Akwesasne rocks the runway

The Tsi Snaihne Recreation Centre in Snye was filled to the brim last weekend, as crowds from near and far packed in for another sold-out edition of the Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show.

“Everyone was so happy and confident after they got off the runway, and there was so much encouragement from everybody behind the scenes,” said Konwaséti Mariah Kirby, who came from Kahnawake to model in the show. “It felt so good, it’s just amazing to walk for such talented designers, Onkwehón:we designers from across Turtle Island.”

Kirby walked for two designers: Tisha Thompson, from Akwesasne, as well as Kahnawa’kehró:non Thea Thomas, who was showcasing her designs at the show for the first time.

For Thompson, Kirby walked in a twins-themed runway, where she was matched up with Yakohwasawaks Green, from Six Nations. The two wore matching hide shirts, white pants, and porcupine quill earrings for a striking identical look.

Thompson, who was also one of the main organizers for the event, said it was a delight to see models who had never met pull off her twin concept so well.

“When you go to another reserve, you’re like, ‘Oh my god, you look just like my cousin,’ and I wanted to see that come down the runway,” Thompson said. “I just can’t believe we nailed it.”

Thompson said this year was one of the best-organized iterations of the fashion show since it first started in 2006.

“It just went without any problems, it ran so, so smoothly,” Thompson said. “Our organizing committee stepped it up, and that’s why this show is the outcome.”

Also modelling for the twins runway was Kahnawa’kehró:non Dylen Delormier, who joined forces with Ahkwesahsró:non Carcie Thompson. The two wore an all-gold getup with reflective mirror detailing, a look that Delormier said brought to mind images of prom or a night out in Las Vegas.

“Her work is impeccable, it’s honestly jaw-dropping how talented this woman is,” Delormier said.

The show was a great way to meet other Onkwehón:we in the fashion industry and build connections for the future, Delormier said.

“It was so beautiful to get together with a group of girls and walk the runway in such beautiful clothing,” Delormier said. “The friendships that were made and the laughs that were shared are to be remembered forever, it was definitely a core memory for me.”

This year was model Kendall Horn’s fifth time walking in the show, which she makes the trip for every year from Kahnawake.

“Seeing so many people in the stands makes me excited to see what the future holds for Onkwehón:we in the fashion industry, the talent in our communities deserves to be shown worldwide,” she said.

Horn modelled for three designers: Tisha, Thomas, and Kay Francis Designs. Thomas’s looks are often streetwear-inspired, and Horn wore a mini skirt and jacket for her runway, with jewelry by Little Star Artistry. For Kay Francis Designs, she wore a long, fringed leather skirt paired with a turquoise crop top with gold accents.

“It takes a lot of effort and courage to showcase a line, and they all over-exceeded expectations,” Horn said.

Horn was paired with fellow Kahnawa’kehró:non Vanessa Martin for Tisha’s runway, making them one of the few sets of twins that were from the same community. The two wore looks intended to look like “liquid gold” with dentalium earrings made by Isabella Thompson.

Martin also modelled for Tina Bradley of Queena Ribbon designs, wearing a miniskirt with pink and silver ribbon, alongside a lace kimono and beadwork by Waves Thompson that included a beaded body chain, two-tiered earrings and a choker.

“It’s really moving to see the waves and trends Indigenous fashion is making in our communities and also in the fashion industry in outside society,” Martin said. “I think it’s a lovely thing that our people are being shown in such a radiant light to others, and I hope that light shines brighter and brighter.”

Many models and designers brought their children to the event. Kirby said that she was delighted that her six-year-old daughter got to witness so many proud Onkwehón:we creators on the runway.

“Seeing her just glow and light up from seeing me walking was such a proud moment for me, because I want her to be that confident when she grows up,” she said. “It’s really nice to have that support, and have her there watching me, knowing she can follow in my footsteps if she wants to one day.”

More than 300 people came to support the event, which featured 15 designers and around 100 models. Tickets to the show sold out in a matter of hours online, and Tisha said that next year, the event will be moving to a bigger location to meet demand.

“We realized we’ve outgrown our venue, because we could’ve sold three times over that many tickets,” she said, adding that the support from Akwesasne and beyond is invaluable in propelling Indigenous fashion designers forward.

“It’s not just one person that does this. It takes a whole community to pull this off,” she said.

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