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

SWAIA Native Fashion Week 2025 Designer Lineup Revealed

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) has announced the exciting participating designers for the second annual SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW), set to take place from May 7 to May 11, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This year’s event promises to be a celebration of Indigenous creativity and artistry, showcasing the talents of over 25 Indigenous fashion designers from the United States and Canada.

In a significant collaboration, this year’s SNFW is produced in partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW), further amplifying the reach and recognition of Indigenous designers on an international stage. The collaboration emphasizes the vibrant landscape of Indigenous fashion and the necessity for diverse representation within the industry.

The lineup comprises prominent and emerging designers, including:

• - April Allen (Inuit) with Stitched by April
• - Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo) presenting Towering House
• - Jeremy Donavan Arviso (Diné, Hopi, Akimel O'odham, and Tohono O'odham) from RVSO78
• - Kaylyn Baker (Northern Tutchone) of Kaylyn Baker Designs
• - Pam Baker (Squamish and Kwakwaka'wakw) showcasing TOC Legends
• - Rebecca Baker-Grenier (kwakwaka'wakw and Squamish) with contributions from Peshawn Bread (Comanche/Kiowa/Cherokee) of House of Sutai
• - And many more talented individuals.

Jamie Schulze, executive director of SWAIA, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “Congratulations to all the participating designers; witnessing your artistic expression and creative brilliance is just amazing. We look forward to welcoming you to Santa Fe this May for a historic international collaboration.”

Event Schedule

SWAIA Native Fashion Week will feature a range of events during its five-day schedule:

• - May 7, 2025: VIP/Donor/Member Preview (Invitation only)
• - May 8, 2025: Industry Day with panel discussions and designer trunk shows at various locations in downtown Santa Fe, followed by a Media and VIP Launch Party.
• - May 9, 2025: SWAIA Native Fashion Show, including a Cocktail Shopping Hour at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
• - May 10-11, 2025: Additional SWAIA Native Fashion Shows at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.

Tickets for the event will be available to SWAIA members starting March 12 and to the general public from March 19, 2025. For more details on the event schedule and to purchase tickets, interested individuals can visit swaia.org.

About SWAIA Native Fashion Week

Established in 2024, SWAIA Native Fashion Week is a significant offshoot of the much-admired SWAIA Native Fashion Show, which has been integral to the Santa Fe Indian Market since 2014. The week-long event aims to position Santa Fe as the Indigenous fashion capital of the United States, fostering networking opportunities, enhancing the visibility of Indigenous voices, and celebrating Indigenous creativity within the fashion industry.

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW)

VIFW has gained acclaim as the leading Indigenous fashion event in Canada since its inception in 2017, showcasing the talents of visionary designers across Turtle Island. Its growth and reputation establish it as a vital player in advocating and celebrating Indigenous fashion worldwide.

In conclusion, SWAIA Native Fashion Week is not just an event; it represents a platform for Indigenous narratives, artistry, and cultural representation within the global fashion landscape. With anticipation building for this year’s lineup, the event is set to be an inspiring fusion of culture and creativity, showcasing the future of Indigenous fashion at its finest.