Originally from Wilcox, Toronto designer tackles bathroom tissue fashion for breast cancer research

Joan Kelley Walker’s design features more than 250 hand-crafted BT flowers.

Originally from the small southeastern Saskatchewan community of Wilcox, Joan Kelley Walker has become many things since moving to Toronto, Fashion Designer being one of them.

She recently took on a new challenge, designing a piece out of nothing but Cashmere bathroom tissues.

The initiative raises money and awareness for breast cancer research.

Until October 26th, Canadians are invited to vote for their favorite dress at Facebook.com/Cashmere, for each vote, Cashmere will donate one dollar to breast cancer efforts at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Walker said her Wilcox roots have stuck with her right up to this newest endeavor.

“I actually learned to sew at 4H in Wilcox, and to be honest I’ve never been that great at sewing, but making something out of bathroom tissue you don’t technically need to be good, you just have to be super creative,” Walker said, “I definitely encourage people to try it,” she added.

Walker said deciding to take on the new challenge was also made easier by the fact money is being raised for a disease that is very prevalent across the world.

“Everyone knows someone who’s been touched with breast cancer, there’s one in eight Canadian women that are expected to be diagnosed in her lifetime, and more than 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women who are over 50,” she said. “It’s very prevalent, it’s all over the place,” Walker also said.

Walker said her inspiration came from Toronto designer Stephan Caras, her design features more than 250 hand-crafted BT flowers.

“I love his story and I love the people involved and the way that they work together, plus I’ve been fortunate enough to wear his designs at different events,” Walker said. “I love the way that he shapes a woman’s body and how he flatters women, it’s incredible,” added Walker.

More details can be found here.

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