In a span of just 100 days, Milan, Italy, will witness the debut of select designs originating from Saskatchewan, albeit not in the conventional runway setting. The 2026 Olympic Games are set to showcase the creative work of a Saskatchewan-based curler who collaborated with Indigenous designer Shelby Gagnon from Thunder Bay, Ont., in crafting the uniforms for the Canadian curling teams.
Discussing the collaborative process, Schmidt shared her perspective as an athlete, focusing on portraying the athlete’s journey, while Gagnon aimed to incorporate stories from the land that resonate with Canadians. The entire design process spanned approximately 18 months and features a hummingbird motif, symbolizing the four-year life cycle mirroring the Olympic duration.
Schmidt expressed the added pressure of potentially knowing the individuals who would wear the jerseys, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the design narratives resonate with them on a personal level. Having recently participated in the Olympic curling pre-trials, Schmidt reflected on her dual roles as both a competitor and a designer, acknowledging feeling more nervous about the design aspect than her athletic performance.
Looking ahead, Schmidt anticipates future provincial competitions leading to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts as an athlete, while remaining committed to leveraging art to narrate compelling stories through the medium of sports.