Most responses should not surprise you, but I wanted to share what was suggested because it's really fascinating. First, I need to point out that I asked what people wanted to see MORE of, and instead some decided to share what they want to see LESS of. LOL.
Second, many folks were very casual in tone (I copied their words verbatim and pasted them below). Last, I noticed some themes, so I've grouped them accordingly. Again, this was posted on social media, so take it all with a grain of salt.
1. Materials and Prints
- I would like to see more natural fibers and no use of polyester or AI looking native prints.
- Organic and land safe materials and fewer plastics and synthetics
- Organic fabrics! non-polyester! divestment from fast fashion practices!
- No more fucking polyester
- High quality materials
- Sustainable materials/fashion
- Sustainable practices with evidence based research. No predators in the spaces preferably.
- Sustainable and biodegradable products.
- Everyone said no more polyester — I agree. I would also like to see more structured garments rather than just a flat cut of a stretch fabric with a print on it.
- Less sublimation prints. I know they serve a purpose but they’re getting to be too much
- No printed native prints. Make some traditional clothing out of modern textiles for those of us who work in the corporate setting! I’d buy it all
- Quality materials not just beautiful prints. I know the cost of manufacturing is high but I’d rather pay a bit more for both an amazing design on a good fabric.
- Vague I know, but it would be cool to see something in between all that drop-shipped Polyester from Overseas Sweatshops and the prohibitively expensive Unobtanium Fabric pieces some companies like to put out. Just because it’s Native doesn’t mean it can’t be High Quality Work, but damn, $500 for a denim jacket or whatever in this economy is crazy.
2. Some Specifics
- More couture!
- More one of kinds not the same, feels like the same just another person's name on.
- Ravenstail and Naxiin woven garments
- More wovens! Less elastic waist band, more button fasteners, structured plus size looks!
- Fat girl models in fat girl clothes
- Afro indigenous inclusion
- No scam businesses by Métis frauds
- Streetwear, specialized gear for hunting and harvesting, futuristic ceremonial and tech wear, please.
- This is niche, but nursing/breastfeeding friendly clothing. Also, sticking to natural and organic fibers - no plastic!
- I would like to see working women’s suits.
- Things I can wear to conferences, events or gala’s. Beaded blazers? Elk teeth gala dresses? Purses.
3. Menswear
- Menswear!
- Less sublimation use and a wider range of menswear!
- I would love to see some bow ties or dress shirts I could wear at work, maybe with some subtle designs on sleeves or collars
- Menswear!
- Menswear that is not centered entirely on geometrical patterns or plains design. Simple staples like polos.
4. Big Picture Ideas
- I would love to see more Native brands thinking outside the box. Less trends and more making the trends.
- Less “Native Fashion” as a box, more design that moves beyond it. Work that stands globally without needing to be qualified first.
- More Indigenous-owned businesses in the luxury space. Indigenous fashion shouldn't only live in the 'ethical' or 'craft' category it belongs in luxury too. And more Indigenous-owned supply chains generally, not just Indigenous design, but Indigenous ownership all the way through.
- I would like to see an indigenous person, actually on the hardcopy cover of Vogue magazine and others. There seems to be digital coverage but I don’t believe I have ever seen any on the cover or a spread/feature inside of the magazine itself?
- I’d love to see an Indigenous person selected as a Creative Director for a major legacy fashion house built on true recognition and not a token gesture
- Enthusiastic support for one another
- Kindness
As you can see, some themes emerged. Essentially, people want to see more diverse and sustainable fabric choices, less dependence upon prints, more unique pieces, and more menswear (like, way more - yes more than one person exclaimed "Menswear!"). And they also spoke to big picture things as it pertains to visibility, recognition, and trend-setting and taste-making.
It is important to note the prominent push for sustainability through materials, because we are also seeing this movement reflected in broader trends.
Next, I greatly appreciate all the folks stating what, specifically, they want to see more of - such as more couture, more plus size options, and more workplace attire. These should be easily obtainable by 2027.
Third, the continued push for more menswear makes me wonder why the guys are always getting the shaft? For Native artists and designers looking to further themselves in the fashion world - dipping their toes in or expanding their menswear options seems like a relatively low-risk/high-gains way to go.
Last, as always, it's important to look at and remember the big picture - what the heck are our goals for Native fashion anyways, right? - What do we want to see for 2030? What do we envision further down the line, for our great-grandkids?
Next, I greatly appreciate all the folks stating what, specifically, they want to see more of - such as more couture, more plus size options, and more workplace attire. These should be easily obtainable by 2027.
Third, the continued push for more menswear makes me wonder why the guys are always getting the shaft? For Native artists and designers looking to further themselves in the fashion world - dipping their toes in or expanding their menswear options seems like a relatively low-risk/high-gains way to go.
Last, as always, it's important to look at and remember the big picture - what the heck are our goals for Native fashion anyways, right? - What do we want to see for 2030? What do we envision further down the line, for our great-grandkids?
Throughout the past 2 decades we've spent time and resources showing the world what Native Fashion looks like. Now that we've cultivated an audience and a customer base, we get to plan and dream about what is next for Native fashion. And that process can and should be extremely exciting.
So, we call upon our dreamers, our artists, all the entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and logistics crew, the grant-writers, problem-solvers, investors, community organizers and supporters... we've got lots to do, and it takes a big-ass variety-pack diverse group from all different backgrounds and specialties to pull it off. There's room for everyone and every iteration of 'Native fashion' and, dang, we want to see it all start cookin' this year.