Indigenous New York Fashion Week celebrated its second annual event, showcasing the creativity of 30 Indigenous designers and emphasizing the importance of representation in the fashion industry.
Indigenous New York Fashion Week (INYFW) successfully concluded its second annual event over the weekend, from September 22 to September 24, 2026. Held at the American Indian Community House in New York City, the event was officially recognized on the CFDA New York Fashion Week Calendar. Co-founded by Korina Emmerich and Liana Shewey, INYFW is recognized as North America’s premier Indigenous-led fashion week, aiming to amplify the voices and creativity of Indigenous peoples through the medium of fashion.
This year’s program featured 30 Indigenous designers and 120 Indigenous models, all supported by entirely Indigenous-led production, hair, and makeup teams. The event included thematic showcases titled “Emerging Voices,” “Knowledge Keepers,” and concluded with a grand couture presentation. Notable designers in the closing showcase included Josh Tafoya, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, HAKHU, and TOC Legends. The event opened with a stirring performance by Acosia Red Elk, setting an uplifting tone for the fashion presentations that followed.
Each collection presented at INYFW sought to narrate stories and explore the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary interpretations. This approach not only celebrates Indigenous artistry but also provides a platform for critical dialogue surrounding identity, representation, and the fashion industry.
Among the highlighted designers was Josh Tafoya, a talented designer and weaver from Rancho de Taos, New Mexico. Tafoya draws inspiration from his Genízaro, Chicano, and Spanish heritage, presenting his much-anticipated “O’Keeffe Collection.” This collection explores the complex relationship between traditional imagery associated with New Mexico—particularly that of iconic artist Georgia O’Keeffe—and a more nuanced, contemporary Indigenous identity. Tafoya described his collection as a “whimsical take,” balancing humor and respect for the cultural aesthetics of the past. The collection featured exaggerated hats and playful sneakers, showcasing his affinity for a camp aesthetic.
The runway presentation incorporated O’Keeffe’s recorded voice at the opening, enriching the narrative context while models portrayed various characters, bringing Tafoya’s designs to life. His meticulous attention to detail, rich textures, and storytelling through craftsmanship were evident throughout the showcase, inviting attendees to engage with the cultural narratives embedded in his work.
Tafoya’s fashion journey is deeply intertwined with his family’s history of weaving. After obtaining a degree in fashion design from Parsons School of Design and spending nearly a decade in New York, he returned to New Mexico during the pandemic. This pivotal moment allowed him to reconnect with his heritage, learn to spin wool, and engage in the craftsmanship that has been part of his family for generations. Tafoya shared that his father built looms in the 1970s, his grandfather raised sheep, and his grandmother spun wool—all of which have significantly influenced his contemporary designs.
Earlier this year, Tafoya received the prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion Design, placing him among notable past recipients like Tom Ford and Rick Owens. Additionally, his Genízaro coat was selected as a featured image for the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s “Art x Fashion” exhibition, further highlighting the increasing recognition of Indigenous designers within the broader fashion landscape.
Looking ahead, Tafoya expressed enthusiasm for several upcoming collaborations. He has co-created pieces with renowned designer Gabriela Hearst for the Agustina Resort 2027 collection and is currently developing projects with Nike, which is also a sponsor of his work. The exaggerated hats featured in his latest collection were created in collaboration with Thunder Voice Co., emphasizing the importance of partnership in his creative process.
In addition to these collaborative efforts, Tafoya is driven to create even more collections, with plans for four additional lines already in the works. His ongoing commitment to drawing from his cultural heritage while innovating within the fashion space resonates deeply with audiences at INYFW and beyond, reinforcing the significance of Indigenous narratives in the fashion industry.
Indigenous New York Fashion Week serves not only as a platform for Indigenous designers but also as a vital space for community building and cultural pride through the medium of fashion. As it enters its second year, the event underscores the importance of representation and the celebration of diverse narratives within the fashion industry. The commitment of INYFW to highlight Indigenous creativity contributes to a broader movement towards inclusivity and acknowledgment of the unique contributions of Indigenous peoples in the arts and beyond.
In a world where fashion often overlooks the narratives of Indigenous communities, events like INYFW play a crucial role in fostering awareness and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that these designers bring to the forefront. As the event continues to evolve, it promises to remain an essential fixture in the calendar of both the fashion industry and the celebration of Indigenous culture, according to GlobalNet News.