REGINA DESIGNER TAPS INTO AFRICA FOR INSPIRATION.
REGINA — Regina fashion designer Abigail Coleman of Eleganzia Couture is wowing Saskatchewan fashionistas with her African-inspired designs.
“They’re different from what people are used to,” said the 35-year-old Reginan, who hails from Ghana.
“I didn’t think Canadian women would like it,” she admitted.
In fact, Coleman said she expected her choice of bold colours and designs might only appeal to a handful of African women now calling Regina home.
But when she showcased her designs on the runway at Saskatchewan Fashion Week last spring, they appealed to a wide spectrum of women.
“I wowed the audience,” Coleman said proudly.
Since then, she has received rave reviews at home-shopping parties. Young, middle-aged and mature women are all buying her designs, Coleman said.
“Anyone can wear these,” she said. “My designs are so anyone can find something ― all sizes, shapes and ages.”
Prices range from $55 for a top to $120 for a dress.
“My slogan is ‘Transform in style,’” Coleman said. “I believe that every woman ― no matter what shape you are or what size you are ― there is beauty to bring out.
“I am inspired by the woman’s body ― the figure, the shape. I focus on colour and cut. It enhances their beauty because of the boldness of colour and cuts.”
For the time being, Coleman does most of the sewing for Eleganzia Couture herself. She also has seamstresses working for her in Ghana, which is where the fabrics for her designs come from. Eventually, she would like to hire local sewers to produce her designs in order to help reduce the wait-time for custom orders, Coleman said. She welcomes help. “I cannot do it all myself,” the married, mother of two with a third on the way said.
Down the road, Coleman said she would like to have a shop to market her designs.
Before moving to Canada less than two years ago, Coleman worked in retail in the U.K. as a buyer and manager while studying for her master’s degree in marketing management. She also has a background in tourism, and has worked with underprivileged women.
“These things put together made me what I am today,” she said.
Regina fashion designer and entrepreneur Nadia Williamson, owner of NWL Contemporary Dresses, is mentoring Coleman.
“She has linked me up with a lot of people,” Coleman said appreciatively. “People are calling me to have shopping parties in their home, for 50 to 60 people.”
Coleman has a large shopping party, which is open to the public, scheduled on Feb. 2, beginning at 4 p.m., in the Library Room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan.
“I’m hoping for 200 people,” she said.
In addition to showcasing Eleganzia Couture designs, the one-night event is designed to support Regina Transition House, the city’s oldest shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Admission is free.
Coleman’s designs will also be featured again at Saskatchewan Fashion Week in May.
“This time, it is going to be different,” she said. “I’m going to be using a lot of laces and shimmering fabric … I’m playing around with different things.”