Native American Fashion Designers Blazing International Runways
Native American fashion refers to fashion that is designed by Native Americans in the United States, and it is part of a movement known as Indigenous Fashion of the Americas.
Native American designers made their mark in the mainstream fashion industry in the 1940s and 1950s, introducing a unique pan-Indian approach. By incorporating themes from Indigenous cultures, these designers gained acceptance from mainstream buyers and carved a niche for themselves. They expanded their market by expressing their individual cultural identity and incorporating cultural icons into their works. Some even transformed historical garments into contemporary versions by altering necklines, sleeve lengths, hemlines, and other specific features.
One such designer is Melrene Saloy from the Blood Tribe of Southern Alberta, Canada. She is the owner and chief designer of Native Diva Creations. Her artistic influences come primarily from the beading traditions of her family, the Blackfoot people and the land. Melrene is primarily a beading artist and jewellery maker, and she skillfully blends traditional and modern jewellery styles, creating unique and intriguing everyday accessories. Melrene’s talent has been recognized on numerous prestigious platforms, including New York Fashion Week and the Paris Fashion Week, underscoring the global impact of Native American fashion.
Another designer, Livia Manywounds, founded Dancing Storm Designs from the Tsuut’ina (Dene) and Siksika (Blackfoot) Nations in Southern Alberta. Her custom creations are one-of-a-kind pieces rooted in Indigenous culture. Her focus is on formal wear with an indigenous touch. She was featured as a runway designer for Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto in June 2022. Her talent and dedication were recognized when she received the 2019 Community Futures Treaty 7 – Indigenous Business Builder Series Award, and she was featured in the Globe, inspiring many with her achievements.
Fashion designer Leatham presented her brand – Yanggurdi – on the runway at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair’s Country To Couture runway, gaining international exposure and recognition for Indigenous fashion.
This Indigenous designer launched Yanggurdi at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2022 and has been featured on nine national and international runways showcasing her collections. She has piqued people’s curiosity and interest in sustainability, the development of native fibres, fabrics and upcycling. From basic design to streetwear to weaved wearable art and now upcycled bush solar dyed, Cassie has taken time building and developing the label into a sustainable and ethical brand. Yanggurdi has embraced the process of upcycled bush solar dye – a sustainable dyeing process that uses natural dyes extracted from plants found in the Australian bush. The dyeing process also uses solar energy, thereby reducing the garments’ carbon footprint.
In this way, Indigenous Fashion of the Americas, just like African fashion, has become a force to be reckoned with in mainstream fashion today. At African Gift Shop, we offer a range of African-themed fashion ensembles that will make your wardrobe unique and colorful. To order from our unique and eclectic pieces, please visit www.myafricangiftshop.com.
