Diné College Fashion Show Celebrates Indigenous Culture and Education Through Design
TSAILE, Ariz., Jan. 15, 2026. Diné College hosted a spirited fashion show featuring five designers from the Navajo Nation to celebrate the start of the spring semester. Organized by the Student Success department, the event not only highlighted the intersection of Indigenous culture, education, and entrepreneurship but also inspired participants by fostering a sense of pride, creative exchange, and community connection.
Roxyanne Harvey, a Student Success organizer, said the event showcased designers with strong educational backgrounds and entrepreneurial spirits. She explained the show empowered students by showing how Western education blends with personal passion and traditional creativity.
“I wanted to hone in on education, and I wanted to utilize their strength,” Harvey said. “With not only the Western perspective of education, but also tying in with what they’re passionate about and within the designs that they have and the creations that they create with fashion.”
Harvey added that the event drew a significant turnout, with community members and students enjoying the food and atmosphere. She noted that the strong attendance reflected a desire for events that celebrate identity and motivate students. The organizers plan to host similar events throughout the spring, summer, and fall to provide continued support for students’ growth, engagement, and empowerment.
Models and attendees praised the show for its emphasis on cultural identity. Tylea Begay, a Diné College graduate, attended the event wearing semi-traditional clothing. She emphasized how fashion promotes confidence and helps Indigenous people align with their cultural values.
“Promoting fashion is good for self-identity and culture,” Begay said. “I dress semi-traditional because it helps me align with my values and remember my roots.”
Shaylynn Begay, a model in the show, described the runway experience as a form of storytelling. She noted that every piece of clothing carried a meaning and that walking the runway required discipline and confidence. Her advice to young people interested in the industry was to remain optimistic and enjoy the process.
“Every designer… they have their own stories,” Shaylynn Begay said. “Models do tell a story, so I feel like, in a way, I’m also a storyteller.”
Jasime Pablo, another model who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, encouraged Indigenous youth to embrace the arts with pride. She wore a green velvet ensemble by designer Marianne and expressed interest in purchasing the outfit herself.
“I feel a lot of pride for it, for my culture,” Pablo said. “Just have fun and just be creative with it and with yourself. It’s also a little bit about the expression part of it.”
The fashion show served as a welcoming event for returning students, providing motivation for academic success while strengthening community ties and reinforcing Navajo heritage.
