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Friday Finds: First Nations’ Fashion + Style

I had a wonderful experience last night attending the Honouring Our Sisters Fashion Show at the Musqueam Cultural Centre on the Musqueam First Nations Reserve. I was invited by my friend Rosalin Miles who put together the BC Aboriginal Women in Business conference, and was a sponsor of the fashion show, along with All My Relations Entertainment.

It was my husband’s birthday so I almost didn’t make it. But he is a really good sport so the two of us went to the show. We sat in the front row and I confess I was blown away by breathtaking elegance of the pieces on display, not to mention the models who were absolutely beautiful.

Much of the work I saw was represented in displays arrayed around the edges of the lovely Coast Salish style pavilion where the event was held.  The iconic hat-shaped skylit vault alone was worth the visit.

The displays included a wide range of items including delicate jewelry and a rich assortment of fabrics – all hand-made with a distinctive first nations flare.  It was very gratifying to see these talented voices re-emerging into their rightful place as founders of the rich cultural matrix that is Vancouver, especially with such truly authentic and original work.  The event was a great success and I eagerly await their next show.

Meet Jeneen Frei Njootli, a designer and glove maker. Her branded leather and fur gloves are beautiful. She enthusiastically wanted me to see them on.

The Designers that took part in the show are Chloe Angus, Debra Sparrow,  Pamela Baker, and Jeneen Frei Njootli.

These wraps are by Chloe Angus, who has a store on Dunbar Street. They are beautiful and come in a range of colours. These are $195.

This is JB the First Lady, looking spectacular in her lavendar Chloe Angus wrap.

What do you think? Can you see yourself in in these beautiful outfits?

Honouring Our Sisters Fashion Show