Native American Fashion Retailers at IGA 2025
This year’s Indian Gaming Association Conference & Tradeshow in San Diego, CA, was more than just an industry gathering — it marked a transformative moment for Indigenous fashion and beauty.
We at Creator’s Favorite LLC were incredibly honored to support Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith, a visionary Native American couture fashion designer, as she took place in the first-ever fashion & beauty pavilion. Featured alongside designers like Thundervoice Hat Co., Copper Canoe Woman, Shinymoon Creations, and Patricia Michaels.
For the first time in IGA’s history, fashion and beauty were officially featured — a powerful step forward in expanding Indigenous representation into new industries and trade markets. This pavilion wasn’t just a line of booths. It signaled a new era, as Indigenous fashion commerce is driving the future of economic development for retailers and creatives alike.
(left-to-right) Moses Brings Plenty, Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith, A’ngelee, Chance Rush
Critical Exposure for Designers.
Kayla, and other trailblazing designers, didn’t just show up — they showed out. This event allowed for direct wholesale connections with retailers, on-site sales and customer interactions, and hands-on experience navigating a major trade environment. It was the kind of exposure many emerging brands dream of — and a critical stepping stone for Native fashion entrepreneurs breaking into broader markets.
Honoring Craft: Patricia Michaels Joins the Pavilion
Among the incredible designers present was the legendary Patricia Michaels, known for her exquisite craftsmanship and storytelling through design. She brought a breathtaking collection to the convention featuring hand-painted woven textiles, elegant garments, and statement earrings. Patricia’s presence and work added depth and legacy to the pavilion — a reminder of the roots we stand on and the artistry that continues to evolve and inspire.
Marketing With Meaning
At Creator’s Favorite, we are deeply proud to have been part of the behind-the-scenes marketing efforts that helped make this moment shine. From storytelling to strategic activations, our goal was clear: amplify culture, craftsmanship, and creativity. Working with brands like K. Lookinghorse is more than a job — it’s a mission rooted in honoring identity and pushing boundaries.
This wasn’t just about fashion.
This was about access. Visibility. A shift in narrative.
The energy at IGA 2025 was electric — a blend of cultural pride and entrepreneurial spirit. And while this was a historic first, it’s also just the beginning. The momentum is real, and the future for Indigenous creators in fashion and beyond is brighter than ever.