FIRST ANNUAL INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK TORONTO TO BE HELD THIS MAY

(March 8, 2018) The inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO) takes place May 31 – June 3, 2018 at Harbourfront Centre, presenting the most distinct and progressive Indigenous artists working in fashion, textiles and craft. IFWTO launches with runway showcases, a curated exhibition, panels and lectures, hands-on workshops, and a market place, including works by 75 Indigenous women artists and a Far North Spotlight with delegations travelling from Nunavut and Greenland.

Founded by Dene artist, designer and innovative leader Sage Paul, Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto is committed to presenting and exporting Indigenous-made works for the advancement and empowerment of Indigenous artists and designers.

"Indigenous fashion can redefine mainstream fashion and art: our fashion illustrates our stories, traditions, sovereignty and resiliency." says Sage Paul, Artistic Director. "IFWTO is about carving out space for Indigenous fashion, craft and textiles and we are thrilled to be presenting Indigenous artists and their works from across Canada, the USA and Greenland this spring."

Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto live runway showcases will include 23 Indigenous artists and designers from across Canada, USA and Greenland, including men's and women's wear, streetwear, avant garde, traditional regalia, jewellery and craft.

The IFWTO lectures and panels will provide opportunity for all audiences to understand Indigenous fashion, including Indigenous Dyes & Fibres, Storytelling & Symbolism in Textiles & Design, Cultural (In)Appropriation, Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Indigenous Fashion Futurisms. Panelists and lecturers will include Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, designers, arts and fashion industry, academics and thought leaders.

The multi-day, hands-on workshops at Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto will include Indigo Dyeing (Tuscarora Nation), Black Walnut Dyeing (Tuscarora Nation), Navajo Rug Weaving, and Beading for Beginners (Dene Nation). The Trade & Consumer Marketplace will feature over 40 vendors in Indigenous fashion, food, cosmetics, lifestyle, craft, textiles and more.

Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto programming details and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Major supporters of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto are Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, British Council and Ryerson University.