Indigenous fashion show highlights work of tribal artists
Indigenous fashion show designers introduce themselves.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Good Entrepreneurship Conference provided a place for small business owners and those wanting to start, learn and connect on Thursday, November 17 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel.
An Indigenous fashion show highlighted the work of local tribal artists featuring contemporary and traditional clothing, and beadwork. Featured designers included Kira Murillo; Angelina Rodriguez; Weston Ballard; Eleanor Surdam; Bryce Teton; Devin Nagitsy; Valerie Bagley; Elizabeth Ann Jim; Shoshana Covington; Mia Murillo; Juanita Yupe; Paula Topsky Houtz; Joan Tracy; Michelle Guzman.
TJ Tso, Small Business Program Outreach Coordinator for the CDFI-THOP Program, explained, the fashion show was an idea to get the tribal members who are designers to showcase their items. He said for many of the designers and models it was their first time participating in something like this.
“The fashion show was open to anybody who made stuff and wanted to show people that others were doing it too,” said Tso.
Chloe Fullmer models a beaded hat and necklace by Paula TopSky
Houtz and ribbon skirt by Mia Murillo.
Elizabeth Ann Jim is the owner of Morning Glory Creations, which features unique denim jackets utilizing Native American design materials and sometimes buckskin. She also makes travel, makeup, and accessory bags; home décor, floral arrangements and tie blankets. She enjoys owning her own business for the sake of being her own boss and she loves creating jackets. She said it’s an honor for her to make custom jackets for her customers.
Eleanor Surdam is the owner of Native Creations, she specializes in beadwork and also has a cooking business. She says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the person’s face when you make something for them.
Kira Murillo has been a tattoo artist for the last 10 years. She also owns Kira’s Designs. The most rewarding part of her work is being able to make her own schedule and hours. She also enjoys getting to meet new people and learning about different tribes from all over the world. She likes being able to give them something that’s meaningful and they can keep forever.
Mia Murillo featured numerous ribbon skirts and clothing in the show. She said she felt happy to have worked with such beautiful models and artists. Her work is inspired by her mother and sister who taught her to sew at a young age. She was also compelled to make clothing because she had trouble finding fashion that suited her taste.
“I want to see our women feel beautiful and proud to wear Indigenous made clothing as well as inspired to make their own,” she said.
Little girls wear Morning Glory Creations jackets.
The event was hosted by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes CDFI/THOP and the Idaho Connect Community Navigators. There were a total of 135 participants, which was more than expected. Over 40 people registered on site.
Tso said they would like to have an event this this annually, but that only depends upon whether they can get the grant funded again.
