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Behind the scenes at Vancouver’s first Indigenous-focused fashion week

fashion

Photographer Farah Nosh goes behind the scenes at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, a four-day showcase featuring collections from about 32 designers, most of whom are Indigenous

Farah Nosh
Special to The Globe and Mail

This article was published more than 6 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

Models get their hair done at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week on July 26, 2017. Showcasing Indigenous designers, VIFW runs until July 29 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre atrium in Vancouver.

Founder Joleen Mitton wrangles models at VIFW.

DJ Kokum, left, and host JB The First Lady prep final music and notes as guests flood in.

Model coordinator (and den mother) Willow Riley preps final touches on models, all wearing Okalani LeBlanc, just before taking to the runway.

Linnea Dick, left, and Cora Yeltatzie, daughters of the late artist and chief Beau Dick, behind the scenes at VIFW.

Models get their makeup done before heading onto the runway.

Observers look on at VIFW.

Models walk along the runway.

Models wearing Okalani LeBlanc, just before taking to the runway.

Willow Riley behind the scenes at VIFW.

Linnea Dick and other models walk the runway while wearing Autum Jules’ collection.

Willow Riley, left, and Cora Yeltatzie pose for photos. Designer Okalani LeBlanc, right, uses red tape as a symbol for small pox; many Indigenous designers tell their history through their designs.