Growing up in the 90s, the idea of becoming a model was attractive to many young girls thanks to the iconic figures of the time such as Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss. However, for one woman who was an Alaska Native with olive skin, chubby cheeks, and broad shoulders, fitting the mold of traditional supermodels seemed unattainable. Growing up in rural Minnesota surrounded by mostly white children, she struggled with her appearance and began battling body dysmorphia and disordered eating in an effort to conform to societal standards of beauty. Despite booking some modeling gigs in her early 20s, she ultimately realized she did not fit the industry’s criteria and gave up on her dreams.
In recent years, there has been an increase in authentic Native American representation in various aspects of society, allowing Indigenous people to celebrate their heritage rather than feel ashamed of not fitting Western beauty ideals. Influential figures like model and activist Quannah ChasingHorse and actor Lily Gladstone have been breaking stereotypes and helping women reclaim their narratives. Embracing her Tlingit heritage, the woman who once struggled with body image issues has worked towards establishing a loving relationship with her body and self-acceptance, especially in her late 30s. Therefore, when given the opportunity to model for a fashion designer’s Vividus brand at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market, she felt a mix of surprise, delight, and trepidation.
The fashion designer, Tierra Alysia, sought to honor each model’s individual tribal nation through her collection, reflecting their unique heritage and diversity of Indigenous cultures. A percentage of sales from these wearable works of art would support youth programs within specific communities. Feeling a sense of acceptance and being sought out for who she is, the woman accepted the invitation, but also grappled with childhood insecurities and worries about reentering the image-obsessed fashion industry. As she engaged in pre-show photo shoots and connected with the other models, she realized this experience would be different from her past encounters in the fashion world.
The camaraderie among the models, each with their own unique style and background, was evident as they prepared for the runway show wearing the intricate designs crafted by Alysia. The collection showcased their indigeneity while celebrating their individuality, allowing them to feel united yet diverse. The runway debut at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market, an event headlined by French fashion house Balmain, marked a significant moment for the participants and the Indigenous fashion industry as a whole. As the models walked the runway with pride and solidarity, they portrayed strong Indigenous women who embraced their heritage and unique qualities.
During the finale of the show, the models came together holding hands as a symbol of interconnectedness and stood tall as shining examples of strength and beauty. For the woman who had once struggled with self-acceptance and body image issues, this moment represented a realization of finding unconditional love for herself. She hoped that today’s Native youth could feel this sense of self-love from an early age, inspired by the representation and empowerment happening within Indigenous communities. The experience of modeling at the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market not only allowed her to embrace her heritage but also to celebrate her uniqueness and strengthen her connection to her tribal nation.
