DURANGO, Colo.— The Department of Native American & Indigenous Studies hosted its inaugural fashion showcase in the Center of Southwest Studies’ 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.
“In today’s fashion show, you will experience a vibrant display of Indigenous clothing. Students not only walk in style, but in strength,” said Esther Belin addressing a standing-room-only audience at the start of the event. “Every 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—a return to tradition, a reclaiming of heritage, and a bold step into the future.”
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—all 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—both historically and in contemporary contexts.
The fashion show featured student designs across five categories: traditional ribbon skirts, men’s ribbon and Navajo-style shirts, custom-inspired tribal looks, másání (Diné-styled) skirts, and Southern Plains men's shirts. Additional displays at the gallery’s entrance showcased student-created moccasins and dolls from their portfolios.
With more than 115 attendees and 20 student designers—including two additional models showcasing their peers’ work—the showcase became a powerful platform for creative expression and cultural pride.
Senior Naomi Grey (’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.
“She makes her own ribbon skirts, and honestly, I was just so inspired by her because she's like an older sister,” Grey said. “When I told her I was learning to make one, she was so excited.”
Grey chose fabric with special significance: brown with white shooting stars. “I thought of how the Osages come from the stars—we descended from the stars. Part of our creation story is that we landed on Earth, which we call the Sacred One.”
She also painted a red line across her forehead, a powerful symbol within her culture. “The red paint represents the sun’s path on Earth. It means life, longevity—when life intersects with anything and everything,” she said. “We 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.”
To honor her cousin, Grey included both of their favorite colors in the ribbon skirt. “The first thing you make, you usually gift to someone,” she said. “So I think I’m going to gift this skirt to her.”
Reflecting on her process, Grey shared, “As 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.”
After the show, co-instructor Majel Boxer, Ph.D., praised the students’ efforts and accomplishments. “I’m so excited for them,” she said. “They put so much time and energy into creating their garments. I know they’re proud—and they should be.”