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.

Video | Patricia Michaels Guerrilla Fashion Parade

Virgil Ortiz's Vertigo

Virgil Ortiz's latest exhibit, Vertigo, opened last week at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe (just fyi, I'm no longer living in Santa Fe, and I'm crushed that I can't attend every opening! Sadtimes. BUT, since I will be in Santa Fe for their annual Indian Market, I will still get to check out the show. Awesome.).

About Vertigo (Ortiz always has the best one-word show names, I swear), the Museum press release explained,

The past receives a current voice with the newest figurative work of Virgil Ortiz. With pieces whose scale and style are both unprecedented, the Vertigo series infuses cultural understanding and historic research. Just as his ancestors used clay to comment on their lives and experiences; Ortiz does the same and adds a fresh element and spin by enlisting family members to contribute their respective works in this spectacular series.

Inspired by Ben Wittick’s famous photograph, circa 1880, Ortiz recreates the scene using a photograph of the Charles Bridge he took during a visit to Prague, Czech Republic in 1999.

“When I walked up to the Charles Bridge, it reminded me of that photo from the Clay People book and I knew someday I would recreate it.” – Virgil Ortiz

The original Wittick photo, and Virgil Ortiz's version.

So if you plan on checking it out, here's the dish:

WHAT: “Vertigo: A Spin on Tradition ~ Reviving the Past” with Virgil Ortiz and family members

WHEN: Monday August 1st through September 5th, 2011

WHERE: Museum of Indian Arts & Culture | 710 Camino Lejo, Museum Hill off Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe New Mexico. Phone: 505.476.1250

“There is no better illustration from an artist who constantly challenges his abilities to mold clay into forms never imagined. The Vertigo series comes full circle and ends with the traditional “Mono” at this point in time.” – Robert Gallegos, Art Dealer - Historian


ALSO: Keep your eyes open for Ortiz's collaboration with Aqua Hospitality Carpets.

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!

Event | Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival

The seventh annual Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival is set for Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. More than 200 museum-quality artists from over 40 tribes and pueblos will showcase and sell their pottery, jewelry, glass, painting, sculpture, carvings, textiles and other art.

This year's show includes fashion designers Dorothy Grant and Penny Singer, beadworkers Orlando Dugi, Craig Kelly, and Ken Williams, and 76 jewelry designers including Keri Ataumbi, Fritz Casuse, the Gaussoins, Pat Pruitt, and Cody Sanderson.



Penny Singer is a Dine (Navajo) fashion designer. She was one of the invited artists at the 2010 Native Treasures show in Santa Fe. Paul Niemi of Uncle Paulie's World had the opportunity to talk with Penny about her fashion and influences. For more information, visit www.pennysinger.com

Native Blogging

Good news! Recently, I submitted a proposal to the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association council to present a panel on Native Blogging for their annual conference, and our proposal was accepted.

I will be presenting on my blog, Beyond Buckskin, along with Adrienne Keene from Native Appropriations, Gyasi Ross from The Thing About Skins, and Lara Evans from Not Artomatic. We will be discussing the importance of this new mode of writing and publishing.

Native writers, scholars, artists and activists are using a new venue to confront issues affecting our daily lives. Through blogs on appropriation, art, fashion, and education, these critics use their blogs to push the Native voice to the forefront and take institutions to task. By investigating the interstices between Native cultures, stereotypes, mass media, and academia, these authors make their research and observations accessible to a broader audience. They also cover holes in commercial/academic publishing and deal with issues at a faster pace than the timeline that it takes to publish a book, or even an academic article. Both Native and non-Native readers subscribe to these blogs and participate in a discussion that involves thinking critically about various topics that affect our daily lives, yet also have larger repercussions.

The annual meeting will be held in Sacramento, May 19-21, 2011.

Event | Lecture on Native Fashion at SAR in Santa Fe

Lecture on Native Fashion at the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe, NM

If you happen to be in the Santa Fe region in mid-January, I will be giving a presentation at the School for Advanced Research on Native high fashion. See below for details, or click here.

Native Designers of High Fashion: Expressing Identity, Creativity, and Tradition in Contemporary Clothing Design
By Jessica R. Metcalfe, Postdoctoral Diversity Fellow, Office for Equity and Inclusion, Department of Anthropology and Native Studies, University of New Mexico
Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 12:00–1:00 pm

Native American traditional art forms have been reincarnated by contemporary Native designers and placed on human bodies in the form of haute couture. This presentation traces the history of Native fashion, from Lloyd Kiva New (Cherokee) through Wendy Ponca (Osage) and Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti). Also explored are concepts of beauty and the issue of cultural misappropriation.

November 2010: More Upcoming Native Fashion Events!

Add these to the upcoming shows in November!:



Ronald Everett and Tracy Toulouse in Toronto
The Thunderbird Aboriginal Arts, Culture and Entrepreneur Centre (Thunderbird) has gathered together a number of exceptional Aboriginal artists, crafts people and fashion designers for a holiday show and sale at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. The show and sale takes place from November 19 to 21, 2010 with an Opening Reception on Friday, November 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dorothy Grant in Seattle
Dorothy Grant will present a Trunk show at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle on November 19th (2pm - 7pm) and November 20th (10am - 5pm), in conjunction with the Potlatch Fund 2010 Gala. She will also feature artist Sondra Simone Segundo. Sondra will be showing and selling her hand painted shoes.

Angela DeMontigny in Ontario
The WEAR house Presents....HEAD ON LUXE by Angela DeMontigny - An exclusive Trunk Show featuring fabulous Leather, Suede, Shearling fashions and premiering a gorgeous new line of luxury leather handbags, jewelled belts and accessories by the Authentically Canadian Designer, Angela DeMontigny. The opening is November 6, but meet the Designer in person on Saturday, November 21st from 11am to 3 pm.

Fashion Row at the SWAIA Winter Indian Market in Santa Fe
The SWAIA Winter Indian Market, formally known as the "SWAIA Winter Showcase," is a yearly Native arts sale held during Thanksgiving weekend, November 27-28 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. This year the Winter Indian Market includes 130 Native artists, eight artist demonstrators, silent auction, a holiday concert by Robert Mirabal and a "Fashion Row" featuring the work of Native fashion designers Patricia Michaels, Penny Singer, Dorothy Grant and Margaret Wheeler.

Canadian Aboriginal Festival Fashion Show in Hamilton, ON
Turtle Concepts has coordinated the Fashion Pavillion for the past several years and seeks to represents all shapes in all shades in modeling featuring top Aboriginal Designers. To date, over 750 Aboriginal Peoples have modeled at the Festival. This year, Turtle Concepts will host their fashion shows November 27-28.

The History of Native Fashion at IAIA

I had an awesome time presenting at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe today. It was part of a new series called "Private Practice," and my presentation was titled, "The History of Native Fashion at IAIA: Creative Adaptations of Age-Old Practices, Rebellious Fashion Statements, and Powerful Performances of Indianness."

The Institute of American Indian Arts incorporated clothing and textile courses into their curriculum since the school’s inception in 1962. IAIA’s design program, which may count among the most significant fashion curricula in the U.S., has never been fully researched and acknowledged for its valuable contribution to the fashion world. This presentation, which explores the textile and fashion program that emerged at IAIA in Santa Fe in the 1960s, fills this hole in our knowledge. This story begins with IAIA co-founder Lloyd Kiva New, who was a successful fashion designer in Scottsdale in the 1940s and 1950, and follows through with important figures such as Josephine Wapp, Wendy Ponca, Marcus Amerman, Patricia Michaels, and Pilar Agoyo – all of whom play an important role in bridging the well-documented Native clothing design of the late 1800s with current design, and link mainstream fashion with Native couture. An influential institution, IAIA has produced some of the most avant-garde of contemporary Native designers.

(1977 IAIA Traditional Techniques Fashion Show, Photo courtesy of IAIA Archives)

Changing the Face: Celebrated Female Fashion Designers and Textiles Artists

Changing the Face: Celebrated Female Fashion Designers and Textiles Artists

(SANTA FE, NM) Native Modern: Contemporary Native Art and Design Exhibit Series is a collaborative project between Legends Santa Fe and Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA). SWAIA and Legends Santa Fe seeks distinctive and previously untested ways of bringing Native artists together from across cultures, media and themes. The shows, like Indian Market, are at once traditional and brimming with innovative ideas. The result is the presentation of Native art unlike anything else in Santa Fe.

The fifth and final show of the collaboration will feature celebrated female fashion designers and textile artists including:

•Melissa Cody (Dine)
•Amber Gunn Gauthier (Ho-Chunk Nation/ Menominee Nation)
•Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo)
•Penny Singer (Dine)

The work of these accomplished artists represent the transition and adaption of Native imagery with traditional textile and weaving methods into contemporary Fashion. Patricia Michaels, for example, is the 2010 winner of the Santa Fe Indian Market's Textiles Classification. Competing against traditional Native textiles, her winning piece signaled the ever-expanding possibilities of this ancient art form. Collectively, these visionary textile artists represent the very best in the genre.

The Native Modern: Contemporary Native Art and Design Exhibit Series at Legends Santa Fe is a bold and unmatched collaboration. With SWAIA's evolution continuing to redefine the parameters of Native art, paired with one of Santa Fe's premiere and most adventurous galleries, the Native Modern Series has set the standard for the presentation, promotion and possibilities in contemporary Native art.

Who: Legends Santa Fe and the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA)
What: Native Modern: Contemporary Native Art and Design Exhibit Series presents "Changing the Face: Celebrated Female Fashion Designers and Textiles Artists"
Where: Legends Gallery: 143 Lincoln Ave. Santa Fe, NM (505) 983-5639
When: Friday, November 5, 2010 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How Much: Free

For more information or interview requests, please contact
Gabe Gomez, (505) 983-5220 or ggomez@swaia.org

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!

Event | imagineNATIVE Fashion

Koous Collection will be hosting a fashion show for imagineNATIVE, October 20-24, 2010 in Toronto. Read more below:

A time for the Indigenous community from around the world to come out and play - and dress-up!

Add your name to a growing guest list for a private INDIGENOUS FUSION & FASHION show of Nuu-chah-nulth textile art by J'net A. Cavanagh and other guest clothing and jewellery designers!!

Admission by donation - RSVP kooous@gmail.com
Once you have sent your RSVP you will receive your personalized invitation and location for INDIGENOUS FUSION & FASHION!

Sunday, October 17th, 2010
2:30 pm Dessert Reception
3:00 pm INDIGENOUS FUSION & FASHION Show
Central-Toronto, ON

LIMITED SEATS: RSVP kooous@gmail.com

Article | Ready to Rendezvous - Cody High Style

Calgary Stampede Rodeo princess Kirstie Rougeau (from left), queen Katie Rochan and princess Janelle Phillips rehearse Tuesday night for the Cody High Style Fashion Shows on Wednesday night in the BBHC foyer.


Ready to ‘Rendezvous’
By RICHARD REEDER

With national reports declaring an end to the recession - and on the heels of a busy summer season - Rendezvous Royale week is bursting at the seams this week.

The three premier events are sold out, or close to being at capacity.

The 29th annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale has sold 650 tickets and had to cut off requests last week.

The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the party tent outside the Buffalo Bill Historical Center.

"I'm excited to say we are sold out - we have 65 tables with 10 seats all full," director Kathy Thompson said. "We could have added more but had to give the caterer the food order last week.

"We're still getting calls and we're really excited," she added. "We have many new buyers because the show is getting better every year."

Thompson said the show has many loyal artists who love coming to Cody and 12 artists are new to this year's show.

She said the show is growing with many new patrons because the quality of the art continues to improve.

Another aspect of the show's success is the amount of work volunteers do during the weeks leading up to the event.

"Our volunteers contribute an unbelievable amount of hours," Thompson said. "The whole town really gets behind Royale week.

"It's also about Cody's Western hospitality - it draws people from around the world," she added. "And people hear about it from someone else who has been here."

Honored co-chairs Anne Young and Jim Nielson will be feted during the art show.

Thompson said one of the art show judges told her they don't know of another show of this size and quality done in such a small community.

This year's live auction will feature 112 pieces of art to be sold, including the main piece by Honored Artist Donna Howell-Sickles of Texas.

There are also 62 items in the silent auction. Forty-two artists will participate in the Quick Draw at 9 a.m. Sunday in the Robbie Powwow Garden.

"We sell more tickets for the Quick Draw than we do for the auction," Thompson said. "It's more affordable and people love watching the work being created."

Thompson says there are 25 events revolving around the Royale and it's a tremendous boost to the Cody economy.

"Economically, this is the single biggest week of the year in town," she said. "And we try and use as many local vendors as we can.

"We also try and give back by hosting children's art classes through the Park County Arts Council," she added.

The 34th annual Patrons Ball also is sold out. The black-tie event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the BBHC.

Committee member Paul Brock and Public Relations director Lee Haines said there were 550 tickets sold.

"We had to put a cap on it and stop the sales," Brock said. "We've had a great response and it's exceeded our expectations. We're tremendously pleased and excited about the ball."

The silent auction this year includes a wild mustang from the McCullough Peaks herd, art work, furniture and jewelry.

There is also a chance drawing in which people buy a box of chocolates.

If the box contains a golden ticket, the person's name is entered in a drawing to win a pair of diamond earrings.

"One of the silent auction items is a night in the museum," Haines said. "The winner will have dinner and spend the night and have a special program with one of the curators."

The fifth annual Cody High Style Fashion Show is close to being sold out.

Organizer Jill Osiecki Gleich said a few tickets remain for the two shows Wednesday. Performances are at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the BBHC foyer.

"Things are going really well and we'll be at capacity, which is 400 per show," Osiecki Gleich said. "We have a great crowd that's a mixture of locals and out of towners from New York, New Jersey and California."

She said those out of town visitors include the 20 people signed up to see cabins in Meeteetse.

The fashion show will feature the designs of 18 fashion designers. Returners include Angela DeMontigny and Montana Dreamwear.

Newcomer Mildred Carpenter and her MILDJ Fashion will travel from Lodge Grass, Mont.

"I'm really excited to see her designs," Osiecki Gleich said. "This is exciting because we've had so many inquiries about her."

(Richard Reeder can be reached at richard@codyenterprise.com.)

Santa Fe Indian Market 2010: Part 2 Wheelwright Art-for-Wear Showcase

On Friday, August 20, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian hosted their annual benefit auction during the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support museum operations and allow the Wheelwright to remain open daily and free to the public.

During the auction preview, potential bidders could also view the Art-for-Wear Designer Showcase, which featured Native couture by top designers.

Back by popular demand, this year's showcase spotlighted Patricia Michaels, Pilar Agoyo, Penny Singer, Dorothy Grant, Teri Greeves, Margaret Roach Wheeler, and TahNibaa Naat'aanii.

I attended the event with my friend Sherry Farrell Racette, and we caught up with designers TahNibaa and Pilar, and volunteers Eslee and Yara.

Here's some pictures from the event!

(Dorothy Grant)

(Margaret Roach Wheeler)

(Dorothy Grant)

(Patricia Michaels)

(Patricia Michaels)

(Patricia Michaels)

(TahNibaa Naat'aanii)

(Terri Greeves)

(Penny Singer purple butterfly vest)

(TahNibaa Naat'aanii scarves)

(Pilar Agoyo pillows)

(Pilar Agoyo t-shirts)

For other posts about Indian Market, click here to read Santa Fe Indian Market 2010: Part I.

Event seen as a step toward improving race relations in South Dakota

Event seen as a step toward improving race relations in South Dakota
Jomay Steen, Rapid City Journal staff
rapidcityjournal.com
Posted: Sunday, August 29, 2010


Madison Beyer of Whitewood was enthralled Saturday by the Red Spirit Fashion Show at the 2010 Central States Fair.

Native American fashion designers Joy Lynn Parton, Mildred Carpenter and Danita Strawberri had brought selections of their clothing lines to the Knology Stage for a 20-minute fashion show as Native models in contemporary clothing took a walk on the catwalk to the beat of a Rapid City drum group.

“It’s pretty cool,” Madison said of the style show.

“It’s very interesting to watch these girls model. They’re doing such a good job,” De De Ghere of Rapid City said.

Ghere and her grandniece, Beyer, were part of the audience at Central States Fair’s Day of Unity, a day recognizing Native American and multi-cultural relations.

Tim Giago, a member of the 2010 Unity Committee and publisher of the Native Sun News, said the good news was that Unity Day, which was held for the first time Saturday, will return next year to the Central States Fair.

“Next year, I hope to see 24 to 40 booths on display out there,” he said of the grassy courtyard outside of the Fine Arts, exhibits and horticultural buildings.

Giago said he was grateful to Ron Jeffries, general manager of the fair, and Dixie Holy Eagle, who organized the mini-powwow, artists’ booths and fashion show for the day’s presentations.

“Next year, we’re hoping to have all the events in one area,” he said.

Twenty years ago, Giago worked with the late Gov. George Mickelson to create the Year of Reconciliation. It was a step in a process of addressing race relations in South Dakota. While Giago said he was disappointed with the results of that effort, he sees the Year of Unity as a way of improving racial relations by involving businesses and chambers of commerce from throughout the state.

“It is going to work out in so many different ways,” he said.

Sue Ghere-Garofalo of Rapid City said the fair’s Unity Day was a good idea when it comes to bridging race relations.

“We all need to be on the same page, and we don’t need to live under so much tension. If there were more things like this, the racial tension would really calm down in town,” she said.

Chris Whiting of Pine Ridge brought his Native American crafts, jewelry and star quilts to Unity Day. Whiting talked to people throughout the day about his art, military service and business.

He said that he has experienced racial problems in Rapid City, but also understands that the races need to understand one another.

“We need to stand together as one people,” he said.

Unity events may be the one way to introduce cross-cultural dialogues, where people can speak honestly and directly to each other, Whiting said.

“The people who organized Unity Day, they should know this is big,” he said.

Candice Estes and Mike Lammers of Wakeya Crafts were at the fair to show their support for the event. Estes received two Reconciliation Awards 20 years ago as an advocate for racial equality.

She recalls the Year of Reconciliation and what Mickelson did for the state and race relations. The Year of Unity is not as big or as evolved as Mickelson’s program, Estes said, “but it’s a start. I wish they could do more.”

Estes said that during the reconciliation years, Rapid City’s Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Department Health and Human Services and the Rapid City Journal had Native American advisory boards that met regularly.

“People wanted to get our input. But the advisory boards have all fallen by the wayside,” she said. “I think Governor Rounds has the right idea, but he has to put more effort and opportunity into it.”

Tom Yellow and his wife, Carmen Yellow Horse, of Red Shirt talked Saturday with about 40 people, including some who never had a discussion with a Native American before.

“Unity is getting together and socializing like this,” Carmen Yellow Horse said.

“We treat them with respect and they treat us with respect. They sometimes have an image of what Indians are because of what they see downtown,” Tom Yellow added.

Carmen Yellow Horse said events like Saturday’s are important if race relations are to improve in South Dakota.

“They meet us, and we’re interested in who they are, and they’re interested in us. We start a conversation,” she said.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.

Symposium | The Urban Catwalk: Fashion and Street Culture

Check out this upcoming symposium happening at Yale Universty!:


The Urban Catwalk: Fashion and Street Culture
APRIL 23 2011 | Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut
300 word abstracts and bios due by: October 15th, 2010
Please email all questions and abstracts to Madison Moore, madison.moore@yale.edu
http://theurbancatwalk.wordpress.com/


What is street style, and what is the relationship between style, “the street,” and popular culture? How have the Internet, digital cameras and other technologies impacted how we understand the way we dress? How old is street style, and why do so many people care about the way other people dress? In what ways does street style engage with broader issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality?

The Urban Catwalk: Fashion and Street Culture, a one-day symposium at Yale University, aims to investigate and openly discuss the relationships between street style and identity. We are interested in papers that approach street style from a contemporary lens, but also encourage papers with more of an historical perspective.

Every character in a work of fiction tells a story, and more often than not, the clothes they wear are as crucial to their personalities and interests as to their internal development in the plot. Whether high end or mass market, fashion is a daily performance of identities and subjectivities. Street fashion tells a personal narrative about one’s dreams, fantasies, fears and struggles. From Marie Antoinette to Lady Gaga, and from Napoleon Bonaparte to Prince, fashion is used as an instrument of rebellion and commentary on social norms.

The goal of The Urban Catwalk is to show not only how vital fashion is to our daily lives, but to also demonstrate how it impacts the way we understand the cities and neighborhoods we live in. Skinny jeans and Cuban heels are all the rage in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but it’s Khakis and dress shirts on the Upper East Side. In this way, The Urban Catwalk will contextualize and historicize street fashions within the broader realm of popular culture and the urban experience.

Over the course of a single day, The Urban Catwalk will partner 20 minute academic presentations from a range of disciplines. We are committed to a conference that blends the intellectual with an ear to the ground. In this way, we will hold a panel discussion with editors from a number of major fashion publications about how they understand the intellectual work street style does. We close the conference with a special street style fashion show at Artspace Gallery in Downtown New Haven, where real-people models will showcase their street style.

We solicit rigorous, 20-minute presentations treating various aspects of street fashion.

Topics may include:

- Street style and Contemporary art
- Dandies
- The flaneur
- Style blogs and the Internet
- Urban versus suburban style
- Hipsters and neo-bohemia
- Goth, punk, and skate culture
- Street style and hip hop culture
- Fashion magazines and the street
- Male androgyny; men in high heels
- Street style in media
- How to figure out a style persona; rules and boundaries
- Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Andre J., and other pop icons
- Japanese street fashion
- Street style in literature
- LGBTQ identity and street style
- Models
- Street style in the 19th century
- Fashion designers
- Ready-to-wear
- Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and trend spotters
- Vogueing, ball culture
- Sex and the City and street style

For more information, visit http://theurbancatwalk.wordpress.com/

Event | Central Navajo Fair, INC. Annual Fashion Show

If you can't make it out to the fashion events in Santa Fe during Indian Market, here's a fahsion show happening during the Central Navajo Fair:


Central Navajo Fair, INC. Annual Fashion Show
August 21 · 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thunderbird Lodge, Chinle, AZ
Featuring fashion designs by Nizhoni Way Apparel, DKC*fx and Dessert Blossom Designs.

For more information about the show, visit Nizhoni Way Apparel's website.

Events | Fashion at the Santa Fe Indian Market

Ooh! A ton of events are planned for the upcoming Santa Fe Indian Market hosted by SWAIA, whose goal is to bring Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships. And I can't wait to pack my bags!

I love attending Indian Market and checking out all the artist booths down at the Plaza, but I also love to check out all the events that occur on the 'edges' of the sanctioned SWAIA booths.

This year, there are many notable Native fashion events going on - in particular, Virgil Ortiz's Made in Native America clothing line debut, the Tsosie-Gaussoin family's Axiom exhibit at the Poeh Museum, Dorothy Grant's collection preview and booth, the Wheelwright Trunk Show, and the SWAIA Native American Clothing Contest.

Also, check out Southwest Flair's August issue to get the latest scoop on Native fashion - it's all online!


About the events:

Virgil Ortiz's MINA line
August 19-22, 2010
Eternity boutique

Virgil Ortiz will debut his Made in Native America (MINA) Signature T-shirt Collection and canvas tote bags during Indian Market, available exclusively at Eternity located at 127 Water St, or at www.virgilortiz.com. He will also have a pottery showing at Shiprock Trading - the REVOLT opening reception will be held Thursday, August 19, from 6-8 P.M.


Axiom: The Tsosie-Gaussoin Family
August 19, 2010, 5-8pm
Poeh Museum

The Poeh Cultural Center and Museum of the Pueblo of Pojoaque proudly presents its Annual Indian Market Exhibition: AXIOM: Connie Tsosie Gaussoin, David Gaussoin, Wayne Gaussoin, and Robert Dale Tsosie. The exhibit will feature jewelry, clothing designs, paintings, digital media and sculpture. The Opening Reception is Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and includes Inuit Throat Singers, Maori Dancers, and Tsimshian Singers and fashion show! The exhibit will be open through November 20, 2010.



Dorothy Grant Collection Preview and Booth
August 19-22, 2010
Santa Fe

Dorothy Grant will have a booth down at the plaza (747 LIN-E), featuring Haida couture, sportswear, and accessories for men and women. You can also preview the collection at Hotel Plaza Real, August 19-20, from 1 to 5pm each day. For more information go to dorothygrant.com



Art-for Wear Trunk Show
August 20, 2010, 10:30am-12:30pm
Wheelwright Museum

The Wheelwright Museum's annual Indian Market Trunk Show is back by popular demand. They will host five Native American designers participating in this year's Art-for-Wear event - Featuring exquisite designs by Patricia Michaels, Pilar Agoyo, Penny Singer, Teri Greeves, Margaret Roach Wheeler, and TahNibaa Naat'aanii.


The SWAIA Native American Clothing Contest
Sunday, August 22, 2010 9am-12pm
Santa Fe Plaza, Downtown Santa Fe

Among the many cherished traditions at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Native American Clothing Contest (NACC) is one of the most beloved and anticipated events. For over twenty years, the NACC has been the most photographed event at the Santa Fe Indian Market. The contest includes categories for traditional and contemporary Native American fashions, features children and adult participants, and awards prizes in over 20 categories.


(A dress by Pilar Agoyo at the SWAIA Native American Clothing Contest)

Call for Models and Designers | Central Navajo Fair Fashion Show

Nizhoni Way has posted a Call for Models and Designers for a Fashion Show to be held at the Central Navajo Fair August 21, 2010.


(Click on picture to see a larger version)
Deadline is August 8th, 2010,
Contact Nizhoni Way for more information.

Event | Fight and Fashion

Will you be attending Gathering of Nations this year?
If so - check out the Fight and Fashion Entertainment Mixer hosted by Indigenous Image:

Come join us for a night of fun, fashion, and fights!! The event will have a fashion show which will showcase the best native designers from the US and Canada including:

-Danitaz Designz by Danita Straberri
-CPascual Designs by Consuelo Pascual
-Mildj Fashion by Mildred Carpenter
-Martini Couture by D. Martin

The show will also feature an amateur mixed martial arts championship featuring fighters from different respective tribes.

Friday, April 23, 2010 at 9:30pm
The Wool Warehouse - downtown Albuquerque
518 1st street southwest