Goa Haven artists like Leonie Aaluk and Helen Kaloon.

All of the models came from Liz Crawford and her team from Swish Model Management, based in Winnipeg.

Here are some photos I snapped of the event, which took place last Thursday, September 24th. Winter never looked so good.