10/12/2026
Today is Indigenous Peopleās Day. Despite the horrific history of colonial genocide across the Americas, Indigenous Peoples live and create and celebrate today. They struggle and fight and strive too, but they are here, they live, and their very breath is a song of hope for all of humanity. These images feature a very special fabric from B.Yellowtail, one of my favorite designers : Bethany Yellowtail, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, who proudly hails from the Mighty Few District of the ApsĆ”alooke (Crow) Nation. I have followed her career for years and have coveted fabrics I ordered when they were first released. Many seamsters hold on to special fabrics waiting for the perfect project. Well, it just so happens that this āMountain Crow Florals Yellowā fabric was *the perfect* fabric to frame a very special costume that just had itās debut on stage helping McKenzie Lauren Jones embody her music, performance and intention as she released her album Ancestors. We worked together for months designing and calling in strength to create this costume. Every component had its own spirit and it was intentional to use the Yellowtail fabric as the bottom tier of the skirt, encircling the portal of her power as she danced barefoot on stage with an expertly choreographed troupe. The waistband a hug of security and beauty. The gathered shoulder accents gave her wings and held her auric crown. The beautiful art on the fabric felt reminiscent of a heritage she claims, although not Native American, a whisper of connection across land, sea and generations. McKenzie Lauren Jonesā album Ancestors explored her experience as a white presenting woman honoring her ancestry spanning from Norway to Nigeria and the songs are an expression and reconciliation worthy of deep listening and enjoyment (streaming everywhere now!) To use this fabric for such a powerful piece of fashion was such an honor. To see it live, in the wild, under the lights moving to the music last Saturday was a dream come true. Dear Bethany Yellowtail, your fabrics are cherished and respected and celebrated. Dear world, find and admire and communicate with and support Indigenous Peoples of the Americas.
