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- By Levi Rickert
SWAIA Native Fashion Week (SNFW) is thrilled to renew its partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) for the 2025 annual event, taking place May 7-11 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This collaboration highlights SNFW’s dedication to Native leadership, mentorship, and excellence in the expanding Native fashion industry.
"Partnering with VIFW amplifies our mission to bring Native art to the world through impactful partnerships while strengthening the global visibility of Native fashion design," said SWAIA Executive Director, Jamie Schulze. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting Native voices and fostering creative excellence."
The partnership between SWAIA and VIFW fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, traditions, and artistry between Native fashion communities in the United States and Canada. This groundbreaking collaboration honors the deep roots of Native fashion while shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Indigenous designers, models, and creatives.
Since its launch in 2017, VIFW has been at the forefront of Native fashion, becoming the world’s first Indigenous Fashion Week. Hosted at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre, VIFW has spotlighted over 40 visionary designers, solidifying its role as a global platform for Indigenous fashion. Committed to community, culture, and mentorship, VIFW continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of Native creatives.
"We are excited to collaborate with SWAIA Fashion Week as it extends our mission to empower and inspire Native fashion communities," said a representative of VIFW. "This partnership will allow us to learn from and share with the Santa Fe fashion community while strengthening connections across borders."
Mentorship is at the heart of this partnership. VIFW is dedicated to empowering community members and nurturing the growth of Native creatives. Through the philosophy of "handing it back," VIFW seeks to share knowledge, forge connections, and bridge Native fashion communities with the broader industry.
Together, SWAIA and VIFW are creating a transformative platform that celebrates Native fashion traditions while paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for designers and creatives.
Tickets for SWAIA Native Fashion Week will be available in mid-February at swaia.org.
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