Celebrating culture through fashion: Patricia Michaels at the Indian Market in Santa Fe

By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times

SANTA FE – In the vibrant atmosphere of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Indian Market in Santa Fe, the air buzzed with creativity and cultural pride.

Among the many artisans and designers showcasing their work, Patricia Michaels stood out, not only for her stunning haute couture designs but also for her deep commitment to honoring the traditions of her Taos Pueblo heritage. With over 40 years in fashion and textile design, Patricia has become a beacon of cultural expression, blending traditional artistry with contemporary styles.

Patricia’s connection to art is woven into the very fabric of her life. “I was born into art,” she recalls, her eyes lighting up with memories on Aug. 16. Her mother, Juanita Turley, a pioneering artist, opened a gallery in downtown Santa Fe the night before Patricia was born.
“She danced in her buckskin dress,” Patricia shares with pride. “The next day, she put me on a stack of Navajo blankets in the gallery.”

Surrounded by Pueblo embroidery, cornhusk bags, and intricate pottery, it was clear from the start that Patricia’s life would be intertwined with art.

Indigenous textiles and silhouettes

At this year’s Indian Market, the 2012 Project Runway finalist unveiled a collection that celebrated the diversity of Indigenous textiles and silhouettes. Her designs drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Taos Pueblo and the rich artistic legacy of her ancestors.

“I look to nature and the traditional pottery of my people for inspiration,” she explains. “Every piece tells a story that connects us to our land and our culture.”

The audience was treated to a visual feast: flowing fabrics adorned with vibrant colors and intricate textile patterns inspired by mica and pottery shards she grew up finding on the ground in Taos Pueblo. Each garment resonated with the spirit of her upbringing.

Patricia’s work transcends mere fashion. Each design is imbued with meaning, reflecting her personal experiences and relationships.

“I push boundaries while staying true to the craftsmanship of my culture,” she says.

Her commitment to authenticity is not only an aesthetic choice but also a cultural imperative. For her, fashion is a medium through which she can express her identity and honor her heritage.

A diverse family background has empowered Patricia to express herself freely and authentically, unencumbered by inhibitions. This rich heritage allowed her to present herself in a way that felt true to who she is, enabling her to draw boundaries with respect for others.

“I strive to create a sanctuary for my colleagues, clients, and collaborators, whether in museums or universities, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected,” she said. “My global experiences have reinforced this belief: when you honor those you work with, positive outcomes naturally follow.”

However, the journey toward truth can be challenging. Often, she said she’s encountered situations where native cultures are not respected, and creativity is undervalued. In those moments, it became essential to reinforce her strength through humility.

“Embracing the truth requires acknowledgment of these disparities, and it is through this understanding that I can advocate for respect and appreciation of diverse backgrounds and creative expressions,” said Patricia.

A ‘bold personality’

One particularly poignant aspect of Patricia’s collection is her dedication to raising awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

In her finale piece, Patricia incorporated what she called a “bold personality,” which big roses were adorned into a coat.

The coat featured a design dedicated to raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and their families.“The vibrant red symbolizes the red earth where many have gone missing, while the green represents the forests, the white signifies urban environments, and the blue reflects the water. Each color plays a crucial role in conveying the ongoing struggle and loss faced by these communities,” she said.

Additionally, the use of black in the coat, Patricia wanted it to embody the shadows of those who remained missing and have yet to be found. The visual statement of her design, she said, wants it to serve not only as a tribute but also as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for recognition and justice for Indigenous women and their relatives. The design aims to keep their stories alive and ensure that their voices are heard in the fight against the MMIW crisis.

“So, I always will put a piece in there to bring awareness that this is still a horrible genocide that’s happening with our people. Strangely, a lot of people don’t know we still exist. But on the same note, they’re still trying to kill us,” she said solemnly.

Platform for advocacy

This year, her dedication was evident in a striking gown adorned with representing the strength and resilience of Indigenous women.

Patricia sees her designs as a platform for advocacy, using the visibility of fashion to highlight ongoing issues of genocide and discrimination.

This year at the 102nd Annual Santa Fe Indian Market, Patricia showcased the latest creations, each design echoing the heartbeat of Taos Pueblo. The audience was captivated not only by the beauty of the garments but also by the stories they told.
Patricia’s philosophy and willingness to never wander away from her upbringing as a Taos Pueblo has garnered her respect not just among fashion enthusiasts but also within Indigenous communities, who see her as a steward of their heritage.
The Indian Market serves as a vital platform for Indigenous artists, and Patricia’s presence there is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. As she continues to carve her path in the fashion world, she remains committed to empowering the next generation of Indigenous designers.

“There’s so much talent out there,” she acknowledges. “I hope to inspire young artists to find their voices and tell their stories through their work.”

Her legacy is not just in the garments she creates but also in the encouragement she offers to others.

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