Tsuut'ina fashion designer Stephanie Crowchild prepares for New York Fashion Week showcase
An Indigenous fashion designer from Tsuu'tina First Nation will showcase some of her collection in New York City next month at an event for emerging and diverse talent.
Stephanie Crowchild says she draws her inspiration from her ancestors, and each design celebrates her culture.
"I'm honoured and I'm excited to see what's to come after New York," said Crowchild, who created Stephanie Eagletail Designs from her home in the First Nation, just west of Calgary, during the pandemic.
On Sept. 9, she'll run a 10-piece fashion show in the Rise New York Fashion Week event, which serves as an opportunity for independent fashion designers to showcase their collections to a global audience of press, stylists, retailers and industry influencers.
About two dozen designers from around the world are listed as participants, and a handful are Indigenous.
Many of Crowchild's pieces are made from converted wool blankets from the Hudson's Bay or U.S.-based Pendleton, which she then transforms into bespoke jackets intended to become heirlooms. A private sale of her jackets ranges from $750 - $1,000.
Her mom and aunt taught her how to sew and make a jacket when she was 17. Many of her modern-day designs pay tributes to the styles worn by her grandparents, which she says are often statement pieces against colonialism.
"It is beautiful to be Indigenous and to wear Indigenous clothing from what our ancestors wore," said Crowchild.
Her goal is to create a fashion brand while raising the profile of Indigenous clothing and art.
"It makes me feel really proud because we are bringing more Indigenous representation," she said.
STITCHING UP SUPPORT
A Calgary film producer is supporting Crowchild by creating a video vignette to be displayed during the fashion show, saying she's inspired by her entrepreneurship.
"I think it's even more significant not just for Stephanie, but significant for the Tsuut'ina nation, certainly for young Indigenous women, who are wanting so much to expose how talented they are," said Eda Lishman, creative and development for Fetecine Filosophy.
Lishman says that supporting Indigenous creativity is part of reconciliation.
"It's our opportunity to find ways to collaborate with Indigenous people," she said.
The Tsuut'ina Small Business Initiative is partially funding her trip and showcase.
Crowchild is driving to New York to safeguard her pieces from any potential airline disruption, while also cutting costs as her two daughters and models will accompany her.
She's also hosting a sneak-peek fashion show event Friday night at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex to help raise funds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.