Reclaiming Indigenous Fashion - Rare Magazine

from TrooRa Magazine November 2018

by TrooRa Magazine

Scrumptious Delights:- Sioux chef Sean Sherman - Rare Magazine

I am a native woman doing my art form.

- Sho Sho Esquiro

In the fashion world, there are a wide variety of talents and, luckily, it is a big enough arena for everyone’s art to shine. But sometimes there are designers who shine brighter than the rest. One designer in particular is Sho Sho Esquiro, Kaska Dene and Cree, who is a rising star taking the world by storm.

Identifying as a contemporary artist who uses traditional techniques, she is blowing the runways apart with her eclectic use of colors and patterns. Born in the Yukon, she currently resides in Vancouver, Canada. Though she lives in a bustling diverse mecca, she has made it a point to keep her native roots as the main star of her fashion designs.

The fabrics and materials she uses are northern territory based which typically consist of lynx fur, carp leather, and seal skin; and she has a lovely knack for using floral bead work to add even more life into her garments. Her style consists of bright colors, bold patterns, and complex textures, but what separates her from other designers is her use of hides and furs. Every ensemble has an earthy energy to it, with the addition of the fur casting that extra layer of texture and vibrancy.

“My latest collection is called, “No Apology Necessary...” Canada has a dark history With its indigenous people. I feel since I have a platform it is my responsibility to bring awareness to important issues my people are facing. I want my people to heal and take responsibility for their own healing.”

- Sho Sho Esquiro

Each piece of clothing she produces is a playground for the body and the senses. Watching her designs displayed down the runway, you can see their comfort and confidence. It almost seems as if they have a skip in their step. I feel their contentment and want to be a part of it.

This statement is a powerful message of her motivation in making her art. With influences being her elders, family, life, death, and the world around her, it makes sense that her outfits speak volumes of her cultural history and of her own personal journey.

In the years to come, I foresee Esquiro’s company and brand becoming a household name. Her designs speak to her clients and to the masses about her culture, life but also make anyone who wears them feel like the center of the world. With layers of textural complexity, vast lively colors, and bold patterns, she is already on her way to becoming a superstar in the fashion world.