Funky and Fashionable Fridget Apparel

Meet Edmonton fashion designer, Bridget Smatlan, of fridget apparel. Inspired by punk rock but driven to create wearable clothing for  professionals, students and basic market-goers, this “local sweetheart” fills us in on the inspiration behind the fun and the funk that is fridget apparel.

How long have you been designing clothes and how did it all begin?

I began sewing when I discovered punk-rock music at fifteen. After years of home-sewing I was frustrated with my ability and decided to go
to college — also so I didn’t have to pay rent at my parents. In school I was still unsure about my designing style but 4 years of designing the house brand for Nokomis then 3 years of teaching fashion design helped me to be where I am today. I love creating special few-of-a-kind pieces for quirky professionals who deserve to feel special.

What was the first garment you ever designed?

Bondage pants. They are tight plaid pants with zippers, chains and buckles, very tough, very punk rock. They were my specialty at 16.

Do you have a favourite design? A top seller?

I love my cardigans. I know I’ve sewn many over the past few years. You know the ones, blazer style with appliques on the shoulder and small
of the back. They fit great and although I’ve made quite a few I always create a different style each time by using different fabrics and appliqués which are handmade by me too! I may have 5 of them myself…or more.

Tell us about your studio.

I love my studio. It’s located on the same street as the City Market in the 102 y/o Saddlery Building! I’m so fortunate to have windows which
look onto 104 street.

Is designing clothes your full-time career?

Oh yeah! I spend my week gathering up supplies from local fabric stores and creating special pieces. I don’t make seasonal clothes, I make new designs weekly. My customers know to look at my Facebook fan page each Friday to see my new creations. It makes people come to the market really early.

If someone wanted to get started in clothing design, what advice would you give?

Get an education.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

I am inspired by the fabrics I buy. I love quirky vintage prints and try to make special fabrics into something unique. My goal is to create timeless items that you would wear for years.

Do you have a funny, unique or interesting story to tell about selling at the City Market Downtown?

I think I’ve petted over a thousand dogs over the years. It’s my favorite thing, the dogs of Edmonton.

Which days will you be at the Market, and will you be at City Hall when the market moves indoors this fall?

I am at the market every Saturday all year long, with the exception of August long weekend because I’m getting married!

Are you on Facebook or Twitter?

Yes, on Facebook fridget apparel and Twitter @fridgetapparel