SWAIA Native Fashion Week and Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week Unite to Promote Indigenous Fashion Excellence

SWAIA and VIFW: Bridging Native Fashion Communities

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is thrilled to announce a renewed partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) for the upcoming 2025 annual SWAIA Native Fashion Week, scheduled to be held from May 7 to 11 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to celebrate and promote Native fashion, fostering mentorship and leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

A Commitment to Native Excellence

According to SWAIA’s Executive Director, Jamie Schulze, this partnership is about amplifying Native art on a global scale through meaningful collaborations. By joining forces with VIFW, SWAIA aims to enhance visibility and elevate Native fashion design to new heights. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting Native voices and fostering creative excellence,” Schulze stated.

The collaboration will ignite an enriching exchange of ideas, traditions, and artistry between Native fashion communities in the United States and Canada. This unique partnership is a tribute to the rich roots of Native fashion while also creating opportunities for a sustainable and inclusive future for Native designers and creatives.

VIFW: A Leader in Indigenous Fashion

Since its launch in 2017, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week has established itself as a groundbreaking platform for Indigenous fashion globally. The event has become synonymous with celebrating visionary design, having featured over 40 talented designers and attracting international attention. Hosted at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, VIFW is committed to supporting the community and nurturing the next generation of Indigenous creatives. A representative from VIFW expressed excitement about partnering with SWAIA, stating that this collaboration enhances their mission to empower Native communities, allowing them to learn, share, and strengthen cross-border connections.

Mentorship at the Core

A focal point of this partnership is the emphasis on mentorship. VIFW prides itself on empowering community members by sharing knowledge and building relationships within the broader fashion industry. By “handing it back,” VIFW aims to connect Native fashion communities, ensuring a legacy of creativity and inspiration.

SWAIA and VIFW are setting the stage for transformative exchanges that not only honor Native fashion traditions but also inspire a more inclusive and sustainable future for designers and creatives across the continent.

Save the Date

Tickets for the upcoming SWAIA Native Fashion Week will go on sale in mid-February at swaia.org. This event promises to be an exciting celebration of Indigenous creativity, and it’s an opportunity for the fashion community to come together and showcase their talents.

With an array of stunning exhibits and performances planned, the partnership between SWAIA and VIFW will undoubtedly elevate the significance of Indigenous fashion even further, paving the way for future generations.

For those interested in being part of this significant event in the world of fashion, mark your calendars for May 7-11, 2025, and stay tuned for ticket information!

Where tradition meets contemporary design and innovation, the future of Indigenous fashion is bright, vibrant, and full of creative potential!