New York Fashion Week: Pegui’s First Nation designer attends event
When New York Fashion Week kicks off in September, a woman from Peguis First Nation will be on hand to show off her work and culture.
Alyssia Sutherland, the owner of Ally’s Ribbons, was one of the few Indigenous artists invited to the showcase event, which runs September 7-13.
Sutherland designs ribbon skirts and takes 15 of them to the show.
She found out she went to New York in May while attending another show in Cannes, France, saying it was an incredible feeling.
“I just started crying,” Sutherland said. “I was like, I can’t believe I’m here in France presenting my work and now I’m getting the chance to show my work in New York.” So it was really exciting.”
All of the models attending Fashion Week with Sutherland are Indigenous, including five she was allowed to choose herself, who are also from Peguis First Nation.
It was important to Sutherland to showcase her community on the biggest stage as much as possible.
“I try my best to take my community with me because I want to grow with my community. When I was younger, we never had these opportunities to look forward to. I had to move to the city to do what I want…Now I begin to uplift my community in the best possible way.”
One of Alyssia Sutherland’s ribbon skirt designs. (Source: Ally’s Ribbons/Facebook. Uploaded July 12, 2023.)
‘RIBBON WORK IS LIKE MY IDENTITY’
Sutherland said she is excited to show off her ribboned skirts, noting that they are an important part of who she is and that they are important to Indigenous peoples.
“Ribbon work is kind of like my identity. I want people to know I’m native. I want people to know I’m a warrior. I want people to know I’m strong, resilient, I’m beautiful and powerful.”
Her designs contain bright colors and lots of sequins to give both the skirts and the models as much attention as possible.
She added that the ribbon-trimmed skirts mean something different to each person who wears or designs them, but notes that they are a strong symbol of Indigenous culture.
At previous events, Sutherland said she has received a lot of positive feedback and compliments on the skirts she has designed.
“I really cherish those compliments because that was my goal.”
The theme for her September skirts is “silver,” so every design will feature silver in one way or another.
She hopes this opportunity will be one that leads to much more, not just for her, but for all who join her on the journey.
“It only takes one chance to cause an entire big bang.”
One of Alyssia Sutherland’s ribbon skirt designs. (Source: Ally’s Ribbons/Facebook. Uploaded July 12, 2023.)
