Naiomi Glasses: Uniting Native American Art, Skateboarding, and Ralph Lauren's Vision

In the secluded landscapes of the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, a rhythmic beat echoes through the air, maintaining a near-perfect cadence. Naiomi Glasses, a 26-year-old artist, finds solace in the meditative art of weaving within the confines of her remote home, surrounded by the red rocks and expansive vistas. Engulfed in silence, she reflects on the profound tradition passed down through six generations of her family, weaving intricate designs that captivate the fashion world.

 

Naiomi, seated at her loom for hours on end, reveals the meditative nature of her craft. "It's very meditative," she shares. "And having to do these repetitive motions, you kind of just get into a trance. It really is a great time to just sit and think."

 

Naiomi, inspired by the weavers preceding her, pours months of dedication into crafting designs that have garnered attention from the fashion realm, including the brand she admired as a child—Ralph Lauren. Reflecting on her improbable journey, from a shy girl in Arizona, she acknowledges the transformative power of her ancestral art.

 

Intriguingly, Glasses, who once endured bullying for a cleft palate at the age of five, discovered an unlikely sanctuary on a skateboard. "It's always been a safe space where I feel like I can be myself, learning how to be even more confident," she expresses. This newfound confidence eventually translated to her weaving, with her brother Tyler introducing her to their grandmother's techniques at the loom.

 

At 16, Naiomi ventured into weaving, and together with her brother, they began selling their creations at the local trading post. Encouraged by their parents to think bigger, the duo turned to social media in 2020. Tyler's posts showcasing Naiomi's vibrant creations and impressive skateboarding skills went viral, catching the attention of none other than Ralph Lauren—a fortuitous alignment of values led to Glasses becoming the fashion house's first artist-in-residence.

 

"He has always loved the West," states David Lauren, Ralph Lauren's chief branding and innovation officer, speaking of his father. "He has always gone in search of the art and the culture that Naiomi loves and cherishes as well. And so, the ability to come together to create something, and to be inspired together, is beautiful. And it keeps getting better by the day."

 

As Glasses launches her new collection—a heartfelt homage to her people—she recognizes the significance of this collaboration. The Ralph Lauren ad campaign, filmed at her family's home in Arizona, not only showcases her designs but also creates employment opportunities for local Navajo. Glasses sees it as a monumental moment in Indigenous design history, expressing a deep sense of duty to represent her culture beautifully.

 

"I feel that it's important that we're represented in a beautiful way. And I'm really excited to be able to share these designs with the world," says Glasses, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with her newfound fame. Beyond fashion, she endeavors to make a positive impact by raising funds for skateparks on her reservation, emphasizing the mental health benefits of skateboarding.

 

Reflecting on her late grandmother's words, Naiomi acknowledges the transformative power of weaving, turning dreams into reality. "The dreams that I dreamt here at the loom have come true."