Full of joy, honesty, adversity, and great clothes, From the Rez to the Runway is a gripping memoir about how to achieve your dreams—and elevate others—while always remaining true to yourself.
Synopsis -
Growing up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Christian Allaire wanted to work in the fashion industry, a future that seemed like a remote, and unlikely, dream
He was first introduced to style and design through his culture’s traditional Ojibwe powwow regalia—ribbon skirts, beaded belts, elaborate headdresses. But as a teenager, he became transfixed by the high-fashion designs and runway shows that he saw on Fashion Television and in the pages of Vogue.
His unwavering interest in fashion led him to complete a journalism degree so he could pursue his goal of becoming a full-time fashion writer. After landing his first big magazine job in New York City, Allaire found himself working at the epicentre of the international fashion industry. His dream had come true. Yet he soon realized the fashion world—and his place in it—wasn’t always quite as glamorous as he imagined it would be.
From grinding as an unpaid intern, to becoming a glitzy (but overworked) fashion editor, Allaire writes with feeling about the struggle to find his place—and community—in the highly exclusive world of fashion. And he recounts, with great candour, the difficulty of balancing his ambitions with the often-inaccurate perceptions—including his own—of his culture’s place in the realm of fashion.
Review -
I love memoirs where people share their journey to reach where they are in the current day. This was a gem. Allaire's early exposure to fashion came from two opposite sides of the spectrum. First was the traditional Ojibwe powwow regalia, all made by hand - beautiful ribbon skirts, jingle dresses, beaded belts, elaborate headdresses. The the other was the high fashion offerings he found himself drawn to through images seen in Vogue magazine and on Fashion TV. He imagined being a part of that second world.
With the full support of his family he headed off to Toronto to complete a journalism degree. It wasn't easy. There were very few POC in the industry, so very few that could to relate to where he came from and how his background shaped him. Then there were the necessary unpaid internships needed to open the door to a possible future in the industry. Again, his family stepped in to support his dreams, but finances were tough.
Through the book we follow his slow journey from one internship to the next, then one job to the next. Gopher, to assistant, to stylist, to writing, and more - each moving him a little higher each time. His strong determination, incredible work ethic, and the full support of his family were crucial. Along the way, Allaire rediscovered the beauty and incredible craftsmanship of indigenous fashion. He wanted to help the world discover these talented designers. First he connected to Indigenous designers through social media. Then he took his first trip to the SWAIA Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe where he was stunned by not only what he saw on the runway, but what those around him were wearing.
This is a wonderful full circle story of reaching for the stars, as well discovering the beauty of his indigenous roots.
Buy the Book : Amazon CA ~ Amazon US
Meet the Author -
Christian Allaire is currently the Senior Fashion & Style Writer at Vogue in New York City.
He is First Nations (Ojibwe), Italian, and French. Allaire grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Ontario, Canada. After earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014, he moved to New York to begin his career as a fashion editor at Footwear News.
Allaire has worked at Vogue since 2017, where he covers red carpet fashion, celebrity trends, emerging designers, and more. He also specializes in coverage of Indigenous fashion across North America, including pillar events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto.
He has since published two novels. His non-fiction young adult book, "The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures," released with Annick Press in 2021. His memoir "From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion," released with HarperCollins, released in 2025.
Meet the Author -
He is First Nations (Ojibwe), Italian, and French. Allaire grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Ontario, Canada. After earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014, he moved to New York to begin his career as a fashion editor at Footwear News.
Allaire has worked at Vogue since 2017, where he covers red carpet fashion, celebrity trends, emerging designers, and more. He also specializes in coverage of Indigenous fashion across North America, including pillar events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto.
He has since published two novels. His non-fiction young adult book, "The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures," released with Annick Press in 2021. His memoir "From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion," released with HarperCollins, released in 2025.
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