Fronteras: Who should benefit from Native inspired items

Wednesday, October 26, 2011  

"The word “Navajo” no longer appears on Urban Outfitters' website. The trendy clothing chain has removed it from the names of numerous products in the wake of criticism from the Navajo Nation. The tribe has trademarks on the Navajo name.

The controversy brings up a bigger debate about private business misrepresenting and profiting from Native American imagery.

Designers often borrow from other cultures. And this fall’s runways and fashion magazines show a lot of southwest inspiration – including fabrics that resemble woven tapestries. The colors and geometric designs in Navajo rugs come from the natural world the weavers work in.

Jessica Metcalfe is the creator of the blog Beyond Buckskin and follows Native American fashion. She says the very act of weaving is sacred."

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Who Should Benefit From The Word "Navajo"? (Fronteras 10/26)