Salt Lake City witnessed a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity at the second annual Utah Indigenous Fashion Week, held at the Leonardo Museum on Saturday. Organized by a dedicated group of volunteers under the banner of Utah Indigenous Fashion Week, the event brought together representatives from 12 different tribes, including models and designers, to showcase their talents and designs. Celebrating Indigenous Creativity: Highlights from Utah Indigenous Fashion Week
The fashion show featured a diverse lineup of 19 designers from across the state, presenting a range of styles from modern interpretations of traditional designs to ready-to-wear, couture collections, and avant-garde creations. Each piece served as a canvas for Indigenous expression, reflecting the unique perspectives, beliefs, and stories of the creators.
For Jessica Wiarda, director of Utah Indigenous Fashion Week, the event is more than just a fashion show; it’s a platform to elevate Indigenous creators and their cultures. “We always express ourselves through what we wear,” Wiarda explained. “So it’s just a perfect way to express more about what we believe, what we feel, and through a truly Indigenous lens.”
While currently organized by volunteers, Wiarda envisions Utah Indigenous Fashion Week transitioning into a non-profit organization by next year. This transformation would enable the group to access grants and employ staff, ensuring the event’s sustainability and growth in the years to come.
The success of the fashion show was palpable, evident in the enthusiastic response from the sold-out crowd. Models and designers were greeted with loud cheers and applause as they graced the runway, showcasing not only their creativity but also the diversity and richness of Indigenous fashion.
One of the event’s highlights was the inclusion of everyday Indigenous women, children, and men from various walks of life as models. Rica Benally, who walked the runway wearing a design aimed at raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, expressed optimism about the future of Indigenous fashion. “I feel that Indigenous fashion has come a really far way,” Benally remarked. “There are traditional looks that are being put on pieces that are, you could say from the Y2K era, from the 80s. It’s so interesting because you can really throw a beautiful pattern on something so modern, and it ties it together so well.”
For attendees like Gabe Brody, the fashion show served as a unique opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures and raise awareness about Native American talent. “Every tribe is unique,” Brody reflected. “Every tribe is different. They have their own culture, their own customs, their own songs, their own dances. And we get people that come together like this. It’s a beautiful thing. Indigenous voices are rising.”
Utah Indigenous Fashion Week not only showcases the creativity and innovation of Indigenous designers but also fosters a sense of community and pride in Indigenous cultures. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for Indigenous creators and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home. We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news. If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us! Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger
Chief Executive Officer
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141
