Indigenous Couture and Style

The museum hosts a special after-hours event in celebration of the special installation “Making a Statement.” Visitors can see the special installation, appreciate contemporary Indigenous fashion with a unique showcase, participate in hands-on activities by visiting teaching carts, and enjoy music by DJ Jon Ray all evening. Light food and beverages (including beer and wine) available for purchase.

Enjoy an evening of conversation with Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) and Sunshine Big Mountain (Oneida Nation) of Ironhorse Quillwork, and Jason Rembert, designer and stylist of Aliette. They will discuss the historic collaboration between Ironhorse Quillwork and Gucci that resulted in the custom gowns worn by Native actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at the 96th Academy Awards. Moderated by Christian Allaire (Ojibwe), Senior Fashion and Style Writer at Vogue.

Actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) turned the spotlight on Indigenous luxury design to celebrate her extraordinary milestone as the first Native American nominated for Best Actress. She dazzled at the 96th Academy Awards in opulent custom Gucci gowns with porcupine quillwork by Big Mountain. The gowns will be on display at the museum in a special installation, Making a Statement, through spring 2026.

Please note: this program will be recorded and livestreamed on the museum's website and YouTube channel.

UPDATE: Tickets are now sold out. Please join us via livestream.

Reserve your spot now to guarantee a seat in our theater for this conversation!

Visit our calendar for more information about this after hours event.

Can't make it or want more?

Join us Saturday, March 15 for a day of Indigenous Fashion! (AmericanIndian.si.edu/calendar)

10 AM-5 PM: Indigenous Fashion Showcase with contemporary Indigenous fashion designers: Dorothy Grant (Haida), Bethany Yellowtail (Apsáalooke [Crow/Absaroke]/Northern Tsitsistas/Suhtai [Cheyenne]), Lauren Good Day (Arikara/Hidatsa/Blackfeet/Plains Cree), and Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche). Fashion items will be available for purchase.

1-2:30 PM: Designer Panel and Q&A with Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Dorothy Grant, Bethany Yellowtail, Joe Big Mountain, and Lauren Good Day. Moderated by Christian Allaire.

Please note: this program will be recorded and livestreamed on the museum's website and YouTube channel.

Host or Publisher Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian