Is there something magical about a community coming together to showcase their heritage? This sentiment became profoundly tangible from May 8-11 in Santa Fe’s historic Railyard Arts District during Native Fashion Week, a vivid celebration of Indigenous design.

Surrounded by the captivating landscape of New Mexico, this event bridged the connection between art, culture, and identity, attracting an enthusiastic audience.

Community Spirit

Throughout Santa Fe, the buzz of Native Fashion Week reverberated beyond the boundaries of galleries and runways. Pedestrians paused to observe vibrant styles, while local Uber drivers and market vendors eagerly shared their excitement. Even the neon signs at local motels flashed their acknowledgment, casting a warm glow over the festivities. Unlike traditional fashion weeks that cater to elite circles, Santa Fe pulsed with collective enthusiasm. Everyone was involved, making the week an immersive community experience.

A Curated Experience

This year marked the second iteration of Native Fashion Week, founded by the visionary Amber-Dawn Robe. The week celebrated more than 30 Indigenous designers with trunk shows, runway presentations, and insightful discussions on topics like cultural appropriation and challenges faced by emerging brands. Esteemed guests, including Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, contributed to the nurturing environment, reinforcing the significant impact Indigenous communities have had on the fashion landscape.

Cultural Heritage

Indigenous design is rich with history, embodying traditional techniques and intricate craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story, carrying the weight of culture and memory. As Amber-Dawn notes, “Indigenous fashion has been couture since before [the term] existed,” highlighting the longstanding tradition that has shaped the essence of style.

Artful Journeys

To kick off the week, participants enjoyed a nostalgic train ride from the Santa Fe Railyard, indulging in refreshments while viewing striking new collections. Among the standout designers, Nonamey presented bold pieces showcasing his unique style rich in traditional motifs. Jason Baerg evolved formal wear with designs that seemed to dance under the picturesque New Mexico sky, illustrating the allure and creativity inspired by the land.

Star Power

The excitement escalated as notable figures graced the runways, including actors Jessica Matten and Kiowa Gordon from Netflix's Dark Winds and former US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. The collections on display integrated cultural elements with avant-garde flair, featuring striking silhouettes and vibrant colors. Here, fashion transcended mere trends; it transformed into a powerful voice advocating for social change and awareness.

Messages in Fashion

Designers like Korina Emmerich and Jimmy Dean Horn wove important messages into their collections, using fashion as a platform for dialogue on significant issues. Himikalas Pamela Baker's design symbolizing the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women echoed urgent narratives inherent in their creations. Sacrd Thndr’s grand finale focused on the defense of human rights, amplifying critical concerns that resonate deeply within communities.

A Historic Shift

Amber-Dawn emphasized that Native Fashion Week is less about fitting into mainstream fashion and more about reclaiming narratives that have long been overlooked. "That wasn’t representation, it was power, by design," she asserts, advocating for a fashion ecosystem that resonates with authenticity. Alongside her, Deb Haaland reaffirmed that every detail spoke to the brilliance of Indigenous culture, championing the event as a cultural force rather than a fleeting trend.

Noteworthy Designers

Several designers stood out for their innovative approaches. Alex Vigil, known as AVA, showcased sustainability through deconstructed denim patterns rooted in his Indigenous heritage. Darcy Big Horse blended traditions from her English and Cheyenne roots in a collection that epitomizes Indigenous couture, while Dorothy Grant’s minimalist pieces held onto the elegance of Haida influences, showcasing refinement paralleled with cultural pride.

Young Talents

Emerging artist Shoshoni Hostler captured the audience's hearts with her intricate beadwork and whimsical designs. Drawing inspiration from her mother, a well-respected jeweller, Hostler’s creations showcased playful elements, enriching the performance with heartfelt narrative threads. Nonamey’s approach merged traditional aesthetics with contemporary storytelling, expressing vital facets of Indigenous identity.

Conclusion: Embracing Legacy

Native Fashion Week serves as a celebration of not only fashion but a vibrant community's cultural identity. It forges connections between heritage and modern expressions, presenting a powerful reminder of the stories woven into every garment. By embracing these narratives, audiences and artists alike can work toward uplifting the diverse voices within Indigenous culture, transforming the fashion landscape into a realm of understanding and respect.