As I stow the Halloween decorations and begin preparing for yet another Christmas season ahead, it seems harder and harder to find “the perfect gift”. I have fewer gifts to buy than ever before, but it seems that finding something truly unique, well-suited to the recipient, and worth my hard-earned sheckles is virtually impossible. You see so many cookie-cutter products, nothing stands out in the sea of sames.
Not so when you discover “Under Da Sea” by SESSA Wearables … this is a fresh new world! The new collection features easy modern shapes in pretty feminine & earthly tones, with a design approach that is simple and grounded too. In a world often consumed with flash and glam, Edmonton designer Tressa Heckbert is building a sustainable business that does not sacrifice style or function to get there. And she finds her customers by retailing her products direct online through her website, and through Pop-Up sales like the Royal Bison Market, which runs in Old Strathcona just in time for Christmas shopping, starting on November 30.
Drawing on inspiration from the ocean and connections found in her native Prince Edward Island, “Under Da Sea” is a multi-season collection which was released throughout 2018. With it the designer has found creative ways of reducing the company’s eco footprint, and therefore negative effects of the fashion/clothing industry. Woven garment details, bags and rugs make creative and functional use of scrap materials. From eliminating fabric waste, zero waste pattern drafting to up-cycling clothing - sustainability, responsibility and wearability are at the forefront of this collection, with each piece being transformative throughout each season. At SESSA, the impact of their environmental footprint has inspired sustainability in their designs, challenging Heckbert and her small team towards achieving zero waste in the creation of each piece of clothing.
With this pared down strategy, it is no surprise that SESSA connects with many like-minded customers through selling at Pop-Up type Markets. The Royal Bison is an Edmonton-based, twice-a-year festival of the best and quirkiest art, craft and design talent the local scene has to offer. While its roots are in Old Strathcona, the fair welcomes to each event 70-ish top notch vendors from all over Canada. This year they celebrate 11 years, and you can bet SESSA Wearables will proudly be there with their new line.
Pop Up Markets and the New Retail Age
(or … Everything Old is New Again)
-Marni Walker-