The collections ranged from graphic streetwear to ornate formal attire. Opening the show was a new assortment of cool, graphic pieces from Jamie Okuma, which were all about her signature print work. “This collection included everything that has been living in my head over the past six months,” the designer said. “The florals were drawn from the ones surrounding my studio, and I did some contemporary interpretations of parfleche design.” Next up was Lauren Good Day, who enlisted a star-studded cast to model her new elk-ivory-printed wrap dresses and bomber jackets (actor Amber Midthunder, singer Tia Woods, and artist Naiomi Glasses all made cameos). “I really wanted to represent our community,” says Good Day. “I create first and foremost for our own people, and I wanted them to feel represented. I also wanted to highlight movers and shakers within Indian Country.”
Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose, a notable jeweler at Asep Designs, debuted two statement gowns; both featured 3D printing that drew from the patterns of traditional Navajo textiles. Caroline Monnet created voluminous silhouettes made of materials such as construction plastic, Tyvek, and pink wall insulation. “All the pieces are made with building materials, which I use in my visual-arts practice,” says Monnet, who marked her first time doing a runway clothing collection. “This collection was all about building a future together for the next seven generations.” Closing the show was Jontay Kahm, who wowed the crowd with his theatrical evening looks made of beads and feathers. “Ethereal Realms was about war and the concept of the American silhouette, like jeans and a T-shirt,” says Kahm of the collection. “There were a lot of separates—I wanted it to be more wearable but still Jontay.”
As Indian Market grows and grows, the annual event continues to set the bar of what Indigenous excellence can be—and it’s now not just an August-only affair, either. In May of next year, SWAIA Native Fashion Week—now in its second year—will feature some of the market’s top artists on the runway. Meaning the eclectic street style scene and groundbreaking designs will soon be making a return. Set those calendars. Below, more looks from the fashion show.