Winter Olympics casts spotlight on local design
Vancouver, BC - The 2010 Winter Olympics has turned the world's attention to more than just Vancouver's athletes - it's also put Canadian fashion in the spotlight.
Canada has a long history of unique design. The toque, for example, is perhaps surpassed only by the beaver as a symbol of Canadian identity. The tight-fitting winter hat is fun, practical and well-suited to cold climates - just like Canadians are!
The mukluk is another item of Canadian apparel currently enjoying international attention. These deer or sealskin boots were originally worn by Canada's Inuit people and are now enjoying a fashion resurgence. Designer mukluks are now spotted on the feet of many celebrities and can cost several hundred dollars per pair.
Other Canadian designs back in style this season are the the Hudson's Bay Company's signature stripes and the Cowichan sweater. The HBC stripes date back to "point blankets" the company used during its fur-trading past and are now popular on all types of outer wear including gloves, scarves, and hats.
The Cowichan sweater was originally produced by the Coast Salish people of northern Vancouver Island and has become hugely popular in 2010. An Olympic sweater inspired by the traditional Cowichan design has become one of the most popular items in HBC's line of 2010 Olympic clothing.
The international attention focused on traditional Canadian style is spreading to modern design, too. Local designers are gearing up to show the world what West Coast fashion is all about.
VCAD has positioned itself as the Vancouver's hub for students of Fashion Design. The program teaches talented young designers the skills they need to transform creative ideas into beautiful garments that will take the world by storm.
For more information check out VCAD's fashion design page or join the conversation on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/VCAD.ca) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/VCAD).