There’s an alluring new address to add to your must-visit list in the Gaslamp Quarter. Native Star Boutique, nestled at 631 Fifth Avenue within the historic Yuma building, officially opened its doors over the weekend, bringing an entirely fresh perspective to retail with a focus on authentic Native American design and craftsmanship.
“This is a celebration of Native fashion’s rightful place in the luxury market.”
Kayla Smith-Lookinghorse
The three-day grand opening saw a significant gathering, with dozens of Tribes from across the state joining in the celebration. Drum circles, traditional singing, live music, and an official ribbon-cutting highlighted the event, providing a lively atmosphere for guests to explore the carefully curated space of Native Star, with an in-house coffee bar to boot.
Helmed by visionary owner Ruth-Ann Thorn, a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño people (Payómkawichum), and the founder of N8iV Beauty, one of the first Indigenous skincare brands, Native Star is more than just a boutique—it’s a showcase of Indigenous creativity. Thorn’s unique insight and passion have shaped what is now California’s first and only all-Native American retail establishment. She’s created an environment where contemporary fashion meets deep-rooted artistry, offering discerning shoppers a chance to discover luxurious unique pieces and wearable art.
The significance of this moment is deeply felt. In a recent Instagram post, Thorn proclaimed her excitement for the opening, stating, “I’m just so honored to represent our people here in a place where we were once not allowed to be in.”
Indeed, because of San Diego’s dark past, the Kumeyaay Nation, the original inhabitants of this land, faced systemic discrimination, including displacement from their ancestral homelands and the suppression of their cultural practices.
Historical accounts detail the forced removal of Kumeyaay people, and neighboring Tribes, from their lands, the dismantling of their traditional ways of life through acculturation and later development, and various forms of social and economic marginalization within the burgeoning city of San Diego. Thorn’s presence and the establishment of Native Star in a prominent location like the Gaslamp Quarter represent a powerful act of reclaiming space and visibility.
Native Star showcases an array of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle goods, including gourmet food and fine art, from Indigenous tribes across the country. From sophisticated wardrobe additions to one-of-a-kind gifts, the inventory is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the rich diversity and artistic prowess of Native American communities.
Among the thoughtfully selected offerings at Native Star, consumers will find exquisite pieces from notable Indigenous creators including the distinctive jewelry of Cody Sanderson and Isabella Rose Design, alongside the wearable art of Patricia Michaels, the signature hats and apparel of Thunder Voice Co. and Sky Eagle Collection, and the contemporary creations of K. Lookinghorse, to name a few.
Beyond the designer spotlights, Native Star offers a curated selection of lifestyle goods and art. For a taste of tradition, find a 16-oz bag of Navajo Mike’s fry bread mix for $11. To complement any occasion, a bottle of Hunter & Mazzetti Vineyards’ Rosé is priced at $30. For a statement piece, consider a Thunder Voice Co. custom denim jacket at $825, or the delicate beauty of Isabella Rose “Nizhoni” earrings for $95. For a rejuvenating skincare routine, purchase one of N8iV’s Beauty Box for $315. Art enthusiasts can also discover compelling fine art by Cara Romero and Jeremy Salazar, with prices ranging from $575 to $9,900.
The essence of Native Star Boutique is perhaps best captured by designer K. Lookinghorse, whose “Written in the Stars” collection finds a home within its walls. “To see my collection now housed in San Diego’s first Native-owned boutique is a deeply personal honor,” said Lookinghorse. “My Heritage Blazer reflects the dual worlds Indigenous people walk; honoring the old ways while standing boldly in contemporary spaces,” she added.
“Today, we no longer exist in black and white images of the past, we are living testaments of endurance, grace, and thriving Indigenous excellence. This is a celebration of Native fashion’s rightful place in the luxury market.”
Hours of operation are 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm. For more info about Native Star Boutique, visit their website at www.native-star.com. For more behind the scenes of the grand opening, visit their Instagram.
