Ojibwe/Odawa designer Dehmin Osawamick Cleland is from the Wikwemikong reserve of Manitoulin Island, currently residing on Tkaronto. She started designing her own regalia at the age of 6 and continued crafting more regalia pieces for her family. Her passion for regalia making naturally evolved into a deep commitment to fashion, leading her to continue honing her skills in college studying fashion and Indigenous arts. In addition to her design practice, she teaches weekly sewing and regalia-making techniques.
“I hope to nurture a sense of connection and confidence in those learning to craft their own regalia. How I work in community deeply influences my design process, where I strive to capture the same sense of pride, connection and self-expression in every piece and idea I create,” says Cleland. “As a designer I love exploring concepts of mood and feeling and translating those expressions into garments. In my recent collection Apane Maandakwe, I am embracing the essence of beauty, sensuality and confidence for individuals who seek to radiate these qualities every day. My translation of this is through lingerie. My vision for my work is for self-healing and pride for anishnaabaekwesauk, [meaning “Forever Beautiful”].
She continues, “Apane Maandakwe empowers wearers to embrace their true selves and revel in their unique allure. Each piece serves as a symbol of empowerment, urging wearers to take charge of their personal style and dress unapologetically for themselves. The beadwork design represents my name Odehmin, meaning ‘heart berry,’ adding to the collection’s vision of providing both spiritual and physical upliftment.” Pieces in the collection are crafted with sheer chiffon, lace, fox fur, beaver fur, leather, velvet and beadwork, with color palettes of black, red, yellow and teal.
“With every piece carefully designed to resonate with the wearer’s individuality and aspirations, this collection invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unabashed self-expression,” says the artist. —
www.dehminocleland.squarespace.com
www.instagram.com/dehmin.o.cleland
Red velvet halter top, red sheer pants and silver fox scarf
Photography: @julesroques
Production: @flyingsolonyc, @flyingsolo_pr
Venue: @lagaleriebourbon, Paris, France
Model: Coralee Attwood
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