Designer Lea McCormick Showcases Cultural Fashion At Montana’s Honor Our Legacy Event

Lea McCormick, a designer from the Muscogee tribe, recently returned to Tulsa after showcasing her work at the Honor Our Legacy fashion show in Montana.

This event highlights the creativity and talent of Native designers and has been a platform for Native youth to explore opportunities in the fashion industry for nearly a decade.

Image Provided By: Lea McCormick

The fashion show was founded by Rebekah Jarvey in her community eight years ago to inspire young people on her reservation by demonstrating the possibilities within fashion.

Jarvey actively recruits Native youth to model for the event, and this year, nearly 100 models participated, making the show a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity.

Reflecting on her experience, McCormick described the event as both fun and nurturing. “It was crazy being that far away from home, but I felt at home because they just nurtured us and loved on us,” she said.

Image Provided By: Lea McCormick

McCormick stopped by the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to showcase several designs, each telling a unique story.

Among her creations, she presented Oli wearing what she calls the "princess dress," featuring fabric adorned with images of traditional princess purses.

Another model, Sondra, wore a dress inspired by the Muscogee tribe's mound-building heritage, characterized by contemporary colors and snake motifs.

Additionally, Charmin donned the "Queen of the Spider-Verse" dress, inspired by a water spider and reminiscent of 1940s Hollywood styles.

Image Provided By: Lea McCormick

McCormick, who is also an actress, infuses her designs with influences from classic films while incorporating Southeastern fabrics.

Looking ahead, McCormick was chosen to be a designer in the upcoming Teton Trade Cloth Fashion Show in Bartlesville on October 26.

This show presents another opportunity for her to showcase her designs, with a requirement to use 75% of the host fabric in each look. “It’s fun and a challenge, and the fabrics are gorgeous,” she remarked, excited for the event.

Tickets to the event can be purchased online at the Bartlesville Community Center website. The show is set to begin at 6 p.m.