Yolonda (Loni) Skelton, creator of Sugiit Lukxs Designs, is a fashion designer and textile artist from the Gitxsan Nation and the House of Hax-be-gwoo-txw for the Fireweed Clan. Her fashion designs are inspired and created from traditional oral stories told to her by her late maternal grandmother. Since 2001, Skelton has been creating one-of-a-kind textile projects for clients ranging from traditional ceremonial dance blankets and regalia to contemporary clothing and accessories.
1920s inspired Raven Transformation Cami Dress • Model: Talaysay Campo • Earrings: Copper Canoe Woman • Photographer: Patrick Shannon, Supernaturals Modelling • Creative Director: Joleen Mitton, Supernaturals Modelling
“I believe that fashion can be used as a constructive platform to raise awareness on social issues, as well as a wonderful medium to promote reconciliation, tolerance and respect for Indigenous Peoples of Canada,” says Skelton. “As a designer, I want my customers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our culture through the medium of fashion.”
“To me, Indigenous fashion is more than just clothing, it’s wearable art that teaches you about the distinct culture and traditions of the various nations from across Canada.” — Yolonda Skelton
She describes her aesthetic as an eclectic mixture of past and present, in which she uses traditional motifs of animals and plants in bold colors, placing them on both classic vintage and modern style garments. Materials like ultrasuede, silk, cashmere, mesh and leather can all be found in Skelton’s designs.
Recently, the artist showed a new collection called From Earth to Earth during the Santa Fe Indian Market Indigenous Fashion Show. “It is a collection about how everything we have to clothe our bodies [with] comes from the earth, and when it has had its time, it goes back to the earth…By wearing these upcycled leather and fur clothes you are reactivating and honoring the sacrifice of the animals, as well as the original art form of fashion.”
www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
Facebook: Yolonda Skelton (Sugiit Lukxs Designs)
Instagram: @yolondaskelton
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