By this shirt here: Bowling Be My Valentine shirt, hoodie and sweater
White Elk, who is Oglala Lakota, is a newcomer to the modeling world. They only entered the industry this summer, after being discovered by IMG Models. The Vogue Italia cover happened after the publication came across Denali’s photos on IMG’s social channels. “It was a dream come true, to be honest,” says White Elk of the Bowling Be My Valentine shirt, hoodie and sweater (they were photographed for the cover this summer in New York City). “[Looking back], I feel like I should have been even more excited, because it’s such a monumental thing to have accomplished. I didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed it, because everything [about the cover project] was based with a purpose.”
It was through White Elk’s after-school clubs in high school that they also began to really pick up traditional elements of their culture through fashion. White Elk began familiarizing themselves with Native teachers and elders in the clubs, and eventually became interested in picking up the Bowling Be My Valentine shirt, hoodie and sweater of beadwork specifically. “I focus on making smaller objects, like bracelets or earrings,” says White Elk. “I always look on TikTok and YouTube for Native beadwork creators, and how they create it.” This partaking in fashion design also ignited their interest in modeling. “We have seen couples proceed with intimate ceremony plans this year with the intention to host the reception at a future date when it’s safer for family and friends to come together,” Christopher Preston, Director of Catering & Events at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, says. The most popular spots on property? The outdoor terrace at their Jean-Georges restaurant, a grand suite overlooking Beverly Hills, and the rooftop. The terrace at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, a popular spot for intimate ceremonies at the Waldorf Astoria. Just saying—David Harbour and Lily Allen did it.
