Celebrate the First Native Fashion Week, See Top Looks from all 17 Indigenous Designers Here
Red buffalo vest, Penny Singer. Hand beaded earrings by Helen Oro Designs. Lush lavender fur coat and metallic vest ensemble, Tierra Alysia. Fur trimmed turquoise parka by Victoria Kakuktinniq. Image credits: Designer’s individual Instagram accounts or Tira Howard Photography.com as noted.
Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts or “SWAIA” the inaugural Native Fashion Week was a milestone of artistic prowess of Indigenous craft and creative passion by the Native artists and designers invited to participate in this groundbreaking show. Honoring their historic past, these talented designers have created compelling and spirited fashions and accessories that celebrate the future.
It’s important to thank Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, the multi-talented fashion curator of “SWAIA,” who created the event in 2014. Read her interview by the Metropolitan Museum of Art here.
Bodycon mahogany dress accessorized with hand painted vest, stunning turquoise jewelry and a sinuous white snake by Tierra Alysia.
Striking denim capelet by Tierra Alysia.
Sky blue hooded jacket, Tierra Alysia.
Dramatic makeup complements this fur ensemble, accessorized with abalone shell necklace. Tierra Alysia.
Flower power dress by Tierra Alysia. Image: Tira Howard Photography.com.
Glorious outerwear embellished with decorative abalone shell. Tierra Alysia. Image: Tira Howard Photography.com.
Let’s abandon our preconceived notions of what Native fashion should look like. Glittering fantasy wig by Tierra Alysia, who hails from the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians located in Sonoma County, California.
“Indigenous disco” by Peshawn Bread, House of Sutai. This funky outfit shouts “party” in every language.
Peshawn Bread menswear.
Glowing disco two piece by Peshawn Bread.
Radiant halter by Peshawn Bread, who identifies as a Comanche/Kiowa/Cherokee non-binary designer, filmmaker and model.
Boldly graphic trim is the highlight of this lovely gown, created exclusively for Walt Disney World, American Heritage Gallery at Epcot Center, in Orlando, Florida, by designer Loren Aragon.
Walt Disney World’s new exhibition; Creating Traditions: Innovation & Change in Native American Art, featuring a one of a kind ACONAV designed gown authentically inspired by a traditional Acoma Pueblo olla, by Loren Aragon.
Pueblo pottery design coin purse by Loren Aragon, who is influenced by pottery made by his grandmothers, garments by his aunt and jewelry made by his uncle.
Rich copper orb embossed earrings by Loren Aragon.
Pottery inspired sheath dress by Loren Aragon.
Crossbody bag by Loren Aragon.
Fabulous pottery inspired men’s shirts, Towering Stone collection by Loren Aragon. (Loren, please make these available for women too!)
Contemporary menswear that resonates with history, Towering Stone collection by Loren Aragon.
Magnificent gown by Himikalas Pamela Baker, a Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw, Tlingit and Haida from her mother’s side and Squamish by her father’s lineage. Professionally trained as a fashion designer, Baker focuses on designing a future that honors her ancestors.
Laser cut leather halter and sheer skirt with Coast Salish designs by Himikalas Pamela Baker.
Actress Lily Gladstone dressed by Pamela Baker.
Sparkling dress from the “Spirits of the Universe” collection. Pamela Baker.
Elegant sheath dress, Pamela Baker.
“Animal Kingdom” evening dress. Pamela Baker.
“Spirits of the Universe” haute couture gown, Pamela Baker.
Sheer coat embroidered with Coast Salish designs. Pamela Baker.
Must-have “Touch of Culture” palazzo pants by Pamela Baker.
Left, model wearing laser cut gown fashioned from 30 separate pieces. Right, celebrated fashion designer Pamela Baker.
Breathtaking Chilkat blanket design by Pamela Baker. Tira Howard Photography.com. Majestic Chilkat ceremonial blankets were the ultimate status objects on the Pacific Northwest Coast. Both men and women wore the blankets over the shoulder during important dances and ceremonies.
As stated by the Burke Museum, located in Seattle, Washington, “the Chilkat blankets were conceived to be a royal object in motion.” Pamela Baker. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Intricately beaded and embroidered arctic jacket by Victoria Kakuktinniq, founder of Victoria’s Arctic Fashion.
The ultimate parkas by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Bravura beading and fur details. Parka by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Spectacular embellished leather and fur mukluks by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Established in 2014, Victoria fuses ancestral northern attire with contemporary flair. Born in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Victoria Kakuktinniq’s Inuit roots run deep, crafting traditional pieces inspired by a lineage of strong Inuit women.
Sensational blue-pink chrome purse by Lesley Hampton.
Figure flattering two tone suit by Lesley Hampton.
Tonal wrap dress, Lesley Hampton.
Cropped leather biker jacket paired with pleated skirt by Lesley Hampton.
Pleated two piece ensemble, Lesley Hampton.
Sheer appliqué floral gown by Lesley Hampton. Lesley is a member of Temagami First Nation. She is an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer focused on mental wellness and body neutrality in fashion through the lens of the Indigenous worldview.
Exquisite quill weaving by Lesley Hampton.
Distinctive fur sleeves accent this charming medicine basket pocket dress by Jason Baerg.
Trouser ensemble accented with eye-catching cummerbund by Jason Baerg.
Daring crimson and silver mini by Jason Baerg.
Vibrant, flowing ensemble by Jason Baerg.
From the Kapishkum, (Transcend) Collection by Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg. This unique collection pays tribute to the enduring traditions of Jason’s Cree and Métis ancestors, spanning generations past, present and future.
Striking royal blue fringed poncho accented with yellow horsehair earrings. Jason Baerg. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Remarkable statement bead and feather necklace and earrings by Helen Oro Designs.
Phenomenal hand beaded necklace with coordinated earrings by Helen Oro Designs.
Multi layered hand-beaded necklace by the incomparable Helen Oro Designs.
Hand crafted as a gift for her husband, Helen Oro embellished sunglasses, cufflinks, a brooch and a feather bow tie for one of her many award nights. Helen is Plains Cree from Pelican Lake First Nation. She creates modern accessories using traditional First Nation beadwork.
Amazing 3-D printed wedding gown embellished using dentalium shells and horsehair tassels. Heather Bouchier Design.
Horsehair and dentalium bustle on wedding gown. Heather Bouchier Design.
Glorious wedding gown. Heather Bouchier Design.
Hand crafted earrings fashioned using dentalium, slender marine mollusks, also called tooth or tusk shells. Dentalium shells were used by Inuit, First Nations, and Native Americans as an international trade item.
Laser cut iridescent acetate floral earrings, Indicity Shop by Heather Bouchier Design and Angel Aubichon.
Dazzling statement earrings. Ancestors Eyes-Deep Sea. Indicity Shop Heather Bouchier Design and Angel Aubichon.
Runway sample sale earrings. Jewelry as wearable art. Indicity Shop Heather Bouchier Design and Angel Aubichon.
Magnificent woven cape by Navajo, (Diné) fashion designer and artist Penny Singer.
Embroidered gold vest, Penny Singer.
Plum velvet embroidered shirt accessorized with remarkable Navajo turquoise and sterling jewelry. Penny Singer.
Men’s appliqué shirts by Penny Singer.
Lovely poncho tells a beautiful story by Penny Singer.
Uvana Qaulluq combines contemporary and traditional elements.
Modern Iñupiaq designs by Uvana Qaulluq.
Black suit with joyful floral appliquéd sleeves. Uvana Qaulluq.
Feminine, contemporary take on an atikluk embellished with embroidered tundra flowers. Uvana Qaulluq.
Poster art by Carrie Wood (Diné) of “chizhii” resides in Santa Fe, NM. She introduced her first collection at the inaugural Native Fashion Week.
Sustainable fashion. Upcycled fringe shirts fabricated using colorful scarves. Carrie Wood.
Decorative crop top and mini by Carrie Wood.
Fabulous upcycled menswear by Carrie Wood.
Incredible bustiers crafted using repurposed fabric by Carrie Wood.
Native Fashion Week 2024 poster by Carrie Wood Chizhii.
Apparel by Randy Leigh Burton, a neo-contemporary Navajo artist.
Hey! We love Gucci too! Randy Leigh Burton.
Lingerie by Dehmin Cleland, who is Ojibwe and Odawa from Wikwemikong reserve of Manitoulin Island.
Heart appliquéd lingerie by Dehmin Cleland.
Bold leather bracelets, hand painted. Patricia Michaels.
Dramatic hand painted umbrella by Patricia Michaels.
The hand of the artist. Glass beads, semi precious stones, hand dyed silk and leather bracelet. Patricia Michaels.
Mica pendant on chain by Patricia Michaels, who uses organic materials, recycled textiles and leather. She draws inspiration from nature and her Native roots of Taos Pueblo.
Multi-colored jingles by Maria Hupfield who interconnects performance art, sculpture and design.
Men’s dance regalia adorned with silver jingles. Maria Hupfield. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Maria Hupfield is an Urban off-reservation member of the Anishinaabek People belonging to Wasauksing First Nation in Ontario.
Sumptuous dance ensemble enhanced with rainbow jingles. Maria Hupfield. Interested in the history of jingles in Native dance? The jingle dance originated among the Chippewa in the early 1920s. Watch this youtube video to see a jingle dance held at a Native pow wow.
Petite hand crafted bag by Maria Hupfield.
A rainbow of multi-colored paillettes. Maria Hupfield.
Orlando Dugi crafts elegant garments utilizing luxurious fabrics, lush embellishments and creative extravagance. His designs are inspired by the handcraft tradition of his Diné Navajo heritage.
Men’s leather jacket, extreme wide legged trousers for women. Orlando Dugi.
Clear vinyl trench. Orlando Dugi.
Exquisite handmade Sun God bomber jacket by Orlando Dugi.
Watch the stunning video revealing how Orland handmade the jacket here.
Weaving yucca plant fibers to incorporate into a silk tulle caped jumpsuit.
Delicately bead tunic by Orlando Dugi. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Ensemble by Loren Aragon. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Hope you enjoyed the premier of Native Fashion Week. See you in New York for the next show!
