New collections from 32 indigenous fashion designers will hit the catwalk.
It’s fitting that the theme for this year’s Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week is “rekindling joy in the face of pain.” Because it’s not a tentative return for the event, after a COVID-influenced two-year hiatus, but rather an explosion of pattern, color and celebration.
Starting Monday, the seven-day event will see new collections from 32 indigenous fashion designers, presented by models of First Nations, Métis and Inuit descent.
“For the indigenous community, the last two years have been marked by grief,” said Joleen Mitton, founder and co-producer of the event at the Queen Elizabeth Theater in downtown Vancouver.
“We lost so many dear old people and the gruesome legacy of residential schools saturated everything, so we decided to focus this year’s Vancouver International Fashion Week on joy and celebration.”
With a focus not only on fashion, but also on First Nations, Métis and Inuit artwork and music, Mitton said the event serves as a bright and strong reminder that indigenous communities have been here since time immemorial and that they are still here; creating, designing, celebrating their culture.
Pam Baker, fashion designer for Squamish Nation and co-producer of VIFW, said it’s “good to finally be at a level” where indigenous fashion and creativity is gaining recognition, especially within an industry known for its lack of diversity.
A stunning milestone on the road to reconciliation, there are ample moments for reflection and education interwoven between the parades and glitzy events. Such opportunities will begin on the first night, when guests are encouraged to wear red at the Red Dress event, honoring missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“The timing for this is perfect now because Canada and the United States are waking up to what they have imposed on First Nations for the last 150 years,” Baker said.
“This is uplifting for those communities. It’s uplifting for young people.”
Throughout the week, the fruits of Baker’s labor will be ubiquitous, on and off the runway. Along with her two collections, couture for the Spirit of the West show and ready-to-wear for the indigenous future, Baker has also dedicated her efforts to mentoring emerging creatives as part of a new mentorship program. .
Emerging designer Rebecca Baker-Grenier, of Kwakiuł and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh descent, has been working under Baker for the past two years. The two just showcased Baker-Grenier’s garments at New York Fashion Week, a collection comprised of vivid garments and bold beaded creations, and they’re eager to send them out on stage in Vancouver, not just for the public eye fashion elite, but for friends, family, your community and anyone else who wishes to attend.
“The amazing thing about Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and indigenous fashion in general is that it’s not just for indigenous people,” Baker-Grenier said.
“Everyone is welcome to attend or wear the clothing, and it is very encouraging for everyone to participate.”
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week
When: November 28 – December 2
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theater
What is there in: To see the full list of featured designers and events, visit the VIFW festival website.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is an indigenous and civic affairs reporter for North Shore News. This journalistic rhythm is possible thanks to the Local Journalism Initiative.
[email protected]
twitter.com/MinaKerrLazenby
Source: news.google.com