Indigenous designers bring culture, creativity to Phoenix runway

PHOENIX — While Paris Fashion Week captures attention overseas, Indigenous designers are preparing to take their turn on the runway much closer to home.

The Phoenix Indian Center is hosting the Indigenous Community Fashion Showcase this weekend, highlighting Native artists and celebrating culture through clothing, jewelry and design.

One of the featured designers, Rose McFadden, said her creativity comes from deep roots.

“My mom for the longest time was one of the only seamstresses growing up,” McFadden said. “My dad was a silversmith as well, and this was one of the earlier pieces he made.”

McFadden, who is Navajo, said her designs blend family tradition with artistic expression. Her Isabella Rose collections have appeared on runways from Milan to Paris.

“You never really believe that our art, our culture will make it across the world,” she said. “And when it does, it’s this beautiful enlightenment, or this enchanting feeling.”

The event’s organizer, Taiya Snyder, said Phoenix offers a special place to honor Native talent.

“Maricopa County within Arizona is the second-largest county for the number of American Indians who reside off the reservation,” Snyder said.

This year’s showcase will feature more than 30 community designers and four featured artists. The theme is “After the Storm, In Full Bloom,” inspired by the significance of florals and water in many tribal cultures.

“Each generation has a different story to tell, and to be able to give them the platform to do so is really important,” Snyder said.

The show welcomes designers of all ages, from children as young as 5 to adults over 50.

The Indigenous Community Fashion Showcase takes place Saturday at Creighton University in Phoenix. Tickets are still available, and organizers say designers may still have time to submit their work.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit phxindcenter.org.

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