The School of Advanced Research was pleased to welcome Loren Aragon as the 2017 Ronald and Susan Dubin Fellow. Aragon comes from Acoma Pueblo and is the founder of ACONAV, a fashion brand specializing in women’s couture evening wear. He was awarded first place at the Santa Fe Indian Market Designer Challenge in the Adult Contemporary category in 2016.

Aragon’s artistic development began under the mentorship of his mother and aunt, both life-long seamstresses, and then continued with his uncle in tailoring and the visual arts. Observing his elders’ work became the foundation of his interest in fashion design, and coupled with a background in engineering, has led to his exploring metal work and fabrication. Aragon has emerged into fashion design, allowing him to engage in both art and physical technology.

Aragon comments: “Couture fashion allows me to capture ideas predominantly influenced by the pottery culture and traditional dress of my Acoma people. … I continue to seek new ways to expand upon my creativity as a fashion designer while maintaining a connection to my Acoma Pueblo heritage.”

Aragon has challenged himself to find new and undiscovered ways to represent indigenous art with the hopes of igniting the interests of future generations. Art serves as a connection to his cultural and spiritual identity. Through his creations Aragon shares beliefs, maintains a connection with his origins and reveals his own identity.