Ultra-trendy New York fashion house sells Inuit clothes

IQALUIT — Traditional Inuit garments are now on sale in New York designer Donna Karan’s trendy downtown store.

“We’re happy to be able to sell them,” said Patti Cohen, a spokesperson for Donna Karan.

In September Bonnie Young, a “global fashion consultant” for Karan’s company, went on a shopping spree in the Northwest Territories, buying new and used clothing.

The store, which opened on August 28, is described by the company as “a vision of the future” in glass and concrete. It sells Karan’s designs as well as an eclectic combination of organic food, bicycles, music, books, “soulful one-of-a-kind objects” and “artisan curios”.

The “artisan curios” include Inuit clothing — amautiks, kamiks and other handmade items from the Western and Eastern Arctic.

Cohen, speaking on behalf of Young and Karan, who both declined requests for personal interviews, said she was pu led by the Inuit reaction to these purchases.

In a press release forwarded to Karan, Pauktuutit’s vice-president, Monica Ell, said that the Inuit women’s association was concerned over “the potential danger of having our traditional designs misappropriated.”

“I don’t understand,” Cohen said. “We sell things all over the world.”

Cohen said all clothing acquired in Canada was fully paid for and is now being resold. She said that everything on sale is clearly labelled with information about its origin.

For example, one item is described as being “made in Canada, by Copper Inuit, with wolverine fur trim.”

According to Cohen, there is “absolutely” no chance that any elements of Inuit designs would turn up in Donna Karan’s future collections.

She said that the Inuit clothes, most of which are second-hand or used, will be sold as what’s commonly called “vintage clothing.”

“It’s the biggest trend in the United States,” Cohen said. “When you’re here in New York City, everyone is wearing luxury vintage clothing.”