Buckskin to Bikinis: Interview with Felicia Ramirez-Nicosia

Earlier this month, I had the great opportunity to fly to New York for the opening of a new exhibit focusing on Iroquois wearable art. The exhibit, called Buckskin to Bikinis, is housed at the Iroquois Indian Museum, and I served as a consultant on the show.

I caught up with another consultant, Onandaga fashion designer Felicia Ramirez-Nicosia, and asked her a couple of behind-the-scenes questions about the exhibition, including her background, and her favorite pieces and moments. (We are pictured left, with awesome artist Leah Shenandoah, at the opening of the exhibit.) Scroll down to read our interview.

Buckskin to Bikinis: Interview with the Curator

I was just in New York for an opening of a brand new exhibit, Buckskin to Bikinis, which explores Haudenosaunee wearable art through pieces that range from feathered hats to beaded boots.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the curator, Colette Lemmon, and talk about some of the behind-the-scenes action for this show. An innovative new exhibit, I wanted to know where the idea for this show came from and how it developed. Scroll down to read our interview now.

Buckskin to Bikinis: Haudenosaunee Wearable Art

Imagine corn husk boleros, beaded high heeled moccasins, flowing black buckskin, and powwow-inspired accessories.

Bikinis with Iroquois pottery patterns, a cocktail dress emblazoned with the Sky Dome symbol, a beaded turtle medallion, and a coat that tells a creation story.

This is the new exhibit at the Iroquois Indian Museum, titled Buckskin to Bikinis: Haudenosaunee Wearable Art.

Native Fashion Adorns Runway in Akwesasne

Native fashion adorns runway in Akwesasne

Four years ago, a tobacco company in Akwesasne, Jacobs Manufacturing, started a native fashion show to raise money for the local hat and mitten fund. The “Nations Best Next Top Model Show” has grown into a big attraction. More than a thousand fans filled the Jacobs plant on the St. Regis Mohawk reservation last Saturday night.

Haudenasaunee Shades

Native designers create one of a kind high fashion garments, but they also make less expensive 'off-the-rack' clothing and accessories, which sell for less yet also display a unique sense of creative design and conception (and make it so that their fashion designs are available to more people - the democracy of fashion!). For example, here are some Haudenasaunee shades by Tammy Beauvais - there seems to be no limits for these designers:




The sun is in full force, cover your eyes with our designer sunglasses, for male.

(One size, $40.00)

Click here to see this item on her online store.