Rebekah Jarvey

Rebekah Jarvey is fourth generation sewist and beadist. Her modern twist on indigenous fashion uses thread stitch, different beadwork styles such as beaded ropes and beaded medallions. Her specialty masks are cloth sewn together and added beadwork to the mask. The type of cloth varies from vintage leather purses to velvet. Her unique blend of ribbon work and applique are added to the cloth skirt to be worn in traditional or public settings.

“I was raised with a needle and thread in my hand. My grandmother and mother were famous in my tribal community for their beadwork. I naturally inherited their skills as a fourth generation beader and sewer and currently am teaching my son. When I become a grandmother, I will also teach my grandchildren how to bead and sew so they will become the sixth generation to bead and sew in our family continuing our legacy.

For the past few years, I have focused on establishing my name and brand within the fashion industry. I coordinated the first ever fashion show for my tribe’s Native American Week in 2017. Because of community support and the success of the first fashion show, I have coordinated fashion shows every year since. In 2018, my designs were featured in the Stand Tall, Walk Proud Fashion Show at Wild Horse Casino in Dulce, New Mexico. I also modeled for two different indigenous fashion designers from Montana: Della Big Hair Stump and Bellinda Bullshoe. These experiences are some highlights in my career.”