Faced with the task of putting together my first Fashion section for The Edmonton Muse, one cool beans magazine, which is building a great reputation (no pressure) ... I found myself reflecting on one thing above the rest. I had thought for months about this, as a demanding full-time job teaching design & sewing has delayed this birth. Should I feature one of the many awesome people that I know, locally making a go of the difficult and fickle design business? Some of them recognized all over the world as being at the top of the game? Or should I tell you more about my Fashion students, as a new crop begins their program & the graduating group has their year end show, all coming up in September?
Hmm ... but still, I kept returning to this 0ne idea, time and again.
So here goes.
How can you write a new blog on what’s happening in the local Fashion scene, if Everybody reading it is asking “who the hell are you, to tell me what’s happening in the local Fashion scene?” Closely followed by “so ... Edmonton actually has a Fashion scene?”
Allow me to introduce myself then. My name is Marni Walker, and I have worked in the local garment industry for 35 years. Throughout that time I have had some very interesting experiences, working for companies both large and small, for others and for myself. Over the years I have also developed courses & taught pattern drafting, sewing, and small business to students of all ages. That is what I have returned to for the past year, teaching my craft in a local Fashion program at MC College. And for the last six years I have also owned & operated a Custom design business here in Edmonton called Bella Meraki.
Built around a love of creating things that are unique, funky & functional ~ roughly translated "Bella Meraki" means "beautiful passion" ... doing something with soul, creativity & love. This opportunity speaks to my dream, after decades in the Fashion business locally. My specialties include custom-design, blending of couture & industrial techniques, as well as mentoring & teaching.
1996 World Figure Skating Championships
Official Volunteer Uniform (approx 1800 volunteers)
Custom 3-color Unisex Track Suit
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PROJECT - THE EDMONTON MUSE PROUDLY INTRODUCES MARNI WALKER, DIRECTOR OF FASHION