Born from a student project that combined social innovation, art, fashion, and new dialogues about truth and reconciliation, Otahpiaaki Fashion Week encompasses education, creative programs, and fashion showcases to promote these understandings. This week-long event provides opportunities for participants to interact with emerging Indigenous artists and designers in workshops, events, screenings, and exhibitions.
Meet the exceptional designers who will be showcasing their designs at this year's Otahpiaaki Fashion Week:
Justin Louis is the Founder of SECTION 35: a movement based on diversity and clothing as a medium for change. SECTION 35 creates constructive dialogue and awareness on issues impacting Indigenous peoples. Based in the Coast Salish Territory of Vancouver, B.C., Justin is from Maskwacis Cree Nation, Alberta and grew up on the Samson Cree reserve.
Kiit Kiitokii brings his skills as a master hypnotist (lowercase) and magician to the Otahpiaaki stage where he will invite volunteers from the audience to “star” in his hilarious hypnosis fashion show. Kiitokii studied with Criss Angel (Mindfreak, Vegas) has performed in Las Vegas, LA, San Diego and has toured in northwestern U.S. and Canada.
Tishna Marlowe, a Dene woman, grew up in the Northwest Territories with her grandparents, and was introduced to the traditional Indigenous lifestyle at an early age. Six Red Beads creates parkas, mittens, and couture ball gowns with traditional and contemporary Indigenous inspiration. She focuses primarily on couture for the modern world.
Tobi Davis Eagle Speaker is the owner and designer of the Maatsowakii “Pretty Woman” Creations, a home-based business located on the Kainai Nation in southern Alberta. She creates beautiful Blackfoot designs in a variety of handmade beaded earrings, necklaces and watches that are contemporary and modern.
Trip Charbs is an Ojibwe artist and jewelry designer from Pine Creek First Nation, currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Highly creative and artistic by nature, Trip learned how to bead at a young age at an after-school beading program, and continued to perfect his skills with his Indigenous influenced earrings, necklaces, bowties, and mukluks.
Banner image: Dallas Arcand / Mosaic image: Trip Charbs