Spirit of the West Coast - Closing Night

A joyful finale inspired by the land, water, and people of the West Coast.
On our final night, we celebrate designs with a signature West Coast spirit. There is something special about this land and its people.
If we let it lead us, if we allow our joy to be seen and celebrated here, there’s nothing we can’t do. Be filled with the spirit of the West Coast.
This evening highlights the beauty of coastal tradition, formline, and textile mastery. It’s a joyful and emotional close to VIFW EARTH 2026, reminding us of the power of community, culture, and celebration rooted in place.
Join us, and bring your cousins and relations to share in the spirit of the West Coast as we close EARTH 2026 together.

Spirit of the West Coast - Closing Night Designer Showcase:

CHIEF, DR. JANICE GEORGE & BUDDY JOSEPH
From the Squamish Nation, Chepximiya Siyam’ Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw Willard ‘Buddy’ Joseph are master weavers, educators, and cultural leaders. Together, they co-founded L’hen Awtxw Weaving House to preserve and share traditional Coast Salish wool weaving. Their work blends art, ceremony, and cultural revitalization, with exhibits across North America and co-authorship of the book Salish Blankets. Janice is also a hereditary chief, trained curator, and artist-in-residence.
Follow them on Instagram: @chepximiya

DEBRA AND ALEEN SPARROW
This Musqueam mother-daughter duo bring Salish weaving to life through contemporary fashion. Debra Sparrow is a master weaver whose decades of work preserve ancestral stories, while Aleen Sparrow brings a modern lens to traditional patterns. Their pieces use all-natural fibers and reflect deep respect for the land, culture, and community. Together, they create garments that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Follow them on Instagram: @salishblanketco @qwasen @aleensparrow

VIVIDUS
Every piece Tierra Alysia creates begins with a story. As a Kashia Pomo designer , Tierra founded VIVIDUS to honor the beauty, resilience, and brilliance of Indigenous people through luxury fashion. Inspired by her ancestors, the California coast, and the belief that clothing can carry history, her work invites people to see Indigenous design not as something of the past, but as something living, evolving, and shaping the future. For Tierra, fashion is an act of preservation, pride, and possibility. Each collection is created to celebrate identity, spark meaningful conversation, and inspire the next generation to wear their culture with confidence. Through VIVIDUS, she hopes every person who experiences her work leaves feeling more connected to themselves, to one another, and to the stories that deserve to be carried forward. .
Follow them on Instagram: @TierraAlysia @vividusrunway

TROY ARMSTRONG
Troy Armstrong is a Cree First Nations designer and artisan, from Saulteau First Nation, whose work blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary Indigenous fashion. Based on Vancouver Island, he handcrafts premium felt hats, leather accessories, and custom garments that reflect his connection to culture, land, and storytelling. Drawing on generations of resilience connecting to his own journey, Troy creates pieces that honour Indigenous identity while embracing modern design. His work has been featured at fashion events across British Columbia, including a fashion show at his home reserve, Saulteau First Nations, the FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremonies event,  and Gone Country Cancer Fundraiser, where he continues to share his artistry with new audiences.
Follow them on Instagram: @hatfeltmoment

T.O.C. LEGENDS HOUSE OF DESIGN
Himikalas Pam Baker is an award-winning Indigenous fashion designer of Squamish, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw/Kwakwaka’wakw, Tlingit, and Haida ancestry. Founder of Touch of Culture and T.O.C. Legends House of Design, Pam has championed Indigenous fashion since 1988 through design, mentorship, and cultural advocacy.
A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design and KPU’s Wilson School of Design, Pam’s honours include the BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award and Capilano University Alumni Award of Excellence. She continues to mentor Indigenous youth and emerging designers.
Follow them on Instagram: @himikalas