Milwaukee-born designer Sabrina Lombardo is the visionary behind Native Nation Designs, an Indigenous “slow-fashion” brand that celebrates identity, heritage, and innovation. Drawing from her Raramuri, Latinx, and Italian roots, Sabrina creates one-of-a-kind, gender-fluid pieces. Her work is distinguished by her incorporation of traditional techniques, blending classic silhouettes with modern elements to explore structure and fluidity. She is known for her innovative textile manipulation and her exploration of gender-fluid wearable art, pushing boundaries and redefining contemporary fashion.

Her creations have been featured in prominent publications such as Women’s Wear Daily, The Chronicle, Milwaukee Magazine, Imbued Magazine, ECO AGE, Service 95, The Shepherd Express, Daytime Chicago, Spectrum TV, and even on the iconic NY Times Square billboard.

In 2023, Sabrina received the Emerging Visionary Design Award, recognizing her groundbreaking approach to fashion and art. Her first solo exhibition, “Indigenous Elegance: A Celebration of Culture and Identity,” debuted in 2024 at the Milwaukee Harbor District, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Sabrina’s designs have graced major runways, including invitations to showcase at NYFW 2021, the Chicago Fashion Coalition Fashion Futures Showcase 2024, Native Fashion Week Santa Fe 2025, and the first inaugural Indigenous NYFW 2025.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Sabrina is deeply committed to education and community. She has taught and mentored at the Montclair Art Museum, Cardinal Stritch University, The Art Institute of Wisconsin, Penfield Montessori, Milwaukee Ho-Chunk Branch Office, and SEOTS. She also serves as Vice Chair on the board of Iwigara Holistic Hub, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit.

Through her artistry, Sabrina honors her heritage and inspires others to celebrate their own identities. Her work is a vibrant celebration of identity and innovation, rooted in tradition and inspired by the natural world. Her journey is a testament to the power of art in honoring heritage and embracing the beauty that surrounds us.

Qey, I'm a young native fashion designer in Montréal from the nation, Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk, primarily based In Cacouna. I graduated from fashion design at Cégep Marie-Victorin in Montréal. I would describe myself as a scavenger of trash and knowledge, and pretty, cool and awesome things.

Jennifer Younger is an award-winning Tlingit artist of the Eagle/Drum House of Klukwan. Raised in Yakutat, Alaska, and now living in Sitka, she carries the Tlingit name Káakaxaawulga. Jennifer’s artistic journey began with a deeply personal mission: to reconnect with and carry forward the traditions of her heritage. Her passion for formline design and weaving stems from a desire to rebuild the cultural bridge that was broken when her grandmother was taken from her community and placed in an institution.

For over 20 years, Jennifer has been creating artwork that merges traditional Tlingit aesthetics with a contemporary edge. Her unique metal carving technique brings to life intricate jewelry and sculptural pieces that honor the integrity of proper Tlingit formline design, while also expressing her individual voice as a modern Indigenous artist.

Through her art, Jennifer seeks to reach audiences beyond the Northwest Coast—inviting people around the world to engage with the stories, beauty, and continued relevance of Indigenous culture. Each of her creations serves as a reflection of where she comes from and a testament to the strength and resilience of her people.

Tlingit Artist | Eagle/Drum House of Klukwan

www.jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
@jenniferyoungerdesigns
https://www.facebook.com/jenniferyoungerdesigns

Cindy Kelley Sunshine is a Dakota-Irish fashion designer, educator, and the visionary behind the emerging label “cyn”.  From Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, combines her culture along with the community of Fishing Lake First Nation, she lives on.  Cindy blends Indigenous heritage with modern luxury to create inclusive designs that honor all women — especially queen-size bodies often overlooked by the fashion industry.

In 2025, Cindy's focus is on upcycling and sustainability, transforming found and reclaimed materials into bold, statement pieces. Her latest collection is a celebration of all women — their strength, softness, resilience, and beauty — with each garment telling a story of transformation, identity, and empowerment.

With years of experience teaching sewing and fashion across First Nation communities, she continues to mentor future designers through her traveling business and growing vision of a destination-based fashion school. Cindy believes in the power of fashion to heal, connect, and celebrate who we truly are — one stitch at a time.

Cindy Kelley Sunshine | Fashion Designer | Founder of Cynshine Sewing Studio | Label: CYN