One Night Is Not Enough, Nov, 29, 2022 At Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week

This is the 4th Indigenous Fashion Week and I have been lucky enough to see 2 in Vancouver and one in Toronto and went for one night, here, at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Nov. 29th. It was a magnificent evening, full of celebration and reconnecting. Fashion was modelled so skillfully and confidently by Supernaturals Modelling Agency. Although they had several staircases and an elevated runway as well as a floor level runway to negotiate, they walked with pride and power to showcase Indigenous Designed clothing and accessories. Beading, Weaving, Embroidery, Painting, all presented graphically, like photos of places, land, sea, sky, flowers, animals, people, symbols and patterns worn and shared yesterday, today and tomorrow. And there is such creative use of textiles, whether for regalia, street style, couture or a mix of all of these. There is bone, button, shell, plants, feathers, and more, all represented graphically and all used and reused, the ultimate upcycling and recycling. Not just tailoring or accessorizing but vivid displays of culture, story, journeys and ways of sharing worlds. Everywhere I sat or stood seemed too far away but here are a few of the Designers I managed to catch. Much more at vifw.ca 

Danielle Morsette Coast Salish Weaver, also see a YouTube video: Woven by Danielle Morsette 2016. A prolific Artist, she has exhibited at museums everywhere and has taught her weaving to many. Loved how weaving is incorporated into a belt, the fabric of a dress, a headband and a feature piece down the front of a dress. I also love the fringe and how the colours carry through from the dress to the fringed hem. Intricate and dynamic: expert.

Catherine Blackburn and Melanie LeBlanc

Dene Jewellery Designer Catherine Blackburn who has exhibited widely and has won multiple awards, is collaborating with Melanie LeBlanc, who is Dene and European and is dedicated to slow fashion and handmade. In fact, every piece is made by her and made by hand. These two Designers have collaborated on this outstanding collection of traditional and modern clothing and accessories. More Catherine B Jewellery and Melanie Leblanc Apparel.

I made a reel from the photos I took, while in a crowd at the top of the staircase. People stood to get closer and the cheers and accolades were loud and ongoing throughout the runway show. I heard, "encore" "encore" but time was up as they descended to the floor below for the grand finale.

More on Indigenous Designers here. There is also a great write up too at here. I expect to see many more articles in the near future.