BY BRIAN HILL PHOTOS BY CYLENE FITZSIMMONS

Fashion is more than fabric and design — it’s a form of storytelling, a celebration of heritage, and a means of cultural preservation. Few designers embody this philosophy more powerfully than Norma Baker-Flying Horse, the visionary behind fashion house Red Berry Woman.

Named Phoenix Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer of the Year in 2022, Norma seamlessly blends traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with contemporary high fashion. Her designs, worn by notable celebrities and Indigenous leaders, showcase intricate beadwork, bold textiles, and deep cultural symbolism. Each piece serves as an artistic bridge between past and present. With her latest Fortitude Collection, Norma continues her mission of cultural education, breaking stereotypes, and addressing the misappropriation of Indigenous design. In this exclusive Q&A, she shares her journey, the importance of authentic  representation in fashion, and how Red Berry Woman is shaping the future of Indigenous fashion.

Green Living: What inspired you to launch Red Berry Woman, and what does the name signify?

Norma Baker-Flying Horse: Red Berry Woman is my Native name, given to me in ceremony. It carries deep cultural significance, and I wanted to honor that in my brand. I grew up in the Hidatsa, Dakota Sioux, and Assiniboine cultures, surrounded by strong women who created handcrafted garments for ceremonies and celebrations. I wanted to bring that artistry to fashion while ensuring our traditions continue to be shared and respected.

GL: Your designs are deeply rooted in Indigenous heritage. How do you balance tradition with modern fashion?

Norma: It’s about honoring the past while designing for the present. I use traditional elements like elk teeth, shellwork, and beadwork — techniques passed down through generations — but combine them with contemporary silhouettes that make sense in today’s world. Indigenous fashion isn’t just historical, it’s evolving, dynamic, and belongs in global fashion conversations.

GL: Why is educating people about Indigenous culture through fashion so important to you?

Norma: Because for too long, Indigenous voices have been left out of fashion, or worse, our culture has been taken without credit or understanding. Fashion has the power to educate. Every time someone wears Red Berry Woman, they’re wearing history, resilience, and identity. They’re starting a conversation. That’s what I want — to create awareness, break down stereotypes, and show the world that Native designers are here, and we have a powerful story to tell.

GL: What are some misconceptions about Indigenous fashion that you hope to break?

Norma: One of the biggest is that Native fashion is only for ceremonies or powwows. That’s not true. Indigenous designers create everything — from high fashion and streetwear to luxury accessories. Another issue is misappropriation — brands taking inspiration from Native culture without acknowledging its meaning or giving credit. That’s not appreciation; that’s theft. True appreciation comes from supporting Indigenous designers, understanding the history, and respecting the stories behind the designs.

GL: You’ve dressed some incredible people, including supermodel and activist Quannah Chasinghorse. What has been your proudest moment as a designer so far?

Norma: Seeing my designs on national stages is an honor, but my proudest moments come from within my own community. When Indigenous people tell me that my work makes them feel seen, valued, and represented, that’s everything. Our youth need to see Native excellence in every industry, including fashion, and know that they belong in these spaces, too.

GL: Phoenix Fashion Week is known for elevating emerging designers. How has winning Emerging Designer of the Year impacted your journey?

Norma: It’s been a gamechanger. The mentorship, business training, and exposure helped me refine my brand and reach new audiences. Phoenix Fashion Week understands that being a great designer is also about great business. That experience made Red Berry Woman stronger and I’m excited to build on that momentum.

GL: Your latest collection is called the Fortitude Collection. What inspired it and what message do you want it to send?

Norma: (My) Fortitude (Collection) represents strength, resilience, and determination — all qualities deeply embedded in Indigenous culture. This collection honors the unbreakable spirit of our people, particularly Indigenous women, who have carried our traditions forward despite immense challenges. We are here, we are thriving, and we are unshakable.

GL: What challenges have you faced as an Indigenous fashion designer and how have you overcome them?

Norma: Visibility is a major challenge. Indigenous designers don’t get the same opportunities as mainstream designers, so I’ve had to carve my own path. Another challenge is staying true to my values while running a business. Fashion moves fast but Indigenous design is deeply intentional. I refuse to compromise the integrity of my work just to keep up with trends.

GL: How do you hope Red Berry Woman will inspire future generations of Indigenous designers?

Norma: I want young Indigenous designers to know they don’t have to change who they are to succeed. Our culture, our traditions — these are our strengths. My dream is to see more Indigenous designers leading fashion houses, walking Paris and New York runways, and making their mark in a way that respects and celebrates who we are.

GL: What’s next for Red Berry Woman? Any exciting projects on the horizon?

Norma: I’m excited to debut my newest runway collection at the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week on Thursday, March 20. This event merges fine art and high fashion, and I’m honored to be part of it. I see it as another step toward bringing Indigenous fashion into new spaces. The collection is a continuation of my Fortitude Collection, emphasizing strength, resilience, and Indigenous excellence. The fusion of Ferrari’s world-class design aesthetic and my cultural storytelling through fashion is a perfect match. Beyond the runway, I’m continuing my mission to elevate Indigenous representation in fashion. This is just the beginning of a bigger movement for Red Berry Woman! Norma Baker-Flying Horse is ‘rewiring’ Indigenous fashion, proving that heritage and high fashion can coexist beautifully. Through Red Berry Woman, she is not only creating remarkable garments but also paving the way for the next generation of Native designers. With each piece, she tells a story of strength, resilience, and cultural pride.

Follow Red Berry Woman on Instagram @Red_Berry_Woman and explore Norma Baker-Flying Horse’s designs at www.redberrywoman.com.