To begin their design process, which took months, the duo began by first figuring out how to replicate a Birkin 25 bag (hence, “Birkin” being in quotations; It’s a replica). Snyder and Stevens wanted the base of their bag to be the exact specifications to a real 25 Birkin. “I started researching dimensions, hardware, liner, and anything Birkin,” says Stevens. “Once I felt the dimensions were exact in my pattern, I created a prototype out of upholstery vinyl to really get a sense of how this was going to come together.” Once they had the base specifications down, the pair created it out of deer hide—a popular material for Indigenous artisans. “Buckskin tanned hides are amazing to work with because the tanning process makes it so easy to bead and embroider on,” says Snyder.
Then, their Birkin was ready to be beaded. Snyder and Stevens used over 30 different bead shades on the bag (including 24-karat gold seed beads). “We mainly utilize size 11 seed beads as part of our medium,” says Snyder. “Especially the cut and shine of Charlotte seed beads, which are cut on one side and provide glitz and perfect uniformity.” For the design, they chose a geometric pattern that nodded back to their own cultural roots. “The design is a dueling Tipi design, representing two homes coming together,” says Snyder. “This idea is so personal to us, as we both work on the beading together.”
To reflect both of their distinct identities in the bag, the pair utilized a lane stitch style of beadwork, which is used in both of their tribal designs (Snyder is Navajo and Ute, while Stevens is Ute, Shoshone-Bannock, and San Carlos Apache). “It is taught to us from birth to always use your own designs from your tribal histories, because the ancestors will recognize the designs and they will continue to bless and protect you to have a clear path in life,” says Stevens.
Photo: Darklisted Photography/Nate Lemuel
