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From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion
Growing up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Christian Allaire wanted to work in the fashion industry, a future that seemed like a remote, and unlikely, dream
Christian Allaire was first introduced to style and design through his culture’s traditional Ojibwe powwow regalia—ribbon skirts, beaded belts, elaborate headdresses. But as a teenager, he became transfixed by the high-fashion designs and runway shows that he saw on Fashion Television and in the pages of Vogue.
His unwavering interest in fashion led him to complete a journalism degree so he could pursue his goal of becoming a full-time fashion writer. After landing his first big magazine job in New York City, Allaire found himself working at the epicentre of the international fashion industry. His dream had come true. Yet he soon realized the fashion world—and his place in it—wasn’t always quite as glamorous as he imagined it would be.
From grinding as an unpaid intern, to becoming a glitzy (but overworked) fashion editor, Allaire writes with feeling about the struggle to find his place—and community—in the highly exclusive world of fashion. And he recounts, with great candour, the difficulty of balancing his ambitions with the often-inaccurate perceptions—including his own—of his culture’s place in the realm of fashion.
Full of joy, humour, honesty and adversity, From the Rez to the Runway is a gripping memoir about how to achieve your dreams—and elevate others—while always remaining true to yourself.
Christian Allaire was first introduced to style and design through his culture’s traditional Ojibwe powwow regalia—ribbon skirts, beaded belts, elaborate headdresses. But as a teenager, he became transfixed by the high-fashion designs and runway shows that he saw on Fashion Television and in the pages of Vogue.
His unwavering interest in fashion led him to complete a journalism degree so he could pursue his goal of becoming a full-time fashion writer. After landing his first big magazine job in New York City, Allaire found himself working at the epicentre of the international fashion industry. His dream had come true. Yet he soon realized the fashion world—and his place in it—wasn’t always quite as glamorous as he imagined it would be.
From grinding as an unpaid intern, to becoming a glitzy (but overworked) fashion editor, Allaire writes with feeling about the struggle to find his place—and community—in the highly exclusive world of fashion. And he recounts, with great candour, the difficulty of balancing his ambitions with the often-inaccurate perceptions—including his own—of his culture’s place in the realm of fashion.
Full of joy, humour, honesty and adversity, From the Rez to the Runway is a gripping memoir about how to achieve your dreams—and elevate others—while always remaining true to yourself.
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2025
10 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Christian Allaire
2 books6 followersChristian Allaire is currently the Senior Fashion & Style Writer at Vogue in New York City.
He is First Nations (Ojibwe), Italian, and French. Allaire grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Ontario, Canada. After earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014, he moved to New York to begin his career as a fashion editor at Footwear News.
Allaire has worked at Vogue since 2017, where he covers red carpet fashion, celebrity trends, emerging designers, and more. He also specializes in coverage of Indigenous fashion across North America, including pillar events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto.
He has since published two novels. His non-fiction young adult book, "The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures," released with Annick Press in 2021. His memoir "From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion," released with HarperCollins, released in 2025.
Photo by Hunter Abrams
He is First Nations (Ojibwe), Italian, and French. Allaire grew up on the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Ontario, Canada. After earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014, he moved to New York to begin his career as a fashion editor at Footwear News.
Allaire has worked at Vogue since 2017, where he covers red carpet fashion, celebrity trends, emerging designers, and more. He also specializes in coverage of Indigenous fashion across North America, including pillar events such as the Santa Fe Indian Market and Indigenous Fashion Arts in Toronto.
He has since published two novels. His non-fiction young adult book, "The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures," released with Annick Press in 2021. His memoir "From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion," released with HarperCollins, released in 2025.
Photo by Hunter Abrams
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 11, 2025
i really enjoyed reading and following Christian’s journey from a fashion-obsessed kid on the res to prominent journalist in the high fashion courts of New York City and beyond.
the beginning was a little slow and juvenile which made sense for the story, i felt like his sense of himself as a writer and person really grew and showed as it continued on.
very inspiring, he acknowledges having some luck and opportune moments but he definitely hustled his way to where he is now!
the beginning was a little slow and juvenile which made sense for the story, i felt like his sense of himself as a writer and person really grew and showed as it continued on.
very inspiring, he acknowledges having some luck and opportune moments but he definitely hustled his way to where he is now!
July 7, 2025
I love books that showcase the realization of a dream!
“From the Rez to the Runway is a gripping memoir about how to achieve your dreams—and elevate others—while always remaining true to yourself.” (synopsis)
The fact that this highlighted an Ojibwe teen from the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Canada, was a plus.
I’d picked this one up because it is listed in the reading list for our upcoming writers festival; I’d never heard of Christian Allaire or seen this book before. I’ll admit to being hesitant as I’m not a fashionista nor interested in Vogue, but Allaire pulled me in with his memoir. I ended up binge-reading it on the deck in the sunshine one day last week. His willingness to admit mistakes, his quiet questioning of his purpose, and his ability to champion his heritage made this a fantastic read for me.
If you are intrigued by this Indigenous person’s rise from the rez to the runway and his career with Vogue in New York, you must add this one to your reading list. I hope to meet him when he comes to town this Fall!
“From the Rez to the Runway is a gripping memoir about how to achieve your dreams—and elevate others—while always remaining true to yourself.” (synopsis)
The fact that this highlighted an Ojibwe teen from the Nipissing First Nation reserve in Northern Ontario, Canada, was a plus.
I’d picked this one up because it is listed in the reading list for our upcoming writers festival; I’d never heard of Christian Allaire or seen this book before. I’ll admit to being hesitant as I’m not a fashionista nor interested in Vogue, but Allaire pulled me in with his memoir. I ended up binge-reading it on the deck in the sunshine one day last week. His willingness to admit mistakes, his quiet questioning of his purpose, and his ability to champion his heritage made this a fantastic read for me.
If you are intrigued by this Indigenous person’s rise from the rez to the runway and his career with Vogue in New York, you must add this one to your reading list. I hope to meet him when he comes to town this Fall!
May 10, 2025
4.0 Stars
I only have a general interest in fashion and yet I found this memoir engrossing. As a Canadian, I was very interested in the perspective of this young indigenous man. The story felt a bit uneven with some sections feeling too long and other sections that I wish had been expanded. Yet overall it was an interesting story that was worth the read.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I only have a general interest in fashion and yet I found this memoir engrossing. As a Canadian, I was very interested in the perspective of this young indigenous man. The story felt a bit uneven with some sections feeling too long and other sections that I wish had been expanded. Yet overall it was an interesting story that was worth the read.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 5, 2025
An incredibly inspiring story of one Ojibwe fashion lover from Northern Ontario who made it in the New York City fashion world, working his way up the laddar and fighting to make his dream a reality, highlighting Indigenous fashion along the way. I hadn't heard of Christian Allaire before but was utterly enthralled listening to his story. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Bonus, the foreward is written and read by Canadian fashion icon, Jeanne Beker!
April 6, 2025
A lovely memoir about an incredibly exciting movement in the fashion world; bringing Indigenous creatives, culture, and history to the forefront, including visibility at some of the industry's biggest events!
This was a delightful read.
This was a delightful read.
April 7, 2025
I so badly wish this book had accompanying pictures! But it got me to to look up a bunch of Native designs which was cool to get into
September 16, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this memoir, but I did check the paper back. I enjoyed the story, which connects fashion with the importance of Indigenous representation. The author is real and raw, without seeming unnecessarily overdramatic for the sake of drama. Allaire shares a passion for fashion that will delight other fashionistas, but even appeal to those not particularly interested in fashion. I am the latter. I am more interested in Indigenous (especially Canadian Indigenous) issues than fashion, yet I came to appreciate the value he gives to fashion and the potential it has to empower minorities with the appropriate exposure and respect. Seeing Allaire go from a kid and young man less interested in his Indigenous heritage because he "doesn't look Indigenous" to a man who values and appreciates his culture and its traditional regalia and craftsmanship was a satisfying read. I'd say this is a worthwhile read for several reasons, whichever seems most relevant to the reader.
I was disappointed, however, about two aspects: the author doesn't read his own memoir for the audiobook and there are no pictures. This is a book about fashion, for crying out loud!!! The author details so many incredible outfits and yet there isn't a single pic. Black letters on a white page just don't do justice the mental pictures Allaire creates. Also, when an author doesn't read their own bio, the experience feels a little less authentic. Not that the author seems to embellish or anything, but that the listener doesn't have the same connection to the story as they would if the author read his own work.
I was disappointed, however, about two aspects: the author doesn't read his own memoir for the audiobook and there are no pictures. This is a book about fashion, for crying out loud!!! The author details so many incredible outfits and yet there isn't a single pic. Black letters on a white page just don't do justice the mental pictures Allaire creates. Also, when an author doesn't read their own bio, the experience feels a little less authentic. Not that the author seems to embellish or anything, but that the listener doesn't have the same connection to the story as they would if the author read his own work.
June 12, 2025
I'll be honest and say that I don't personally have much interest in fashion - I was more interested in the story of a young Indigenous Canadian man's personal journey. And for the most part, I found the story very engaging. The fashion focused parts mostly worked for me too, although I would really have appreciated any introspection around the capitalism of it all etc. And while the author shares a lot of himself and his story, he is still so young and so it's not surprising that it's hard to get a ton of depth there.
Overall, this book is written in an easy conversational tone that brings you in and keeps your attention, while hitting on some really important issues specific to Indigenous artists and professionals and, of course, many more personal to the author.
I received an audio Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this book is written in an easy conversational tone that brings you in and keeps your attention, while hitting on some really important issues specific to Indigenous artists and professionals and, of course, many more personal to the author.
I received an audio Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada Audio in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
Inspiring story of Canadian First Nation Christian Allaire’s journey to the New York fashion scene, and ultimately working for Vogue.
Well worth consuming via audiobook. Gorgeous book cover. Perfect for anyone, even if you are not into fashion.
Well worth consuming via audiobook. Gorgeous book cover. Perfect for anyone, even if you are not into fashion.
May 31, 2025
This was a very enjoyable memoir following Christian’s journey to becoming a writer for Vogue who highlights Indigenous fashion and designers. His experience was interesting to read and his tone is fun, gossip-y and trusting, it feels like a conversation with a friend reading this. I loved reading about his journey, goals and dreams and how he was able to integrate his Ojibwe identity into it and become a voice for indigenous fashion. Reading about how he describes particular looks and the way people carry themselves also felt lovely as he captures the enthusiasm for visual elements that have a deeper meaning so well.
The only thing I’d say is that sometimes it felt like he was writing this story a little too soon, like reflections on his drinking that took up quite a bit of space when it was problematic and then just became better or his acceptance of his sexuality, which he struggled with in his early twenties and then just accepted. These felt like very truthfully captured experiences, which I would have liked to have seen a few more years of life and relection on.
The only thing I’d say is that sometimes it felt like he was writing this story a little too soon, like reflections on his drinking that took up quite a bit of space when it was problematic and then just became better or his acceptance of his sexuality, which he struggled with in his early twenties and then just accepted. These felt like very truthfully captured experiences, which I would have liked to have seen a few more years of life and relection on.
October 13, 2025
Interesting read about the author's ambitions, and his path to working for Vogue bHe has done much to support indigenous fashion, both clothing and jewellery in the high end fashion magazines.
April 30, 2025
I love love love when a memoir is actually written by someone who is a writer - the way the voice shines is fantastic. Wonderful fashion imagery, smatterings of uplifting moments, plus a few points that made me chuckle. This was a short one though, and that lends itself to feeling surface level. I would’ve loved to have read a version of this that was twice the length and went a bit deeper.
October 8, 2025
I loved listening to From The Rez to the Runway by @chrisjallaire. My heart is so happy to see Indigenous fashion finding its place in the public eye. It's inspiring to hear Christian's story of starting life on a small Reservation in Ontario and follow his dreams to a life in high fashion, and helping to introduce Indigenous fashion to the world.
I grew up in a back-to-the-land family in Northern BC on the traditional and unceeded land of the Tahltan people. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into their community and I grew up wearing beaded moose hide moccasins and mittens made by Grandma Dora and Grandma Fanny. I loved those beautiful hand-made treasures and it's a big regret that we passed them on rather than keeping them. A few summers ago, I participated in the Tahltan culture camp and, with the expert guidance of elders and friends, I even made my own mittens, of which I'm very proud.
Thank you Christian for such an inspiring beautifully told story.
I grew up in a back-to-the-land family in Northern BC on the traditional and unceeded land of the Tahltan people. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into their community and I grew up wearing beaded moose hide moccasins and mittens made by Grandma Dora and Grandma Fanny. I loved those beautiful hand-made treasures and it's a big regret that we passed them on rather than keeping them. A few summers ago, I participated in the Tahltan culture camp and, with the expert guidance of elders and friends, I even made my own mittens, of which I'm very proud.
Thank you Christian for such an inspiring beautifully told story.
March 14, 2025
Christian, a young boy from Nipissing First Nations, talks about his childhood passion for fashion, and how he struggled to find others like him, with such a passion. His determination and "won't take no for an answer" mindset is inspiring, as he pushes through hurdles for more and more. He follows his dreams, takes chances, and succeeds! As he moves further away from his childhood home, eventually ending up in New York City, his roots call him back. I love how he takes his passion for fashion and uses it to empower Indigenous artists, to bring attention to their fashion, details, and its history. How he finds meaning in merging his identity with his passion.
Job well done, Christian! And thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Job well done, Christian! And thank you for sharing your story!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
May 13, 2025
Allaire was raised in the Nipissing First Nation Reserve. While studying journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto, he persevered to get jobs, paid and unpaid in New York City. With supportive parents, band funding and a status card that allowed him to move between Canada and the United States, he eventually became the senior fashion writer for Vogue magazine. He has become a spokesperson for diverse groups, especially Indigenous designers. But his journey was definitely not without obstacles. This book made me curious about Vogue magazine, which I had never previously perused. It is definitely different from what I perceived.
October 20, 2025
I found this biography to be a fascinating and entertaining read. I loved getting an insight into a world I know little about.
Christian in a remarkable young man and I loved following his path to becoming a top fashion writer for Vogue.
I love how he embraces his Indigenous background and how he showcased so many incredible Indigenous designers through his work. I looked up so many of the artists mentioned and their work was all incredibly beautiful and creative.
Wonderful biography about a young man who has found his place in the fashion world!
Christian in a remarkable young man and I loved following his path to becoming a top fashion writer for Vogue.
I love how he embraces his Indigenous background and how he showcased so many incredible Indigenous designers through his work. I looked up so many of the artists mentioned and their work was all incredibly beautiful and creative.
Wonderful biography about a young man who has found his place in the fashion world!
April 2, 2025
How cool would it be to work at vogue? Coming from a loving family and close knit community Allaire’s story is one filled with small joys, close tragedy, and dreams at vogue reached. This story is one of encouragement and bravery - a voice in the world’s fashion that is necessary to understand the diversity with that world. When it barely existed, Allaire seemed to have shone the light on the Indigenous fashion community on to the world stage. It’s great that this book exists.
June 22, 2025
(4) So interesting to learn about Christian’s path, and what it was like for him growing up in Nipppissing. Fun to read about someone else’s parallel Toronto uni experience during the same time as me. I appreciate his acknowledge of hardships & privilege, and candor with his struggles with alcohol. Fun peak into the fashion world too!
April 17, 2025
Totally enjoyed the memoir about someone I knew nothing about. Honest and straightforward, well written great insight into life on a reservation and the determination it takes to accomplish your goals
April 12, 2025
An amazing story of how a kid from the rez followed his dreams and ends up working for Vogue.
June 17, 2025
A tale of what happens when you don't give up on your dreams.
October 21, 2025
"I knew working in fashion could be unglamorous, but I was surprised by how much."
"...how a little rez kid can end up in high fashion—two worlds that are total opposites."
"...how a little rez kid can end up in high fashion—two worlds that are total opposites."
October 21, 2025
Read in anticipation of Vancouver Writers Fest 2025. Hope to meet Christian this fall to tell him how much I enjoyed his memoir (edit: rip, he's no longer visiting)
4/5 only because there were grammatical errors throughout the book and the copyeditor in me couldn't help but cringe. But this was a really good read and I want to check out more of Christian's work now.
4/5 only because there were grammatical errors throughout the book and the copyeditor in me couldn't help but cringe. But this was a really good read and I want to check out more of Christian's work now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews