The Runway of Rezilience event, organized by Seeing Red, was held at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto on September 26. Originally started in 2024 as a fashion show to showcase Indigenous talent, this year’s event expanded to encompass various forms of Indigenous creativity including food, music, and art.
While the event featured a diverse range of Indigenous creative expressions, the fashion show remained a central element. Eight brands unveiled new collections inspired by the theme “Tales of the Skywalkers,” paying homage to the Haudenosaunee ironworkers who contributed to iconic skyscrapers in cities like Toronto, New York, and Chicago.
Designers from four of the participating brands shared insights into the cultural influences and inspirations behind their collections, emphasizing the fusion of Indigenous traditions with contemporary fashion. Lesley Hampton, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, played a significant role in the event.
The event aimed to celebrate and promote Indigenous creativity and talent, highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity in the fashion world.