Kathleen Behrend

Kathleen Behrend describes herself as a vocational craftswoman. Behrend's interest in clothing design began at an early age when her mother taught her to sew. This led to a pursuit of formal training at VCAD, where she graduated in 2014, with a diploma in fashion design. Behrend went on to establish her eponymous international bridal business – creating bespoke wedding gowns for brides from Canada to New Zealand. Behrend also works as a seamstress in the costume department of the film industry where projects such as The Abandons have expanded her skills to include Indigenous handworks such as quillwork and beadwork.

Beyond fashion, Behrend is also an acrylic and watercolour painter, focusing on studies of nature that capture her imagination. Her artworks have been featured in cafes in Vancouver and Calgary. Behrend's publications include her first book, Seeking Solo, and academic essays for Transpositions and the Regent Vine.