NATIVE(X) Wasco Tote in Red.
When Mac Bishop, the son of the Pendleton Woolen Mills’ president, decided to embark on his own endeavor using Pendleton’s iconic Native-inspired wool as a jumping-off point, he created an entirely unique approach to implementing the distinctive fabric with his line NATIVE(X). In collaboration with Native American artist Nathaniel Wilkerson, NATIVE(X)’s American made totes and scarves delve into popular Native American
mythology, creating an entirely original line of goods.
Each item shares a piece of Native American history with its owner by encapsulating a small remnant of Native Northwest Coast legend. The Wasco Tote pays homage to the mythical sea monster for which it is named, displaying a distinctive image of the Wasco on the front of the bag. With the head and tail of a wolf and the fins and blowhole of a killer whale, the Wasco serves as a spirit guide to the Haida Fisherman. Nathaniel Wilkerson developed his interpretations of the legendary beast based on private carving lessons his mother arranged for him as a boy with renowned Haida artist Freda Diesing.
Similarly the Medeek Scarf’s logo plays a role in Gitxsan lore, Nathaniel’s tribe, depicting a mythological grizzly bear. Referred to as the Elder Kinsman, the Medeek is one of the most prominent figures in shamanic art and myth. According to Gitxsan legend, the Medeek appears in bear form but can also metamorphose into a human being, having been born of both human and bear. Both the Medeek Scarf and the Wasco Tote rely on bright hues and vibrant colors to make the designs so spectacular. As beautiful as the photos are, the images below don’t do them justice.
NATIVE(X) Wasco Totes in Red, Turquoise and Ivory $78.
Haute Americana: Where are your scarves and totes manufactured?
Mac Bishop: The scarves and totes are both manufactured in Portland, Oregon, my hometown. The fabric comes from Pendleton Woolen Mills and the leather comes from Ohio. USA, USA, USA!
NATIVE(X) Founder Mac Bishop
HA: What inspired you to manufacture your new accessories line in the United States?
MB: I like being involved with the manufacturing process, and looked no further than my hometown when deciding where the accessories should be made. “Made in America” feels right to me. As you can see, the quality and craftsmanship of the scarves and totes are top-notch, but it’s more than that. By being 100% American, these accessories exude a sense of pride and ownership that can’t be found with imported items.
HA: Being from Portland, how does your hometown influence your line and personal style in NYC?
MB: I rock my Pendleton flannels all day! On the East coast, its all about the khakis and button downs. I keep it classy, but try and mix it up with some colorful cords, basic generic surplus Plimsoll shoes, or some solid flannel button-ups.
HA: How has your dad’s career at Pendleton influenced NATIVE(X)?
MB: Pendleton is a family business with origins dating back to my great, great, great grandpa, Thomas Kay. Dad is now the president. I’ve been surrounded by Pendleton my entire life – from spending weekends with Dad to look at the line, to my first job working in the distribution center as a high school student.
Pendleton has definitely influenced NATIVE(X). What differentiates NATIVE(X)
from Pendleton is the extent to which there is collaboration with the Native
community and its artists. Everything you see at NATIVE(X)l has an authentic
Native design, which is pretty cool.
NATIVE(X) Medeek Scarf in Red $30.
HA: What inspired you to become involved with Native artists and to bring their work to a larger audience through your brand?
MB: At its core, NATIVE(X) aspires to accomplish two things: expose consumers to
Native culture and promote authentic Native design.
I’m personally not telling the Native story. A) I’m not Native and B) I’m no
expert on Native culture. I simply want to build a platform that allows Native
artists to share their story with a larger audience and sell to a wider consumer
base. Native culture and art is beautiful. Through a social business, I want to give
others the opportunity to enjoy and value it.
HA: Where did you and Nathaniel Wilkerson draw inspiration for the Wasco Tote and the Medeek Scarf?
MB: Nathan and I initially met over the interwebs, and then six months later I drove
up to Lynnwood, Washington, and met him and his family. At this meeting, we did
the video interview (embedded below) that you see on the site today.
The concept of the tote and the scarves were inspired by Nathan’s Northwest
coast designs. Each design has an incredible legend.
NATIVE(X) Wasco Tote in Ivory $78.
HA: Any plans to expand your line with more items made in the U.S.?
MB: Of course. I want to make more bags. A really simple perfectly engineered
backpack is in the works.
HA: With the holidays fast approaching, anything in particular you’re eyeing this Christmas?
MB: Anything from Tanner Goods or Hold Fast …or both. Ohh, and socks
too. A man always needs socks. Basic socks, colorful socks, wool dress socks…
NATIVE(X) Artist Interview: Nathaniel Wilkerson from Mac Bishop on Vimeo.
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