Dances with Wolves Inspired Costume

After watching the 1990 American Western film, Dances with Wolves, starring Kevin Costner (who also produced and directed) and Mary McDonnell, I came across some beautiful wool fabric that inspired me to construct ponchos after McDonnell’s character Stands with Fists. Her character learned at a young age to stand up for yourself and be confident, giving her the name Stands with Fists. McDonnell’s character can be seen throughout the film having Americanized native attire, such as bright outfits, a white poncho with blue accents, with her signature multi-colored beaded necklace paired with matching earrings. In addition, Stands with Fists used what appeared to be teeth as embellishments for her clothing.  

The costumes for the movie, which notched an Academy Award nomination for their design at the 63rd annual event, were made by artist Cathy A. Smith, who is best known for recreating Native American and Old West works, colloquially referred to as wearable art. Much of Smith’s inspiration comes from her childhood, while growing up on a ranch near the Lakota reservations in Western South Dakota.