SOURCE: ashcan rantings

Readers of this blog know that in terms of fashion inspiration, I often reach back to the 60's and people like Pattie Boyd and Anita Pallenberg. But lately, I've been reaching back a lot further.
My greatest fashion inspiration has been the Native American people.
I know this can be a sensitive subject, as the cruel way their culture has been snatched from them has left them rightly angry. I really want to make it clear that for my entire life, I've had a deep fascination - and respect for - Native American people, and I'm not trying to trivialize their fantastic culture to simply a fashion trend. I really, really don't mean to offend anyone.
When I was little, I had all sorts of politically incorrect books about "Indians". I'm lucky enough to live in an area that is rich with Native American history, as well as the site of the tallest free-standing totem pole in the world. So I've always been surrounded by the culture, but it was just last week that I was digging out my old books that my interest was re-piqued. I will cop to having an intense love for the (I'll admit it, horribly racist) Peter Pan tune "What Made the Red Man Red". I found myself enviously eye-ing the clothes in the book: moccasins, feathers, beads, turquoise, suede, furs and fringe galore...my dream wardrobe.
I hope you find these pictures half as inspiring as I do. I'm thinking Keith Richards copped his entire public persona from this one picture.
If I could dress like this without offending the local Aboriginal people, I would.
If the Olsens were Native American...
I'm definitely not the first to think like this. Many public figures have let their look be inspired by Native American culture, sometimes subtly, sometimes very bluntly.
Some of the more in-your-face looks that I've liked have been:
Erykah Badu, looking less American Indian and more Aztec, manages to look awesome, unique, modern and stylish.
My favourite member of the P-Funk Mob, Glenn Goins (may he rest in peace), looks absolutely incredible in the feathered headdress and stellar poncho.

This has been my favourite picture of Mary-Kate Olsen since I first saw it.
I know this was a very controversial performance but I think Andre 3000 had an excellent concept, just maybe a bit of an insensitive execution. Still, he and his backup dancers look wicked.

One or two Native American inspired accessories can take an outfit to an entirely new level of genius without looking racially insensitive. When has Anita Pallenberg ever steered me wrong? Fringed boots and a fringed coat might be too much in theory, but somehow, she looks incredible.If I ever encounter a boy wearing this outfit, I will surrender myself to him then and there. That goes double if he looks as great in it as Keith Richards.Now, I'm not a Miley Cyrus fan by any means, but I love this outfit and I adore those electric blue fringed boots.

This picture of Sharon Tate would be perfect if she wasn't wearing so much makeup. Still, she looks gorgeous as always.
I borrowed three pictures from an amazing blog I recently found called Child of the Moon. I hope the ridiculously cool and mysterious owner of this blog does not mind!
I know I should probably stop now, but I'm so filled with Native American love, I just need to share with you a couple paintings that I hope will inspire you as well.
I suppose I've made it clear that I wish that I was 1/32 Blackfoot like Nicola, or simply born into the Osage Tribe a thousand years ago. Until then, I remain on the quest for the perfect pair of fringed boots...

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