NEW YORK, NY—This past New York Fashion Week 2025 was so busy and exciting, nonstop with presentations on runways and TV and in the newspapers.
For The Expositor, I was thrilled to attend the remarkable and fabulous show produced by RUNWAY 7 at Sony Hall on West 46th Street.
Show producer John Martinez, in his seventh year, brought an exciting array of international and global fashion brands for four busy days. “Our expansive lifestyle marketplace includes designers and guests ranging from fashion and art to design and music and we strive for excellence in representing these must-see shows and performances,” Mr. Martinez wrote in his introduction.
On Sunday, I sat among hundreds of enthusiastic young people, buyers, artists, reporters and photographers from around the world.
Gordie Odjig had phoned me from Manitoulin to tell me his dear daughter Tashina, with her models, would present perhaps 10 or more designs on the runway. Of course, I had to get there!
Yes, what made it especially wonderful and interesting is that charming, young designer Tashina Migwans Odjig, of Little Feather Couture, is one of the fresh new clothing designers whose designs were presented on the runway on Sunday.
Tashina grew up on Manitoulin and now lives and works in Toronto. She graduated from The Fashion Exchange Program at George Brown College.
Attending for The Expositor, I was delighted to be in the enthusiastic audience at Sony Hall. While the line was ultra-long to get in, luckily I had a media pass and was able to get right in.
Descending to the auditorium, I passed many beautiful young people, all seeming fashionistas, in elegant clothing, dramatic make-up, many carrying cameras, all excited to be here.
The auditorium had a long, large walkway in the middle with seats on either side, and such enthusiastic people seated and standing. Lots of noise, chat and music; all happy and excited.
People were colourfully dressed and there had to be hundreds of people with cameras, notebooks and of course, cell phones! Moving through the polite crowd, I was lucky to find a seat at a table next to other reporters and photographers.
While waiting for Tashina’s presentation, I talked to people from Seattle, Detroit, Toronto, and Haiti. I looked through the fancy full-coloured program, which listed every presenter and the celebrity guests who attended each day. Presenters came many countries, I saw presentations from New Zealand and Mexico, waiting for Tashina from Ontario.
Sitting next to photographer Najee Bell, who had three working cameras, who told me, “I’ve attended every day, and it’s been a great experience. There were so many people the first day, the fire marshall had to clear us out and bring us back in again!” Najee said. “And to see the designs as the models walk down the runway has been inspiring. There’s so much innovation and talent in fashion taking place!”
Aha, finally the music began, presenting the models from Little Feather Couture. Oh, to see the distinctively beautiful red jacket, outfits, dresses, skirts and pants on Tashina’s models as each glided down the runway. Her fashions were elegant, (and I, who has bought so many Manitoulin jackets, could “feel” Manitoulin beginnings, I thought happily, in these clothes…) Hmm. could she make that coat in my size?
As the models paraded and ended their walk, Tashina came out to great applause as we all stood snapping pictures. By five dazzling minutes, it was over.
I was thrilled to be there, sat quietly awhile, and then went upstairs. Luckily, Tashina was in the lobby with her beautiful crew, and I was honoured to meet her. Of course I take a photo.
After, we went out to busy, supremely well-lit Times Square and people gathered in front of them, happy to take their picture. I chatted with her wonderful cousin G’Mewin Migwans, who I loved watching dance last summer at OCF.
We can be so proud of Tashina and her beautiful, practical designs. With Little Feather Couture, she has now become an international designer.
How we continue to share and grow, from Manitoulin and Toronto to Manhattan.
by Bonnie Kogos
