The Fashion Institute of Technology hosted its annual Native Nations Fashion Night on April 26 in New York City.
The event showcased the work of Indigenous designers from across North America, and celebrated the unique and diverse artistry of Native cultures.
This year, the event was curated by Cheyenne and Arapaho designer Bethany Yellowtail, who selected 12 emerging and established designers to present their collections.
The designers featured in the show included:
– Bethany Yellowtail (Cheyenne and Arapaho)
– Orlando Dugi (Diné)
– Loren Aragon (Laguna Pueblo)
– Jamie Okuma (Luiseño and Shoshone-Bannock)
– Patricia Michaels (Navajo)
– Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo)
– Nizhoni Wheeler (Diné)
– Erin Marie Konsmo (Diné)
– Keri Ataumbi (Maori)
– Lesley Hampton (Haida)
– Margaret Roach Wheeler (Navajo)
– Rebecca Bagsby (Chippewa-Cree)
The collections presented by these designers were a stunning display of Indigenous creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage.
The garments featured traditional Native American motifs and techniques, fused with contemporary designs and materials.
The event was a celebration of the vibrancy and diversity of Indigenous fashion, and a testament to the talent and artistry of Native American designers.
In addition to the fashion show, the event also featured a panel discussion on the importance of representation and cultural preservation in the fashion industry.
The panel was moderated by fashion journalist and curator Teri Agins, and included Native American designers Virgil Ortiz, Loren Aragon, and Jamie Okuma.
The panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Native American designers in the fashion industry, and emphasized the need for greater representation and support for Indigenous artists.
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