The World Is Your Canvas, Says This B.C. First Nations Fashion Designer

Alicia S., a First Nations fashion designer from B.C., is originally from Nuu-Chah-Nulth (Ahousaht) and Kwakwaka’wakw (Alert Bay) Nations. She creates hand-painted art on modern and contemporary fashion wear, featuring traditional Northwest Coast art patterns and elements, as well as bold, bright colours in her work. One day, in-between jobs, she picked up a Sharpie permanent marker and a pair of heels and started drawing. Having posted her first creations online, it was not long before she went viral. Fast forward to today, Alicia presented her collection at New York Fashion Week and sold more than 1,500 unique, hand-painted pieces and counting. She sees the world as her canvas and recently partnered with Sharpie to inspire others to do the same. Watch Alicia’s story here, and read our interview with her, below. —Vita Daily

Hi Alicia! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start. 

Hi! I am a full-time First Nations artist and owner of Alicia’s Designs. I create hand-painted fashion pieces, using modern techniques inspired by First Nations formline. One day in 2012, I started drawing on a pair of heels using a Sharpie permanent marker and the rest is history. I’m extravagant at heart, with a huge love for fancy clothes, big jewelry, big sunglasses, big EVERYTHING. 

When did you first start hand-painting art on modern and contemporary fashion wear? 

I started designing in 2012, because I wanted to bring Indigenous art to the masses in a modern way.  

What niche were/are you aiming to fill? 

When I first started, a lot of Indigenous-made and designed clothing was not intended for everyday wear—it was mainly ballgowns or very traditional pieces. I saw the opportunity to create clothing that highlights Indigenous art in everyday clothing and casual wear. I wanted the everyday person to be able to wear Indigenous clothing and accessories that are readily available. 

What products/services do you currently offer, and what makes them unique? 

My collections features shoes and boots, hats, handbags and so much more. I’m also expanding to formal wear—think gowns for red carpet events and stage clothing to fuel my creative urges. I believe each piece should be one of a kind and original, like a wall hanging—but one that you can wear! Sharpie makes this possible as I’m able to easily create uniquely designed pieces by hand. 

What is the main inspiration behind your designs, and how do you incorporate your cultural background into your work? 

My main inspiration is First Nations art. Ultimately, my goal is to have First Nations art in mainstream media and show everyone that we are not just in the history books, but all around today, creating beautiful art. I use simple formline, avoiding any patterns that can be used in ceremonies, so my designs can be worn in an everyday setting, while celebrating First Nations culture I work hard to ensure that culture and traditions thrive in my designs by adding a modern flare to traditional First Nations formline. 

You recently presented your collection at New York Fashion Week and sold more than 1,500 unique, hand-painted pieces and counting! How does it all feel? 

It’s actually more than 3,000 pieces now! Being a part of New York Fashion Week was definitely a career highlight for me, and a sign that my art was really connecting with people and bringing my goal to life. It was also a humbling experience to be responsible for presenting a collection dedicated to survivors and non-survivors of the Residential School System. Beyond the pride I felt showcasing my art, I felt honoured to bring attention to our history on one of the biggest stages in the fashion world.  

You also recently partnered with Sharpie to inspire others to see their world as their canvas, as you do yours; any other words of motivation to aspiring artists/designers 

I started with a Sharpie marker; it is so accessible and allows me to fuel my creativity whenever! My advice is, remember, the World Is Your Canvas. If you have a passion, do it! Let out all your creativity, use any tools you have—Sharpie products are a great starting point. Do it as your hobby or as your full-time job, but don’t let anyone stop you and keep pushing your work out to the public. One day you’ll look up and you’ll see a whole world that you didn’t know existed.  

Please tell us a bit more about your goal to have more First Nations representation in the mainstream fashion industry. Any advice for others? 

I hope to continue inspiring the First Nations community to encourage emerging fashion designers to raise their voice to show the world our creative capabilities. There’s no shortage of talented members of our community across all fields, so I would say just don’t hold back and give it everything you have to get your work out there. 

What’s next for you? 

My next goal is to design a dress for Met Gala! 

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