Native Couture Wins Big at Phoenix Fashion Week

Native Couture Wins Big at Phoenix Fashion Week
James Almanza Photography

Phoenix, AZ (October 10, 2017) – For the first time in Phoenix Fashion Week’s 9 year history, a Native American owned fashion brand took top honors as the 2018 Couture Designer of the Year. On the night of October 7th the Phoenix based fashion brand ACONAV, rose among global talents to be the first in the Native fashion community to receive the coveted title. ACONAV owner and designer, Loren Aragon, clinched the prize Saturday night after an unforgettable display of culturally fueled fashion that included contemporary dance and timeless, elegant designs on the runway.

James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography

ACONAV brings Acoma Pueblo art and culture into the spotlight with luxury designs that tie cultural ideas and beliefs with modern silhouettes. “It’s a great honor to represent my people on this fashion stage and bring an awareness to the rich culture that still resonates from a deep-rooted ancestry,” explained Aragon. Fifteen emerging designers showed at Phoenix Fashion Week. These designers were selected by the Phoenix Fashion Week organization from over 300 global applicants earlier this year. The organization teaches promising brands how to succeed in the fashion industry in real time. The title is awarded to the designer who proves a gained knowledge in the business of fashion, through an accumulation of points in a rigorous four-month ‘bootcamp’. Aragon demonstrated his knowledge in addition to presenting a unique branding, based on his cultural heritage and a display of his innovative designs. “I am proud of the detailed work and cultural vision of designer Loren Aragon, his brand ACONAV is our new 2018 Designer of the Year, big things are soon to follow,” said Brian Hill, Executive Director, Phoenix Fashion Week.

James Almanza Photography

Aragon continues to bring Native American fashion to the forefront by making his brand a recognizable name in the southwest. “ACONAV is just a small representation of the greater Native fashion community,” tells Aragon. “I truly hope this achievement inspires more of my fellow Native designers to bring more recognition to who we are.” The title brings more exposure for ACONAV as well as a $10,000 valued prize package of goods and services to help the success of the brand. More opportunities lie ahead for Aragon and his team. Fans and followers of ACONAV look forward to what comes next. For more about ACONAV, visit www.aconav.com.

James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography
James Almanza Photography

About Toyacoyah Brown

Toyacoyah Brown is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation, currently living in Chicago. She received her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.A. in Media Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. When she's not scouring the Internet for fun things to share with PowWows.com readers you can find her digging for vinyl in her local record store or curling up with a good book.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Find a Pow Wow
Near you

Search the US & Canada

What to expect
at your first Pow Wow

Sign Up for our Free E-newsletter