Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Saskatoon, Sask (Nov 07/05) - It's been a long journey, but Bernadette Beaulieu is back and ready to take on the world of fashion with her unique designs.

Bernadette Beaulieu, centre, with two models wearing her designs at the Yvonne Yuen School of Design fashion show in 2004. - photo courtesy of Bernadette Beaulieu

Beaulieu's label, Creations by Berna, had started to gather international attention when she took time off to pursue a degree.

Now with three degrees under her belt from the Yvonne Yuen School of Design in Saskatoon, Sask., Beaulieu is back in the business.

"I'm ready to take on anything now," she said.

Finding inspiration from her grandmother, Beaulieu, who is originally from Rae-Edzo, uses modernized versions of traditional Dene designs.

Creating clothing for weddings and other special occasions is Beaulieu's specialty.

"To me, working on special occasions means there is a special person behind it and I feel special doing it," she said.

Sewing has always been a part of Beaulieu's life. She learned how to sew while in residential schools and started by designing clothing for herself and later for her children.

"Soon my friends were putting in orders," Beaulieu said.

One day a friend dared her to make a wedding dress.

"Okay, I'll give it a try," was her response.

The first dress had a contemporary design. The second was made of traditional white hide. Her designs drew attention.

"As soon as I did one wedding everyone wanted orders," Beaulieu said.

Soon she was doing fashion shows around the North.

In February 2001 she travelled to Munich, Germany to do a show. It was her last for awhile.

"Troubles with my marriage put me in a deep depression," Beaulieu said. She decided it was time to get a degree. "Going to school was a healing time for me," she said.

In school Beaulieu perfected her sewing and learned how to use computer design programs. In her last year she got straight 'A's.

Beaulieu finished school on Oct. 31 and plans to open her new fashion design business in Edmonton where she can still keep in touch with the North while being part of the international scene. She might open an office in Yellowknife to take measurements and orders.

"I'm ready to go back out there again," she said.