Locals Hit Runway At Big Sky Fashion Gala

Two Brockton High School students and one Poplar High School student participated in the first ever Big Sky Indigenous Women In Fashion and Art Gala in Billings earlier this month. The sold-out fashion show was held Friday, April 15, at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Brockton’s Wambidid Yellohammer and Rita Track modeled for Native fashion designers, as did Poplar’s Allianz O’Brien.

Designer Rebekah Jarvey, of Rocky Boy, was among the designers featured at the event. She told the Northern Plains Independent that it wasn’t her first time using models from the area. “Wambidi [Yellowhammer] modeled for me before at the fashion Show I coordinate in Rocky Boy,” said Jarvey.

Yellowhammer told NPI, “It’s only been my second time modeling but it’s fun. I like the big crowds,lights, fancy stuff to wear. All of it’s nice. At first you get a little nervous and stuff but when you get out there and walk on the runway, it’s so much easier.”

Yellowhammer described Jarvey as, “My other mom in Rocky Boy.”

According to Jarvey, the audition process for models was both organized and informal.

“I had a model call for the event and that’s how I picked Allianz,” said Jarvey. “Rita asked my son to go to prom with her and she is very gorgeous so I asked her to be a model.”

The event was organized by talent developer and entrepreneur Cora Chandler. “Cora is a incredible woman who wants Indigenous designers and artists to be successful,” Jarvey said.

Carrie Manning attended the fashion show and met with Jarvey at the Kyiyo Pow Wow at the University of Montana in Missoula April 24. She said a local event is in planning stages for next fall, with help from Jarvey.

“Rebeka Jarvey is down to earth,” said Manning. “We talked for a long time. I’m planning a fashion show in the fall and Rebekah is going to help and bring her designs.”

Manning said she is hoping to include designs from Indigenous designers with local roots like Poplar’s Jen Atchico, as well as area students.