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Virgil Ortiz - Native American
Designer Takes Native Fashion to Next Level
Ortiz will debut his Made in Native
America (MINA) Signature T-shirt Collection and
canvas tote bags at Indian Market this August ---
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"The thought has never crossed my mind to be
anything other than an artist and fashion designer.
Art is in my blood." Virgil Ortiz, a Cochiti Pueblo
Native
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Heavily sought out by celebrities, royalty, rock stars,
and collectors alike, supernova American Indian artist
and fashion designer Virgil Ortiz is taking Native
fashion to the next level. At first glance, it
appears that the humble, soft-spoken Ortiz has a few
people helping in the background. Within moments it
becomes evident that he is orchestrating a dedicated,
high-energy fashion industry ensemble.
“I want to take Native
fashion to the next level.”
Indeed, Ortiz has done just that. His designs are a
captivating balance between the provocative, edgy, and
traditional. Inspired by travel and music in his early
years, Ortiz began designing clothing for his friends
and family which ultimately led him to create more
complex designs utilizing different textiles such as
leather, latex and vinyl.
Ortiz re-interprets 1680
Pueblo Revolt with Clay figurine |
REVOLT POTTERY SERIES,
INDIAN MARKET, AUGUST 2010,
Opening night:
Thursday, August 19, 2010
6 – 8 pm
SHIPROCK SANTA FE
53 OLD SANTA FE TRAIL
SANTA FE, NM 87501
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Ortiz, who works and
lives in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, was born into a
family of traditional Cochiti potters. “I didn’t even
know it was art that was being produced while I was
growing up,” he remembers. He has worked hard and has
had a few lucky breaks that have propelled him to a
preeminent place among contemporary Native American
artists.
Then one day, fashion mogul Donna Karan walked into the
shop Ortiz directed in Santa Fe and asked him if he
wanted to collaborate with her. Six months later, his
pottery and designs were in the window displays of
Karan’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York.
Ortiz’s collaboration with Karan proved to be one of her
most successful lines.
Through this experience, Indigene was born, Ortiz’s own
line of luxury handbags, accessories, cashmere, t-shirts
and outerwear bearing the VO signature marks: water,
sun, wild spinach and the Secret Writing are just some
of the unique elements that create the high demand for
his pieces.
Latest launch from Virgil Ortiz
Ortiz will debut his Made in Native America (MINA)
Signature T-shirt Collection and canvas tote bags at
Indian Market this August available exclusively at
Eternity located at 127 Water Street or at
www.virgilortiz.com.
Virgil Ortiz for Donna Karan |
Ortiz’s
professional agenda goes beyond the wealth and
notoriety of his talent. He’s intent on creating
opportunities for children and his community
that reflect the legacy of his ancestors as well
as promoting global awareness of Pueblo culture.
“I have something very important to do before I
go. I want to preserve my culture and inspire
our youth to accomplish whatever it is they
dream to be.”
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For more information, visit:
www.virgilortiz.com
Virgil Ortiz is represented exclusively by NDN Star,
Talent Management for Indigenous Cultures
www.ndnstar.com |
Coyote Cafe
See Virgil Ortiz' T's on the staff at
Coyote
Cafe during Indian Market - Santa Fe
Made in Native America (MINA) Signature T-shirt
Collection and canvas tote bags-----
Exclusively at Eternity
127 West Water Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2136
(505) 989-9777
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