Event | Heard Museum Fashion Show

Ah yes! A fashion event in Phoenix - check it out:

Trendsetting Native American couture to highlight Heard Museum fashion show

Explore the color, glamor and cutting-edge excitement of Native American couture and jewelry at Native Style: Where Fashion is Heard, the Heard Museum’s fashion show, boutique and luncheon, on Friday, December 2. Native contemporary designs by Orlando Dugi, Penny Singer and Patricia Michaels will ignite the runway, accessorized by stunning jewelry from top designers like Victoria Adams, Marian Denipah, the Gaussoin family, Kenneth Johnson, Steve LaRance, Duane Maktima and Wes Willie. The show will also provide a rare opportunity to view vintage couture by iconic Native American designers Lloyd Kiva New, Kay Bennett and others—all from the collection of Robert Black, proprietor of Scottsdale’s retro-chic boutique Fashion by Robert Black.

“Fashion is a living art form that impacts our daily lives,” commented Heard Museum President Dr. Letitia Chambers. “The Heard is honored to celebrate the contribution that American Indians have made, and continue to make, to the world of fashion. The museum’s collection includes classic pieces by mid-century designers like Lloyd Kiva New and Charles Loloma, but the Heard has also always been dedicated to exhibiting and promoting the work of living contemporary artists. Native Style provides a great opportunity to do so in a way that’s engaging and fun.”

Native Style kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a reception and pre-sale, followed by a delectable lunch and runway show. Music will be provided by leading Canyon Records recording artists Radmilla Cody, Aaron White and Anthony Wakeman. Fashions and jewelry by many designers represented in the runway show will be available for purchase at a private boutique sale, which then opens to the public at 2 p.m.

“We’re proud to represent some of today’s hottest Native trendsetters in a visually stunning event,” noted Heard Museum Art Director Phil Conley. “This will be a fashion show unlike the rest, and the only place to see the finest in Native style.”

Native Style
Where Fashion is Heard
Friday, Dec. 2
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets are $45 for Heard Museum members
$50 for non-members

Call Dani Boone at 602.346.8192 to purchase tickets.

Santa Fe Indian Market 2011 Fashion Events

Ok ya'll! It's August! Well, it's been August for over a week now, but I'm just now catching on. And since it's August, that means Beyond Buckskin will be featuring information about the upcoming Santa Fe Indian Market, to be held August 20-21, 2011.

Now, if you know anything about Indian Market, you'll know that the fun stuff isn't just on Saturday and Sunday, it is also on the days preceding the event.

I'm very excited about this year, because there will be fashion-related events on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (What's that? No Saturday? Well, I'll find some 'fashionable' Indians to spotlight on this blog as a 'Saturday Night Special' of sorts - yea?! **NOTE: I found a Saturday fashion event! See the addition below).

Here's the list of events that you can catch me at!:

WHAT: Opulance Fashion Reception
WHEN: Thursday, August 18, from 5-7pm
WHERE: Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
DEETS: A Fashion event not to be missed. The Tsosie-Gaussoin designers, Connie Tsosie Gaussoin, David Gaussoin, and Wayne Nez Gaussoin collaborate with Orlando Dugi, for a special Pre-NDN market premiere. Experience a rare collection of work, that is an exception to the standards. Enjoy live Models, Art, Music, Food, n Fun. Free event.

WHAT: The Wheelwright Museum's Annual Art for Wear Event
WHEN: Friday, August 19, from 10:30am–12:30pm
WHERE: The Wheelwright Museum
DEETS: The museum hasn't posted an official press release yet, but typically, the Art for Wear showcase hosts some of the premier Native fashion designers. In the past, these designers have included Patricia Michaels, Pilar Agoyo, Penny Singer, Teri Greeves, Margaret Roach Wheeler, and TahNibaa Naat'aanii. The casual atmosphere makes for a great opportunity to meet and talk with the designers (and try on some of the gear!). What's also cool is that the museum's store, the Case Trading Post has some dope Loloma jewelry (pictured above).

WHAT: Fashion Show, Fashion Party, Indian Market 2011
WHEN: Friday, August 19, starting at 7:30pm
WHERE: El Farol, 808 Canyon Road
DEETS: Three Navajo fashion designers get together to host a fashion event during Indian Market. Designers include Martini Couture, Walter Barney, and Consuelo Pascual. Gary Blackchild and guests performing. Sound and Lighting by The Sound Gallery. Model Management Group, ROMERO ENT.

WHAT: Northwest Coast Traditional/Contemporary Fashion Review
WHEN: Saturday, August 20, at 2pm
WHERE: The Sealaska Pavilion in Cathedral Park across from MoCNA
DEETS: The Native nonprofit Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) and its founder Sealaska Corporation are planning Native art demonstrations, art sales, dance-and-cultural performances and a high fashion show to spotlight the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Hoonah’s Louise Kadinger will showcase Tlingit fur and skin sewing and Sitka’s Nicholas Galanin will feature Tlingit silver works. Contemporary work from Haida designer Dorothy Grant from Vancouver will be featured in a fashion show as well as Kadinger’s sea otter wear. Besides performing six dances, the St. Elias troupe dancers will also showcase their traditional regalia.

WHAT: SWAIA Indian Market Native American Clothing Contest
WHEN: Sunday, August 21, from 9am-12pm.
WHERE: Santa Fe Plaza
DEETS: Indian Market’s Clothing Contest is a visually inspiring competition with over 125 contestants and 18 design categories. Traditional categories will be judged by seven distinguished Native American judges from various tribes as well as a celebrity judge for the Contemporary categories. (And I'll be volunteering!)

If more events pop up, I'll be sure to update this list. Cheerio!

Heard Indian Market 2011 - The Gaussoins

The Gaussoins: High Street Fashion Jewelry

As I was zipping around the booths at the Heard Indian Market, I came around the corner to see brothers Wayne Nez and David Gaussoin - two of Indian country's most avant-garde jewelry-makers.

The first thing out of my mouth was, "Where's the ribbons?!"

I was, of course, referring to the lack of blue ribbons (or any other color ribbons) on their table. I assumed they would have won something - an honorable mention at least. Come on.

David responded "We're too much for them Jessica! We're on the naughty list!"

But I'm biased. I've worked with the Gaussoins before (for MIAC's Native Couture II exhibit in Santa Fe). They were great to work with, and they know a surprisingly lot about the history of Native jewelry and fashion (I say 'surprisingly' because their jewelry seems so fresh - it departs greatly from the other Native jewelry that we have come to know - a.k.a. "Hello turquoise ring").

For my own selfish reasons, I hope they continue to show at the Heard Indian Market - I'm curious to see how many years it takes for the judges to catch up to them (Note: Excellence runs in the family - their mom is the amazing and award-wining jewelry-maker Connie Tsosie-Gaussoin).

The jewelry they brought with them to the Heard had a distinctive 'street vibe.' Not only did most of the pieces reference the street in some way, but they were also displayed on squares of black 'asphalt.' These guys are way ahead of the game. I mean, they totally just curated their booth space.

The piece they submitted to the jury for competition was an elaborate necklace made from the metal pieces that fall off of street-cleaners. You know those machines. They are loud and ugly, but the necklace is rather elegant and pretty, with long silver strips flowing away from the neck.

Other earrings, purse handles, and bracelets were cut from diamond plated steel. Another street reference, diamond plate is often used on stairs and catwalks in industrial settings (the added texture reduces the risk of slipping), but it is also used on the interior of ambulances and on the sides of firetrucks.

While they had many references to the street, their pieces are clearly high fashion - this stuff belongs on the runway.

Here are some images from their collection:







Check out their website at http://www.tsosie-gaussoin.com/.

November 2010: Upcoming Native Fashion Events!

Check out these upcoming Native fashion events happening throughout (Urban) Indian Country! (click on the pink links for more information about each event):

Native Fashion with Social Action Fashion Show in Los Angeles
Red Nation is the New Glam - Nov 3-9, 2010: more info coming soon.
Since 2005, Red Nation Film Festival The Authentic Voice of American Indian Indigenous Cinema has presented exclusive screenings, Oscars nominated films, spirit award nominated films, Native Women in Film & Television presentations, as well as a fashion show (Native Fashion with Social Action, Red Nation is the NEW Glam), all under the commitment to keeping American Indian image at the forefront of the entertainment industries and the world at large.

Martini Couture in Scottsdale
On November 5, Martini Couture (by Dii Martin of the Navajo Nation) will be featured during the annual Scottsdale Fashion Week. She will also be a part of an upcoming fashion show at the Heard Museum in Phoenix on November 20 (more info to come).

Patricia Michaels in New Mexico
Taos fashion designer Patricia Michaels has been busy with a photo shoot in Taos for ELLE France featuring her PM Waterlily Designs. She also will be participating on Nov. 6 in a fashion show and fundraiser for New Mexico Tribal Libraries at Isleta Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Native Model Studio Fashion Show in Winnipeg
NMS is hosting their annual Pink Party on November 6, featuring performance by various Native DJs and performers, and a fashion show with designs by Disa Tootoosis, Sho Sho Esquiro, Swirling Winds Design, Turquoise Soul, and Ruby Feathers.

Bethany Yellowtail in Winnipeg
On November 7, Wood Events Planning is hosting a Fashion Show featuring Los Angeles fashion designer B.Yellowtail, who will be launching her new Fall/Winter 2010 line while being shot live by Thoshography. The party will also feature Native DJs and singers - so check it out!

Santa Fe Indian Market 2010: Part I

(The artists of Postcommodity in front of their installation piece, which was, arguably, the most photographed piece of art during the Santa Fe Indian Market 2010)

Here we go!

Well, first things first -
I recently found out that I was awarded a University of New Mexico postdoc fellowship - which meant that I could move back to the land of enchantment. I love NM, almost as much as I love North Dakota. And right now, I really love being able to claim North Dakota AND New Mexico as my home.

As part of my 'big move' back down to New Mexi, I left ND last Monday and did practically the entire 1300 mile drive before I decided that I was lazy and grabbed a hotel room just a few hours from Santa Fe.

I arrived in Santa Fe on Tuesday, the day before the events of Indian Market were about to kick off. On Wednesday, I attended the Postcommodity reception for It Wasn’t the Dream of Golden Cities at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, and then the Institute of American Indian Arts Gala: "The '80s: A Totally Rad Revolution" (1980s themed!). The Postcommodity crew speaks rather eloquently about their work, and you can read more about this particular installation on their website.

Lara Evans has been covering Postcommodity's MoCNA installation on her blog, and she snapped this picture of me with my long-time friend Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, who is currently the Director of the Urban Shaman Gallery in Winnipeg. We are standing in front of the multimedia installation P’oe iwe navi ûnp’oe dînmuu (My Blood is in the Water). The graffiti in the background was done sometime the night before by an anonymous artist.

Amber-Dawn and I were all dressed up in our 1980s Gala gear. Both the president of IAIA, Dr. Bob Martin, and the president of the student government, Mylan Tootoosis, said that the Gala was a success and raised thousands of dollars for future IAIA student scholarships. In fact, they raised the most this year than any other year.

I spent Thursday in meetings during the day, then I attended the MoCNA exhibit openings where I caught up with artists Doug Miles, Frank Buffalo Hyde, Yatika Fields, Thomas Marcus, Rose Simpson, Razelle Benally, Chris Eyre, Sherry Farrell Racette, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Lara Evans, Erica Lord, the Postcommodity artists, Joanna Big Feather, and many many many others. MoCNA's ability to draw the best of the best when it comes to art exhibits and discussion panels made it our favorite hang-out spot during Market.





Traffic in Santa Fe was insane that day, and so I didn't make it out to the Tsosie Gaussoin's Axiom fashion and jewelry show at the Poeh Museum (which was located outside of town), but, luckily, Lara and Erica hopped onto their scooter (in skirts!) and were able to make it to the opening. They shared these wonderful images with me:






All of this happened before Market even 'officially' started - and I have much more to post! Next up will be a breakdown of the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events...

Podcast | Tsosie-Gaussoin Studio

(Image: Postmodern Boa by brothers Wayne Nez and David Gaussoin)

(Image: Jewelry and fashion by teh Tsosie-Gaussoin family)

Check out this wonderful podcast featuring a presentation by the artists of the Tsosie-Gaussoin Studio!

Event | Partners in Design: Native Chic Trunk Shows

(Patricia Michaels)

Perhaps one of the best things about being in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has to do with the fact that it is a mecca for cutting-edge Native American fashion.

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, at 704 Camino Lejo in Santa Fe, is currently hosting trunk shows to feature Native designers and jewelers. The first two events, which were held in September and October, spotlighted Penny Singer, Jennifer Curtis, Pilar Agoyo, and Cody Sanderson.

Trunk shows are important ways for fashion designers and jewelers to get the word out about their art, to connect with collectors, and to commission new work. Trunk shows involve less time, energy, and funding than the standard runway fashion show (in which dozens of volunteers, hours of preparation, and lots of $$ are required), and provide significant sources of income for designers. Because of their intimate nature, they are also great opportunities to meet and talk with the artists.

The final three events, to be held in December, January, and February, promise to be exciting shows, and IF you find yourself in New Mexico, you should definitely check them out:

December 20, 2009
Partners in Design: Native Chic
Third in a series of five trunk shows, featuring Native American designers and jewelers. Works by Patricia Michaels and Connie, David, and Wayne Nez Gaussoin to be featured.

January 31, 2010
Partners in Design: Native Chic
Fourth in a series of five trunk shows, featuring Native American designers and jewelers. Works by Teri Greeves and Keri Ataumbi to be featured.

February 28, 2010
Partners in Design: Native Chic
Fifth in a series of five trunk shows, featuring Native American designers and jewelers. Fashion week blowout with works by select artists.

All trunk shows will be held at the Mary Cabot Wheelwright Library from 3-5 p.m. with free admission. For additional information, contact Robb Lucas at 505-982-4636 x110 or send an email to casetradingpost@wheelwright.org.