June Recap: Stories, Styles & Community Events.

This June was full of exciting firsts and meaningful moments at UCOF - all centred around fashion, culture, and community. 

Fashion History Rewind was launched to provide historical backgrounds to some of the unique fabrics from diverse cultures. Published every Friday, Fashion History Rewind takes you on a journey through global fashion traditions. It’s all about highlighting the beauty, meaning, and history behind clothing and accessories from around the world. This month we explored the Adire, Batik, Kasuri and Hanbok. 

Traditional Representations of the Batik, Adire, Kasuri, and Hanbok 

Across different cultures, traditional textiles have served as powerful symbols of identity, history, and craftsmanship. Batik from Indonesia is known for its wax-resist dyeing technique that creates meaningful patterns, applied by hand using hot wax. 

In Nigeria, Adire is made by the Yoruba people using resist-dyeing methods, where fabric is tied or stitched before being dipped in natural indigo dyes. Japan’s Kasuri features a unique ikat technique, where threads are dyed before weaving to produce softly blurred and delicate patterns. Hanbok, the traditional attire of Korea, is celebrated for its vibrant colors and flowing shapes, made up of a jeogori (jacket) with either a chima (skirt) or baji (pants). Each of these fabrics and garments reflects the customs and values of their cultures. They were often worn during special events, ceremonies, or as everyday attire, carrying personal and communal meaning. Even today, these traditional techniques continue to influence fashion and art around the world. 

L-R: Hanbok, Batik, Kasuri and Adire

Modern Representations of Batik, Adire, Kasuri, and Hanbok 

Today, traditional fabrics like Batik, Adire, Kasuri, and Hanbok are being updated in fresh and stylish ways. Batik has been brought into the modern fashion world with new shapes and fabrics, showing up in streetwear and designer outfits. Adire is also being used to make trendy dresses, skirts, and tops that are popular both in Africa and around the world.

In Japan, Kasuri is still made with traditional methods but now appears in simple, modern clothing that many people enjoy wearing. Hanbok has also changed - designers are making it more comfortable and easier to wear for everyday life while maintaining its traditional beauty.

These updates make it possible for more people to enjoy and celebrate the culture behind each fabric. Mixing old and new styles keeps these traditions alive in a way that fits today’s world. Visit our Instagram page to see the traditional and modern representations of the Batik, Adire, Kasuri, and Hanbok.

Introducing: Reel Voices  

This June, we also kicked off Reel Voices, a weekly series where our incredible designers share how being part of the UCOF Fall Fashion Festival has impacted their lives and businesses. These testimonials are real, honest, and inspiring — and we’re so proud to be a part of their journey. Watch this month's Reel Voices on our YouTube channel.

This month's designers include: 

Nancy Bonilla - An exceptional Mexican fashion designer who draws inspiration from her family's rich sewing tradition and early creative pursuits. With formal training in pattern making, an immersive year in France attending Paris Fashion Week, and a degree in Design and Fashion Business Development, Nancy founded Depanik—a dynamic collective that hosts fashion shows, art exhibits, and concerts. Nancy currently runs UCOF Sewing Workshops. Support her fashion journey via her Instagram page.

Ijeoma Onuoha - Founder of Touch by Asoebi Girl, a brand rooted in tradition and modern elegance. From intricate designs to unforgettable runway moments, she has brought undeniable flair and cultural pride to our past Fall Fashion festivals. You can shop her collections at touchbyasoebigirl.com/ 

Tioluwanimi Ekunola - Founder of Sesh Collections- a vibrant Licking, licking, licking children's. clothing brand known for its stunning princess dresses and charming young models Clothing brand known for its stunning Princess dresses and charming young models. Shop her collections at  seshcollections.com/

L-R: Nancy Bonilla, Ijeoma Onuoha and Tioluwanimi Ekunola

Kickoff of the UCOF Summer Sewing Workshop

Also in June, we launched our 6-week Summer Sewing Workshop - a space for fashion enthusiasts and emerging designers to connect, create, and collaborate! Every Saturday between 12 pm and 3pm, these participants will work together towards their designs for the September fashion showcase. Come show your support on September 27th at the Kent Theatre, Saint John.

Multiculturalism Day 2025 – A Day to Remember! 

On June 27, United Colours of Fashion (UCOF) proudly joined the City of Saint John and our incredible partners: PRUDE Inc., the Saint John Newcomer Centre, and the YMCA of Southern New Brunswick, to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

This special occasion honours the diverse cultural communities that contribute to building a strong, inclusive, and vibrant Canadian society. The event brought together people from all walks of life for a joyful day filled with cultural expression, meaningful connections, and a shared sense of community pride.

From powerful performances and inspiring conversations to vibrant fashion and shared traditions, every moment was a reminder of how diversity makes us stronger. It was truly heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate what makes each of us unique.  A huge thank you to the organizers and participants who helped bring this vibrant day to life. Your commitment to diversity and inclusion shone through every detail. 

The 2025 UCOF Multicultural Fall Fashion Festival is happening this September across three NB cities! And yes — we’re already getting ready for this year’s big event! For tickets, and inquires including how to get involved as a model, designer, volunteer or performer, please visit our event page.

Here’s to more fashion, more culture, and more community!

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