Recent Collection, 2024 Photographer/Editor: Tira Howard Model: Ember Whitford
“I’m an artist first, in my mind, and a designer second,” says Elias Not Afraid (Apsaalooké). The artist is known for his stunning contemporary and traditional beadwork, ledger art and clothing designs.
“To me, as a designer, I wouldn’t be able to create or design fabrics, garments [and other] pieces if I didn’t have some artist background beforehand. My first medium is beadwork. I later focused on designs as I grew and applied it to my beadwork and ledger art, later incorporating it into my clothing.”
Not Afraid describes his designs as “loud and confident with an edge.” His pieces range from light and simple to loud and eclectic.
“I’m currently working on a collection that’s going to take me some time,” he says, adding that he will be beading each garment by himself. “I don’t have a team of people working for me or working on the items for me, nor do I hire a graphic design artist to make fabric prints for me. I do it all on my own. This next collection is honoring my Apsaalooké heritage while fusing my personal aesthetics with punk/goth vibes into the items as well. There will be more geometric designs fused with my beadwork imagery.”—
Instagram: @eliasnotafraid
Facebook: Elias Jade NotAfraid
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