Indigenous fashion graced the runways of New York City in the Inaugural Indigenous New York Fashion Week from September 11 to 15. Indigenous designers, models, hair and makeup artists gathered from valleys, peaks, deserts and waterways of Turtle Island to converge in Indigenous excellence and resilience by taking on the mainstream world of fashion. For the first time, twenty-five Indigenous designers held their own along major fashion brands and top designers in CFDA’s New York Fashion Week. Designers were able to thread traditions and perspectives while showcasing their culture and blending into contemporary spaces.
Karlene Familo (Seneca, Hawk Clan) a Seneca designer from the Allegany Territory was featured in the Beyond Stone and Sky runway fashion experience, the kickoff to the Inaugural Indigenous New York Fashion Week. “Beyond Stone and Sky escaped the realities of industrialism with an exploration of Indigenous Fashion and Art, paying homage to the original caretakers of this land. We are more than this city; our culture is deeper than the concrete that coats it”, shared producer Creator’s Favorite. This show featured four Indigenous designers from across Turtle Island including VIVIDUS, Darcy Bighorse, Phoenix Drake, and Karlene Familo. The show was produced by Creator’s Favorite LLC, Margaret Faliano and Salma. Photography was done by Visual Photography.
“Being invited to one of the first ever Indigenous New York Fashion Week was an incredible experience. It was an opportunity to showcase my pieces for the first time in NYC, during a meaningful event. Indigenous Fashion Week is only the beginning of an exciting journey. We will continue to express our art through fashion, where it is painting, beading, leatherwork, or weaving splints and sweetgrass. We are just getting started,” shared Karlene.
Catch Karlene Familo’s designs at the Seneca Indigenous Fashion Show at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino on November 1, 2025.
Ganöndi:ye’s “Charli Rae” Hill (Seneca, Wolf Clan) walked for Wabanoonkwe Irick. Charli Rae is signed to the Lang Modeling agency and has graced the internet with various beautiful photo shoots following INYFW. She is featured in the article “An Inside Look at the Inaugural Indigenous Fashion Week” for W magazine by Kate Nelson.
Ganöndi:ye’s “Charli Rae” Hill lit up the runway in a show-stopping design by Tisha Thompson—a striking black corset top adorned with porcupine quills, seamlessly blending ancestral craftsmanship with fierce modern edge. Tisha paired it with a dramatic asymmetrical tulle skirt, its cascading hemline creating waves of movement, drama, and undeniable grace with every step. To complete the look, a bold red cape draped over Charli Rae’s shoulders, emblazoned with the Seeing Red Media logo, added power, presence, and purpose—a visual exclamation point that commanded the runway. Accessorized to perfection, she wore statement earrings by K. Francis Brand and a handcrafted porcupine quill bracelet by Tiffany Cook—each element thoughtfully chosen to honor Indigenous artistry while making a strong contemporary statement. A stunning celebration of culture, strength, and fashion, this was more than a runway moment—it was a reclamation of space and story. When the finale belongs to you: In a true Tisha Thompson masterpiece, with K. Francis Brand earrings and a Tiffany Cook bracelet, Charli Rae closed the Runway of Rezilience —and owned every second. A moment of beauty. A moment of power. A moment to remember.
Leland Parker (Seneca, Wolf Clan) was featured as a model for four designers including Karlene Familo and found an opportunity to DJ. Leland’s goal is to inspire Seneca youth from his community to achieve their dreams and grab new opportunities. He loves networking with Indigenous entrepreneurs, designers, and producers- a gateway to opportunities, adventures, and great people. “INYFW gave us visibility and representation which commonly doesn’t exist in a space like NYFW. It was amazing to come together with urban Natives from the city and collectively create and produce the first INYFW, something that has never been done before,” said Leland.
Along with modeling, Leland was given the opportunity to DJ two shows; the “Sage From Sound” afterparty with Creator’s Favorite and the other being the INYFW Decolonizing Wealth x Relative Arts closing party “Celebrating Indignity in Fashion: Volume 5” which was an annual party hosted by Decolonizing Wealth to celebrate their mission and give back to the Urban Native Community. “These opportunities were so thrilling because it allowed me to meet so many other Natives from different tribes and connect through music, playing songs that made everyone dance,” shared Leland.
Olivia Maybee (Seneca, Deer Clan) and Laelle Jimerson (Seneca descendant) walked the runway for Kreations by Kehala in collaboration with Teton Trade Cloth.
This is just beginning for Indigenous fashion in the mainstream. Indigenous fashion shows are taking communities, markets, and casinos by storm. Indigenous designers and models are making their way in Vogue, designing with Ralph Lauren, and getting signed to major agencies. Indigenous excellence is more than fashion and style, it’s a platform to spotlight political issues and unrest, honor nature with designs, and weave in traditions from our own perspectives – finally.
