Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week launches fifth edition, November 20 to 23
Showcase at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre unites Indigenous designers from across Turtle Island for runway shows and an Artisan Market
SPONSORED POST BY Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week
Charlene Aleck (left) and Perseis Paul wearing designs by Yolonda Skelton for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Photo by Zuleyyma with Queer Based Media
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week is returning this year from November 20 to 23 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, showcasing a world-class event designed by and for Indigenous people, while warmly inviting the wider community to celebrate alongside them.
Now in its fifth edition, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week continues to empower Indigenous designers, artisans, and youth as it solidifies its place as a landmark event on the global fashion calendar. This year’s theme is Fire, which symbolizes growing Indigenous strength and the event’s commitment to reclaiming space in the fashion industry, building a future where Indigenous values guide the way forward.
As with previous years, the lineup this time around features an array of runway shows that bring together Indigenous designers from across Turtle Island (North America), highlighting both traditional and contemporary works.
Last year’s Red Dress Event at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Photo by Alana Paterson
A cornerstone of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week programming is the Red Dress Event on November 20, opening night. The evening is a poignant and powerful tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (MMIWG2S+). Guests are encouraged to wear red in solidarity. The night honours the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, while serving as a meaningful reflection on the ongoing need for healing, justice and change.
November 21 brings All My Relations, an exploration of the beauty, awe and ingenuity of Indigenous couture. November 22 celebrates Indigenous Futures, showcasing streetwear, hip hop culture, and a vision of a time ahead where Indigenous creativity leads the way. And to close out the week, on November 23, is the Spirit of the West Coast, reflecting the powerful connection between identity, land and community–brought to life through art and regalia that span generations.
The popular Indigenous Artisan Market returns, offering authentic, handcrafted products, from jewellery to clothing to beauty items. The market provides a unique opportunity to support Indigenous makers while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures, just in time for the holiday season.
Founded in 2017 by Joleen Mitton, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week took place for the first time as part of that year’s Canada 150 celebrations, making history as the first Indigenous fashion week in the country. With its roots firmly planted in Indigenous traditions and its vision set on the future, the event welcomes the world to reflect on the vibrancy, diversity, and artistry of Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island.
Front-row seats at all shows are reserved for Indigenous Elders, and tickets are priced on a sliding scale.
Full program details are available at vifw.ca.
Post sponsored by Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.
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