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.
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.