'It's on national TV, it's all over Canada': Indigenous designer's dresses hit Junos red carpet

Three northern Indigenous musicians took tothe red carpet at the Juno Awardsall wearing dresses from an Indigenous designer from the North.

Leela Gilday, Tiffany Ayalik and Tanya Tagaq all wore creations by Tishna Marlowe,a fashion designer originally from Lutsel K'e, N.W.T., who now lives in Grande Prairie, Alta.

"When I saw Tanya wearing the dress, I totally started tearing up," Marlowetold CBC this week.

"It was 'Oh my God,' Tanya's wearing my dress at the Junos. It's on national TV. It's all over Canada.'"

• PHOTOS| N.W.T.'s Melaw Nakehk'o wears 'culturally appropriate' design to The Revenant premiere
• Quantum Tangle win Indigenous album of the year, first Juno award for Yellowknife duo
• VIDEO |Northern designers, Preloved stage fashion show at Yellowknife's snow castle

The Juno Awards were heldlast weekend in Ottawa. Inukthroat singer Tagaq performed at the event, whileYellowknife's Gilday presented the Indigenous album of the yearaward to Ayalik, who's half of the duo Quantum Tangle, and also from Yellowknife.

All three musicians had recently approached Marlowe about a dress, and she knew Gilday and Tagaq were wearing theirs tothe Junos, but Ayalik just said it was for "an event."

The three pieces have their own stories and meaning behind them, Marlowe explained.

Gilday's is called "What would a Denewoman wear to theJunos?" The 50s-inspired piece highlights Dene identity with traditional beadwork, but is still modern,Marlowesaid.

Tagaq's red dress honours missing and murdered Indigenous women and the beading is meant to represent Tagaq's family.

Ayalik's copper-coloured corset is named "Marcie" after Marlowe's younger cousin.

"I'm just honoured they asked me to borrow my garments," Marlowe said.

"They're role models," she said. "Trailblazing in the music industry and working hard to show there is talent in the Northwest Territories. I'm honoured to be a part of that."