The Next Alexander McQueen, a Rush of Rooster Feathers and Trippy Quills: Indigenous Designers Celebrate Heritage and Innovation at SWAIA Native Fashion Show

SANTA FE, New Mexico — “I want to be creative director of Alexander McQueen,” rising Plains Cree designer Jontay Kahm said backstage after showing his collection Sunday night at the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts Fashion Show here, with a rush of ancient-meets-avant garde rooster feathers, trippy quills and pony beads on the runway.

Kahm’s dream could be a real possibility now that Indigenous designers are…