Saskatoon hat maker to hit Paris runway

It's the mecca of the fashion world and in a few months a taste of the prairies will be on the runway in Paris.

Hat maker Sherri Hrycayhas been invited to showcase her work at the International Hat Festival this October.

Hrycay has owned and operated SovaDesign Millinery for nearly 15 years and prides herself on their 1940s inspired design and handcrafted quality. Hrycaysays it's a pure passion.

"The steaming of them, the smell of the felt. I collect old vintage ribbons and broaches from Europe when I go," she explains. "I live in a make believe world from a long time ago."

Hrycay may have been pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming when she heard the news. Scouts had discovered her hats at runway shows in Vancouver and Ottawa and invited her to Paris. Her husband and business partner Michael says Paris is real validation for theirbusiness.

"Everyone thinks that we're kinda nuts," laughs Michael. "You know we probably are but to be actually recognized like that is actually kind of a relief."

The Hrycay'sare putting the finishing touches on the new collection. They have a show in Saskatoon at the end of the month as a sneak peekfor local fashionistas.

The couple is quick to point out that the local communityis always front of mind for them. They say the international exposure is great but they always plan to keep Sova and its hat production right here in Saskatchewan.