Candace Toledo, a talented artist hailing from Wyoming, has made a remarkable impact on the world of fashion and cultural expression. Her clothing line, Whiteplume Creations, seamlessly blends her personal creativity with the rich heritage of her Navajo roots and various northern native influences. From homecoming dances to the prestigious Carnegie Hall stage, Toledo's designs have captivated audiences nationwide, showcasing the beauty and diversity of indigenous art.

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation

Grandma's Guiding Hand

Raised by her grandmother, Alice Henry, in New Mexico, Toledo was immersed in the world of art from an early age. "I get a lot of creativity from my grandma," she shares. "She also has taught me a lot about patience." Henry's income as a rug weaver provided for the family, and Toledo learned from her the importance of tying one's creativity to their culture, profession, and values.

Discovering Her Passion

Toledo's artistic journey took an unexpected turn when her daughter, Zariah, needed dresses for powwows and hoop dancing. Discovering a newfound passion for dressmaking, Toledo became a self-taught seamstress, creating unique designs and providing dresses to others outside her family. "If I'm struggling with something, or I'm confused about a measurement or a pattern, I love the fact that I'm always able to reach out to other seamstresses for help," she says, embracing the collaborative nature of her craft.

Freestyling Masterpieces

Toledo's design process is a captivating blend of spontaneity and intentionality. She describes her approach as "freestyling," where each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation. "I just go with the flow when I'm creating," she explains. "I will just put out a random design and sew it together. Sometimes, I'm not content with it, and I'll add more to the design. It is similar to painting, but in this case, we're working with applique designs and ribbon."

Showcasing Native Artistry

Toledo's designs have graced stages and screens across the United States and even into Canada. Musician Abraham Thomas wore one of her original shirts when he performed at New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2022, and she has created jingle dresses for short films featured on Disney+ and at the Calgary International Film Festival. Each piece she creates tells a story, a personal expression of her artistry and cultural heritage.

Preserving Jingle Dance Tradition

The jingle dresses Toledo crafts are a testament to the rich history of Native American culture. Originating nearly a century ago, the jingle dance was born from the dream of an Ojibwe medicine man, who saw four women in jingle dresses dancing to heal his sick granddaughter. Toledo's intricate designs, featuring rows of metal cones that create a melodic rhythm as the dancers move, honor this powerful tradition.

Expanding the Artistic Horizon

Toledo's creative vision extends beyond traditional garments, as she embraces a diverse range of commissions, from wedding dresses to modern apparel. "I'm always wanting to try creating other different dresses and projects because I just want to do something unique," she says, "just to see if I was able to do it." Whether it's a homecoming gown or a ribbon shirt, Toledo's dedication to craftsmanship and cultural expression shines through in every creation.As Candace Toledo continues to push the boundaries of her art, her impact on the world of fashion and cultural preservation grows ever stronger. Through her Whiteplume Creations, she shares a profound connection to Native American heritage, inspiring others to celebrate the beauty and diversity of indigenous artistry.