West Coast indigenous fashion team shine in NYC

Nixx Mitski, my name is Keeli Littleleaf. I am from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and descent Piikani Nation Blackfeet. My Indian name is "Ayayat Washasha," translating into "Beautiful Dancing." I recently created a fashion house that all my artistic work falls under, "Ayayat" (Beautiful). Recently, I was invited as a spotlight designer for Red Horizons Fashion Show in Lewiston, New York City. This is a huge accomplishment to showcase my innovative work, heavily inspired by my traditional upbringing, fused with modern couture and pageant flair. This is my first professional runway debut outside of Oregon, and with that, I decided to share it with some incredible individuals.

I have been blessed to share this fashion space with some community members who believe in me just as much as I believe in them. They represent multiple indigenous industries with excellence and vital talents abroad. I believe creating an experience for them, bringing the Pacific Northwest, West Coast inner tribal natives to uncharted territory, will invest in creating bonds, connections, and building further bridges. I ask with all my heart to help aid in supporting not just my launch into the fashion world but my team to come along and launch right along with me. We all share the same insights to create advocacy for various indigenous topics, invest in sustainable native-made fashion, aid in supporting body positivity in youth, and want to express a safe space for no lateral violence or oppression within this newfound space.

If we are able to reach our goal, all members of the team will be able to have accommodations, travel, and food covered so they can better represent and shine in the fashion capital of the United States! New York City's first all-indigenous-run production, Red Horizons, will be one to remember. My art house Ayayat has various collaborations with Native Queens Designs, Finest Feathers, War Party Apparel, Nar Rew Ekar, Boijee Indigenous, and partners with Awpkwa Advocacy, all amazing indigenous-owned brands and foundations that will be represented as this goes far beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration! Anything really helps ☺️