October Moments of Style, Stories & Strength

Celebrating culture, creativity, and community across New Brunswick

What does culture look like on a runway? In October, across New Brunswick, it shimmered in every hue of colour, courage, and community — a living expression of identity in motion.

As the sights and sounds of last month's UCOF Fall Fashion Festival filled our feeds and hearts, the UCOF team continued to honour stories stitched with tradition, creativity, and innovation. Each showcase reminded us that fashion transcends fabric — it is heritage personified, a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how we connect as a community.

This month, we journeyed through fashion history, spotlighted remarkable designers and models, celebrated milestones of excellence, and shared heartfelt gratitude for the people who make the UCOF mission possible.

Looks that Rocked on the Runway

This October, we shared 6 runway looks from the Fredericton and Saint John UCOF Fall Fashion Festival. Visit our Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the talented designers and models featured.

Cultural Fashion Rewind: Threads of History

Our October celebration began with a reflection on cultural artistry and tradition — a journey through garments that continue to shape the global fashion narrative.

Dirndl – Germany: Once the attire of Alpine villagers, the Dirndl has transformed into a timeless statement of identity and craftsmanship. Its fitted bodice and full skirt remain symbols of heritage proudly worn at celebrations like Oktoberfest.

Ao Dai – Vietnam: With its graceful silhouette and flowing lines, the Ao Dai embodies elegance and strength. Each stitch speaks of Vietnamese pride, resilience, and the enduring beauty of simplicity.

Mola Textiles – Panama: Crafted by Indigenous Guna women, Mola textiles tell stories through colour and layered appliqué. Each piece reflects generations of creativity, resilience, and cultural continuity.

From centuries-old traditions to today’s catwalks, these global garments remind us that heritage continues to inspire the fashion stories of tomorrow.

Milestones & Inspirations: The Power of People

This year’s UCOF Milestone Award proudly honoured Marilyn Nwogu Ndubueze of One Stop Tailoring Place for her enduring creativity and leadership. Since 2021, Marilyn’s designs have brought sophistication, craftsmanship, and community spirit to every UCOF stage — a legacy of artistry and impact.

Equally inspiring was Muna, one of our 2025 models, whose journey from aspiring model to confident runway presence symbolizes empowerment through fashion.

“UCOF helped me see fashion as more than beauty — it’s about finding my voice,” Muna shared.

Designer Odunlami Oluwakemi (Beracha Boutique Classics) also made her powerful debut, earning the 2nd Runner-Up title in the 2025 Viewers’ Choice Awards.

“Seeing the models embrace my designs with such pride was the most rewarding part,” she reflected.

These stories remind us that UCOF isn’t just about style — it’s about people, purpose, and possibility.

Viewers’ Choice Awards: Fashion that Connects

The 2025 Viewers’ Choice Awards celebrated designers who turned fabric into emotion and creativity into connection. Each collection told a personal, powerful, and profoundly human story .

We hope to showcase these designers again next year! In the meantime, connect with them and other designers today on our designers' webpage and support their entrepreneurial journey.

Thanksgiving Reflections: Gratitude in Every Stitch

This October, we took a moment to pause, reflect and expressed gratitude for the many blessings we have received as an organization — From the designers and models who bring stories to life, to our volunteers and teams whose dedication fuels each event, and to our partners and funders whose support strengthens our impact. Together, we are more than a fashion organization, we are a movement of culture, creativity, and community empowerment.

Looking Ahead

As we step into a new month, we carry the spirit of identity, gratitude, and innovation with us.

At UCOF, fashion is not just what we wear — it’s how we tell our stories, celebrate our roots, and build bridges across communities.

We invite you to continue walking this journey with us, celebrating culture, creativity, and community through fashion.

Together, we are shaping the future of fashion — one story, one runway, one community at a time. Join the conversation and stay connected for more inspiring moments on  Instagram|  Facebook | LinkedIn| Website