Sherwood Park designer Mia Celestina chases fashion ambition beyond Alberta

Mia Celestina returned to Sherwood Park from New York with a finalist nod and a tough question: is Alberta enough?

The fashion designer, who works under the brand name Princess Metalhead, recently showed her unconventional metal and pop-tab creations before an international audience at Runway 7 Fashion Week in Manhattan. The experience crystallized what she's already felt: larger creative centres offer opportunities difficult to find in smaller markets.

"I just wish I could be out there again," Celestina said. "Everyone's creative down there. Everyone is, it's so busy, and I love the city so much. It just sucks coming back to Alberta."

Celestina, a graduate of MC College in Edmonton, built Princess Metalhead around garments made from unexpected materials—steel mesh, aluminum pop tabs, and other industrial remnants. Her work blurs the line between fashion, art, and armour, earning her recognition both locally and abroad. At Runway 7, she was named a finalist for best sustainable fashion.

While Sherwood Park and Edmonton have talented artists and a supportive alternative fashion community, Celestina believes the vibe differs sharply from New York or Toronto. "There are people that I know here that are very expressive with their fashion and stuff, but I definitely don't feel the same vibe in Alberta as I would somewhere else," she said.

For now, her reality remains grounded in the region. Celestina works a regular job and sews in spare time, often spending 15 to 18 hours a day developing new collections when preparing for major shows. Edmonton designer Louise Mayhem, with whom Celestina completed an internship and continues collaborating, has been instrumental to her trajectory.

Celestina is focused on building her audience through fashion shows, online sales, and future runway opportunities. "My whole brand message is just be unapologetic and don't be afraid to be bold. Be true to yourself and just own it," she said.