A P A R T
A P A R T
Shades of rainclouds blanketed Oga Po’geh (White Shell Water Place).
Lands of the Tewa and Pueblo peoples welcomed the soft dancing rain;
blessing the historic architecture and city before Santa Fe’s fashion week.
With over fifty-eight Indigenous designers coming in from all walks of life to showcase their work.
From as far as the eye can see to distant lands from around Mother Earth.
This was the place to be.
What a privilege to witness the future of Indigenous fashion before my own eyes.
With VIP events beginning as early as Wednesday and fashion shows superimposed throughout the week; it was quite the escapade to pick and choose.
Nonetheless, the shows must go on.
May 9th, day of What Sets Us Apart.
A celebration of culture, courage, and artistic brilliance being hosted by 4KINSHIP’s Indigenous Futures 4EVER at the [CONTAINER] Gallery.
“This is more than an exhibition - it’s a declaration of Indigenous creativity, resilience, and vision for the future.”
says Amy Denet Deal (Diné) founder of 4KINSHIP & IF4E.
The ultramodern venue being a fashionable fit for the event.
“[CONTAINER] a vessel for curious people engaging with contemporary art.” - from the owner, Turner Carrol.
So call me curious because the performances, fashion, and photography made the grade.
What Sets Us Apart highlighted 6 Indigenous creatives:
3 designers,
2 photographers,
1 expressive performer,
and featured 2 special guests throughout the evening.
Setting foot inside [CONTAINER] you’re connected with enthusiastic and uncommon tones of artistry.
Asymmetrical and mismatched patterns shifted, Swarovski crystals glistened, exposed endoskeletons of wool warp slowly twirled overhead.
These are the hand woven fabrications of Josh Tafoya (Indo-Hispano/Mestizo) a textile artist from Ranchos De Taos, NM and one of LVMH PRIZE 2025 semi-finalists.
Tafoya presented looks from his previous Bruja FW 24/25 and Genízaro SS25 collections.
Deconstructed desert diva was the vibes as I indulged myself into the styles of patterns he used in his Genízaro collections.
Pictorial, Rio Grande, Vallero, and Chimayo styles patterns all found within the wrap coat.
G L A M O U R !
Upward and onward!
Looks from Josh Tafoya’s Bruja FW 24/25 & Genizaro SS25 collections draped overhead in [CONTAINER]’s Gallery
A close up of Josh Tafoya’s look from his Bruja FW 24/25 collection
“Like a genizaro - a mismatch of identity, history, and culture.”
A close up of the Patched Biker Jacket
by Josh Tafoya
Walking through the gallery you’re met with fine photography prints continuously hovering over the steel [CONTAINER]’s walls.
I noticed familiar landscapes,
but I’ve never seen these places in such a way queer photographer Nate Lemuel (Diné) uses his eye and camera lens to capture these ethereal landscapes.
Nizhoni! (Beautiful!)
Both anodyne and controversial prints for some in today’s world.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." -Cesar A. Chavez
Fine prints from queer photographer Evan Benally Atwood (Diné) were also distinct.
Each photo resembling a gateway to another world.
The lighting, hues of color, and depth made yourself take a step back and ponder.
Evan shared gorgeous images from their Ode To Land, Cowboy Juice, and 𝘕𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘮á 𝘥òò 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘮á portfolios.
I highly recommend checking out their creative works of art.
The Navajo Nation & Intersex PRIDE Flags are displayed during What Sets Us Apart.
Around the corner six figures stood over a translucent floor.
Natural lighting emerged through diaphanous vintage fabric and mirrored off malleable copper artwear.
Collaborative looks by Jennifer Younger (Tlingit) and 4KINSHIP’s Amy Denet Deal (Dine) enlivened the figures.
Younger who’s renowned for her distinct formline designs presented on various metals.
Each piece being one of a kind and delicately carved by moving metal with metal.
Tlingit Spruce Root basketry patterns met 4KINSHIP’s sustainable collections wear.
One neck piece having Spruce Root fringe jutting out, adorned with asymmetrically with peridot stones.
‘Bear tracks in the sand,’ is the Tlingit Spruce Root basketry pattern Younger carved into this copper work of wearable art.
It paired gracefully with a mid-century crotchet remnant body piece by 4KINSHIP’s Amy Denet Deal and myself.
Tlingit Spruce Roots Basketry Patterns X Sustainable Collections Wear
by Jennifer Younger and 4KINSHIP’s Amy Denet Deal
Vintage Ivory beads and copper chains swayed beneath a breastplate with a butterfly basket pattern and Wild Roses engraved atop.
The intricate piece carried by a vintage kimono fabric tie around the neck.
Bringing the look together with 4KINSHIP’s two-layered upcycled parachute material dress.
So chic.
Another favorite of mine (they’re all my favorite, let’s be real) being 4KINSHIP’s salvaged Pendelton skirt with Younger’s The Basics chest piece adorned with vintage red glass beads.
“I called this one The Basics because of the basket bottoms - the start of baskets with ovoids overlayed. Which are the basics/start of Tlingit formline” says Younger.
All looks and works of art truly memorable.
Especially for me as this was my first hands on experience creating sustainable fashion looks.
A learning moment and an honor to work alongside Amy Denet Deal.
Ahe'hée nistáago (thank you, so very much) Amy for trusting me with this work.
Shantay, I stay.
Copper breastplate with engraved butterfly basket patterns & Wild Roses
by Jennifer Younger
The Basics adorned with vintage glass beads
by Jennifer Younger
A salvaged Pendelton skirt is paired with a copper piece.
A collaborative look by Jennifer Younger & Amy Denet Deal
‘Bear tracks in the sand’ a Tlingit basketry pattern
Jennifer Younger engraved on this copper piece
The crowd inside [CONTAINER] came to a standstill as UN DIA 505
(drawing in from Un Dia A La Vez by Los Tigres Del Norte) an ethereal ranchera soundscape by queer music/creative producer Angel Guanajuato (LatinX/Jupiter’s Baby) echoed throughout the vessel.
An expressive representation choreographed by Gabriel Carrion - Gonzales
(Queer Burqueno Cholo awakening to his place within the living legacy of the Genízaro experience) was about to begin.
Gabriel moved rhythmically in tune.
The songs of roosters and dogs barking can be heard;
as they are every day melodies of 1514 in the South Valley of Albuquerque, NM.
The track embodies brown youth, joy, a slight nuisance that family can bring,
but still feel soulful and warm.
An essence of home.
“Witnessing Gabriel give life to my music in such an intimate setting in honor of his grandmother made me feel connected to my own family and I hope those present felt a similar home warmth.” says Guanajuato.
Gabriel’s motions reconstructed and told a story of religious harm instilled over generations.
‘The Red or Green Bandito’ was encountered by Raven Bright (Diné) as he added more drama to the performance.
Bright always amazes me with his expressive talent he puts out in the world.
Mirroring Tafoya’s looks overhead, Bright was a shadow.
A dark silhouette with striking movements.
The expressive performance causing a stir of applause from the crowd.
What a presentation!
The night wasn’t over just yet as the community began to celebrate and connect.
Familiar faces, Indigenous film stars, influencers, creatives, and supporters filled [CONTAINER] with glamorous vibes.
Everyone sporting their fashion style with gorgeous handcrafted accessories.
From upcycled fashion, streetwear, couture, to however you express yourself with fashion.
Thank you for showing the world, you.
What Sets Us Apart was a beautiful fragment of Santa Fe’s fashion week.
I encourage everyone to visit these works of art as they’re on exhibit at [CONTAINER] til May 24th.
Always walk in beauty.
Somewhere between this world and the next,
Ashkii Sneez
Cover photo courtesy: Tina Poé Nguyen