Faith Long-Presley: Elevating Cherokee Fashion at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week
Faith Long-Presley: Elevating Cherokee Fashion at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week
Cherokee designer Faith Long-Presley is making waves in the fashion world with her upcoming showcase at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week (SFNFW), taking place from May 2-5, 2025. As a passionate advocate for Cherokee culture and representation, Long-Presley has dedicated her career to uplifting Indigenous fashion while honoring her roots through her brand, Ganvhida Designs.
A Vision Rooted in Cherokee Heritage
Long-Presley’s collection is deeply inspired by Cherokee traditions, featuring intricate patterns, cultural symbolism, and modern aesthetics that make her designs both timeless and contemporary. Her work is not just about fashion—it’s about storytelling, identity, and cultural preservation.
But this showcase is about more than just her designs—it’s about the EBCI community as a whole. Long-Presley has intentionally selected 11 models from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to walk the prestigious SFNFW runway. These models—Lucian Davis, Danica Hill, Hope Huskey, Kai Huskey, Hope Long, Shelby Maney, Gaby Nagel, Erika Wachacha, Rebecca Welch, Julianna Welch, and Lindley Wyatt—are not just representing her designs; they are representing their people, their ancestors, and the future of Cherokee fashion. Having honed their skills in the Kananesgi Fashion Show, they bring authenticity, strength, and pride to the stage.
“My goal has always been to feature Cherokee people and culture as much as possible,” said Long-Presley. “This is not just about my work—it’s about our people, our identity, and our presence in the fashion world. From the models to the designs, every element reflects who we are as a people. I love and deeply appreciate the support I’ve received from the community—it’s their encouragement, help, and support that makes this all possible.”
A Milestone Moment for Native Fashion
Santa Fe Native Fashion Week is one of the most prominent platforms celebrating Indigenous designers, and Long-Presley’s participation marks an important milestone for Cherokee representation in high fashion. Her collection will seamlessly blend traditional Cherokee motifs with contemporary fashion trends, ensuring that her designs resonate with both Native and global audiences.
This event isn’t just about recognition—it’s about amplifying Cherokee voices and ensuring lasting visibility in the fashion world. It’s about proving that Cherokee and Indigenous fashion belongs on the world stage, not just as an aesthetic but as a living, breathing expression of identity and history. This is Cherokee fashion, designed by Cherokee hands, modeled by Cherokee people, and presented with the strength of an entire community behind it.
The Future of Cherokee Fashion
Faith Long-Presley’s presence at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week is more than just a personal achievement—it represents the growing recognition of Cherokee and Indigenous fashion in mainstream culture. As she continues to innovate and create, her work serves as an inspiration for future generations of Cherokee designers and creatives.
This moment is about Cherokee strength, talent, and unity. It’s about showing the world that Cherokee artistry is thriving, and that the EBCI community is a powerful force in the fashion world. Join us in celebrating this historic milestone, and let’s make sure the world sees and hears the beauty of Cherokee fashion.
Stay tuned to Cherokee 411 with Cara as we follow Faith Long-Presley’s journey and celebrate her remarkable contributions to the fashion industry. Her showcase at SFNFW 2025 is set to be a transformative moment for Native fashion, proving that Cherokee artistry and storytelling belong on the global stage.
