Penny Singer, a Navajo designer hailing from the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, has emerged as a celebrated figure in the contemporary Indigenous fashion scene. Her striking geometric ribbon shirts, crafted for both men and women, have captivated patrons at national Indigenous markets such as the annual Santa Fe Indian Market. Singer’s creative journey began in the early 2000s when she delved into traditional design techniques, particularly southwest appliqué styles. Her passion for ribbon shirts, typically worn by powwow dancers and adorned with tribal colors and patterns, led her to experiment with her own designs. Drawing inspiration from her son’s southern straight dancing, Singer taught herself the art of making ribbon shirts and gradually developed her signature style. Today, her ribbon shirts have become her most popular items, frequently selling out within a day or two at markets. Singer’s creative process involves creating her designs on Wonder-Under adhesive, ironing them onto fabric, and cutting them out by hand. Her intricate geometric appliqués are then meticulously ironed onto the garment and secured with a zigzag stitch.
Singer’s recent showcase at the inaugural SWAIA Native Fashion Week further cemented her position in the Indigenous fashion world. Her runway show featured new ribbon shirts, vests, skirts, and jackets, showcasing her signature craftwork style. The collection drew inspiration from daily life on the Navajo reservation, particularly the landscapes and traditional weaving designs. Singer’s casual pieces included a yellow sateen ribbon shirt adorned with teal detailing and geometric designs drawn on graph paper, resembling intricate beadwork. She also showcased a gold ribbon shirt featuring her own photographs of tipis, capturing moments from her travels to powwows. For her formal offering, Singer presented a black geometric-print cape inspired by her grandmother’s weaving designs, paying homage to her cultural heritage. The cape’s turquoise trim echoed Singer’s Navajo roots, a color she often incorporates into her work as a symbol of beauty and protection.
Singer’s success at SWAIA Native Fashion Week has ignited her ambition to participate in even more Indigenous fashion weeks. With a growing fanbase, she anticipates showcasing her work at the annual Indigenous Fashion Show at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August. Her upcoming collection promises to deliver bold, statement-making pieces, much to the delight of her patrons who often remark on the attention they garner while wearing her designs.
