You know about press tour style—when Hollywood stars hit red carpets in one glamorous outfit after another to promote their movies. (Often with some method dressing thrown in.) But this month, I faced a different challenge: book tour style.

When I released my memoir, From the Rez to the Runway, I didn’t expect the whirlwind of events that followed—talk shows, panels, book signings, and more. With so many appearances, I needed a wardrobe that could keep up. Since I don’t have a celebrity stylist, I had to figure out my own fashion focus—fast.

It didn’t take long to land on a theme. My book traces my journey from growing up on my Indigenous homelands—Nipissing First Nation in Canada—to finding my place in New York’s fashion world, where I now write for this magazine. Since the story weaves together Indigenous culture and high fashion, it only made sense for my tour looks to reflect that.

Then I had an idea: What if I wore only Indigenous designers for the entire tour? Today’s Indigenous fashion scene is vibrant and diverse, with designers creating everything from tailored suits to streetwear. I was confident I could find a week’s worth of bold, meaningful pieces—and I was right.

I pulled ready-to-wear pieces from favorites like Jamie Okuma, Section 35, Penny Singer, and Lauren Good Day, all of whom blend traditional Indigenous artistry with contemporary style. Jewelry also became a highlight—I wore porcupine quillwork earrings by Joe Big Mountain, sleek silver pieces by Kiowa jeweler Keri Ataumbi, and dentalium shell necklaces by Gwich’in artist Tania Larsson. A beaded bolo tie from my cousin, Farrah Lewis, added a personal touch.

Wearing these pieces wasn’t just about making a statement—it was empowering. Each outfit celebrated my heritage and introduced Indigenous craftsmanship to new audiences. After all, my book is about showcasing the beauty of Indigenous culture through fashion—why shouldn’t my tour do the same?

Fashion, to me, is identity. It should tell your story. This challenge reminded me that clothing isn’t just about aesthetics—the most powerful pieces carry meaning.

Below, all the Indigenous designers I wore on tour.

(Captions for each photo remain as originally provided.)