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Rocking the Runway: A Gala Evening of Aboriginal Fashion

Vancouver, B.C. - The catwalk at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase lit up tonight as top Aboriginal fashion designers from across Canada showcased their designs on the world stage.

"The Four Host First Nations is proud to present the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase," said Four Host First Nations CEO Tewanee Joseph. "Our goal is to help bring Aboriginal fashion into the mainstream — so visitors from around the world can experience the power and beauty of these striking designs."

Hosted by the Four Host First Nations, the Premier Designers’ Show is part of the 5-day long Aboriginal Fashion Showcase, held February 12-16, 2010. It is part of the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase, located in the downtown campus of Vancouver Community College, at the corner of Dunsmuir and Hamilton Street in Vancouver.

"During the Games, we’re showcasing the best of Aboriginal fashion, from seasoned veterans to new kids on the block," says Brenda Baptiste, Director of the Aboriginal Business Showcase. "Visitors will see for themselves a mix of contemporary and traditional First Nations aesthetics blended into modern, cutting-edge fashion designs."

The showcase features established Aboriginal designers, as well as five up-and-coming design talents:

Ontario designer Angela DeMontigny has a contemporary ready-to-wear collection with one-of-a-kind wearable art. Drawing from Chippewa, Cree and Métis elements, her trademark is hand-painted symbols and beaded accents, executed with an artistic skill handed down by her ancestors.

"As a Métis/Cree woman, I feel honoured to represent Canadian Aboriginal fashion in such a unified way with my brothers and sisters from many Aboriginal nations across Canada to a world audience during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said fashion designer Angela DeMontigny. "Louie Riel once said: ‘My people will sleep for one hundred years. When they awake, it will be the artists that give them their spirit back.’ I believe that we are carrying out his prophecy. I feel humble to know that my ancestors are proud as I carry the torch forward, leading the way so that future generations may create and live their dreams as I am."

Award-winning fashion designer Dorothy Grant is known for her exquisite use of Haida art in her designs. For 22 years, Grant has developed her craft into a Vancouver-based business, now selling her fashion and accessories across Canada and the U.S. Inspired by the work of Haida artists, Grant has collected masks, baskets, jewelry and original paintings over the last 25 years, while practicing traditional art forms of basketry weaving and button robe making. Her collections include men and women’s coats in leather, wool and cashmere and a line of accessories, including handbags, briefcases and wallets.

"I am driven by my passion for Haida art," said fashion designer, Dorothy Grant. "I am aware of the fashion and cultural arenas that I am in, both as a Haida artist and fashion designer. I am challenged by this and how it can be delivered in fashion while conveying Haida art in all its complexity. This is what inspires and drives me."

Based on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver, Pam Baker's Touch of Culture explores how modern technology and style can be blended with traditional values and symbols. Originating as workshops for Aboriginal women and teens, Touch of Culture now incorporates a school of design, a production facility and a design studio. Baker’s design collection includes sportswear, ready-to-wear, wearable art and limited edition one-of-a-kind pieces.

"I am participating in the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase because it is a strategic VANOC and FHFN partnership to bring Aboriginal couture to the world stage," said Pam Baker. "As an established fashion designer, entrepreneur and educator, I have a unique opportunity to reflect my Squamish and Kwakiutl ancestry in my Touch of Culture creations."

Emerging designers featured include Tammy Beauvais, Louie Gong, Kim Picard, Nadine Spence and Tracy Toulouse

In addition to tonight’s Premier Designers’ Show, the designers will showcase their fashions on the runway at 3pm February 14, 15 and 16 at the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase.

For more information about the Aboriginal Fashion Showcase and the Four Host First Nations, please visit fourhostfirstnations.com.

About the Four Host First Nations
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are being held on the traditional and shared traditional territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Together, the Nations have incorporated a non-profit society - the Four Host First Nations - to coordinate their efforts as Official Partners in the planning and hosting of the 2010 Winter Games.

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Media Contact
Four Host First Nations Communications
E-mail: FHFNCommunications@gmail.com
Telephone: 604.403.1662