Leiren Designs

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Leiren Designs For Madison Leiren, dressmaking is more than fabric and thread - it is the art of telling stories.

A Métis Scrip was a document issued by the Canadian government in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was meant to exting...
06/05/2025

A Métis Scrip was a document issued by the Canadian government in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was meant to extinguish Métis land rights — instead of giving Métis people the land they had lived on for generations, the government offered "scrip" in the form of money or land certificates. These were often confusing, difficult to redeem, and designed to push Métis people off their land. Many Métis people were tricked into selling or losing their scrip, and disallowed scrips were those the government later refused to honor — denying the person their rightful claim entirely.

In other words, disallowed scrip represents broken promises, systemic betrayal, and dispossession. It is a symbol of how colonial systems tried to erase Métis identity, remove Métis people from their land, and deny them recognition.

By printing an image of a disallowed scrip onto fabric and turning it into a gown, I'm taking that symbol of devastation and transforming it into a powerful statement of resistance, survival, and beauty through it all. The wearer is literally wrapping themself in history — not only in acknowledging history, but as someone reclaiming space, voice, and identity. It's a form of artistic reclamation — turning a tool of colonization into a garment of pride. That under whatever label is thrown onto indigenous peoples, we still are who we are underneath the government paperwork- beadwork and all. I decided to make the back a full length cape- so those unfamiliar with what this document is, or have only interacted with Scrips as a concept can see and read one- and the language used.

This design is deeply personal, and political. This is a copy of my Great Great Aunt's scrip. It's "making lemonade out of lemons" — taking what was meant to diminish people and turning it into something that celebrates them. It's saying: "You tried to write us out of the story, but we are still here. We carry our history, and we carry it beautifully. We will continue to tell this story through fabric and thread."

25/04/2025

Hey, we’re nearly there! After about 85 hours of heading, 8 hours of rhinestoning, patterning… we have to be over 100 hours for this beauty to come to life. Final fitting touches tomorrow to get ready for Fashion Week Calgary and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s open studio tour! Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Seattle-based Indigenous fashion designer Madison Leiren (who won Seattle Times’ BEST IN THE PNW in Bridal for 2024) has...
07/04/2025

Seattle-based Indigenous fashion designer Madison Leiren (who won Seattle Times’ BEST IN THE PNW in Bridal for 2024) has been selected to participate in the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s Indigenous Haute Couture – Creation & Embellishments program in 2025. This esteemed residency offers Indigenous textile-based artists the opportunity to explore innovative design techniques, including digital embellishments, within a supportive environment.

Leiren’s participation in this program stems from her commitment to integrating traditional Indigenous aesthetics with contemporary fashion. She is particularly inspired by the program’s focus on incorporating upcycled and digital embellishments, aligning with her dedication to sustainability and cultural preservation. The residency’s emphasis on experimental design elements and haute couture aesthetics provides Leiren with a platform to further her exploration of blending traditional silhouettes and materials with modern techniques.

The Indigenous Haute Couture – Creation & Embellishments program spans five weeks, combining online preparation with on-campus sessions. Led by faculty lead D’Arcy Moses, the program offers intensive workshops on pattern drafting and embellishments, guest faculty presentations, and opportunities for self-directed work. Participants are encouraged to bring projects inspired by their Indigeneity, focusing on traditional designs infused with contemporary fashion ideologies.

Leiren’s involvement in this program not only enhances her artistic practice but also contributes to the broader dialogue on sustainable fashion and cultural representation. Her work exemplifies the fusion of traditional Indigenous artistry with modern design, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures within the fashion industry.

For more insights into Leiren’s design philosophy and journey, visit her blog at leirendesigns.com/blog.

About Madison Leiren: Madison Leiren is a Seattle-based Indigenous fashion designer renowned for her unique blend of traditional Indigenous aesthetics and contemporary fashion. Her designs reflect a deep respect for cultural heritage while embracing modern design principles.

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Located in Banff, Alberta, Canada, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a global leader in arts and creativity, offering programs across disciplines such as visual arts, music, theatre, and leadership development. The Indigenous Haute Couture program exemplifies the Centre’s commitment to fostering Indigenous arts and cultural expression.

24/02/2025
Look at some of our designed featured by Seattle Refined in their amazing collection of moments from the 2025 Seattle We...
05/02/2025

Look at some of our designed featured by Seattle Refined in their amazing collection of moments from the 2025 Seattle Wedding Show! What an amazing runway show we got to be a part of. Thanks for the feature, Seattle Refined!

See all the images here-

https://seattlerefined.com/lifestyle/seattle-wedding-show-2025-seattles-convention-center-bride-groom-bridal-fashion-cake-aisle-flowers-bouquet-gowns-pnw?photo=1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Y8aZQkGVRZwRKrcFao91chgFrTUbXnAUCjZb3oN1Q8FyvEl9f5bCUZmI_aem_FvFKv1cGboSfWrudcg68lg

Did you hear?We're now doing custom suiting as well as our gorgeous custom gowns! Our jacket and pant suit combinations ...
02/01/2025

Did you hear?
We're now doing custom suiting as well as our gorgeous custom gowns! Our jacket and pant suit combinations are starting at only $600.

We have options for all frames and would love to help make your dream wedding day attire a reality! Find your wedding's suits from a local Seattle designer to keep your wedding as locally sourced as possible.

Schedule an appointment to come in and try on our different sizes, see our fabrics in person, choose colors for ties and accessories, and more!
Leirendesigns.com

I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone that voted for LEIREN DESIGNS for the category of Best Bridal Shop in the Seattle...
22/09/2024

I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone that voted for LEIREN DESIGNS for the category of Best Bridal Shop in the Seattle Times Best of the PNW 2024 Awards. I am in shock and awe of everything you, who show up and vote for our team, help us accomplish. As a young woman, I dreamt of calling myself a fashion designer, and now I spend my days creating works of art for folks to wear on the most special days of their lives. Not only have you helped me create a reality where I get to live my dream, but you have helped employ a team of folks, passionate about what we do, working to keep these arts alive. Our team of incredibly talented sewers, rhinestoners, cutters, graphic designers… it takes the entire symphony and this is a win for all of us. All I want to do is keep doing this. So thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do what I love so much.

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