K.Lookinghorse at NYFW 2024
WRITTEN IN THE STARS COLLECTION
K.Lookinghorse debuted her couture collection, “Written in the Stars”, at New York Fashion Week 2024 in September. This runway took audiences everywhere by surprise with intricate designs, an Indigenous model lineup, and opening performances by Indigenous Enterprise and Haudenosaunee Smoke Dancers - Jordan Smith and Logan Booth.
This collection was a first-of-its-kind Indigenous couture collection, where pieces incorporated elements of Kayla’s Hunkpapa/Lakota/Dakota heritage into finely tailored designs. Kayla pulled inspiration for this collection from the Oceti Sakowin creation story that tells how "we come from the stars". It is a celebration of both the cosmos and her cultural heritage. The star studded model lineup included Native American models from top agencies in the U.S. - Phillip Bread, Quannah Chasinghorse, Nanabah Grace, Mari McBride, and Gavi Stroemer.
The production was seamlessly illustrated by Kayla’s Executive Assistant and Event Producer, A’ngelee. Each piece of the production sourced top Indigenous talent - such as Seminole Celebrity Makeup Artists, Coral Battiest and Petra Battiest, videography by Veronica Huerta of ViisualPhotography, and jewelry styling by Lionel Thundercloud Jewelry and Beadwork/Quill Artist, Kreations by Kehala.
The highlight of K. Lookinghorse’s collection came during the grand finale—a show-stopping hand-beaded corset and belt that stole the spotlight. The corset and belt were intricately beaded with star patterns, each bead carefully placed to reflect the timeless beauty of the night sky. The turtle is a powerful representation of the interconnectedness of all life—an ideal that K. Lookinghorse holds close to her heart in her work. The piece stood not only as a representation of her artistic prowess but as an homage to the enduring spirit of Turtle Island.
Her designs are not just clothing; they are stories woven into fabric, beads, and quills—stories that speak to the power of cultural preservation and the resilience of Indigenous communities. K. Lookinghorse’s pieces empower wearers to reconnect with their heritage while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion.