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The event transported Allaire back to his childhood in Nipissing First Nation, where he often marvelled at the intricacy of his sister’s jingle dresses and the choreography of powwow dance circles. This reverence for Native culture was not always an integral facet of Allaire’s life, however, on account of his mixed identity; he’s also French Canadian and Italian and writes in “From the Rez to the Runway” that he sometimes shunned his Indigenous side: “My inability to embrace my Indigenous culture … stemmed from the lack of Native representation in mainstream magazines and television.”

Allaire is put on a path of self-discovery while navigating the shaky world of journalism, moving from one unpaid internship to another before eventually landing senior editorial positions. In time, he realizes that the story of his life is also the story of the fight for broader Indigenous representation in the arts. Through reflective and purposeful writing about the fashion world, Allaire reaches an understanding about how Indigenous “regalia has never been about just the aesthetics,” but about “a passing-down of traditions, and a maintaining of cultural pride.”

Allaire is the e and the author of “The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Used to Reclaim Cultures.” He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

What did you last read and what made you read it?

“The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. One of the biggest and most important teachings in Indigenous culture is to have gratitude for what the Creator has given us here on this planet. I have been trying to have more of an appreciation for life’s simple things, including nature — plants, animals. Robin perfectly captures this experience of saying thanks in her delightful, quick read.

What book would your readers be shocked to find in your collection?

I think that any serious fashion fan would be (pleasantly) shocked to find my signed copy of longtime Vogue editor Grace Coddington’s “The Catwalk Cats.” I actually found it in a random little store off the beach in St. Barths — a very glamorous, and fitting, coincidence.

When was the last time you devoured a book in one, or very few, sittings?

I read in one ferocious sitting. I am a longtime diehard fan. The trauma and abuse that Britney endured during her conservatorship is unimaginable. It was powerful to hear her story in her own words. She deserves the world.

Who’s the one author or what’s the one book you’ll never understand, despite the praise?

I’m not one to publicly criticize another author, especially knowing how hard and time-consuming it is to give birth to a book! However, there is one particularly successful fantasy author with transphobic views who, frankly, can do with a little less praise.

What’s the one book that has not garnered the success that it deserves?

“The Age of Miracles” by Karen Thompson Walker is really underrated, in my opinion. I loved the premise of the book — that the Earth’s rotation begins to inexplicably slow down — and its themes of finding strength and growth during extraordinary circumstances. It often takes crazy experiences to make us realize simple truths.

What book would you give anything to read again for the first time?

Anything from the Junie B. Jones series. Reading them as a kid is when I actively remember becoming obsessed with books for the first time — understanding the creativity and imagination that a well-written character can bring into your life. Those books also low-key probably made me want to become a writer.

When you were 10 years old, what was your favourite book?

Probably any of the books from the “Goosebumps” series from . I was obsessed with horror movies and books as a kid — not sure what that says about me! — but I loved all of his creepy page-turners. Especially the book about Slappy, the scary dummy who comes alive. I still have nightmares about dolls to this day.

What fictional character would you like to be friends with?

Becky Bloomwood from She’s a fashion-obsessed journalist who lives in New York City. Do I need to say more?

Do you have a comfort read that you revisit?

“The Year of Magical Thinking” . I turn back to it every time I am grieving someone. It is not even necessarily a comfort read — it is hardly an uplifting book — but it brings me comfort in knowing that there is no right or wrong way to deal with death.

What was the last book that made you laugh or cry?

There are few books that I’ve had as intense of a reaction to than (I even championed the book on Canada Reads.) I cried pretty much the whole time I read it; Michelle perfectly captured the enduring trauma and legacy of residential schools, and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities for generations. As for more of a laugh, I greatly enjoyed reading my Vogue colleague Emma Specter’s candid, funny and sharp memoir titled “More, Please.”

What is the one book you wish you had written?

“Heart Berries” by is an amazing book — the kind of captivating writing that instantly makes you jealous of her talent. I particularly admire Terese’s candour and honesty — two things that I struggled with myself when writing my own book (don’t worry, I didn’t lie).

What three authors living or dead would you like to have a coffee with?

Joan Didion forever.

What does your definition of personal literary success look like?

Putting out stories into the world that are unequivocally and unwaveringly authentic. Also, getting paid well for it!