I'm Off to Banff! A Journey Into Indigenous Haute Couture

The Campus of Banff Centre for Art and Creativity

I’m thrilled to share something close to my heart—I'm heading to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity to take part in the Indigenous Haute Couture Artist-in-Residence program!

This opportunity means the world to me. For the next several weeks, I’ll be immersed in the land of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain, shared indigenous cultures, and teachings that are deeply connected to who I am and the work I create. It’s a time to reconnect, to learn, and to grow—as a designer, as an artist, and as an Indigenous woman.

I'll be diving deep into traditional and contemporary techniques in beading, quilling, and tufting—art forms that hold so much history, storytelling, and ancestral knowledge. This isn’t just about learning new skills—it's about grounding my hands and heart in the traditions that shape my creative path and gaining wisdom I hope to pass on.

I’ve packed up my entire workshop—yes, my sewing machine, tools, fabric, and more—into suitcases and I'm bringing it all with me to the mountains. This is not just a retreat. It's a full-on, soul-filling residency where I’ll be living and creating surrounded by the powerful beauty of the Rockies and other indigenous artists.

What to Expect While I’m Away
I’ll be sharing daily content while I’m at Banff—including:
✨ Videos of me learning new techniques and experimenting with old ones, too
🌿 Glimpses of the stunning natural surroundings that inspire me
🧵 Personal insights and reflections on my creative process
📸 Behind-the-scenes photos from my personal studio and workshops

Whether you're curious about Indigenous design, love seeing the creative process in motion, or just want to enjoy some breathtaking nature shots—I’d love for you to follow along.

I’ll be posting regularly here on the blog, as well as on Instagram, Facebok, and TikTok (so make sure you're following @leirendesigns everywhere you love to scroll).

This is going to be a powerful month of storytelling, stitching, and self-discovery—and I can’t wait to take you with me.

Madison Leiren