30+ Indigenous Designers Lead Fashion’s Next Chapter in Santa Fe, NM
Before Paris. Before Milan. Before New York — fashion was HERE.
For centuries, Indigenous designers have defined global fashion, leading in design, textile innovation and luxury aesthetics. That is seen today in couture’s emphasis on storytelling through pattern and form, the meticulous handcraft of beadwork and quillwork and the sustainable, land-centered approach that internationally renowned fashion houses are only beginning to embrace. Now, Native Fashion Week Santa Fe 2025 cements its place as one of the largest Indigenous Fashion Weeks in America, setting the stage for a major moment on the global fashion calendar, where legacy meets the avant-garde.
From May 8-11, 2025, the Santa Fe Railyard Arts District transforms into an international fashion capital, uniting over 30 groundbreaking designers and over 100 models for a four-day fashion experience unlike any other — where rising talent debuts alongside industry veterans in the largest collaborative showcase of Indigenous designers in North America. This year’s event brings together renowned names like Orlando Dugi, known for his high-fashion eveningwear, and Lesley Hampton, a leading voice in body-positive and inclusive design, alongside first-time showcase designers pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. In a global industry that has long overlooked Native artistry, Native Fashion Week Santa Fe stands as both a cultural statement and a powerful challenge to fashion’s status quo.
Curated by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe — a visionary fashion curator and organizer for over a decade, a member of the Siksika Nation and a leading force in elevating Indigenous fashion to global prominence — Native Fashion Week Santa Fe isn’t emerging; it’s leading. As the curator behind the groundbreaking Fashioning Indigenous Futurism at the Getty Museum and a 2023 Canadian Arts and Fashion Changemaker Award recipient, Bear Robe has shaped the industry for years and created platforms that amplify Indigenous designers. Now, she brings Indigenous fashion to the general public through the groundbreaking Native Fashion Week Santa Fe, solidifying its place on the global fashion calendar.“Indigenous fashion has been couture since before ‘couture’ existed. The precision, the artistry, the vision — it’s always been here, shaping style in ways the industry is only beginning to understand,” said Amber-Dawn Bear Robe.“Native Fashion Week Santa Fe is where that influence takes the stage.”
This year’s lineup features:
Two full days of runway shows and programming, featuring fashion brands such as Apache Skateboards & Douglas Miles, Orlando Dugi, Korina Emmerich, Lauren Good Day, Lesley Hampton, Nonamey and Products of My Environment x The Son of Picasso.
A VIP Sky Railway fashion kickoff, an exclusive two-hour journey through the Santa Fe landscapewhere VIP guests and select media experience an intimate first taste of Native Fashion Week Santa Fe’s bold vision, immersive storytelling and high-profile networking with designers and industry insiders.
Industry-focused Fashion Panels, with Christian Allaire, journalist and author of The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures,confirmed as a featured speaker.
Trunk shows and brand activations across the Railyard, connecting designers directly with buyers and collectors.
The NFW Fashion Film Festival at Violet Crown Cinema, including iconic films that celebrate fashion.
Style icons and fashion influencers Ashley Callingbull (Miss Universe, Canada, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model) and Dakota Beavers (Actor and Musician) will make their mark at Native Fashion Week Santa Fe.
INDIGENOUS DESIGN: NOT NEW, JUST NEXT
Indigenous designers’ visions have appeared at New York Fashion Week, World Fashion Week Paris, and Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto. Their work has graced the pages of Vogue and Harper’s BAZAAR and turned heads on Hollywood’s biggest red carpets. Designers earned the attention of media including Orlando Dugi’s crystal-embellished menswear and Lesley Hampton’s eveningwear has appeared at the Golden Globes, and Patricia Michaels made history as a Project Runway finalist.
PARTNERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Media | KISWE, Violet Beast, Native Max MagazineBeauty | Matthew Morris Salon, Davines Beauty +
Sustainability, Santa Fe Skin Institute
Cultural Institutions | Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation, NDN Collective, Santa Fe County
Economic Development, Creative Industries Division, Santa Fe County Tourism, Emily Carr University of
Art & Design, Violet Crown Cinema, Wendy Rodrigue & Douglas Magnus
Galleries | Blue Rain Gallery, Vladem Contemporary, Evoke Contemporary
Luxury & Hospitality | The Mystic Santa Fe, El Rey Court, The Lodge, Hotel Santa Fe, Sky Railway
Food & Beverage | As Above So Below, Nuckolls Brewery Co, Second Street Brewery, Sky Coffee
From runway sponsorships to VIP brand integrations, Native Fashion Week Santa Fe offers unparalleled access to an elite audience of cultural leaders, designers and tastemakers.
For sponsorship details, or exclusive partnership opportunities, contact:
ABOUT NATIVE FASHION WEEK SANTA FE
A new force in global fashion.
Native Fashion Week Santa Fe is the premier showcase for Indigenous design, uniting over 30 visionarydesigners and 100+ models from across North America.
Founded by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, the event transforms the historic Santa Fe Railyard Arts District into an international stage where couture, innovation, and visionary design collide. For more information go to https://www.nativefashionweeksantafe.com. NFWSF will be held from May 8-11th, 2025.
📍 Follow us on Instagram: @nativefashionweeksantafe | @amberdawngold
📍 Website: nativefashionweeksantafe.com + bearrobe.com