The SACRD THNDR jewelry brand is going global and doing big things, all in the name of cultural representation, inclusivity and luxury style. So far this year, one of their bolo ties has been featured in Vogue and their striking acrylic designs have appeared on fall fashion week runways in Paris, Milan, Los Angeles and Vancouver.

Headed by Alex Manitopyes (NMPD ’17), a Two Spirit non-binary trans-masculine fashion designer from Muskowekwan and Peepeekisis First Nation in Saskatchewan, the trendsetting brand celebrates intersections between Indigenous art, modern technologies and high fashion.

“I really dig the contrast between tradition and modern technology,” says Manitopyes, whose designs juxtapose traditional Indigenous art with production methods like laser cutting. “It’s like this beautiful dance where the old meets the new, especially in Indigenous cultures. We’ve always been innovators at heart, finding fresh ways to express ourselves and adapt.”

Expression and adaptability are key to the brand, as is celebrating culture. Offering lightweight acrylic earrings, bolo ties, and collar pins that share Manitopyes’ culture and creativity with the world, SACRD THNDR was born in 2023 as a means of connecting, empowering and celebrating each wearer’s individuality.

Manitopyes began their jewelry-designing journey after graduating from SAIT’s New Media and Production Design program, where they sharpened their skills and found their creative groove. Before creating SACRD THNDR, the early stages of their jewelry-making career saw milestones such as launching the e-commerce website for Indi City (an Indigenous retail fashion hub) and participating in the 2019 Indigenous Tokyo Trade Mission — both of which helped Manitopyes understand the importance of Indigenous representation in the fashion industry.

^{Pictured above standing next to the laser cutter used to create SACRD THNDR's jewelry, Alex Manitopyes wears 444, a new bolo tie design released in October. Incorporating the evil eye — a talisman found in ancient Greek and Roman times — 444 symbolizes Manitopyes' "desire for positivity and strength" and appeared on the runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024. Thank you to Fuse33 Makerspace for giving LINK access for this photo shoot.}

Nowadays, they work at Fuse33, a Calgary-based co-working space for creatives where they say the opportunity for collaboration and brainstorming is “off the charts.” As a first-time vendor at the 2024 Calgary Stampede, Manitopyes was able to spread awareness of their brand’s offerings and creative vision. And they were also given the opportunity to accessorize Saddle Lake Cree Nation singer-songwriter Tia Wood for her July 14 performance on the Coca-Cola Stage — an experience Manitopyes says was validating and helped strengthen their resolve to share Indigenous artistry with a broader audience.

Manitopyes draws inspiration from all aspects of their identity which, they say, “adds a unique perspective” to designs that “challenge traditional ideas of gender and aesthetics in fashion.” In short, SACRD THNDR pieces are made to be worn by all, regardless of the wearer’s race or gender.

“Whether you’re Indigenous or not, if you vibe with our art, then it’s meant for you! Inclusivity is what makes SACRD THNDR so special,” Manitopyes says.

“It means the world to us when non-Indigenous folks wear our art and embrace it. It shows that our culture and designs can resonate with so many people, regardless of their background.”