Los Angeles, CA — August 11, 2025 — The Indigenous Fashion Collective (TIFC) proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated Indigenous Fashion Gala, taking place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, California. This year’s Gala, themed “Fashion for Sovereignty,” will spotlight Indigenous excellence through fashion, art, and cultural expression with co-chairs rapper Taboo (Black Eyed Peas) and land protector/model Quannah Chasinghorse return as co-chairs of this year’s event, two changemakers at the forefront of Native American representation, advocacy, and cultural power. These fashion events are strategically scheduled to coincide with Indigenous Peoples Day in Los Angeles to maximize media visibility.
The Gala will feature a turquoise carpet, VIP reception, private dinner featuring three-time James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota), awards presentation featuring silver eagle feathers by accomplished silversmith Lionel Thundercloud (Diné), followed by an unforgettable night of music and celebration. Headlining entertainment includes Grammy Award–winning artist Taboo (Shoshone) of the Black Eyed Peas and acclaimed Indigenous DJ and cultural ambassador Emcee One (Osage/Potawatomi/Delaware & Puerto Rican). The evening will be hosted by Chance Rush (Hidatsa), bringing his signature charisma to the stage as official emcee.
Featured Fashion Designers
TIFC is honored to showcase an extraordinary lineup of visionary Indigenous designers from across North America whose work exemplifies the four pillars of Culture, Creativity, Collaboration, and Couture:
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- Tierra Alysia (Kashia Pomo, Miwok, Cree)
- Jason Baerg (Cree, Metis)
- Pamela Baker (Squamish, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, Haida)
- Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree)
- Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo)
- Randi Nelson (Bonaparte/St’uxwtéws First Nation)
- Yolonda Skelton (Gitxsan Nation)
- Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder (Southern Ute, Shoshone-Bannock, San Carlos Apache / Diné, Southern Ute)
- Wabanoonkwe (Anishinaabe)
Each featured designer will have an opportunity to debut a new piece inspired by the evening’s theme, vying for the Best Design of the Evening Award.
Awards Program
The evening will also recognize groundbreaking contributions to Indigenous fashion through awards in several categories, including:
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- Designer of the Year
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- Emerging Designer of the Year
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- Model of the Year
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- Accessory Brand of the Year
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- Beauty Brand of the Year
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- Best Design of the Evening
Winners will be selected by an esteemed panel of judges and honored during the Gala.
The Indigenous Fashion Collective will also host “Heritage and Hues”, a free Educational Forum and Fashion Pop-Up on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10 am – 2 pm at The Autry Museum of the American West.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Tickets and sponsorship packages are available now. Proceeds from the Gala support The Indigenous Fashion Collective’s year-round efforts to uplift Indigenous artists and create pathways for economic opportunity and cultural visibility in the fashion industry. Visit www.indigenousfashioncollective.org for more information and/or reserve your seat at this powerful celebration of style and sovereignty.
About The Indigenous Fashion Collective
Established in 2024, 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. TIFC is a movement dedicated to honoring Indigenous designers, models, artists, and entrepreneurs through curated experiences, capacity-building programs, and platforms that center Native American and Indigenous brilliance in the fashion world.
The organization was co-founded by Sarah Eagle Heart (Oglala Lakota), Lillian Sparks Robinson (Sicangu Lakota), 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 200+ members through its membership-based website, showcasing Indigenous talent profiles in designing, modeling, and photography. Membership is free until December 31, 2025. Volunteer opportunities for both events are available (job descriptions and details are available now via Flipcause).
Contact: Lillian Sparks Robinson
Email: info@indigenousfashioncollective.org
Phone: (202) 352-7167