5 Gorgeous Pieces We Love From A New Indigenous Pop-Up Store
Chelsee Pettit, an Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Southwestern Ontario, was walking in downtown Toronto when she saw a symbol on a shirt she mistook for Indigenous syllabics. It turned out to be just a triangle, but that feeling of recognition inspired her own clothing line, named Aaniin, or “I see your light” in Anishinaabemowin.
Four years later, she’s evolved Aaniin from a stand-alone streetwear line to a showcase for Indigenous creators. None of it has been easy—she’s frank about the difficulty and often-thin financial margins of retail. (Not to mention the sometimes physical nature of the work—she hurt her elbow and wrist sewing labels on Aaniin shirts; as a result Pettit tells other designers never to feel guilty about outsourcing production.)
But she’s kept at it, committed to making space for her community—and this holiday season, that includes a physical space: 6,000 square feet on the second floor of the Toronto Eaton Centre. The expansive pop-up includes jewellery, clothing, makeup, accessories, housewares and food from more than 45 Indigenous brands. It’s Aaniin’s second pop up at the central mall, and it runs from November 1 until December 31.
I got a sneak peek of the space during a media tour, while the makers were still busy setting up, but there was already so much creativity, colour, joy and hard work on display. Some of the pieces, like Craig Commanda's intricate, beaded sculptures, or Mino Ode Designs' brightly beaded vases, involved weeks of work. Here are a few more of the pieces that caught my eye.
Karahkwa Jewellery Fringe Earrings, $75
Joy Rogers’s hand-beaded earrings run from dainty strings of bead flowers to dangling, dramatic fringes, like these black and gold showstoppers inspired by the night sky.
Aaniin hoodie, $125
The bright smiley face and rays on this super cute hoodie says “Mino Giizhigad”—or “it’s a good day.”
Rashelle coasters and place mats, $20-$100
The Nehiyaw Iskwew designer’s tufted rugs, coasters and place mats are swirly, groovy whirls of colour that would make any tablescape pop.
Beadwork by Saga Porcupine quill bolo, $40-$165
Saga Kwandibenz loves working with materials taken from nature, like porcupine quills or birch bark. This glorious bolo tie combines quills with intricate beading.
Pre & Peri Mukwa socks, $22
Designed in Canada and ethically made in Italy, these natty athletic socks feature a bear paw (“mukwa” means “bear” in Anishinaabemowin).
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Born in London, Ont., Gillian was Chatelaine’s former deputy editor, digital. She has also worked at Toronto Life and the National Post. Gillian cares deeply about fighting climate change and loves birds, sad lady singers, bikes, baking and wide-legged denim. She lives in Toronto's east end with her partner, two children and Rosie, her very exuberant Bouvier des Flandres.
