Edmonton fashion designer Alina Petrov made waves at Toronto Fashion Week with a collection that paid homage to the landscapes and textures of her prairie home. Titled Fields & Horizons, the line featured flowing silhouettes in earthy tones, accented with embroidery patterns inspired by Alberta wildflowers. The show marked Petrov’s debut on Canada’s biggest fashion stage, drawing a standing ovation from an audience that included industry heavyweights, celebrities, and international buyers.
Petrov’s work blends contemporary minimalism with rustic elements, a style she developed over years of experimenting in her small studio in Old Strathcona. “The prairies have their own quiet drama,” she explained backstage. “The skies, the fields, the way light changes — it’s all part of my design vocabulary.” That influence was evident in oversized linen coats dyed in gradient shades of gold and sky blue, and in skirts that mimicked the gentle sway of wheat fields in the wind.
The runway presentation was as much a performance as a fashion show. Models walked barefoot on a textured runway sprinkled with straw and wildflower petals, while a live folk band played gentle guitar melodies. The atmosphere created an immersive experience, transporting the audience to the open plains without leaving the city.
Critical reception was glowing. Fashion journalist Léa Morin described the collection as “a love letter to the land, executed with technical mastery and emotional resonance.” Several buyers from boutique stores in Vancouver, Montreal, and even Tokyo placed orders within hours of the show, signalling international interest in prairie-inspired fashion.
For Petrov, the showcase was the culmination of months of work — and a few sleepless nights. “We hand-dyed most of the fabrics and sourced nearly all materials from within Alberta,” she said. “It was important to me that the story of this collection wasn’t just aesthetic, but ethical.” Sustainability is central to her brand, with pieces designed to last for decades rather than seasons.
Back home in Edmonton, Petrov’s success has already sparked excitement in the local fashion community. Fellow designers have expressed pride in seeing one of their own make a mark nationally, while local media have hailed her as a rising star in Canadian fashion. Petrov hopes her journey will encourage other prairie-based creatives to think bigger.
Toronto Fashion Week organizers were equally enthusiastic, inviting Petrov to return next season and hinting at possible collaborations with other Canadian designers. Her growing profile may also open doors for cross-industry projects, including costume design for theatre and film.
As she packed up her garments after the show, Petrov reflected on the milestone moment. “I think people are hungry for authenticity,” she said. “And for me, authenticity starts with home.”