Award-winning designer Jamie Okuma (Luiseno, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki, Okinawan) was recently announced as one of the 10 new members joining the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
The CFDA is a historic non-profit that has sought to promote and “strengthen the impact of American fashion in the global economy.” Jamie Okuma joins the ranks of over 500 other artists, featuring some of the biggest names in fashion including Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors.
Okuma is a widely recognized name across the Indigenous community, her work having appeared in the Heard Indian Art Market as well as the Sante Fe Indian Market, winning the Best In Show award at both shows. Her designs have been featured in institutions and runways around the world, including permanent installations at the Denver Art Museum along with others.
Lisa Smilor, the CFDA Executive Vice President, welcomed Okuma along with her fellow new members with: “These ten designers were purposely selected and invited by the Board of Directions, which is a great honor. The CFDA looks forward to their active participation within the organization and working together to help champion and elevate American fashion and drive positive change.”
Okuma’s inclusion represents a welcome change for the Indigenous community as yet another example of native artists and creators being featured alongside their peers in an equal and long-awaited manner.
