Fashion and advocacy collide this season as the Sky Eagle Collection takes center stage at the Break Free Foundation’s “Recovery on the Runway”, happening on February 8th at Judson Memorial in New York City. This groundbreaking partnership between designer Dante Biss-Grayson and the Break Free Foundation promises to redefine the runway, weaving together cultural heritage, resilience, and a powerful message of recovery.
Founded by Dante Biss-Grayson, a Native American artist, veteran, and advocate, the Sky Eagle Collection is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Created in collaboration with his wife and muse, Yanti, and named after their daughter, the brand is rooted in a deep commitment to family, art, and community.
For Biss-Grayson, fashion is more than an aesthetic pursuit; it’s a medium for storytelling. “We are still here,” he often declares—a powerful mantra reflecting his mission to amplify Native voices, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire future generations. His designs transcend traditional fashion, incorporating painting, poetry, and sculpture elements to create wearable art that speaks to identity and resilience.
At “Recovery on the Runway,” Sky Eagle Collection will debut a stunning capsule that marries modern elegance with cultural storytelling. Expect couture lace ribbon dresses and contemporary designs infused with Indigenous motifs, each celebrating heritage and perseverance.
“This collection is about honoring resilience, truth-telling, and the power of pushing boundaries,” says Biss-Grayson. As a veteran who has found healing through art, his work not only challenges the stigma surrounding recovery but also shines a light on the often-overlooked intersections of mental health, addiction, and community advocacy.
The showcase will feature more than just breathtaking fashion. Ashley Callingbull, the first Indigenous woman crowned Miss Universe Canada, will walk the runway as a beacon of empowerment and representation. Adding to the cultural richness, Madeline Goodfox and Gigi Sieke of the Osage Nation will perform a traditional dance, honoring the beauty of Osage culture and reinforcing the show’s celebration of storytelling through art.
The collaboration between Sky Eagle and Break Free highlights the transformative power of art and advocacy. As part of Break Free’s mission to destigmatize mental health and substance use recovery, the runway becomes a space for voices that often go unheard. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Break Free Foundation’s scholarship fund, which helps individuals access life-saving treatment.
“Collaborating with Break Free is a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity,” says Biss-Grayson. “It’s about creating a space where stories are told, recovery is celebrated, and we can inspire a new generation to embrace their journeys.”
The Sky Eagle Collection and Break Free Foundation are setting a new standard in an industry often criticized for its lack of inclusivity. By centering recovery and resilience, they’re not just showcasing fashion—they’re building a movement. For Biss-Grayson, it’s a chance to prove that fashion can be beautiful and transformative, a vehicle for cultural preservation and social change.
“Recovery on the Runway” is more than a fashion show—it celebrates humanity, creativity, and the power of second chances. Be there to witness Sky Eagle soar and experience the fusion of fashion and advocacy that’s redefining the future of New York Fashion Week.
Tickets are available now at eventbrite.com. Use code TSC for 50% off your Virtual Ticket Order.
WALK YOUR TALK: Breaking Barriers: The Break Free Foundation’s Runway Show Redefines Recovery at New York Fashion Week
WALK YOUR TALK: Fashion with a sober twist. Welcome to the ultimate destination for fashion-forward sober living, led by the stylish trio Kate Vitela, Alexandra Nyman, and Alysse Bryson. This unique space is a must-read for sober fashionistas redefining what it means to live vibrantly alcohol-free. Featuring fresh takes on fashion, this section of TSC celebrates the thrill of getting dressed and styled without the influence of pre-funk or party drinks. It’s all about embracing sobriety with confidence, dismantling stereotypes, and affirming that a sober lifestyle can be as bold, fun, and fabulous as any other.
Recovery is hard 24/7, 365 – Please know that resources are available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources. If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
