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.
Brant Street shopping district stretches from the heart of Burlington all the way to the pier by the edge of Lake Ontario. It is home to coffee shops, restaurants, banks, Tim Hortons (Canadian, eh?), fashion designers, tattoo parlours, and even a mini movie theatre! All the business owners I have approached on Brant Street have a love for the Burlington community and have shown me endless support through my journey to Miss Teenage Canada. On Wednesday afternoon, my two gorgeous models and I visited two stores on this scenic street, Forever Summer and Mirella’s Ladies Boutique, to showcase Burlington fashion.
Hester is an expert when it comes to “slaying” on the beach! Her look consists of a woven bag — perfect to carry all your beach gear — a thin cover-up, a wide brimmed white hat, and a gorgeous striped bikini from Seafolly Australia.
Check out her look! She has a nice mini woven clutch, super chic round sunglasses, a black and white striped bikini and stylish black lace pants. Natasha was so excited to be wearing the outfit she picked. It made her feel confident and fierce. Fashion is powerful!
Natasha and Hester both found the perfect dresses they wished they had known about at prom! Hester modeled a gorgeous, slim bright red gown and Natasha posed in a black and white evening gown. They loved the dresses so much that they couldn’t resist taking a selfie for Snapchat!
I wore a nude body tight gown by J S Collections, the same brand as my white evening gown from Miss Teenage Ontario. The gown was exquisite, perfect for a gala or fancy dinner event.
Her whole business runs off her bright aura! She never fails to wow Canada with her julz. She is providing me with all the jewelry for my entire week in Toronto for Miss Teenage Canada! Her jewelry takes any outfit to the next level, and the best part is she makes custom designs! She is modeling one of her amazing looks. 
“Street fashion to me shows comfort and character.” Lexi explained, “Also bright colors show bright personalities.”
In fashion terms, individuals can be whoever they want to portray. I prefer sophisticated pieces and having classic go to items that have endless outfit combinations. We live in 2017, people shouldn’t have to look a certain way to feel beautiful or accepted. To me fashion is how individuals express themselves through hair, make-up, clothes, and accessories. The second definition of fashion is “a manner of doing something.” Both of those sentences are about self-expression. When I say fashion is art and in art there is no rules, I mean there is no limits for self-expression. Fashion is about expressing our own individuality through our own unique styles. All our differences makes us beautiful!
Hannah, age 19, is rocking a very cute but casual outfit. Her shirt was bought at Winners for 18$ and her jeans are from Garage for 40$. Fashion isn’t always about who spends the most money, as long as you look confident you can rock anything!
Mackenzie is rocking denim shorts from Garage for 20$ and a cute t-shirt from American Eagle for 31$. Matilda is sporting a comfy but cute look! She’s wearing a t-shirt from Brandy Melville purchased for only 18$ and denim shorts from American Eagle for 50$.
Kennedy is sporting a rather serious look in this photo and is decked out completely in Adidas; the black shorts and shirt are made of a light-weight, breathable material that makes busy days and practices more comfortable. Of course, no soccer game is complete without her favorite Adidas socks, with the signature stripe and to add some color to this ensemble she paired it was these lime green and bright orange, Messi cleats. You can pick up Kennedy’s entire outfit from your local Sports Chek. The caged rocks you see pictured behind Kennedy also hold great significance to me as I painted them as a child, with some of my best friends as an art project, just another reason to love this street.
Of course, I couldn’t miss out on an opportunity to show off one of my favorite dresses from La Scala, a brand that is available for purchase at Pseduio, Envy and online. This dress is a beautiful coral-orange color with an eyelet lace bodice and a heavy skater skirt that is perfect for twirling around. I’ve paired it with a cream, rhinestone, floral shaped necklace from Ardene; the creamy beige color contrasts nicely with the bright dress. To finish it off I’m wearing cream and floral heels from Call It Spring, the floral print is a lovely mix of blush, coral, and raspberry.
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!
Camillie is a university student and loves to express herself through her fashion. Camillie and her two sisters run a fashion instagram (@fashionandfetch ) where they show off their different styles to the world. They hope to inspire others to do the same. Her influence comes from all over the world and she is always looking for the perfect items to add to her closet! The orange shorts and white shoes that Camillie is wearing come from different shops along the beach in Chile This helps to make her style even more unique. The red bodysuit is from Urban Behavior and the black belt is thrifted. I chose to go with an off-white wall in one of the alleys along the street because I really wanted the bright colours of this summer outfit to pop! I love how Camillie has pulled the red together by adding the sunglasses and having the small red detailing on the shoes. Doing this really helps to make a complete look that’s ready for the beach or a local festival.
Lastly we have Camillie, again, showing us a different side of her fashion personality. This more dressy look is perfect for a summer date or afternoon tea in the garden. The flowers in the background add a fresh feel to the street and really help to the the dress stand out. Camillie loves to have statement pieces which is why this Red Madison Tote from Shop J&G for $56 is perfect for her. The dress she is wearing from Zara. She may love a statement piece but she knows when enough is enough, which is why she has paired this outfit with a set of nude platform heels. The heels and purse together give Camillie the perfect amount of statement.
I saw Gorete’s style and couldn’t help but run over and ask her about what she was wearing. Gorete is a counselor. She loves to stand out and look unique. Her style is very colourful and she likes to mix and match different outfits, shoes and jewelry. Gorete was wearing a stunning white lacy dress, pink shoes with a rainbow heel and a matching pink handbag. She also wore a very nice stone necklace and earrings.
I was so amazed when I saw Ira at how she made a pair of old ripped jeans look so classy! Ira is a technical designer. She describes her style as “boho meets off duty rockstar.” She also loves to stand out, but likes to keep things more comfortable. Ira wore a loose and very light weight orange and white shirt that tied up at the front. She paired it with black ripped jeans and faux alligator skin and leather black shoes with bright orange socks. She also held a faux alligator skin purse. She bought all of her clothes in Montreal.
I loved Kelly’s style so much I couldn’t help but ask her about it. Although Kelly’s outfit looks very classy and expensive, she actually created most of her outfit from hand-me-downs, so some of it is unknown. Kelly wore a beautiful sheer white dress that buttoned up and tied up at the front. She got this as a hand me down from her step mother. She is also wearing black sandals and carrying a black leather handbag. Kelly describes her style as preppy but feminine. Kelly’s look is perfect for any setting and any occasion.
My name is Genavieve. I am 17 years old and have been crowned Miss Teenage Manitoba 2017. I am going into Grade 12 at Glenlawn Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I hope to go into forensic psychology and one day become an RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer. I want to make a difference in the world in everything I do, so I thought that this would be the best career for me. I am currently working at a spa in Winnipeg as a skin health sales associate and have also worked in different clothing stores because it is very important for me to ensure that people always feel their best and I want to empower people to feel confident in themselves and to embrace their individual unique qualities. I would describe my style as sometimes sporty and sometimes preppy.