Eastern Woodlands & Waterways Gown
D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC has had the extreme pleasure of collaborating with Sew Sew Tsosie in designing an evening gown for Afro-Indigenous conservationist Dr. Alexandra Sutton Lawerence for the 119th Explorers Club Annual Dinner at The Glasshouse (Flagship), NYC.
Alexa (Saponi Nation of Ohio / African American) is a Ph.D. biodiversity ecologist with 14+ years of experience in biodiversity conservation + environmental justice, specialized at working with and within Indigenous, African-American, and Afro-Indigenous communities. Dual advanced degrees in environmental science and humanities (Environment & American Studies).
This luxurious gown was inspired by the Eastern woodlands and waterways which land rematriation warrior, Alexa, fights to protect. She is on the DEI committee for the Explorers Club.
This olive green, empire waisted, floor length skirt is made from ribbed velvet, lined with gold satin, and is accentuated with a side slit.
The colors and linear pattern represent the summer forests of the mid-Atlantic coastlands.
The cream colored, single-shoulder, satin blouse is adorned with fresh water pearls and 24K gold beadwork in the shape of the Gwynn Falls River and is tacked down with deer sinew.
The outfit is tied together with a satin gold and cream sash belt and fresh water pearl floral broach (purchased separately).
This “gown” comes with a separate top and bottom, so that each piece can be worn separately multiple times, reducing fabric waste. The top can be paired with black dress pants and mother of Pearl earrings. The skirt can be worn with a top more appropriate for winter. It also includes multiple accessory pieces to mix and match for maximum use.
"I create impactful environmental change by building authentic and resonant relationships between scientists, marginalized communities, and legislators around the world," shares Dr. Sutton Lawerence. "My inclusive, multilateral approach helps to relieve conflicts over natural resources and develops long-lasting, personal investments in global biodiversity conservation. I also specialize in science communication, with most of my writing centered on global wildlife conservation, and aimed at diverse non-scientific audiences."
"[It was a} tremendous weekend in NY for Earth Day -- so delighted I got to celebrate with the wonderful community that are my fellow committee members at The Explorers Club. It's been a delight and an honor to serve with these folks over the past few years, and it was a true joy to be with them in person at my first ECAD! Photos shot by the inimitable Felix Kunze Photographer; dress by the wildly talented Saponi maker D. Daye Hunter Designs!"
-Dr. Alexandra Sutton Lawerence
Bisé:huk (many thanks) to Alexa for inspiring me to create my first gown, and Hená and Loretta for each of your contributions in bringing this piece to life! Biwa also to my sister Shyan for driving me around last minute to get this done. Last but not least, thank you to Creator for the gift of vision and beauty. I could not have done this without you all.