By: Tamara Tyas
In Paris, fashion serves as a universal language.
During Paris Fashion Week, all eyes are on the city – and this year, an event is poised to unfold at the Canadian Embassy on September 27th, 2024. The International Indigenous Fashion Week (IIFW), renowned for its vibrant celebration of cultural heritage through fashion, is hitting town – and they are already making an impact.
For years, IIFW has stood as a beacon for Indigenous designers, models, musicians, and artisans from across the globe. It transcends the conventional boundaries of a fashion show; it represents a movement toward inclusivity, sustainability, and the preservation of rich cultural traditions that have flourished for millennia. At its very core lies the belief that “Indigenous fashion is not just clothing but art and self-expression,” as articulated by Chelsa Racette, the visionary founder and executive director of IIFW, working in partnership with the renowned Kim Coltman of Fashion Speaks International and the very talented photographic genius, AnnMarie Aase of AMA Photography.
“It’s about narrating stories of our ancestors,” she elaborates, underscoring the deep-seated connection between past and present these designs embody.
Among those set to captivate Paris are talents like Chelsea Nokusis from Peepeekisis First Nation with her brand Chelsea’s Cree-ations. Nokusis skillfully weaves traditional Indigenous elements into contemporary fashion pieces—a testament to her commitment to empowering wearers through their heritage. Similarly drawing inspiration from tradition is Tanya Straightnose of Keeseekoose First Nation in Treaty 4 territory. Her beaded hat designs transcend mere accessories; they are emblems of resilience and pride in Indigenous identity.
Bruno Henry brings his multifaceted artistry from Six Nations of the Grand River to Paris. His work spans photography, clothing design, jewelry making, and stone carving—each piece a narrative steeped in his culture’s legacy. Meanwhile, Carmen Halkett from Little Red River First Nation marries sustainability with self-expression in her creations. Every garment she designs narrates a tale about protecting Mother Earth and advocating for Indigenous representation in global fashion dialogues.
Joining this diverse tapestry is Melrene Saloy-EagleSpeaker from Southern Alberta’s Blood Tribe. Her label, Native Diva Creations, seamlessly merges traditional Blackfoot designs with modern materials to craft contemporary jewelry pieces that honor her ancestry. Representing Skwah First Nation is Sandra Froher with Spirit Essence—an eco-fashion line devoted to custom couture garments crafted through sustainable practices.
This year’s participation in Paris marks a significant milestone for IIFW as it continues its mission on an international scale. Since its establishment in 2005 by Racette—an innovator with mixed German, Irish, Chippewa, and Cree heritage—IIFW has transformed from promoting local talent within Regina and area into an international platform celebrating Indigenous creativity across major global cities including NYC, London, Cannes—and now Paris.
The essence of IIFW resides not merely in showcasing aesthetic beauty but also in fostering relationships first—supporting emerging talents while honoring timeless traditions. It creates avenues for young Indigenous minds to explore careers within fashion while ensuring their voices contribute meaningfully to contemporary culture.
As Paris gears up to host this melding of tradition and modernity at IIFW 2024, attendees can expect more than just a fashion showcase; they’re about to witness history in motion—a vivid reimagining of ancestral narratives woven seamlessly into today’s global fashion landscape.
For those intrigued by this unique amalgamation of artistry and advocacy or seeking further details on participating designers’ works can reach out via indigenousfashionweek@gmail.com or delve deeper through their website www.indigenousfashionweek.ca and social channels Facebook and Instagram (@indigenousfashionweek1).
By embracing diversity on one of fashion’s most illustrious platforms—Paris Fashion Week—IIFW not only champions indigenous creativity but also paves the way for future generations to interlace their stories into the rich tapestry of global culture. This event promises not merely a high-fashion spectacle but also meaningful dialogue about sustainability, empowerment, and cultural respect—principles that resonate deeply within both traditional narratives and futuristic visions alike.
In a world eager for genuine representation and diversity on every stage—including runways—the International Indigenous Fashion Week stands out as more than an event; it’s a movement towards reshaping perceptions about culture through fabric threads infused with history.
Published By: Aize Perez
