The Accidental Designer

November 3, 2020

Words by: Karen Meurer

Photography by: Tatyana Semenova

One artist finds a way to turn her drawings into reality.

Edmonton fashion designer and creative mind behind Suka Clothing, Ali Schick, says she fell into her calling by accident. A friend of Schick’s said that she was accepted into the hair program at MC College — Schick followed along and as she puts it “accidentally took the apparel program.”

“It was in that fashion class I learned that my drawing skills and sketches could be made into actual garments. That concept seemed unbelievably exciting as I had been drawing all my life.”

With the knowledge of the apparel program under her wing, she started her own brand at the age of 20. Schick finds inspiration in everything around her but more importantly, her design ideas come from life experiences and
collaboration. She started with inspiration from hanging with her Dad, watching Mad Max movies, working on old cars, her musical taste, family trips to the Alberta Badlands and dressing in her mother’s clothing. “Mom was young and fresh, she had the best hairstyles, the newest clothes, and the strength to pull it off. Even now I can appreciate her Wrangler western phase.”

Suka Clothing is very versatile and inclusive. Schick takes the time to design for a more dynamic size range and body type. For Fall, Schick likes jackets as sweaters, and blazers for when we are cold or want to feel comfortable. Blazers and key pieces can polish off a full look with adding a unique personalization to a casual style.

And as all things do in fashion, Schick’s creative journey has come full circle. She is now sharing her talents with students as the Sketching and Design Concepts Instructor at MC College.

“Because fashion is opting for more seasonless collections and line drops, it’s a fun time to push the boundaries between seasonal restrictions like colour print and fabrics. Especially in a city like Edmonton where the weather is constantly changing, a sustainable wardrobe seems a lot more relevant here.” says Schick.

Schick finds inspiration in everything around her but more importantly, her design ideas come from life experiences and collaboration.

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