Manitoba Designer Showcases Wearable Art at Pembina Valley Tour

Designer Lois Van Koughnet is set to unveil a stunning new collection of wearable art during the Pembina Valley Studio Tour on September 13 and 14, 2023. This event will take place at the Golden Prairie Arts Council in Carman, Manitoba, where Van Koughnet’s creations will blend elements of geometry, history, and fashion, reflecting a year’s worth of dedicated work.

Born and raised in the Carman area, Van Koughnet left home at 17 to pursue her education in Toronto. Initially studying interior design, she shifted her focus to costume studies, leading to a successful career in clothing and costume design that spanned decades. Her experience in the city included extensive work in film, theatre, and television, where she created patterns for costumes and designed under two fashion labels, including her own, Lois Laine. Her innovative use of fabric and distinct style have garnered recognition throughout her career.

Three years ago, Van Koughnet returned to her hometown to be closer to her parents. Reflecting on her decision, she shared, “I wanted to be here with my parents. My mother just passed away, but I had two years where I could be close with her, and my dad is still around, so I get to see him lots.” This move marked a new chapter in her creative journey, shifting her focus from traditional fashion to the exploration of wearable art in her Carman studio.

Van Koughnet’s new collection, titled Geometry and Anatomy, employs shapes such as hexagons and triangles to create garments that embody harmony with the human form. “I want to explore classical proportions and shapes that offer a sense of timeless beauty,” she explained. “Beauty, like music, uplifts the soul.”

Her artistic inspiration draws heavily from research into ancient patterns and the concept of “sacred geometry,” which involves recurring mathematical proportions found in nature. “In the same way that we have cells, we are also cells of creation,” she elaborated. “I’ve treated the hexagon as a cell which, when multiplied, forms a garment. The garment must describe its origin, and it must resonate with proportions that we, as humans, find deeply pleasing.”

During the Pembina Valley Studio Tour, visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase Van Koughnet’s pieces from the Geometry and Anatomy collection, alongside selections from her Lois Laine fashion line. The tour features 24 venues across southern Manitoba, where artists and artisans open their studios to the public. Attendees can explore a diverse range of artwork, including painting, pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

More details, including maps and schedules for the event, can be found at pembinavalleystudiotour.com. This annual celebration of local artistry not only showcases the talent within the region but also fosters a deeper connection between artists and the community.