St. John's Fashion Week Runway: Indigenous Fashion

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Date: Aug 9
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: Level 3 Atrium

Join us for an unforgettable evening at St. John's Fashion Week, where we celebrate the vibrant world of Indigenous fashion, hosted by the talented Sarain Fox. This spectacular event features a breathtaking fashion show that highlights the extraordinary work of headlining designer Lesley Hampton and showcases the creativity of Indigenous designers, including April Allen (Stitched by April), Natasha Barlow, Robin Sappier, Michelle Roy, Beatrice Clowe, and Jolene Robichaud (J.R. Fashion Designs).

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of Indigenous talent and creativity. Mark your calendars for an evening of fashion, culture, and connection, and prepare to be inspired by the remarkable artistry of our Indigenous designers. Everyone is welcome—come be a part of this meaningful celebration!

Event Highlights
Fashion Show: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Indigenous fashion as models grace the runway in exquisite designs that blend tradition and modernity.

Reception: This is your chance to connect with designers, models, and fellow fashion enthusiasts and join the vibrant fashion community.

Interactive Experience: Take your moment on the red carpet and capture memories at the Rock Reflection 360 photo booth. A cash bar will be available.

Limited seating is available; this is a standing event. This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

About St. John's Fashion Week:

Founded by Jessica Brown, Roger Maunder, and Dave Howells in 2024, St. John's Fashion Week (SJFW) aims to revolutionize the fashion industry in the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. SJFW promotes local and Indigenous designers and artists through culturally relevant and inclusive curated fashion events. With support from Celebrate NL and the Year of the Arts, our team is committed to elevating our creative hub. Our ultimate goal is to put St. John's on the map as a leading fashion destination, enhance the city's culture, and stimulate economic growth within the local community.

Host Bio:

Sarain Fox is a storyteller. She blends her talents as a dancer, choreographer, activist, television host, and filmmaker. She harnesses these diverse mediums to amplify the voices of her indigenous community and foster meaningful dialogue between indigenous and settler communities. Sarain has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of branding and marketing. She is a passionate advocate for meaningful representation, serving as a Nike N7 ambassador and Canada Goose, Goose Person. She has also dedicated nearly a decade to collaborating with Manitobah Mukluks. Through her work, she has skillfully utilized Indigenous representation and narratives to showcase the rich tapestry of Indigenous fashion and expertise to a global audience. Sarain has made notable contributions to the screen, with credits including Rise (Viceland), Cut-Off (Viceland), and APTN’s Future History. Her documentary film "Inendi" (CBC Gem, 2020) garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Host or Interviewer in a News or Information Program. In 2024, Sarain won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host or Interviewer, News or Information for VeraCity: Indigiqueer. Sarain also made HERstory as the first guest judge to grace the stage on multiple occasions across various seasons of Canada's Drag Race and Canada vs. the World.

Designers' Bios:
Lesley Hampton is an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer dedicated to mental wellness and body neutrality through an Indigenous lens. A member of the Temagami First Nation, she grew up in various countries, which sparked her passion for socio-cultural causes. Lesley’s work fosters research, conversation, and community building. Recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Local: Toronto and named a top Canadian brand by VOGUE, she has styled campaigns for the Toronto Raptors, modeled for Nike, designed for The Toronto Maple Leafs, and appeared as a guest judge on Canada's Drag Race. As an advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship and diversity in fashion, she has lectured at Parsons School of Design and participated in discussions at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her brand has showcased at major fashion events, including Milan and London Fashion Weeks, and has dressed celebrities like Lily Gladstone and Devery Jacobs. Lesley has received multiple accolades, including the 2023 Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award and the 2021 Fashion Impact Award at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.

April Allen, a contemporary Inuk artist and designer from the picturesque town of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, on Labrador's North Coast, is the creative force behind "Stitched by April." With a deep reverence for her Inuit heritage, April intricately weaves traditional materials and history into each of her designs. Her passion for craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous attention she devotes to every stitch and bead, finding solace and fulfillment in her creative process.

Inspired by her mother's dedication to sewing during her upbringing, April developed a profound appreciation for her culture's traditional crafts. Her artistic journey is deeply intertwined with the art of beading and sewing, reflecting her strong connection to her heritage.

In 2022, April gained recognition in the Indigenous artistic community, participating in prestigious events such as the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival, Inuit Studies Conference, Adaka Cultural Festival, Arctic Arts Summit, and the Crafted Show and Sale hosted by the Winnipeg Qaumanaq Art Gallery. Beyond showcasing her creations, she shares her knowledge and skills with others at these gatherings.

April proudly presented her work at the Labrador Winter Games in spring 2023, solidifying her status as a prominent Indigenous artist. Her collection of Inuit Dolls now resides permanently at The Rooms, Provincial Art Bank in St. John’s, NL. Recently, April has showcased her designs at the Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, events that have filled her with immense pride. She has also been invited to present her designs in Paris, Milan, and London, with Paris confirmed as her next destination.

Recognized with the Milestone Award at the 18th annual Excellence in Visual Arts Awards presented by Vanl-Carfac, April is driven by an unwavering desire for innovation. She continually explores new designs, integrating them into her teachings, particularly with Indigenous youth across Northern Canada, whom she instructs virtually from grades K-12. April believes that by sharing her craft and connecting through artistic expression, she can inspire and promote healing among the younger generation.

Natasha Barlow hails from the Mi'kmaq community of Indian Island First Nation. Her lineage is rich with generations of fishermen, skilled basket makers, and captivating storytellers. As a multidisciplinary artist, she finds profound joy in crafting with her hands, a passion instilled in her since childhood. Her late grandmother, Mary Barlow, imparted the invaluable skills of mastering the sewing machine, shaping her craft and identity.

Robin Sappier supported by her community, embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection through her passion for sewing. She found her calling in creating ribbon skirts, each one a vibrant testament to her resilience and Indigenous identity. Through her art, Robin aims to reconnect Indigenous peoples with their heritage, fostering hope, empowerment, and pride. Her remarkable journey highlights her commitment to healing and community, as each stitch and color tells a
story of strength and cultural resurgence. Robin's ability to transform her pain into meaningful art serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural identity in the healing process.

Michelle Roy, a dedicated Wasoqopa' q First Nation member, resides in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. A mother of three daughters, she leads a multifaceted life as the proprietor and creative force behind Two Feathers Mi'kmaq Designs Inc. Michelle skillfully merges Mi'kmaq traditions with modern fashion, crafting custom-made attire showcasing her culture's rich heritage. Her range spans from personalized regalia to elegant gala gowns and intricate accessories, each piece a testament to her artistic vision and cultural
pride.

Jolene Robichaud (J.R. Fashion Designs) is an Acadian & Mi’kmaw queer multi-disciplinary artist (she/him/they). Jolene grew up on the east coast of NB, while her families come from the Kouchibouguac area and Indian Island First Nation. Currently residing in Montréal, Quebec, she works full time for her business called JR Fashion Designs. It is under this business that she creates wares, sometimes traditional with modern artisanal twists, as well as works on textile art and other side projects from time to time. This new collection called “L’nu Glyphs & Glamour” is directly inspired by Mi’kmaw petroglyphs and hieroglyphs. Each look takes on a specific meaning and brings a different glyph to a modern light. From caves and ancient writing systems to the enchanting runway, here is JR Fashion Designs’ “L’nu Glyphs & Glamour”.

Beatrice Clowe is a multifaceted creative force, balancing her work as an underground miner with her passion for fashion design. As a proud Indigenous designer, she brings her cultural heritage to the forefront through her brand. When she's not digging deep or designing stunning pieces, Beatrice loves to express herself through graphic design. A devoted mother to Issiah and Noah, she draws inspiration from
her children and the beautiful landscapes of Torbay, NL, where she calls home. With a unique blend of rugged resilience and artistic flair, Beatrice is a true original, shining bright in the worlds of mining, fashion, and design.