Nicole Camphaug facts for kids
Nicole Camphaug is a talented fashion and jewellery designer from Nunavut, Canada. She is an Inuk artist, meaning she is part of the Indigenous people of the Arctic. Nicole is best known for creating stylish shoes and other fashion items covered in sealskin. She sells her unique designs under the brand name ENB Artisan, which she runs with her husband.
Nicole creates her special shoes by taking regular shoes and covering them with beautiful sealskin. She also adds decorations made from traditional animal materials. These can include parts from caribou, muskox, and even narwhal. The sealskins she uses come from Labrador. Besides shoes, Nicole also designs jewellery using materials like bone and tusk.
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How Nicole Started Designing
Nicole Camphaug grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. She learned to sew when she was very young. At first, she mostly made traditional Inuit clothing, like warm parkas and hats, for her family and friends.
The First Sealskin Shoes
In 2015, Nicole had a creative idea. She took some leftover sealskin and attached it to an old pair of her boots. She shared photos of her new boots on her Facebook page. People loved them! The positive comments encouraged her to make more. Soon, she started selling her unique sealskin creations.
Sharing Inuit Culture Through Fashion
Nicole sees her work as a way to show off sealskin products and celebrate Inuit culture and fashion. She once said in an interview that she especially enjoys making high heels and dress shoes. This is because it allows people to wear sealskin fashion even when it's not cold winter weather.
Nicole's Achievements and Recognition
Nicole Camphaug's designs have gained attention in the art and fashion worlds.
Featured in Museums and Exhibitions
One of Nicole's high-heeled shoe designs is now part of the collection at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. In 2016, a pair of her high heels was shown in an art exhibition called Floe Edge. This exhibition featured Inuit art and design from a group of artists in Quebec.
Fashion Shows and Awards
In 2019, Nicole provided accessories for outfits at the Upingaksaaq Fashion Show in Iqaluit. This event showcased designs by other talented Inuit designers. Her brand, ENB Artisan, was also recognized in 2021. It was chosen as a finalist for the main award at the Pow Wow Pitch. This competition celebrates Indigenous Canadian business owners.
See also
- Victoria Kakuktinniq
- First Nations fashion
