Establishing a National Reputation:
Student Success in New York City

Josephine Wapp’s Traditional Techniques class traveled to New York City in December of 1972 to showcase fashion designs and accessories created during the fall semester. The trip to New York proved to be an once-in-a-lifetime experience. The students were applauded for their creativity and invited to participate in a contest to design contemporary Native clothing for the Phillips Fibers Corporation. Two students, Denise Ellis and Bonnie Osuna, and Traditional Techniques teaching assistant Imogene Goodshot were selected. The winners received cash prizes and acknowledgement at the National Knitted Outerwear Fashion Show in front of a thousand representatives from the fashion industry.

(L to R) Winning fashion designs by Imogene Goodshot and Bonnie Osuna, ca. 1972.  Osuna designed a floor length dress with a wide Concho belt. Goodshot made a long cape with frontal patch-work designs. IAIA Archives Dress by Imogene Goodshot (Oglala Sioux), ca. 1969. Wool fabric and cowrie shells. MoCNA. S-148 Beaded jean jacket by Imogene Goodshot, ca. 1993. Denim fabric and glass beads. MoCNA. S-296