Runway of Rezilience goes to the next level

TORONTO — Three years ago, Runway of Rezilience arrived in Toronto as a fashion showcase. This September, it takes over a much grander stage.

Following two years at Toronto’s iconic Casa Loma, Runway of Rezilience is expanding to Evergreen Brick Works for its largest edition showcase, evolving from a fashion-focused event into a multi-disciplinary celebration of contemporary Indigenous culture. On Saturday, September 26, Seeing Red, the creators behind this illustrious event, will bring together Indigenous designers, artists, performers, chefs, entrepreneurs, creators and storytellers for an immersive evening spanning fashion, food, art, music, performance, culture and community. The move to Evergreen Brick Works marks a significant new chapter for the event. What started as a runway has become something considerably bigger: a platform for Indigenous creativity and excellence that invites audiences to experience contemporary Indigenous culture across multiple disciplines and on their own terms, complete with expanded runway showcases, Indigenous culinary experiences, an Indigenous marketplace, live entertainment and more than 20 experiences and activations.

“We always knew this could become something much bigger than a fashion show,” said Bryan Porter, Founder of Seeing Red, “The first two years gave us a strong foundation, and moving to Evergreen Brick Works allows us to take that vision to the next level. We’re creating more opportunities for Indigenous designers, artists, performers and creators to take centre stage, while inviting audiences to experience a more powerful and immersive celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture and excellence.”

The 2026 runway will showcase a mix of acclaimed and emerging Indigenous designers, each bringing a distinct creative vision, cultural perspective and approach to the runway. Together, they represent the creativity, diversity and momentum shaping Indigenous fashion today. The stellar lineup includes:

• Lesley Hampton, the Anishinaabe designer from Temagami First Nation whose acclaimed work has appeared at Milan, London and Toronto Fashion Weeks and been recognized by VOGUE and Forbes
• Wabanoonkwe Irick, an Anishinaabe designer from Wabaseemoong Independent Ojibwe Nation whose three decades of creative and entrepreneurial work champion Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation
• Karlene Familo, an emerging Seneca designer from the Allegany Territory whose wearable art has been showcased across North America
• Leela Thomas, an Anishinaabe designer from Bkejwanong First Nation whose contemporary designs are rooted in Indigenous influences and heritage
• Marissa Anderson, an emerging Six Nations of the Grand River designer whose modern work incorporates traditional Haudenosaunee elements.

Together, the full lineup reflects the depth, diversity and growing influence of Indigenous fashion today. The 2026 edition Runway of Rezilience represents the next stage of the event’s evolution, from runway to cultural destination, from fashion showcase to immersive Indigenous experience.

Runway of Rezilience 2026 Additional Highlights

• Indigenous Culinary Experiences: An expanded culinary program featuring Indigenous chefs, food vendors and flavours.
• Indigenous Marketplace: Art, beadwork, textiles, jewellery, and original creations from Indigenous artists, makers and entrepreneurs.
• Live Entertainment: Musical performances and live entertainment throughout the evening.
• 20+ Experiences & Activations: Cultural, interactive and experiential programming throughout Evergreen Brick Works.

Runway of Rezilience continues to provide a platform for empowerment, representation, and unity, creating space for the next generation of Indigenous storytellers and visionaries while honouring and putting Indigenous excellence at the centre of the conversation. Runway of Rezilience 2026 takes place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto. Doors open at 5PM with the main event taking place at 6 PM. VIP and general admission tickets for The Runway of Rezilience 2026 are available now via Eventbrite. For full event details, visit weareseeingred.com/events.

Originally published in the Two Row Times, September 2, 2026 (Volume 14, Issue 3), page 2.