October 14, 2021 at 06:10PM
This month, we celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but the time to support Indigenous designers is year-round. We wanted to highlight some rising talent whose designs are deeply rooted in storytelling and sustainability. Purchasing a piece directly from these brands ensures these designers can properly own their narrative and share the story behind each piece, from the unique materials used to the craft practices of their respective tribes.
“For far too long, Native designs have been appropriated by the fashion industry and oftentimes without involving our voices or benefitting any of our communities. When you make the choice to purchase directly from Indigenous creatives, you are investing in our people, our families, and most importantly supporting the continuation of our culture – without the appropriation,” Bethany Yellowtail, the designer behind B. Yellowtail, told us when we spoke to her about her work.
Sustainability and respect for the Earth are also at the forefront of Indigenous brands by creating small batches, utilizing recycled materials, and producing one-of-a-kind or made-to-order pieces. With the growing success of Indigenous Fashion Week in Toronto and amplification at red carpet events from celebrities like Devery Jacobs and Quannah Chasinghorse, these brands are quickly gaining name recognition. Scroll to learn about the labels – some in the designers’ own words – and shop some of our favorites.
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Author Dana Avidan Cohn | citywomen.co
Selected by CWC
