Turpin gains friends, confidence at Lenape Fashion Summit

Keilyn Turpin was one of two Oklahomans chosen out of more than 3,000 Indigenous model submissions for the Teton Trade Cloth by Lenape Fashion Summit 2023, held April 21-22, at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

As a member of the Comanche Nation tribe, she said the show has helped her delve into her cultural background and provided her with a stronger sense of community.

Eleven designers from throughout the country were able to choose their models, and most had between seven to 11 models, she said. Turpin was chosen by designer Michelle Luna, a Dine´ artist from New Mexico. Her fashion line is Bitterwater for Redhouse. Michelle’s designs are wearable art. Everything Turpin wore on the runway was handcrafted, from head to toe – earrings, dress and shoes.

“It was really exciting because I like being around people that share the same culture I do. It was a learning experience, the things I was taught by the older people, like the jewelry skills.”

Turpin, 17, will be a junior at Marlow High School this upcoming year. She’s the daughter of Shelby and Chance Turpin, earning her Native American roots from her father.

Yet, her mother also has provided her with the inquisitiveness needed for a young Native American woman in a world that isn’t always kind. “She really got more interested when the news focused on missing and murdered indigenous women,” Shelby said. “I went to school in Anadarko. A classmate and friend of mine was murdered in Carnegie. We graduated together in 2006.”

That friend was Cindy Rose Kaudlekaule of Carnegie and she was murdered in October 2017. To this day, it remains a cold case.

“Whenever my mom told me about one of her friends … I started researching other women.” Being accepted into the Fashion Summit was a way for Turpin to understand just how serious and widespread the problem of missing and murdered indigenous women has become. “It’s amazing to meet all these other girls and to support the girls who lost their lives. I would like to get more involved.” Even though cosmetology is on her career goal list, she also likes English and writing. She’s hoping to use that to bring more attention to the MMIW effort.

“I’m happy that she got into it and that she cares. Fashion, aesthetic, is what she’s already liked,” said her mother.

Turpin also was impressed by the director of the show. Just listening and watching her during the event helped Turpin’s confidence grow. “I’m very shy around people, but will do it again. I enjoy being around them.”

She will be attending the Red River Technology Center this next year for cosmetology.

“if you’re too scared to try new things, it’s not as scary as you think. You might find out it’s something you like.”