GURL 23 ON THE RUNWAY
Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) opened with the presentation of Gurl 23 on Wednesday, October 15th, at David Lam Hall in downtown Vancouver. As part of the VFW's mandate to present a diverse range of fashion on the runway, it is exciting to see another Indigenous Canadian designer taking their place on the schedule. I met Larissa Healey as she toured fashion events in Vancouver before her show; her energy and excitement were evident. I am thrilled for her opportunity to share her work and story with the VFW audience.
MEET GURL 23 DESIGNER LARISSA HEALEY
The following is an excerpt from the VFW website;
Meet Larissa Healey, famously known as Gurl 23, a multi-talented indigenous, two-spirited artist of Anishinabe and Cree descent. For over 35 years, Gurl 23 has combined elements of her Indigenous culture with visual & physical art, creating works in mediums ranging from 60 scoop graffiti culture, hip hop, rap, mural art, street art, and upcycled regalia.
After exhibiting across Canada at some of the most iconic galleries, including the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Bill Reid Gallery, the Power Plant Gallery, and the National Gallery of Canada, it's time to showcase Gurl 23's fashion talent at the opening of Vancouver Fashion Week on October 15, 2025.
Gurl 23's BROKN AROW collection will bring two elements of her Indigenity to the runway, the Sundance and Canada's infamous 60s scoop, of which she is a survivor. The fashion show will provide a space for truth-telling and reconciliation through the medium of sewn textiles and visual media.
GURL 23 - A REVIEW
The lights dimmed, and a drum circle formed in the center of the runway. On the video screen was the BROKN AROW logo—the hall filled with the hypnotic rhythm of drums. We, the audience, were welcomed to the unceded, ancestral and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.
GURL 23- THE RUNWAY
The runway showcased an eclectic blend of traditional indigenous regalia and art, infused with modern urban influences. The first look featured a dancing figure dressed in full regalia. The designer presented an all-white ensemble that seamlessly combines traditional indigenous elements with a hoodie. This reflects the designer's connection to both indigenous heritage and hip-hop culture. The outfits maintain a traditional indigenous silhouette, characterized by a straight tunic shape. However, the simplicity ends there. These garments feature movement through trailing fringes, as well as intricate details such as crisp, shiny white ribbons and beaded necklaces. Women's outfits are accentuated with thick white belts that have decorative lacing along the edges.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK
A standout piece in the collection is a sports jersey featuring a brilliant mottled orange design, complemented by a matching skirt. The artist integrates themes from hip-hop culture, representing another often marginalized group. The hoodies, with fabric treatments reminiscent of graffiti, evoke the atmosphere of the inner city, particularly Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
These garments are powerful and serve to bridge cultural divides. The relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Canada is complex. The sharing of ideas and the process of reconciliation strengthen the bonds that form Canadian identity. This collection reflects those intricate relationships through a blending of styles and cultures. Furthermore, Larissa Healey challenges us to examine our own individual attitudes. As an audience, we are invited into a different world to embark on a healing journey alongside the designer, participating artists, musicians, and society at large.
IN CONCLUSION
Meeting Larissa Healey has been an absolute pleasure, and I feel that I've formed a new friendship. I want to extend a special thank you to Sarah Murray, who played a crucial role in making the presentation of Brokn Arow possible through her fundraising efforts. The moment when Larissa received a grant from Sue Randhawa at Optical Boutique was truly priceless. Fashion serves many purposes in society, often reflecting our deepest human nature, values, and beliefs. Gurl 23 showcased art, fashion, and culture on the runway, representing a bright future.
LARISSA HEALEY AND I AT VFW.
CIAO FOR NOW, J.ANDREW JACKSON
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