The inaugural festivities honored Native creativity, culture, couture, and collaboration.
During Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend, the Indigenous Fashion Collective hosted its inaugural gala as well as an education day, a pop-up market, and a high-energy block party. Cofounded by Sarah Eagle Heart (Oglala Lakota), Lillian Sparks Robinson (RosebudSioux Tribe), and Twila True (Oglala Lakota) this spring, the nonprofit organization aims to improve Indigenous presence in the fashion industry and create sustainable economic opportunities.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Twila True, Sarah Eagle Heart, Lillian Sparks Robinson
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Viisual Photography
“We thought to ourselves, ‘Why not create this space where we can all enjoy Indigenous fashion and build this community to help Indigenous creatives develop their businesses from end to end?’” says Eagle Heart, who serves as the collective’s interim executive director. “If you’re from our community, you know the power of regalia is next level, and you probably grew up with a grandma who was sewing her star quilts at 4 in the morning. So many of us have lifelong experiences with fashion like this, and now there are these exciting business opportunities.”
Here, we share the top five highlights from the fashionable weekend festivities.
1. Indigenous Fashion Shined on the Gala Turquoise Carpet
Co-chaired by activist/model Quannah ChasingHorse (Hän Gwich’in and Sičangu/Oglala Lakota) and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo (Shoshone/Hopi/Mexican), the gala was a see-and-be-seen affair. Native notables like Kiowa Gordon (Hualapai), Zahn McClarnon (Hunkpapa Lakota), Martin Sensmeier (Tlingit/Koyukon Athabascan), and Kahara Hodges (Diné/Chicana) showed off their most fashionable ’fits. Several of these VIPs were styled by featured gala designers Tierra Alysia (Kashia Pomo), Jason Baerg (Red River Métis), Orlando Dugi (Diné), Lesley Hampton (Temagami First Nation), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Kayla Lookinghorse (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), and Jennifer Younger (Tlingit).
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Viisual Photography
2. The Gala Awards Program Honored Indigenous Excellence
Following a delectable multi-course dinner prepared by renowned Potawatomi/Mexican chef Pyet DeSpain, the awards program highlighted Indigenous luminaries making a major impact in the industry. Honorees included Jeweler of the Year Jennifer Younger (Tlingit), Beauty Brand of the Year Cheekbone Beauty, Model of the Year Phillip Bread (Comanche/Kiowa/Blackfoot), Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith (Standing Rock Sioux), and Vanguard Fashion Designer of the Year Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo). In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Michaels spoke about her storied career and the delicate balance she has had to strike between honoring tradition and embracing innovation.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Viisual Photography
3. Quannah ChasingHorse Mentored Aspiring Models
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, ChasingHorse shared her vast fashion world expertise gleaned from working with top fashion brands such as Chanel, Chloé, and Ralph Lauren in recent years. Aspiring and novice models spent three hours learning from the international star, who shared industry insight, answered questions, and even helped them perfect their walks. The modeling boot camp was one of several informative symposiums that took place during the Indigenous Fashion Collective’s education day held at cofounder Twila True’s Volume Studios.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Viisual Photography
4. Sam McCracken and Twila True Shared Their Business Smarts
Another enlightening education day session featured Nike N7 visionary and general manager Sam McCracken (Sioux/Assiniboine) and noted entrepreneur/philanthropist Twila True. Together, they reflected on decades spent in business and brand development, sharing honestly and openly about the challenges they have faced throughout their careers. A big-picture takeaway? Keep chasing those dreams despite the obstacles, and don’t be afraid to recruit some reliable allies to assist along the way.
5. Taboo, PJ Vegas, and Emcee One Rocked the Block Party
As the sun set on education day, Volume Studios transformed for the evening’s block party, headlined by Taboo, musician PJ Vegas (Yoeme), and DJ Emcee One (Potawatomi/Osage). Among the attendees was special guest Pat Vegas, founder, producer, writer, bassist, and vocalist of the groundbreaking Native band Redbone. He joined his son in singing the group’s popular song Come and Get Your Love, which has become an anthem of sorts among tribal communities. Lumbee hoop dancer Eric Michael Hernandez entertained the crowd with a riveting performance, then Taboo invited everyone to join in an impromptu round dance as he debuted new Indigenous-focused music—which very well could see some major playtime during the Black Eyed Peas’ Las Vegas residency kicking off in February 2025. After the intimate show, guests said their goodbyes after spending the weekend enjoying one another’s company in celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, couture, and collaboration, just as the collective’s cofounders intended.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Street Creatives