Kawenniiosta wins fashion designer challenge

There was much to see and admire Saturday evening at the 2010 Nations Best™ Next Top Model competition and the clothing designs were as much a centerpiece of the show as the models. With the 4th annual show being put on by Jacobs Tobacco Company, organizers added an element to the competition that the clothing designers could enjoy. While the main competition recognizes beautiful Native women with a talent for modeling, the “Designer’s Challenge – Nations From Around the World” gave local clothing designers the chance to show how talented they are as well.

The JTC staff gave several designers a stipend to design two outfits that represented a different country or culture. Marlana Thompson designed for Egypt, Kawenniiosta (no last name) designed for Africa, Rosebud Cook designed for India, Terry Cree designed Hawaiian outfits, Niio Perkins created clothing representing China and Kim Picard designed for Europe. Jacobs Tobacco Company also designed outfits for Russia and Australia.

While the models in the show walked the runway several times wearing outfits created just for the competition, only one runway walk was dedicated to the Designer’s Challenge. The models came out two at a time showcasing the international outfits and it was clear that each designer has versatility.

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/actress Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida) performed at the show and was asked to be the judge of the Designer’s Challenge.

Kawenniiosta was named the winner for her African designs worn by models Dakota Thompson and Keshia Thompson.

While Kawenniiosta has been involved in the Nation’s Best competition every year, it’s been in the makeup department. This year, she decided to dive back into her real passion of designing clothes and it has been paying off for her.

When she was a child Kawenniiosta attended the Akwesasne Freedom School. One year she was taught by Anen Dora Lazore and Elizabeth Perkins to sew her own traditional outfit for Mid-winter Ceremony approaching at the longhouse.

“After my mom saw what I made she trusted me with her sewing machine,” said Kawenniiosta, now 27. “I remember making doll clothes when I was young and ever since then I wanted to design clothes. In high school I used to rip my clothes and add things to them. I remember painting my room and I was wearing my favorite jeans. I got paint on them and I knew they were ruined but I didn’t want to give them up so I grabbed the sponge I was using and painted all over my jeans. When they dried I added beads to them.”

Kawenniiosta said she has had her designing career outlined in her mind for years with her concept laid out and a name for her line: J.A.K.I.L. Each letter stands for a different best friend in her life each with a different body type. J is the average line, A is the plus-size, K is her curvy line, I is her petite line and L is her tall line.

When Kawenniiosta had her son in 2004 all her fashion design plans were put on hold.

She said, “It wasn’t until I had my daughter (last year) that my tota and mom bought me a sewing machine and said ‘Get sewing! You have clothes to make for your daughter!’ I put that sewing machine to use and I’ve been sewing since. I signed up for classes in fashion design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco via online. I haven’t even started my design course yet and already after making them four outfits for the show I feel like I’ve been sewing for years.”

Kawenniiosta designed the two African outfits as well as two dresses for the “cocktail” portion of the modeling competition.

While some designers may have had to leave their comfort zones to create international clothing, Kawenniiosta created two outfits that can be worn in any country but still have an obvious African influence.

“After seeing the other designs I was like ‘Aw man, I’m not going to win, they all look like actual costumes from those countries,” she said.

One of Kawenniiosta’s outfits, she said, was inspired by the African tunic.

“I took that look and added my touch to it,” she said. “I shortened it, tapered it, and added a belt with African-inspired jewelry.”

The challenge was a great way for local designers to explore their creativity and be encouraged to continue improving on their natural talent.

“Winning this challenge has opened so many doors for me,” Kawenniiosta said. “I had two offers to have my clothes in stores - one in Montreal and one here on the ‘rez’. I have more support than I could ask for. I’m thankful and glad that so many people loved my dresses. It gives me the confidence I need to make more and outdo what I have already done. I have good friends that help me out and my tota is always right there ready to help me with my designs. My children are my inspiration to succeed in life.”

Photos by Shannon Burns