NM
Fashion
ACONAV . A brand representing strength and evoking empowerment in women through elegant design .
Loren Aragon states , “ There are strengths we may not yet realize … they compel us to rise . ACONAV is a story of self-discovery and evolution . It is a brand that is about positive change and breaking beyond self-imposed limitations . ACONAV is a part of the enduring story a people and its culture . It is a journey told through fashion and is meant to inspire those to wish to create their own story .”
Loren Aragon from Acoma Pueblo is a mechanical engineer by trade . Loren grew up watching his mother sew traditional Acoma garments , and by the support of his wife Valentina of the Navajo ( Diné ), he was inspired to pursue fashion and represent his Native American Heritage . ACONAV is the representation of both Loren ’ s and his wife ’ s combined cultures that hold many similarities . He originally started off his brand ACONAV as a greeting card company in 2008 . He then ventured into jewelry making showcasing his work at the Indian market in 2010 with his family . In 2014 he finally dove into the fashion industry . He presented his first collection consisting of 14 pieces , at the 2014 Phoenix Fashion week , where his mother Hilda Pedro is the chief seamstress . Loren ’ s brand ACONAV is unique where he incorporates original and traditional Acoma pottery prints throughout his couture fashion designs . Recently , ACONAV was the first Native American to be named Couture Designer of the Year at Phoenix Fashion week , where he was one of 300 applicants and only 15 designers where chosen to participate .
What drives Loren is his strong matrilineal cultural belief and ideology where he strives to address that women are being misrepresented . He states , “ I want to share our matriarchal or matrilineal idea , that the women are the power , they are our givers of life , they ’ re our educators , they ’ re our nurturers . And when I make something , that ’ s what I want the women to feel , that they feel empowered being in an ACONAV dress .” When you wear ACONAV it ’ s not just a garment , there ’ s a story behind every detail , every single design and that ’ s what makes ACONAV unique .
Loren Aragon is not only a designer but an inspiration in our community where his line is made for every woman . Loren also created a line for plus sized women in November 2016 Blazing Curves Fashion Show where he celebrates all women . He showcases not only his Native American Heritage but also gives a platform for women to evoke their feminine spirit and stand proud in who
Written by Teresa Garcia