Fashion show features Moses

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Distinctive Native fashion designer D'arcy Moses featured his line of culturally inspired furs and clothing at a recently fashion show in Saskatoon. The show followed

a two-day conference on aboriginal newspapers and commercial development.

Moses, who is known both locally and internationally for his fashion designs, says his is a hectic lifestyle. Any goals he has reached have been a result of a difficult period in his life.

Moses was the featured designer at the fashion show. His line of furs and coats bore traditional Native designs and symbols and included sheared and dyed beaver coats.

The reactions to his designs are usually "positive" because people are "intrigued by the mixture of tradition and contemporary to create a fresh, unique look," he says. He has shown his designs in some fashion capitals of the world, including Milan and Switzerland.

Inspired by famous designers - including Yves St. Laurent - in the 70s, Moses began his interest in fashion design at the age of 13. Flipping through magazines and liking what he saw, he decided to pursue designing as a career.

After his family moved to the city, Moses lost some of his cultural identity. By the age of 16, he was on the street facing the normal problems of street life, including drugs and alcohol. Eventually he regained his culture and language and began to drum and dance, which led to his decision to actively follow through on his dream of becoming a designer.

Now, at the age of 26 and only four years after his first show, Moses is well on his way to success. His only regret is a lack of time. "Because I have such a busy schedule, I'm unable to pursue other hobbies like painting or sculpting. I mean, I see my parents like once a year."

Within 10 years, he hopes to be well established in the fashion industry and he figures he will also have more time to himself.

Even though his designs use animal furs, Moses is not affected at all by the activists who claim the hunting and exploiting of animals is wrong.

"It's getting so that people are starting to form their own opinions on these issues because the arguments are becoming redundant and people are tired of hearing it."

He also realizes animals provide food and a livelihood for Native trappers.

His advice for young people is simple and straightforward.

"If you have a dream, believe in yourself. There is always hope If you make the first move, the opportunities will present themselves."