SWAIA Native Fashion Week Brings Indigenous Style to the Spotlight in Santa Fe

Santa Fe Celebrates Indigenous Fashion Excellence

Last Saturday night, the historic Eldorado Hotel in downtown Santa Fe transformed into a vibrant street style scene, rivaling any major fashion capital. Guests dressed in stunning Indigenous-made designs and jewelry, including jaw-dropping turquoise squash-blossom necklaces, arrived in droves for the 2026 SWAIA Native Fashion Week gala and runway show. The event showcased the work of five leading contemporary Indigenous designers: Jamie Okuma, Pamela Baker, Patricia Michaels, Jontay Kahm, and Lauren Good Day.

Santa Fe’s reputation as a Native fashion hub is well-established, with the annual Santa Fe Indian Market drawing over a thousand artists from more than 200 tribal nations. This weekend’s event, however, injected fresh energy into the city’s quieter months, spotlighting trailblazing artists who blend traditional crafts like beadwork, leatherwork, and textile arts with modern design.

Designers Blend Tradition With Contemporary Vision

Each designer presented five looks reflecting their unique visions. Jontay Kahm, a rising Plains Cree talent, crafted sculptural, feather-inspired garments from organza. Patricia Michaels showcased silk dresses with her signature brushstroke prints, inspired by natural elements. Pamela Baker paid homage to the Northwest Coast with elegant gowns featuring totemic designs, using traditional materials. Lauren Good Day brought vibrant ribbon skirts and accessories, emphasizing Native excellence and future generations.