An Inuvialuk designer expressed that her participation in Project Runway Canada was a significant moment in her career and an opportunity to represent her culture. Taalrumiq, a designer of Inuvialuk and Gwich’in descent from Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., now residing in Vancouver, faced elimination in a team challenge on the third episode of the show that aired recently.
She emphasized that her presence on the show was not just about her as a designer but had broader implications for her nation, the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in communities. The Canadian version of the popular fashion competition, which premiered on Crave in mid-November, offers contestants a chance to win $100,000 and a feature in Elle Canada magazine.
Taalrumiq continues to create designs inspired by her heritage under her label, Taalrumiq, outside the show. Sewing holds a special place in her culture, being a vital skill passed down through generations and essential for survival in Arctic conditions. She learned to sew as a child, influenced by her mother’s craft and her late grandmother’s sewing room.
Her designs always reflect her cultural background, as sewing is deeply ingrained in her way of life. The influence of her heritage was evident in her debut denim look on the show, where she incorporated elements inspired by Inuvialuit traditions.
Aside from Taalrumiq, another Indigenous designer, Little Feather Migwans from the Anishinaabe community, is also competing on the show this season. Both designers expressed the importance of showcasing authentic Indigenous representation in contemporary spaces.
Taalrumiq shared her excitement about having Migwans as a fellow contestant, highlighting the mutual understanding and support they found in each other. While her journey on Project Runway Canada has concluded, Taalrumiq looks forward to completing her master’s degree in fine arts at Emily Carr University, focusing on ancestral Inuvialuit fashion. She expressed gratitude for the experience on the show and will be rooting for Migwans in the competition.
