The Indigenous Fashion Gala Returns to Los Angeles on Oct 11

The Indigenous Fashion Collective (TIFC) is set to stage the return of its annual Indigenous Fashion Gala to Los Angeles on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The prestigious event, which celebrates the vitality of Indigenous art, fashion, and cultural expression, will be held at the Autry Museum of the American West. The chosen theme for this year's gathering is “Matriarchs of the Future – Sovereign Style,” a powerful affirmation of leadership and self-determination within the community.

The Gala is strategically timed to coincide with the Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, aiming to generate wider visibility for Indigenous voices across the global fashion landscape. Returning to co-chair the evening are rapper Taboo (Black Eyed Peas, Shoshone) and model and land protector Quannah Chasinghorse (Hän Gwich’in, Sicangu/Oglala Lakota), both highly recognized figures for their cultural influence and ongoing advocacy work.

The evening will begin with a glamorous turquoise carpet entrance and an exclusive VIP reception. This will be followed by a private dinner catered by three-time James Beard Award winner, Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota). The awards presentation will feature specially crafted silver eagle feather trophies, meticulously created by Diné silversmith Lionel Thundercloud. Entertainment for the night includes performances by co-chair Taboo and Indigenous DJ Emcee One (Osage/Potawatomi/Delaware & Puerto Rican), with Chance Rush (Hidatsa) serving as the event’s master of ceremonies.

This year’s runway will showcase original new works from a diverse group of talented Indigenous designers. These artists include Tierra Alysia (Kashia Pomo, Miwok, Cree), Pamela Baker (Squamish, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, Haida), Lesley Hampton (Temagami First Nation), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), Randi Nelson (Bonaparte/St’uxwtéws First Nation), Yolonda Skelton (Gitxsan Nation), Adrian Stevens & Sean Snyder (Southern Ute, Shoshone-Bannock, San Carlos Apache / Diné, Southern Ute), and Wabanoonkwe (Anishinaabe).

These featured designers will debut original pieces inspired by the Gala's theme. A single designer will be selected by the judges' panel to earn the prestigious Best Design of the Evening Award. Furthermore, the ceremony will include the presentation of the Honoring Excellence in Indigenous Fashion Awards, with distinct categories recognizing the Designer, Emerging Designer, Model, Accessory Brand, and Beauty Brand of the Year. Winners in these categories will also be chosen by the expert panel and acknowledged on stage.

Earlier on the same day as the Gala, TIFC will host “Heritage and Hues,” a free educational forum and fashion pop-up event, also at the Autry Museum, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The overall purpose of the Gala is charitable: all proceeds generated from the evening will directly support the Indigenous Fashion Collective’s programs, which are dedicated to creating economic opportunities and increasing visibility for Indigenous artists operating within the highly competitive fashion industry.