This weekend, the inaugural SWAIA Native Fashion Week kicks off in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The event—which serves as an extension of the annual Santa Fe Indian Market in August—spotlights contemporary Indigenous fashion designers, all of whom will debut their new collections over the course of four days. It is the first fashion week of its kind in the country.
Every August, the Indigenous fashion show at the Santa Fe Indian Market is a highlight, and the new SWAIA Fashion Week evolved out of a growing appetite for Indigenous couture (not to mention the growing pool of talent creating just that). On the catwalks this weekend, 17 different Indigenous designers will show their new ready-to-wear designs—ranging from streetwear to evening attire.
While the artists’ regional and tribal backgrounds vary, reflecting the diversity of styles and perspectives found across the Indigenous community, they are all united in their innovation—and desire to carry forward their traditional craftwork in new, unexpected ways.
Below, five artists showing at SWAIA Native Fashion Week that you should know.
Photo: Courtesy of @himikalas