Artist Biography
Randi Nelson, a Secwépemc artist and fashion designer from St’uxwtéws First Nation, is dedicated to preserving Indigenous materials of wealth through her designs. Blending traditional elements such as smoked hides, quills, shells, and caribou hair with contemporary fashion, she transforms these resources into powerful symbols of Indigenous beauty and resilience. Her designs have been showcased at prestigious events, including the Oscars, Junos, Emmys, and Cannes Film Festival. She has received awards like Best in Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market, and her work is collected worldwide, including in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection
Collection Name
Scwet̓mín̓(Hide) Couture Collection 2025
Collection Concept
The Scwet̓mín̓Couture Collection honors the beauty and cultural significance of smoke- tanned hide, a grounding material with a rich scent and texture that connects us to the land. Each hide is prepared with great respect, from harvesting the animal for food to the meticulous processes of hand-scraping, softening, wringing, and smoking; preserving generations of tradition and skill. This collection brings visibility to Indigenous tanners and knowledge holders, celebrating a sustainable material rooted in culture and tradition.
Artist Statement
Randi Nelson’s art bridges two worlds, merging traditional Indigenous materials with contemporary fashion to honor her Secwépemc culture. A member of St’uxwtéws First Nation, Randi combines European patterns and antique beads with Indigenous materials such as smoked hides, quills, shells, and caribou hair. Inspired by the changing seasons, Randi captures the textures and colors of the land, preserving their fleeting beauty in enduring, wearable art. More than aesthetic, Randi’s work serves as cultural preservation. By using Indigenous materials of wealth, she transforms them into symbols of pride and resilience. These rare resources embody generations of knowledge and tradition, which Randi is committed to uplifting and honoring. Her pieces not only reflect her heritage but also connect Indigenous values with contemporary audiences, bridging past and present in a meaningful dialogue. Her runway collections and gallery exhibitions offer a tangible experience of Indigenous values, inviting audiences to engage with art that honors tradition while pushing fashion boundaries. In merging past and present, Randi’s work sparks dialogue about the resilience and significance of Indigenous artistry in today’s world.
