BEHIND THE SEAMS – DANIKA “DEMONIKA” CHALLAND

What originally started as a small DIY fashion company by Danika “Demonika” Challand in 2001, has evolved into a truly unique alternative-edged events company, based in Calgary.

Demonika Symphony of Horrors is “not just a fashion show, but an underground collaboration of some of the best and most uncensored artists and performers available in the area.”

This year marks the sixth Symphony of Horror’s, which is an experience unlike any other and part of the ‘Greatest Show Unearthed’.

Never straying far from the original ideal of offering a venue for underground emerging and established performers, which includes over 150 dancers, performers, artists and crew, Demonika events are modeled after traditional cabaret, burlesque, travelling freak shows, alternative lifestyle and are meant to provide an intimate experience for each audience member.

Demonika’s Symphony of Horror’s VI will be performed March 25, in Calgary at the Distillery.

CF: How do you define your personal style?

Demonika: Most definitely macabre (grown up goth) with influences of fetish, gothic, romantic, street punk, grunge, avant garde, alternative, fantasy, edgy, trashy, rock n’ roll, and goth-a-billy.  I try to keep most everything quite domineering and stay away from anything too feminine looking.  I feel like as a strong artist and business woman, I want to portray this.

CF: Do you think your roots, whether through your heritage or from places you have lived or have been to, have helped your style evolve?

Demonika: Definitely not where I grew up. I grew up in rural Saskatchewan (before the days of the Internet) in a hamlet (no fashion or art magazines, etc were even available to us there) and had no idea about anything until walking into art school and was overcome with sensory overload.  This is where I would say I began to form my style and see what was really out there.  I came into contact with many people who helped shed light on the tastes I always had but didn’t know how to express them.

CF: Do you think your current creative environment influences your projects/shows you are working on?

Demonika:Unfortunately I still have a day job and I find that it actually takes away from my creativity.  The job is in art, but in the loosest sense of the word, and there are several factors there that drain me.  However, I find now that it comes more from within myself and the drive to do something bigger, better and more.  Travelling and being around other artists/creative types helps and always feeds the imagination, but for the most part its just ‘there’ which I feel lucky and blessed to have ‘this’.

CF: What do you enjoy most about the fashion world?

Demonika: So many things!! I think the excitement of what you will find/see next!  There are so many things coming to light daily and its just a thrill to sit down and take it all in.  Also, the thrill of the shows and everything that goes with it.  The months of your life dedicated to it, all the stress, pressure, and then when you find yourself waking up the next day once its over and bask in the proud feeling that you did that, you made it happen. Its almost too much!

CF: If any who is your inspiration, when it comes to style?

Demonika: I can draw inspiration from anywhere and its usually unexpected.  The most important people to me are the ones out there hunched over their art/sewing tables until 4 in the morning doing what they love, not getting rich, no stars or dollar signs in there eyes, its just love.  The DIYers, the ones who just create.  The last time I felt excited in that way was walking out of the Portobello West show of just local designers/artisans… you can smell the passion in the air. A good example is someone like that is Toronto designer Sharon of Toxic Vision (a Saskatchewan Native as well!) Not to mention thousands of other Canadian DIYers or designers. As for known designers, people like McQueen, Haider Ackermann, Junker, Gaultier, Betsey Johnson, Bibian Blue, the list goes on and on.

CF: What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?

Demonika: Most definitely black boots, I have probably 50 pairs, all different in some respect!  Something for every mood, every show, just everything…

CF: What has influence over the concept of your designs?

Demonika: This depends on the show im doing… usually we have a theme and it goes from there. Or if its not a show, its maybe something I haven’t done before, or something I want to try, or sometimes its just what is in demand.