On Saturday, September 30, at 5:00 p.m., the Native Fashion Review will return to Crazy Horse Memorial after an absence of more than a decade. Fifteen Native and western fashion models and clothing lines representing 10 fashion designers will be displayed as models parade over the waterway bridges of the Crazy Horse Memorial outdoor viewing veranda, with the scenic Crazy Horse mountain in the background.
The event, which started more than 25 years ago, was initiated by a group of Native fashion designers, including Kelli Powers, Stacy Shedeed-Dewolf, members of the Deb Yellowrobe family, and others, most of whom have passed away. The fashion show was started in conjunction with the Crazy Horse Memorial summer Gift from Mother Earth Art Show and annual rodeo. Kelli Powers, one of the original organizers, has been instrumental in bringing back the review, which will be presented by niece of Shedeed-Dewolf, Tiffany McGhan, the niece of Shedeed-Dewolf, and the Fashion Posse, a group of Western fashion influencers, who all have ties to the Black Hills area and the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe.
Stacy Shedeed-Dewolf, who helped organize the original Native American style show at Crazy Horse, has since passed away from cancer. “To honor him we are bringing back the Fashion Review with a new twist, blending the western world and the beauty of the Native American world together with a cowboy and Indian fashion show,” says McGhan. Western designers, clothing companies and Native American artists are coming together to create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces for our runway. There will be an auction at the end of the fashion show show of some showcased items, with all money going to an agricultural and rodeo scholarship program titled the Stacy Shedeed-Wolf Scholarship in memory of Anne Ziolkowski,former Crazy Horse Operations Vice President, who was instrumental in organizing the first show, and has also passed away. A scholarship will be awarded to a future student attending the summer program of the Indian University of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial.
The 1-hour show is free with admission to Crazy Horse Memorial and seating is first-come first-serve on the wooden benches at the outdoor location, near the Laughing Water Restaurant. Come out for a fun, exciting look at a collaboration of Native and Western fashion!
“The Mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of the North American Indians.” In hosting this fashion review, the Crazy Horse Memorial is aiding in the protection and preservation of modern indigenous-inspired designs, as well as allowing Native fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience. It also gives young Native models the opportunity to gain experience, aiding in the progression of their career.
