The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in NYC has two events this week that explore fashion and culture.
-PJ Gach
Nate Francis/Unék Photography
Orlando Dugi (Diné [Navajo]), cape, dress, and headdress from "Desert Heat" collection, 2012. Silk, organza, feathers, beads, and 24k gold; feathers, beads, and silver; porcupine quills and feathers. On view in the “Native Fashion Now” exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center in New York from Feb. 17, 2017, to Sept. 4, 2017
Downtown, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is hosting two fashion-related events this week. They're part of the Native Fashion Now exhibit that runs until September 4, 2017.
The Power of Native Design -- Thursday, April 20th --It's a runway fashion show that highlights Native American designers Dorothy Grant (Haida), Jamie Okuma (Luiseño/Shoshone Bannock) and Bethany Yellowtail (Apsaálooke/Northern Cheyenne). Designs in th e show are from the fashion designers latest collections. The event starts at 6 pm. Seating is first come, first available. The cost is free.
Native/American Fashion: Inspiration, Appropriation, and Cultural Identity--Sunday, April 22--It's co-sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. The all-day event will have speakers from the fashion world, academia, legal scholars and editors. The theme of the symposium is, "fashion as a creative endeavor and an expression of cultural identity; the history of Native fashion; issues of problematic cultural appropriation in the field; and examples of creative collaborations and best practices between Native designers and fashion brands." Speakers include: Anna Blume, Daniel James Cole, Joe Horse Capture, Adrienne Keene, Karen Kramer, Jessica Metcalfe, Douglas Miles, Lynette Nylander, Virgil Ortiz, Sherry Farrell Racette, Susan Scafidi, and Timothy Shannon. Moderated by Kathleen Ash-Milby, Eileen Karp, and Amy Werbel.
Click here for the symposium program. The program is free, but RSVPs are strongly suggested. You may RSVP by calling (212) 514-3750 or sending an email to NYRSVP@si.edu. The event runs from 10:30am to 5 pm.
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is located at One Bowling Green, inside the the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. The hours ar 10am to 5pm daily, Thursdays open until 8 pm. Admission is free. For directions, information on exhibits and more, please visit their site.