Lily Gladstone, the first Native American woman nominated for an Oscar, made a statement at the 2024 Met Gala by wearing a striking outfit created by Gabriela Hearst and Kiowa jeweler Keri Ataumbi. The black, corseted dress and organza cape were embroidered with recycled silver stars representing nine different constellations. Gladstone explained that the design was inspired by the belief of her Kiowa and Blackfeet ancestors that they come from the stars and return to them when they pass on. The concept of the outfit stemmed from conversations between Hearst and Ataumbi, who wanted to incorporate the starry landscapes of the Great Plains into the design.
Ataumbi, who has strong ties to the Great Plains, hand-crafted each individual star and arranged them onto the garment to reflect the constellations seen from the perspective of the original peoples of the Plains. The design process involved sourcing an image of the Great Plains sky during the summer solstice, blowing it up, printing it, and laying it over a form for Ataumbi to map out and embroider the constellations. The Pleiades, for example, were placed at the cape neckline as a custom closure. By incorporating this imagery onto Hearst’s sleek design, the collaborators aimed to showcase a different perspective on how Indigenous people view the stars and their place in the universe.
Gladstone expressed her love for the Met Gala and the opportunity to be part of its history through her intentional fashion choices. The combination of the sleeping beauty and garden of time themes represented by the blanket of stars on her outfit struck a chord with her ancestral beliefs. The intricate embroidery and design work by Ataumbi brought a unique Indigenous perspective to the red carpet, emphasizing the connection between Native American heritage and the stars above. By bringing this cultural narrative to a high-profile event like the Met Gala, Gladstone and her collaborators aimed to elevate and celebrate Indigenous artistry and storytelling.
The collaboration between Hearst and Ataumbi represents a meaningful fusion of fashion and cultural heritage. The deliberate choice to showcase Indigenous craftsmanship and storytelling on a global stage like the Met Gala highlights the importance of representation and diversity in the fashion industry. By centering Indigenous voices and perspectives in the design process, Gladstone’s outfit serves as a powerful statement of reclaiming and celebrating Indigenous identity in a contemporary setting. The attention to detail, symbolism, and storytelling woven into the garment reflects a thoughtful approach to honoring and preserving Native American traditions and beliefs.
Overall, Lily Gladstone’s outfit for the 2024 Met Gala stands as a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers and elevating Indigenous representation in the fashion industry. By collaborating with Gabriela Hearst and Keri Ataumbi to create a stunning garment that honors her cultural heritage and ancestral beliefs, Gladstone’s outfit serves as a celebration of Indigenous artistry and storytelling. The intricate design, inspired by the starry landscapes of the Great Plains and the connection between Indigenous peoples and the stars, offers a unique perspective on how Native American traditions can be integrated into contemporary fashion. Through her intentional fashion choices and commitment to showcasing Indigenous craftsmanship, Gladstone continues to make a meaningful impact on the industry and pave the way for more diverse and inclusive representation in high-profile events like the Met Gala.
