The inspiration behind Jeremy Dutcher's statement-making Junos look
The 2019 Juno Awards belonged to Jeremy Dutcher.
Not only did Dutcher take home the Indigenous Music Album award for “Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa,” but the singer songwriter also ruled the red carpet.
Dutcher arrived in a floor-length floral cape; a collaboration by ZOFF and indigenous designer LUXX.
“This is my first Junos and I really wanted to make a statement,” the singer said in an interview with Refinery29.
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During his performance, Dutcher dramatically revealed the detailed lining of his cape which contained a special message: We will succeed.
“I’m an Indigenous musician,” he told Refinery29 of his look. “Those two things — land and language — are very closely tied together. On the lining of the cape is Cree alphabet. When I opened the cape up, you can see all the writing on the inside.”
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The Toronto-based musician also showed off a black sheer bodysuit by Michael Zoffanieri, the designer behind ZOFF.
“I am inspired by Jeremy’s love of queer, femme and powerful iconography, so I referenced pop diva sexy bodysuits of the ’80s and ’90s, finished with the ‘colonial’ cuffs,” Zoffranieri told Refinery29 of his inspiration for the look.
The look was empowering for Dutcher, who has learned to embrace his body and wanted to “show it all off.”
Aside from his stand-out fashion moment, Dutcher is determined to continue his work as an activist for the Indigenous community.
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“For a long time, our music, identity, and our culture haven’t been valued in this country. We’re in a really big moment right now where Indigenous voices are coming forward and telling truths,” Dutcher said. “Succeeding is just a matter of continuing to show how amazing our cultures are, how beautiful our languages are and how nice our songs are…It’s about unashamedly sharing who we are and walking forward in beauty.”
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