CHEROKEE, N.C. – The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market took place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event featured a showcase of Indigenous designers and vendors, celebrating both traditional and contemporary Native American fashion.
Designers Showcase Creativity and Tradition
Several talented Indigenous designers took the stage with collections that blended vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and cultural storytelling.
Lesley Hampton, an Anishinaabe designer, wowed the crowd with glamorous gowns in rich hues of red, maroon, black, and purple, adorned with sparkling embellishments.
Sarah Crow and Dawn Arneach presented a bold men’s streetwear line, featuring graphic tees beneath button-up shirts, in striking blues, whites, and blacks. The designs were inspired by the Cherokee legend of Uktena.
Sharon Bradley’s collection, “From Clans to Community,” paid homage to the Seven Clans of the Cherokee Nation. The evening gowns were paired with fierce, brightly-colored facial designs, adding a dramatic flair to the runway.
Alexandria Lane, a debuting designer, enchanted the audience with a collection of light blue and white pieces, incorporating traditional Cherokee white feather capes and shimmering fabrics. The ethereal designs exuded a dreamy quality.
Ayosta Wegusti Lossie presented a fierce collection of skirts and gowns in vibrant shades of pink, green, and blue, accented with traditional ribbons and bold, virile jewelry.
Tara McCoy displayed a diverse mix of feminine and masculine styles, combining bold colors, traditional patterns, and unique silhouettes that stood out for their creativity.
Keredith Owens’ collection featured streetwear and formal outfits, blending traditional patterns with modern designs in striking black-and-white color schemes.
Nancy Pheasant offered two- and three-piece sets, each adorned with Kananesgi (Spider) designs at the center, along with bold eye makeup and edgy fohawk updos.
Faith Long-Presley’s mid-century business-inspired collection had models strutting the runway with Audrey Hepburn-style pearls, bold red lips, and a sophisticated air.
Lori Sanders’ satin ensembles with traditional patterns and sequin overlays in deep reds and blues captivated the audience with their luxurious feel.
Freida Saylor showcased a collection of feminine skirts and dresses in pinks, purples, and blacks, accessorized with long, statement-making earrings.
Chi Shipman presented striking three-piece sets featuring pants, shirts, and capes in bold shades of black, purple, and blue, paired with dramatic eye makeup.
Malia Crowe-Skulski displayed strong, powerful looks, with men’s streetwear and women’s formal wear in bold greens, blues, and black.
Kim Smith’s celestial-inspired collection took the runway with intricate patterns and cosmic hues of blue, pink, green, black, and white.
Mary Thompson brought a country-western flair with powerful color choices like green, blue, and red, offset by all-black outlaw looks.
Deb West’s collection stood out for its range of vibrant colors and patterns, including purple mountain designs, blue florals, and hand-drawn art on a light sage green skirt.
Delaney Wildcatt, another debuting designer, presented three power pieces in royal blue, incorporating modern elements with traditional ribbon accents and a beaded Kananesgi Spider motif on the final jumpsuit.
Paula Wojtkowski’s collection spanned men’s tracksuits and women’s formal dresses, featuring bold, monochrome designs in colors like orange, blue, green, yellow, and red, along with traditional Cherokee black feather capes.
Vendors Offer Indigenous Art and Crafts
The event also featured a vibrant art market, where Indigenous artisans and vendors showcased their work. Notable vendors included Blythe Winchester, Jenn Wilson, Laura Walkingstick, Monique Taylor, and many others. These artisans offered a range of handcrafted items, from jewelry and textiles to artwork and pottery, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.
The Kananesgi Fashion Show highlighted not only the artistic talent of Indigenous designers but also the importance of preserving and promoting Native American culture through fashion and art.
Related topics:
