A year ago, I knew I wanted to try my hand at a t-shirt line. Something just for fun, something that could really resonate with me. I am surrounded by talent – with Neechie Gear, SheNative and Kiowa Sage, locally, as well as knowing the art that could be in lines like OXDX Clothing and The NTVS – so I wanted something that would showcase my story, my culture.
I teamed up with SheNative, as the company makes it a point to give back to the communities, and we decided that we create a scholarship for an Indigenous woman in the Arts (details to be released soon). After a few talks, and a few pushes to get started, we created three products. It was incredibly interesting to see the work that goes on behind the scenes of a launched product, and it was incredibly satisfying to brand this the way I wanted it to be.
We shot in two locations – one more Northern inspired, and one more urban (coming soon). I specifically wanted my cousin Tara to be my lead model, as she and I grew up together, and she just represents our community to me. Next, I chose Jazmyne, as she is also from our home community, and I’ve photographed her before as a grad escort and I loved her Indigenous look. Finally, our male model was suggested to me. Legit, his name is Dene. We all laughed at that a bit, because we basic. And then we had my power-trio, my tribe.
And we created our story.
#WeAreDene
….
Credits:
Models: Tara Campbell, Jazmyne Black, Dene Robillard
Hair: Rachel Pacquette
Makeup: Kacey Beaudry, MUA
T-Shirts/Bunnyhug: SheNative (Logo Design by Joi T Arcand, Dene Syllabics by Elder Marge Reynolds)
Accessories: Beaded Earrings and Bolo Choker: Beads, Rhymes, Life // Beaded Cuffs: Catherine Blackburn // Dreamcatcher Earrings: Indicity
