Penny Singer. Red buffalo vest. Helen Oro Designs hand beaded earrings. Tierra Alysia’s metallic vest with a lavender fur jacket. Fur trimmed parka in turquoise 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. These talented designers created fashions and accessories to celebrate the future while honoring their historical past.
It’s important to thank Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, the multi-talented fashion curator of “SWAIA,” who created the event in 2014. Click here to read her interview at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Bodycon mahogany dress with turquoise and turquoise jewelry, as well as a Tierra Alysia white snake.
Striking denim capelet by Tierra Alysia.
Tierra Alysia hooded jacket with sky blue color.
Fur ensemble with abalone necklace and dramatic makeup. Tierra Alysia.
Tierra Alisia’s Flower Power Dress. Image: Tira Howard Photography.com.
Beautiful outerwear embellished in abalone shell. Tierra Alysia. Image: Tira Howard Photography.com.
Let’s abandon our preconceived notions of what Native fashion should look like. Tierra Alysia’s glittering fantasy hairstyle is inspired by the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, located in Sonoma County.
“Indigenous disco” by Peshawn Bread, House of Sutai. This funky outfit shouts “party” in every language.
Peshawn Bread Menswear
Glowing disco 2 piece by Peshawnbread.
Radiant halter by Peshawn Bread, who identifies as a Comanche/Kiowa/Cherokee non-binary designer, filmmaker and model.
The boldly graphic trim on this beautiful gown is exclusive to Walt Disney World and 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.
Loren Aragon created this Pueblo pottery coin purse, which was inspired by the pottery of his grandmothers, his aunt’s clothing and his uncle’s jewelry.
Loren Aragon earring with rich copper orbs embossed.
Loren Aragon Pottery-inspired sheath dress.
Crossbody bag from Loren Aragon.
Fabulous pottery inspired men’s shirts, Towering Stone collection by Loren Aragon. (Loren, make sure that women can also get these!)
The Towering Stone Collection by Loren Aragón is a collection of contemporary menswear with a historical resonance.
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. Baker, a professional fashion designer with a focus on creating a future honoring her ancestors, is a trained designer.
Himikalas Pamella Baker designed this laser cut leather halter with Coast Salish designs and sheer skirt.
Pamela Baker dresses actress Lily Gladstone.
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 embroided with Coast Salish design. Pamela Baker.
Must-have “Touch of Culture” palazzo pants by Pamela Baker.
Model wearing laser-cut gown made of 30 separate pieces. Right, fashion designer Pamela Baker.
Breathtaking Chilkat blanket design by Pamela Baker. Tira Howard Photography.com. Majestic ceremonial Chilkat blankets were considered the ultimate status object on the Pacific Northwest Coast. Both men and woman wore blankets on their shoulders during important ceremonies and dances.
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.
Victoria’s Arctic Fashion.
The ultimate parkas by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Bravado beading, fur and details. Parka by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Spectacular embellished leather and fur mukluks by Victoria’s Arctic Fashion. Victoria’s Arctic Fashion was established in 2014. It fuses ancient northern clothing 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.
Lesley Hampton’s blue-pink chrome purse is a stunning piece.
Lesley Hampton, figure flattering suit in two tones.
Tonal wrap dress, Lesley Hampton.
Lesley Hampton’s leather cropped jacket and pleated skirt.
Lesley Hampton’s pleated two piece ensemble
Sheer appliqué floral gown by Lesley Hampton. Lesley Hampton is a Temagami First Nation member. She is an Anishinaabe designer and artist. Her focus is on body neutrality, mental wellness, and Indigenous fashion.
Lesley Hampton’s exquisite quill weaving.
The charming medicine bag pocket dress by Jason Baerg is adorned with fur sleeves.
Jason Baerg’s Trouser Ensemble with Cummerbund.
Jason Baerg’s Daring Crimson and Silver Mini.
Jason Baerg’s vibrant, flowing ensemble.
Ayimach Horizons Collection, 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.
The poncho is a striking royal blue with a fringed edge, accented by yellow horsehair earrings. Jason Baerg. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Helen Oro Designs offers a stunning statement necklace and earrings with feathers and beads.
Helen Oro designs has designed a beautiful hand beaded necklace that coordinates with matching earrings.
Helen Oro Designs offers a multi-layered, hand-beaded chain.
Helen Oro handcrafted sunglasses, cufflinks and a feathered bow tie as a gift to her husband for one of many awards nights. Helen is Plains Cree, from the Pelican lake First Nation. Helen uses traditional First Nation beads to create modern accessories.
The wedding dress is embellished with dentalium shells, horsehair tassels and a 3-D printed design. Heather Bouchier Design.
Wedding gown with horsehair and dentalium bustle. Heather Bouchier Design.
Glorious wedding gown Heather Bouchier Design.
These earrings are made from dentalium shells, which is a thin marine mollusk, sometimes called tooth or Tusk Shells. Dentalium shells were used by Inuit, First Nations, and Native Americans as an international trade item.
Indicity Shop by Heather Bouchier and Angel Aubichon, laser cut iridescent acetate flower earrings.
Statement earrings that dazzle. Deep Sea-Ancestors Eyes Indicity Shop Heather Bouchier and Angel Aubichon.
Runway sample earrings Jewelry as wearable Art Indicity Shop Heather Bouchier Designs and Angel Aubichon
Magnificent woven cape by Navajo, (Diné) fashion designer and artist Penny Singer.
Penny Singer, embroidered gold vest.
Plum velvet embroidered shirt with Navajo turquoise jewelry and sterling silver. Penny Singer.
Men’s appliqué shirts by Penny Singer.
Penny Singer’s beautiful poncho is a wonderful story.
Uvana Quallluq combines both contemporary and traditional styles.
Modern Iñupiaq designs by Uvana Qaulluq.
Black suit with joyful floral appliquéd sleeves. Uvana Qaulluq.
Atikluk with tundra flowers embroidered on it. Uvana Qaulluq.
Poster art by Carrie Wood (Diné) of “chizhii” resides in Santa Fe, NM. She presented her first collection at Native Fashion Week.
Fashion for the future. The shirts are made by upcycling scarves into fringes. Carrie Wood.
Carrie Wood – Decorative crop tops and minis.
Carrie Wood’s upcycled clothing for men is stunning.
Carrie Wood creates incredible bustiers using repurposed fabrics.
Native Fashion Week poster 2024 by Carrie Wood Chizhii
Apparel created by Randy Leigh Burton. He is a Navajo neo-contemporary artist.
Randy Leigh Burton
Hey! We love Gucci too! Randy Leigh Burton.
Dehmin Cleland’s lingerie, designed by Dehmin Cleland. Dehmin Cleland comes from Wikwemikong reservation on Manitoulin Island.
Heart appliquéd lingerie by Dehmin Cleland.
Hand-painted leather bracelets in bold colors. Patricia Michaels.
Patricia Michaels hand painted dramatic umbrella.
The artist’s hand. Hand-dyed silk, semi precious stones and leather bracelet. Patricia Michaels.
Patricia Michaels’s mica pendant on a chain. Made from organic materials, recycled fabrics and leather. She is inspired by nature and her Native roots in Taos Pueblo.
Maria Hupfield’s multi-colored jingles, which combines performance art with sculpture and design.
Men’s dance regalia adorned with silver jingles. Maria Hupfield. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Maria Hupfield belongs to the Wasauksing First Nation, which is a Wasauksing Anishinaabek People urban off-reservation.
Dance ensemble with rainbow jingles. Maria Hupfield. Are you curious about the history behind Native American dance jingles and chants? The jingle dancing originated with the Chippewa during the early 1920s. Youtube has a video showing a Native pow-wow jingle.
Maria Hupfield has created a small hand-crafted bag.
Rainbow of paillettes in multi-colors. Maria Hupfield.
Orlando Dugi designs elegant garments that are embellished with lavish fabrics and creative creativity. 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.
Orlando Dugi has created a beautiful, handmade Sun God Bomber Jacket.
Here is a stunning video that shows how Orland made the jacket.
Weaving the fibers of yucca plants to create a silk tulle cape jumpsuit.
Click here to watch the video
Orlando Dugi’s delicately beaded tunic. Tira Howard Photography.com.
Loren Aragon, Ensemble Tira Howard Photography.com.
I hope you have enjoyed Native Fashion Week. Next show in New York!