BY TEANA WAGNER
The Towering Stone brand embodies the notion that self-expression is a potent form of self-expression. This men’swear label redefines luxury by blending strength, resilience, and culture into every piece. It was founded by Loren Aragon, an artist and revolutionary from the Acoma Pueblo. Aragon celebrates the enduring spirit of his people by combining classic and contemporary elements through the Towering Stone movement.
Aragon was raised on the Acoma reservation, one of the oldest continually inhabited communities in the United States. He was deeply influenced by the lineage culture of his Pueblo through the work of his grandmothers, his aunts, and his mother’s original instruction. These influences gave birth to his artistic style, which led to the development of his second label, ACONAV, a couture fashion line celebrating women’s empowerment.
ACONAV’s designs have appeared on the runways of Plitz’s NYC Fashion Week, Native Fashion in the City in Denver, and Phoenix Fashion Week, as well as an exhibit with Disney. Indigenous actresses Tinsel Korey and Grace Dove have likewise worn the brand, which was named Phoenix Fashion Week’s Designer of the Year, on red carpets. Nonetheless, the pandemic caused Aragon to shift his focus away from his native New Mexico, where he launched Towering Stone, a men’swear line named in honor of the Acoma Pueblo’s persistent stone structures.
” Many guys were starting to pester me about wanting to look as good as the women,” Aragon said. Towering Stone combines traditional Pueblo artistry with modern tailoring to produce daring, refined pieces that are inspired by Acoma pottery’s geometric patterns and colors. Menswear presents itself more as a challenge. I think men are more picky about what they wear, Aragon said, citing how he incorporates subtle details into collars and cuffs to catch the eye while still maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. ACONAV and Towering Stone both draw heavily from the Aragonian past, blending contemporary design with standard artistry. Towering Stone emphasizes strength and individuality, while ACONAV celebrates women’s empowerment, giving men a platform to connect with their culture and share their personal stories. We want men to build on their personal accomplishments and responsibilities, Aragon said.
Beyond the runway, Aragon recently accepted a new position as the Acoma Pueblo’s ethnic leader, where he currently serves as the first lieutenant governor. You can never say never, Aragon said,” I never thought I’d be a cultural leader.” It “reconnects me with my community,” I said. Aragon makes a powerful connection between fashion and leadership, stressing that both require a thorough understanding of identity and representation. Being absent for so long has opened my eyes to what our people need and what people can expect of me to do to support the growth of our country, he said. The designs of Aragon show his commitment to the preservation and diffusion of his culture.
” Those years where I started regaining my cultural and artistic heritage were kind of a wake-up call,” he said. This needs to be preserved, I suppose. I create fashion with a purpose behind it. Aragon continues to be optimistic about the future of Towering Stone despite having a shop, an online store, and plans to grow his collection. He said,” I really have to concentrate on what’s on my plate ] first and have plenty of time to be creative.” His simple advice to young indigenous designers is to” Be true to yourself and share your culture with the world.” With its sharp lines and rich ethnic diversity, Towering Stone stands out.
It’s intended for a personality, according to Aragon. Through his leadership and designs, Loren Aragon continues to honor his heritage while inspiring a new generation of Aboriginal representation in haute couture. Follow Towering Stone on Instagram at @toweringstone, and visit their website for more information. Toweringstone .com
