Victoria Okpik from Quartaq, Nunavik (Quebec) was the first Inuk to graduate in Fashion Design from LaSalle College in Montreal. Victoria’s passion for sewing dates to her early years in Quartaq. As head designer for Nunavik Creations she was the artist behind the popular parkas for the Arctic Winter and Summer Games since 2000. She brings with her over 20 years as a talented seamstress and designer.
Inuit Parkas, Pualuuks (Mittens) and Purses with Inuit designs are all part of Victoria’s fashion creations. The parkas are made of Commander material (75%polyester/15% cotton), a long lasting wind proof and water resistant material which is easy to care for. The hoods trimmed with fox fur and the cuffed sleeves protect from cold windy weather. Some parkas are also trimmed with seal skin. The Mittens and purses find inspiration in traditional Inuit tattoos.
Victoria’s goal is to create high quality fashionable clothing inspired by her Inuit roots. Her creations find inspiration in traditional Inuit clothing.
A sealskin bracelet made by an Inuk designer from northern Quebec made its way into space with astronaut David Saint-Jacques
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It took just 20 days to put the garment together, delivered to Simon on the eve before her ceremony.
There's more than meets the eye to the dress new Gov. Gen. Mary Simon wore on her installation day.
For one, it was made especially for her with the help of Inuit designers. And for another, the two-piece garment was designed, sewn and beaded in a very short time frame.
Designer Victoria Okpik, originally from Quaqtaq, Nunavik, in northern Quebec, was asked by Simon to make a garment for the investiture ceremony on Monday, when Simon was officially sworn in as Canada's 30th Governor General — the first Indigenous person ever to hold the position.
Simon had wanted a special outfit that was made from her home region, Okpik said.
Okpik — who has more than 20 years of experience as a seamstress and designer — was the first Inuk to graduate in fashion design from Montreal's LaSalle College.
Julie Grenier, une perleuse originaire de Kuujjuaq, également dans le nord du Québec, était responsable du perlage de la robe après qu'Okpik l'ait contactée.
