Darline Perkins, a fashion designer from North Dakota, brought her bold and heritage inspired style to New York City this September. Perkins, who lives in Bismarck and is originally from Parshall, presented her designs at two fashion shows that introduced her work to a wider audience on the East Coast.
The first event took place on September 11 in the Penthouse, a venue with a ballroom overlooking the water. Produced by Tasha Dwhaj, the show marked Perkins’ debut in New York. Two days later, on September 13, she showcased another selection of her designs at a second event organized by producer Alexander Gurman in downtown Manhattan.
Both producers praised Perkins for the quality, detail and originality of her work, expressing admiration for her ability to infuse Native American artistry into contemporary fashion.
Designs Rooted in Heritage
Perkins’ collections are deeply influenced by her Native American background. She created her brand, Red Lightning Couture, nearly 24 years ago, naming it after her traditional name, Red Lightning Woman. She is an enrolled member of the MHA Nation.
Her career began with small quilled jewelry pieces before she expanded into buckskin, lambskin and eventually cloth fabrics. Much of her clothing still incorporates quillwork, a technique she considers her signature.
Fashion with Purpose and Community Impact
Beyond the runway, Perkins uses her designs to support causes that matter to her. As a diabetic and cancer survivor, she has organized benefit events to raise awareness and funding within Indian Country.
In 2021, she partnered with Leander McDonald, president of United Tribes Technical College, to present Honoring the Sacred Circle, an event focused on environmental awareness, climate change and the health of Mother Earth. The program included a fashion presentation featuring her designs.
A Designer Whose Work Spans the Continent
Perkins has showcased her work across the United States and Canada. Her designs have appeared at the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, on the Fort Berthold Reservation and at the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg, where she created looks for both the red carpet and the runway.
Her quilled pieces have also been worn by well known public figures, including Nashville artists Alan Jackson and Dwight Yoakam, daredevil Robbie Knievel and actor Dan Haggerty of Grizzly Adams.
