Runway Radar: Ava Murovec looks to Pacific Northwest in creation of stylish biker gear

By Spencer Varsek

Heavily influenced by the abundance of natural beauty in her native Kelowna, Ava Murovec looks to the Okanagan for much her of creative inspiration. Harnessing the elemental beauty of the outdoors, her collection, Mura, seeks to transform personal experience into practical aesthetic with pieces that look at home on the road.

Mura employs quality supplies that improve with age, creating timeless pieces that shape to the wearer's lifestyle and tell a unique story. The collection is inspired by the wild nature of the Pacific Northwestern elk.

With a powerful beauty that commands attention, these elegant creatures occupy their natural terrain with a carefree sense of belonging. This strength and natural beauty is what inspires the Mura collection to use natural fibres and materials in pieces that will fit into the wearer’s lifestyle as seamelssly as wild elk does in the mountains.

Mura will be unveiled at 2017 The Show presented by Tamoda Apparel Inc., on April 5 and 6 at the Imperial (319 Main Street). Twenty-seven other lines by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Fashion Design and Technology students will also be showcased.

For event details, visit kpu.ca/2017fashionshow or follow @wilsondesignkpu on Instagram.

Spencer Varsek: Describe your collection.

Ava Murovec: Mura is a collection of women’s motorcycle apparel to keep you safe and stylish while on and off the road.

SV: Who or what was the inspiration behind your line?

AM: Over the past few years, I have attended many motorcycle events that have inspired me and shown me a huge community through motorcycles. After speaking to many women about what they wear on their bikes, it seemed obvious that there was a void in the market. I want women to feel empowered on and off their bike through clothing that supports them.

SV: What are your plans after graduation?

AM: After graduation, I hope to take some time off and motorbike up to Alaska as a graduation present to myself.

SV: What have you learned at KPU?

AM: KPU has taught me so much! I came into the program not knowing anything about drafting and very little about sewing. I now possess so many technical and design skills that I would never have learned without the support of my fellow classmates and teachers.

SV: What aspect of design are you most passionate about?

AM: I love finding something that is a need in the market. It pushes me to fully understand how to fill this void and submerse myself in something I may have no knowledge of. Design is something that will continue to push me to learn.