Celebrating Indigenous identity through fashion

In Santa Fe, the runway transformed into a powerful platform for Indigenous designers to express their cultural identities through fashion. The event brought together creatives from across North America, each presenting garments that told stories of ancestry, resilience, and community. The designs went beyond aesthetics, serving as visual narratives that honoured traditional practices while embracing modern interpretations.

For many of the designers, fashion is more than a medium—it’s a form of cultural preservation and resistance. By incorporating traditional motifs, materials, and techniques, they reaffirmed their connection to their roots and challenged mainstream fashion norms. The showcase highlighted how clothing can be a living expression of Indigenous identity, evolving with time yet deeply grounded in heritage.

Audience members witnessed a diverse array of styles, from intricately beaded garments to contemporary silhouettes adorned with symbolic patterns. Each piece carried meaning, whether referencing tribal stories, landscapes, or spiritual beliefs. The models, many of whom were Indigenous themselves, walked with pride, embodying the strength and beauty of their cultures.

This celebration of Indigenous fashion resonated strongly with attendees, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions that continue to thrive and inspire. It was a reminder that fashion can be a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural affirmation, and intergenerational dialogue.

Designers draw inspiration from heritage and daily life

Designers participating in the Santa Fe showcase drew deeply from their personal histories and community traditions to craft garments that were both visually striking and culturally rich. Many spoke of growing up surrounded by the stories, crafts, and ceremonies of their people, which now inform every stitch and silhouette in their collections. For some, the act of designing is a way to honour elders and pass down knowledge through wearable art.

Materials played a significant role in this creative process. Designers often sourced natural fibres and dyes traditionally used by their ancestors, such as hand-woven cotton, deer hide, and plant-based pigments. These choices were not only aesthetic but also symbolic, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a reverence for the land. The use of locally sourced materials also reinforced the connection between fashion and place, grounding each piece in a specific cultural and environmental context.

Daily life and contemporary Indigenous experiences were also central themes. Some designers incorporated elements from urban Indigenous life, blending streetwear influences with traditional patterns. Others referenced personal journeys, such as reconnecting with their language or navigating identity in modern society. These narratives were embedded in the details—beaded cuffs that told a family story, embroidery that mirrored the landscape of a childhood home, or prints inspired by traditional tattoos and carvings.

Collaboration was another key aspect of the creative process. Many designers worked closely with family members, community artisans, and cultural advisors to ensure authenticity and respect. This collaborative spirit not only enriched the final garments but also strengthened community ties and encouraged the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations.

Through their work, these designers demonstrated that fashion can be a dynamic expression of Indigenous life—one that honours the past while embracing the present. Their collections served as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and evolving identities of Indigenous peoples across North America.

Runway highlights from the Santa Fe showcase

The runway at the Santa Fe showcase came alive with a kaleidoscope of textures, colours, and stories, as each designer presented a collection that was both deeply personal and culturally resonant. One standout moment featured a series of garments by a Cree-Métis designer, whose pieces incorporated hand-beaded floral motifs passed down through generations. The models wore flowing capes and structured jackets that combined traditional craftsmanship with bold, modern tailoring, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Another highlight came from a Diné (Navajo) designer who reimagined traditional weaving patterns into sleek, contemporary silhouettes. Her collection featured long coats and dresses in earthy tones, accented with silver concho belts and turquoise jewellery. The garments moved gracefully down the runway, echoing the desert landscapes of the American Southwest and the enduring spirit of her people.

Streetwear also made a powerful appearance, with a young Anishinaabe designer debuting a line that fused graffiti-inspired prints with traditional woodland designs. Hoodies, bomber jackets, and joggers were emblazoned with symbols representing water, land, and sky—elements central to Anishinaabe cosmology. The collection resonated with younger audience members, bridging generational gaps through fashion.

Accessories played a significant role in many of the runway looks. Feathered earrings, bone chokers, and intricately woven sashes added layers of meaning and texture. One model wore a dress made entirely of ribbonwork, a nod to ceremonial regalia, while another donned a gown adorned with quillwork and porcupine spines, showcasing the meticulous artistry of Plains traditions.

Throughout the event, the models themselves brought an added layer of authenticity and pride to the runway. Many were Indigenous youth and community members, walking with confidence and purpose. Their presence underscored the importance of representation and the power of fashion to uplift and empower Indigenous voices.

The energy in the room was electric as each collection unfolded, with audience members responding with cheers, ululations, and standing ovations. The showcase was not just a fashion event—it was a cultural experience, a celebration of identity, and a testament to the enduring creativity of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous designers showcase cultural heritage

Designers from Indigenous communities across North America brought a powerful sense of identity and storytelling to the runway in Santa Fe, where fashion became a canvas for cultural expression. Each garment was a tribute to heritage, with textiles, beadwork, and silhouettes rooted in ancestral knowledge and traditional craftsmanship.

From the intricate quillwork of the Northern Plains to the bold patterns of the Southwest, the collections reflected a deep connection to land, language, and lineage. Designers drew inspiration from ceremonial regalia, oral histories, and the everyday lives of their communities, translating these elements into contemporary pieces that resonated with both tradition and innovation.

“Our designs are not just fashion—they are living stories,” shared one designer, whose collection featured hand-dyed fabrics and motifs passed down through generations.

Many of the showcased pieces incorporated sustainable practices, with natural fibres and locally sourced materials taking centre stage. This commitment to ethical fashion aligns with Indigenous values of respect for the earth and community-led production.

• Beaded detailing and handwoven textiles highlighted artisanal skill
• Silhouettes ranged from structured coats to flowing dresses, blending modern cuts with traditional elements
• Designers represented a wide range of nations, including Diné, Ojibwe, and Haudenosaunee

For Australian fashion audiences, the showcase offered a compelling look at how Indigenous designers are reclaiming narrative through fashion—creating pieces that are not only visually striking but also culturally rich and deeply personal.

Runway celebrates contemporary Indigenous fashion

The runway in Santa Fe pulsed with energy as models stepped out in garments that seamlessly merged ancestral motifs with modern silhouettes. Each look was a bold statement—where tradition met trend, and where cultural pride was stitched into every seam. The collections were not only visually arresting but also emotionally resonant, telling stories of resilience, identity, and reclamation through fabric and form.

Designers embraced contemporary aesthetics while honouring their roots, with structured tailoring, asymmetrical hemlines, and layered textures that would not look out of place on the streets of Melbourne or Sydney. Yet, what set these pieces apart was their unmistakable cultural grounding—beaded yokes, appliquéd symbols, and hand-painted patterns that spoke volumes without a single word.

“This is about visibility—about being seen in our full beauty and complexity,” said one designer, whose collection fused streetwear with traditional ribbonwork.

Colour palettes ranged from earthy ochres and deep indigos to vibrant reds and turquoise, echoing the natural landscapes and spiritual symbolism of the designers’ homelands. Accessories played a key role, with feathered earrings, shell necklaces, and beaded belts adding layers of meaning and craftsmanship to each ensemble.

• Runway looks featured a mix of ready-to-wear and couture, appealing to both commercial and editorial markets
• Designers experimented with layering and texture, using materials like deer hide, silk, and recycled denim
• Collections challenged stereotypes, presenting Indigenous fashion as dynamic, diverse, and future-facing

For the Australian fashion market, the show offered a fresh lens on Indigenous design—one that resonates with our own conversations around cultural authenticity and representation. It was a reminder that fashion can be both a celebration and a statement, and that Indigenous designers are leading the way in redefining what contemporary fashion looks like.