By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Balmain to Participate in Santa Fe’s Indigenous Fashion Week
French fashion house Balmain is gearing up for a new venture as it prepares to take part in this year's Indigenous Fashion Week, hosted by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Native Fashion.
The event will coincide with the 102nd edition of Santa Fe’s Native Indian Market. Balmain Paris will present a preview of its autumn 2024 collection, showcased by a selection of SWAIA models.
SWAIA highlighted that this partnership will give SNF models international fashion exposure while introducing Indigenous designers to a broader audience. The organization emphasized its dedication to elevating Indigenous fashion within the global fashion industry.
Santa Fe’s Indian Market is set for August 17 and 18, with SWAIA’s Indigenous Fashion Show taking place on August 18 at the Convention Centre. Designers Jamie Okuma, ASEP Designs' Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose, Lauren Good Day, Caroline Monnet, and Jontay Kahm will participate in the event.
Artist Kent Monkman will kick off the fashion show with an 'Art & Fashion' presentation alongside Kahm, featuring provocative art that challenges colonial narratives and highlights Indigenous experiences, according to SWAIA Native Fashion producer Amber Dawn Bear Robe.
Additionally, Black Eyed Peas member Taboo will open the show, adding his celebrity influence to this summer’s runway. This year, SWAIA received 1,300 artist submissions and over 1,000 Indigenous North American artists were selected for the market, demonstrating significant growth year over year, noted SWAIA executive director Jamie Schulze.
A notable first for the event will be the annual fundraising gala hosted at the newly opened Vladem Contemporary Museum, where SWAIA aims to continue building funds to support its educational and advocacy initiatives.
