Leading Native American Fashion Brands Bring High End Fashion to Gallup, New MexicoM

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack — the executive director of ASU Gammage, ASU’s vice president for cultural affairs, wore a gown created by Loren Aragon at this year’s Tony’s Awards in New York.

Published June 20, 2019

GALLUP, N.M. — The love of indigenous culture in fashion along with a desire to give back to the native community has provoked Jon Riggs, CEO of Dark Whisper Productions, to bring a celebration of high end native fashion to the core of Indian country, Gallup, New Mexico. This celebration comes at an opportune time as native fashion continues to make its mark in the greater fashion industry. The “Runway Fashion Show”, scheduled for the evening of June 22^nd will be a first time fashion showcase production for Riggs which will unite acclaimed couture designers JG Indie and ACONAV.

Dark Whisper Productions was conceived by Jon Riggs earlier this year with a mission to generate a greater awareness to the hidden talents within the Native American community and to showcase these talents, from all genres of the entertainment industry. This inaugural runway event highlights the work of Loren Aragon of ACONAV, who is best known for of his culturally fueled couture designs that pay homage to his Acoma Pueblo heritage. ACONAV has raised through the ranks in Native fashion with recognized fashion works for Walt Disney World and recently debuted a one of a kind creation on the red carpet at the Tony Awards in NYC. ACONAV is joined by celebrated designer, Jolonzo Goldtooth of JG Indie from the Navajo Nation who continues to make strides with his diverse designs and who was recently showcased in International Indigenous Fashion Week in Paris, France.

“The Runway Fashion Show” event will consist of pop-up boutiques by the featured designers, the anticipated runway show, and special guest appearance by comedian/actor Ernest Tsosie who will be co-hosting with Jon Riggs.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 8PM on Saturday June 22, 2019 at Downtown Gallup Conference Center, 204 West Coal Avenue. A ticket is required for entry and is an 18 + event. Tickets can be purchased by calling (505) 722-8982.