Manhattan may be abundantly covered with concrete and skyscrapers now, but if you can believe it… it wasn’t always this way. In fact, previously known as “Manhatta”, tribes lived on land that carried fruits, nuts, and animals. There were actual forests and clean waterways. In fact, the term Manhatta actually signifies “place for gathering wood to make bows” (National Museum of the American Indian, 2023). Can you imagine being able to describe Manhattan like that now…?
The Beginning
Dating back to 1626, the Dutch “purchased” the land we now stand on here in New York City. By sharing valuables such as beads and cloth, they overtook the territory. But from whom? Who truly came first?
That would be the Lenape.
Can you imagine your entire land and home being purchased for just $24? Of course we are talking about money values centuries ago, but even so, I want you to imagine how much money currently resides in the small space of Manhattan… and compare it to how much was “paid” for it.
Although now deemed a myth and there’s currently not a monetary value agreed upon on when it comes to the purchase of the land- the overall takeaway is that it wasn’t enough.
Not only did the Dutch want the land, but they wanted it all for themselves- without the Lenape.
Never Forgotten
As much as the colonists wanted the Lenape people out of the land, they had no problem learning and taking inspiration from them. Through colonizing the land, they used practices invented by the Lenape people to survive. In fact, flashing forward to the 1700’s, the American Colonists asked the Lenape people for their help to become independent from Britain (National Museum of the American Indian).
Where Fashion and History Collide
It’s no secret that trends that have been formulated in the past and even today, are taken from history. Whether through appropriation or celebration (both very different), clothing today tells the stories of centuries past.
While strolling through the National Museum of the American Indian, beautiful garments were displayed in almost every room. And the two things that caught my attention the most…?
Fringe and Fur
Having an intense love for the Ralph Lauren brand, always appreciating their Americana and Western aesthetic- it was hard not to miss the fringe that filled the clothing in this museum. Owning a Ralph suede jacket of my own, with fringe lining the arms, shoulder, and back, I found connection to the Indigenous culture. Not to mention, the use of true suede for the jacket speaks even more to the Indigenous peoples’ roots- using animal hide for clothing and warmth.
By no means am I saying that Ralph Lauren producing suede jackets now is an equivalent to the Indigenous people using their environment around them for survival- but nevertheless it is a clear connection and sign of inspiration from time’s past.
On the topic of survival and warmth, seeing this jacket (shown below) in the museum, it was hard not to ignore the clear connection to today’s fashion world- especially with winter right around the corner…
Whether needed to bundle up from the wind, or just stay cozy from the frigid elements, the Inuit are responsible for creating what we all now commonly own and wear- the parka.
The Importance of Connection
Although it may seem obvious that everything is the way it is today because of past historical peoples and events, it’s important to stop and reflect every once in a while…
A lot of people before us fought in one way or another to live the lives that they did and have/create their possessions- importantly, the Indigenous people.
It’s very easy to get caught up in our overconsumption-filled and chaotic world today- sometimes taking people and things for granted. But it will never be possible to truly be grateful and have an appreciation until we step back into history and remember where it all began.
