Native American fashion designer Orlando Dugi to visit CSU Nov. 7-9

Contact for reporters:

Jeff Dodge
jeff.dodge@colostate.edu
(970) 491-4251

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Prominent Native American fashion designer Orlando Dugi will visit Colorado State University Nov. 7-9 to speak at several public events about his high-end women’s evening wear and his first solo exhibition at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising.

Dugi’s work is featured this fall at the Avenir in an exhibition titled “Walking in Beauty: Designs by Orlando Dugi.” The Santa Fe-based fashion designer combines beading and feather work from his Diné (Navajo) heritage with sophisticated modern silhouettes for his distinctive creations. He learned his intricate beadwork technique from his Navajo grandmother at an early age.

Dugi will speak at a free public lecture from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the museum. The Avenir will stay open past its usual 6 p.m. closing time so that guests can arrive early to view the exhibition before Dugi’s lecture.

Dugi will also be the guest of honor at a ticketed hors d’oeuvres reception at the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, where the Avenir will raise money toward the purchase of one of his dresses for the museum’s permanent collection. Guests can register for the event ($35/person) at https://advancing.colostate.edu/EVENTS/ORLANDODUGI.

And on Saturday, Nov. 9, Dugi will be on hand at the Avenir Museum to give short gallery talks at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and chat informally with visitors about his work and the pieces on display.

The Avenir Museum is part of the Department of Design and Merchandising, in CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.