If you look in any of the top fashion magazine today, you will find models plastered in brightly colored, bold, geometric patterns. What are the designers calling it? "Navajo" or "Neo-Navajo". I hate to break it to them, but if actual Navajo Indians didn't design it, then it can't be called "Navajo". Navajos are a Native American tribe that live in the Southwest region of the United States. Contrary to popular belief, this tribe still exists. The Navajo Nation actually has trademarks on their name that vary anywhere from clothing to household items.
Open up Elle, Seventeen, Vogue, or any other magazine and I can guarantee you will see fringe purses or boots or even vests. Did you know that originally these were designed after medicine bags that Indians used? I mean of course they look cute, but these fun accessories actually have some history to them that the buyer should be aware of. And who could forget the feathers in the hair trend? Millions of girls, and Steven Tyler, walked around with brightly colored feathers in their hair. I wonder if they ever realized that there have been Native Americans with feathers in their hair for quite some time now. When the Native Americans would wear them, it was a part of their culture, not some crazy new trend. Fashion industries are just calling all these trends "Boho Chic" but really, they are stealing the ideas and customs that actually have significant value to Native Americans.
What is really messed up is that some designers have said things like "The New Navajo: Ethnic Aztec Inspiration". Okay well if you are going to name a line of fashion with the words "Navajo" and "Aztec", you should know that neither are the same tribe, nor are they even in the same country. Another company has said used the slogan, "Channel your inner Pocahontas" while still calling things "Navajo". Pocahontas was from Virginia, not from the Southwest. It would be nice if these fashion industries actually backed up their products with facts.
Using Indian names poorly is one thing, but designers don't realize that these shapes actually have importance and meaning to people of the Navajo community. I'm sure they found in rather appalling when they heard about Urban Outfitter's latest line. Urban Outfitter's recently came out with a line of underwear called "Navajo" that had the geometric designs of triangles and jagged lines. The Navajo Nation was stunned that their community was being represented by this. It showed disrespect to their culture. Not only was their underwear, but a flask bottle with the easily recognizable pattern. It is just a punch in the stomach to the Navajo Nation.
Some people might think, but it isn't that big of a deal. It is just patterns and colors. Think of it more as this: Right now another popular trend is crosses. I see girls wearing crosses everywhere. The cross is a very significant symbol to the Christian faith and if a Christian saw someone they know was not a Christian or didn't understand the significance of the cross, yet they were wearing one, the Christian might be offended. It's the same idea. These patterns and colors mean something to Native Americans, not just the Navajo tribe. They aren't going to like it if someone is wearing a significant symbol of their culture and religion and not understand its value and importance.
I believe what the Navajo Nation is most frustrated with is that their name is being used without their permission. They just want everyone to realize that Navajo is more than just a word to describe a pattern, it is a community of people.
