Redefining Luxury: Lesley Hampton Celebrates Indigenous Identity at Holt Renfrew
This Indigenous History Month marks a historic moment in Canadian fashion: acclaimed Anishinaabe artist and designer Lesley Hampton brings her powerful, purpose-driven brand into the luxury retail space of Holt Renfrew for the very first time. Known for her fierce advocacy of body neutrality, mental wellness, and Indigenous representation, Lesley’s work challenges the norms of high fashion while redefining what luxury can and should look like.
Her latest collection, Obsidian, stands as both a personal and cultural reflection, woven with intention and rooted in story. For Hampton, this is more than a career milestone, it’s a celebration of identity, a platform for inclusion, and a long-overdue presence in a space that has historically excluded Indigenous voices.
In this exclusive Models of Canada interview, Lesley speaks candidly about the heart behind her designs, the journey of bringing her Anishinaabe heritage into global conversations, and why seeing Indigenous fashion in spaces like Holt Renfrew is not only revolutionary, but necessary.
Models of Canada: Lesley, your work consistently weaves together themes of body neutrality, mental wellness, and Indigenous identity. How do these values come to life in the pieces featured in your Obsidian collection?
Lesley: The pillars of my brand really resonate with what’s going on in my life when it comes to body neutrality, mental wellness and Indigenous identity. The whole reason why I got into the fashion industry in the first place was because I didn’t see any curvy Indigenous women represented in this space, so I really wanted to create that safe space that anyone would feel comfortable and confident in to thrive in their body. I always wanted to make clothes to make people feel confident. Anybody can wear my design and it’s a really great feeling!
Models of Canada: You’ve said that “our stories belong on every runway, in every wardrobe.” What does it mean to you to bring Indigenous design into a space like Holts and what impact do you hope it has on the fashion industry at large?
Lesley: I believe it’s incredibly important, not just during Indigenous History Month, but in general to see Indigenous design represented in a luxury space like Holt Renfrew. It’s something we haven’t really seen before. Often, when people think about Indigenous fashion, it’s through a stereotypical lens, shaped by cinema or limited to boutique settings. But Indigenous designers are creating contemporary pieces that are meant to be worn and enjoyed by everyone today. Indigenous fashion is for all people. We want you to wear our work and feel proud of the stories woven into each piece.
Models of Canada: As a ‘Third Culture Kid’ with deep Anishinaabe roots, how do you honour Anishinaabe traditions and perspectives in your work, while also pushing the boundaries of what Indigenous fashion can look and feel like today?
Lesley: I’ve always known I was Indigenous and have felt a strong connection to my First Nation. At the same time, I grew up internationally, which exposed me to a mix of cultures and perspectives that continue to influence me today. From an early age, I learned what it meant to stand out, but also how to fit in and that balance has become central to the identity of my fashion brand. I want my work to reflect both the uniqueness and the shared experiences we all carry.
It’s incredibly important for Indigenous people to see themselves celebrated in the fashion space. What many people don’t realize is that Indigenous bodies are beautifully different our proportions, like longer arms or broader rib cages, often don’t align with mainstream sizing standards. That can lead to feelings of exclusion, which is exactly what I want to change.
Raising awareness about these differences and creating space for them is not just about fashion, but about culture as a whole. I truly believe representation is a form of harm reduction. When Indigenous people can see themselves reflected in these spaces, it can have a powerful impact on body image and self-worth. Mental wellness is at the heart of my brand and I always want to keep it that way.
Models of Canada: This pop-up offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with the creatives behind the collection. What do you hope attendees walk away with?
Lesley: I’m so excited to be in a space like Holt Renfrew, especially because you can really feel the excitement from the shoppers. They’re genuinely curious and enthusiastic about seeing new designs, especially ones they haven’t encountered in a setting like this before. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to bring Indigenous fashion into this moment. Having my work featured here isn’t just a celebration of Indigenous History Month; I truly hope it marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship with Holt Renfrew. My hope is that this opportunity helps open the door for more Indigenous designers to be seen and embraced within the luxury fashion space.
Models of Canada: Is there a part of your journey whether personal, creative, or cultural that you’ve never had the chance to share publicly, but feel ready to express now through your work or voice?
Lesley: I would say that entrepreneurship is incredibly exciting, but it’s also extremely challenging. You pour everything into it. I’m so personally connected to my brand that my sense of success feels directly tied to how the business is doing. It’s a strange thing to realize, but when the brand isn’t thriving, I feel like I’m not thriving either.
That’s why I have to be intentional about prioritizing my mental health. When I’m doing well, the brand benefits and when the brand is doing well, I feel more balanced too. It’s a constant back and forth. Mental health is so important, and it’s something we have to actively work on, not just for ourselves but to support the people around us as well.
Written by: Models of Canada
More details about LESLEY HAMPTON can be found here