Lily Gladstone’s Oscar Gowns To Be Displayed at the National Museum of the American Indian

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will display two gowns worn by Oscar-nominated actor Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at its museum in Washington, D.C. The special installation, “Making a Statement,” opens to the public Feb. 28 and closes in March 2026. Four public programs are planned in March 2025.

Both gowns were a custom collaboration, designed by Gucci and Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork. The gowns were worn by Gladstone the evening of March 10, 2024, to the 96th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars party. Gladstone was the first Native American nominated for best actress for her work in the film Killers of the Flower Moon.

“Lily Gladstone has made it her hallmark to showcase Native designers at star-studded events like the Oscars,” said Anya Montiel, museum curator. “The elegant designs mark the first Oscars collaboration between an Indigenous artist and a luxury fashion brand like Gucci. We are thrilled to be able to share these amazing works of art with our visitors.”

One gown, worn by Gladstone to the Oscars ceremony, is midnight-blue velvet with a porcupine-quill neckline and a matching cape with 216 hand-quilled and beaded petals. The second gown was worn to the Vanity Fair Oscars party that same evening. It is a black corseted dress with chevron-patterned beaded fringe and porcupine-quill neckline. The intricate design features 24 carat gold-plated beads, glass beads and brass sequins. 

The porcupine quillwork featured on both gowns is an intricate Native design art that is unique to North America. Quilling techniques are passed down within families and communities. The historic collaboration protected this Indigenous knowledge, and the quillwork was done exclusively by Big Mountain and his team of Native artists.

Public Programs

Indigenous Couture and Style
Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Rasmuson Theater
The museum hosts an evening of conversation with quillwork artist Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) and Sunshine Big Mountain (Oneida Nation) of Ironhorse Quillwork and fashion designer and celebrity stylist Jason Rembert. Vogue fashion and style writer Christian Allaire (Ojibwe) moderates. The event is free, but tickets are required to guarantee a seat in the theater.  

Indigenous Fashion Showcase
Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Potomac Atrium
Indigenous fashion designers will unveil their latest works and demonstrate their craft. Visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind fashion showcase, meet the designers and purchase their unique works. Designers include Dorothy Grant (Haida); Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche); Lauren Good Day (Arikara/Hidatsa/Blackfeet/Plains Cree); and Bethany Yellowtail (Apsáalooke [Crow/Absaroke]/Northern Tsitsistas/Suhtai [Cheyenne]).

Curator Tour: “Making a Statement”
Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Third floor
Curator Anya Montiel (Mestiza/Tohono O'odham descent) will offer a close look at the museum’s special installation “Making a Statement” featuring the custom Gucci gowns worn by actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at the 96th Academy Awards. 

Women’s History Month: Stories and Conversation on Indigenous Design
Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C.
Rasmuson Theater
Visitors can celebrate groundbreaking Indigenous designers whose inspiring creations challenge the boundaries of fashion and expand perceptions of Indigenous cultures. The designers will reflect on their personal inspirations and motivations for styling and creating clothing and accessories for women. Featuring Dorothy Grant (Haida); Joe Big Mountain (Mohawk/Cree/Comanche) of Ironhorse Quillwork; Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree); Bethany Yellowtail (Apsáalooke [Crow/Absaroke]/Northern Tsitsistas/Suhtai [Cheyenne]); and Lauren Good Day (Arikara/Hidatsa/Blackfeet/Plains Cree). Vogue fashion and style writer Christian Allaire (Ojibwe) moderates.

About the Museum

In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The museum strives toward equity and social justice for the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration and empowerment. Through two locations, it features exhibitions and programs in New York City and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. For additional information, including hours and directions, visit AmericanIndian.si.edu. Follow the museum via social media @SmithsonianNMAI.

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