Almost 20 years ago, fashion designer Dorothy Grant made the decision to attempt to combine high fashion with elements of her own traditional Haida culture. The result is a new style that was once described as "wearable art," and since the 1980s, Grant's business has been a leader in the Aboriginal fashion industry.

Her work has also been well received internationally, and Grant includes among her clients former Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, Inuit singing star Susan Aglukark and several Hollywood stars and entertainers. In 1994, Grant opened the Dorothy Grant Boutique in downtown Vancouver, and annual sales are fast approaching the half-million-dollar mark.

A careful blending of traditional Haida and contemporary First Nations styles is the secret of her success and a hallmark of both her "Feastwear" and "Dorothy Grant" labels. Her "Raven Creation Tunic" was featured at the Canadian Pavilion at Expo '86. Together with her "Hummingbird Copper Panel Dress," it now forms part of the permanent collection housed in the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Many of her other designs are in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada.

Grant takes pleasure in providing a positive role model for Aboriginal youth and, in 1999, was honoured with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in the Business and Commerce category.

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