One of our all-time favorite Santa Fe style mavens gives us her take on Indian Market and her customary blessing, May you walk in beauty.
Cowboys & Indians: We’ve loved you and your Santa Fe boutique for years. For folks who aren’t familiar, tell us a little about Rocki Gorman.
Rocki Gorman: Located in historic La Fonda Hotel, my shop is located on the corner of Water Street and Old Santa Fe Trail. I sell my jewelry designs, many one-of-a-kind or limited editions, as well as Coreen Cordova. J. Alexander Rustic Silver boxes are a big hit, and I offer an eclectic collection of clothing, including Marrika Nakk, Pat Dahnke, Brazil Roxx, Hearts Desire, Jaded Gypsy, and a new favorite Lady Lancaster, who offers antique quilts repurposed into jackets. In addition, I am so fortunate to be the exclusive shop in New Mexico that sells Giddy Up Boots, which are Louis Vuitton repurposed, embellished cowboy boots.
C&I: Anything special planned for the boutique and/or yourself to celebrate 100 years of Indian Market?
Gorman: What a thrill to be in Santa Fe for the centennial of both Indian Market and La Fonda Hotel. This has been an amazing opportunity to be a part of history. I will host an open house for Indian Market, Thursday, August 18th, featuring several trunk shows. It’s going to be great fun and high energy. Market is a magical time in Santa Fe with guests from all over the world who come together to celebrate the beauty that is the great Southwest and Santa Fe.
C&I: Will you be keeping regular hours during Indian Market?
Gorman: I extend the hours for Indian Market week to allow visitors in Santa Fe to have the ultimate shopping experience. We open as early as 8:30 on Saturday and Sunday and stay as long as visitors are shopping.
C&I: Anything else you’d like customers to know about shopping at Rocki Gorman Gallery during Indian Market?
Gorman: I curate some of the finest vendors for my shop. Handcrafted jewelry, vintage quilted jackets, and fabulous boots. I renovated my shop, and the change has been dramatic in terms of showing off the product. We are all a fun and attention-detailed group whose sole purpose is customer service.
C&I: What special preparations do you make for Indian Market?
Gorman: I’m creating two wonderful collections this year and very excited to showcase at Indian Market. One group is diamond charms on chains, and the other is carved-bone necklaces.
Market is a magical time in Santa Fe with guests from all over the world who come together to celebrate the beauty that is the great Southwest and Santa Fe.
C&I: What do you like to wear to Indian Market? What should we wear?
Gorman: I highly recommend all visitors wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and get ready to pile on tons of fabulous jewelry. My crew usually wears all black and beautiful jewelry.
C&I: You’ve always been a trend-spotter and trendsetter. What’s trending now?
Gorman: Chokers and fancy chain necklaces with diamonds and charms. I created all kinds of sterling charms, diamond charms, and beautiful chains, as well as sterling silver bead chokers. Clothing is distressed, beat-up-looking designs that look free and unrestricted. I love the look that is trending right now and with the short boots embellished with Louis Vuitton — it’s a traffic-stopper.
C&I: What are you really excited about in the boutique right now?
Gorman: The vintage quilt jackets speak to my heart. I am a quilt collector, and when I found Lady Lancaster jackets, it was love at first sight. Mixed with Jaded Gypsy clothing and my long chains embellished with diamonds and charms — I have not been this excited about design, style, and fashion in many years.
C&I: What are you looking for at Market this year?
Gorman: That magical unicorn of a product is out there, and when I see it I will know it. I’m so happy with the vendors I represent in my shop, and life is great at Rocki Gorman.
C&I: What should we be looking for at Market?
Gorman: Always look for quality, and please understand that the Native Americans work very hard all year long to bring their wares to Santa Fe. Be gentle in your “negotiations,” and know many of the vendors make their living from this one spectacular event. Above all, look for a great time and have fun!
C&I: Favorite way to unwind after a big Market day?
Gorman: The Bell Tower in La Fonda has a view of the city and the action below. Coyote Cafe is another fun place to enjoy.
C&I: What do you always make sure to see/do/eat during Market?
Gorman: I can’t get away for this special event as the shop is very, very busy!!! For those guests who are here for the party, you cannot go wrong anywhere in this great city for food and fun. My one simple little pleasure is the Lavender Lemonade at Henry and the Fish (West San Francisco Street) or the Tea House on Canyon Road.
C&I: What are some of your favorite memories of Indian Market?
Gorman: My mom and dad would represent in the finest of clothing. Mom in her vintage clothing collections and Dad in his Rockmount Western shirts and over-the-top bolo ties. Every Indian Market since 2013, when my dad passed, I wear his super-large bracelet made for him by Charlie Wooley and Mom’s vintage squash blossom so they are always with me during this time. Those memories of them are priceless to me.
C&I: Anything else you’d like to say or point out?
Gorman: A great big thank you to everyone who will come and who has come to Santa Fe to celebrate the City Different in all her glory. We would not be as unique and diverse if not for the support of the wonderful visitors who join us in celebrating the creations and artwork of the Native Americans. Until our paths cross again, may you walk in beauty.
Read more Indian Market insider info:
Shanan Campbell
Steve and Linda Blamer
Wolf Schneider
Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Rocki Gorman Gallery: 119 Old Santa Fe Trail, 505.983.7833, rockigorman.com.