Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week - Nov. 20-23, 2024 - Red Dress Event, All My Relations, Indigenous Futures and Spirit of the West Coast

I have been writing about Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) since its inception in 2017. A look back shows a smaller venue and fewer Designers but the same fantastic Fashion, Art, Music and Performance and extraordinary runway skill and confidence by Models. (The formation of the all Indigenous, Supernaturals Modelling has been so key to ensuring a wide range of and ages and increased possibilities for membership, training and career development for Indigenous youth, especially.) The first show was historic and spectacular, a beginning that made the promise of resilience and future, and it was extraordinary to see the Brinks truck outside, security for the Bill Reid Jewelry Collection, brought in to further showcase Indigenous Culture and Creative achievements. And as for youth, 10 year old Derek Packer, showed a dress he had made for his sister and proudly walked to meet the cheering crowd, at the end of his collection. Here is what I saw then in 2017.  Today, there are 8 or more Designers for each evening as well as Artists, Dancers, Musicians and a Marketplace (vifw.ca/marketplace) each night. There is a photo wall with Professional Photographers for photos and many attendees making their own photo memories. And Social Media, well, lots of texting and tagging and following and videoing and writing and lots of thanking and connecting. The brochure is professionally created, double sided and contains Sponsors, Partners, Designers, Artists, Emcees and DJ's, Special Performance Guests, and a Welcome Speaker for each night. Here are some of the highlights from The Red Dress Event, Nov. 20, 2024. Nov 21, and Nov 22 highlights will be on the second blog post. I have chosen Red Dresses, for the most part, to remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This tragedy continues. We all wore red. Joleen Miskinahk, Founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, is always the first to greet and welcome us to the week. Inspiration leader, she is always a Model, too and also was instrumental in the formation of the Indigenous Modelling Agency  Supernaturals Modelling. While the colour Red is at the heart of the Red Dress Event, there is brilliant gold in Rebecca Baker Grenier's collection(@rebecca.baker.g) and that, to me, shines a light on the excellence that is in every design, this first evening of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW). The Art and Craft of Salish Weaving by Chepximila Siyam, Chief Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw, Wilfred Buddy Joseph,shows the history of hand made and blanketing for warmth, idenity and Art. Loved the red dress by Yolonda Skelton because it is dynamic and celebratory. The fitted jacket with embellished collar and lapels, finishes off a complete story. The intricately designed red dress by Taalrumiq is worn by her daughter, so it is a mother and daughter team on the runway! Imagine designing the dress, an entire collection, planning the show of her runway show and then walking in it, too! Lindsay King did an entire collection in red, for women and men. The fit is key, here. Lindsay's own magnificent black coat lined with red was truly a grand finale! My favourite image in the Ocean Kiana collection is of the two models, on in a ribbon skirt and the other in a short red dress, showing the blend of traditional and modern looks. History in the making, yesterday and today. I have been fortunate to meet Rebecca Baker Grenier and interviewed her, last time, here. In this collection, I loved the variety, touches of red and then the gold/silver black top and shimmering skirt. So much Indigenous talent and skill in these beautifully organized and statement making collections for Nov. 20 The Red Dress Event. The Red Dress Event Designers: Chepximiya Siyam: Chief Janice George + Skwetsimeltxw, Wilfred Buddy Joseph Chief Janice George Sugiit Lukxs Designs by Yolonda Skelton, Taalrumiq, Lindsay King, Ocean Kiana, Rebecca Baker Grenier. Please see more information about these Designers at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW). My photo reels are on my Instagram here. 

Rebecca Grenier-Baker