As an aspiring fashion designer, I am personally horrified at how my industry [mis]represents different cultures around the world (Karlie Kloss at the most recent Victoria’s Secret fashion show, anyone?). We don’t seem to care enough, and I refuse to become a part of that statistic.
So I came across this website, called Beyond Buckskin Boutique, created by a Native American, for Natives and non-Natives alike. Native American artists come together to share their culture with non-Native Americans, creating and selling apparel, jewelry, accessories, etc. by hand that are from their culture, but have little to no sacred significance, and at different price points.
Like these Holy Bear bangles***:
And these Navajo rug earrings:
And this boss-ass Thunderbird necklace:
And this v beautiful turquoise ring***:
What does this mean?
Us white people can purchase from this website and know that we are not appropriating the culture. If you have a fascination with the Native American culture (like me) and what it has to offer, but aren’t sure about whether or not what you wear/want is appropriating their culture, this website is a must, because you know it’s okay. A Google search never hurts either.
You’ll notice this website doesn’t sell headdresses. Why? Because they are sacred af and should not be touched by non-Natives.
Now white girls can live their dream[catcher]s.
Don’t forget about the men! This shirt is from the creator of Props and Glory, a company dedicated to the creator’s culture (the man on the shirt is the creator’s great-great grandfather) and giving thanks to it***:
My personal favorite is this shirt.
Because fuck Christopher Columbus.
Please help get the word out, for the sake of the Native Americans. And if anybody has similar websites for other cultures, please don’t hesitate to paste a link! I, for one, love learning about other cultures, and I greatly appreciate being told what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate to have/wear.