Coast Salish fashion designers, Ay Lelum’s fashion designs have graced the pages of many issues of BAHM Magazine for the past few years s well as many other top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle and L’Officiel. Recently, the Coast Salish designers have met with great success at NYFW. Their runway approach combined textile arts and music to tell a story of creation which documents the present times with healing and hope for the future.
“Ay Lelum narrates the family stories of wolves (Stqeeye’) using modern and bold flowy fabrics and fur-like velvets. The nudes and flesh tones that represent creation, move to bright oranges and reds which reflect the happenings of modern times.
– Ay Lelum
Also featured with this showcase is the Coast Salish Eye of Life, the center of all consciousness which transcends time. Hidden within the design is the birth of new life and new beginnings. This collection represents transformation and resilience.
“In our Coast Salish traditions, we are to leave you a good way. We ended our showcase with a happy song that was passed on by our Great Grandfather (William Good). As we sing with our Father, we leave you with positive thoughts for healing that represent resilience, new life and change.”
– Ay Lelum
“The origin story we share is from the Nanaimo River (Traditionally called Stqeeye’), the very River we live and operate our design house at on Snuneymuxw First Nation, in Nanaimo, B.C., Canada. The story is told by our father, William Good with Traditional Coast Salish artwork by our brother, Joel Good, and is protected by the Hul’q’umi’num Laws that we abide by.”
