VIFW Bio -
Follow them on Instagram: @chokecherrycreek.
Interview -
How did you learn your skills?
I’ve been sewing since I was about 12 years old. I first learned from my mom, Donna, who was also my teacher in junior high. She is Blackfeet and was a designer herself—she studied Home Economics (now Family and Consumer Science) in college. From her, I learned to use patterns and made my very first prom dress in 8th grade.
Later, I learned to bead from my grandmothers and aunts, and began creating powwow regalia for my family. Those moments taught me patience, attention to detail, and how every stitch and bead carries meaning. That blend of teachings—from my mother’s technical skills to my grandmothers’ traditional artistry—shaped who I am as a designer today.
My name is Angela Howe. I am Apsáalooke (Crow) and Blackfeet, and my brand is Choke Cherry Creek. I create Indigenous fashions for visionaries—people who carry strength, culture, and confidence.
My designs are vibrant and meaningful, blending traditional floral and geometric motifs with a modern edge. Each piece tells a story and celebrates the beauty and resilience of Indigenous identity. My collections often include Apsáalooke designs, beadwork, and art transformed into ready-to-wear dresses, skirts, tops, and one-of-a-kind accessories for the runway.
My mom loved those stories and the act of picking chokecherries each season. It symbolized tradition, nourishment, and connection to the land. She carried that name with pride, and now I carry it forward—honoring her legacy and the Native women who paved the way before me.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
Creating designs and bringing them to life through clothing and beadwork is the most natural and joyful part of what I do. It’s where my creativity flows freely. While I wouldn’t call it “easy,” it’s definitely the part that fuels my passion the most.
The hardest part is balancing all the moving pieces that come with running a small business mostly on my own—design, production, orders, marketing, travel, and family life. Managing time and priorities can be challenging, but I remind myself how grateful I am to be doing what I love.
I’ve been on an incredible Indigenous fashion journey, traveling to new places and connecting with amazing people. One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing confidence bloom in Indigenous models who wear my pieces and watching customers feel beautiful and proud in my designs. Those moments make everything worth it.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is color to your design process?
My inspiration always comes from my people, my culture, and the land. We are spiritual beings deeply connected to Mother Earth—our environment is what sustains and inspires us. I was taught to respect these things and to begin every creation with prayer and good thoughts.
When I create, I design from the heart—from a place of love, reflection, and gratitude for my ancestors. The colors I use often carry cultural meaning. The Crow people, in particular, have strong color symbolism in beadwork, and I stay true to what my grandmothers taught me. Each palette tells a story—it’s more than color; it’s identity.
This year, I am showing my Lateral Kindness Collection, which honors the idea of leading with kindness and respect. In a time where social media and modern life can foster negativity or lateral violence within our own communities, I wanted to use fashion to remind people of our power to uplift one another.
“Lateral Kindness” is about spreading love, compassion, and joy—it’s a call to reconnect through empathy and strength. The collection features ready-to-wear pieces alongside one-of-a-kind beaded accessories, all created by me. The floral prints on the garments come directly from my original beadwork and artwork.
Since I’m showcasing on the first night, which is Red Dress Night, I’ve also woven in red hues to honor our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It’s a collection of healing, remembrance, and beauty.
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
It’s hard to pick just one, but this might be my favorite collection yet. I especially love the floral prints—seeing my beadwork transformed into wearable art has been such a powerful experience.
I tend to wear a lot of black myself, so I love how many of these pieces feature black as a grounding color with bright, bold floral designs. I also included plaid prints inspired by dresses my grandmothers—my kaales—used to wear. It’s my way of honoring them and blending old and new generations of style.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
My designs are available on my website: www.chokecherrycreekdesigns.com. I’ll also have a pop-up shop during Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Whenever possible, I bring Choke Cherry Creek to markets and fashion events, because I love meeting people face-to-face and sharing the stories behind each piece.
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
I’m excited to continue working closely with Indigenous communities, especially with youth. Sharing my journey and showing that it’s possible to dream big, stay rooted, and succeed is very important to me.
I also want to elevate my brand further—creating higher-end pieces, refining my techniques, and expanding my reach. Every year brings new lessons and growth, and I’m embracing that fully.
Being an Indigenous fashion designer has been deeply empowering. Fashion is more than style—it’s storytelling. Through our designs, we’re saying: We are Indigenous. We are beautiful. We are still here. We are resilient. We are powerful.
This movement in Indigenous fashion is about reclaiming identity, inspiring our youth, and carrying forward the legacies of our ancestors. Every piece I make is part of that story.
Aho! (Thank you)
Links -
Website – www.chokecherrycreekdesigns.com
Facebook – Choke Cherry Creek
Instagram – @chokecherrycreek
YouTube – @chokecherrycreek3659
X (Twitter) – @angelarhparrish
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