SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend, a Utah fashion show is honoring Native designers while supporting Indigenous children in foster care.
Jessica Wiarda is organizing the Foster Care Indigenous Fashion Show. She said the crowd can expect a night of fashion and fun.
“They’ll see a wide range, the contemporary and the classic. This is the first time we’re at an Indigenous venue, so that’s what I’m most excited about,” she said.
For many, Indigenous fashion represents identity and survival carried forward.
“The fashion show is also a great takeaway for people who aren’t Indigenous that we are people and our culture has continued forward,” Wiarda said.
Work by The Greenhouse Gallery is shown on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, ahead of the Foster Care Indigenous Fashion Show. (Derek Peterson, KSL TV)
Proceeds from the show support The Cedar Project, which helps Native children in foster care maintain a connection to their roots. Stephanie Benally, who is with Utah Foster Care, started the program before the pandemic.
“For example, if a youth wanted a regalia, a cradleboard, a traditional outfit, we would be able to purchase those items for them and then provide it to them for free. They’ll be able to have that cultural connection while in the foster home,” Benally said.
Husband and wife team J.J. and Morgan Gilmore, with The Greenhouse Gallery, are one of the featured designers.
“When we thought about how we could actually implement the teachings of our elders, and of our ancestors, we thought what better way than to apply it to fashion,” Morgan Gilmore said.
They said each piece carries teachings and encouragement to walk in beauty.
“There are a lot of personal wars people face each and every day, but the goal is to master yourself and that’s what Nizhoni is — walking in beauty,” J.J. Gilmore said.
Work by The Greenhouse Gallery is shown on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, ahead of the Foster Care Indigenous Fashion Show. (Derek Peterson, KSL TV)
It’s fashion rooted in heritage, honoring those who came before while inspiring those who come next.
“Our creed, our mantra for The Greenhouse Gallery is honor the past, champion the present, and build our future,” Morgan Gilmore said.
The Foster Care Indigenous Fashion Show takes place on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Urban Indian Center, located at 120 W. 1300 South in Salt Lake City.
