The Getty Museum in Los Angeles served as the stunning backdrop for a new Fashioning Indigenous Futurism runway show featuring five contemporary designers redefining Indigenous fashion. VIP guests including actor Tantoo Cardinal marveled at the new collections of Jason Baerg, Orlando Dugi, Jontay Kahm, Caroline Monnet, and Jamie Okuma, with artist Virgil Ortiz displaying special AR art activation on-site. The showcase was organized by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe in collaboration with the Autry Museum of the American West, coinciding with the museum’s Future Imaginaries exhibition, which explores the use of contemporary Native technologies in envisioning a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The runway showcase highlighted the innovative work of today’s Indigenous couture designers, blending traditional craftwork with contemporary design. The show, held at one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, was a groundbreaking event that elevated Indigenous fashion on a global stage. Jamie Okuma opened the show with her signature Parfleche dresses and beaded accessories, followed by Orlando Dugi’s refined menswear assortment and Caroline Monnet’s theatrical designs made from repurposed materials. Jason Baerg presented a collection of soft, fluid dresses designed for movement, while Jontay Kahm closed the show with dramatic creations including sculptural feather coats and completely beaded draped gowns.
As the designers showcased their distinctive creations against the backdrop of the L.A. skyline, the runway show emphasized the importance of mainstream fashion spaces embracing Indigenous voices and stories. With Hollywood increasingly making space for more inclusive Indigenous narratives, the designers at the Fashioning Indigenous Futurism show are at the forefront of this movement. Their innovative and stylish designs are poised to make a splash on celebrity red carpets and further push the boundaries of Indigenous representation in the fashion industry.
The event at the Getty Museum underscored the blend of artistry, creativity, and cultural heritage that defines Indigenous fashion today. By showcasing the works of these talented designers, the runway show shone a spotlight on the unique perspectives and innovations within the Indigenous fashion community. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design aesthetics demonstrated the adaptability and evolution of Indigenous fashion in a modern context, challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity in the industry.
The collaboration between the Autry Museum of the American West and the Fashioning Indigenous Futurism runway show highlighted the ongoing dialogue between Native artists, designers, and cultural institutions. By providing a platform for Indigenous voices and perspectives to be heard and celebrated, the event contributed to the ongoing conversation about representation, diversity, and creativity within the fashion world. Through their bold and groundbreaking designs, the participating designers showcased the rich tapestry of Indigenous artistry and creativity, signaling a new era of inclusivity and innovation in the fashion industry.
