In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, four Vancouver-based designers have joined forces to create stunning gowns using an unexpected material—bathroom tissue. These visionary artists are part of the 21st annual Cashmere Collection, alongside 12 other Canadian designers, in a unique campaign supporting breast cancer research. For every vote cast on October 30, Kruger Products will donate $1 to the Canadian Cancer Society and Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. We spoke with three of the local designers about their inspirations and creative processes behind these breathtaking, meaningful designs. —Noa Nichol
Designer: Himikalas Pamela Baker
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do, to start.
My name is Himikalas Pam Baker, I am Squamish and Kwakiutl /Tlingit from the North West Coast. I have been designing for many years as a First Nations Designer
What was your inspiration behind the design of your bathroom tissue gown for the Cashmere Collection:
I wanted to share the strength of our women who have experienced Cancer, I myself have had breast cancer.
How did you approach the challenge of working with an unconventional material like bathroom tissue to create a wearable, show-stopping gown?
Tough one! I used interfacing, and also laser cut eagle feather, in which represents strength, and did a 3D mask of a woman that shows the power of our survivors.
How does your personal or cultural background influence your design for this important cause?
As a First Nations designer, I wanted look at sharing what I felt represented our women, strength and resilience. Eagle feathers which are used in ceremony, represent strength and the woman can be that ancestor that has supported you through your challenging times.
What message do you hope your gown conveys to those voting and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Resilience.
What does participating in this initiative, supporting breast cancer research, mean to you personally and professionally?
I will be representing family members who have had cancer, and are survivors.
Designer: Alex S. Yu
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do, to start.
My name is Alex S. Yu, and I am a fashion designer based in Vancouver, BC. My work focuses on contemporary womenswear, crafted for the everyday dreamer. I explore the interplay of color, proportion, and texture, blending elements of fantasy with the tangible reality of my garments.
What was your inspiration behind the design of your bathroom tissue gown for the Cashmere Collection?
The inspiration for my design stems from the concept of “Bloom,” representing a state of prime beauty and freshness, akin to flowers in full blossom. I aimed to evoke a sense of renewal, naivety, and beauty through the babydoll silhouette. The leg-of-mutton sleeves and cascading tiers of ruffles are intended to symbolize the literal act of “blooming,” bringing a vibrant visual language to the piece.
How did you approach the challenge of working with an unconventional material like bathroom tissue to create a wearable, show-stopping gown?
This marks my second collaboration with [the] Cashmere Collection, which has given me familiarity with the material. Contrary to common perceptions, tissue paper is surprisingly resilient. Working with it requires a blend of patience and meticulous care, allowing me to harness its unique qualities to create something truly striking and wearable.
How does your personal or cultural background influence your design for this important cause?
Daydreaming and an emphasis on positivity are integral to my design philosophy. I sought to infuse these elements into my gown, creating a look that is both whimsical and uplifting, while aligning with the mission of the cause.
What message do you hope your gown conveys to those voting and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
I hope to convey that hope and positivity are vital, and that it’s important to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
What does participating in this initiative, supporting breast cancer research, mean to you personally and professionally?
Participating in the Cashmere Collection initiative is deeply meaningful to me. I feel honored to contribute my fashion vision to such a great cause, using my creativity to help raise awareness and support for breast cancer research.
Designer: Ou Ma
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do, to start.
My name is Ou, I’m the owner and designer of OUMA Bridal based in Vancouver, Canada. Graduated top student from FIT in New York City, I also worked at high-end fashion houses such as Calvin Klein Made-to-measure atelier, and Ralph Lauren Women’s Collection. Making wedding dresses has always been my dream growing up and I started making one-of-a-kind wedding gowns for friends and colleagues before I started my own brand. In 2017, after relocated to Vancouver, I founded OUMA Bridal. From making one of a kind custom wedding gowns by myself, to a team of 8 talented women in 12 stores internationally, OUMA has made its name in the bridal industry.
What was your inspiration behind the design of your bathroom tissue gown for the Cashmere Collection
I was in Suzhou, China in the summer with family. It is not a place I grew up in, but a historical city that is full of culture. I emersed myself in the ancient Chinese gardens for three full days and was so inspired by the cut-out floral pattern windows in the garden. When I was designing the [Cashmere] Bathroom Tissue gown, I wanted to tie in my cultural background in the design. I immediately thought of my Asian trip and the beautiful Chinese gardens. The reason why I chose the floral window was firstly the floral pattern is on theme – ‘Bloom’. Secondly, it represents the healing process of breast cancer survivors – who go through breaks and cut-outs, and then re-heal themselves to form and blossom into a new life.
How did you approach the challenge of working with an unconventional material like bathroom tissue to create a wearable, show-stopping gown?
I looked at past [collection] designs and was really impressed by everyone’s talents and creations. But I wanted to create something that was never shown at this competition before – use the [bathroom] tissue to create shapes and strokes. I wanted to use paper tissue braids to create flower petals which have dimensions on their own as well. The paper is softer than I expected when working with it. We tried layering multiply layers and binding them with either stitches or glue. Then we braided each stripe into longer and stronger braids to hold them together. We tested over 15 variations of layers, width, ways of braiding and length until we finalized the desired look we wanted. Also, a wire was inserted and braided with tissue paper to better create floral pedal forms.At OUMA Bridal, we like to use fabric scraps to make fabric flowers. We used the same concept and method to make various shaped tissue flowers to decorate the skirt as well.
How does your personal or cultural background influence your design for this important cause?
As mentioned before, the inspiration was taken from my own cultural background. But I also have two family members that survived breast cancer in the last decades. They are two strong and powerful women who never stopped fighting for breast cancer and lived in such an energetic and positive way after the healing process. I thought of them a lot during the entire design process. The creation was also a tribute to them and to all breast cancer survivors.
What message do you hope your gown conveys to those voting and supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
One amazing thing about the cut-out floral windows is that you get a totally different view through the window when you look into the garden, and often unexpected views. I hope when people look at my gown, they can also look at life in a totally different perspective. What I found the most difficult thing in life, especially when battling with disease, is mental strength. No matter how hard it is, I hope all can never lose the strength and believe in themselves.
What does participating in this initiative, supporting breast cancer research, mean to you personally and professionally?
This is such an amazing opportunity to be creative and contribute to the community at the same time. I think fashion is associated with everyday life so strongly and fashion should be a method of evoking awareness. At OUMA bridal, zero-waste is one of our long-term missions. Making meaningful gowns is also a way of being sustainable and doing something to our universe. I’m grateful to be part of it!
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