The world on the runway: Students show off their heritage at groundbreaking fashion show

Want to see handmade clothing, from varying backgrounds, modeled by some of the creators as they strut down a runway?

Well, The Rooms has exactly that.

Students from the Creative Sewing Atelier a project that offers classes and training to new Canadians and others in the St. John's area are putting their 40 creations in the spotlight Friday night for the group's first ever multicultural fashion show.

"I hope that people enjoy how it's multicultural, and that there's a lot of different stuff from different places," said 10-year-old Maia McKeown, who is originallyfrom Peru and will be taking clothing that her mother designed down the catwalk.

McKeowntold CBC Radio's On the Goshe has some experience in the fashion world already in her short lifefrom when she revisited her old country, but this will be her first time showcasing traditional Peruvian clothing in Canada.

Keeping a tradition alive

"I was born here in Newfoundland, so I thought I'd draw from our Irish heritage for my dress," said first-time designerMeghanCorcoran.

"I'm brand new. I took the atelier's basic sewing course only a few months ago, and when I started I could barely sew a straight line."

Corcoransaid it's as much about learning a new skill as it is about carrying on a tradition.

She had inherited sewing supplies from her grandmother at a young age, and later decided to offer aposthumous thank you.

"Now to see this dress come to life is just so beautiful, and I know she would be really proud of me as well if she could see it," Corcoran said.

It's fitting how Corcoran is learning about sewing to keep the ball rolling, too.

TheCreative Sewing Atelier launchedin 2017, after the family of Kathryn Clare Brown, who owned a sewing shop, donated equipment and supplies to carry on her legacy.

The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour kicked in the rest of the funding to develop the concept.

The show

The fashion show itself will begin at 7 p.m. at The Rooms on Bonaventure Avenue.

Admission is free to the public with one catch.Guests are encouraged to dress in all black clothing, and wear an accessory that symbolizes their country of origin to take part and help strengthen the theme of the evening.

More than 20 nationalities will be on display in the show with 40 garments crafted by the students.

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