About Me
Darlene Perkins
Native fashion designer Darlene Perkins has designed clothing worn by international models and others to high-level events. Now her business, Red Lightning Couture, is a co-sponsor of an event focusing on Mother Earth, climate change, and the environment. Perkins, an Arikara/Hidatsa/Lakota, is originally from Parshall and now lives in Bismarck. Darlene, recently partnered with Leander McDonald, president of United Tribes Technical College, UTTC, Bismarck, Perkins, and Red Lightning Couture presented “Honoring the Sacred Circle,” an event to raise awareness for Mother Earth, climate change, and the environment. “This is one of my passions because of everything going on in the world,” said Perkins. “Honoring the Circle” was held on Sept. 8 from 4-8 p.m. in UTTC’s Lone Star Arena. There was no charge to attend. It was held two days before the UTTC International Powwow set for Sept. 10- 12 According to Perkins, the master of ceremonies was comedian and actor Chance Rush, and speakers were Sen. Tim Mathern; Rep. Ruth Buffalo, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara enrolled members; Phyllis Young, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe elder; and Linda Black Elk, ethnobotanist on the UTTC faculty. Others taking part in the event were Susan Paulson, an elder; and UTTC Color Guard and Arikara Singers from Fort Berthold Reservation. Perkins and McDonald also spoke. Entertainment planned included Tony Duncan, San Carlos Apache/MHA Nation hoop dancer; Cat Clifford, country-western singer; and Scotty Clifford and Spirits Cry. There was also a fashion show of designs by Red Lightning Couture, with music by Cody Black Bird, flutist. “Some designs are made with hemp fabric,” said Perkins of the fashion show. Other “Honoring the Sacred Circle” events were planned in several communities across the country but were not held due to the COVID Delta variant. Perkins also is an ordained United Church of Christ minister. She has one son and six grandchildren. She has been working with leather, quills, and other natural items for designs for years. Her designs are inspired by her Native culture and history and have been worn by models and others at significant events and shows, including the Grammy Awards. Perkins says that her business model is, “wearing contemporary Native American fashions and wearable art.”
