Akwesasne fashion show returns
Dylen Delormier wearing Tisha Thompson’s fashion. Courtesy Laurie Gardner
The Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show lit up the runway on October 12 at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, transforming a bingo hall into a vibrant showcase of Haudenosaunee creativity, tradition, and unity.
With a packed bingo hall and a buzzing crowd, the show celebrated both seasoned designers and emerging talents, all grounded in a deep sense of community and cultural preservation.
“What makes Akwesasne unique is that we’re entirely self-funded, relying on donations and local government support,” said one of the organizers, Laurie Gardner. “We stretch every dollar, but we make sure it shows.”
This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of Indigenous designers, models, and stylists from across Turtle Island, all converging to celebrate Indigenous fashion’s evolving landscape.
For Gardner, the show represents more than creativity; it’s about building pathways. “I hope people leave understanding that this is more than a show, it’s an opening. We are creating space for Indigenous models, designers, makeup artists, and hair stylists to thrive in this industry.”
Tewa’kerahkhwa Horn walked the runway during the Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show, held at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort wearing designer Robin Marquis. Courtesy Laurie Gardner
For another organizer and designer Tisha Thompson, that vision has been years in the making. “I always dreamt of doing this locally. I used to watch fashion on TV and wonder, ‘Why can’t we do it here?’ So, we did,” she said. “And I’ve ended up helping other shows grow.”
Thompson’s designs blend storytelling and craftsmanship. “My designs use natural materials and tell stories. Some pieces are walking art, they evolve in your hands during construction,” she explained. “When I saw them live on the runway, I couldn’t believe they matched my vision.”
Her work, which has appeared alongside haute couture brands during international photoshoots, challenges perceptions of Indigenous art and fashion. “Suddenly, Indigenous work wasn’t an outlier, it belonged,” she said. “That gives me hope for Indigenous fashion across Turtle Island.”
Among those debuting new collections was Thea Thomas of Threads by Thea, whose pieces reinterpret Haudenosaunee techniques through modern design. “My work is rooted in Haudenosaunee craft, but I want it to feel fresh and wearable,” Thomas shared. “I build with breathable fabrics and reinterpret basket weaving techniques in surface texture and structure.”
This year, Thomas also made inclusivity a focus. “I included new models who had never walked before and three or four first timers. It felt important to expand inclusion and visibility, especially for those just beginning.”
Watching her garments move down the runway, she said, “is always the best moment, months of sketching, cutting, sewing all converge in that minute.”
Designer Robin Marquis drew inspiration from fancy dance shawls and traditional Haudenosaunee aesthetics. “Once I had my model list, ideas flooded in. I wanted each design to feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful for that specific person,” Marquis said. “On the runway, you see stories woven in every piece.”
Bri Etienne walked the runway wearing designer Threads by Thea garment. Courtesy Laurie Gardner
For many of the models, the experience went beyond fashion; it was a moment of cultural connection and empowerment. “It felt like home,” said Dylen Delormier, a model from Kahnawake. “A community event grounded in identity, beadwork, clothing, and the joy of being together.”
Tewa’kerahkhwa Horn echoed that sentiment. “Akwesasne feels like my second home. When show time approaches, my heart lifts,” she said. “I had the honour of walking for Robin Marquis, Tisha Thompson, and Tamara Toebeck each with different vibes. I loved embodying those shifts and stretching as a model.”
Model Bri Etienne, from Kanesatake, described the night as one of collective celebration. “This is my third show and still one of my favourites. You know people and you feel the support, everyone’s celebrating each other,” she said.
“Walking on that runway, seeing a sea of faces, that sense of empowerment is unmatched. It reminds you that you belong up there.”
Sign up for email updates from The Eastern Door
Behind the scenes, hairstylists Raven Beauvais and Chazy Cook helped bring each designer’s vision to life. “Being part of this gives me pride,” Beauvais said. “It’s not just hair it’s helping our people shine, reflecting culture on stage.”
Cook described “the energy backstage as ‘electric.’ Models, designers, stylists all together creating something powerful,” she said. “Crafting hairstyles that honoured the designers’ visions and held up under stage lights was thrilling. To see the final looks live, it never gets old.”
As the final models took their turns on the runway, the applause was more than appreciation for beauty, it was recognition of years of resilience being brought to the surface at the forefront of celebrating Indigenous excellence.
The Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show continues to grow, weaving together tradition and innovation, artistry and community. Each year, it proves that Indigenous fashion isn’t just thriving, it’s redefining the runway.
