Jacobs takes Toronto
Courtesy Joanne Iewisenhawi Jacobs
Kahnawa’kehró:non Joanne Iewisenhawi Jacobs strutted down an unconventional runway last week - the cobblestone streets of Toronto’s Distillery District, which were transformed as part of Fashion Art Toronto’s annual fashion week.
“The history of the place, the atmosphere, all of it was absolutely breathtaking,” Jacobs said. “The tricky part was wearing sky high heels and walking a cobblestone street, which was challenging, but we did it with grace and elegance and it was spectacular.”
Jacobs was one of 20 models to walk for Wabanoonkwe Couture, a brand owned by Anishinaabe designer Wabanoonkwe Irick.
Irick had reached out directly to Jacobs to ask her to wear a look from her Nocturnal Rose collection, which she wanted to be worn by strong, powerful women for the show.
“At my age, I’m considered a mature model, so to be still out there being contacted by these prestigious designers to walk for them is such an honour. I was astounded to get the phone call,” said Jacobs, who is 51. “I immediately said yes, I couldn’t say no to such a great opportunity.”
The look Irick selected for Jacobs featured a long couture black gown accented with white applique flowers and beading throughout the front, paired with a flowing white bolero-style train, which could be spread out behind the dress dramatically during the runway.
“She is an esteemed designer, to walk for her was just such a highlight, she’s known for her excellence in creating and designing, so to be chosen to model for her was just a complete honour,” Jacobs said.
Irick, who started designing more than two decades ago at the age of 17, said her latest collection was inspired by traditional beadwork from the 1970s and 1980s, specifically focusing on how the rose is revered for its healing properties in Treaty 3 territory, where she grew up.
She said that she wanted the collection to be worn by a wide range of models, to show that fashion is for everyone.
“Inclusivity and diversity are central to my runway. I’m committed to featuring a wide range of ages, genders, sizes, and disability visibility,” she said. “My philosophy is that if there is no space for us at the table, we will bring our own chairs and demonstrate why we deserve to be included.”
Walking in the show reminded Jacobs of what she loves so much about the fashion industry.
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“I’ve spent a lot of time in the fashion industry in my life. I’ve worked with show productions, I used to have my own model agency, and I’d retired, but this year I’ve been approached by a few different First Nations designers to come back out, and I want to come back as a model,” she said. “It’s fascinating to me that someone at this stage of life like myself can still be invited into these spaces and be asked to model these lines of couture.”
