Winston Publishing

COVER ARTIST Congratulations, Della BigHair-Stump Portfolio's 2025 Cover Artist! Stop by booth 14 at the Celebration of Native Plains Artists Art Show to visit Della. Montana ExpoPark | 400 3rd St. NW www.apsaalookedesignsbydella.com 10 • portfolio This year's Portfolio cover marks a bold new direction for Western Art Week. Traditionally known for showcasing artworks in mediums like oil and watercolor, our publication is proud to expand its vision by featuring art as defined by the beholder. Gracing this year's cover is Della BigHair-Stump, an internationally acclaimed Indigenous fashion designer, pictured wearing one of her own vibrant creations. In selecting Della as our cover art winner, we embraced a broader interpretation of artistic expression—one that marries tradition with modern innovation and celebrates the powerful narrative of Indigenous heritage. Photo: Robyn Kay Iron Della's artistic journey began in a home where handcraed Native American works were part of everyday life. From an early age, she absorbed the meticulous cra of her mother, grandmother, and other family members, who created intricate pieces adorned with beads, feathers, and floral elements. Each piece told a story of cultural identity, and it wasn't long before Della began to weave her own interpretations into the fabric of contemporary fashion. Embracing the philosophy of "When culture meets fashion," Della has masterfully fused the rich traditions of the Crow Tribe with today's dynamic design aesthetics. "I blend the timeless elements of my tribe's heritage with modern trends so that my work truly reflects who I am and where I come from," she explains. Her company, Designs by Della, is renowned for its custom creations—each piece distinct and imbued with the spirit of authenticity. Della's work is characterized by an unwavering commitment to detail; for instance, she recalls spending nearly a year perfecting a collection honoring an Apsaalooke couple, driven by a quest to secure materials that speak to her cultural roots. Working as a one-woman operation and with the encouragement and support of her family, Della oversees every facet of her creative enterprise—from design and production to marketing. "I manage every step of the process myself, which not only challenges me but also fills me with immense satisfaction," she reflects with a hint of humor. is hands-on approach has allowed her to maintain complete creative control and paved the way for her work to receive international recognition. Notably, her designs have been exhibited at high-profile venues, including Paris Fashion Week, and some of her gowns have earned a place in the Smithsonian. Beyond her technical prowess, Della's creations resonate as a vibrant expression of cultural pride and resilience. By reimagining traditional motifs in a modern context, she inspires fellow Native artists and affirms the importance of preserving ancestral traditions for future generations. "It is a privilege to honor the legacy of my grandparents and to pass these traditions on to my children and grandchildren," she shares. In choosing Della BigHair-Stump for this year's Portfolio cover, we celebrate not only her artistic brilliance but also her role as a cultural ambassador—one who redefines fashion and challenges us to see art through a new, inclusive lens. Della BigHair-Stump Della Bighair-Stump By Hayley Lenington

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