Celebrating Indigenous Design: The Future of Native Fashion is Here

Models showcasing Native fashion © Tira Howard Photography/HelenOro Designs/SWAIA Native Fashion

Celebrating Indigenous Design: The Future of Native Fashion is Here

Art is one of the most powerful forces in the world. Aside from being a tool for selfexpression, it’s also a driver for social change and a canvas for sharing stories. In the same way, fashion is more than fabric; it’s a medium for storytelling. And with the right execution, it becomes clear that fashion is not just an industry—it’s a movement.

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) and SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW) are bringing that execution to life through a groundbreaking partnership that is putting Indigenous designs center-stage.

“Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and SWAIA are coming together to unite Indigenous fashion from North and South, telling our stories through art, culture, and design,” explained Caroline Phelps, VIFW General Manager.

“Through this partnership, we celebrate the revitalization of our traditions, the strength of our communities, and the power of fashion as a living

expression of our identities.”

This collaboration is about more than showcasing designs—it’s about honoring ancestral knowledge, mentoring emerging talent, and creating a global stage for Indigenous fashion. By merging their platforms, VIFW and SNFW are giving Indigenous designers an opportunity to redefine narratives and establish new industry standards, challenging stereotypes at the same time.

"Partnering with VIFW amplifies our mission to bring Native art to the world through impactful partnerships while strengthening the global visibility of Native fashion design," said SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting Native voices and fostering creative excellence."

Since its inception in 2017, VIFW has led Native fashion, becoming the first Indigenous Fashion Week globally—and it all stems from the brain of Joleen Mitton.

After a successful international modeling career working with Kenzo, Clinique, and Vivienne Westwood, Joleen felt a deep calling to reconnect with her Cree heritage and uplift Indigenous talent in an industry that often overlooked them.

In 2017, she founded VIFW, the world’s first Indigenous Fashion Week, pioneering a space where Indigenous designers could showcase their art on their own terms. Her impact extends beyond fashion runways. She co-founded Supernaturals Modeling, the first Indigenous modeling agency, and launched mentorship programs that empower Indigenous youth to break barriers and thrive in creative industries.

Now, VIFW has showcased over 40 visionary designers, gathering an audience of fashion lovers and creating a name for itself as an international platform for Native fashion.

The 2025 SWAIA Native Fashion Week will take place from May 7 to 11 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the location is an important part of what makes this event so powerful. Since its 2024 debut, SWAIA Native Fashion Week has set out to establish Santa Fe as the Indigenous fashion capital of the U.S., offering an unparalleled platform for Native designers to connect, innovate, and inspire.

The city has long been a hub for Indigenous creativity, drawing artists, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe. The city’s deep-rooted connection to Native artistry makes it an ideal stage for showcasing Indigenous fashion in an environment that both respects tradition and embraces innovation.

SWAIA’s mission of bringing Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships aligns seamlessly with VIFW’s vision. During fashion week, the entire city becomes a celebration of Native artistry, from the historic Santa Fe Plaza to contemporary art galleries and Indigenous-owned boutiques.

So, what’s in store during this week of artistry? An extraordinary showcase of more than 30 visionary Indigenous designers, each bringing their latest collections to life through runway shows, interactive art installations, and cultural performances.

The main events will showcase Indigenous fashion, art, drumming, dance, singing, and more through four themed nights. These nights will feature captivating fashion shows, vibrant pop-up shops, cultural showcases, interactive art installations, and empowering educational workshops.

"We are excited to collaborate with SWAIA Fashion Week as it extends our mission to empower and inspire Native fashion communities," said a representative of VIFW. "This partnership will allow us to learn from and share with the Santa Fe fashion community while strengthening connections across borders."