Native Fashion

Native Fashion features traditional garments, powwow regalia, streetwear, accessories, haute couture, photography, and contemporary art by national and local Indigenous designers alongside examples from the Spencer Museum's collection. The exhibition highlights the artistic richness of wearable artworks and their connection to historical and contemporary culture as expressions of tribal and personal identity. An accompanying runway show will showcase the talent of contemporary makers and remind visitors that display cases are not the natural context for Indigenous apparel. The exhibition examines the role fashion and adornment play in Indigenous lifeways through four themes that were developed in collaboration with a team of Native community advisors:

“Resilience” features Indigenous genius through innovation, technology, and resourceful use of materials, including how trade among Native groups and later Europeans affected craft, design, and embellishment.

“Representation” celebrates the diversity that exists among the 573+ federally recognized Tribes, featuring various styles of traditional and contemporary dress while educating the public about the differences between cultural appropriation and appreciation.

“Politics” discusses the ways colonization, government policies, and activism have affected Indigenous identity and dress, including why American flag motifs were incorporated into beadwork and how activist groups utilize wearable symbols for awareness and solidarity.

“Community” highlights artists, designers, and storytellers within our local Indigenous community. A workshop space allows people to gather, sit and relax, make art, touch material samples, and browse Native fashion publications.

This exhibition and related programming are supported by a KU Racial Equity Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award and a City of Lawrence Community Arts Grant.