The Power of Style

As a fashion-obsessed Ojibwe teen, Christian Allaire rarely saw anyone that looked like him in the magazines or movies he sought out for inspiration. Now the Fashion and Style Writer for Vogue, he is working to change thatbecause clothes are never just clothes.

Men's heels are a statement of pride in the face of LGTBQ+ discrimination, while ribbon shirts honor Indigenous ancestors and keep culture alive.

Allaire takes the reader through boldly designed chapters to discuss additional topics like cosplay, make up, hijabs, and hair, probing the connections between fashion and history, culture, politics, and social justice. (From Annick Press)

The Power of Styleis a finalistforthe 2022Yellow Cedar Award,which celebrates nonfiction books for readers in Grades 4-8.

Christian Allaireis an Ojibwe author who grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Ontario. Allaire is the fashion and style writer at Vogue.

• 28 Canadian YA books to check out in spring 2021
• Here are the 2022 Yellow Cedar Award finalists

Interviews withChristian Allaire

Unreserved47:31Indigenous fashion: The politics of ribbon skirts, runways and resilience

This week on Unreserved, we look at how clothing is a way of making a statement and telling people what you believe. Fashion can empower, it can challenge, and it can be deeply political.