WRITTEN IN STARS
COLLECTION
EMBRACING THE DUALITY OF LIFE
Rooted in heritage and designed with inclusivity in mind, this collection is crafted from ethically sourced, high-quality materials that speak to both style and sustainability. Each piece is tailored to perfection, with intricate embroidery that honors the beauty and stories of Lakota traditions. This line is more than fashion—it’s a celebration of identity and culture, empowering you to make a statement that is as unique as it is meaningful.
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As a Hunkpapa Lakota/ Dakota woman I have an inherent right, responsibility to bring to light the women ancestors whose strength flows through us all. My given name carries the meaning of “watches over”. I sought out to create a beaded couture collection, a tribute to those who are a part of the spirit world. The Collection highlights the Kapemni (What is on earth is in the stars, and what is in the stars is on earth giving life to the meaning of what is above, is below) Lakota design. I was inspired by a dream where I saw an indescribably beautiful place during a difficult time in my life where it brought me peace, love and empowerment. The Milky way serves as a reminder of our loved ones who watch over us. As I draw from the culture I have lived through, I'm creating value in the power of fashion to share my story of empowerment, becoming a life giver and connection to community. To share the beauty and resilience reflected in my work is a testament to the matriarchal teachings that speak to the past, present and future.
As indigenous woman I honor the two worlds I come from, one is a spiritual journey from my rich culture and the other is the modern world I grew up in. Our way of life encompasses the constellations and the scientific knowledge of the North star, Big Dipper and Milky Way hold tremendous spiritual significance for the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota peoples. Wherever I am, I look up at the stars. I am reminded of who I am and where I come from.
Our creation says that our children choose their parents and they “come from the stars”. The gift of bringing life into this world is one that I honor everyday as a mother. My children inspire my designs, art created together becomes my signature prints so I can share the joy they bring me with the world. I create subtle reminders within my garments that have a traditional concept of animal hides to create asymmetrical cuts, contemporary design with an elegant edgy vibe. Oral tradition tells a story of the seven stars of the Big Dipper corresponding to the seven stages of becoming a woman and to the seven lakota council fires (Oceti Sakowin). The dreams gave me motivation to be present, practice the valuable lesson to be mindful of where my mind, body and spirit is when I start a project with beads, quillwork or sewing. This is known to me as unconditional love. Incorporating a beaded grandmother into my collection is a tribute to my own grandmothers but also learning along the way the story of the Blue Woman Spirit who assists in births and lives in the center of the Big Dipper. I couldn’t have imagined where a journey of self discovery would lead me. I just knew I wanted to build a brand that would speak for itself and give value to Indigenous Luxury. Motivated by the fact that we are no longer only black and white photos on a wall in a museum but bold, vibrant people who deserve to be seen as the beautiful and resilient people we are. I come from a traditional family who value the land, water and ways of life.
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To walk in balance as a mother, a relative, and a designer my strength and time for myself comes from making my morning prayers. The morning star (Anpetu Luta) is the Red Star related to women. For nine months it is seen in the east at sunrise and in the west at sunset which is also the gestational period for our babies. I attended a coming of age ceremony while I was designing my Tipi dress that pays tribute to my aunt Tracey whose name is “Open Door Woman”. During that time I learned originally our tipis were made with twenty eight poles so I drew from that to complete the dress. From the perspective of art it wasn't quite finished in my eyes and I wanted to make a powerful statement of remembrance, the dress had to be red silk for our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women which is an epidemic. My aunt was an activist and I honor her legacy by stepping into a space of showcasing bravery as a mother to two beautiful daughters. It's important to raise awareness as our family is directly impacted.
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Family and community are at the root of the monochromatic approach when I make my modern warrior business wear. This warrior spirit is inspired by our traditional “War Shirts” because a long time ago our warriors would go into battle and wore these shirts as armor. Like fabric the brand clings to traditions that reflect a true sense of values, culture and connection to family, nature and community through storytelling.