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B.Yellowtail

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The B.Yellowtail collection is named the “Mighty Few” after Bethany Yellowtail’s home district on the Crow nation. The Crow and Northern Cheyenne Native woman from South Easter Montana, takes inspiration from authentic tribal elements from her tribes, reinterpreting Native American iconography into a contemporary womenswear brand. The collection was built around images of her relatives from the early 1900’s. Bethany Yellowtail is showing when and how use of cultural iconograghy in design is acceptable.

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Drawing upon her own roots, she chooses to work with First Nations models, film makers, photographers and even a poet, as a means of honouring and valuing her own cultural roots. B.Yellowtail uses design to challenge the oft times one-dimensional stereotyping of Native Americans. Expressing the voices of her ancestors through her collection, as an authentic means of communicating the breadth of Native American culture.

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The flowing and body conscious collection is made from fine chiffon, satin and French lace. Silhouettes incorporate long flowing, full skirts, slender, below the knee pencil skirts, and cropped sleeve tops and shift dresses. Designs are printed with traditional beading patterns designed by renowned Native artist Jamie Okuma. Simple tank tops and long flowing dresses are printed and adorned with representations of sacred elk teeth. The primary color palette is comprised of deep emerald green, spicy marsala, rich cream and black. Accessories include a printed scarf emblazoned with a printed version of traditional floral native beadwork, and a handmade horsehair rope belt. The collection is produced on Native land.

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The Mighty Few Collection is represented in an artistic collaboration, the outcome of which is a video short in partnership with poet Tazbah Rose Chavez, and an army of creative native folks. The short film muses on the complexities of being an indigenous woman, entitled “A Love Letter to my Inner Rez Girl”.

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Website: www.byellowtail.com