Five Beautiful Indigenous Fashion Models Of Today

Heather Diamond Strongarm

native american female model Heather Diamond Strongarm Black Long Maxi Dress Thumbnail

Heather Diamond Strongarm, a Canadian with First Nations ancestry, resides in the Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada.

 

She proudly identifies as Saulteaux-Cree and possesses the rare ability to speak the traditional Nakawe language, making her one of the few speakers worldwide.

 

Thanks to Heather’s exceptional beauty and talent, she secured contracts with renowned modeling agencies, including her mother agency ANM Management, The Society Management in New York, and Elite Models International.

 

These esteemed agencies recognized her potential and signed her to their rosters, opening doors to exciting opportunities in the fashion industry!

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Since her remarkable debut on the Proenza Schouler runway in 2023, Heather’s modeling career has flourished.

 

Renowned fashion brands like Bottega Veneta, Chloe, Max Mara, Versace, and many others have sought her talents.

 

Notably, in her debut season, she achieved the historic milestone of being the first model of indigenous background to open the esteemed Dior show in Paris.

 

Heather has collaborated with top notch figures in the industry, including Steven Meisel, Tonne Goodman, Alastair McKimm, Carlos Nazario, Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Imruh Asha, Guido Palau, and Pat McGrath.

Quannah Chasinghorse

Top Native American Female Model Quannah Chasinghorse

Quannah ChasingHorse, a vibrant force hailing from Tuba City, Arizona, was born in the Navajo Nation.

 

With a fascinating blend of Hän Gwich’in roots from Eagle Village, Alaska, on her mother’s side and her father of Sicangu-Oglala Lakota descent from South Dakota, her heritage is as captivating as her spirit.

 

Quannah’s distinctive features and magnetic personality led to lucrative contracts with prestigious modeling agencies such as IMG Models in New York, IMG Models in Los Angeles, and their international offices in Paris, Milan and London.

These well-known agencies recognized her exceptional qualities, solidifying her position as a sought-after talent in the fashion world.

 

Prior to storming the modeling scene, Quannah garnered a dedicated following for her activism on social media, fearlessly tackling issues close to her heart, like climate activism.

 

Since her striking debut in a 2020 Calvin Klein campaign, she has graced iconic runways like Chanel Haute Couture, Chanel Resort, and Chloé, while making waves in Vogue China and even snagging an exclusive biography in Vogue Magazine, titled “The Thrilling Ascent of Model Quannah ChasingHorse” by Christian Allaire.

Jamie Helms

Fashion Native American female model Jamie helms

Jamie Helms, a Native American model hailing from the Coos Tribe in Siletz, Oregon, caught the attention of the industry after a former teacher submitted her images to a local agency.

 

With her striking eyes and distinct facial features, she quickly captured the interest of Muse Models, both nationally and internationally, becoming a part of their roster.

 

Later, she signed with Next Model Management, securing national and international contracts.

 

Before her modeling debut, Jamie also worked as an auto mechanic in her hometown, adding a unique dimension to her pre-modeling background.

Notably, she made a significant impact by debuting and closing the Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2020 show, a remarkable milestone for any model.

 

Jamie has collaborated with renowned publications such as CR Fashion Book, Pop Magazine, Double Magazine, and The September Issues magazine, showcasing her versatility and talent.

 

With dedication and a grateful mindset, Jamie continues to work hard, aiming to leave an enduring legacy in the fashion industry through her runway and commercial endeavors.

Khadijha Red Thunder

native american indigenous fashion model Khadijha Red Thunder

Khadijha Red Thunder, a model of Native American descent, hails from Spokane, Washington.

 

Her captivating presence has graced the pages of numerous magazines, including Allure, Glamour, i-D, Interview, Teen Vogue, Vogue, WSJ, and more.

 

She has also worked on campaigns for esteemed brands like DKNY, Gap, Marc Jacobs, Puma x Karl Lagerfeld, among others.

 

Splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Khadijha is signed to top modeling agencies such as Industry ENT, Women NYC, Photogenics LA, Women Milan, Women 360 Paris, and Heffner Management.

With her remarkable talent, Khadijha received a direct booking from the renowned Canadian winter clothing brand, Canada Goose, for an all-female campaign set in the picturesque landscapes of Iceland.

 

Immersed in Iceland’s breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and environmentally conscious ethos, Khadijha beautifully embodied Canada Goose’s Live in the Open spirit while showcasing their fall/winter collection firsthand.

Kita Updike

native american female fashion model Kita Updike

Kita, a talented model and actor, bears the rich heritage of Chippewa and African-American parents, shaping her identity as a remarkable Indigenous Black woman.

 

With unwavering determination, she has forged a promising path in the fashion industry, earning contracts with top modeling agencies such as Storm Management LA, Brave Model Management Milan, and Metropolitan Management Paris.

 

Kita’s runway presence has left an prominent mark, having walked for renowned designers like Maryam Nassir Zadeh and Mônot in digital shows.

Her striking features and captivating talent have garnered attention from famous publications like Vogue Italia, CR Fashion Book, 10 Magazine, and The New York Times Style Magazine, further solidifying her place in the fashion model industry.

 

While Kita’s journey initially revolved around modeling, she discovered her deep affinity for the performing arts. Acting became her true calling, leading her to embrace stage work.

 

Beginning her artistic endeavors with acclaimed companies like The Public Theater, Women’s Project Theater, LAByrinth Theater Company, and Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Kita is on a multifaceted journey, combining her talents as a model and actor.

Million Dollar Question

In what ways can the fashion industry better support and empower Indigenous Native American models?

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