The Accidental Designer

One artist finds a way to turn her drawings into reality

WORDS BY KAREN MEURER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TATYANA SEMENOVA MODEL GRACE PANGANIBAN HAIR BY LAUREN OXFORD FROM MOUSY BROWNS MAKEUP BY AMBER PREPCHUK

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 sweaters, and blazers for when we are

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.” And as all things do in fashion, Schick’s

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 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 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.

her but more importantly, her design 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. ▶

Ali Schick

Fashion that infuses classic lines with ruffle trend gothic elegance, and channels the one and only David Bowie

Edmonton has always had a thriving fashion scene. We sat down with one rising star, Ali Schick, to find out more about her and her lifestyle brand Suka Clothing. Schick has a strong understanding of how music subculture and high fashion go together. She loves to incorporate the aesthetic of musicians into her fabrics and streetwise designs. The designs are balanced with feminine silhouettes and simplicity for a wearable upscale everyday look. "Inspired by our alter ego"...this is Suka Clothing. www.sukaclothing.co

The Cry Baby, inspired by the 1980’s prom dress

Bowie Dress, pink with lightning bolts custom Suka print inspired by David Bowie lightning bolts and rock ‘n’ roll

The Slated Dress, eco friendly and classic but with a fun play on cubism and an edgier approach to the ruffle trend

Hot Rod Dress , white with graphic flames inspired by hot rod graphics from the 1960s