I am starting 2024 off with a memory filled look back at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week 2023. I attended Nov 20, 21, 22, 3 of 5 days of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, this time. On my Instagram (@ctsoukalas) I made many reels of the beautiful, slow fashion collections, including regalia, couture, streetwear, formal and informal styles of Indigenous cultural expression. Some say that reels are too fast, yet it seems to me that animation, fast, confident strides up that runway, those perfect poses, direct and proud, can be captured instantly and in a moving series, to Indigenous music, unique and unforgettable. Fashion, Music, Dance, Performance, a Market each day...unlimited expressions of Culture, and Language, for Friends and Families, for everyone there. People dressed to show identity, and belonging, to honour, and remember, to speak out, to educate and to share. Creativity, Achievement, Art, Vision, Leadership, Mentorship, Strength and Statement: We are here, like always, like forever.
The following photos are special to me. They are People of all ages, Leaders and Artists I know from the 3 previous VIFW shows and one at Toronto Indigenous Fashion Week, as well as those I met this time. Let's just say that I know them from the fine examples they set, always at the forefront, on that powerful world stage.
1) The Indigenous Fashion Week Stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Dramatic lighting, decorated panels, Indigenous music, drumming, performance, enough room for simultaneous presentations. Steps up to the runway made models appear to rise up, and then walk directly toward us. Lots of space for us to see the outfits from different perspectives. The walk back down the stairs, made each show slowly disappear and we might have wanted to shout, "No, come back. More, More."
2) Joleen Mitton Founder Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, Co-Founder of Supernaturals Modelling. Joleen introduces the Red Dress Event, and leads us all to wear red in honouring and remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGHTQQIA people.
3) Palexelsiya Lorelei Williams Coast Salish Founder of BUTTERFLIES IN SPIRIT, an Indigenous Dance Group that raises awareness of MMIWG, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA
4) Mandy Nahanee of the Chinook Song Catchers Musician, Song Writer, Cultural Ambassador and extraordinary Emcee Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.
6) Musician/Artist Aysanabee, Singer.Songwriter, Canadian Oji-Cree. WATIN, his first album is new in 2022.
7) Rueben George, Sundance Chief (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and his children, Cedar and Kayah together, welcome us. Wonderful to see families sharing knowledge and traditions through the generations.
8, 9, 10) Joleen Mitton, introducing and walking with GIRLS WHO LEAP a leadership and mentorship program for Indigenous girls in grades 6-12. They made their own clothing and modelled their outfits. Kevin Gosnell, a Nisga'a, Designer, Make-up Artist and Drag Performer, showcased two designs for the runway and all of the outfits were paired with Mukluks by Manitobah.
11,12) Yolonda Skelton, (Sun-iit-looks) from Gitxsan First Nations, award winning Fashion Designer, is awarded again with an outfit designed by members of GIRLS WHO LEAP.
13, 14) Notorious Cree (James Jones) is from Tall Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta. He is a traditional Hoop Dancer, who is an international Speaker and Performer.
15) Close to me, in the audience was this woven Cedar Hat. Everyone dresses for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. So, there are the Fashion Shows, the Vendors and the Attendees and all clothing is accessorized. Many of the conversations I heard were details about who made the clothes, why outfits were chosen, and what more might be added from the many options from Vendors, who also dressed. Cultural knowledge, skills, creativity and expression, all vividly in evidence each night. This woven cedar hat is a strong symbol for memory and reflection.
I thank everyone involved in bringing Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week to the city and stage! I look forward to the next fantastic week of Indigenous Fashion, Art and Performance in 2024. Watch for the preview: Copper and Cocktails, too. This time it was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, coinciding with the exhibit: Fashion Fictions, featuring many Indigenous Designers. Attending the preview, helps you meet many of those who design and perform during the actual fashion week. Whenever I attend, I take a lot of photos, but I always miss Kei Baritugo, Public Relations, Social Media, Wizard, who always says hi, gets me there, connects me with those who would like to be interviewed and is a constant teacher and mentor, while she does everything else. Selfies next time. You know she will take the best one! Congratulations everyone for an extraordinary week of Indigenous Fashion/Art/Performance today and in the future. Keep an eye on Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week for Program details, Designers, Models, Performers, Marketplace and more.
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