BY TEANA WAGNER
Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, and the Towering Stone brand embodies that idea. Founded by Loren Aragon, an artist and visionary from the Acoma Pueblo, this menswear label redefines luxury by blending strength, resilience, and culture into every piece. Through Towering Stone, Aragon merges traditional and modern elements to celebrate the enduring spirit of his people.
Aragon grew up on the Acoma reservation, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Immersed in the matrilineal culture of his Pueblo, he found inspiration in the craftsmanship of his grandmothers’ pottery, his aunts’ garmentmaking, and his mother’s creative teaching. These influences shaped his artistry and led to the creation of his first brand, ACONAV, a couture fashion line celebrating women’s empowerment.
ACONAV’s designs have graced the runways of Phoenix Fashion Week, Native Fashion in the City in Denver, and Plitz’s NYC Fashion Week, as well as an exhibit with Disney. The brand, named Phoenix Fashion Week’s Designer of the Year in 2018, has also been worn by Indigenous actresses Tinsel Korey and Grace Dove on red carpets. However, the pandemic shifted Aragon’s focus back home to New Mexico, where he launched Towering Stone, a menswear line named after the enduring stone structures of the Acoma Pueblo.
“A lot of guys were starting to pester me about wanting to look as good as the ladies,” Aragon said. Towering Stone blends traditional Pueblo artistry with contemporary tailoring, creating bold, refined pieces inspired by the geometric patterns and colors of Acoma pottery. “Menswear is more of a challenge. I think men are pickier about what they wear,” Aragon said, explaining how he incorporates intricate details into collars and cuffs to catch the eye while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Both ACONAV and Towering Stone draw deeply from Aragon’s heritage, blending traditional artistry with modern design. ACONAV celebrates women’s empowerment, while Towering Stone focuses on strength and individuality, offering men a way to connect to their culture and tell their own stories. “We want men to build on their own strengths and responsibilities,” Aragon said.
Beyond fashion, Aragon recently embraced a new role as a tribal leader for the Acoma Pueblo, serving as f irst lieutenant governor. “I never thought I’d be [a tribal leader], but you can never say never,” Aragon said. “It’s reconnecting me with my community.” Aragon sees a strong connection between leadership and fashion, noting that both require a deep understanding of identity and representation. “Being away for so long, it’s opening my eyes to what our people need and what’s expected of me to help our people grow,” he said. Aragon’s designs reflect his commitment to preserving and sharing his culture.
“Those years I started getting back into our culture and art were kind of a wake-up call,” he said. “This deserves some preservation. The fashion I create has meaning behind it.” With a shop, online store, and plans for expanding his collection, Aragon remains optimistic about the future of Towering Stone. “I really have to focus on [what’s on my plate] first and f ind pockets of time to be creative,” he said. His advice to young Indigenous designers is simple: “Be true to yourself and share your culture with the world.” Towering Stone stands apart with its clean lines and rich cultural strength.
“It’s meant for someone with personality,” Aragon said. Through his designs and leadership, Loren Aragon continues to honor his heritage while inspiring a new generation of Indigenous representation in luxury fashion. Follow Towering Stone on Instagram @toweringstone and explore more at www.toweringstone.com.
