Cree Designers Pursue Fashion Dreams Inspired by Family Heritage

Two Cree fashion designers are carving out their paths in the industry, driven by familial inspiration and cultural heritage. Brandon Morin Fox, a two-spirit designer from Piapot First Nation, and Tyler Moody, hailing from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, have left their home communities to pursue their dreams in fashion.

Morin Fox, who grew up in the North Central area of Regina, faced significant personal challenges early in life, having lost both parents during his teenage years. Despite this, he thrived in a creative environment. His father, a drummer and singer, instilled a sense of individuality that continues to fuel his artistic ambitions. “Which is one of the reasons why I feel like I’m able to confidently pursue a creative passion and make it a career,” Morin Fox explained.

At just 23 years old, Morin Fox enrolled in the fashion design program at Toronto Metropolitan University. He was drawn to the program for its strong Indigenous fashion community, which includes notable designers such as Warren Steven Scott, Justine Woods, and Riley Kucheran. “I really do feel like fashion inherently has always been in my blood,” he said, emphasizing the historical significance of adornment in Indigenous cultures. His designs blend traditional elements with contemporary styles, reflecting the duality of Indigenous fashion.

Morin Fox’s work has garnered attention beyond Canada. An L.A. musician named Aries featured a custom-made jacket by Morin Fox on the cover of his album, Glass Jaw. Additionally, he dressed fellow Indigenous artists Kairyn Potts and Scott Wabano for promotional imagery for their podcast. “They reached out, saw my work, and it felt nice because they appreciated it and saw me as an artist,” Morin Fox noted, acknowledging the trust placed in him despite his relatively modest portfolio.

Morin Fox is set to launch his debut fall/winter collection, featuring five unisex pieces, in April 2024.

Tyler Moody’s Journey Through Cultural Heritage

Tyler Moody’s journey into fashion began in his childhood. At the age of nine, he moved to Winnipeg to live with his grandmother. Sitting by her woodstove, he watched her sew and listened to her share stories of their cultural teachings. “She taught me so much and had that huge impact on my life to be where I am now,” Moody reflected.

Seven years ago, Moody left his home community for Winnipeg, becoming the first of his siblings to do so. “I wanted to break that cycle of just talking about our dreams,” he stated. While working as a youth support worker, he was encouraged to share his knowledge of cultural teachings, which inspired him to start a sewing class. Drawing from his grandmother’s teachings and online resources, he learned to sew and create clothing.

“My first ribbon skirt took me four hours to make,” he recalled. “Now it only takes me an hour.” Moody’s designs often incorporate elements from his grandmother’s style, particularly her layering techniques and preference for pockets. He also embraces the symbolism of medicine colors, which represent the seasons in his designs.

“It’s just something that really makes a huge impact in my life and I will continue to do it because it’s very elegant, very modern, and fits every special occasion,” Moody explained. He recognizes that it is uncommon to see a Cree man in fashion design, but he remains open to learning and exploring new skills to contribute meaningfully within Indigenous communities.

Both Morin Fox and Moody exemplify how cultural heritage and family influence can drive individuals to pursue their passions in creative fields, enriching the fashion landscape with their unique perspectives and talents.