The Many Fashions of Medicine Hat Alberta
By Nyamal, Miss Teen Medicine Hat 2017
“I like to push the barriers when it comes to fashion” – Nyamal
I could not have said it better myself. Fashion is an expression of both emotion and character. Every person alive adds more flavour to the world of fashion by daring to be unapologetic and adding their own flare to their outfits.
With this definition in mind, I could not have found better individuals to take part in this article with me.
Our first model is Mervat, a 19 year old college student who aspires to be a paramedic. She is outgoing, talkative, supporting, and the type of person who fills the room with energy simply by entering.
For this shoot we’d agreed to take photos at six pm on College Dr. She decided to wear something a little more casual sporting vintage denim jeans with a “Bad influence” graphic halter top with threaded roses. She had purchased her trendy top at Urban Planet and thrifted her Levi jeans from a friend. She accessorizes with a pair of sunglasses and beaded flower sandals. Adding a bit of colour with a camel, braided leather belt from Bluenotes she managed to create an outfit that’s tré cute but manageable.
I think my favourite thing about this look is that it’s inexpensive, quick to put together, and comfortable. All three things that are important when considering an outfit that will take you from the busy, lesson filled days to late night study sessions as a college student.
I choose to take photos of her at the college because it holds a lot of memories and emotions for me and many others. Medicine Hat College offers a place of enjoyment and learning for its students and hatters alike. In the summer it provides camps for children and preteens. It also holds academic assistance for middle-schoolers and high-schoolers during the school year – I for one owe my successful school year to the program and study groups I was able to have at the college. Not only does the college act as a beacon of educational success but it adds more multiculturalism to our city with the many international students it holds.
With a mixture of retro and modern trend Merv rocks a confident and casual street style for a summer afternoon.
Our second look today is at Belle an 18 year old free spirit who is hands down one of the most exciting people you will ever meet. She is a dedicated hard worker currently holding two jobs at David’s Tea and Marshalls, both located in Medicine Hat mall. With a great love for friends and a soul meant to wonder she loves to take adventures. Being the wildheart she is she loves to take risks with her style. Today she decided to pair a fitted cotton-mesh black bodysuit from Garage with dark denim Hollister jean shorts and simple black flip flops for a cute summer look. A flattering outfit for checking out the nightlife downtown with friends.
For accessories, she gives us a small, grey, textured Guess coin purse with stunning shimmering and beige nails to give the look a little more glam factor.
The third look was created by Jordyn, an intelligent young lady that carries a sense of mature, calm about herself. Jordyn is 18 years old and currently working at the Cineplex before attending University in the Fall. She enjoys reading, soccer, driving, and listening to some of her favourite musicians such as 21 pilots and Halsey. She is a witty and creative individual with an amazing talent for painting. With a style that’s typically a little more alternative and hipster, Jordyn brings a blue and white graphic tee referencing the classic film Clueless complimented by a denim pairing of shorts and a baseball cap.
She adds to the outfit with a pair of white and pink Nike trainers. Some may be against rips in clothing but I personally feel that a tear like this gives the top a small but adequate amount of character.
Credit for where you can purchase the clothing is given to Forever 21 for the shirt and Garage for her jeans.
Jordyn has a casual outfit with just a bit of edge; its perfect for catching a flick at the movies.
Eighteen year old Micayla involves herself in anything that revolves around the arts; it’s no wonder she’s able to wear such a bright coloured clothes and look stunning in daring outfits. The future student of Calgary University describes her overall style as more European inspired although she pulls inspiration from everywhere. 
For one of her looks Micayla sports a red v neck came from Garage costing $10.00 with an American Apparel bomber jacket that had costed her $120.00. For bottoms she styles Levis wedgie fit denim at the price of $130.00 and adds unique flare and colour with the addition of her $30.00 Topshop floral pink mule heels. She accessorizes this look with Guay Australia round frame shades and a Calvin Klein denim hat. The sunglasses prices at $75.00 and the cap at $45.00. This look is as high-end and beautiful as her second look.
For her second look, Micayla paired her vibrant floral heels with a full Topshop outfit consisting of a white ¾ sleeve ribbed, high neck sweater with blue suit cigarette trousers. Her outfit total being $30.00 for the top and $60.00 for the bottoms. She also uses a silver ring from south Africa and a black leather purse for accessories.
The way the pink heels and vibrant blue bottoms compliment each other is simply stunning.
Due to the artistic nature of Micayla and Jordyn some photos of the trio took place in front of the Esplanade located on 1 St SE. The Esplanade holds art shows, concerts, plays, and other events. It is a cultural hub open to all and meaningful to many.
Other photos were all taken on 2 St WE in downtown Medicine Hat from 8 to 9 pm. I felt this was the perfect place to take photos because the beauty of the streets, the gas lights, and it is also the location one of our long standing local business.
The Monarch Theatre is Canada’s oldest operating movie theatre. The theatre remains relevant playing new movies and also allows viewers to enjoy classical films now and then. Many citizens in the Hat hold fond memories here such as watching movies together with their father or spending times with friends.
The gas lights brighten up the streets of downtown Medicine Hat, and serve as a reminder of the importance of natural gas to the city.
Although we may not be a bustling fashion district, inspiring the next fall fashion week, we are a city filled with quality characters, risk takers, and unique fashions. Medicine Hat is a small city with a rich history and many beautiful locations as well as amazing people. Being able to spend time with my models and take a minute to appreciate our surroundings I think it’s safe to say that Medicine Hat has a lot to offer via fashion and amazing personality.
High school students have some of the most different styles ever. This fresh out of high school student, Darien, explains his style: “‘As a dancer, I pride myself with my ability to dress appropriately for any given circumstance and being able to do so, has given me a certain style, a casual yet fancy style. As I go throughout my days I often like to dress-to-impress, since it’s a small world and you never know who you’re going to meet or see again’”. Now let’s dabble a little as to where this future P.E/History teacher buys his clothes from. These cool black cargo joggers are made by Urban Heritage and can be purchased at Urban Planet for only $34.99! Sometimes simple things are the best, just like this simple white t-shirt from Divided, which can also be purchased at Urban Planet for $9.99. Decked with Denim, Darien is rocking a DNKY Jeans blue button-up shirt, purchased from the bay for just $14.99. To complete his look, Darien chooses his favourite white converse from Converse All Stars, which can be found at Journeys for $85.
Jasmeet is a 21 year old who wants to focus her career in HR Management. She’s outgoing, bubbly and never fails to crack a smile on your face. Jasmeet is an extrovert who loves debating about anything and everything. On an average day, you can find Jasmeet at school, working, hanging out with her closest friends or giving cuddles to her dog, Dana. “‘I’m a stylish storm in a teacup’” says Jasmeet as she is only 5 ft tall. This beauty is wearing a snazzy peachy top from Glo Boutique which she got for $15. Those silky black chiffon pants are only $34 and are also from Glo Boutique. Sounds like an amazing place to get stylish and trendy clothing! These colourful heels are the definition of ‘Chic’! You can get your own funky pair of heels at La Chateau for only $69.99.
When people discuss animals, Ketki is always there to liven up the party with fun facts and cute animal talk. This fellow dog lover is only 22 and is in the 2nd year of her Ecological Restoration program. “‘I believe in staying classy and elegant and let yourself stand out with your simplicity. I think that inner beauty of a person maters more than the outer appearances. The substance of your personality makes you, YOU. So, stay simple, have faith, love nature and stay beautiful.’” Ketki is sporting plum shaded George jeggings, which she got from Walmart for only $15. Her adorable black top comes from Old Navy, priced at $25. If you love the heels she’s wearing, just like me, be sure to check out Ardene for these $20 beauties. While you’re at Ardene, might at was take a look at the dream-catcher pendant she got for only $15!
Samantha was born and brought up in China. This 27 year old moved here when she was in grade 11. Samantha just graduated with her HR degree and is currently working as a HR Assistant. Her grandfather is where she gets her discipline and structure from as he is an ex military man. She gets her style and fashion sense from her mom. Samantha is a confident woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. “‘I live a life of glamour and class’”. Sam is killing it in the royal blue, cotton crop top from A&F. Her baby pink, chiffon skirt is for $150 from Aritzia. Samantha’s gorgeous white heels are from Valentino; she got them for $995!
Chloe is 21 years old and loves to travel, in fact she moved to Canada 3 years ago from Wales. She described herself as creative and shared with me her passion for drawing. So… what is she wearing!? Being a full time Pandora employee, her uniform requires her to wear black on black on black. Chloe is wearing a high fashion black twisted V-neck T-shirt from Urban Planet made from polyester and nylon which she purchased for $15. For pants she chose trendy black leggings from Reitmans made out of viscose and nylon for $45. Black Adidas flats, and 2 gorgeous Pandora bracelets and 3 rings all made from sterling silver, cubic zirconia, and pearl accents.
Next up in the Cambridge Center on Hespeler Road I stumbled upon a true beauty, Brianna. Brianna is the youngest out of 9 biological siblings, and also has 4 foster siblings! She just switched school’s at the age of 17, and currently works 4 jobs! Brianna is an equestrian, she loves to ride horses at Irish Creek Stables, and loves art and fitness. She was wearing a blue dress from Winners made out of cotton for $14, a cover up black jacket made from nylon and polyester also from Winners for $25. To tie the outfit together she wore a thick black belt made out of leather and elastic from Ardenes for $10. And on her feet, heels from Aldo for $80. I noticed this gorgeous ring on her finger as well, and it came out of a candle! Charmed aroma candles and bath bombs are gifts she receives often, and they definitely pay off. (And might I add, her makeup skills are incredible.)
Lastly, on my way home I bumped into Kimberly. Kimberly is 43 years old and in the pharmaceutical industry, she loves fitness, gardening and water sports at her cottage. When Kimberly has down time, she listens to audiobooks. In fact she just finished listening to 44 hours of Stephen King’s ‘It’ novel. Kimberly is wearing a Frank Lyman designer beaded white dress made out of lycra, nylon, and cotton which she purchased for $165. On her feet gorgeous sparkly heels from Aldo for $99 and on her wrist a FitBit Charge 2 for $169. This was taken on McFarlane Drive, in Cambridge Ontario.