In the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, a remarkable Fashion designer is making waves, and her name is Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith. With her brand, K. Lookinghorse, she’s poised to take the fashion world by storm as she prepares to showcase her unique designs in the prestigious “Emerging Designer of the Year” program at Phoenix Fashion Week. This dynamic event, set to unfold at Chateau Luxe on October 20-21, is known for attracting the most ambitious and creative fashion models and designers from across the country.

Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith, an enrolled citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is currently based in Southampton, New York, on traditional Shinnecock Indian Territory. Her brand, K.Lookinghorse, is a contemporary expression of her Lakota and Dakota heritage, paying homage to her extended family, or tiospaye in Lakota.

At the core of Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith’s vision is the creation of intriguing wearable art and statement jewelry pieces. She is also celebrated for her collaborations, notably “Generation One by LXL,” a Native American and African American women-owned clothing collaboration.

For her showcase at Phoenix Fashion Week, Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith has unveiled a completely new look. This fresh approach is a testament to her creative evolution and adaptability, particularly as she ventures into the realm of ready-to-wear clothing.

Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith’s journey with Phoenix Fashion Week began earlier this year when she was invited to apply for the competitive fashion designer boot camp. The boot camp, an integral part of the Emerging Designer of the Year program, equips emerging talents with the skills necessary to navigate the fashion industry successfully. Through virtual meetings and a rigorous curriculum, Kayla was chosen as one of the ten fashion designers competing for the esteemed title.

The lineup of designers vying for the title of Emerging & Accessory Designer of the Year for 2024 at Phoenix Fashion Week includes Aloha Glamour from Gulfport, Mississippi; Frequency Collection from Phoenix, Arizona; Gemifly from Phoenix, Arizona; Luebbert Swim from Portland, Oregon; Olivia Noire from Gilbert, Arizona; RAINE from Phoenix, Arizona; Sloane Design from Scottsdale, Arizona; The Lost Cove Co. from Los Angeles, California; and Throne of Grace Clothing from Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix Fashion Week, often heralded as the premier fashion event in the Southwest, has seen Indigenous talent rise to prominence over the years. The previous Designer of the Year, Norma Baker-Flyinghorse, a Dakota and Hidatsa fashion designer from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, exemplifies the success that emerging talents can achieve through this platform.

Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith’s journey as a designer is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and the fire ignited by the Phoenix Fashion Week experience. Her designs, deeply rooted in Indigenous heritage, resonate with authenticity and aesthetics specific to her family. Her patterns, dresses, and statement jackets form the cornerstone of her rapidly growing brand.

As she gears up for Phoenix Fashion Week, Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith’s vision for her brand extends far beyond this event. She has an international showing at the Vancouver Fashion Week scheduled for November 2023, where she is set to unveil a full 10-piece couture collection. Her commitment to her craft has also led to Red Carpet appearances and participation in esteemed events such as the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Canada in April 2024.

For Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith, the tools and relationships forged through her journey with Phoenix Fashion Week are everlasting. While winning the title of Emerging Designer of the Year would be a fantastic achievement, it is not the sole focus of her creative journey. Her real triumph lies in the connections she’s built and the impact she’s making in the world of fashion. Kayla Lookinghorse-Smith’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Indigenous designers in the world of fashion.

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