Why I Chose a Native American Designer for the 2024 Met Gala

Date: May 6, 2024 | Category: Fashion & Lifestyle

The Significance of This Year’s Theme

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Native American culture and artistry. The theme, inspired by J.G. Ballard’s short story “The Garden of Time,” encouraged guests to bring nature-inspired designs that echo historical garments infused with motifs from the natural world—earth, water, flowers.

My Journey as an Indigenous Fashion Advocate

As a proud Ojibwe woman from Nipissing First Nation in Canada, I felt compelled to use this platform to highlight contemporary Native American design. Indigenous peoples have been preserving and evolving their craftwork for centuries, often incorporating elements of nature into their designs. This year’s theme provided an ideal moment to bring these timeless motifs into the spotlight.

Introducing Jamie Okuma: A Visionary in Contemporary Native Fashion

I immediately thought of Jamie Okuma, a Luiseño and Shoshone-Bannock fashion designer known for her exquisite beadwork and designs displayed at The Met. Her work perfectly embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity—a hallmark of Indigenous artistry.

Designing My Met Gala Outfit

My collaboration with Jamie began months in advance. We discussed our shared affinity for nature-inspired motifs, particularly those prevalent in our respective tribal regions—purple lupines and red Indian paintbrushes from my region in Canada, and similar florals from Okuma’s La Jolla reservation.

• Custom Floral Evening Suit: Jamie designed a bespoke floral evening suit, reverse-appliquéing silk twill photographs of our favorite flowers onto the garment. This technique is steeped in tradition, mirroring older Indigenous pieces crafted by hand before sewing machines were widely accessible.
• Blazer with Silk-Satin Lining: The jacket was lined with an original Okuma design printed on silk satin, adding a modern twist to traditional elements.
• Inspired Trousers: Drawing inspiration from Indigenous breechcloths, the trousers featured an asymmetrical panel adorned with crystals and ribbons, showcasing Ojibwe style with a contemporary edge.

The Antique Beaded Bag: A Symbol of History Reawakened

Jamie restored a 100-year-old Ojibwe-style beaded bag. This piece was reimagined as a bandolier, complete with new straps featuring spiked Swarovski crystals and ribbons—a nod to the past while embracing modern aesthetics.

Wearing Culture with Pride

Dressed in this ensemble on the Met Gala red carpet, I felt deeply connected to my heritage. It was an honor to wear a piece that not only celebrated Indigenous artistry but also represented history and its enduring spirit.

The Broader Impact

This year’s Met Gala showcased incredible Native talent with stars like Lily Gladstone and Quannah Chasinghorse making significant cultural impacts. However, the opportunity for Native designers to shine remains rare. By collaborating with Jamie Okuma, I aimed to highlight what Indigenous designers can achieve when given a platform.

Conclusion: A Step Forward in Cultural Representation

This Met Gala was more than just an evening of fashion; it was a statement—a celebration of Indigenous artistry and its rightful place on the global stage. Jamie Okuma’s work exemplifies how Native designers can innovate while honoring tradition, ensuring our stories continue to inspire future generations.

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