Quannah ChasingHorse, a model, activist, and emerging actor, has captivated audiences with her unique journey and advocacy for Indigenous rights. In September, amid the bustling New York Fashion Week, ChasingHorse graced the runway for the iconic designer Ralph Lauren, marking a significant moment in her career and in the fashion industry's relationship with Indigenous communities.

Her presence on the runway was not just another fashion moment but represented a complex negotiation between her cultural identity, personal principles, and the fashion industry's often-problematic engagement with Indigenous aesthetics. This appearance came after a year of careful consideration and dialogue, highlighting her commitment to creating meaningful change within an industry she sometimes struggles with but believes can be transformed.

Early Life and Cultural Background

Born on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona, Quannah ChasingHorse's heritage is a rich tapestry woven from multiple Indigenous traditions. She is a member of the Oglala Lakota and Hän Gwich'in tribes, with roots that stretch across different regions and cultures within North America. Her early childhood was marked by movement and diverse cultural experiences that would later shape her worldview and approach to advocacy.

At a young age, ChasingHorse moved to Mongolia with her family, joining her maternal grandparents who were Christian missionaries. Though she doesn't agree with their missionary work, she holds them dear for their support of smaller communities and nomadic tribes. During her time in Mongolia, she developed an early fascination with fashion by watching shows on public television, later emulating supermodels in family photos.

Her family's journey continued across the Trans-Siberian railroad, camping in Italy before returning to Arizona and eventually settling in Alaska. In Alaska, they lived off the land by a river, an experience she recalls as magical despite the hardships her mother faced to shield them from reality of their homelessness. Her mother, Jody Potts-Joseph, became a public safety officer and land activist, deeply involved in protecting the Alaskan ecosystem and advocating for Indigenous women's rights.

The Ralph Lauren Controversy and Her Decision to Engage

Just a year prior to walking for Ralph Lauren, ChasingHorse was uncertain if she could even meet the designer's gaze. At 22, she had observed Ralph Lauren's past campaigns and designs, which she perceived as direct appropriations of Indigenous patterns, causing her distress. The brand had issued apologies in 2014 and again in 2022 for their Native American-themed advertisements and designs echoing Native Mexican motifs, promising increased "credit and collaboration" for future garments featuring Indigenous motifs, and enhancing "cultural awareness training" and engagement with Indigenous communities.

ChasingHorse admits to a significant internal struggle over whether to collaborate with the fashion giant or reject their advances. "I could have simply shut the door on them, but then nothing would change," she shared. "That's not the life I want to lead." Her decision to engage with Ralph Lauren represented a calculated risk in her advocacy work, believing that change could only come through dialogue and participation rather than complete rejection.

Discovery and Breakthrough in the Fashion Industry

While speaking at an environmental youth protest in Alaska, ChasingHorse was discovered by casting director Shay Nielsen for a 2020 Calvin Klein campaign. "Her energy and confidence were truly distinctive," Nielsen recounted. "At just 18, she was already a formidable leader, advocating for her Indigenous community."

Following her breakthrough with Calvin Klein, ChasingHorse was invited to New York to meet with modeling agencies. However, she couldn't afford the plane ticket until her Indigenous community pooled funds to send her to Manhattan. Along the way, she studied her craft through YouTube videos, observing Vogue models to learn their walk and makeup techniques.

She eventually signed with IMG Models, the agency that launched the careers of supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Lily Cole. This signing opened doors to work with prestigious photographers like Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, known for their innovative work with Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. Her distinctive appearance, including her cascading black hair and the geometric chin tattoos known as Yidįįłtoo, sacred to her Alaskan tribal culture, made her instantly recognizable.

Navigating the Modeling World with Integrity

ChasingHorse has navigated the modeling world while maintaining her cultural integrity and principles. Her work with various high-profile brands has been selective, often involving discussions about cultural representation and respect. She has turned down opportunities that didn't align with her values, even when it meant potential financial loss.

Her approach to modeling extends beyond the runway, incorporating education about Indigenous cultures and the importance of proper representation. She has used interviews and public appearances to discuss the complexities of cultural appropriation versus appreciation in fashion, challenging designers and brands to approach Indigenous aesthetics with greater respect and collaboration.

Advocacy and Activism Beyond the Runway

ChasingHorse's advocacy work spans multiple issues affecting Indigenous communities, including environmental protection, women's rights, and healthcare access. Her family's activism in Alaska laid the foundation for her own commitment to social change. She continues to participate in rallies and campaigns to protect Indigenous lands and promote community development.

Her wealth, she asserts, is not measured in currency but in the richness of culture, traditions, and community—values she cherishes deeply. This perspective informs her approach to fame and success, measuring her achievements not by traditional metrics but by her ability to create positive impact.

Balancing Fashion Success with Principles

ChasingHorse has collaborated with mainstream fashion brands while maintaining her principles. Her work with Zara for the Good American collaboration featured recycled and organic cotton, and her involvement with Victoria's Secret was part of the brand's 2023 campaign, which showcased the most diverse group of models in terms of ethnicity and size in the company's history.

She approaches each collaboration with careful consideration, often engaging in discussions about cultural representation and respectful representation. "As long as there's respect, there's always a chance to change minds through conversation," she says. This balanced approach has allowed her to maintain her integrity while achieving significant career milestones.

Elevating Indigenous Representation in Fashion

ChasingHorse is using her influence to elevate other Native models and artisans. She has formed connections with fellow Indigenous models, creating networks of support within the industry. During Paris Fashion Week, models gathered to honor the tribal hunting season by sharing dried moose meat in a French hotel room, demonstrating how they bring cultural practices into the fashion world.

Her work extends beyond modeling to include supporting Indigenous designers and artisans, creating opportunities for greater representation within the fashion industry. She advocates for more meaningful collaboration between fashion brands and Indigenous communities, pushing for authentic partnerships rather than superficial inclusion.

Expansion into Acting and Film Production

Currently based in Los Angeles, ChasingHorse is working on a script for a feature film. She has acted in the hit TV comedy Reservation Dogs and produced the 2024 documentary Bad River, which she co-narrated with actor Edward Norton. Her transition into film represents a natural evolution of her career, allowing her to tell stories that reflect her cultural heritage and advocate for underrepresented voices.

Her work in film combines her performance skills with her advocacy commitments, creating content that entertains while educating audiences about Indigenous experiences. She views film as another medium through which she can broaden people's worldviews and challenge stereotypes.

Personal Philosophy and Future Aspirations

Despite the fashion industry's flaws, ChasingHorse's passion for fashion remains strong. She recalls moments that remind her why she entered the industry, such as shooting an ad campaign in Venice, reflecting on how far she's come from pretending to be a model with her family. "I want to hold on to that," she says.

Her future aspirations include continuing to expand her influence across multiple media platforms, using her growing reputation to create more opportunities for Indigenous representation and cultural education. She aims to build sustainable pathways for other Indigenous talents to enter fashion and entertainment industries while maintaining their cultural authenticity.

Conclusion: Redefining Beauty and Changing Industry Standards

Quannah ChasingHorse's journey represents a powerful shift in how beauty and cultural representation are defined in the fashion industry. Through her modeling career, advocacy work, and creative projects, she has challenged outdated norms and demonstrated how fashion can be a force for positive change when approached with cultural awareness and respect.

Her willingness to engage with challenging issues rather than avoiding them has created meaningful dialogue within the industry. As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, her influence is likely to extend beyond fashion into broader cultural conversations, inspiring future generations to approach their careers with similar integrity and purpose.