Skip to content

Kaylin Harder has designs on a Skills Canada medal

Fashion technology
Inuvik's Kaylin Harder displays the dress she's creating at Skills Canada nationals in Halifax. NNSL photo

Kaylin Harder nimbly assembles pieces of cotton fabric with a hot iron next to her.

Inuvik's Kaylin Harder displays the dress she's creating at Skills Canada nationals in Halifax.
NNSL photo

She's creating a transformative dress at Skills Canada nationals in Halifax on Tuesday. Her garment will have zippers on the back and the sleeves, which will open to reveal fabric of different colours, known as a vent. She plans to add a belt and a broach to further impress the judges, she said.

Harder, a Grade 10 student at East Three School, was introduced to fashion design in Grade 7. She credits teacher Denise Lipscombe for giving her a guiding hand.

Harder has since made trench coats and dresses, some of which she's worn for herself. It has made an impression on her friends.

"That's so cool! I can't believe you did that," are some of the comments she hears from her peers, some of whom have asked Harder to create custom-made garments for them.

Whether or not she captures a Skills Canada nationals medal this week, Harder said she is determined to complete her project and execute it to the best of her abilities.

Her future plans include earning a degree in architectural design and engineering, but fashion technology will be her minor, she added.