How a Native American Exhibit is Undressing Stereotypes

When you walk through the entryway to the exhibit, you see a parade of parasols hanging from the ceiling. And before you is a chic, minimalist dress. It was chosen by curator Karen Kramer to set the tone of the Native Fashion Now exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian. The dress, designed by Patricia Michaels for Project Runway, is only one of many pieces created by the Native America designers featured in the exhibit. Kramer says she hopes this will show everyone that native fashion is not just buckskin and beads. 

"There is no such thing as one native style. It's beautifully diverse in its creativity."

Kramer also says "self-representation is a thread that runs through the entire exhibition" which features street wear alongside haute couture. The exhibit runs until September 4th.