Alamossit (ah-lah-muhs-sid): "hummingbird"
Beautifully designed and thoughtfully crafted, this closed-toe sandal is the perfect blend of breathability, comfort, and timeless artistry. Designed by 12th-generation Passamaquoddy basket maker Gabriel Frey, it showcases premium woven leather inspired by his family's rich ash basket weaving tradition. With a supportive ankle strap, a luxuriously soft suede footbed, and a durable rubber sole, this sandal is made for all-day wear—wherever your summer takes you.
About the Art
"For many years my main source of inspiration has been my wife, Suzanne. Both artistically and in life, she has an impeccable and fearless sense of fashion, something that has never been a part of my makeup. She not only has a relationship with color that can only be described as passionate, but she also has a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous artists and fashion. Whenever I question a design choice, she is my guiding star. So, when I was approached by Manitobah to design woven footwear for spring/summer 2025, I naturally asked my wife what kind of shoes she wished Manitobah made.
The Gabriel Frey collection is the result of her answer. Footwear that is designed to be elegant while also being practical, to be comfortable while also expressing love of color and the natural world, to be an expression of Indigenous values while also looking fierce out on the town. Weaving in leather is not dissimilar to weaving black ash. Each one of these designs employ traditional weaving techniques and patterns. The color schemes are meant to emulate the colors of the basket purses I create with black ash and natural dyes.
Alamossit ("hummingbird") are lightweight shoes that have a comfortable and airy quality to them, the strap emulates the sleek wing of the hummingbird, a character in many Indigenous stories known for their strength and stamina."
