Paulina Alexis’s Critics Choice Awards Look Was a Display of Indigenous Pride
If you’re not yet familiar with Paulina Alexis, you’re certainly about to be. The rising star portrays Willie Jack on FX’s Reservation Dogs, a breakout show from the past year that (finally) brings Indigenous humor to mainstream television. (It earned a best comedy series nomination at the Critics Choice Awards last night). Alexis is only destined for further Hollywood stardom—she recently starred in the films Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Beans, and is working on the much-anticipated season two of Res Dogs—but she says the ongoing series meant more to her than simply catching her first big acting break. “Growing up, I never had a show like this to watch,” Alexis tells Vogue. “Our people are so funny and talented, but it’s not seen on TV. Native people in the film industry have just been kept to the side for all these years, and now we are truthfully telling our own stories.”
From the beginning, Alexis knew she wanted to capture the spirit of the project with her red carpet attire. So she and her stylist, Britt Theodora, chose to champion her Indigenous heritage on the step and repeat by wearing Indigenous labels from head to toe. “There is no better feeling than representing my culture,” says Alexis. “I have always imagined myself wearing ribbon skirts and moccasins on the red carpet.” Theodora was instantly on board with the thoughtful vision. “When Paulina told me she wanted to dress in a traditional ribbon skirt, I really wanted this moment to not only celebrate her and her achievements, but also honor the roots of where she comes from,” says Theodora.
Alexis wore a traditional ribbon top and skirt custom-made by Dabney Warren, an Indigenous artist the actor found on Instagram. Such attire has been gaining in popularity as of late, with high-profile figures like Deb Haaland sporting them in mainstream media. Traditionally worn by powwow dancers, the colors of the ribbons have deep significance to the wearer. “After I reached out to see if [Dabney] would be interested in doing custom for this, she sent tons of different ribbon variations and fabric,” Theodora says. “I love the bright red fabric that we chose; Paulina’s favorite colors are fire colors, so it felt really fitting.”
Warren’s inspiration for Alexis’s look was simple—she thought of her own community and her traditions. “The ribbon skirt has gained prominence, but it isn’t just a fashion trend—it’s an opportunity for our relatives to reconnect,” says Warren. “The shirt and skirt combo is a homage to our matriarchs, for grounding, and a reflection on the responsibility we have as representatives of our respectful nations.” The end result was perfect for Alexis, given she’s a fan of bold, bright colors. “We’ve done a ton of colorful looks since we started working together,” says Theodora. “She is not afraid to wear bold prints and fabrics.”
As for accessories, Alexis and Theodora also looked to Instagram for the perfect finishing touches. “It was a lot of DMing and cold calling,” says Theodora. “It was so fun [working] with designers who have never participated in an award show like this!” Her jewelry was all Indigenous-made, including earrings and a red rutilated quartz ring by Robin Waynee, a cuff and onyx ring by Ataumbi Metals, and Inner Wolf feather earrings. She also wore a Tyler Ellis blue satin clutch, featuring custom beaded eagles by Amanda’s Beaded Creations. “Paulina was given the name ‘Young Eagle’ by her elders, so this was also an important element in styling her look,” says Theodora.
Meanwhile, a beaded hairpiece by Kaleigh Starblanket, thick belt by Clayton Saskatchewan, and leggings and moccasins by Aldrick Jackson rounded out the striking look. “Paulina definitely had her friends and family with her in her look tonight,” says Theodora. Each piece represented the beauty of Indigenous culture in a different way, so it’s no wonder that it’s Alexis’s favorite red carpet look to date. “My people have a unique cultural elegance that you never see on the red carpet,” she says. “Every piece of clothing and jewelry tells a story.”
Below, see how Alexis got ready for the Critics Choice Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of Paulina Alexis1/8Makeup by Kristin Hilton and hair by Jerrod Roberts.
Photo: Courtesy of Paulina Alexis2/8
