Artist In Residence

Angie Johnson

Angie Johnson grew up in rural Manitoba, running around naked in the backyard and making mudpies. As she grew, she developed an interest in fashion/design, sewing tiny dresses for dolls, and constantly playing dress up in her grandma’s slightly mildewy basement. This interest in all things fabric-related led her to believe that one day she could become a big time fashion designer, and the quest began. This decision came around age nine.

By age 16 Angie decided that, as much as she enjoyed shopping in Winnipeg malls, there must be more to fashion than what she was seeing, so she began experimenting with patternmaking and draping, and began her first clothing line. With a few rough sketches and samples in hand she began selling this line around town, and enjoyed it very much. Some would say it even kept her out of trouble.

A few years later the University of Manitoba Clothing & Textiles program came and went, ending in 2002 with a nice piece of paper. During this time Angie also began working for Silver Jeans in Winnipeg, one of the only remaining denim design houses and manufacturing combos left in North America. Many wonderful skills were learned here, under the guidance of the great design team. She also managed to find a little time to continue sewing her own line, which was sold in a few boutiques in town. It still helped keep her out of trouble… pretty much.

In 2003 after four years with Silver Jeans Angie was yearning for a bigger challenge, and headed out to Montreal to become a “real” designer. First stop, assistant designer at Industry Clothing, a great experience that sent Angie on her first whirlwind trip to Hong Kong. Working with a great design team here as well, Angie met many of the people she is still inspired by today. They also still go for lunch once in awhile. After a year and a half it was time to move on, and she became head designer at Manager Jeans/MX Jeans. In 2006 Angie and her partner Tyson Bodnarchuk decided to open a boutique/gallery in Montreal. They named it “Headquarters Galerie & Boutique” and first opened their doors in June 2006. Angie still sews her own line called BLUEprint, which is now sold exclusively at HQ.

In the past few months Manager Jeans/MX jeans has divided into two new companies, one of which she calls her new home. It is top secret right now, but sleep soundly knowing she is happy, excited about the new collections and has a nice shiny new MacBook to keep her busy.