Tansi & welcome to the first year of ICON Indigenous Runway Presented by SIGA
Starting the evening off, after two days of fashion sector networking and learning at Design Legacies: Fashion and Textile Summit Presented by Saskatchewan Indian Institute of TechnologiesGuests enjoyed cocktails with music by In The Mix with Rylan Schultz for reception hour.
SFW Reception In The Studio by Midtown Shopping Centre
SIIT President’s Design Challenge
Enter the Runway area, guests were wow'd by Pro Plus Production and Mane Productions who produced the show along with music by international DJ The Gaff, creative visuals by local Saskatchewan artists and performers.
We respectfully acknowledge that we are a guest on Treaty 6 Territory and this Homeland of First Nations and The Métis. We respect the land and we commit our work to building good relations and mutually beneficial partnerships with the land and its traditional keepers.
Tonight we celebrate the development of Indigenous Fashion and Culture in an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
Prayer and Blessing by Helen Rider
We were witness to an astonishing display of the vibrant diversity Saskatchewan fashion designers and artisans have to offer! At Saskatchewan Fashion Association we continue our dedication to truth and reconciliation by working in partnership with a number of incredible Indigenous organizations and entrepreneurs. Through respect and understanding we are committed to maintaining unity in the fashion community by creating a space for connection, education, and creativity with acknowledgment to the powerful heritage, history, and culture that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities have deeply rooted in this land.
A grassroots group of women and 2-Spirits living and practicing their art in Treaty 6 territory. Spanning several generations of Indigenous women, they are knowledge keepers, activists, and leaders within their communities. As mothers, aunties and sisters, they hold each other within wahkotowin.
They believe in fostering artistic expression and community growth, and we are grateful for their continued partnership with an event that showcases such a vibrant and diverse range of talent.
Saskatchewan Fashion Association Inc. supports Black, Indigenous, and all People of Colour as they struggle to be heard, valued, and respected. SFA vows to continue to use its platform to elevate queer, trans and non-binary BIPOC voices. We are constantly evaluating our events, activities and engagement to this end and welcome community input and feedback with respect to our programming. SFA is committed to safer spaces online and in person and what that means for us is that we are committed to being accessible to all people.
In 1821 the fur trade companies operating in what would later become Canada merged under the Hudson’s Bay Company creating a monopoly on the industry. This, combined with legislature such as The Indian Act, effectively worked to exclude Indigenous people from the economy and industries such as this for over 200 years.
Despite these circumstances the 1820s also marked the beginning of a renaissance period in Indigenous wearable art and fashions across the North West that lasted until the 1870s. This era was predominantly led by Indigenous women who’s influence in traditional items such as beadwork, ribbon skirts, and the sash, a woven item popular amongst Metis, can still be seen in Indigenous fashion today.
We honour these matriarchs and our presence in the fashion industry as well as the resilience and inherently innovative creativity that defines Indigenous art and culture.
Performance of Spoken Word by Mim.osa
Mim.osa
Julia Gonzalez aka Mim.osa is a 2nd generation Chilean immigrant and mother.. As a musician, artist, and poet she utilizes language and imagery to express the emotional truth of her experiences as well as her perception of the world. She believes that when it comes to change and evolution, the most powerful tools that we have as human beings are music, words, and pictures.
Thank you Mimo.sa for that powerful spoken word.
Soraya Wagner (@sorayamaree)
Summer Testawich (@summertestawich)
Keenan – Walking in own outfit
Keira Munroe (@kieramunroe8)
Hailey Fitzpatrick (@haileylfitz)
Sadie – Walking in own outfit
Avriel – Walking in own outfit
Trish – Walking in own outfit
Alyse Custer (@sublime.iskwew)
Jaden – Walking in own outfit
Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe
LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair
Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds
Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair
Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna
Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics
Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan
Darby Croal- @hairbydarby
Make-up Presented by Green Tree Beauty @greentreebeauty
LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
In the Indigenous community we have a strong commitment to overcoming intergenerational trauma by uplifting and supporting our youth. Tonight we are proud of all our youth taking part in the Soaring Circle Youth Sewcase.
Sewcase is a program by Soaring Circle (formerly I Love First Peoples) and is sponsored by Janome Canada, Evolugen, PVH, American Eagle Outfitters, and Manitoulin Transport.
Youth Woven Blanket
Summer Testawich (@summertestawich)
Okimaw Bird featuring Helen Oro Designs
MODELS
Crystal Kaye (@crissykaye28)
Evangelina Dingwall (@evangelinadingwall)
Kristyn McDougall (@kristy.nm)
Elicia Munro-Sutherland (@indigenousadventurers)
Dianna Onyango (@ddiannaonyango)
Grace Dieter (@gracedieter_)
Ember Whitford (@whitfordember)
Jasmyn Pingue (@jasmyn.naomirunway)
Keira Munroe (@kieramunroe8)
Acagos Carriere (@ac_xarr)
CREATIVE TEAM
Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe
LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair
Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds
Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair
Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna
Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics
Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan
Darby Croal- @hairbydarby
Make-up Presented by Green Tree Beauty @greentreebeauty
LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles
Georgia Dolter @petapanesthetics
Kelsie Lavallee @kelsiehairyxe
Victoria McDavid @newcreation.esthetics
Ellyn Kugler-Sprayson N/A
Brooklyn Reinhart @Brook2211
Okimaw Bird & Helen Oro Designs
Okimaw Bird's innate flair for fashion has blossomed into a powerful tribute to his late mother, as the 12-year-old sews together a legacy of love, incorporating meaningful elements reflective of her name, Kehiew Iskwew, and the impact she had on his life. This passion led to collaborating with his Aunty Helen Oro and having his very first dress being featured in an online article by Vogue. Since that first collaboration this inspire the both to continue on with a collection dedicated and named Kehiew Iskwew
Helen Oro is an internationally recognized Indigenous designer who shares her cultural heritage through beadwork by attending various fashion weeks around the globe as well as in film and on the pages of magazines such as Elle Canada, FLARE, and Chatelaine.
This year she showcased alongside her nephew, 12-year old Okimaw Bird, who had his first dress featured in an online Vogue article last year.
Thank you so much Helen & Okimaw!
Jingle Dress Showcase | Wynema Neenaycassum | Kiera Munroe
Drum song - Dustin Strongarm
We were privileged to have Jingle Dress Showcase and Performance with dancers Kiera Munroe and Wayneema Nayneecassum along with Dustin Strongarm on the drum. Dustin Strongarm also shared a brief history and the meaning behind the Jingle Dress and Dance.
MODELS
Alyse Custer (@sublime.iskwew)
Elicia Munro-Sutherland (@indigenousadventurers)
Soraya Wagner (@sorayamaree)
Keandra Williamson (@keandrarayne)
Kristyn McDougall (@kristy.nm)
Crystal Kaye (@crissykaye28)
Grace Dieter (@gracedieter_)
Wynema Nayneecassum (@nemagotsyou)
Keira Munroe (@kieramunroe8)
Acagos Carriere (@ac_xarr)
CREATIVE TEAM
Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe
LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair
Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds
Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair
Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna
Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics
Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan
Darby Croal- @hairbydarby
Make-up Presented by Green Tree Beauty @greentreebeauty
LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles
Georgia Dolter @petapanesthetics
Kelsie Lavallee @kelsiehairyxe
Victoria McDavid @newcreation.esthetics
Ellyn Kugler-Sprayson N/A
Brooklyn Reinhart @Brook2211
VELVET, is a mixed Nehiyaw and Metis mother of 2 who has a passion for finding new ways to create. She showcased a combination of pieces made using her signature technique of creating material made of rhinestone ribbon as well as culturally inspired looks.
Braided Apparel
MODELS
Shania
Malem
Rihanna
Crystal
Kristina
Tasha
Kristyn McDougall
Mia
Brooklyn & Seirai
CREATIVE TEAM
Make-up Presented by Green Tree Beauty @greentreebeauty
LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles
Georgia Dolter @petapanesthetics
Kelsie Lavallee @kelsiehairyxe
Victoria McDavid @newcreation.esthetics
Ellyn Kugler-Sprayson N/A
Brooklyn Reinhart @Brook2211
Braided Apparel and it’s founder Mihkwa Wolf
Braided Apparel is a streetwear brand founded by Mihkwa Wolf, known for its alternative take on fashion.
The brand focuses on providing individuals with the freedom to express their unique style through bold, unconventional designs.
With a strong emphasis on self-expression and individuality, Braided Apparel blends street culture with a distinctive creative edge, offering a fresh perspective on modern street fashion
Beautifully done Mihkwa!
Rayne Designs
MODELS
Elicia Munro-Sutherland (@indigenousadventurers)
Kristyn McDougall (@kristy.nm)
Hailey Fitzpatrick (@haileylfitz)
Crystal Kaye (@crissykaye28)
Soraya Wagner (@sorayamaree)
Alyse Custer (@sublime.iskwew)
Keira Munroe (@kieramunroe8)
Grace Dieter (@gracedieter_)
Wynema Nayneecassum (@nemagotsyou)
Janine Peigan (@janinepeigan)
CREATIVE TEAM
Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe
LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair
Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds
Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair
Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna
Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics
Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan
Darby Croal- @hairbydarby
Make-up Presented by Green Tree Beauty @greentreebeauty
LEAD- Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @greentreebeauty
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles
Georgia Dolter @petapanesthetics
Kelsie Lavallee @kelsiehairyxe
Victoria McDavid @newcreation.esthetics
Ellyn Kugler-Sprayson N/A
Brooklyn Reinhart @Brook2211
Rayne Designs:
Keandra Williamson of Rayne Designs has worked in the fashion industry as a model and model trainer for the past 9 years.
Recently she decided she wanted to debut her designs as a way to give a different perspective on indigenous fashion by incorporating an innovative and feminine style.
Debuting alongside her is her cousin, Cassie Delaire, of Cassie’s Creeations, who collaborated on the beadwork for the pieces and jewelry in this collection.
What an amazing evening!
Organizers
Mandy Pravda, Mane Productions
Carlie Letts, Jane Marie Consulting
Melissa Squire, Melissa Squire Fashion Design
Lisa Marie Schwartz, Edge Model and Talent Agency
Cheyenne Duffee, Event Organizer
Special mention to our SFW event sponsors for their support and contribution to SFW this weekend:
Dakota Dunes Community Development CORP.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Midtown Shopping Centre
The Studio at Midtown
Mane Productions
Jane Maria Consulting
Saskatchewan Fashion Association INC
Jack Millikin Centre
Revamp Salon
BLNDE Beauty Bar by Revamp
Green Tree Beauty Bar
Edge Agency
Shoppers Beauty
Emma International Art Collaboration
SIGA
Wiens Insurance Group – Co-operators
Sunchild Law
Leah Sperle Combined
Ole Cocktails CO.
City of Saskatoon
SaskLotteries
Pro Plus Productions
Infinity Events & Décor
Capitol Music Club
The Print Baron
In the Mix
The Gaff
Blank Paper
Masala Model & Talent
Dance Ink
Annette’s School of Dance
CBC Radio
Global
Le Claire Media
Cozy Couch Media
and our lovely SFA and JMC board members!
Thanks to our many sponsors, models, volunteers, designers, production team and board members who are helping make this year’s festival a success!
Revamp Salon and BLNDE Beauty Bar by Revamp
Celene Dupuis and her team
Hair Presented by Revamp Salon Company @revampyxe
LEAD- Tierra Novakovski - @tierranovakovski.hair
Madison Malin - @hairphoria_bymadds
Kaitlyn Dawson- @kaitlyndawson_hair
Anna Gilbertson- @hairartistrywithanna
Raea Lamont- @Raeasuncosmetics
Laiken Swan- @Hairbylaikenswan
Darby Croal- @hairbydarby
Makeup lead by our head artist Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz Green Tree Beauty (@greentreebeauty) with independent artists
Chanel Aarrestad @crystalskn
Hulud Menuffi @Hulud_me
Devyn Gallant @devyngallant
Sasha Perry @sasha.glam.art
Abby Soder @a.b.aartistry
Zoe Pravda @muapravda
Angel Hardy @glammedbyangel_
Cheyeanna Kennedy @savage_not_average_beautymua
Kayla York @kaylayork.mua
Serena Jimmy @Serenas_slayed_styles
Special mention to our SFW presenting event sponsors for their support and contribution to SFW this weekend:
Saskatchewan Fashion Association INC
Jack Millikin Centre
Dakota Dunes Community Development CORP.
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
Midtown Shopping Centre
Master of Ceremonies | Michaella Montana - Television host, model, actress, journalist, and producer.
Big thanks to our DJ Gaff! @thegaff
Prayer & Blessing | Helen Rider
Master of Ceremonies | Michaella Montana - Television host, model, actress, journalist, and producer.
Event Organizer | Cheyenne Duffee
Event Producer | Mandy Pravda of Mane Productions
Event Organizer | Carlie Letts
Model Coordinator | Lisa Marie Schwartz of Edge Model Agency & Paula Collins of Masala Model & Talent
Audio & Visuals | Pro Plus Productions
Decor | Infinity Event & Design
Runway Music by | The Gaff
Reception Music by | In The Mix
Photographer | Le Clair Media | Jeremy LeClair leclairmedia.ca Instagram: @leclair_media | Email jeremy.leclair@leclairmedia.ca
For those of you who purchase a VIP ticket you may have notice the lovely swag bag on your seat, Big thank you to all our contributors!
Thank you to:
DNTYXE for the lovely Gift Bags
For those who purchased a ticket to one of our evening shows, you were entered to win A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY and be one of the 8 lucky winners!
PRIZES:
1) $500 Midtown Shopping Spree
2) Bluetooth Headset, compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart
3) Beauty Gift Basket, value of +$1195. Featuring 4 full sized fragrances, some “self care” items, skincare, etc. Items range from drugstore to dermatologist grade to prestige brands! Compliments of Shoppers Drug Mart
4) 3 Gift Cards compliments of Manitobah *1 winner for each $200, $100, and $50.
5) $300 gift certificate compliments of Divine Laser and Skin Care
6) Gift Basket compliments of Discover Saskatoon which includes $100.00 Gift Card to Hearth Restaurant, Sparkle Ball Earrings – Hillberg & Berk, #Saskatooning Sweatshirt (size L), Discover Saskatoon T-shirt (size L), Discover Saskatoon thermal wine glass/tumbler, Luggage tag, Beaded key ring – crafted by Honey Willow
SFA President Mandy Pravda and Volunteer Zoe Pravda
We would also like to recognize the small but mighty Saskatchewan Fashion Association Board of Directors, for all their volunteer hours that goes towards making sure Saskatchewan Fashion Sector is represented on a international level, and creates initiatives such as this event to allow our industry to be showcased.
President & Treasure, Mandy Pravda
Vice President & Secretary, Melissa Squire
Board Director Lisa Marie Schwartz
Board Director Celene Dupuis
And Board Director Harvey Viteychuk
And once again our title sponsor Dakota Dunes Community Development Corp.
And of course our amazing volunteers, and thank you to everyone who came out over the weekend to show your support. It was an incredible experience.
THANK YOU SASKATCHEWAN!