Santa Fe Indian Market features Navajo siblings who released collections with Ralph Lauren

The Santa Fe Indian Market has been a spotlight for some of Indian Country’s most talented artists to shine — from crafts to fashion — for over a century. The 103rd annual outing was this past weekend, where 1,000 juried artists from more than 200 tribes descended upon New Mexico.

Among them were sister-and-brother duo Naiomi and Tyler Glasses.

“What’s so great about Santa Fe Indian Market is that you can meet the artists and that supports so many livelihoods,” Naiomi said. “A lot of them, they’re making these pieces by hand.”

The Diné siblings are seventh-generation textile artists and just this week released a new collection with Polo Ralph Lauren.

“It’s a good time to go out and find pieces that speak to you,” said Tyler. “I’m over the moon about it, doing cartwheels and flips inside. I’m excited for it to get out there in the world and for everyone just to see what this whole collection is about, so it’s gonna be another round of excitement right after market.”

His sister made history as Polo Ralph Lauren’s first artist in residence in 2023.

Gabriel Pietrorazio/KJZZ

“I’m fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with companies that I’m able to design something and then they’re able to manufacture it,” she explained. “I also still do my beautiful handwoven goods that I sell at markets like Santa Fe and the Heard.”

Naiomi says if you love wearing Native art, buy directly from Indigenous designers.

“Authenticity is what really matters, and I really hope that more companies learn from the model that we did with Polo Ralph Lauren,” she added. “I really want to see more of that. I really want companies to embrace our crafts and to know that it’s a wonderful thing to work with Indigenous artists.”