This year’s Stampede royalty giving thanks to a Calgary designer for the long hours and hard work it took to create their one-of-a-kind clothing.
Janine’s Custom Creations is behind the Calgary Stampede Queen and Princess’ leather attire along with the Indian Princess’ parade outfit.
“They’re gorgeous, and they’re sparkly and fringy and all that fun stuff and so its very exciting,” Stampede Queen Lindsay Lockwood said.
But for the 23-year-old, whose still struggling with a devastating loss, there’s a deeper meaning stitched into the outfit.
WATCH: The 2018 Calgary Stampede Queen is showing off a one-of-a-kind creation. Here’s Tracy Nagai with the special meaning stitched into Lindsay Lockwood’s parade dress.
“I lost my mom this year to cancer. My leathers have a little heart and my boots have a little heart on them, so when I’m riding in the parade she’ll be with me,” Lockwood said.
“She always said I was the other half of her heart.”
Lockwood’s mother, Lois, passed away in March but was able to see her daughter crowned Stampede Queen the previous September.
“After I was crowned she told me it was the proudest night of her life,” Lockwood said fighting back tears. “I miss her a lot, but I think she would want me to follow my dreams and keep pursuing this.”
At the Stampede Indian Village, teepees are set up and the Indian Princess’ hectic schedule is in full swing representing the tribes of Treaty 7 and the Calgary Stampede.
“My family’s teepee has been part of the Indian Village since the Stampede began in 1912,” Indian Princess Cieran Starlight said. “Being part of the Indian Village is our way of giving back to the Calgary community.”
Starlight’s leather parade outfit took more than a month to complete with every jewel placed and fringe cut by hand.
“When I got the outfit, I cried obviously. They captured everything that is important to me.” Starlight said.
The image of the skunk takes centre stage on Starlight’s parade outfit and for good reason.
“The skunks are part of my family’s teepee,” she said.
“My dad always tells me that the skunk teepee is always camped on the west side of the village. When the wind comes through it brings that smell onto the encampment and its supposed to drive away sickness and disease and anything that can potentially harm the village.”
Comments