Santa Fe’s premier fashion event returned yesterday, Sunday, August 16, to a sold-out house at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Under the direction of the Synder sisters, Orriena & Shaina, the SWAIA Indian Market Fashion Show proved once again why it remains a central hub for contemporary Indigenous design.
Presenting everything from elevated streetwear and messaging-driven garments to high-end couture, the runway featured standout collections across six featured labels: Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Deven Tso (Diné), Running Horse Studio by Jimmy Dean Horn (Chickasaw), Creators Kidz Co. by Desmon Pack (Skwxwu7mesh/Dzawad’enuxw), Steven Paul Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw), and Himikalas Pamela Baker (Squamish/Kwakwaka’wakw/Tlingit/Haida).
Drawing from the broader Indian Market weekend, which brings over 100,000 visitors to Santa Fe annually, both the audience and the runway were graced by key culture shifters and familiar faces including Dark Winds star Zahn McClarnon, musician Mato Wayuhi, journalist K.A. Nelson, alongside Indigene cover models Fern Hoover and our 2025 Style Icon of the Year, Ryan Breezy.
Here are the standout looks that defined this year’s show and caught our eye.
Jontay Kahm
Photo by Chelsea Jones
IAIA alum and Parsons MFA graduate Jontay Kahm expanded his River Lilly Park series with vibrant, sculptural silhouettes by blending Plains Cree heritage with avant-garde technique. His collection brought the runway to life through sweeping organza alongside feather and insect-crafted textiles.
Photo by Darrell Fong
Deven Tso
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Drawing from the boarding school era’s “Kill the Indian, Save the Man” policy, recent ASU FIDM graduate Deven Tso brought a poignant, message-driven collection to the runway. He transformed uniform wear into deconstructed garments, weaving traditional Diné rug motifs, wool, and velvet into a reflective statement on endurance and identity.
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Running Horse Studio
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Jimmy Dean Horn’s Running Horse Studio brought an undeniable rockstar vibe to the runway. A favorite among Indigenous musicians and performers since his 2025 debut, Horn presented an edgy collection of reworked denim streetwear, expertly mixing custom hand-painted prints and varied fabrications.
Photo by Darrell Fong
Creators Kidz Co.
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Desmon Pack made an impressive debut with his Creators Kidz Co. label, bridging Afro-Indigenous culture and contemporary streetwear. The son of Himikalas Pamela Baker, Pack brought sustainable artistry to the runway through reconstructed, upcycled garments.
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Steven Paul Judd
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Steven Paul Judd brought contemporary streetwear and his trademark humor to the SWAIA stage. Highlighting high-profile collaborations with Nike N7, The NTVS, Faherty, and Ginew, his collection blended graphic pop culture elements with effortless, wearable design.
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Himikalas Pamela Baker
Photo by Chelsea Jones
Honoring her Kwakwaka’wakw heritage, TOC Legends House of Design founder Himikalas Pamela Baker presented a collection grounded in family regalia. Detailed beading, satin, organza, and signature coastal motifs came together in fluid silhouettes crafted to move with the rhythm of traditional dance.
Photo by Chelsea Jones
For more runway photos, visit the Instagram pages of Chelsea Jones and Darrell Fong.
