Diné fashion designer Michelle Luna creates her unique designs by hand. Most recently, she designed a two-piece dress that featured a red velvet skirt and corset embellished with dentalium shells for Native actress Paulina Alexis (Reservation Dogs).
Current highlights include Bitterwater for Redhouse’s floor-sweeping intricate gowns featuring chic corsets, delicately sewn ribbon, vintage fabric paired with smooth dentalium and polished beads, and embellished hats by S.N.O. Inc. Check out Bitterwater for Redhouse for Native Max Magazine:
“The Abalone ‘Adeezhi (Little Sister) dress is a younger version of the Abalone Big Sister set. Growing up, Dine’ Abalone was a staple in our household. The shiny shell is delicate; its imperfections make it unique and beautiful, just like us. This is a mix of satin ribbon, gold accents, cotton abalone fabric, and velvet fabric. The skirt comes with pockets, lining, a high waist, and an elastic back.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc: 5-tier, 2-inch smooth dentalium earrings with Purple, yellow, and orange Inlays at the bottom.” -Michelle.
“Indigi-Kokum Queen dress– My Indigenous version of a vintage Audrey Hepburn look. I wanted to create a chic formal corset outfit to complement the Kokum fabric. Each piece can be worn separately.
Cotton fabric purchased from Indigenous-owned company 49dzine.
Accessories: S.N.O Inc: XL Black Sun Hat embellished with 24karat Gold Worker Bee and Bow.” -Michelle.
“Abalone Shadi’ (My Big Sister)– This is the older sister version of the Abalone ‘Adeezhi outfit. Growing up, my Shadi’ always had the “grown-up” clothing. Now, I try to make beautiful clothing for each type of sister. Made with abalone cotton, black velvet, and a vintage reversible satin wrap-around skirt partnered with a short sequined skirt.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc: 2 Tier, 3-inch Bone Pipe Earrings with gunmetal fire-polished 3mm beads.” -Michelle.
“Not your Kokum’s outfit– A contemporary top that can be worn to compliment your own style.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc- Tan Rim Beaded Fedora with satin luster pearl seed beads and bright red, black, and white opaque seed beads. Adjustable twisted body chain with hues of bright red, forest green, satin luster pearl seed beads, and 24-karat gold flakes embedded and wrapped into the chain.
Fabric purchased from Indigenous business 4Generations Creations.” -Michelle.
“Walk in Beauty- This dress was made to signify walking in beauty, peace, and restoration.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc- Checkered Floral Horseshoe Earrings with Red Porcupine Wheel. Three rows of African Porcupine extended for a 3D Appearance.
Cotton fabric was designed by Indigenous artist Jackie Traverse and purchased from Indigenous business 4Generations Creations.” -Michelle.
“Flowers in the Dark– A contemporary look in a colorful velvet embordered fabric. Complete with a corset off-the-shoulder top that can be worn as a set or separately.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc- Sun hat embellished with 24-karat Gold Worker Bee and Bow.” -Michelle.
“Sing to Me Blue Birds-Growing up, my grandma told me to always look for the blue birds. They always seemed to find me when I needed them the most. Their bright songs are always a comfort to me, and this creation is a reminder of my grandma’s teachings.
Accessories by S.N.O. Inc.- Tan Rim Beaded Fedora with opaque and opal seed beads with our fade design. 4 inch Gold Conch earrings and adjustable Original T Body Chain designed with blocks of red, brown, 24-karat gold and greasy yellow seed beads.
Cotton fabric purchased from Indigenous-owned company Teton Trade Cloth in partnership with Indigenous artist Nicole Bandit Grey.” -Michelle.
