The Amber Alert Collection by SACRD THNDR: A Powerful Homage to Resilience and Remembrance
SACRD THNDR has always been a brand that goes beyond the superficial, using fashion as a medium for storytelling, activism, and healing. With the Amber Alert Collection, showcased at Milan Fashion Week on September 20th and Los Angeles Fashion Week on October 11th, 2024, the brand continues its tradition of creating thought-provoking and soul-stirring designs. But this collection is more than fabric and embellishment—it’s a visceral tribute to the children who suffered through the horrific legacy of Indian Residential Schools, and a call for remembrance, reflection, and healing.
A Collection Rooted in Pain and Purpose
In a statement from the designer, they reflect on the deep significance of the Amber Alert Collection. "If we had an amber alert sound for every child that was stolen and forced to attend Indian Residential 'Schools,’ the amber alert would play non-stop for 6,500,000 seconds—75 days straight.” This staggering statistic isn’t just a number; it’s a haunting reminder of the sheer scale of the trauma endured by Indigenous communities. These children were physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually torn from their families, and their stories are woven into every piece of this collection.
The designer shares that this collection has been integral to their personal healing journey. "Each time I had the opportunity to shoot these pieces or present them on the runway, I was able to convey the inspiration and story behind them." This sentiment is palpable in the designs—each one evoking a raw emotional response from viewers and wearers alike. The clothing doesn’t simply clothe the body; it tells the story of those who were lost, of the grief their families endured, and of the resilience that survives through remembrance and reclamation of their history.
The Designer
Fashion as a Medium for Healing and Dialogue
SACRD THNDR’s Amber Alert Collection is an example of fashion being used not just to make a statement but to spark a conversation. "Fashion is not just about aesthetics; it is a platform for dialogue, reflection, and healing," the designer emphasizes. And this collection, with its rich amber and orange hues, symbolic Cree syllabics, and powerful designs, speaks volumes. The amber tones evoke the idea of fossilized resin—preserving the memory of the children whose lives were taken, much like amber preserves moments in time. The orange hues, meanwhile, reference the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, reminding us of the collective responsibility to remember, honor, and advocate for justice.
At the center of the collection is the Cartigan Dress, which stands as a profound symbol of these lost lives. Its design leaves deliberate spaces untouched, representing the absences left behind by those who never returned home. Paired with amber-toned earrings inscribed with “The Children Are Sacred” in Cree syllabics, the collection sends a clear message: the lives lost to residential schools are not forgotten, and their spirits continue to live on through those fighting for truth, healing, and recognition.
A Platform for Reflection and Empowerment
Revive Fashion Week is deeply honored to have hosted this moving collection. Audiences in both Milan and Los Angeles were captivated by the emotional depth and beauty of the designs. The Amber Alert Collection not only captured the eyes of fashion enthusiasts but also reached deep into their hearts, compelling them to engage with the painful history of residential schools and the ongoing trauma within Indigenous communities. As the designer shares, “Through this collection, I aim to honor their memories and shed light on the profound impact of these experiences.”
This is the essence of SACRD THNDR’s work: fashion as a transformative experience. The collection is more than an aesthetic triumph—it is a powerful act of remembrance. The audience could feel the weight of the stories behind each design and the resilience that comes from generations of survivors and their descendants. This is fashion that transcends the runway, serving as a medium for shared pain, healing, and ultimately, empowerment.
At Revive Fashion Week, we strive to uplift brands and creators who are pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be, and SACRD THNDR’s Amber Alert Collection is a perfect embodiment of that mission. The collection is not just art, but activism. It is not just beauty, but a call to action. We are honored to have worked with this visionary designer and to have played a role in amplifying such an important message. Together, we can create spaces for understanding, remembrance, and a future where healing is possible.
As we reflect on the powerful journey of the Amber Alert Collection, we are reminded of the deep connection between art and advocacy, and how fashion can serve as a vehicle for profound change. This collection has shown us that healing and storytelling can go hand in hand, and that through creativity, we can both honor the past and shape a more compassionate future.
