In Full Bloom: Inside The Phoenix Indian Center’s Annual Fashion Showcase

Last Saturday, the Phoenix Indian Center hosted its annual fashion showcase, “After the Storm, In Full Bloom,” debuting at its new venue on the Creighton University campus in downtown Phoenix. The move to this centralized location proved strategic, providing a focused touchpoint for the hundreds of visitors already convened in the city for the annual Heard Museum Indian Market. While the market drew massive crowds, the fashion show offered an intimate setting to observe the contemporary artistry of Arizona’s burgeoning Native fashion community.

The evening began with a community showcase and competition, featuring a range of local artisans across youth, teen, and adult categories. Following a brief intermission, the runway transitioned to four headlining designers: Tuve’hongnom, Isabella Rose Design Co., Rebecca Jarvey, and Auntie Creations. Each collection was curated to align with the show’s land-based theme, exploring concepts of Mother Earth’s alluring cycles.

Phoenix Indian Center CEO Jolyana Begay-Kraupa opened the event by framing the theme as a narrative of “resilience, renewal, and growth,” noting that the inspiration was “drawn from Tribal flowers and our deep connection to the seasons.” During her opening remarks, Begay-Kraupa reminded attendees that the fashion showcase, now in its fourth year, was born out of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Phoenix Indian Center, a non-profit organization founded in 1947 committed to serving urban Indigenous communities through employment, educational, cultural enrichment and community engagement services. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the production, thanking the audience for their role in the ecosystem of Indigenous design.

“Your presence here tonight supports the designers, it uplifts Indigenous voices in fashion, and of course, strengthens the ties within our community,” she stated. “In my language, ‘Ahéhee’,’ thank you for celebrating Indigenous artistry.”

The program was co-emceed by Jason Coochwytewa, CEO of Urias Communications, and 12 News morning anchor Allison Rodriguez. Notable attendees and participants reflected the event’s significance within the community, including Indigene Style Icon of the Year Ryan Breezy, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, and renowned Diné artist Penny Singer. The finale for Auntie Creations was closed out by Afro-Indigenous singer and model Kahara Hodges.

Among those walking the runway was model and educator Dr. Colin Ben, who modeled for Rebecca Jarvey. Colin noted the specific importance of the junior category in maintaining cultural continuity. “It’s reassuring that our Indigenous youth in the Junior Category made their own clothing, bow guard, moccasin, and bandolier bag,” Colin said. “They brought smiles to everyone’s faces once they walked the runway. Expressing our Indigenous culture through wearable art is strengthening with each generation.”

Reflecting on the technical skill displayed throughout the evening, Colin highlighted the depth of storytelling inherent in the garments. “Our Indigenous designers create amazing wearable art through their fabrics, creative designs of landscapes, animals, symbolism, and materials,” he added. “This show provides an opportunity for local aspiring and established Indigenous designers to have their garments and artwork showcased on the runway in front of a supportive audience.”

The transition from the community showcase to the headlining designers marked a shift toward high-concept wearable art. Each collection translated the “In Full Bloom” theme through distinct material choices—ranging from traditional textiles and intricate beadwork to contemporary silhouettes that mirrored the natural landscapes of the Southwest.

Designer AJ Nequatewa (Hopi/Diné) encapsulated the show’s theme effortlessly by using lace and structured textiles to represent “storm” before transitioning into fluid satin, silk, and sheer to signify the bloom of floral wonders.

Diné multi-media artist Rose McFadden unveiled her year-of-the-horse Bold Elegance collection that captures the bold, wild spirit of the Southwest landscape embodied within her structural silhouettes made of buckskin leather embellished with intricate dentalium shells and metal studs.

Jarvey (Chippewa, Cree & Blackfeet) showcased her RTW line Survival to Fashion of bodycon dresses and sportswear separates made of cotton, pigment dye, and recycled polyester. These pieces are designed for “those who move with purpose and show up as themselves.”

This collection by Lynn Traylor (Diné) blended traditional Navajo styles (masani skirts and tsiiyéél buns) with timeless Bridal elegance made of fur, velvet, and silk also paired with Traylor’s signature beaded hats. The romance on the runway was palpable especially with the finale gown worn by Kahara Hodges.

For more behind the scenes from the Phoenix Indian Center fashion show visit their Instagram page.