Star Dress by Danita Strawberry

Last fall, Cree and Saulteaux designer Danita Strawberry made this gown for Ashley Callingbull to be worn in the parade of nations at the Miss Friendship International pageant. The dress was inspired by star quilt designs.

In her article, "Morning Star Quilts," Tana Mundwiler writes, "For ages the star has been depicted in the Plains Indians' hide paintings, porcupine-quilled moccasins, leggings and clothing." Strawberry's dress brings the ancient star reference (and late-1800s star quilt design) into glamorous present-day couture.

Recently, the Alberta Museum selected Danita Strawberry as a featured Native artist, and they ordered a red version. Here's the dress she produced that will be on display at the Museum:

Angela DeMontigny Fashion Designs at National Pageant

Holy smokes, my poor computer was recently assaulted by a crazy rogue virus. I think I solved the problem (cross fingers!) - but I just wanted to post the latest pictures (in one spot) of Angela DeMontigny's fashion designs at the Miss Universe Canada pageant a couple of weeks ago... here ya go:


Cree Miss Universe Canada pageant contestant Ashley Callingbull said "My Miss Universe Canada clothing is sponsored by the amazing Angela DeMontigny!"


Callingbull in a DeMontigny dress at the first day of the 2010 MUC pageant in Toronto.


This silver and black suede evening dress was embellished with Swarovski crystals.


Callingbull wearing an Indigo Lambskin Tank Dress with fringe made by DeMontigny.


Callingbull wearing a tri-coloured suede skirt and handpainted/beaded deerskin bustier made by DeMontigny (Courtesy of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation)

Callingbull placed 2nd Runner Up in the Finals.


Earlier posts:
Angela DeMontigny Dresses Miss Universe Canada Contestant Ashley Callingbull
and
First Nations Fashion at the Miss Universe Canada Pageant

First Nations Fashion at the Miss Universe Canada Pageant

First Nations fashion designer Angela DeMontigny created this dress for Cree contestant Ashley Callingbull for the Miss Universe Canada Pageant last week. The silver and black suede evening dress was embellished with Swarovski crystals. It's great to see a woman representing First Nations people at this national competition, and doing so in clothing made by a First Nations designer.


To see an earlier article written on this topic, click here: Angela DeMontigny Dresses Miss Universe Canada Contestant Ashley Callingbull

Angela DeMontigny Dresses Miss Universe Canada Contestant Ashley Callingbull

(Callingbull in a DeMontigny dress at the first day of the 2010 MUC pageant in Toronto)

First Nations fashion designer Angela DeMontigny will dress Ashley Callingbull for a national beauty pageant currently underway in Toronto. Callingbull is Cree from Alberta and is competing for the title of Miss Universe® Canada 2010, which will be awarded on Monday, June 14, and will be broadcasted live on television. She will wear various designs by DeMontigny during the competition, including a final evening dress.

You can vote for Ashley Callingbull for People's Choice Award through Saturday June 12th – the contestant with the most votes will automatically be placed into the Top 20. [PS It's really quick and easy to vote!]

Callingbull hopes to one day run a free youth group on weekends or after school for underprivileged children. She is motivated by her own experiences to help youth stay on the right paths in life. In the meantime, she volunteers for charitable organizations and keeps busy with her modeling and acting career, all while pursuing higher education at Concordia University in Edmonton. She believes all Aboriginal youth should be proud of their heritage and strive to better themselves and their communities. She sees her participation in this event as a positive means to call greater attention to the cultures and beauty of First Nations people.

DeMontigny, who also has Cree heritage, is an appropriate choice for outfitting Callingbull. She creates sexy and luxurious leather and suede fashions that convey strength, elegance, and style with a bit of an edge. Last month, the two met to discuss design and style options for the event. I look forward to seeing what she'll produce for the nationally-televised pageant! Visit her website for more information about her clothing designs.

6/15/10 Note: Ashley did an excellent job at the competition and placed 2nd Runner Up in the Finals!:

MUC2010: Elena Semikina
1st Runner-up: Aleksandra Malkin
2nd Runner-up: Ashley Callingbull
3rd Runner-up: Neda Derakhshanfar
4th Runner-up: Zarah Al-Aubiydy


("My Miss Universe Canada clothing is sponsored by the amazing Angela DeMontigny!")

I will post more pics of the fashion designs as they come available!