From the Red Carpet to the National Museum of the American Indian
By • March 5, 2025 0 274
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Two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) are on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The special installation, “Making a Statement,” will be on view through March 2026. Join us for these weekend programs:
Both gowns were a custom collaboration, designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork. The gowns were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.
Detailed image by Smithsonian Imaging Services, DPO/ODT
One gown, worn by Gladstone to the Oscars ceremony, is midnight-blue velvet with a porcupine-quill neckline and a matching cape with 216 hand-quilled and beaded petals. The second gown was worn to the Vanity Fair Oscars party that same evening. It is a black corseted dress with chevron-patterned beaded fringe and porcupine-quill neckline. The intricate design features 24 carat gold-plated beads, glass beads and brass sequins.
The porcupine quillwork featured on both gowns is an intricate Native design art that is unique to North America. Quilling techniques are passed down within families and communities. The historic collaboration protected this Indigenous knowledge, and the quillwork was done exclusively by Big Mountain and his team of Native artists.
Public Programs
Free | National Museum of the American Indian
Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
After Hours: Celebrating Indigenous Fashion
The museum hosts a special after-hours event in celebration of “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. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating Indigenous Fashion
Celebrate the power and beauty of Indigenous fashion and design. Hear from Indigenous designers who create looks at the intersection of Indigenous tradition and contemporary fashion and support their work. Visitors can get a close look at a first-of-its-kind collaboration between quillwork artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) and haute couture brand Gucci, and appreciate contemporary Indigenous fashion with a unique showcase.
Visit AmericanIndian.si.edu for event updates.
