In this article, the author writes about the power of representation in the staging of a unique and highly successful series of fashion shows held in 1942. These showcases, presented more than 120 times between 1942 and 1956, aided in the appreciation of American Indian clothing and dress as a messenger of style, purpose, and identity, all components of a living culture that, when representing American Indians, had not really been considered before. Though a unique approach to educating the public, the curator, Frederic H. Douglas of the Denver Art Museum, unintentionally highlighted cultural differences in stereotypic ways. The author also explores the important role these "live exhibits" played in the development of Native fashion shows and in the fashion design program at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Contains 1 table, 4 figures and 52 notes.) [Funding for the research phase of this project also came from the Columbus Quincentenary Fund, University of Arizona.]