What is your full name and what tribe do you belong to?
Korina Emmerich. I am part of the Puyallup tribe.
How would you describe your brand to someone you don’t know?
I built my Brooklyn-based brand Emme, on a foundation of expression, art, and culture. Leadership in charge embraces art and design as one and weaves it into its brand story. My colorful work is known to reflect my indigenous heritage rooted in the Salish Coast Territory, the Puyallup tribe. With a strong focus on social justice and climate, we speak for industry responsibility and accountability: working hard to expose and dismantle systems that oppress and challenge the way of thinking. colonial.
Items are made to order in our Brooklyn, New York studio located in occupied Canarsie territory. Most items are made from recycled, recycled and all-natural materials that respect the clothing’s life cycle from creation to biodegradation. Limited supply.
What influenced you to start your brand?
I am fortunate to come from a truly creative family. My father was an art teacher when I was growing up and I knew from a young age I wanted to be an artist, but I was still discovering what my medium would be.
The glamor of the ’90s designers still resonates with me, as I follow the art direction of some of the greats. I plastered my walls with pictures of McQueen, Versace, Gucci, etc. I so desperately wanted to be a part of that world, leave myself alone and plunge into the glamorous lifestyle that seemed unattainable to me. a kid like me.
The first complete set of clothes I made was the Jingle Dress Regalia in 9th grade. The Jingle Dress, also known as the healing or prayer dress, is comprised of a colorful background with cigarette roll flaps. jingle sound. As you dance, each jingle has a dedicated prayer accompanying it, and the sound of the jingle releases the prayers. It was in the process of creating this Regalia that I knew I wanted fashion to be my medium.
Emme was born with the desire to create an uplifting representation of my multitude of inspirations that combine my indigenous and contemporary artistic influences. While keeping the brand focused on ethics and sustainability.
Emme’s main quote that I always keep at the forefront is “One man’s success is not worth the harm of many.”
Did your native background influence your approach to jewelry and design? If so, how?
I believe that native designers are sustainable because we were raised to have a stronger connection with the earth and what it has to offer. I was always taught not to take more than you need. Always consider future generations with all your actions or deeds. We have an understanding of Earth’s ecology, the coexistence and interdependence of all living things, summed up in the term “all my relationships”. Aware of the principles of equality, harmony and unity, we have inherently created the idea of “zero waste” in such popular traditional activities as hunting and fishing: using every part of animals to provide food, clothing, tools, etc. Everything the earth has to offer is received with the highest respect and gratitude.
How do you hope your brand benefits your community?
During this time, Emme has donated to communities in need, as well as worked to distribute masks and PPE to older adults and community members.
I, myself, work in Indigenous kinship collective, a community of Indigenous women, women, and the opposite sex gathers on occupied Lenapehoking (NYC) to honor each other and our loved ones through art, activism, action, education and representation.
We work to support our community through Mutual Aid initiatives, allocating funds, direct action, and merchandise distribution.
