A Vibrant Celebration of Indigenous Identity
From May 8–11, 2025, Santa Fe’s Railyard Arts District became a vibrant stage for Native Fashion Week, a powerful celebration of Indigenous artistry and cultural resilience. More than a showcase of style, this event, hosted by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) in collaboration with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, was a bold statement of presence. As Amber Dawn, founder of Native Fashion Week, passionately stated, “Native people are still here. We always have been.” This four-day event, filled with runway shows, panels, and cultural gatherings, highlighted over 30 Indigenous designers from the U.S. and Canada, redefining fashion through a lens of heritage and innovation. This article explores the significance of Native Fashion Week, its standout designers, and its role in reshaping the global fashion narrative.
A Platform for Indigenous Voices in Fashion
Santa Fe, with its deep ties to 23 Native tribes, including 19 Pueblos, three Apache tribes, and the Navajo Nation, provided the perfect backdrop for Native Fashion Week. Held at the historic Santa Fe Railyard—a site tied to the complex history of railroads and Indigenous displacement—the event was a testament to resilience. It wasn’t just about clothing; it was about reclaiming space in an industry that has often marginalized Indigenous contributions or appropriated their designs without credit.
The event’s theme, “Beyond Philanthropy,” emphasized Indigenous fashion as a self-sustaining economic force, not a charity case. Ysidro Barela, a federal agent at Policy Cultural Heritage USA, highlighted the need for ethical practices, noting the harm caused by counterfeit products in the Native art market. This focus on economic equity and cultural respect underscored every runway show, panel discussion, and pop-up shop.
Standout Designers and Their Stories
Native Fashion Week 2025 featured a diverse lineup of over 30 designers, each weaving their cultural heritage into contemporary designs. Here are some highlights:
- Orlando Dugi: A Navajo designer known for luxurious eveningwear, Dugi’s collection, Stargazer, drew inspiration from the stars, incorporating intricate beadwork and embroidery to reflect Navajo spirituality. His work balances cultural significance with modern elegance.
- Lesley Hampton: An Anishinaabe designer from Temagami First Nation, Hampton showcased body-positive, inclusive designs that celebrate diversity through vibrant textiles and Native art forms.
- Lauren Good Day: Her collection featured ledger art-inspired prints on silks and organic cottons, blending Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, and Plains Cree traditions with bold, earthy palettes.
- Korina Emmerich: Known for innovative textile designs, Emmerich fused traditional Native techniques with modern aesthetics, creating pieces that resonate with cultural pride.
- Nonamey: This Ojibwe Anishinaabe designer presented a striking red cargo suit and blue collared dress, blending 2D traditional motifs with contemporary flair, earning praise for collaborations with brands like Hermès.
These designers showcased how Indigenous fashion is a dynamic blend of ancestral craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. For more on Indigenous artistry, explore our post on the evolution of Native American art.
Runway Highlights and Cultural Moments
The event kicked off with a unique “Runway on the Rails” aboard the Sky Railway, where attendees sipped drinks while previewing collections against the backdrop of New Mexico’s golden hour. Designers like Nonamey and Jason Baerg set the tone with formal and bold pieces that captivated the audience. Over the next few days, the Santa Fe Community Convention Center hosted 17 runway shows, featuring over 100 models of diverse ages, genders, and body types—a stark contrast to the often-exclusive standards of global fashion weeks.
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Notable moments included:
- Deb Haaland’s Appearance: Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Laguna Pueblo member Deb Haaland closed the show in a Patricia Michaels dress inspired by Santa Fe’s landscape, earning a standing ovation for her embodiment of Native pride.
- Celebrity Presence: Indigenous stars like Jessica Matten and Kiowa Gordon from Netflix’s Dark Winds walked the runway, amplifying the event’s cultural significance.
- Sustainable Practices: Designers like Cheryl Fennell of Snowfly used eco-friendly materials like merino wool and hand-tanned leather, emphasizing Indigenous values of environmental stewardship.
These moments underscored the event’s commitment to storytelling through fashion. Learn more about sustainable fashion in our guide to eco-conscious style trends.
Addressing Cultural Appropriation and Industry Challenges
A key discussion at Native Fashion Week was the ongoing issue of cultural appropriation. Non-Native brands like Ralph Lauren have faced criticism for profiting from Indigenous designs without acknowledgment, as seen in a 2022 controversy over Mexican Indigenous patterns. Native Fashion Week counters this by centering authentic voices and fostering ethical partnerships. Panels on Industry Day, May 8, explored challenges like counterfeit goods and the need for structural support to protect artisans’ intellectual property and ensure fair compensation.
The event also highlighted the tension between fast fashion and Indigenous ideals of sustainability. Designers like Tanisha Shetty, featured at Paris Fashion Week, emphasized durability over disposable trends, a philosophy echoed by many Native designers. For a deeper dive into ethical fashion, check out our article on combating cultural appropriation in design.
The Global Impact of Native Fashion Week
Native Fashion Week is more than a regional event; it’s a global movement. By partnering with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, SWAIA is building a platform for Native designers to influence the international fashion scene. The event attracted industry leaders, celebrities like Ashley Callingbull (Miss Universe Canada), and media outlets like PBS, signaling its growing prestige.
Santa Fe’s role as a hub for Indigenous art, home to the Institute for American Indian Arts and the annual Santa Fe Indian Market, amplifies the event’s impact. The market, now in its 103rd year, has long showcased Native craftsmanship, and Native Fashion Week builds on this legacy by bringing haute couture to the forefront.
For more on Santa Fe’s cultural scene, visit the Santa Fe Indian Market official site or explore Vogue’s coverage of Native Fashion Week. To understand the broader context of Indigenous design, check out PBS’s feature on Native fashion.
A Legacy of Resilience and Creativity
Santa Fe Native Fashion Week 2025 was a powerful reminder that Indigenous fashion is not just about style—it’s about presence, identity, and resilience. By showcasing over 30 designers, from established names like Orlando Dugi to emerging talents like Nonamey, the event celebrated the richness of Native artistry while challenging industry norms. It’s a call to action for consumers to support authentic Indigenous designers and for the fashion world to prioritize ethical practices.
As Amber Dawn said, “Native people are still here.” Native Fashion Week ensures their voices are seen, heard, and worn. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for updates on next year’s event!
