Weaving Culture and Innovation
Indigenous Designers Reclaiming Fashion.
How Indigenous designers are using their craft to honor heritage, elevate communities and redefine fashion’s future.
For years, fashion has drawn inspiration from countless cultures, but unfortunately, this hasn’t always been done with the respect or recognition it deserves. Indigenous designs, in particular, have often been appropriated—used without permission or cultural understanding. While these designs have made their way into mainstream fashion, many brands missed the opportunity to celebrate the artisans and communities behind them.
In recent years, however, the industry has started to shift. Brands are recognizing the importance of collaborating directly with Indigenous designers, not only to celebrate the artistry but to create meaningful partnerships that benefit these communities. An evolution marking a new chapter in fashion—one that embraces inclusivity, cultural appreciation and respect for the stories behind the designs. This year, saw a powerful moment for Indigenous fashion: the Indigenous Fashion Collective held its first awards gala at The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California, celebrating the artistry and innovation of Indigenous designers. Team members and founders, including The Indigenous Fashion Collective, Sarah Eagle Heart, A'ngelee, Twila True, and co-chairs Taboo Nawasha and Quannah Chasinghorse, highlighted the evening. Models, like Wabanoonkwe Irick, brought the stunning cultural heritage of Indigenous design to life, offering a new vision of fashion grounded in authenticity.
Faherty x Bethany Yellowtail
One such brand is Faherty, which several years ago reevaluated its use of Native American-inspired prints. Faherty’s Chief Impact Officer, Kerry Docherty, recognized that while the brand was using Indigenous motifs, none of the designs were created by Native people. This realization led to a transformative partnership with Bethany Yellowtail, a designer from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Nations. Yellowtail’s collaboration with Faherty brings authenticity and respect to the designs, ensuring that they benefit Native communities both economically and culturally. This collaboration serves as a model for how brands can move from appropriation to meaningful collaboration, providing a platform for Indigenous voices to shine.
Victoria Kakuktinniq x Canada Goose
Another standout example is Victoria Kakuktinniq’s work with Canada Goose on Project Atigi. Kakuktinniq, an Inuk designer from Rankin Inlet, blends traditional Inuit craftsmanship with modern fashion, creating stunning outerwear that’s both practical and symbolic of Inuit culture. Through Project Atigi, Kakuktinniq's designs incorporate sealskin and embroidery, paying homage to Inuit seamstresses while modernizing their techniques. Proceeds from the collection benefit the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, further demonstrating how such partnerships can give back to Indigenous communities. Kakuktinniq’s ability to honor her heritage while pushing it into new creative territories is a powerful example of how Indigenous designers are using fashion to preserve, celebrate and innovate their culture.
Naiomi Glasses x Ralph Lauren
In a more recent collaboration, Naiomi Glasses, a Diné (Navajo) weaver, teamed up with Ralph Lauren to create a limited-edition collection that brings Navajo weaving traditions into the heart of the iconic Americana brand. Glasses worked closely with Ralph Lauren’s design team to integrate Navajo motifs, like the Spider Woman cross, into classic Ralph Lauren pieces like ranch coats and polo shirts. This collaboration highlights the importance of including Indigenous designers in the broader conversation about American fashion. By bringing Navajo aesthetics to Ralph Lauren’s global platform, Glasses is helping to reshape what “Americana” fashion can be, all while reclaiming Native representation in mainstream fashion.
These collaborations are more than just partnerships—they represent a new era of inclusivity and respect within the fashion industry. Indigenous designers like Bethany Yellowtail, Victoria Kakuktinniq, and Naiomi Glasses are leading the charge, using their platforms to amplify their cultures, share their stories and push back against years of appropriation.
At The Phoenix, we are proud to champion similar values of inclusivity and collaboration in our work. Our partnership with Diné Development Corporation (DDC), grounded in Navajo culture, along with our collaboration with the Ho‘olina Foundation, a Hawaiian national organization, has deepened our commitment to the powerful impact of elevating Indigenous voices through meaningful alliances. Whether through our client work or internal practices, we strive to support initiatives that foster cultural respect and understanding, ensuring that every voice is heard and celebrated.
