VIFW Bio -
Yolonda Skelton (Jackson) (Sug-iit-looks) is a visionary fashion/costume designer from the Gitxsan First Nations, whose work beautifully intertwines her cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Yolonda's deep connection to her roots as taught to her by her late maternal grandmother Lily Jackson is evident in each and every one of her creations. Her innate ability to fuse the old and the new has made her a trailblazer in the industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique style. Yolonda's designs tell stories of her ancestors, invoking a sense of pride and reverence for the Gitxsan culture. She honors the traditions passed down through generations while embracing the ever-evolving world of fashion. Yolonda's acclaimed designs have graced the runways of prestigious fashion shows, attracting a loyal following. She consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible, challenging conventional fashion and redefining what it means to be an Indigenous designer.
Website - /www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
Interview -
Can you please share with readers about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career. Was it a passion from a young age?
I wanted to be an artist from a very young age, but my life took a different turn. I majored in psychology at SFU and was going to be an art therapist in schools. I have always believed that art would heal the world. However, to council in schools you needed to become a teacher first. So I went back to school, became a teacher and found out I loved it and could use my psychology/art background to support my students. I taught all subjects in high school for 22 years and just created fashion off the side of my desk. I recently took early retirement from teaching after taking leave to do the Marie Clements film “Bones of Crows,” and I am now doing fashion and costume design for theater, and film full time. Watch for my newest project Thompson Highways play “Rose” in Ottawa, directed by Kevin Loring.
Interview -
I wanted to be an artist from a very young age, but my life took a different turn. I majored in psychology at SFU and was going to be an art therapist in schools. I have always believed that art would heal the world. However, to council in schools you needed to become a teacher first. So I went back to school, became a teacher and found out I loved it and could use my psychology/art background to support my students. I taught all subjects in high school for 22 years and just created fashion off the side of my desk. I recently took early retirement from teaching after taking leave to do the Marie Clements film “Bones of Crows,” and I am now doing fashion and costume design for theater, and film full time. Watch for my newest project Thompson Highways play “Rose” in Ottawa, directed by Kevin Loring.
How did you learn your skills?
I have been sewing since I was a teenager, and have taken courses over the years as offered at Pacific Design Academy, but I am basically self taught. It wasn’t until 2001 that I started to put art on regalia and clothing. I was mentored in North Coast design by Tsimshian artist Russell Mathers in Prince Rupert, as part of a woman's art/wellness carving program.
I have been sewing since I was a teenager, and have taken courses over the years as offered at Pacific Design Academy, but I am basically self taught. It wasn’t until 2001 that I started to put art on regalia and clothing. I was mentored in North Coast design by Tsimshian artist Russell Mathers in Prince Rupert, as part of a woman's art/wellness carving program.
In costume design I was mentored by costume designers Carmen Thompson and Jessica Kalan, while assisting on “Bones of Crows.” I am constantly learning on each and every runway show, play, or film I do. I work with incredibly talented and skilled individuals who share their knowledge, and for that I am truly grateful.
The pattern making takes the most time. I have my drawing and I know what I want it to look like. I just need to figure out how to create the pattern that will showcase my vision. This is where my talented mentee and brilliant pattern maker Kevvi Gosnell comes in to assist me. Once I have the pattern the rest comes easy. I can see the design in my mind, know the story I am trying to tell and I visualize how it is going to wrap around the body to ground the wearer in culture.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
I find inspiration all around me in nature, walking down the street, from historical fashion, and from my dreams. Colour is very important in my design process. I use it to create both traditional Northwest Coast style garments and very bold contemporary pieces. I like to use pattern, texture, and colour to make eye-catching fashion that speaks to the senses on many levels.
What can you share about the new collection you will be showing at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) 2025? Does color play an important role?
My new collection is called "Winds Whisper of Wearable Wisdom" it is a unique collection of up-cycled leather and wool jackets, ties, dresses, and accessories that champions sustainability and cultural heritage. Each piece is crafted to honour my Gitxsan culture of the northwest coast, by intricately connecting the wearer to the rich animal symbology, and by using both traditional/contemporary colours that embodies strength, wisdom, and protection.
By choosing these garments, individuals not only embrace style but also commit to up-cycling and indigenizing fashion, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a shared responsibility for the earth's resources. This collection focuses on people wearing their values and celebrating the wisdom of the past.
Do you have a favorite look?
My favourite look is my new octopus coat, I created it after watching the video “My Octopus Teacher.” I wanted to highlight them and protect them, because in First Nations culture the octopus symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, transformation, and the mysteries of the ocean. It is a powerful symbol representing qualities such as resourcefulness, the ability to navigate life's challenges, and regeneration. The octopus is also associated with prosperity and good luck having 8 legs.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Right now it is only through special order and working with me directly. However, I have created some unisex ties that you can find from me online. Stay tuned to my Instagram and Facebook to see them. “The Ties That Bind” Collection was shown on the runway last year, with more designs to follow. My mind is overflowing with ideas for these ties that have not been made yet.
In closing, is there anything else you'd like to share with readers ?
My hope is that people can learn about my Gitxsan culture in a safe way, through asking questions about my fashion designs and collection. To me it is all about creating a safe positive dialogue for understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
Links -
- Website - www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
- Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008623054874
- Instagram - @yolondaskelton
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