Indigenous Design Shines At the First-Ever U.S. Native Fashion Week

Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, SWAIA Native Fashion Week showcased stunning Native style from across North America.

The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for SWAIA Native Fashion Week—the first of its kind in the United States—was palpable across Santa Fe. Fashionistas, creatives, and design aficionados from across North America descended upon the New Mexico capital May 2­ – 5 for a stylish celebration that officially cemented the Southwest city as the epicenter for Indigenous design.

That was precisely the intention behind the four-day extravaganza, explains fashion curator and historian Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika) of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the nonprofit organization behind the famed Indian Market. Along with the entire SWAIA team, she is on a mission to uplift Native fashion amid an era of unprecedented Indigenous representation in entertainment, politics, and beyond.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Studio Seven

“The ultimate goal is to position Santa Fe as the preeminent place where the industry comes to experience, learn about, partner with, and invest in Indigenous fashion,” Bear Robe tells C&I. “This is really about making our own space that’s a unique, niche experience compared to other fashion weeks globally. It’s an invitation for designers, couturiers, and brands from New York to Paris to Berlin to come here.”

Driven by an insatiable demand for Native design, this year’s inaugural standalone affair naturally evolved out of the fan-favorite Indian Market fashion show, which Bear Robe has produced for the past decade. It kicked off with a stylish VIP soiree at the New Mexico Governor’s Mansion, attended by Native luminaries including Tantoo Cardinal, Wes Studi, Jessica Matten, and Kiowa Gordon as well as designers, models, and other notable guests.

Educating the masses about Indigenous culture is paramount for SWAIA, so Bear Robe moderated a Friday symposium at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, inviting attendees to listen in on intimate conversations about the importance of Native fashion and the time-honored techniques behind the contemporary creations. During panel discussions, Tantoo Cardinal and designer Patricia Michaels recalled the inspiration behind the actress’s stunning dress for the Killers of the Flower Moon premiere at Cannes Film Festival, while Peshawn Bread discussed her involvement on the recent Naiomi Glasses x Polo Ralph Lauren capsule collection.

But the main event kicked off on the weekend, including fashion shows, pop-up shops, and activation spaces. Models—including several of the aforementioned actors—rocked the runway in breathtaking looks from revered favorites and fresh talents alike. Featured designers included Orlando Dugi, Himikalas Pamela Baker, Patricia Michaels, Lesley Hampton, Randy Barton, House of Sutai by Peshawn Bread, Towering Stone by Loren Aragon, Vividus by Tierra Alysia, Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg, Heather Bouchier x Indi City, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion, Penny Singer, Qaulluq, Chizhii, Dehmin Cleland, Helen Oro, and Maria Hupfield.

Jessica Matten in Lesley Hampton

Kiowa Gordon in Lesley Hampton

Dakota Beavers in Maria Hupfield

Towering Stone by Loren Aragon

Jessica Matten in TOC Legends by Himikalas

Heather Bouchier x Indi City

Helen Oro Designs

Vividus by Tierra Alysia

Peshawn Bread

Vividus by Tierra Alysia

Tantoo Cardinal and Patricia Michaels celebrate their runway show.

1/11