Our Favorite Looks from SWAIA Indian Market Fashion Show

After a weekend celebrating the rich artistry of the 103rd annual Santa Fe Indian Market, the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts (SWAIA) fashion show capped off the renowned affair with its popular runway presentation. Co-producers, Dallin Maybee and Peshawn Bread, opened the show with a shared sense of gratitude and reflection, recounting together how the event has grown from a humble outdoor show to a sold-out indoor spectacle. Their remarks underscored the show’s theme: Iconic Beginnings, Legacies in Motion.

Inside the Santa Fe Convention Center, guests filled the room. Dressed in both traditional and contemporary attire, they donned the fashion that defines the City Different. The runway, flanked by large black drapes and large screens, was also streamed live on Facebook and YouTube for those who weren’t able to snag a ticket.

The show featured collections from Jamie Okuma, Penny Singer, Osamuskwasis, Lauren Good Day, and Jontay Kahm. These established designers transcended convention, showcasing a dazzling range of wearable art. From vibrant streetwear to elegant ready-to-wear and breathtaking avant-garde pieces, the collections offered a compelling statement on the current and future trajectory of Native fashion.

From an afternoon filled with countless standout moments, these are the looks that left us wanting more:

This billowing Jamie Okuma caftan embodies her signature ready-to-wear silhouette, blending graphic stripes with traditional cultural motifs. The design features elk tooth and floral patterns, printed on a silk cotton blend, in a monochromatic palette. Its relaxed yet sophisticated style makes it a versatile option for any occasion.

Offering a nod to the punk era, this asymmetrical ensemble with its angular cuts and striking black and white tartan plaid was a standout of the collection, presenting an elegant take on grunge wear.

A mishmash of textiles envelop this look effortlessly with an artisan vest displaying Singer’s signature artwork over a text-print shirt. This Diné-infused streetwear ensemble also includes deconstructed, patched denim pants that add a rugged contrast. A fedora and silver jewelry complete this rockstar look.

This tiered, sequined skirt is reminiscent of sand painting texture, with intricate embroidery placed along the waist line. Paired with another of Singer’s statement vests, this Diné ensemble is a fusion of where tradition meets contemporary streetwear.

Chocolate tiered-skirt with an elasticated waist and matching capped-sleeve top. This RTW ensemble features a vibrant cluster of floral motifs and a rainbow gradient hemline. Just pair it with your favorite accessories to transition it from daywear to evening.

This elevated traditional look features a vibrant, rainbow-satin ribbon skirt paired with a striking, fringe-trimmed poncho crop top. The top is exquisitely adorned with floral and strawberry appliqués, adding to the richness of the design.

Known for her elaborate RTW collections, this Lauren Good Day design pairs a wide-sleeve top with bold, sunburst prints coupled with striped wide-leg pants. The perfect outfit to walk a music award show red carpet.

Put Naiomi Glasses in any ensemble, and she’ll find a way to make it her own. The Ralph Lauren Artist-in-Residence looked chic walking the Lauren Good Day show in a blue, form-fitted top and A-line skirt dripping in complementary handcrafted Navajo jewelry.

Regalia re-imagined. Avant-garde designer Jontay Kahm captivated the audience with this sculptural showstopper full of voluminous pleats in aquamarine, plus a spiky blue headpiece, creating a high-fashion silhouette.

Mother has arrived. Need we say more? Another one of Kahm’s other-worldly designs full of movement and texture.

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For more behind-the-scenes coverage of the SWAIA Indian Market Fashion Show, visit their Instagram here.