#United States #Santa Fe #SWAIA #Native Fashion Week #Indigenous Designers

The Exciting Return of SWAIA Native Fashion Week 2025

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is thrilled to declare the upcoming SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW), set to take place from May 7 to May 11, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Following a triumphant first year, this second annual event promises to amplify the voices and creativity of Indigenous designers, through a series of spectacular runway shows, engaging pop-up shops, dynamic activation spaces, and thought-provoking fashion panels.

In its inaugural year, the SNFW showcased the unique talents of 17 Indigenous designers from the United States and Canada, featuring an impressive 140 models and over 30 independent makeup and hair artists. This year, SWAIA aims to build on that foundation, inviting the community to participate in a celebration of Indigenous artistry and innovation.

As stated by SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze, “This year's Native Fashion Week will invite the community to join us in celebrating Indigenous creativity and innovation.” This sentiment underscores the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry.

In preparation for the 2025 event, SWAIA has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) aimed at finding a fashion producer to collaborate on the event. Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit proposals by December 20, 2024. This process exemplifies SWAIA's dedication to fostering transparency and inclusivity within the Indigenous fashion community.

SWAIA Native Fashion Week is a significant offshoot of the acclaimed SWAIA Native Fashion Show, which has been a staple during the Santa Fe Indian Market since 2014. Debuting in May 2024, the 2025 edition aims to establish Santa Fe as the premier Indigenous fashion capital of North America. The week-long celebration is designed to showcase Indigenous creativity, foster networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals, and elevate Indigenous voices within the broader fashion landscape.

Last year's event received generous support from various sponsors, including the New Mexico Multi-Cultural Foundation, Heritage Hotels, and the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, showcasing the collective effort to uplift and promote Indigenous culture. These partnerships play an integral role in the sustainability and growth of the event, providing resources and visibility to emerging artists.

Participants can look forward to announcements regarding the lineup of designers and ticketing details, which are expected to be revealed in early 2025. With a vibrant schedule of activities planned, attendees will be immersed in a cultural experience like no other, highlighting the rich heritage and contemporary expressions inherent in Indigenous fashion.

The SWAIA Native Fashion Week 2025 aims not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire, creating a platform for dialogue and understanding around Indigenous artistry. For more information and to explore the possibilities of becoming part of this vibrant community, visit SWAIA’s official website.

Join us in celebrating a week dedicated to embracing creativity, diversity, and the powerful narratives woven into Indigenous fashion. Be part of the movement that highlights Indigenous excellence in art and culture, ensuring these voices resonate far and wide.

About SWAIA

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Native North American art and culture. Since its inception in 1922, SWAIA has worked tirelessly to create economic and cultural opportunities for Indigenous artists, curating not only the Santa Fe Indian Market but also various programs throughout the year that honor the creative practices of Native artists.