Saskatoon hat maker to hit Paris runway
Sherri Hrycay's Sova Designs has been invited to showcase at the International Hat Festival
It's the mecca of the fashion world and in a few months a taste of the prairies will be on the runway in Paris.
Hat maker Sherri Hrycay has been invited to showcase her work at the International Hat Festival this October.
Hrycay has owned and operated Sova Design Millinery for nearly 15 years and prides herself on their 1940s inspired design and handcrafted quality. Hrycay says it's a pure passion.
"The steaming of them, the smell of the felt. I collect old vintage ribbons and broaches from Europe when I go," she explains. "I live in a make believe world from a long time ago."
Hrycay may have been pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming when she heard the news. Scouts had discovered her hats at runway shows in Vancouver and Ottawa and invited her to Paris. Her husband and business partner Michael says Paris is real validation for their business.
"Everyone thinks that we're kinda nuts," laughs Michael. "You know we probably are but to be actually recognized like that is actually kind of a relief."
The Hrycay's are putting the finishing touches on the new collection. They have a show in Saskatoon at the end of the month as a sneak peek for local fashionistas.
The couple is quick to point out that the local community is always front of mind for them. They say the international exposure is great but they always plan to keep Sova and its hat production right here in Saskatchewan.