Jazz Moise is a substitute teacher who lives in La Loche. (Submitted photo/Jazz Moise)

By Derek Cornet

trailblazer

‘Not scared to be seen’: Two-spirit northerner walks the runway in New York City

Mar 2, 2023 | 3:16 PM

Never in his life did La Loche’s Jazz Moise think he would be walking a runway in New York City during its famed Fashion Week.

But the 25-year-old, two-spirit northerner did just that on Feb. 10 for Toronto-based genderless streetwear designer Scott Wabano. The two had met on social media years ago and, in December 2022, Wabano invited Moise to be part of his runway fashion debut.

“He discovered me on TikTok after one of my videos went viral,” Moise said. “We have just been friends on social media. We have been wanting to meet for quite some time and, I guess, his runway debut connected us together and he wanted me to showcase his work and I went for it.”

It was the first time Moise modelled clothing and he called the experience thrilling. He was nervous and scared when he took his first few steps, but those feelings quickly turned to excitement.

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“After hearing all these people cheering, it was like ‘oh my gosh,’” Moise said.

“The crowd was filled with Indigenous people. It was a really powerful moment for me, as well as other Indigenous people in the room. Overall, it was just a really good thrilling experience, and I would one day maybe do it again if the opportunity was there.”

New York Fashion Week is when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press, and the general public. (Submitted photo/Jazz Moise)

It was the first time Jazz Moise travelled to New York City. (Submitted photo/Jazz Moise)

Moise, who is a substitute elementary school teacher in La Loche, hopes the experience inspires others to follow their dreams and to set goals. Moise enjoys fashions and dreams of one day becoming a stylist or a designer.

He also wanted to thank his community for being supportive of his endeavours. He said he’s grateful to have so many people rooting him on along the way.

“My time in New York City [was] amazing, seeing so many Indigenous people who are designers, models and supporters was a blessing. To be trailblazing in an industry where no natives are to be seen, but we are rising,” Moise said.

“I want to inspire all walks of life if I could, not because I got to be a model, but just by being a positive public figure. If anything I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies because this is me, and I’m not afraid to show the world who I am.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno