Arctic Journal
Transforming northern culture into global fashions
A white wedding gown adorns a dressmaker’s mannequin in Martha Kyak’s sewing room. Its fitted bodice drapes in long, white tails in front and back, like the traditional
akuq on Inuit women’s
amautiit. The satin fabric is covered in tiny opalescent beads and sequins, patiently handsewn in paisley‐like swirls. A skirt of white tulle spills out from behind the
akuq, flaunting a modern mix of northern and southern culture and style.
The wedding dress is stunning, elegant, and unique. It is haute couture, something you would see on a fashion runway in Paris or New York. This kind of chic design is undoubtedly Inuit. Kyak calls it InukChic the name of her fashion design firm.