An indigenous fashion designer from the Tsuu’tina First Nation will showcase part of her collection in New York City next month at an event for emerging and diverse talent.
Stephanie Crowchild says she draws inspiration from her ancestors and each design celebrates her culture.
“I’m honored and excited to see what comes after New York,” said Crowchild, who created Stephanie Eagletail Designs from her home in First Nation, just west of Calgary, during the pandemic.
On September 9, he will hold a 10-piece fashion show at the Rise New York Fashion Week event, which serves as an opportunity for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, stylists, retailers and influencers. of the industry. .
Around two dozen designers from around the world are listed as participants, and a handful are indigenous.
Many of Crowchild’s pieces are made from converted woolen blankets from the US-based Hudson’s Bay or Pendleton, which he then transforms into bespoke jackets destined to become family heirlooms. A private sale of her jackets ranges from $750 to $1,000.
His mom and aunt taught him to sew and make a jacket when he was 17 years old. Many of her modern designs pay tribute to the styles worn by her grandparents, which she says are often anti-colonial statement pieces.
“It’s beautiful to be indigenous and wear indigenous clothing than our ancestors wore,” Crowchild said.
Their goal is to create a fashion brand while raising the profile of indigenous clothing and art.
“It makes me feel very proud because we are bringing more indigenous representation,” she said.
SUPPORT FOR SEWING
A Calgary film producer is supporting Crowchild by creating a video vignette to be shown during the fashion show and says her entrepreneurship inspires her.
“I think it’s even more significant not only for Stephanie, but also for the Tsuut’ina Nation, certainly for the young indigenous women, who are very keen to showcase how talented they are,” said Eda Lishman, creative and development at Fetecine Philosophy. .
Lishman says that supporting indigenous creativity is part of reconciliation.
“This is our opportunity to find ways to collaborate with indigenous peoples,” he said.
The Tsuut’ina Small Business Initiative is partially funding their trip and exhibit.
Crowchild is driving to New York to protect her pieces from any potential airline disruption, while also cutting costs as her two daughters and models will be accompanying her.
It will also host a sneak peek fashion show event on Friday night at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex to help raise funds.
Source: calgary.ctvnews.ca