Native Fashion in Canada?

Several of our Native fashion leaders attended the "Survivor Brunch" event following the recent L'Oreal Fashion Week . Hosted by Fashion Television's very lovely Mary Kitchen (left to right) with a panel consisting of some of Canada's top leading fashion insiders. Panelists included Fashion Television’s Jeanne Beker, Flare’s Lisa Tant, The Globe and Mail’s Amy Verner, Holt Renfrew’s John Gerhardt , and The Toronto Star’s David Livingstone.

It was a lengthy session that seemed targeted mostly towards the retail industry and merging global trends. Some arguably stated that it was entertainment of unbridled and varied 'opinions' on the 'operations' of the Fashion Design Council of Canada and L'Oreal Fashion Week. The power session did breed a very strong message, and that was THE DIRECTION of "Canadian" Fashion Identity: on a global basis. Naturally this raised concerns with our indigenous designers. After all, we are the first fashionistas of this country! No need for a history lesson here folks- bottom line- our arts is our culture (and our country) and its been reflected for centuries through our clothing , design and artwork. Naturally Sexy! That's who we are...and everyone is biting and profiting from our inherent style.

Towards the end of the bitch session, .,..we bravely asserted the prestigious panel and raised awareness on the importance of cultural and intellectual protection on arts, style and fashion. We inquired why our Canadian Native designers are having no support from our 'fashion leaders' . Native designers are struggling to reach the mainstream market, an economy which is evidently thriving on Native style concepts. We explained our concern with the 'direction of Canadian fashion identity' and how we are an integral part of this proud country and vibrant, yet unrecognized contributors to the fashion market. This isn't just about style, it's about identity, cultural identity.

We asked why our Native, ahem "Canadian" designers are apparently denied industry support/opportunity...
...Flare magazine editor (Lisa Tant) tells us that Native clothes are "too costumey". (All one has to do is read their magazine and others to see how strong the Native style fashion concept is.)

While Jeanne Beker praised 'mukluks' and how she lovingly bought the pair that she proudly wears,from a Canadian designer in Winnipeg. In the same breathe she admits that she did not buy Native Made. GASP! (our view: she bought 'knock offs' by someone else)

Shockingly, these fashion industry leaders, icons and gurus have not or denyingly discovered the treasures of our celebrated and talented " Canadian" designers such as Dorothy Grant, Angela DeMontigny, Tammy Beauvais and many others who offer a quality and remarkable retail ready product.

At the closing of the bruncheon, we graciously accosted Jeanne Beker and got to have an interesting discussion on the retail products from Native designers. However, we have nothing encouraging to report on this conversation, at this time...(do we J'Net?)

indigenousFashion.com is promoting consumer support for our Native brands.
Don't buy the knock off's.
Buy NATIVE MADE!