A Métis artist's work was featured in Valentino's Resort 2016 collection after designers at the iconic fashion house were inspired by her colourful paintings.
Christi Belcourt's artwork had its runway debut in March during Paris Fashion Week, when it was splashed across dresses, jackets and skirts by the famous fashion house.
Representatives from Valentino emailed the artist a few months ago, but Belcourt admitted she initially deleted their correspondence.
"I thought it was spam because it said it was from Milan, Italy; so I deleted it," Belcourt said on CTV's Canada AM from Sudbury, Ont.
Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, wearing a Valentino dress with the designs of Metis artist Christi Belcourt. (Valentino / Facebook)
Not to be dissuaded, Valentino fashion designers contacted Belcourt again through Facebook. The Italian-based fashion house told the artist they hoped to use some of her work for their Resort 2016 collection.
But before she would agree to do so, Belcourt had some conditions.
Inspired by the beauty of Canada's indigenous culture and its tradition of clothing with beadwork, Belcourt wanted to make sure Valentino would not use her work to engage in cultural appropriation. The fashion house was able to satisfy Belcourt of their track record in respecting cultural traditions. After speaking with her elders, she was then given the green light to go ahead with the designs.
"Water Song" by Canadian Metis artist Christi Belcourt.
And when she asked Valentino about their environmental track record, she was told that the fashion house was voted No. 1 for their commitment to environmental sustainability. She was also informed that they have planned to go green by 2020.
Belcourt's acrylic painting "Water Song" was the inspiration for the Valentino line. The piece is on permanent display in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, Ont.
"It's an ode to water and that's because water is sacred," Belcourt said. "(The painting is) a call…to really respect the water that we depend on for our lives."
Belcourt's intricate designs are based on the colourful, detailed beadwork of traditional indigenous textiles that display flowers, plants and animals in vibrant colours on a black background.
The nine Valentino pieces are a reflection of Belcourt's artwork, and feature her designs on black flowing dresses, velvet jackets and miniskirts.
A model wears a creation for Valentino's fall-winter 2015-2016 ready to wear fashion collection in Paris, France, March 10, 2015. (AP / Christophe Ena)
Belcourt hopes that the public knowledge of her work will inspire others to connect with their own indigenous ancestry.
The artist is part of the Onaman Collective, a group that attempts to connect youth with their culture through activities such as creating artwork, canoes and wigwams.
"There seems to be a really wonderful movement happening," Belcourt said. "Youth are wanting to return to the ceremonies and return to the languages and return to the teachings, and it's really been a blessing."
