Randi Nelson Designs
/Show Day
DAY4, OCT 18
/Social Media
Randi Nelson, a Secwépemc artist and fashion designer from St’uxwtéws First Nation, is dedicated to preserving Indigenous materials of wealth through her designs. Blending traditional elements such as smoked hides, quills, shells, and caribou hair with contemporary fashion, she transforms these resources into powerful symbols of Indigenous beauty and resilience. Her designs have been showcased at prestigious events, including the Oscars, Junos, Emmys, and Cannes Film Festival. She has received awards like Best in Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market, and her work is collected worldwide, including in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
Randi Nelson’s first runway show at the Adäka Cultural Festival in 2022 sparked her passion for creating fashion art. Her background in Indigenous art and beadwork later developed into a desire to explore larger runway collections.
How would you describe your design style?
Her designs blend traditional Indigenous materials and techniques with contemporary fashion. Inspired by the land and changing seasons, the work highlights natural colour, texture, and materials while honouring their cultural significance.
What can people expect from your “Kwúlécwtn” collection?
“Kwúlécwtn,” meaning “to adorn oneself” in Secwepemctsín, celebrates Indigenous artistry, culture, and tradition. Each look highlights a different Indigenous material and presents it as an expression of beauty, cultural wealth, and knowledge.
What traditional materials are featured throughout the collection?
The collection incorporates materials such as beadwork, shells, hides, fish skins, and cedar weaving. These materials highlight Indigenous craftsmanship while demonstrating the knowledge and skill involved in transforming natural resources into wearable art.
How does the collection reflect the changing seasons and natural world?
Nature is central to Randi’s creative process, particularly seasonal plants, colours, and textures. Flowers, berries, and leaves inspire patterns and material choices, helping capture the character of the land at different times of year.