About the Brand
Indigenously inspired, indigenously created for all
‘People of the Dark Water’ is the common nickname for the people of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the 575th Tribe to gain federal recognition by the US government.
Our brand is dedicated to bringing recognition to indigenous communities through thoughtful design and craft using intentional practices that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.
All garments are produced on a pre-order or made to order structure in order to minimize waste and mazimize quality. Each piece is handcrafted in our small atelier in Paris, France, while working remotely alongside elders back home, staying rooted in cultural knowledge and tradition.
A portion of proceeds from all orders are donated to non-profit organizations supporting indigenous communities across Turtle Island, giving back to the community that inspires us and encourages us to keep going.
About the Designer
Aubrey Hunt Briggs
As a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Aubrey Hunt Briggs’ heritage has always been a source of inspiration, but it has rarely been represented through a positive/non colonial lens within the fashion industry. In herwork, she aims to shine light on the beauty of both Indigenous tradition as well as contemporary Native American culture, through the lens of streetwear.
As the founder and designer behind People of the Dark Water, Aubrey’s goal is not only to represent her community, but to give back to it, not only through donations, but also by including the community in different aspects of the creative process from design to production.
After earning a degree in Fashion Design and Creative Entrepreneurship in Paris, France at Parsons Paris The New School, Aubrey began working as an Assistant Designer of Accessories at French fashion house, Chloé, under the direction of Chemena Kamali. Determined to not loose sight of her roots as a designer and her commitment to showing the importance of indigenous voices, Aubrey founded People of the Dark Water from Paris, expanding the reach of indigenous artists to Europe.
Based between her roots in North Carolina, atelier in Paris, and showroom in Los Angeles, People of the Dark Water is an international brand created with the intent of showing the power and beauty of indigenous culture, from our own voices to the world.
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