Penny Singer, a Navajo designer based in New Mexico, has become a popular attraction at the annual Santa Fe Indian Market. Over the past decade, Singer has gained recognition for her striking ribbon shirts, jackets, and skirts, which feature contemporary geometric appliqué work. Her fashion line began in the 2000s when she started studying traditional design techniques in college and became interested in southwest appliqué styles. Singer’s line of ribbon shirts, inspired by powwow dancers, has become her most popular item, often selling out within a day or two at markets such as Santa Fe.
Singer’s creative process involves drawing the design onto Wonder-Under adhesive and then ironing it onto fabric before cutting out the designs by hand. She then applies the appliqués onto the garment and free-hand zigzag stitches them on. Her pieces were recently showcased at SWAIA Native Fashion Week in Santa Fe, featuring a range of apparel that included urban-cool streetwear pieces as well as more formal looks. Many of her designs draw inspiration from daily life on the Navajo reservation, reflecting the landscape and culture of her community.
The designer’s success at the Santa Fe Indian Market has become a significant source of income for her, as she continues to attract new customers with her contemporary wearable art. Singer’s booth at the market is a popular destination for patrons who are amazed at her craftsmanship and unique designs. She takes pride in meeting new people and discussing the stories behind her garments with them, fostering connections and appreciation for Indigenous art and culture.
Singer’s evolution from making ribbon shirts for her son’s father to establishing a successful fashion line demonstrates her dedication and talent in the industry. Despite not doing sketches and relying on her instincts while creating her pieces, Singer’s handcrafted geometric appliqués have become her signature style. Her ability to fuse traditional Native American design techniques with contemporary fashion sensibilities has garnered her a loyal following and a prominent place in the Indigenous fashion scene.
In addition to Santa Fe Indian Market, Singer also showcases her work at other major markets, such as the Heard Market in Phoenix, Arizona. Her commitment to promoting Indigenous art and culture through her designs has earned her a reputation as a leading figure in the industry. Singer’s participation in events like SWAIA Native Fashion Week further solidifies her status as a respected and influential designer within the Native American fashion community.
As Singer continues to create and showcase her vibrant and culturally rich designs, her influence and impact on the fashion world are only expected to grow. With her dedication to preserving traditional techniques and storytelling through her artwork, she has carved out a niche for herself as a trailblazer in the field of Indigenous fashion. Through her work, Singer is not only creating stunning wearable art but also bridging the gap between past and present, celebrating and honoring her heritage while embracing contemporary design aesthetics.
