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Two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone are on display at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., spotlighting Indigenous artistry on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages.
The special installation, “Making a Statement,” is scheduled to remain on view through March 2026.
Gucci created both custom gowns in collaboration with Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain of Ironhorse Quillwork. Big Mountain is Mohawk, Cree and Comanche, while Gladstone is Siksikaitsitapi, or Blackfeet, and Nimiipuu, or Nez Perce.
Gladstone wore the gowns on March 10, 2024—one to the 96th Academy Awards and the other to the Vanity Fair Oscars party. She became the first Native American nominated for the Academy Award for best actress for her performance in Killers of the Flower Moon.
The museum also scheduled free public programs celebrating Indigenous fashion. An after-hours event on Friday, March 14, featured the installation, a contemporary fashion showcase, hands-on activities and music from DJ Jon Ray. Food and drinks, including beer and wine, were available for purchase.
A daylong program on Saturday, March 15, invited visitors to hear from Indigenous designers whose work combines cultural traditions with contemporary fashion. The event also offered a closer look at Big Mountain and Gucci’s first-of-its-kind collaboration and encouraged visitors to support Indigenous designers.