Lily Gladstone just called out alleged cultural appropriation in the fashion industry, claiming that fashion house Valentino copied a design originally created by Métis and/or Dene beadworkers.
The allegation began after, On December 12, Valentino showed off its pre-fall 2025 collection, with one bag being called out as it bears a strong resemblance to Indigenous beadwork. Fashion stylist Scott Wabano, who is Two-Spirit, said on Instagram the brand “decided to go the colonizer appropriation route.”
Métis poet and beadworker Gregory A. Scofield first raised awareness of this, saying on private social media that the Valentino bag has striking similarities to Indigenous beadwork.
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Gladstone said on Instagram, “Yes, Métis and Dene beadwork is stunning and deserves to be highlighted in a major way, but this isn’t how to achieve that.”
Gladstone has called this situation “incredibly frustrating,” and that they are “baffled” at this. “Where other houses have taken meaningful steps forward, this is a major step back.”
Gladstone suggests getting in touch with Indigenous artists, which “has the potential to be life-changing for an artist, invigorating to an overly exploited community, and just all around good for your business.”
