Every September, people from all over head to Cody, Wyoming for the annual Rendezvous Royale - a boot scootin' week full of high end western art and culture. The Cody High Style fashion show has become one of the week's highlights, with 'western chic' taking center stage.
One designer was
Mildred Carpenter. Originally from the Great Cheyenne River Sioux Nation in Eagle Butte, SD, Carpenter creates dresses in vibrant colors and mesmerizing combinations that fuse Western wear with powwow chic and high fashion for her label, MILDJ.
Mildred Carpenter won the highest award at the Cody High Style show for Peoples Choice 2012. Last weekend, she also won the 2012 He Sapa Style Show Designer of the Year award in Rapid City for the second year in a row. Carpenter's designs also include adorable children's clothing, and she's quick to include our youth on the runway:
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Adorable kids clothing |
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Turquoise blue cocktail style dress paired with a jacket. |
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Vibrant red strapless top and fire colored blanket pattern
mini paired with a striking beaded choker necklace. |
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Blue dress with front design embellished with flowing ribbon work. |
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Autumn hues are highlighted in this dress and Pendleton bolero,
paired with a modern concho belt and beaded choker statement necklace. |
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Carpenter gives a wave to the audience for the finale. |
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Mildred Carpenter with models at the He Sapa fashion show, 2012. |
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here to read more. See more images by clicking
here. Find Cody High Style on Facebook by clicking
here. (All photos by Dewey Vanderhoff).