Indigenous Designers Set to Shine at Milan Fashion Week

Alyssia Sutherland, founder of the fashion brand Ally’s Ribbons, is leading a delegation of Indigenous designers and models to Milan Fashion Week from September 23 to 29, 2023. This is a significant opportunity for Sutherland and her team, who aim to showcase their unique cultural heritage through fashion on an international stage.

Sutherland’s journey began with a personal connection to her craft. As a child, she watched her grandmother sew dresses, and later, her mother-in-law taught her to use a sewing machine. In 2018, she made her first ribbon skirt, a traditional Indigenous garment featuring colorful ribbons. “I started going to ceremony and there was a lot of people recognizing my ribbon work,” Sutherland recalled, noting that demand quickly grew through word of mouth.

Since its launch in 2020, Ally’s Ribbons has gained attention at high-profile events including fashion weeks in New York and Paris, as well as the Cannes Indigenous Arts and Fashion Festival. The upcoming Milan event marks the largest showcase yet for Sutherland, who is taking nine designers and 26 models, many from her home community of Peguis First Nation and other Manitoba First Nations, alongside participants from across North America.

“It’s really important for us to let people know that we’re here, we’ve always been here and we’ll continue to be here,” Sutherland stated. This mission emphasizes the importance of visibility and representation for Indigenous communities in the global fashion industry.

The models have been preparing since May under the guidance of Ocean Bruyere, the head model for Ally’s Ribbons. “We really focus on mental health and supporting our models because there are a lot of barriers we have to get through, especially as Indigenous people,” Bruyere explained. She highlighted the need for a diverse representation of Indigenous culture, stating, “There’s no set standard for age, size or appearance.”

Sutherland’s success has been bolstered by support from notable Indigenous figures. In 2021, musician Fawn Wood showcased a skirt from Ally’s Ribbons to her fans, and actress Crystle Lightning commissioned a custom piece for her performances. These endorsements have significantly expanded Sutherland’s customer base.

The Milan show is not just an opportunity for exposure; it serves as a test for Sutherland to validate her vision for Indigenous fashion on a global scale. “I am not making any money from this production,” she admitted, indicating the artistic rather than financial motivations behind her efforts.

Sutherland is also advocating for greater inclusion within the fashion industry. “Fashion week trips are pricey,” she noted, emphasizing the need for support in bringing Indigenous culture to the forefront. Renee Greyeyes, president of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, stating, “For us to have that recognition means that our clothing, our cultural attire, is being accepted on a world stage.”

As part of the lead-up to Milan, Ally’s Ribbons is hosting a fundraiser on September 5, 2023, to help cover expenses. Tickets for the event, called “Manitoba to Milan,” are priced at $28 and include a pop-up market at Swish Studios in Winnipeg.

Sutherland’s ambition extends beyond the runway. She plans to establish a modelling agency within the next year, building on her current success. Her efforts to promote Indigenous fashion are not just about individual success but aim to uplift an entire community.

As the countdown to Milan Fashion Week continues, Sutherland and her team are preparing to make a significant impact, showcasing the richness of Indigenous culture through their art and design.