Gyasi Ross: Interview with fashion designer Bethany Yellowtail

Thing About Skins: Hi Beth. Please tell the readers a bit about yourself and where you come from.

Bethany Yellowtail: Hello! Well for starters I’m a fashion designer, business owner and the founder of B.Yellowtail. I currently live in Los Angeles, CA but I’m proud to call the Apsáalooke and Northern Cheyenne nations my home.

What are some of the newest things you have going on? I heard you had some big shoots recently, some shows and some new clothes coming out. Brag for a second, sis—tell everyone what’s going on with you.

I’m an awful bragger, but I’m really, really excited about all the new happenings in my life and all the incredible folks who've helped make it happen.

My newest collection titled “Mighty Few” drops today at byellowtail.com.

I named it that because many of the elements come straight out of the “Mighty Few.” That’s the name for my home district on the Crow Nation, haha. That’s the literal interpretation anyways, but there are many elements and layers to my collection that were inspired by some really incredible mighty women in my life. One part in particular is a collaboration dress and skirt with Jamie Okuma -- yes, world-renowned beadworker/artist/fashionista Jamie Okuma. She graciously gifted me a floral beadwork design that I turned into a textile. I also named many of the pieces after Native women who’ve inspired my work. It was really important for me to do that. Many times when non-native people/designers/industries etc. think of “Native Americans” they see us as relics of the past and there is a strong disconnect between the imagery of our ancestors and the people we are today. So for me this collection is my way of expressing the continuity of the people I come from, sharing an authentic indigenous perspective, and honoring the strength, beauty, and resilience of our women, in the best way I know how.

I also joined forces with some of Native America’s creative heavy hitters for my fashion campaign. Photographer Anthony “Thosh” Collins and I have been dreaming of shooting this collection for years and we finally made it happen. We brought in Jade Willoughby, Ojibwe, who’s been featured in Vogue India and recently named by Elle & Marie Claire Magazine as one of the “Top women who are redefining beauty.” She’s simply incredible, a beautiful spirit and is most definitely a shining star to keep an eye on. We also brought in Martin Sensmeier, a Tlingit actor/model/youth advocate, to complete the fashion campaign. They're the perfect team & incredible individuals.