When Yolanda Skelton (Sug-iit-looks) creates a garment, she’s doing far more than assembling fabric and thread. The Gitxsan First Nations designer is weaving together ancestral stories, environmental advocacy, and a vision for fashion’s future—one exquisite creation at a time.
Her journey to becoming a trailblazing Indigenous fashion designer wasn’t a straight path. “I wanted to be an artist from a very young age, but my life took a different turn,” Yolanda reflects. She majored in psychology at Simon Fraser University with dreams of becoming an art therapist in schools, guided by her belief that “art would heal the world.” But when she discovered that counseling in schools required teaching credentials first, she pivoted—and found unexpected fulfillment in education.
For 22 years, Yolanda taught all subjects in high school, using her psychology and art background to support students while “creating fashion off the side of my desk.” It wasn’t until she took early retirement—after working on Marie Clements’ film “Bones of Crows”—that she could pursue fashion and film full time.
Rooted in Culture, Reaching Toward Innovation
Yolanda’s deep connection to her heritage comes directly from her late maternal grandmother, Lily Jackson, whose teachings are evident in every creation. Though largely self-taught since her teenage sewing days, with some courses at Pacific Design Academy, Yolanda’s true education in cultural design came in 2001 when she began incorporating art onto regalia and clothing. Regalia refers to the ceremonial garments and accessories worn during traditional Indigenous ceremonies and cultural events—each piece carefully crafted to reflect clan identity, family crests, and spiritual significance. She was mentored in North Coast design by Tsimshian artist Russell Mathers in Prince Rupert as part of a women’s art and wellness carving program.
“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,” she explains.
While pattern making takes the most time—figuring out how to create patterns that showcase her vision—once that foundation is set, the rest flows naturally.
Flight for the Earth: Fashion as Environmental Activism
Yolanda’s 2023 collection for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week’s Red Dress Gala exemplifies her dual commitment to cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. “Flight for the Earth” focuses on endangered flying species threatened by mining, oil drilling, pesticides, and microfibers.
“Without the Bees we will struggle to survive, as they pollinate approximately 35% of the world’s food supply and three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants,” she notes, highlighting the urgency behind her animal motifs.
The collection challenged Yolanda to “Indigenize my closet” while using 50-100% upcycled materials—beautiful natural fibers like linen, wool, cotton, and silk, plus quality leather coats and furs from thrift stores. She collaborated with artist Mead Simon, who works in environmentally conscious chainmail, creating pieces that pepper the collection.
Her favorite look? A 3-D bee tie featuring traditional beading, quillwork, and caribou tufting—techniques she learned from her “Banff aunties.” “I was so honoured to learn traditional techniques to bring my work to another level and connect more deeply with my culture,” she says.
Beyond the Runway
Yolanda draws inspiration from everywhere: nature, city streets, historical fashion, and her dreams. Color plays a vital role in her design process, helping her create both traditional Northwest Coast style garments and bold contemporary pieces. “I like to use pattern, texture, and colour to make eye-catching fashion that speaks to the senses on many levels.”
But her impact extends beyond aesthetics. Yolanda serves as a mentor and advocate for inclusivity and empowerment, using her platform to uplift underrepresented voices within the industry. She’s become a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of fashion designers.
“My hope is that people can learn about my Gitxsan culture in a safe way, through asking questions about my fashion designs and collection,” she shares. “To me it is all about creating a safe positive dialogue for understanding, healing, and reconciliation.”
Photographer: @alanapaterson & @edportraitphotography
Lead makeup : @pincottmakeup | Lead Hair : @krystal_simplystyle
The Future of Indigenous Fashion
Currently, Yolanda’s designs are available through special order, though she’s developing a line of unisex ties that will be available in select stores and online. Her mind, she says, is “overflowing with ideas for these ties that have not been made yet.”
As she continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of fashion, Yolanda Skelton represents something powerful: a designer who honors traditions passed down through generations while fearlessly embracing innovation. With her commitment to sustainability and cultural storytelling, she’s proving that fashion can indeed be a force for positive change—healing the world one garment at a time, just as she always believed art could do.
Through her work in both fashion and film, Yolanda ensures that each piece tells a story of her ancestors, invoking pride and reverence for Gitxsan culture while shaping the future of Indigenous design. Her unique perspective and unwavering passion continue to redefine what it means to be an Indigenous designer in the contemporary fashion world.
Experience the intersection of culture and couture firsthand—visit Yolanda’s Design Studio to explore her stunning collections and discover how each piece tells a story of heritage, hope, and healing. Ready to wear art that grounds you in culture? Connect with Yolanda directly to explore her custom designs and special order pieces. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook to book a studio visit, stay updated on her journey, and be the first to know when her eagerly anticipated unisex tie collection launches. Follow Yolanda on Instagram and Facebook and book a studio visit.