Photos courtesy of Seneca Media
Strike a pose! The Seneca Indigenous Fashion Show at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino “Where Tradition Meets Trend” was a spectacular event filled with Indigenous beauty and creativity! The Seneca Gaming Corporation provided a platform for Indigenous designers to showcase their talents, celebrate their cultural heritage, and empower their communities.
Comedian and actor Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon) kicked off the 2 day event on on Friday November 1st with the Behind the Seams: VIP Preview night. Guests were able to get an exclusive runway preview, meet the designers and models, learn about experience brands like N8IV Beauty, Cheekbone Beauty at the Seneca Niagara Falls Casino and Resort. Means introduced 17 talented artists and designers from across Turtle Island the night of the show. Four of the designers included Seneca women from local territories; Karlene Familo, Darice Sampson, Cami Jones, and Martha Leroy showcased their work on the runway.
Karlene Familo of Go-gei-sas opened the show with her luxurious designs made of leather, cotton, wool, and satin. A skilled artisan in beading, sewing and art work for over 15 years, she draws inspiration from traditional designs and patterns passed down through generations. Karlene grew up in the Allegany territory and is a member of the hawk clan.
“When I first learned that I had been selected as one of the designers for the show, I could hardly contain my excitement! The moment was exhilarating, and it sparked a journey of self-discovery as I explored what I truly wanted to showcase. With determination, I pushed my creative boundaries and created 8 incredible pieces. I am immensely grateful for Darice Sampson, whose amazing guidance and support illuminated my path—she truly is a gem! Being chosen as the opening designer left me in awe, especially since it was my very first show! This opportunity became a defining moment, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable experience!,” expressed Karlene.
Cami Jones by Cami Jones is a Hodinöhsö:ni’ potter from the Cattaraugus Territory. Her collection was crafted with 100% cotton muslin from annuity cloth she receives yearly as promise through a long standing treaty. Ms. Jones then hand died the material using plant based dyes which shows her commitment to sustainability and artistry.
Martha Leroy Designs by Martha Leroy is a self taught Seneca designer and tailor from Cattaraugus. She began crafting custom outfits for her daughter and son. She started out making traditional attire to celebrate and preserve the Seneca culture before evolving to upcycling and producing custom pieces. Her work embodies a deep respect for her roots while pushing boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.
Seneca designer Darice Sampson, owner of the Snipe’s Nest is based in Cattaraugus and began sewing at 12 years old. Her passion for sewing has expanded from full regalia for her children to creating unique pieces for Indigenous people across the country. Darice is also a teacher and mentor. She has been a guide for both Karlene and Cami on their paths for this show. Darice’s designs reflect her cultural heritage- blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
Beadwork artists Mary and Samantha Jacobs lended their great talents to the show by providing accessories for the runway fashions. Mary is Turtle Clan from Cattaraugus. She creates traditional Hodinöhsö:ni’ raised beadwork inspired by the natural beauty of upstate New York and her cultural heritage. Samantha is a full time teaching artist from the Cattaraugus territory. She specializes in diverse arts such as beadwork, tufting, traditional clothing and jewelry.
Seneca models strutted the runway in the latest looks from 17 talented Indigenous designers. Seneca models included Alleyana Abrams, Inez Buffalo, Elias Bova-Schmidt, Angel Garlow, Eli Himelein, Joanne Israel, Jocelyn Jones, Carly Koban, Isabella Lemke, Megan Logan, Molly Nephew, Sarah Nephew, Rylee Nephew, Crystal Noise, Shawnee Printup, Melanie Ross, and Destiny Sampson.
Model Jocelyn Jones shared, “The Seneca Indigenous Fashion Show is a culmination of the wealth of incredible talent and beauty that we share as a collective of the Onondowa’ga:’, including our Indigenous relatives of Turtle Island. This celebration of talent, diversity and creativity brilliantly demonstrates to the world the collective beauty of our people and culture within contemporary platforms.”
Indigenous fashion designers included Marqui Styles by Robin Tekaiakenhtha Marquis, Pidabinikwe by Christal Ratt, Kreations by Kehala by Kehala Smith, Martha Leroy Designs by Martha Leroy, Yeguna.Hareeta by Yegunahareeta Printup, K. Francisbrand by Karen Francis, Stacy Mitchell by Stacy Mitchell, Turtle Clan Creations by Konwahonwawi Stacey, Queena Ribbon Designs by Tina Bradley, Tasha Marie by Natasha Thompson, Bitterwater for Redhouse by Michelle Luna.
“Every person that had a part in the show did an exceptional job. The designers, models, hairstylists, make-up artists, production, and behind the scenes were so professional. I was in awe of the amount of talent under one roof. I was honored to be a part of such an amazing event,” shared model Melanie Ross.
