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PHOTO: Courtesy Valencia Blackhorse

Windowrock, AZ--The Native American fashion scene is on the move. Since 2000, more Native American designers have emerged. Expect Dolce & Gabbana to exhibit some Native American clothing designs in the spring of 2007 and soon Native American designers will make their mark in fashion empires like New York and Europe.

All you have to do is take a look at what's happening in Windowrock, Arizona, the capitol of the Navajo Nation. Windowrock was the scene for a fashion show to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. The event was the brainchild of Jocelyn Billy, the current Miss Navajo. The proceeds will go to needy families living with HIV or AIDS.

"Miss Navajo is a true leader for the Navajo people. She used her strength and insight to create a fashion show that acted as a vehicle for HIV/AIDS Awareness and education to target youth and media, while generating much needed food for those less fortunate on the holidays," said Marco Arviso of Morning Spirit Jewelry. 

This exciting fashion show, held at the Navajo Nation Museum, featured ten designers specializing in clothing, purse designs and accessories. It did not take long to fill up several boxes of food, as spectators arrived early to get a good seat.

AIDS cases in the U.S. in December of 1997 was 641,086. As many as 900,000 Americans were estimated to be living with HIV. Statistics show there are 40,000 new infections a year. HIV/AIDS has been increasing in the last decade among Native Americans.

"Eighteen years ago I was told in a Chapter House to not talk about HIV/AIDS by a grandmother. This is a long journey. Look at where we are today. Hopefully with everyone's help, we can make it easier," said Melvin Harrison, Executive Director of Navajo AIDS network, Inc.

Jocelyn Billy opened the fashion show by encouraging the audience to show the designers their appreciation. "Give them an opportunity to express themselves. Come with an open mind. Open your hearts and minds to these individuals. Fashion has to do with our teachings, our creativity, and our imagination. Our Creator is the giver of our talents," Billy said.

Kicking off the event were designs by Grand Falls Adahiilini Creations, owned by Trinidi and Tracey Watchman. The sisters design purses and men's bags. "Combining a fashion show with HIV/AIDS awareness makes a statement. Overall it was great. We support the cause,” said Trinidi. Their line of purses were met with enthusiasm featuring gorgeous materials of velvet, denim, and shells. One design included a popular wrap around purse with the Bluebird Flour logo.

Designer Clifton Begay's style could be described as innovative, modern and creative. The 17-year-old Navajo teen is a senior at Pinon High School. The models wore his clothing line with energy and attitude. His designs are feminine and traditional.

Each designer shined as their creations were showcased on the runway. Everyone was asked to design one outfit to express HIV/AIDS awareness. Begay said he chose the color black because it represented ignorance. His hooded shirt  displayed the word "AIDS". "A lot of work went into this. Models make their creation come to life. The message of practicing safe ways will be a good impact on people,” said Kyerin Bennett who stole the show with unbuttoned shirts displaying his toned abs.

Designer Elouise Begay has been a designer for 10 years. A sewing class in high school lured her to the fashion scene. "My clothing line is crushed velvet to Pendletons. The style is contemporary and traditional. (It) can be for business, evening wear, or traditional ceremonies,” Elouise said. Her creative wear included off the shoulder one-piece dresses with rug weaving designs.

Racquell Begay's style flourished with dream catcher belts wrapped around white chiffon modern looks that displayed elegance. Her dream catcher dress was definitely original and artistic, celebrating versatility.

The collection of Betsy Thompson had a seasonal traditional/modern look for men and women of all ages. From men's vests imprinted with eagle designs to one-piece dresses, her style was inspiring. A black one-piece dress came with a CD bag and cap as accessories.

Tionne Linder, of Glascy designs, had something for every size. Her collection was funky, bold and couture. Especially glamorous was a two-piece light green dress. The skirt was long with a pinch of black. "I think it was fun. It pushes the HIV/AIDS issue out to the adults and youth. We had tons of fun. We like to inspire people, both genders and all ages, shapes and sizes, to feel confident in themselves,” said Tionne Linder.

Other designers such as WC Fashion, Penny Singer, Nizhoni Way Apparel and Morning Spirit Jewelry pushed the boundaries of Native American signature styles.

Nizhoni Way Apparel's line was stunning and included a one-piece light pink dress with beaded strings across the back, elegant  for evening wear.

Penny Singer's designs were inspired by the corn stalk. A neutral brown jacket with a black outline of the cornstalk is her signature style. Her 9-year-old son modeled one of her outfits. Fans cheered him on while he walked the runway. "It was a very put together show. Native Clothing with Native designers featured in a local area was well represented. Everything was Native. This is (an) uprising (for Native designers),” said Singer.

Morning Spirit Jewelry seems to always impress the women. Their award winning jewelry collection brings on a wave of personality for individuals who want to own a piece. Their look is a perfect balance of harmony and beauty. Morning Spirit Designer Marco Arviso summed up the evening by saying, "HIV/AIDS is a subject that a lot of youth need to learn about. Native youth have a lot that influences them, like TV, music, the wrong crowd...if they listen to the wrong message, they could get this disease, and I have seen young Natives who have this disease and they always wish that they could do things differently". Marco also works as a Health Educator for Navajo AIDS Network, Inc.

For more information about AIDS/HIV go to:   www.cdc.gov

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