Native American fashion and fashion shows are continuing to rise in popularity, steadily seeing more of the attention it deserves it the art world. From traditional and contemporary clothing designs to jewelry and accessories like hats, scarves and bags, this buyer’s guide gives a glance at current, available fashion pieces made by Indigenous artists from all walks of life. While some designers have work that is steeped in traditional ways, others prefer to add a contemporary flare that speaks more to the modern world. Either way, we find these inspired artists and designers to be at the top of their trade and paving the way for more Native representation in the fashion industry.
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Zefren-M Textiles & Jewelry
“The life of a Mud Clan individual is one of continuing contradiction, modeled on both old clanship expectations and the need to redefine those conventions,” says designer Ephraim Anderson (Navajo), otherwise known as Zefren-M. “I look at the entire span of body coverings and history to fulfill the client’s needs. I love the dance that happens on the table when the garment is born from the lines, the laws of natural proportions, history, my knowledge and the client’s body.” Pictured here is Zefren’s Shiprock Agency Walking Outfit made of linen and cotton calico from a 19th-century pattern draft. Also seen are Manuelito’s Court Breeches made of silk, velvet and cotton gauze.
P.O. Box 2703 » Shiprock, NM 87420, (505) 320-1115 » zm@zefren-m.com » www.zefren-m.com
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Gloria Fain
Navajo textile artist Gloria Fain has been experimenting with fashion textile only recently. “I love working with various materials and challenging myself to learn new skills such as sewing and woodworking,” she says. “Having the creative vision is easy but actually working with the material is cumbersome. Weaving will always be my favorite skill and I hope to share with the world my latest inventions, especially the younger generations. It’s a blessing to continue our Native art, but to be able to make contemporary fashion pieces by pushing the boundaries.”
(480) 371-4306 » gloriajeantextiles@gmail.com » www.gloriajeantextiles.com
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Sissel’s Jewelry
Green Necklace, Crescent Valley Turquoise
221 W. San Francisco Street » Santa Fe, NM 87501 » (505) 471-3499 » sales@sisselsjewelry.com
www.sisselsjewelry.com
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Jennifer Younger Designs
“I incorporate Tlingit designs into my jewelry, as a way to learn more about my heritage,” says jewelry artist Jennifer Younger. “I am fulfilling my dream of pursuing something related to traditional Tlingit art, while having the freedom to express my own style.” Younger draws inspiration from traditional Tlingit form line designs, historic artifacts, spruce root basket weaving patterns, and from the contrast and texture of metals. “The pieces created start with sheet metal of mostly silver or copper,” she says. “Everything is cut and shaped by hand. The wooden tools used to shape the jewelry are all handmade as well. Each engraved creation is made solely by me, engraved freehand and one-of-a-kind.”
www.jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
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Sequoyah Fund
Hosted by the Sequoyah Fund is the annual Kananesgi Art Market & Fashion Show, bringing recognition to Native artists in the southeastern U.S. “Our artists and designers take their traditions and craft them into modern day, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect what it means to be Indigenous,” says representatives. Pictured here is one such piece by artist Sew Tsalagi (Cherokee); a gorgeous, sleeveless dress with a colorful, geometric pattern accented with black tulle at the hem.
(828) 359-5005 » hopehuskey@sequoyahfund.org » www.kananesgi.com
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Sugiit Lukxs Designs
This piece is a one of a kind Sugiit Lukxs Original from Yolonda Skelton’s (Gitxsan Nation) Ancestral Threads Collectione called Resilient Heart; a black silk lined, red Italian cashmere cape with Mandarin collar, stitched arm holes, with an ultrasuede fireweed design in a cream and black ocelot print. “I chose the fireweed flower design because in my culture, it is considered an incredibly resilient medicinal flower that heals the heart. My hope is when it is wrapped around you, its healing energy transforms any negative emotions.”
7376 Halifax Street Burnaby » BC, Canada V5A 1M5 » sugiitlukxsdesigns@gmail.com » www.sugiitlukxsdesigns.com
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Delina White
Delina White (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe [Anishinaabe]), owner of IamAnishinaabe, is a fashion designer and producer, and Indigenous materials jewelry maker and beadwork artist. She is dedicated to creating traditional designs with a contemporary style and one-of-a-kind jewelry made of natural materials. Inspired by the Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes Woodlands, the bark of the birch tree has been used traditionally for baskets, canoes, rattles and wigwams. The simple designs and structural complexity of the white/gray silver toned outer bark with black horizontal lines draws you in for a closer look. “The contrasting inner bark is a rich orange-brown, adding to the complexity of the lovely Northern species adapted to colder climates,” says White. “The stiff and spiny leaves of the cedar tree blossoms in the fall, ranging in shades from light, bright green to dark green, blue-green and silver-gray is another intriguing relative, and is sometimes combined with heirloom vintage, trade and gemstone beads for adornment.”
iamanishinaabe@gmail.com » www.iamanishinaabe.com
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Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC)
Pe’eh’cha (Let it Rain), is a collection that combines ancient Acoma Pottery design elements and the inspiration from the monsoon rains, created by Loren Aragon (Acoma) and represented by MIAC. Designs in this collection embrace the powerful elegance of a growing storm highlighted by the change from day to evening hues and the droplets that glisten against a night sky; seen in the dress here, Droplets, made of custom printed jersey knit with sparkle mesh. Designs will be available at Native Treasures Art Market.
(480) 329-2112 » info@aconav.com » www.aconav.com
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Inspired by LCR Designs
Inspired by LCR designs includes a combination of contemporary, haute couture and statement pieces incorporating owner Lisa C. Redford’s original artwork to create an edgy look with an Indigenous flair. “The designs are inspired by my heritage which includes Hidatsa and Eastern Cherokee/Chickasaw descendancy,” she explains. “I am an enrolled member of the MHA Nation in North Dakota. The design pictured here is referred to as ‘the Vine’ and originated from an acrylic painting. Sizes are available in extras small to 3X, and includes leggings, shirts, beanies and gloves, available in jersey knit and velour.
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Heard Museum Shop
Add edgy sophistication to any ensemble with these titanium cuffs by Pat Pruitt (Laguna). Pruitt, based in the village of Paguate in Laguna Pueblo, is renowned for his contemporary, avant-garde style in innovative materials, evolving jewelry making processes and pushing the boundaries of Indigenous design. Pruitt has placed first and second at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market respectively. This picture was taken by Megan Richmond for the Heard Museum.
2301 N. Central Avenue » Phoenix, AZ 85004 » (602) 346-8190 » www.heardmuseumshop.com
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