About Modern Tribe
Modern Tribe is an American apparel brand that designs "culturally aware" apparel at a time when cultural appropriation in fashion is commonplace. The apparel is created to accurately reflect and explain what symbols from various cultures mean, so that their messages are understood and celebrated rather than misrepresented. Modern Tribe’s high quality apparel brand was established in Eugene, Oregon. Our designs are created originally by Modern Tribe’s crews and all of our labels are printed and finished in Oregon. Within us we are all one tribe and when you wear our gear, you are part of our Modern Tribe.
Hi! I'm Nam
My Story
We've all seen it before. There are so many cultural designs and letters all around us. Tattoos, signs on the street, and even designs on fashion. Many fashion brands use these cultural elements without any stories, permissions, and some even misrepresent them. Being Korean, and growing up in U.S., I saw many Korean letters and Korean flags displayed on clothing and other items. Often they are used on items that can hinder the integrity of what the flag represents for us Koreans. At first, I joked about it with my friends. But after thinking about it deeper, I felt like my culture was being disrespected - and that made me angry. I believe many people feel same when they see their cultural elements misrepresented in this manner. I've always had interest in fashion and I've always wanted to create my own brand, but I didn't want to be just another fashion brand without any respect or responsibility toward cultural design. I am creating designs appropriately and thoughtfully. I want to tell the story about the cultural art that I use - the history and meaning behind them. At Modern Tribe, we understand how different cultural members feel when they see their cultural art used on commercial items, so we are doing our best to provide the right art and the right design. Our mission is to provide appropriate and authenticated cultural design paired with the design's cultural story and history.
With every product you purchase, Modern Tribe Oufit helps Endangered Tribes around the world
Modern Tribe Outfit is Proud Sponsor of Survival International
150 million tribal people live in more than 60 countries across the world. Although their land ownership rights are recognized in international law, they are not properly respected anywhere
HOW IT WORKS
Purchase
With every product purchase, Modern Tribe Outfit gives part of the profits to Survival International to support Endangered Tribes around the world.
Storytelling
Through our website and social media, we talk about current events and issues that endangered tribes are facing. It is very important to show the world, current situation of the tribes and also the tribal history and their culture.
Design
Annually, we collaborate with Survival International to select one endangered tribe and express their story through art. Through our designs we showcase different tribal arts and tribal issues.
Give
Most endangered tribes don't want to be touched by outside society. That is why it is very important to support non-profit organization like Survival International who have established good relationships with these tribes.