Aspiring designers to compete

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Canada's first national aboriginal fashion show is seeking professional and up-and-coming designers to compete for the top prize of $5,000 or an equivalent trip to Paris.

Winds of Change is organized by the Canadian Council for Native Business to showcase the best of aboriginal fashion design in Toronto on March 24, 1993.

The show is a career-making opportunity for aboriginal designers, says council president Patrick Lavelle.

"We really hope to get an enthusiastic response because this is the first time aboriginal fashion creators will gain a national spotlight in Canada for their work," he said.

Seven professional and three new aboriginal designers will be selected in a Canada-wide design competition to take part in the fashion show. Tantoo Cardinal will act as a co-host with designer Alfred Sung.

"Fashion has always benefited from the interplay of diverse ideas of many cultures," Sung said.

Judges include actress Shirley Cheechoo and representatives of Flare magazine and Holt Renfrew.

All Canadian aboriginals are eligible for entry in either category. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 4, 1993. Competition rules can be obtained from Karen McCall at the Canadian Council for Native Business, 204 St. George Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5R 2N5 or phone (416) 961-8663, fax (416) 961-3995.