Cree Designers Launch Fashion Dreams Inspired by Family Roots

Two Cree fashion designers, driven by family connections, are pursuing their dreams after leaving their home communities. **Brandon Morin Fox**, an emerging two-spirit designer from **Piapot First Nation**, and **Tyler Moody** from **Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation** are both making significant strides in the fashion industry, drawing inspiration from their cultural heritage and personal experiences.

Brandon Morin Fox, who grew up in North Central Regina, faced early adversity with the loss of both parents in his teens. His artistic family background, particularly his father’s influence as a drummer and singer, fostered his creativity. “Which is one of the reasons why I feel like I’m able to confidently pursue a creative passion and make it a career,” he reflected. At 23, he enrolled in the fashion design program at **Toronto Metropolitan University**, attracted by its Indigenous fashion community that includes notable designers such as **Warren Steven Scott**, **Justine Woods**, and **Riley Kucheran**.

Morin Fox believes that fashion has always been a part of his identity. “I feel like as Indigenous peoples, we’ve always found a way to embellish and adorn ourselves,” he stated. His designs blend traditional elements with contemporary styles, embracing a luxury aesthetic that highlights the duality present in Indigenous fashion. His work has garnered attention from the music industry; an L.A. musician known as **Aries** chose to wear a custom-made jacket by Morin Fox for the cover of his album, *Glass Jaw*.

Morin Fox also had the opportunity to dress **Kairyn Potts** and **Scott Wabano** for promotional imagery for their podcast, expressing gratitude for their trust in his artistic vision despite his limited portfolio. “They appreciated it and saw me as an artist,” he shared.

In April 2024, Morin Fox will debut his fall/winter collection featuring five unisex pieces, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Tyler Moody: From Cultural Teachings to Fashion Design

**Tyler Moody**’s journey into fashion also stems from deep family ties. At the age of nine, he moved to live with his grandmother in **Nelson House**, around 800 kilometres north of Winnipeg. He cherishes the memories spent by the woodstove, where she sewed and shared stories of their culture. “She taught me so much and she had that huge impact in my life to be where I am now,” Moody said.

Seven years ago, Moody relocated to Winnipeg for work, becoming the first in his family of seven to leave their home community. Seeking to break the cycle of merely discussing dreams, he took initiative by working as a youth support worker. It was during this time that he began sharing his knowledge of cultural teachings, which inspired him to start a sewing class. Drawing on skills learned from his grandmother and techniques found in online tutorials, he created his first ribbon skirt, taking four hours to complete. Now, he has streamlined his process to just one hour.

Moody’s designs reflect his grandmother’s style, particularly her penchant for layering and incorporating pockets into her clothing. He also embraces the significance of medicine colours, which represent the seasons, in his creations. “It’s very elegant, it’s very modern, and it’s something that goes with every special occasion,” he noted.

Despite the rarity of a Cree man in the fashion design space, Moody expresses openness to learning and expanding his skills. Both designers demonstrate a dedication to their craft and a commitment to honoring their cultural heritage, showcasing the vibrant intersection of tradition and modernity in Indigenous fashion.