Statement Pieces

Lesley Hampton creates chic, elegant designs for all body types

By Alyssa M. Tidwell

Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer Lesley Hampton creates sophisticated couture that emphasizes mental wellness and body neutrality seen through an Indigenous lens. A member of Temagami First Nation, Hampton identifies as an adult “Third Culture Kid,” having spent her formative years in Canada, Australia, England, Indonesia and New Caledonia. “This amalgamation of my Anishinaabe Indigeneity and international upbringing nurtured a passion for socio-cultural causes, and I use my work as a catalyst for research, conversation and community building,” says Hampton.

Model: Lesley Hampton Hair: Deandra Wells MUA: Michelle Silverstein Movement coach: Andrea Rose Stylist: Joshua Davis Photographer: Kikki Guerard

“I would describe my design aesthetic as elegant and edgy. I love including a statement design detail into my pieces, whether it’s a statement exaggerated sleeve or cape detail. Something to bring extra joy to a garment,” she adds.

A cornerstone of her design philosophy touches upon important topics that are gaining more visibility—mental health awareness, body positivity and representation.

Models: Lesley Hampton and Natasha Fisher Hair: Deandra Wells MUA: Michelle Silverstein Movement coach: Andrea Rose Stylist: Joshua Davis Photographer: Kikki Guerard

Model: Natasha Fisher Hair: Deandra Wells MUA: Michelle Silverstein Movement coach: Andrea Rose Stylist: Joshua Davis Photographer: Kikki Guerard

“I believe fashion is for every body,” she says. (Note the space. It’s intentional). “As a society, we deserve to see all bodies and all backgrounds, so at any time or stage of our life we have our clothing meet us where we are at and help us celebrate life…Fashion is something we all interact with on a daily basis, and it’s something we are all influenced by, whether it’s by the clothing we shop for or the media we consume. Because of this, it has a great impact on our body image and mental wellness. Fashion brands are provided such a platform that we can greatly impact society’s push toward inclusivity and representation when we include every body into this beautiful, obtainable fantasy.”

Model: Natasha Fisher Hair: Deandra Wells MUA: Michelle Silverstein Movement coach: Andrea Rose Stylist: Joshua Davis Photographer: Kikki Guerard

Hampton’s designs are definitely having a moment. She was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Local 2023: Toronto list, as well as the number one Canadian label to keep your eye on by Vogue. She’s also styled campaigns for the Toronto Raptors, modeled for Nike and been a guest judge on Canada’s Drag Race. Her designs have been showcased during Milan Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Toronto Fashion Week and the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival.

Last year, Killers of the Flower Moon actress Jillian Dion wore Lesley Hampton at the 2023 GOTHAM Film Awards in New York City. Hampton has also dressed celebrities Lily Gladstone (Killer of the Flower Moon), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) and Tantoo Cardinal (ECHO).

Model: Lesley Hampton Hair: Deandra Wells MUA: Michelle Silverstein Movement coach: Andrea Rose Stylist: Joshua Davis Photographer: Kikki Guerard

This spring during SWAIA’s debut Santa Fe Native Fashion Week from May 2 to 5, Hampton will be showing her latest collection, Alkaline. The Canadian premiere of Alkaline will take place at the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto, Ontario.