Indigenous talent from Manitoba set to strut the runway in Paris
A double dose of Manitoba talent will storm the runways of Paris Fashion Week, wearing distinctly homegrown designs.
Madison Moore, who is Swampy Cree and a member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and Aaliyah Tait, a Winnipegger of Cree-Mi'kmaq and Trinidadian descent, will make their debuts at the womenswear spring-summer event next month.
"I'm super nervous, but I'm also very excited," Moore told CTV News Winnipeg in an interview.
Moore and Tait will model designs from Ally's Ribbons, a couture ribbon-work line created by Alyssia Sutherland, who is a member of Peguis First Nation.
Moore met the Manitoba designer just last May at the Manito Ahbee Festival's Red Road Cultural Clothing showcase. She pulled her aside, wanting to know if she had plans this September.
"She asked me, 'Are you wanting to travel across the world with me?' And I looked at her like, 'Yes, of course. How can I say no?'"
Madison Moore strikes a pose in an undated photo. The Indigenous-Manitoba model is set to make her Paris Fashion Week debut next month. (Madison Moore)
Since then, Moore has been prepping to put her best foot forward on the catwalk, from practicing meditation to walking in heels.
She knows she will step onto the runway as a representative of her community – something she finds both overwhelming and empowering.
"I feel very confident. I feel very strong. I know that my ancestors are watching me, and I get to carry them with me and show them that we are making a movement. We are making a move for everybody, making space for our Indigenous people across Turtle Island."
Madison Moore hits the runway at the Manitoba Ahbee Festival's Red Road Cultural Clothing showcase wearing an Anne Mulaire design on May 18, 2024. (Anne Mulaire/Instagram)
'It's just life-changing'
After a COVID-era sidelining, Aaliyah Tait's modelling career has experienced a similar jump-start in recent months.
Tait inked a contract with an agency right before the pandemic, but put it on hold as the world shut down around her.
"I didn't get the opportunity to do anything with that agency, and then I kind of just let it be for the longest time."
It was Moore who inspired her to give it another go. Tait applied to model at the Manito Ahbee Festival, like her friend. Since then, she appeared at an Indigenous fashion showcase in Calgary, and landed invites to model for other Indigenous designers at both Paris and New York fashion weeks.
Aaliyah Tait poses in an undated image. Tait will model at both Paris and New York fashion weeks next month. (Aaliyah Tait)
Like Moore, she got a call from Sutherland to wear her ribbon-work pieces on the runway in France.
"Things are falling into place, and it just feels like not even real life, if I'm being honest," Tait said.
Moore and Tait are currently fundraising to cover the costs of their Parisian modelling debuts. They are seeking corporate and brand sponsorships to cover airfare, accommodations and food.
Both Manitoba models have never left North American before, and Tait has never been outside of Canada.
"It's just so unreal how much support I've been getting and gaining from this. I never realized how much people were rooting for me and honestly, it's just life-changing."
- With files from CTV's Alexandra Holyk
Aaliyah Tait poses in an Anne Mulaire design at the Manitoba Ahbee Festival on May 18, 2024. (Aaliyah Tait)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Air Canada flights could halt next week: Here's the latest
Air Canada's potential work stoppage could ground flights, halt cargo and leave travellers scrambling to reschedule next week. Follow along with live updates here.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
Canadian health regulators ban this common food additive. Here's what you need to know
In a move to safeguard public heath, Health Canada has officially banned the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) as a food additive. Here's what you need to know.
Workers at Walmart warehouse in Mississauga, Ont. vote to unionize in a Canadian first
A group of workers at a Mississauga, Ont. Walmart warehouse has become the first in Canada to unionize at one of the company’s warehouses.
Police investigating 'targeted' triple homicide in Lloydminster, Sask.
Police in Lloydminster have confirmed they are investigating a triple homicide in the border city.
'I was scared:' Ontario woman fears home will collapse after roofing scam of $158K
An Ontario woman who just wanted to get some gutter guards to keep leaves out of her eavestroughs said she was convinced her home was going to collapse and handed over $158,000 in a roofing scam.
New Brunswick premier's comments about asylum seekers spark controversy
Claims from New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs that Ottawa wants to force the province to take in 4,600 asylum seekers are 'largely fictitious,' says federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
Passenger ordered to pay more than US$5,000 in fuel costs after flight diverted due to bad behaviour
A problematic airline passenger has been hit with an unusual form of punishment – he has to pay back the airline for the cost of fuel.