The second annual Indigenous Fashion Show hosted by Heart of the City gave indigenous fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their unique designs on Saturday.
The event featured the works of three designers, Heather Bouchier, Acahkos Designs and Kiera-Dawn Kolson.
“Many of the designs feature indigenous media, in my collection I work with horsehair,” Bouchier said. “It is important for us to integrate our culture into modern fashion.”
The event began as a way to showcase unique art in the indigenous community.
“(Fashion) is not as recognized as art that it should be,” said Corine Demas, president of the Heart of the City Festival Society. “We’re really trying to build a community here and these designers are an integral part of our community.
“They are all very involved in the community and we just wanted to give them a chance to shine.”
Twelve indigenous models showcased the fashion, which Bouchier said is getting more recognition.
“Today, with the reconciliation, we want to start promoting as many indigenous artists as we can,” Bouchier added. “Indigenous culture and indigenous fashion is becoming a big thing…we’re experiencing this renaissance and it’s pretty amazing.”
The show also held a clothing drive looking for winter gear in particular.
Source: news.google.com