CHIZHII BY CARRIE WOOD. “Western wear is definitely something I associate with my identity as a Native person, as a Navajo person, because that’s what everyone wears,” says designer Carrie Wood, who was raised around rodeos and agriculture on the Navajo Nation. Her recent Navajo AF collection blends Western and Navajo styles, creating unique pieces, featuring elements like pearl-snap buttons, fringed sleeves, Bluebird flour bags, and Sani (Grandma) scarves, which hold communal significance.
“I don’t wear a ton of Western wear,” she says. “I like to infuse it into my clothing. A lot of my clothing just reminds me of home.” The collection also includes standout pieces like wide-leg velvet pants inspired by Navajo-style three-tiered skirts, showcasing her ability to merge traditional attire with modern fashion. “When you’re really dressing up,” she says, “you wear your velvet.”
Wood is also intentional with her clothing’s impact. She emphasizes upcycling, using thrifted shirts, leftover scarves, and fringe from various projects. To ensure her designs remain accessible to those who share her cultural heritage, she sells her creations at local pop-ups and through Navajo-owned stores like Diné & Co.
A Towering Stone shirt.
Photograph courtesy of Loren Aragon.
TOWERING STONE BY LOREN ARAGON. “I like to say my work is culturally fueled by my Acoma culture,” says designer Loren Aragon, the creative force behind Towering Stone. “It’s a representation of the pottery art that we’re mostly known for, in a more wearable art form.” Aragon translates pottery designs from his pueblo onto custom fabric to create a dazzling collection of men’s shirts. “I really wanted to create something that was unique and original and something that can be recognized truly as Acoma fabric.”
The brand’s inception stemmed from Aragon’s desire to enhance male representation in fashion, particularly within the Native American community. He emphasizes the longevity and sustainability of his creations, each meticulously handcrafted and one of a kind. His pearl-snap Western shirt line also reflects a deeper ethos of cultural resonance. “I really wanted to put my own spin on Western and menswear and make it more appealing to my lifestyle and things I’m inspired by, as well, like rock and roll music,” he says.While Towering Stone’s online presence is expanding, the brand’s showroom in Santa Fe offers a personalized shopping experience, catering to those seeking unique, culturally infused clothing.
Read more: From Stetsons on stars to bolos on catwalks, Western wear is suddenly everywhere. In New Mexico, however, cowboy couture is hardly the flavor of the month. It’s a legacy of local style, forged by our history and our makers—including the next generation.
