Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show Returns to Dayton With Bigger Weekend of Fashion, Culture and CommunityBy Abbi Heckel What began as an idea to bring Indigenous fashion and art to the Midwest is returning to Dayton this November with a larger event, more designers, more performers and an expanded weekend of programming. The second annual Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show will take place Friday, Nov. 6, at the Dayton Arcade. Organizer Ruby RedFox Irwin recently joined host Greg Enslen, along with photographer Sharon Elaine, on the Newsmakers Podcast to discuss the upcoming event and the growth of Four Winds following its sold-out inaugural year. Last year's event was held in the Tank at the Dayton Arcade and quickly reached capacity, with people waiting outside hoping to get tickets. This year, organizers are moving the fashion show into the Arcade's larger Rotunda space to accommodate a significantly larger audience. “We are anticipating over 600 people,” Irwin said during the podcast. The move is one of several changes planned for this year's event. While the first show introduced audiences to Indigenous fashion, designers and culture, Irwin said the second annual event is intended to build upon that foundation while creating an even larger platform for artists, designers, models and performers. The idea for Four Winds came from Irwin's own experiences with fashion and modeling. She began modeling at age 14 and has spent years working in the fashion industry, including modeling, makeup and participating in fashion shows. After connecting with a First Nations designer who wanted her to model at a show in New York, Irwin began thinking about the opportunities available closer to home. Rather than traveling to New York, Irwin decided to create the type of event she wanted to see in Ohio. She began making calls and building relationships, eventually turning the idea into the Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show. For Irwin, the name Four Winds represents the four directions and the many different communities that come together for the event. Last year's show featured representation from more than 40 tribal nations, with participants traveling from across the country. The event also seeks to provide a platform for Indigenous designers and artists who might otherwise have fewer opportunities to showcase their work in the Midwest. Sharon Elaine, the Tipp City Photographer and personal friend of Ruby described her experience at the show as seeing people of different ages, backgrounds, shapes and sizes coming together while being introduced to Indigenous culture. “It was an amazing event,” Elaine said. “It just was too amazing to not do it again.” Irwin said she wanted the show to include people of all ages, sizes and genders, giving participants an opportunity to showcase their creativity. “It just is like, here I offer you my knowledge, and let's do this,” Irwin said. This year's lineup will include returning participants as well as new designers and performers. Among the featured designers are Choke Cherry Creek and Copper Canoe Woman, along with Chebon Designs, which specializes in menswear, including beaded ties and vests. Some other superbly talented designers such as Ro Tree, Harmony Star Straub,Sage Mountainflower, Warriors of the Winter Moon, and Earthy Rebels will be spotlighted for their spectacular designs as well that you won’t want to miss out on! The event will also feature Native American women warrior veterans, who were part of last year's show and will return this year. Irwin said the veterans will also debut their first fashion collection at this year's event. Music and dance will play a larger role in the 2026 program. Pianist Connor Chee, who is Navajo, will perform pieces inspired by traditional stories between designer collections and during intermission. Dancer Shaylynn Bird will make her modeling debut at the event, while two hoop dancers will also be featured. Children will return as performers, and organizers are planning an interactive dance during intermission. The Dusty Creek Singers will return as well, this year bringing a hand drum and performing honor songs. Food and shopping will also be a major part of the evening. The vendor market will feature more vendors than last year, including booths operated by participating designers. Traditional fry bread will return after selling out quickly at last year's event. The vendor market will be open to the public from approximately 4 to 6 p.m., allowing visitors to shop even if they are not attending the fashion show. It will reopen after the show for additional shopping. The fashion show itself is scheduled for approximately 6 to 8 p.m., followed by additional vendor shopping until approximately 9:30 p.m. VIP ticket holders will receive small bites from Berenstein's Catering and a mocktail from Mach One Mocktails. General admission tickets are $40, according to the podcast interview. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with information also available through Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show's social media presence and website. Organizers are encouraging people to purchase tickets early. Last year's show sold out, and Irwin said she expects demand to be even greater this year. The Four Winds weekend will continue Saturday, Nov. 7, with another new addition: Red Talk, a TED Talk-style educational event beginning at noon in the Dayton Arcade's Rotunda area. The name stands for Rematriation, Education and Design. The event will give designers, models and special guests an opportunity to discuss topics including tradition, rematriation, basket weaving and other aspects of Indigenous culture and creative work. Red Talk will be a separate ticketed event and will include opportunities for attendees to ask questions and learn directly from the people participating in Four Winds. While the event has grown substantially since its first year, Irwin said Four Winds is still dependent on community support. Organizers are seeking additional sponsors, volunteers and makeup artists. Sponsorship opportunities range from helping cover the travel costs of Native American Women Warrior Veterans to covering airfare and hotel expenses. Other sponsorship opportunities and in-kind donations are also available. Volunteers are needed as well to help with various aspects of the event, including production and makeup. The goal, however, extends beyond simply putting on a fashion show. Irwin hopes Four Winds will give participants opportunities to make new connections, work with designers from across the country, have their work featured in publications and build relationships within the creative community. “I just want it to be a platform,” Irwin said. For tickets, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities and updates, attendees can search for the Four Winds Indigenous Fashion Show on Eventbrite and follow the event's social media pages. With a larger venue, an expanded lineup and an entire weekend dedicated to fashion, art, education and culture, Four Winds is continuing the work that began with its sold-out inaugural event, bringing Indigenous designers, artists, performers and communities together in the heart of Dayton.
