On Saturday, a multitude of models took to the catwalk at the Kwanlin Dun Centre. This event marked the inauguration of Yukon’s fashion week, organized by the Canadian Arts, Culture, and Community Foundation. The non-profit has also hosted fashion shows in various Canadian cities like Edmonton, Saskatoon, Surrey, Toronto, and Winnipeg.
The runway showcased creations from ten diverse designers and models, including many Indigenous individuals from both within and outside the territory. Annie Manjuran, the founder and CEO of The Canadian National Fashion Show, expressed her delight at the turnout for the debut show, emphasizing the remarkable community, artistry, and cultural representation.
Manjuran enthusiastically announced the return of the event to Yukon, highlighting the significance of bridging the northern region with the broader Canadian fashion community. Cree designer Priscilla Trimble, known as Cilla Bean, who hails from Winnipeg, shared the profound impact of presenting her work in Whitehorse, describing the experience as transformative and deeply appreciative of the warm reception.
For Trimble, fashion holds personal significance, serving as a form of creativity, self-expression, and a pathway to healing from past struggles. Participants like Nehal Aggarwal praised the event as a pivotal opportunity for emerging designers to showcase their talent to a larger audience.
The fashion week also provided a unique platform for models to display their skills and enhance their portfolios in the northern setting. Jenaya Akerstream, who graced the runway and earned the title of Miss Teen Western Canada, expressed gratitude for the chance to pursue her modeling aspirations and inspire other young Indigenous women to believe in their dreams.
Akerstream looks forward to competing at the World Universal Pageants in Kenya the following year. Whitehorse Fashion Week is set to make a return to the territory in 2027, continuing to celebrate diversity, creativity, and talent in the Canadian fashion landscape.
