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Google PlayIndigenous streetwear brand Section 35 is the newest addition to Foot Locker Canada’s Home Grown brand. That means you’ll be able to find a new, exclusive collection of apparel and headwear from the company online and at select stores across Canada.
The collaboration took time to come to fruition, according to Section 35 founder and creative director Justin Louis, but he’s satisfied with the final result. The collection consists of a bomber jacket, two hoodies, chrome tee, cargo pants, a cap, and a beanie.
How did you approach this collab from a design perspective?
If you look at the collection, they’re staple, ready-to-wear pieces. It’s stuff everyone can find in their wardrobe. We had everyday wear in mind, those timeless pieces that never go out of style.
How does Section 35 go about bringing in different Indigenous cultures?
There are certain things for me that I don’t have, I’m not from a certain place or I don’t have the right to do certain styles of art. For me, if I have interest in something that touches upon a different community, then I find someone to collaborate with who can share that story. I always find it adds such a cool dimension to the brand. It brings something people normally wouldn’t see or have access to and it brings that story out. Ever since I started, community has been a big part of the brand, and that’s artists and designers. We want to support and lift each other up, and that’s naturally who we are.
For any non-Indigenous people who want to support the brand, how can they wear Section 35 in a way that’s respectful?
We would never say you can’t wear it if you’re not Indigenous. If you’re not and you support our message and believe in what we’re doing, we love your support. Thinking back to appropriation, our designs have been appropriated by big fashion houses for years. Now we have our own brands and we’re doing something that’s authentic. So if you really like it, then support it, and that’s meaningful, buying something through an authentic Indigenous lens.
