The annual Kananesgi Fashion Show is the height of Cherokee wearable art, bringing together some of the nation’s best in Cherokee fashion, art and design for the Southeast region’s biggest showcase of Native American design. It’s a space where artists and designers can elevate their work and grow their businesses on a professional platform.
This year, the event will take place Saturday, November 14, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and features a robust lineup of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians designers, including Dawn Arneach of Anitsi, Sharon Bradley of Snowy’s Design Shop, Alex Lane of Songbird Designs, Keredith Owens of Wadulisi Designs, Paula Wojtkowski and Auron Taylor of Unapologetically Rez, as well as designer Deb West.
Left: Design by Faith Long-Presley, Ganvhida Designs; Middle: Design by Alex Lane, Songbird Designs; Right Basket skirt design by Aniyona. All photos by Ravens Eye Media.
“This year we are [also] featuring five first-time designers, which is always so exciting. We love to see brand points of view,” says show representative Hope Huskey. “One of these designers is Lucian Davis who just graduated from University of Washington and has a Y2K theme for his collection. In addition, we are working with local artist Alica Wildcatt of Greybeard Metalsmithing to feature her jewelry during our VIP reception. She will be using live models in the reception and guests will be able to check out her newest pieces in person. And, we are always excited to bring guest designers to Cherokee. Everyone gets really excited to see new looks and meet new artists. This year we are featuring Leslie Deer and Sabrina Lombardo.”
Kananesgi is the Cherokee word for spider, and in Cherokee culture represents creativity and being good with your hands. “Cherokee culture is more than a concept—it is a way of life,” says Freida Saylor of Mumblehead Designs, whose work will be in the 2026 show. “Its impact on fashion comes through storytelling, identity, resilience and the freedom to express who we are.”
Designer Nancy Pheasant at the 2025 Kananesgi Fashion Show.
The runway show will feature models who are members of federally recognized tribal nations, supported backstage by a predominantly Native American team of hair and makeup artists.
VIP ticket holders will begin the evening with a special reception featuring an exclusive first look at a new jewelry collection by Alicia Wildcatt of Greybeard Metalsmithing. VIP guests will also have an opportunity to meet and visit with guest designers Deer and Lombardo before the show.
The Kananesgi Art Show will also be held at the venue: a judged art competition featuring more than 1,000 pieces of original artwork by some of the top Eastern Band of Cherokee artists and crafters. This event is free to the public.
Doors for the fashion show open at 6 p.m., with the Kananesgi Trunk Show immediately following the fashion show, giving guests an opportunity to shop directly from participating designers. To purchase tickets and view the full schedule of events, visit www.kananesgi.com. —
Kananesgi Fashion Show
November 14, 2026
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719 • www.kananesgi.com
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