Santa Fe’s vibrant fashion scene is getting a bold new chapter this year as Native Fashion Week unfolds in two parallel events — each dedicated to promoting Indigenous design and artistry. While models, stylists, and designers busily prepared backstage at the Eldorado Hotel on Wednesday, a similar whirlwind of activity was taking place less than a mile south at Warehouse 21 in the Railyard District.
For the first time, the City Different is hosting two concurrent Native Fashion Week events, each aiming to celebrate Indigenous creativity with fashion shows, parties, pop-up shops, and more from Thursday through Sunday.
The first show, led by the Southwest Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), will largely take place at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. SWAIA has showcased Native fashion since 2014 through the Santa Fe Indian Market, but officially launched its first full Native Fashion Week last year.
The second show is orchestrated by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, the original curator and producer of SWAIA’s fashion programming, who branched off to establish her own version of the event. Bear Robe cited creative differences — such as restrictions on lingerie and ticket affordability — as reasons for the split. Her production will unfold both inside Warehouse 21 and throughout the Railyard grounds.
Despite the emergence of two separate fashion events, both Bear Robe and SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze emphasized unity over rivalry. Their shared goal is to elevate Indigenous fashion and empower Native designers.
“There’s no competition. The more the merrier,” Bear Robe said, envisioning a citywide celebration where “Indigenous fashion shows, shops, boutiques” dot Santa Fe, from Canyon Road to Museum Hill and the Plaza.
Schulze echoed the sentiment. “I’m excited that Santa Fe is becoming the place that people are going to not only find Native fashion … but Native designers are wanting to be a part of that,” she said. The growing momentum also means increased opportunities for models, videographers, and other creative professionals.
Both events will showcase collections from Indigenous designers and encourage guests to purchase garments directly from the runway. They’ll also feature high-profile models: Bear Robe’s show includes Jessica Matten, star of Dark Winds, while SWAIA’s event is expected to feature Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary and current gubernatorial candidate, according to designer Patricia Michaels of Project Runway fame.
While united in purpose, the two fashion weeks have distinct features. Bear Robe’s venue at the Railyard offers street-level visibility and a more inclusive format. “The Railyard lends itself very naturally to a fashion week,” she noted, highlighting the open access to its “guerrilla runway,” pop-up boutiques, and panel discussions — all accessible to the public without entry fees.
Accessibility is a key point for Bear Robe, who has previously critiqued SWAIA’s ticket pricing. This year, SWAIA’s runway tickets range from $25 to $150, depending on seating, with separate charges for evening parties and a $10 pop-up shop entry fee (waived for runway ticket holders). Bear Robe’s indoor shows are priced at $25 flat, and she also offers a premium “Runway on Rails” fashion experience aboard the SkyRail train for $129.
Still, SWAIA’s event is grounded in a deep cultural narrative and community connection. At the Eldorado Hotel, excitement filled the air as designer Sage Morningflower of Ohkay Owingeh admired her colleague’s work. Gazing at a pink floral dress modeled by Thanpovi Martinez, Morningflower was moved.
“I love how she’s taking the design and embellished it with both modern and traditional,” she said. Morningflower, who also showcased last year, said she began designing to make clothes for her daughter, evolving into more contemporary creations over time.
Despite her success, she remarked modestly, “There’s never been a point where I’ve felt like a fashion designer.”
That grounded approach — blending tradition, humility, and evolving artistry — reflects a core mission of both fashion events: to bring Indigenous aesthetics into broader fashion discourse, and to reframe Native design as both contemporary and culturally rich.
Bear Robe emphasized the need to move beyond stereotypes. “I want to be very adamant that this needs to be outside of the ‘Indian’ bubble,” she said. Her ultimate goal? That Santa Fe evolves into a true fashion week destination — not just nationally, but globally — with New Mexico taking the lead as a hub for Indigenous fashion innovation.
Related Topics
- Mercules x Lilly Sisto Handbag Launch Celebrated in Intimate NYC Gathering
- Fashion Industry Pays Tribute to Menswear Icon David Moss
- Ashley McDonnell Launches Ireland’s First Fashion Week to Champion Irish Design
