Collab: Sho Sho Esquiro and Turquoise Soul

I've been slackin'!

So, if you recall, I had an awesome opportunity to tag along on a photoshoot this past summer with Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez and Sho Sho Esquiro, who were working with photographer Anthony Thosh Collins and models Amberae Wood and Miigwaans Cameron. Click here to see my behind-the-scenes images before you scroll down to check out the awesome pro images that came out of that shoot:

Miigwaans Cameron models a Pendleton Leather Graff Zip-up by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and large beaded hoop earrings and beaded bracelet by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a long-sleeve print dress by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long bangin' beaded earrings by Turquoise Soul. Extra-long legs by Amberae Wood. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

Amberae Wood models a High Waisted Skirt with Leather Ruffle by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and extra-long beaded earrings and necklace by Turquoise Soul. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

DJ Young Native models a Men's Pendleton Jacket with Leather Sleeves and a Fitted Beaded Hat with 14K Gold Beads, both by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models a men's Pendleton jacket, custom t-shirt, and beaded cap by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. DJ equipment is model's own. Photography by Thoshography. Location: Cochiti, NM.

DJ Young Native models this Pendleton Jacket by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing. Bingo card print on the inside of the hood. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Miigwaans Cameron models a Black Leather Top with Carved Bone Feathers and Sterling Silver Beads by Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing, and Turquoise Soul earrings and necklace. Hair and Make-up by Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez. Photo by Anthony Thosh Collins. Location: Cochiti Pueblo, NM.

Sho Sho Esquiro's New Website

Fashion designer Sho Sho Esquiro has a new website - and it's easy to remember: shoshoesquiro.com.

On her new site, you can read up on her bio, check out her portfolio, and view her gallery images, so click away!

Review | RED Runway Fashion Show

RED Runway Fashion Show
by Brenton Bluehouse
NATV 450

A backdrop of loudly tattered beat music played inside as it covered what was already playing hip-hop old school connection of 90’s tunes outside in the bar that would be the setting for the RED Runway fashion design premier. Club 405 was probably not the best venue to hold such an event, but when it comes to the Gathering of Nations weekend, it’s almost necessary to be where you know the brown masses are going to congregate and be there ready to show your stuff.

Being that this would be my first formal experiment with a fashion show in Native America, I went in with no expectations but a good time and a glimpse into the world of Native fashion. With the beautiful landscape use of Native Model Studios USA and Canada, on the list of showing their fashion would be a number of talented fashion designers such as: Carol Melting Tallow, Alano Edzera, ShoSho Designs, Redhand Apparel, & more as the listing stated.

It was hard to determine when and where the fashion show started. Originally slated to begin at 9:30 pm, the first model strutted her style across the floor after the strike of midnight. Models slowly with some muffle, entered the bar via the bar room around the bar, into the dance floor, out onto the patio where a strip of waiting onlookers gazed with outstretched eyes and cameras. I was just happy that the venue started and the gorgeous models moved their fabrics towards me. There was a display of simple everyday wear with the print designs of tribal work. Prints with that of feathers, eagles, and the red designs that cover the Northwestern tribes of the U.S. What did catch my eye were the jackets with varied color and design. Old patterns of squares and stars mixed with contrasting colors of yellow and pink with sleeves of dainty cross lines of simple black and white. These jackets were the highlight of the show in my opinion. As some model shows last, this one was very fast but interesting in my eyes. As I return to look at the event, the goal is to promote the existence of Native fashion, and to make out the realization for those out there that the Native scene in fashion design and ‘lore is getting stronger with every stitch.

Afterwards, I spoke with one of the photographers of the evening Larry Price and he stated to me that one of the fashion designers had just flown in from Canada whom they were waiting for. That was the reason for the delay in the show. In the end the show for myself did not live up to its fashion and flare of its poster. I expected more coordination on behalf of the promoters and not just the walking out of the models in unawared connection. I have to applaud the efforts of the people involved and the models for waiting almost three hours later for the show to begin. With utter beginnings such as this one, I am not certain if the promoters should be looking for other jobs and the designers better venues to show case their marvelous talents. For they can only go higher from this point.

GON 2011 Turquoise Soul

Ah, it's always good to run into amazing Anish peeps, and Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez is one aaamaaaazing woman. She is the creative mind behind Turquoise Soul - the blingin' beaded jewelry biz that came close to selling out during GON.

I first met Wabanoonkwe through photographer Thosh Collins who sent me photos that he snapped of model Amberae Wood rockin some Turquoise Soul beaded earrings (click here to see the pics and my designer profile on her). Wabanoonkwe invited me to tag along on their latest photoshoot where I finally met her and fashion designer Sho Sho Esquiro (click here to see the 'behind-the-scenes' post).

(Wabanoonkwe at her booth in the tents at GON)

(India Lowry Jones, Wabanoonkwe, me, and Wabanoonkwe's sister and model Miigwaans Cameron at the Rhymes and Runways event)

(India and I earlier in the night - getting many compliments on our Turquoise Soul earrings)

Behind-the-Scenes Photo Shoot

Yesterday I went to an amazing photo shoot.

Jewelry designer Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez of Turquoise Soul invited me to meet up with her for a behind-the-scene look at her latest stuff, and of course I jumped at the opportunity.  Designers Sho Sho Esquiro and Virgil Ortiz were also bringing their gear.

Photographer Thosh Collins was shooting, and Wabanoonkwe’s younger sister Miigwaans was modeling, along with Winnipeg-based model Amberae Wood and Navajo ‘mixing legend’ Matt Manymules (aka DJ Young Native).

I love doing ‘behind-the-scenes’ posts, because it gives readers a chance to see all of the effort that goes into Native fashion (and fashion in general).  Not only is there a lot of prep work, but when the ball actually gets rolling, it’s a lot more work!

What really stuck out for me was the fact that this shoot was such an awesome collaboration – everyone pitched in where they could (as you’ll see in the pictures below).  So, a model became an assistant, a designer became a hairstylist, a photographer became a set designer, and a DJ became a model. But it was all so natural.  When it comes to this world, you have to wear many hats.  And this crew does it well.

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I know I don’t say it enough – I have so much respect for Native fashion designers.

Not only do they produce objects that are aesthetically cool, but they also have amazing skills in producing items that look good on the body (and you know all of us have different body shapes!) and the clothes and jewelry look great in motion (to produce something that looks good when it moves requires an intimate understanding of movement).  This takes a unique combination of talents acquired through years of experience, trial and error, and taking risks when it comes to creativity.

In addition, these guys (and gals!) spend hours upon hours designing this stuff, then, when a collection is complete they spend hours upon hours prepping for fashion shows and getting models ready for photoshoots.  THEN, they spend hours upon hours selling their work at events like the Gathering of Nations (this weekend in Albuquerque!).  Thank goodness awesome individuals exist who step up and support each other with collabs like this.

Below are the sneak peek images. It is important to note that these are amateur/candid shots. Once you see Thosh's photos, you will be blown away at the sheer talent that this guy has. In addition, I have so much respect for the models. It was cold and windy, and it was a long day of switching locations. They never complained, and they helped out a great deal (all the while keeping a fun and playful attitude while they were pinned, dressed, and had their hair and make-up done and re-done). They rocked out the gear with great poses and positive energy, and I can't wait to see the final images.

(Miigwaans wears a red Virgil Ortiz dress at scenic Tent Rocks National Monument)

(Thosh shoots Miigwaans in a Cochiti No-Trespassing Zone)

(On location - hiking to great sites and dodging cow patties)

(Thosh giving direction)

(Matt practices his Magnum look, while Wabanoonkwe styles Amberae's hair)

(And on to the lashes! Insider glue secrets revealed. We all refuel with coffee. This was about 5 hours into the shoot.)

(Supplies)

(Matt rocks the Sho Sho zipper hoodie and beaded cap)

(Sho Sho gear)

(Loooong Turquoise Soul Indian Bling)

(Great shoots are all about the right photographer, the right designer, and the right model getting the right angles, the right lighting, and the right background)

(Amberae with a purple jacket by Sho Sho and white Turquoise Soul beaded earrings)

(Virgil Ortiz fixes up model Amberae while the rest of the crew helps out)

 

If you're in the ABQ region for GON, check out the upcoming fashion show featuring the designs of Sho Sho Esquiro and Wabanoonkwe Cameron-Hernandez!:

Event | Phoenix Native Fashion Shows

Attention Phoenix area! Check out these fashion shows, featuring the streetwear designs by Tyson Powless of Un3ek Sy5tem, Jared Yazzie of OxDx, and Sho Sho Esquiro!

Follow OxDx and Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing and Un3ek on Facebook to keep updated with various streetwear-related events.

Interview with Sho Sho Esquiro in Swagg News

EXCLUSIVE “SHO SHO ESQUIRO” INTERVIEW with Swagg News

SN: Tell us a little bit about the origin of Sho Sho Esquiro.

Sho Sho Esquiro: The name itself has always been a nick name for me, people always call me Sho Sho and Esquiro is my last name so its pretty much me. Im From the Yukon Territory and my native nation is Kaska Dene and Cree.

SN: Where did you get your Swagg from? was fashion always a passion or was there something that inspired you along the way?

Sho Sho Esquiro: Basically it was always a passion of mine, my grandma was always into fashion and mom is an artist, my grandpa and dad are both business entrepreneurs. With my grandpa when I was a kid if I wanted to have a lemonade stand id have to have a business plan, haha Now, my combined love of art, fashion, fabric, color, my heritage and hip hop that is what inspires me that’s what Sho Sho Esquiro is.

SN: To give the readers a better feel for your line If you had to compare what clothing line would you compare Sho Sho Esquiro to, whether it be the prestige or the Swagg?

Sho Sho Esquiro: I would say that i’m doing my own thing, I get inspired by Hip-Hop,Urban culture, color, fabric and recycled things. I like to use colors and patterns that people wouldn’t really think to put together.

SN: What are your plans for the Line? Do you plan on keeping it more custom made, or is there retail in the future?

Sho Sho Esquiro: Some of my hand painted stuff is already retail! But I would compare it to when you find a bananas underground mixtape, like a diamond in the rough. So I like to keep it custom, I use a lot of recycled leather and fur and environmentally safe materials like hemp and bamboo. And I like the fact that If you buy one of my hoodies your never in your life gonna see it again, its wasn’t made in no sweat shop. I like to keep my pieces original. A lot of my clothing will have similar fabric but I always use the fabric differently and team it up with different textures and colors so I never create the same piece twice.


SN: What sets Sho Sho Esquiro aside from other native inspired lines?

Sho Sho Esquiro: Right now there is a lot of really talented native designers out, I’m excited to be part of a society called “Bee the Change Arts Society” we support young women at risk in the community, and positive change. I also work with Pendelton which is an American Indian trading blanket, they have been around for over a 100 years. But I would say Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing is more of a hip hop feel, and mine is custom. When I paint, I paint well known indian chiefs and pay homage to our heritage and wear it with pride.

SN: Who can wear Sho Sho Esquiro? is there an ideal target?

Sho Sho Esquiro: Anybody can wear it, if you want to stand out and have individual style. I love to see Hip-Hop artists in my stuff. I love to see environmentally, and socially conscious people rock my stuff young and old.

SN: The custom hoodies are definitely NECK UP, where can people who are not in Vancouver Canada check out these hoodies and more importantly how can they order them?

Sho Sho Esquiro: My website is actually under construction, I get a lot of business from Facebook.. and most of my business is sent out to the USA and Eastern Canada. You can hit me on Facebook at “Sho Sho Esquiro Clothing” I take orders from there and once my site is up it will be easier to view my line and order from there.”www.shoshoesquiro.com” coming at ya in march 2011

SN: What is the next step for SHO SHO ESQUIRO? What can we expect for 2011?

Sho Sho Esquiro: Basically for 2011, I am going to be part of a fashion show this month in Winnipeg then a fashion show here in vancouver in march with the amazing artist and clothing designer Alano Edzersa. A native business trade show in vegas in march, selling on location in AZ and Gathering Nations Pow wow in Albuquerque, NM, in april. I worked as a costume designer before so I feel blessed to fulfill my dream to be self employed, and do Sho Sho. it feels nice to see people in my clothes while showing pride in my heritage. I’m going to be collaborating with a lot of amazing Native artists and music artists this year so its gonna be an exciting year.



Swagg Review: Sho Sho Esquiro is a Native inspired line that combines the use of various colors, fabrics, and textures. Using hand painted prints and custom 1 of a kind designs sets this line apart from competition. If you’re looking to update your Swagg with clothing that no one else has; Sho Sho Esquiro is definitely SWAGG APPROVED.

- Interviewed By: Mel Famous

Sho Sho Esquiro Fall 2010 Collection

Check out the latest line by Native fashion designer Sho Sho Esquiro, using Pendleton, hides, recycled fabrics, silks and bamboo to create her signature corsets, bold streetwear, and couture dresses in bright colors and graphic prints.

Designer Profile | Sho Sho Esquiro

Sho Sho Esquiro

My friend Keith Grosbeck told me about a photo shoot he did with Larry Price and the fashion designs of Sho Sho Esquiro.

Born and raised in the Yukon, Sho Sho is inspired by her Kaska Dene culture and a keen sense of nature, but also the exciting colors and culture of city life. She grew up with a mother as an artist and a strong supportive family that enabled her to live out her passion as a fashion designer. Sho Sho makes custom clothing, including limited edition Pendleton corsets, hoodies, and purses.

Recently, she participated in the Evolve Fashion Show during the Talking Stick Festival, and was met with rave reviews. One reporter wrote:

Another standout during the first half of the show was Sho Sho Esquiro, a Vancouver-based designer with a healthy love of hip-hop. Her line of made-to-order bustiers, which you can buy by contacting her at esquiro_designz@hotmail.com, could be the next must-have thing. With a zip-up front, these leather one-offs ($300 and up) feature front-and-centre panels of traditional Pendleton woolen blankets. She paired these with skinny jeans and heels. Most of the models wore them solo for a sexier look, but you could just as easily wear them over a T-shirt or even a plain black dress. Esquiro’s pièce de résistance was her contrasting hoodie ($200 and up). With houndstooth sleeves and mink embellishments on the hood, the body was made from brightly hued Pendleton fabric. It was an immediate favorite with many of those in attendance.

Sho Sho's website is currently under construction, but she can been reached via her MySpace page.