International Partnership Unites North American Indigenous Fashion Leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Santa Fe, NM; June 17, 2021: SWAIA Fashion, the highly acclaimed and largest Native North American fashion show which takes place annually during Santa Fe Indian Market, is proud to announce a partnership between SWAIA Indigenous Fashion, Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO), Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) and the newly established Supernaturals Modelling Agency.
Together, the four organizations will strengthen the international impact and visibility of Indigenous fashion design, embracing IFWTO’s mission: “presenting works that celebrate Indigenous people and cultures, and welcoming innovative and meaningful expression, design and craftsmanship from designers.”
The alliance will convene at SWAIA’s 2021 Santa Fe Indian Market with Joleen Mitton of VIFW and Supernaturals Modelling Agency (co-founded by Patrick Shannon), Executive and Artistic Director Sage Paul of IFWTO and Amber-Dawn Bear Robe of SWAIA Fashion. The relationship between these powerhouse Indigenous fashion organizations signifies the enthusiasm for and expansion of Native art and fashion.
Indigenous fashion defies the conventions of traditional Native design. Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week’s mission is shared by the four organizations, “Contemporary Indigenous fashion mixes the legacy of Indigenous artistry with modern day high regalia and street styles: it goes beyond surface beauty and highlights how worn identity can build connection with Indigenous values, wisdom, empowerment and history.”
SWAIA’s 2021 Fashion Show will take place on Sunday, August 22, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe Convention Center featuring designers Jamie Okuma (Luiseño, Shoshone Bannock),
Orlando Dugi (Diné), Pamela Baker (Squamish/Kwakwaka’wakw) and Lauren Good Day (Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet and Plains Cree).
SWAIA Fashion is expanding this year. On Saturday, August 21, SWAIA’s Annual Gala will feature new collections by Delina White (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) of I Am Anishinaabe, Yolanda Skelton (Gitxsan Nation) and Loren (Acoma Pueblo) and Valentina (Navajo) Aragon of Acanoc. Supernaturals Modelling Agency will be represented on the runway at both fashion shows.
Media Inquiries:
Audrey N. Rubinstein | METTA
505-490-5029 or audrey@themettaagency.com
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About SWAIA Fashion:
SWAIA Fashion is the annual Fashion Show produced during Santa Fe Indian Market by curator and art historian Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika Nation). Bear Robe has presented and curated the fashion show, since 2014. Learn more at SWAIA Fashion
About Vancouver Fashion Week: VIFW
About Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto: IFWTO
About Supernaturals Modelling: Supernaturals Modelling
