Bio -
His journey began alongside his Aunty, Helen Oro, with his very first dress featured in an online Vogue article. That moment inspired a collection dedicated to memory, resilience, and care for the land—crafted using repurposed materials sourced from thrift stores to reduce fashion waste.
Helen Oro, designer and owner of Helen Oro Designs and a member of Pelican Lake First Nation, is an internationally recognized designer whose work has been showcased across Canada, the U.S., and internationally. Beyond the runway, Helen is committed to mentorship, education, and creating meaningful opportunities for emerging creatives.
Together, their work is more than fashion—it’s a story of love passed between generations.
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 really started designing part time in 2012 which then became my full time job in 2014 and have been doing so ever since. It actually wasn't something I ever thought of when I was younger and a skill I stumbled upon after getting back into beading.
How did you learn your skills?
Self taught, a lot of practice and experimenting.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
Thinking outside the box come very easy for me, I struggle with using structure, patterns etc. my mind wants to do what it envisions while I bead.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
Sometime it's just a good ol theme that'll inspire a collection or even a colour.
What can you share about the new collection you will be showing at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) 2026? Does color play an important role?
We're using more earth tone colour pallet. Greens/browns and nudes. Incorporating natural elements in some of the bigger pieces.
Can you share about your partnership with Okinawa Bird for this show?
Teaching him the importance of minimal waste while creating is key and a inspiration for our collection. Being able to create while working through grief has been so healing.
Do you have a favorite look?
I love a good beaded statement piece whether it's a body piece or or necklace set.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Reaching me through my online social media platforms (links below) is the best way to reach me. I do a lot of custom orders.
In closing, is there anything else you'd like to share with readers ?
Please be sure to purchase your tickets for Couture night Nov 19th to witness a show stopping collection made with generational love.
Together, their work is more than fashion—it’s a story of love passed between generations.
Interview -
I really started designing part time in 2012 which then became my full time job in 2014 and have been doing so ever since. It actually wasn't something I ever thought of when I was younger and a skill I stumbled upon after getting back into beading.
Self taught, a lot of practice and experimenting.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
Thinking outside the box come very easy for me, I struggle with using structure, patterns etc. my mind wants to do what it envisions while I bead.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?
Sometime it's just a good ol theme that'll inspire a collection or even a colour.
What can you share about the new collection you will be showing at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) 2026? Does color play an important role?
We're using more earth tone colour pallet. Greens/browns and nudes. Incorporating natural elements in some of the bigger pieces.
Can you share about your partnership with Okinawa Bird for this show?
My youngest started sewing at the age of 12 and has been slowly building various collections alongside myself. He's been learning various techniques in sewing and the out of the box/upcycling with me. I think this mixture has blossomed him into the talented designer he's becoming.
Do you have a favorite look?
I love a good beaded statement piece whether it's a body piece or or necklace set.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
Reaching me through my online social media platforms (links below) is the best way to reach me. I do a lot of custom orders.
In closing, is there anything else you'd like to share with readers ?
Please be sure to purchase your tickets for Couture night Nov 19th to witness a show stopping collection made with generational love.
Links -
- Website - www.helenorodesigns.wordpress.com
- Instagram - @HelenOroDesigns
- Facebook - www.facebook.com/HelenOroDesigns/
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