“In the last two decades, there’s been a nice introduction of modern fashion in Santa Fe. People are borrowing and mixing styles,” notes Ivan Barnett, owner of Patina Gallery. Patina paired German worldrenowned Peter Schmid of Atelier Zobel’s jewelry with the designs of Lars Anderson at this years’ Street Fashion Week. Not to be confused with Shea’s Street Fashion Week, Santa Fe Fashion Week celebrates its fourth year in October. Events include the Rock against Racism benefit concert, a screening of the documentary True Cost, the Shop n’ Stroll on Canyon Road and the main runway event at the convention center. “Santa Fe has the same panache as any major international city. People might think of turquoise and broomstick skirts when they think of Santa Fe fashion, but there’s a lot more depth,” says Amanda Caserta, executive director of Santa Fe Fashion Week. “There’s a conversation in fashion where some believe it is craft and others believe it is fine art. We believe it is three dimensional art, and the models are the canvas.” Another exciting event includes the fashion show as part of Indian Market. Separate from the clothing contest, the fashion show constitutes an opportunity for contemporary Native designers to show their work. “I’m really interested in Native fashion as art, pushing
the boundaries of not just a typical fashion show, but inviting visual artists to take part as well,” organizer Amber-Dawn Bear Robe explains. “When it comes to Native American art and fashion, people often like to romanticize based on stereotypes. I want to move forward beyond the same conversation about stereotypes and appropriation, so I do what I can do with the fashion show.”
Hit the T RUNWAY
he world of fashion is an international one. In addition to fashionista destinations such as New York, Paris and London, add Santa Fe to the list, which has several fashion events ranging in size and scope. Each celebrates our city’s unique blend of traditional and cosmopolitan styles.
By Emmaly Wiederholt
“Santa Fe has been ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion today. People in Santa Fe dress as they please. They mix cowboy boots and jeans with tuxedo jackets at the opera, for instance. Women and men in Santa Fe are not afraid to create their own distinct look,” describes Amy Shea, executive director of Santa Fe Street Fashion Week, which includes some of the most internationally recognized designers in the world. Held the last week of August, 2015 was the inaugural year.
Other local events include the trash fashion and costume contest put on by Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, community events sponsored by Ezra Estes — head professor of fashion design at Santa Fe Community College, and this November the International Textile and Apparel Association will be hosting its annual meeting in the City Different. “On Santa Fe’s runway, there is no dominant design point, only an incredible palette. If you want a Santa Fe fashion experience, get ready to choose what you like,” reflects Shea. “It’s a very unique thing for people to come to a city of Santa Fe’s size and find the level of design available.” OPPOSITE Design by Orlando Dugi, photo by Nate Francis. LEFT Design by Orlando Dugi, Photo Mike Satterfield. ABOVE L & R Photo by Mike Satterfield. BELOW Photo by BLU Photography