The 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Weekend welcomed its biggest audience yet

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“It’s a gathering of global Indigenous people who are all working in fashion, crafts and textiles in various capacities. It’s just a big, wonderful celebration.” Executive and Artistic Director (Indigenous Fashion Arts)

In 2024, Indigenous Fashion Arts welcomed its biggest audience yet, with attendees experiencing the dynamic Indigenous talent in fashion today. Since 2018, IFA has been committed to exploring the deep connections between: mainstream fashion, Indigenous art and traditional practice through presentation for broad audiences and industries. Led by Indigenous women, IFA is bold, inclusive and accessible. They challenge perceptions of and celebrate Indigenous people and their culture with integrity, innovation and excellence.

“We are thrilled to bring the fourth edition of the IFA Festival to Toronto, celebrating the profound expression and distinction of Indigenous fashion and the communities that uphold it. This year’s programming gracefully weaves a narrative of reverence and conviction, showcasing Indigenous survival, innovation, and pride,” said Sage Paul. “We were ecstatic to host the community at our new home, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, which represents a transformative opportunity to showcase art and fashion in the city. As we venture into new realms, we remain dedicated to enriching our communities, reclaiming our sartorial stories, and sharing them on our own terms.”

This year they presented four runway shows (curated by Wanda Nanibush (Anishinaabe), Melanie Egan, and Sage Paul (Denesuline) at CF Toronto Eaton Centre after mall hours under the theme Reverence & Conviction. This year’s runway program celebrates the rich cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples from: Canada, the USA, Brazil, Greenland, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

The Mainstage Runway opened May 30^th, 2024, with My Tender Bundle presented by La Maison Simons, a demonstration of family justice and radical caregiving featuring: Acahkos Designs, Arctic Luxe, BIBI CHEMNITZ, K. Lookinghorse, Mobilize Waskawewin, and R S Gustafson. The resilience and ingenuity of Indigenous designers were showcased in Fierce + Fearless presented by CIBC on May 31^st, 2024, featuring: IX BALAM, HAKHU AMAZON DESIGN, Haus of Dumont, Rebecca Baker-Grenier, and ReeCreeations with an opening drag performance by Chelazon Leroux, of Canada’s Drag Race Season 3.

The Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival Marketplace (presented by Holt Renfrew) was held June 1^st and 2^nd, 2024 at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Attendees were able to: explore, shop, and connect with 75+ Indigenous: artists, designers, collectives, and brands worldwide. These exhibitors reflected the diversity and distinction of Indigenous fashion, craft, and textiles with a wide variety of quality-made clothing and accessories with gender and size-inclusive, ready-to-wear, bespoke and upcycled options. The Marketplace was divided into several sections, each highlighting different aspects of Indigenous fashion with beadwork, weaving, metalwork, fur and leather, home textiles, quillwork, and fine craft.

The Marketplace also featured collectives and brands from the Mainstage Runway in three sections including: the Sharing Circle (which uplifts the Indigenous fashion community by representing several artists on their platforms), Shoulder Dusters (for those who love statement earrings), and The Showroom (displaying legacy pieces, including high fashion, jewelry, and accessories).

The 2024 IFA marketplace spotlighted “Abiayala” curated by Samay Cajas (Kichwa), with nine Indigenous Latinx designers in marketplace exhibits from Chile to Mexico. Abiayala means “mature land, or land of blood,” in the Guna language, and the designers in this spotlight all drew inspiration from a deep ancestral, knowledgeable source that brought new, contemporary energy into the world of fashion. The Abiayala Spotlight included: Andes Warmi, El Techichi Jewelry, HAKHU AMAZON DESIGN, IX BALAM, Okama, Pacha Indigenous Art Collection, The Zapotec Weavers, Warmichic, Janekeo Kanio and Yala Mola.

This year, the Fashioning Resurgence Symposium had six panel discussions and a masterclass running from May 30^th – June 2^nd, 2024, at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Student Learning Centre highlighting: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Fashion in Galleries & Museums, Grant Writing, and Mindful Merchandising. Three intensive, hands-on workshops (supported by Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training) took place at The Creative School to sustain and promote traditional Indigenous skills and practices.

Showcasing the diversity and distinction of Indigenous fashion, craft, and textiles is of paramount importance. By highlighting a wide variety of quality-made clothing, IFA honours the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Indigenous communities. This celebration not only fostered a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship and unique designs that distinguish Indigenous fashion, but also empowered Indigenous artisans by providing them with platforms to share their stories and talents with the world.

Supporting and promoting these exquisite creations helps to: preserve ancestral knowledge, sustain local economies, and inspire future generations. In doing so, we contribute to a more inclusive and culturally aware society, where the beauty and significance of Indigenous contributions are recognized and valued.