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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities
Slide Nr 1Art should always be fun, inspiring and – why not – wearable! We round up all manner of beautiful fashion accessories influenced by art and design from native communities around the world. Stick around to check them out!
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 2Muisca-Inspired Earrings – The Muisca were an indigenous people who inhabited what is now Colombia before the Spanish conquista arrived. These sun-shaped earrings, sold by the National Museum of Colombia, are a nod to Muisca religious traditions centred on adoration of the sun – they’re also the perfect start for anyone looking to brighten up their wardrobe. Small, lightweight and versatile, you can pair them with the dressiest of outfits (like a gown and stiletto heels) or the most low-key ones (like jeans and a T-shirt with sneakers).
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 3Ethiopian Shoes – Ethiopian artisans work alongside entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu to craft modern versions of Ethiopia’s barabasso shoes, made with recycled tire rubber. Leaning into sustainability, ethical production practices and maximum comfort, their brand, soleRebels, employs dozens of artisans, providing full medical benefits and education funds for employees and their families. They also offer everyone involved in the production of your vegan shoes wages three times the industry average. Our favourites? The runAROUND FREEDOM bilts.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 4My Country Tis of Thee Sweater – Native American fashion designer Jamie Okuma is of Luiseno, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki and Okinawan ancestry. She specialises in unique, handmade, ready-to-wear pieces – each of which she has worked on herself. This eye-catching sweater, for example, is made from acrylic fleece and digitally printed cotton, and features Sandra Okuma’s painting of the same title. It’s essentially wearable art.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 5PIOPIO x Viajecito Mint Bag – PIOPIO’s goal is to promote traditional Filipino craftsmanship and artistry through their garments and accessories, all made entirely through their partnerships with local communities of artisans and weavers. If you’re into adding splashes of colour in your wardrobe, this is a brand to check out. Our rec: This mint crossover bag. (changed link)
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 6Silk Scarf by Eighth Generation – The people of the First Nations live in a world as fast-paced and modern as anyone else’s, and their clothing choices have to reflect that. Eighth Generation understands that. Owned by the Snoqualmie tribe, the brand makes ready-to-wear items that can complement any wardrobe, while always making sure to offer an ethical alternative to ‘native-inspired’ art and fashion. Take a look at this 100% silk scarf, which was designed by David Robert Boxley, winner of the 2017 Wool Blanket Design Contest.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 7Life Apparel x Tyrown Waigana Straw Hat – Whether you’re planning a surf trip, a wine tasting or a lazy day lounging by the beach, you’re going to need some protection from the sun this summer – and this stunning straw hat from Life Apparel’s collab with Australian First Nations artist Tyrown Waigana is the coolest possible way to stay in the shade. Crafted from 100% natural straw and beautifully printed in microfibre, it’s one-size-fits-all, so no need to worry about fit when you order it.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 8The Amy Sunnies, by Aya Optical – “Celebrating indigenous art” is Aya Optical’s motto, and they make sure to uphold it in every single one of their creations – all of which feature original work from Corine Hunt, renowned Kwakiutl and Tlingit artist of Canada. They also ensure that partial proceeds from their sales are donated to communities in need. Our favourite sunnies? The Amy design, available in three different tones.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 9Identity by Design Book – Ok, yes, so maybe this one’s not exactly an accessory. Rather, it’s a way to sate your thirst for knowledge about indigenous fashion design. Identity by Design: Tradition, Change, and Celebration in Native Women’s Dresses showcases the Smithsonian’s collection of Native American garments, from both the United States and Canada. This book (changed link) is the perfect way to become acquainted with the artistic vision behind the beautiful designs and makers we all love.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 10Bamboo La Flèche Leggings – There’s nothing like finding the perfect pair of leggings, even if you’re just going to be wearing them around the house. The arrow-like (Flèche), flowery design featured on these gorgeous ones from Anne Mulaire’s Heritage Design collection was drawn by Métis artist David Albert, in honour of the connection between the Métis people and the First Nations people. On top of that, the soft bamboo fabric is knit and dyed using fair trade yarn and low-impact, Azo-free dyes.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 11Mola Sasa’s Cuff Bracelet – Yasmin Sabet works closely with different indigeous communities in Colombia to create sustainable crafts and accessories. In partnering with the Kuna, Kankuamo and several other tribes in the region, her brand, Mola Sasa, has become an exponent for tradition and creativity in fashion. Their Sasa Sendero Bajo Kuna bracelet, handcrafted in its totality, features an open cuff shape and a bold geometric pattern – which makes it the perfect statement piece for anyone.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 12Hummingbird Beanie, by Urban Native Era – Is a beanie the easiest thing to steal from someone else’s closet? You let us know when you receive your Hummingbird in the mail. A fan favourite, it’s a unisex design made from the softest of materials, and will be your go-to on any chilly morning – or, you know, bad hair day. Released in 2018, the design is inspired by one of the three animals that make up the creation story of the indigenous people from the San Francisco Bay Area, so when you wear it, you’ll always be carrying a little bit of history with you.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 13EMME Studio’s Sunriver Tote Bag – New York-based label EMME Studio was founded by Korina Emmerich with expression, artistic appreciation and culture in mind. The brand’s clothing and accessories reflect her indigenous heritage from the Puyallup tribe in the American Pacific Northwest; the Sunriver Carry All Tote, for example, is a reflection of her belief in the merging of art, her ancestry and the earth. In addition, EMME Studio supports slow fashion and social responsibility – 100% a brand to stand behind.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 14Guatemalan Convertible Bag – Guatemalan brand Hiptipico is named after the Spanish word típico, meaning ‘typical’. Based in the town of Panajachel, every single Hiptico item is handcrafted by indigenous Mayan artisan communities using sustainable materials of the best quality. What’s more, customers can even trace their items to the individual artisan who made them. The Full Leather Convertible Bag (changed link), for example, was handmade by artisans Juan Carlos and Silvia in a small home workshop, and crafted with full-grain natural leather.
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Indigenous Design: 14 Beautiful Fashion Accessories From Native Communities.
Slide Nr 15Warren Steven Scott’s Mirror Earrings – Warren Steven Scott is a fashion designer, a talented craftsperson and a member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation. These statement mirror earrings, made in acrylic and sterling silver, are just one of his many gorgeous creations for his namesake brand – and if we were you, we wouldn’t hesitate to buy them.
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