DURANGO, Colo.鈥� The Department of Native American & Indigenous Studies hosted its inaugural fashion showcase in the Center of Southwest Studies鈥� main gallery, celebrating student-made wearable art from the semester-long course Native American Art & Culture, co-taught by lecturer Esther Belin and professor Majel Boxer.
鈥淚n today鈥檚 fashion show, you will experience a vibrant display of Indigenous clothing. Students not only walk in style, but in strength,鈥� said Esther Belin addressing a standing-room-only audience at the start of the event. 鈥淓very design you see is more than just fabric and thread. It is a thread of Indigenous identity, survival, and revival. Our models and artists are bringing to life a movement鈥攁 return to tradition, a reclaiming of heritage, and a bold step into the future.鈥�
In the course, students practiced techniques from several Native art traditions and produced a cultural arts portfolio featuring ledger art, loom beadwork, dolls, moccasins, and apparel design鈥攁ll on display during the showcase. Through field trips and research, students also examined how societal change and cultural interpretation have shaped and complicated understandings of Native art鈥攂oth historically and in contemporary contexts.
The fashion show featured student designs across five categories: traditional ribbon skirts, men鈥檚 ribbon and Navajo-style shirts, custom-inspired tribal looks, m谩s谩n铆 (Din茅-styled) skirts, and Southern Plains men's shirts. Additional displays at the gallery鈥檚 entrance showcased student-created moccasins and dolls from their portfolios.
With more than 115 attendees and 20 student designers鈥攊ncluding two additional models showcasing their peers鈥� work鈥攖he showcase became a powerful platform for creative expression and cultural pride.
Senior Naomi Grey (鈥�24), an English major from the Osage Nation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is minoring in Native American & Indigenous Studies, earning a Museum Management certificate, and interning at the Center of Southwest Studies. She said her inspiration for designing a ribbon skirt came from her cousin.
鈥淪he makes her own ribbon skirts, and honestly, I was just so inspired by her because she's like an older sister,鈥� Grey said. 鈥淲hen I told her I was learning to make one, she was so excited.鈥�
Grey chose fabric with special significance: brown with white shooting stars. 鈥淚 thought of how the Osages come from the stars鈥攚e descended from the stars. Part of our creation story is that we landed on Earth, which we call the Sacred One.鈥�
She also painted a red line across her forehead, a powerful symbol within her culture. 鈥淭he red paint represents the sun鈥檚 path on Earth. It means life, longevity鈥攚hen life intersects with anything and everything,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e usually wear it when planting or at ceremonies but today was important to me. I was the only Osage woman there, and I wanted it to be significant.鈥�
To honor her cousin, Grey included both of their favorite colors in the ribbon skirt. 鈥淭he first thing you make, you usually gift to someone,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o I think I鈥檓 going to gift this skirt to her.鈥�
Reflecting on her process, Grey shared, 鈥淎s an Indigenous woman, especially an Osage woman, creation is one of the biggest strengths and gifts women give to our community. Knowing how to make something with your own hands is one of the best things you can do for yourself.鈥�
After the show, co-instructor Majel Boxer, Ph.D., praised the students鈥� efforts and accomplishments. 鈥淚鈥檓 so excited for them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey put so much time and energy into creating their garments. I know they鈥檙e proud鈥攁nd they should be.鈥�