Indigenous New York Fashion Week: A Bold Celebration of Native Creativity
New York City recently witnessed a groundbreaking event that celebrated Indigenous creativity: the inaugural Indigenous New York Fashion Week (INYFW), held from September 11 to 15, 2025. This milestone coincided with the highly anticipated CFDA’s New York Fashion Week and showcased 25 designers from across North, Central, and South America. Alongside the designers, Indigenous talents—including models, hair and makeup artists, and a dedicated production crew—came together to mark this historic occasion. With the vibrant backdrop of NYC, INYFW carved out a significant platform for Indigenous voices often overlooked in the mainstream fashion realm.
A Platform for Indigenous Designers
At the heart of INYFW is the mission to provide Indigenous designers and models the opportunity to shine on the global stage, particularly in a city known for its vibrant fashion scene that has often ignored Native perspectives. Brooklyn-based designer Korina Emmerich (Puyallup), cofounder of Relative Arts NYC, which helped produce INYFW, emphasized that this event aims to celebrate cultural resilience and challenge the fashion industry’s conventional definitions of style and luxury. By highlighting Indigenous creativity, INYFW encourages the industry to rethink who gets to tell the stories of design and innovation.
A Tapestry of Diversity
The diverse collections presented during INYFW showcased a wide array of styles, from contemporary streetwear to operatic couture, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Native fashion, which reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous communities. Models represented a variety of tribal nations, sizes, and gender expressions, embodying the beauty of Indigeneity in all its forms. This inclusivity resonated with attendees, including notable figures like model and activist Quannah Chasinghorse and film set designer Tafv Sampson (Muscogee), who expressed their excitement and gratitude for having an authentic platform to share Indigenous stories through fashion.
Blending Tradition and Modernity
Many designers at INYFW demonstrated a commitment to preserving Indigenous cultural practices while embracing contemporary influences. Justin Jacob Louis, a designer from the Samson Cree Nation, exemplified this delicate balance through his tailored trench coats adorned with tribal motifs. “My ethos has always been about blending the past with the present,” he stated, reflecting the desire to weave cultural heritage into modern designs. Similarly, the collections incorporated techniques like beading and weaving, showcasing the continued relevance of traditional craftsmanship in today’s fashion landscape.
Embracing Inclusivity
An essential theme of INYFW was unity and inclusivity among Indigenous peoples, transcending geographical borders and historical divides rooted in colonialism. Kichwa/Mestizo designer Kinoo Arcentales emphasized this point with his collection, Kawsanki, aimed at reconnecting Northern and Southern Indigenous peoples. Fashion serves as a medium for reshaping narratives and fostering solidarity among communities that have faced social, cultural, and political challenges. This focus on inclusivity not only enriches the fabric of the event but also reinvigorates shared ancestral connections that bind Indigenous peoples globally.
Environmental Connection and Political Statements
Nature also played a vital role in the thematic expressions of INYFW. Red River Métis designer Jason Baerg highlighted the connection to the environment through his Ayimach Horizons collection, which honored ancestral knowledge and the transformative power of air and water. Additionally, political statements were woven into the fabric of the event, as seen in Michelle Luna’s poignant dress made from missing persons posters, addressing the ongoing crisis surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The emotional impact of such representations underscored the importance of utilizing fashion as a vehicle for social justice and awareness.
A New Narrative in Fashion
Ultimately, INYFW achieved its goal of showcasing Indigenous excellence and representation through fashion. The event was a powerful reminder that Indigenous voices can no longer be silenced or marginalized. Designers like Jeremy Arviso (Diné/Hopi/Gila River Pima/Tohono O’odham), who described the event as a movement long overdue, highlighted the collective strength of Indigenous creators. The success of INYFW paves the way for future opportunities, encouraging a more inclusive approach within the fashion industry and affirming that the narratives of Indigenous peoples are essential in shaping contemporary culture and creativity.
In conclusion, Indigenous New York Fashion Week not only celebrated fashion but also initiated a necessary conversation about representation, unity, and the cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples to the global landscape.
For more information about Indigenous fashion, explore resources such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.
