NATIVE FASHION DESIGNER CREATES NON-PROFIT TO ELEVATE CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE FASHION FOR INDIAN COUNTRY

Las Vegas — Native fashion designer Darlene Perkins has designed clothing worn by international models and others to high-level events showcasing Indigenous art and culture. Her business, Red Lightning Couture, is the co-sponsor of an event focusing on Mother Earth, climate change, and the environment during the National Center for American Indian Economic Developments annual RES gathering in Las Vegas. Perkins also founded Honoring the Sacred Circle as a 501(c)3 as a way to give back to communities with her fashion events after hosting several fundraisers across Indian Country for nearly a decade. Perkins is an Arikara/Hidatsa/Lakota who resides in Bismarck.

“This is one of my passions because of everything going on in the world,” said Perkins. “Some designs are made with hemp fabric,” said Perkins of the event, which seeks to educate people on sustainable fashion for and by Indigenous communities. Perkins’ designs are inspired by her Native culture and history and have been worn by models and others at mainstream events and shows, including the Grammy Awards.

Masters of ceremonies will be Nathan Apodaca, aka Doggface, and Robert Mesa of Grey’s Anatomy, with performances by WWE superstar and music talent Mickie James, Jason Cropper of Weezer, Byron Nicholai, Derryl Perry, and BlackBird. The night will also include special guest appearances by Gary Farmer of Reservation Dogs as well as local and national Indigenous speakers, youth performers, and tribal dignitaries.

“Honoring the Circle” will be held May 24th at the Brooklyn Bowl, with doors opening at 6:00 pm and the show starting at 7:00 pm PST. Tickets are available at “Red Lightning Couture/Honoring the Sacred Circle.” 

Other “Honoring the Sacred Circle” events were planned in several communities across the country in 2020 and 2021 but will not be held due to the COVID Delta variant.

For more information, contact Cody Blackbird at codyblackbirdband@gmail.com 

Mary Jane Oatman, owner of THC Magazine is the media contact for the event at 208-790-8665

Submitted Photo Mariposa Villaluna, who was nominated for a Grammy Award for her Indigenous music for Indigenous children, wore a design by Red Lightning Couture, Darlene Perkins’ company, to the awards in February 2020.

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