NMAI to display 2 gowns worn by Oscar-nominated Lily Gladstone in Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON — 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.