Los Angeles, CA – We are thrilled to introduce The Indigenous Fashion Collective (TIFC), a groundbreaking Native-led, membership-based nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture, creativity, and economic empowerment. This initiative will debut with a series of exciting events taking place during Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, including a first-of-its-kind gala showcasing Indigenous couture on October 12, 2024 with the theme: “Still Here, Still Vibrant: Indigenous Couture Shaping The Future” with an emphasis on Mother Earth and the importance of voting. On Indigenous Peoples Day, fashionistas can shop Indigenous and learn from notable Native models, designers, and entrepreneurs.
“I’m honored and so excited to be co-chair for the Indigenous Fashion Collective Gala, that celebrates Indigenous excellence in fashion, showcases couture designers and the incredible artists we have across Turtle Island,” said Quannah Chasinghorse (Hän Gwich’in and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota), Model/activist, co-chair of the TIFC gala, and member of the advisory committee of TIFC.
“I believe in Indigenous Excellence and I believe in the creativity of our people. I love that The Indigenous Fashion Collective is building a community for our creatives to thrive and the fashion world should be part of this experience live and direct!!!” said Taboo Nawasha (Shoshone/Hopi/Mexican), Black Eyed Peas rapper, and co-chair of the TIFC gala.
Event details:
THE INDIGENOUS FASHION COLLECTIVE GALA
“Still Here, Still Vibrant: Indigenous Couture Shaping The Future”
Fashion art showcase curated by The Autry Museum
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Autry Museum, Los Angeles
Co-chairs: Model/activist Quannah Chasinghorse and Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo
Couture designer lineup: Tierra Alysia (Kashia Pomo), Jason Baerg (Red River Métis), Orlando Dugi (Diné), Lesley Hampton (Temagami First Nation), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Kayla Lookinghorse (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), and Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo)
Host Committee: Corrie Caster, Sarah Eagle Heart, Frances Fisher, Jody Potts-Joseph, Keri Oberly, Lillian Sparks Robinson, Twila True, and Audra Wise
Dinner catered by: Chef Pyet DeSpain
Entertainment presented by Taboo: Emcee One, Eric Michael Hernandez, and PJ Vegas
*This is a ticketed event. Information below.
The Indigenous Fashion Collective Education Day and Fashion Pop-Ups
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Volume Studios, Inglewood
Education: Model Bootcamp by Quannah Chasinghorse, Indigenous Couture & Streetwear Panels, Corporate Merchandising and Collaborations Panel, Film Screenings, and Makeup Masterclass
Fashion Popups: Vividus by Tierra Alysia, Lesley Hampton, K. Lookinghorse by Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith, Patricia Michaels, and Orlando Dugi.
*Free event with TIFC membership
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY BLOCK PARTY
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 5 PM – 10 PM
Location: Volume Studios, Inglewood
Entertainment presented by Taboo: Emcee One, Eric Michael Hernandez, Pat Vegas and PJ Vegas.
*Free event with TIFC membership
ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS FASHION COLLECTIVE
The Indigenous Fashion Collective (TIFC) is a Native-led membership-based nonprofit intended to elevate Indigenous presence in the fashion industry while creating sustainable economic opportunities. The pillars of TIFC initiative are creativity, culture, couture, and collaboration. There is an urgent need for greater Indigenous representation in fashion for economic development opportunities, as well as a need to address cultural appropriation and advocate for sustainable practices.
The organization was co-founded by Sarah Eagle Heart (Oglala Lakota), Lillian Sparks Robinson (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), and Twila True (Oglala Lakota) in the spring 2024 with invaluable guidance from an esteemed advisory committee including: Quannah Chasinghorse (Hän Gwich’in and Sicangu/Oglala Lakota), Cora Kay Chandler (Fort Belnap Tribe), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), Jamie Schulze (Northern Cheyenne/Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), and Crystal Williams (Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana).
TIFC is providing a significant opportunity for tribal nations and corporate brands to support grassroots Indigenous designers, helping them reach broader audiences, and cultivating the next generation of Indigenous fashion brands.TIFC has over 110+ members through its membership-based website, showcasing Indigenous talent profiles in designing, modeling, and photography. Membership is free until December 31, 2024.
In the coming weeks, TIFC will share the incredible models and influencer lineup who will be wearing these stunning Indigenous couture designs. These fashion events are strategically scheduled to coincide with Indigenous Peoples Day in Los Angeles, maximizing media visibility and emphasizing the importance of Mother Earth and voting. All proceeds will benefit The Indigenous Fashion Collective.All proceeds will benefit The Indigenous Fashion Collective.
“The goal is not just to create a moment but to spark a movement that empowers Indigenous fashion creatives and entrepreneurs. We are committed to bridging the gap in support and education for Indigenous entrepreneurs in fashion, empowering them to build sustainable economic growth and forge equitable partnerships. We are dedicated to creating a lasting Indigenous fashion movement that combats cultural appropriation, advocates for ethical practices, and honors our cultural heritage for future generations,” said Sarah Eagle Heart, Interim Executive Director and co-founder of TIFC.
Designers will be available for media interviews before and during the events to discuss their designs and share who they are dressing. For media inquiries for the designers or TIFC, please contact TIFC Marketing and Media Coordinator A’ngelee Clause (Tuscarora) at angelee@indigenousfashioncollective.org.
Join the movement at The Indigenous Fashion Collective
- To purchase tickets to the gala (general admission, VIP individual tickets, or a VIP table), please go to our donation site. Tickets are limited and we will accept purchases on a first come, first serve basis,
- To sponsor the gala, education day, or block party please email sarah@indigenousfashioncollective.org or donate directly via our donation site.
- For more information, please go to indigenousfashioncollective.org or follow us on social media at @indigifashion