Native American model Skylar Evans shines in Amber Buckanaga's design at Rise's February 2023 NYFW event | Photo: Skyy Wonders
Since our inception in 2017, Rise Fashion Events has proudly carved out a unique space in the fashion industry, championing diversity and inclusion by elevating the voices of Native American designers and artists. Our platform has gone beyond presenting breathtaking collections—it has become a stage for storytelling and a celebration of cultural heritage.
As we prepare for February's New York Fashion Week events, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible legacy of Native American talent that has graced our runways. These stories of artistry and resilience continue to inspire audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of fashion as a medium for cultural expression and connection.
Amber Buckanaga: A Designer Who Defines Our Legacy
Behind the Scenes with Amber Buckanaga and James Harvin at Rise's February 2023 NYFW Event | Photo: Randall Moody
Amber Buckanaga, the visionary behind Buckanaga Social Club, epitomizes the synergy between cultural heritage and contemporary design. A frequent collaborator and cornerstone of our showcases, Amber has been with us since our earliest days. Her collections blend modern aesthetics with deep-rooted Indigenous narratives, offering fashion that is both wearable and profoundly meaningful.
In February, Amber returns once again, bringing her unparalleled creativity to our New York stage. Not only is she a trailblazer in Native fashion, but she also inspires a new generation of designers to embrace their identities unapologetically.
Duality Collection: Celebrating Afro-Indigenous Identity
Duality Collection at Rise Fashion Events 2023 NYFW showcase | Photo: Skyy Wonders
In February 2024, the Duality Collection, created by James Harvin, an Afro-Indigenous designer of Black and Nahua heritage, joined forces with Amber Buckanaga to present a groundbreaking showcase. This collaboration celebrated Afro-Indigenous relatives through designs that were vibrant, culturally rich, and deeply personal.
James Harvin’s vision for Duality Collection perfectly aligns with the mission of Rise Fashion Events: to provide a platform for voices that challenge the status quo and redefine the industry.
C.Lysias Designs: Elevating Couture and Indigenous Fashion Since 2018
Ashley Callingbull at Rise | Photo Rise Fashion Events
C.Lysias Designs first joined Rise Fashion Events during our second-ever show in 2018—and she’s been a driving force on our platform ever since. Renowned for her couture creations, C.Lysias redefines what high fashion means by infusing her designs with Indigenous artistry and storytelling. Her work proves that couture can be both luxurious and deeply meaningful.
In September 2022, C.Lysias Designs brought a new level of visibility to Native talent by featuring supermodel Ashley Callingbull in her showcase. The collaboration, combining Callingbull’s striking presence with C.Lysias’ meticulously crafted couture pieces, was more than a runway moment—it was a bold declaration about the power of Indigenous representation in high fashion.
With every collection, she continues to push boundaries, inspire audiences, and prove that couture is a powerful medium for cultural expression and innovation.
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Supernatural Modeling: Amplifying Indigenous Representation
At our September 2023 showcase at Wallace Hall, Supernatural Modeling, a groundbreaking agency dedicated to Indigenous representation in fashion, attended in collaboration with Time Magazine. This partnership highlighted the agency’s vital role in amplifying Indigenous voices while bringing significant media attention to the event.
Photo: Abby Thompson
Their presence, alongside Time Magazine, underscores the cultural relevance of Rise Fashion Events and our commitment to featuring organizations and voices that align with our mission of inclusion and representation.
A Legacy of Collaboration with Native Talent
Over the years, Rise Fashion Events has been proud to work with an incredible roster of Indigenous designers and artisans, including:
Heruse Tos Handbags: Owned by actress Lea McCormick, this brand is celebrated for its artful, handcrafted accessories that blend style with cultural storytelling.
Native Spring Flower Creations: A brand that weaves cultural pride into its pieces.
She Holds The Sky: Bold designs empowering Indigenous women.
Tishyna Buffalo Designs: A celebration of Native craftsmanship and storytelling.
Looking Ahead
As we near a decade of amplifying underrepresented voices in fashion, Rise Fashion Events’ February 2025 showcase is set to break new ground. This isn’t just another runway event—it’s a platform where cultural narratives and artistic innovation collide, redefining what it means to tell stories through fashion.
On February 6, 2025, at 55 Broadway in New York City, we’ll bring together a boundary-pushing lineup of designers. From fresh talent debuting bold perspectives to returning innovators reshaping the fashion landscape, this showcase promises to spotlight the voices that often go unheard.
This is your invitation to be part of a movement where fashion transcends aesthetics and becomes a force for storytelling and change.
Tickets are available now—use code WERISE for an exclusive discount.
To RSVP, email info@risefashionevents.com with your name, contact information, and affiliation. Be there as we turn the spotlight toward the future of fashion.