WOMEN WE LOVE: Bethany Yellowtail

Native American designer, Bethany Yellowtail, is making waves in the fashion world this Fall with her new Carhartt Active Jac line, adding a powerful cultural layer to the meaning of clothing.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Active Jac, Carhartt has partnered with Los Angeles–based fashion designer Bethany Yellowtail for the Carhartt x Bethany Yellowtail collection. This new line offers a fresh twist on the classic Carhartt jacket, fusing rugged, workwear with vibrant Indigenous patterns.

Originally from Wyola, Montana, Yellowtail is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and belongs to the Iikooshtakaatbaatchaache, or the Mighty Few, a District of the Crow Nation in Southeast Montana. After working with several fashion labels, Yellowtail decided to launch her own company in 2015 that showcases stunning Indigenous designs. Since then, she has made a name for herself in the fashion sphere, earning widespread recognition for her work and even being selected for the She’s Next in Fashion Visa in 2022. 

Yellowtail, who grew up on a cattle ranch, drew inspiration for her designs from personal experiences, community, and cultural heritage. ​​A central theme in her work is the connection between the land she grew up on and the clothing she creates. One design features a mountain motif. She explains that, “The mountain literally represents our home. It describes where we came from, who we are, and how we’re tied to the land." Each design reflects elements of her Native culture and ancestry, making this collaboration both meaningful and deeply personal.  

Beyond the Carhartt collaboration, Yellowtail’s designs can be found on her website, B.Yellowtail. Her online shop features a wide range of items, from jewelry and home goods to apparel. You can also follow her on Instagram to explore more of her work and stay up to date on her latest releases.

Yellowtail masterfully weaves together practicality, culture, and fashion in her designs, creating pieces that are both functional and meaningful. This Carhartt collaboration is especially impactful, showing that clothing can be more than just what we wear — it can carry deep cultural significance, reflecting our identity and history. 

This month, Carhartt will be dropping more of Yellowtail’s designs. So if you are looking for unique, functional designs this Fall, then check out the Carhartt x Yellowtail partnership.