For immediate release: March 21, 2019
Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto presents the most distinct and progressive Indigenous artists working in fashion, textiles and craft for all audiences. Runway and Marketplace applications are being accepted until April 29, 2019.
Toronto, ON – The second biennial Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO) takes place May 28 – 31, 2020 at Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto. The festival will include runway with performances, marketplace, art exhibition, hands-on workshops, panels and networking events. IFWTO is seeking runway and marketplace submissions, the application deadline is April 29, 2019. Eligible applicants are self-identified Indigenous fashion, craft and textile artists and designers from anywhere in the world whose work holds a clear vision and is at the intersection of fashion, art and culture.
IFWTO is seeking runway and marketplace applications by Indigenous artists, urban or rural, of all artistic levels. IFWTO is particularly interested in works that challenge perceptions of and celebrate Indigenous people and culture with integrity and innovation. IFWTO will work closely with all selected artists and designers to ensure excellence, respect and proper protocols in the presentation, dissemination and exportation of their work.
The first IFWTO was an incredible success. Exciting highlights from IFWTO 2018 included sold out runway shows, a front-page article in the Toronto Star entertainment section, feature article in NOW Magazine, a segment on CBC’s the National and coverage in Vogue and National Geographic, as well as extensive coverage in local and national mainstream and Indigenous press. At IFWTO 2018, Indigenous artists were connected with buyers, curators and programmers from various arts councils, fashion organizations and retailers and they received significant exposure on social media and mainstream media, going on to grow their artistic practice and businesses. To name only a few, Warren Steven Scott was recently nominated for a Canadian Arts & Fashion Award for his jewellery debuted at IFWTO 2018, Lesley Hampton is wholesaling her athleisure collection, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion presented her latest collection to praise at Paris Fashion Week, Ingrid Brooks, Sho Sho Esquiro and Yolonda Skelton presented on the Eiffel Tower for International Indigenous Fashion Week (the Indigenous fashion week group from Saskatchewan), Catherine Blackburn has numerous gallery exhibitions of her New Age Warriors Collection, Curtis Oland was produced by IFWTO and exhibited at Somerset House for International Fashion Showcase 2019… The achievements of designers presented at IFWTO 2018 are great. We look forward to continuing to foster Indigenous designers in 2020.
IFWTO’s goal is to amplify global Indigenous artistic expression in fashion, crafts and textiles and to contribute to growing an Indigenous economy. At Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto 2020, 20+ artists will be presented on the runway, 54 exhibitors will be presented in the marketplace, including a designer showroom, and 20 artists and thought leaders will speak in panels and lectures. Audiences will also have the opportunity to attend a curated exhibition and participate in intensive, pre-registered hands-on workshops.
Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto is Indigenous-led and committed to the advancement of Indigenous artists and designers, connecting them and their work to diverse audiences and industry. IFWTO is a four-day festival founded to create space by and for Indigenous artists, to grow an Indigenous economy and to present authentic expression of Indigenous culture through fashion, craft and textiles. IFWTO programming includes at least 60% women.
Artist Registration for Runway and Marketplace:
APPLICATION & GUIDELINES: IFWtoronto.com/apply
DEADLINE: April 29, 2019
FEE: $20 per application
Tickets & Packages:
Tickets and festival package sales will be announced in early 2020
More Info: www.IFWtoronto.com
ABOUT INDIGENOUS FASHION WEEK TORONTO
IFWTO is a fashion, crafts & textiles festival presenting the most distinct and progressive Indigenous-made works. IFWTO celebrates global Indigenous expression in fashion and the arts and its grounding in Indigenous knowledge, ways of life and storytelling. Led by Indigenous women, IFWTO connects audiences to artistic and cultural expression that celebrates and advances Indigenous artists and designers .
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