Mikailah Thompson
Nimíipuu
Mikailah Thompson is an Afro-Indigenous (nimíipuu) artist and entrepreneur currently residing in Washington, D.C. She integrates her nimíipuu heritage into her artwork, which has been featured by prestigious organizations like SWAIA's Santa Fe Indian Market, Eighth Generation, ThunderVoice Hat Co., among others. With a profound commitment to empowering Indigenous communities, Mikailah seamlessly blends her passion for artistry and entrepreneurship. Thompson's work for our 2024 Spring collection embodies her commitment to cultural preservation, showcasing her distinctive artistic style. Her collection features elements such as geometric embroidery, exquisite beadwork, captivating prints, unique band detailing, and creative outsole designs.
Meet the Butterfly Flat, a perfect ode to springtime elegance crafted with luxurious full-grain nubuck leather. Adorned with beadwork designed by nimíipuu artist Mikailah Thompson, and featuring a unique Turtle Sole by Cree artist Heather Endall, these flats seamlessly blend style and comfort. The elastic opening provides a comfortable fit, easily making them your new everyday shoe. Ideal for travel, they effortlessly fold into themselves, minimizing space.
About the Art
"Rooted in my culture, I intricately bead subtle elements of nimíipuu and African designs into the pieces I create. Each bead, each stitch, serves as a profound homage to the legacy of my ancestors—honouring their stories, traditions, and resilience. Most of my designs are geometric, a traditional influence that inspires a lot of my work. I really love bold designs and patterns that tell their own stories. I had a lot of fun playing with colour for this collection, making sure that each style is both unique, and very wearable."
Materials: Full Grain Nubuck Leather
Foot Lining: Pigskin Leather
Sole: Rubber Turtle Sole
Beadwork: Mikailah Thompson
Sole Design: Heather Endall