Loren Aragon

Loren Aragon is a Native American fashion designer from Acoma Pueblo whose work is inspired by Acoma pottery and culture. His ACONAV couture brand is known for its asymmetrical designs, patterns and materials such as silk and leather that blend cultural ideas with modern silhouettes.

Education In 1998, Aragon moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University; in 2004 he received a BSE degree in mechanical engineering. While working as an engineer in Phoenix,

Work Acoma pottery water jar (ollo), before 1927, Acoma Pueblo. Example of traditional Acoma design. Aragon grew up observing his mother and aunt create traditional Acoma garments. He began making jewelry, but later, after researching traditional Pueblo designs at the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, decided to pursue a career in fabric and fashion design. His garments often incorporate traditional Pueblo elements such as red sashes, manta, and single-shouldered black sash dresses worn at coming of age cultural events when girls are elevated to womenhood.

Aragon's first full collection of 20 pieces premiered in December 2014. He cites Virgil Ortiz and Alexander McQueen as his creative influences. Poeh Museum at Pojoaque Pueblo, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Phoenix Indian Center, Epcot Center, and other venues.

Personal life His wife, Valentina, is Diné and is the business partner and operations manager of ACONAV. 2018, Couture Designer of the Year, Phoenix Fashion Week

Collections Aragon's work is in the permanent collection of the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe, New Mexico and the Museum of Indian Arts + Culture.